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“You’ve owned me from the moment I walked into that music room. You’ve wrapped yourself in my heart and mind. I can’t get you out. I don’t want to.” ~ Rafael Van Rees
Sophie Fisher’s life is on fire. If she’s not ducking around corners or slipping out of windows to escape the debt collectors her father’s death has left knocking on her door, she’s dealing with her rebellious, fifteen-year-old sister, Lilli. And, as if that’s not enough, Rafael Van Rees crashes into her life—literally—bringing with him a past the public has no idea of. Can she unravel his mysteries before he unravels her, or will his presence finally force her to face the demons she’s trying to outrun?
Rafael Van Rees, maestro extraordinaire, prides himself on being in control of his destiny, music and women. As far as he is concerned, his past is a black cloud in the distance–until he meets Sophie, that is, and his world spins out of control in more ways than one. He knows the darkest sins and secrets eventually reveal themselves, but when it comes to Sophie, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her from his past. Even if it kills him.
Rafael revealed himself to me about two and half years ago while watching Vienna Philharmonic orchestra performing live at New Year’s concert in Vienna. I remember thinking how much the orchestra depends on a conductor and without him everything would fall apart. The idea to write a story with focus on opera formed in my head. These two things acted as inspiration in creating Rafael. But I wanted a flawed, quirky character. Someone whose life hasn’t been easy and has learned from his past, but hasn’t let it drag him down. A character who clutches onto control like a man clinging on a raft to stop from drowning. Rafael was born.
I can sum up Rafael Van Rees in two words: Passionate. Intense. Whether it’s protecting his friends or the woman he loves, or conducting an orchestra. He is an “all-or-nothing” kind of guy.
Rafael has some amazing qualities. To other people, he appears as mysterious, probably arrogant. But beneath this facade he’s very loyal, confident, reliable and witty. He acknowledges he made mistakes in the past, and tries hard to make up for that.
Rafael is tall and well-built. He has dark brown eyes, which appear to be black. He sports a scruffy beard. He has two bullet scars on his shoulder and chest, both a token from his past. He normally dresses in suits whether plain dark or stripped, white button-down shirts and black silk ties. He has a way of owning the look down to ankle dress boots. He also wears the occasional jeans with V-t-shirts.
Unknown fact: When Rafael was twenty-three, he organised an orchestra and spent three months touring different cities in Europe for the sole purpose of creating awareness on Dyslexia and to raise funds for this cause.
What can I say about Sophie? Sophie is a sister and a friend.
She’s courageous and has spunk. When I think about it, Sophie’s character is a combination of personality traits from members of my family and my friends. I also see a small part of myself in her. I can’t really pinpoint which specific trait reminds me of whom. She’s the kind of person I’d like to be friends with.
Sophie is tiny-bodied and curvy. She sports two butterfly tattoos: one on the shoulder and the other on her hip. She has long dark brown hair and hazel eyes, Despite her soft looks, she’s tough, responsible and has gone through a lot in her life.
She is stubborn and responsible. She knows how to handle Rafael and doesn’t let him sway her. She’s has a sense of humor. Sophie is a jeans and boots kind of girl, with the occasional pencil skirt and button-down blouse.
Unknown fact: Right after graduating from Vienna Conservatory as an opera singer, she worked as a delivery girl. She also restored antique furniture and resold them. But her dream lay in opera. In this business competition is high and experience is the key to opening doors to success. She didn’t have a lot of that so she continued to audition for minor roles to gain experience. She has a younger sister, Lilli. Sophie has practically raised Lilli on her own since their father was hardly ever at home. For this reason Sophie refused to take any roles in operas outside Vienna. But her patience finally paid off. She plays the main role of Giselle in Love Unfathomable opera, her first big role.
Cecilia Robert writes YA, NA and Adult. My motto: Passion rules. I enjoy writing stories about people finding love in the most unexpected of places,and also about people finding their true purpose in life coupled with adventurous journeys, whether it’s urban, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary or paranormal romance. There’s always a happy ever after, no matter how long it takes for the characters to get there.
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Thanks for sharing the post, and joining me to celebrate A Need’s release. 🙂 xx
Ms. Cecilia,
I will always try to help you out with posts and promos! It is a pleasure to have you stop by 🙂