Sweet Nothings–09/07/13

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Two Cherubs from
Madonna and Child with Saints
by
Giovanni Fiorentino

Welcome back to Sweet Nothings, a little shadow of Sweet Saturday Samples, until that sweet treat starts back up. Until that happens, I’m doing a little weekly blog where you can post a “sweet” excerpt (PG 13 or milder) from one of your works. Remember: please hold the excerpt to 300 words or less. But if your cutting needs just a few more words, that’s okay too. I won’t be counting. LOL

Today’s “Sweet Nothing” is an excerpt from my medieval historical novella, Betrothal, Book 1 of Time Enough to Love. This snippet shows an early encounter between Sir Geoffrey Longford and Lady Alyse de Courcy. They have been betrothed, never having met before the announcement of the betrothal. Now they are trying to get to know one another and Alyse finds out she is the reason Geoffrey must leave England.

“Though our fathers decreed we should marry, ’twas the insistence of the king that I go with you to Spain. Princess Joanna is loath to part with you.” He meant it as a compliment—that she was highly placed in the princess’s affections—but the dark, wide eyes in the pale, drawn face foretold some ill omen. He had to lean in to hear her low whisper.

“Then it is my fault you will be sent from your home.”

* * * *

Alyse stared at him, aghast at the disaster looming at the beginning of their marriage. How much would he resent her for wresting him from his home and country? Tears welled in her eyes. Had she not served the princess so well, perhaps she would not have been chosen to accompany her to Spain. A great honor, yes, but at what cost? And the fear of him she had begun to dismiss crept back. Would he punish her for his banishment?

The first tears brimmed over and trickled down her cheeks. Alyse raised a hand to shield this weakness from him. Tried to turn away. But, before she could even shift in her seat, he clamped a big hand on her shoulder. She stiffened, resisted, though she might as well have tried to fight upstream against a torrent. Relentless, he drew her around the end of the table until she pressed against his hard chest and his free hand guided her head to rest against his shoulder.

“Shh. Do not cry, sweet. ’Tis not your fault. Our fathers betrothed us. Neither of us had a choice in the matter.” His gentle tone belied his previous gruffness.

Her heart calmed a trifle.

He turned her head and she looked into clear, kind eyes. “For my part, Alyse, if I must travel hence to Spain, I can think of none other I would have accompany me as my wife.” He brushed the tears away with his thumb.

His compassion stunned her, as sweet as it was unexpected. Was this the same great oaf as yesterday? She blinked back tears and struggled to sit up, but Geoffrey held her close with unyielding arms. Somehow, his nearness did not frighten her as much now.

Yes, I did run over this week. 🙂 I just couldn’t resist this scene.

Okay, now it’s your turn to share a “Sweet Nothing.”

Posted in Betrothal, On Time Enough to Love, Promotion, Sweet Nothings | Tagged Betrothal, Excerpts, Jenna Jaxon, sweet excerpts, Sweet Nothings, Time Enough To Love, writing romance | 17 Comments

Horny Hump Day 09/04/13: Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

Another sexy tidbit from Only Scandal Will Do!

Katarina and Duncan are exploring each other’s bodies for the first time.

Katarina continued across his hard abdomen, vaguely aware that his touch had stopped mirroring hers, and dared to stray lower still, past his hips to the apex of his thighs.

“I love you, Duncan,” she said, and wrapped her hand around her husband’s erection. Great heat and smooth hardness registered as she brushed two fingers the full length to the end, exploring the different shape and texture at the crown.

Hope you enjoyed another taste of Scandal! For more, check it out at Amazon. And Nikki McCarver just gave Scandal a HOT review in BTS Book Reviews September issue in an article called “Not Your Mom’s Historical Romance.” Check it out here! (It’s on page 49.)

Please visit the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors.

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day!

Posted in Blog Hops, House of Pleasure Series, on Georgian Romance, On Horny Hump Day, On Only Scandal Will Do, Promotion | Tagged blog hops, Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, sensual sex scene | 13 Comments

2nd Annual “Finish the Damn Book!” Contest

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

For those of you who don’t know, I’m a member of the Chesapeake Romance Writers, my local chapter of Romance Writers of America. Last year we inaugurated an annual writing contest in memory of our long-time member Judi McCoy, author of fourteen romances and the very popular “Dogwalker” romantic mystery series.

Judi was a driving force in our chapter, a mentor to new writers, a great critique partner, and an avid dog lover. Her beloved bichon frise, Rudy, was a rescue dog and Judy supported the Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue organization where she adopted him.

