March 05, 2025

Spotlight: A Collision with Love by Tricia T. LaRochelle

March 05, 2025/ Michelle Bowles

Cassie Griffin has always believed she could have it all—a successful career, a loving marriage, and someday, a family. But as she inches closer to becoming senior partner at her law firm, the pressure to start a family with her husband, Daniel, begins to weigh heavily on her shoulders. Daniel is ready to dive into parenthood, while Cassie feels the clock ticking on her dreams of professional success.

When a near-miss accident shakes Cassie to her core, the cracks in her marriage deepen. Torn between her ambitions and the love of her life, Cassie is forced to confront the possibility that achieving one dream may mean losing another.

Set in the bustling heart of Richmond, Virginia, A Collision with Love is a poignant story of the delicate balance between career and family, and the difficult choices that come with pursuing your dreams. As Cassie’s world teeters on the brink, she must decide what truly matters—and whether it’s possible to have it all without losing everything.

Excerpt

I moved to the edge of the loveseat. “I need to get back to work.”

His long, wavy hair pulled back into ponytail, Daniel placed both hands against his head in exasperation. “No fucking way are you rushing back to work.” He glared at me, his eyes filled with outrage and fear. “Are you trying to kill yourself?”

Tears threatened to spill, my throat thick with anguish. “But Isabella—”

“I don’t give a flying fuck what Isabella told you or wants.” He grabbed my shoulders as though to jar me. “Look, I love you, but I refuse to watch you kill yourself for that place. You’ve given them seven-and-a-half years of your life. And what have they done to show their appreciation? Your office is a closet. You’re still working around the clock. And all they can do is dangle senior partner in front of your face, so you’ll keep busting your ass for them.” He tightened his jaw, his eyes glassing over as emotion battled against his anger.

I could see it. He cared so much it hurt.

I dropped my face into my hands. “I don’t know what to do. I need to finish this job for her. After that, I can come help you.” I felt like a child and about as powerless as one. “Please, Daniel. I need to make senior partner. Then everything will be good again. I can take care of us.”

He released his grip on me, his forearms rested on his thighs. “Cassie. It’s not your responsibility to take care of us. We can do that together. Why do you put this solely on your shoulders? Don’t you see? Life is passing you by. When are you going wake up? How long are you gonna wait for that promotion that may never come? They announced the partnership a year ago. It’s bullshit.” He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, pulling me close.

And that was when I lost it. Tears ran down my cheeks as though the dam had broken. And it had. I wept for this trap of an existence I had confined myself to. I wept for the constant struggle that refused to relent. And I wept for the uncertainty of what was to come.

My intentions were pure. I only wanted what was best for both of us.

My mother’s voice rang in my ears. “You are the only one of us, Cass boo, who finished college. And we never thought we’d have a lawyer for a daughter. Your father and I are so proud of you.” Her eyes, a paler shade of green than mine, grew distant. “I wish I had . . .” Pursing her lips, she stopped herself from revealing something that had obviously weighed heavily on her heart. Suddenly, she reset herself, her shoulders back and her resolve strong. “Promise me you will never compromise your principals or your ambition for anyone. You deserve to follow your dreams. All the way to the end of that rainbow.” She had pulled me into her embrace, the scent of rose petals lingering on her skin from her perfume. “Just remember. No one can make your dreams come true but you.” It was the only time she’d ever said this to me. And it was the only time she had to.

Oh, Mom. Why does everything have to be so hard?

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About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Since she was a little girl, award-winning author Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in central Virginia, where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.

Flickering Heart, part of her Sara Browne series, won a Gold Medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Contest for New Adult and was a first-place winner in the 2022 Incipere Awards for romance. Revive received an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Incipere Awards for romance in the same series. Her stand-alone contemporary, Sun in My Heart, won second place in the 2024 Bookfest Awards for Romance-Contemporary Romance-New Adult and a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Contest for New Adult Fiction. Her next installment in the Sara Browne Series, Bleeding Heart – A Holiday Romance launches December, 3rd 2024.

Subscribe to her newsletter at tricialarochelle.com and receive updates and opportunities to win prizes or follow her on X, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest.

December 10, 2024

Spotlight: Bleeding Heart by Tricia T. LaRochelle

December 10, 2024/ Michelle Bowles

Danger lurks in the shadows as Sara and Scott's idyllic holiday takes a sinister turn. With a violent convict named Randy Meyers on the loose, every moment becomes a battle for survival. Will their love withstand the looming threat, or will it crumble under the weight of uncertainty? Readers who enjoy romantic suspense and strong heroines will devour Bleeding Heart by Tricia T. LaRochelle, the fourth installment of the Sara Browne series.

Sara Williams yearns for a tranquil existence as she embraces her new life as a teacher and wife. Her ultimate desire is to cultivate a sense of security and simplicity alongside her husband, Scott.

But the escape of a notorious convict, Randy Meyers, disrupts Sara's and Scott’s newfound stability, unleashing a wave of fear and uncertainty.

While danger looms, Sara is offered an unforeseen opportunity that threatens her future with Scott. Amidst the chaos of Christmastime, Sara and Scott's love is put to the ultimate test. With each twist and turn, they must decide: will they let fear dictate their destiny, or will they embrace the unknown with open arms?

The heart that beats the hardest is the one that refuses to bleed out hope. Dive into Sara’s world and witness the true mettle of the Christmas spirit.

Excerpt

I awoke to the light of the moon filtering in through the plantation blinds, our room quiet as a mouse. The measure of Scott’s breathing told me he was out cold. I turned over to face my clock that flashed 2:33 a.m. with its neon-blue digits. Why was I awake? A dry mouth answered me. Thirst. I did eat a lot of pizza, and I did have two cosmos. I sat up, trying to rouse my mind enough to head to the bathroom to get some water.

All at once, a noise came out of nowhere. What was that?

I froze. Was it the wind hitting the house? The forecast had called for high winds, the enemy of outdoor Christmas decorations. Plus, this house was new, and I needed to get acquainted with its creaks and gentle moans. A nearby oak cast its shadowy branches across my window, and I found myself imagining it waving hello.

I lowered my feet to the floor and stood, my body suddenly cold. After making love, I often slept naked next to Scott, but in the winter, my shoulders had a way of chilling the rest of my body. Realizing this, I shuffled over to my closet and grabbed a nightshirt and pants made of brushed cotton.

Another sound came from … upstairs? I gazed at the ceiling. Was it a scrape or …? I struggled to process.

And then bang.

My heart practically leaped out of my chest.

Okay, that wasn’t the wind. And that wasn’t a tree, either, unless one was coming through our second floor right now. I crept over to Scott and shook his shoulders. “Scott, I heard a noise upstairs.” Terror engulfed my senses, making it difficult to breathe.

All I could think was is it the escaped convict, Randy?

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Subscribe to her newsletter at tricialarochelle.com and receive updates and opportunities to win prizes or follow her on X, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest.

May 21, 2023

Spotlight: Handfast by Tricia T. LaRochelle

May 21, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

Three years after their freshman year from hell, Sara not only graduates from college, but her relationship with Scott is stronger than ever. Just when she thinks the craziness from her past is over, a mysterious stranger shows up, knocking her world off its axis. Will this man prove to be another devastating blow to her already complicated life? Readers who love Tattered Stars by Catherine Cowles will enjoy Revive by Tricia T. LaRochelle, a new adult romantic suspense.

Summary

Three years after her freshman year from hell, Sara graduates college a stronger and more well-balanced woman. Her relationship with Scott is strong, their future together bright. If only her parents could be there to join in the celebration.

Just when she thinks the craziness of the past is finally over—and for good—a mysterious stranger shows up at her graduation, turning Sara’s world upside down. This man may just be the answer to her prayers or another devastating blow to her already traumatic life.

Excerpt

I’d never seen Scott so nervous. I’d seen him upset, angry, worried, and shocked—heck, I’d even seen him depressed—but never nervous. Not fun nervous, anyway.

He sucked in a breath and began. “Before I met you, I had no idea what being in love was like. I thought I knew, but I didn’t have a clue. Being with you has taught me so much these past few years. Not only are you the most gorgeous creature I have ever laid eyes on …” He smirked, his eyes dancing with erotic thoughts, something I saw whenever he was “in the mood,” which was pretty much all the time. “And sexy as hell, but you are braver than anyone I’ve ever known.” A shadow fell over his face. “On top of that, and even after all you have been through, you still have the biggest heart. Being with you makes me want to be a better person.” He shook his head and exhaled. “I find myself imagining things that I never thought I’d ever want.”

“Like what?” The words tumbled out of my mouth like a five-year-old with no self-control. The corners of his luscious lips twitched upward. “Well, for starters … a house … with kids … a dog. The thought of you mothering my children someday makes me believe that dreams can come true.” He looked down for a moment and shook his head again before pinning my gaze with his vibrant blue eyes. “I realize you’re too good for me. And I also know that I don’t deserve you, but fuck if that’s going to stop me from asking you the most important question of my life.” He inched closer, his irises locking me in place, his voice low and imploring. “After we graduate next spring, Sara Browne, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

My eyes welling with tears, I leaned forward and fell into his big, burly arms, his musky scent welcoming and his lips tapping tiny kisses against my head and cheek. “Of course, I will. I can’t imagine anyone else as my husband or the father of my children. So, yes, yes, yes,” I said, giddy and slightly dizzy from the emotions swirling through my head, my heart, and every cell of my body.

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About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Since she was a little girl, Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in Central Virginia where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.

Flickering Heart is the first book in the Sara Browne Series. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Instagram, and Twitter, or sign up for her email list at TriciaLaRochelle.com.