To honor the memory of Judi and Rudy, Chesapeake Romance Writers is once again holding our “Finish the Damn Book!” Contest. That was one of Judi’s favorite pieces of advice to all of us writers and we thought it an apropos title for this contest. If you’ve finished a book, at least 55K in length, please consider submitting it to our contest. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue organization in memory of Judi and Rudy.

Complete details on the contest are coming shortly to our Chesapeake Romance Writers website or you can email me crwc@rocketmail.com with any questions, but I’ll give you the highlights here.

The contest is open to both published and unpublished authors, although the work submitted must be unpublished AND remain unpublished or uncontracted until after the contest. Should an entered work become contracted or published before the contest ends, the work will be withdrawn from consideration and the entry fee will not be refunded.

To enter you need to submit the first and last chapters of your unpublished 55K+ manuscript (no prologues or epilogues), plus a synopsis of the entire work that will not be judged. Total submission must not exceed 40 pages.

Contest opens: September 1, 2013

Deadline for Entry Fee: Midnight October 31, 2013

Deadline for Submissions: Midnight October 31, 2013

Categories include: Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical, Mainstream with Romantic Elements, and Young Adult/New Adult.

Three finalists from each category will advance to Finals Judging.

Finalist Judges for the contest to be announced shortly.

Winners will be announced at our chapter meeting on February 8, 2014.

Entry Fee: $25.00 for RWA members, $35.00 for non-RWA members

All Finalists will receive a certificate and a banner for their website. First place Winners in each category will receive a Rudy Statuette and a check for $50.00. All entrants will receive detailed feedback on their first-round score sheets.

I hope you will consider entering our 2nd annual “Finish the Damn Book!” Contest. You’ll get great feedback and the chance to get your work before some excellent agents and editors in the publishing industry. If you have questions for me, you can ask via comments or my Contact Me page.

I hope to see your name on a finalist list come November 30!

Posted in Chesapeake Romance Writers, Contests, Promotion | Tagged bichon frise, Chesapeake Romance Writers, contest for published writers, contest for unpublished writers, Finish The Damn Book Contest, Jenna Jaxon, Judi McCoy, writing contest | 5 Comments

Sweet Nothings

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Whisperings of Love (or Sweet Nothings)

I was just getting ready to start back up with Sweet Saturday Samples, when I found that it’s been (hopefully) temporarily suspended while the coordinator takes a much needed hiatus. I do hope Gunnar gets the break she needs and comes back full force in just a little while.

So, until that happens, I thought I’d do a little weekly post called Sweet Nothings. I plan to post a PG 13 (or milder) excerpt from some of my works. And I invite anyone else who would like to post similar excerpts on my blog to please do so. If you can hold the excerpt to 300 words or less, that would be great. And if a few cuttings need just a few more words, that’s okay too. I won’t be counting. LOL

My first “Sweet Nothing” is an excerpt from my Victorian historical romance, As Long As You’re Mine. In this snippet, from the beginning of Chapter 1, Lady Samantha is plotting to thwart her father’s decree that she cannot marry the man she has chosen.

Berkshire, England

November 1892

This seduction might not be easy but by God, she would accomplish it tonight.

The clock chimed the half hour as Samantha Easterling stormed into her bedroom on the second floor of Monk’s Copse, the Armstrong’s country home. Lavishly decorated in pink, cream and maroon, and boasting a soft bed and warm fire, the room seemed much too cheerful for her current mood. She glared at the frilly decor then rang for the maid.

While she waited, she paced, fuming at the recollection of the recent interview with her father.

“You do not, and will not, have my permission to marry Raiford Tolbert. I will not have you wed to a milksop! And until you can present me with a suitor who has the backbone of a man, not a jellyfish, I will continue to withhold my approval for your marriage.”

Impossible man! One would think his disastrous marriage to her mother would have compelled him to allow her to choose her own path. But that, of course, was out of the question. He had to dictate everything about her life. Well, Father would be sorely disappointed tomorrow morning when she summarily took the decision about her bridegroom out of his hands.

A knock sounded at the door and Sara appeared, looking harried. The poor girl had been assigned as lady’s maid to all those house guests without their own servants, which included Samantha herself. A crucial part of her scheme involved leaving her Meg at home. She wanted no interference with her well-laid plans. A maid would certainly object to her mistress’s absence during the night.

Okay, now it’s your turn to share a “Sweet Nothing.”

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, Sweet Nothings, WIP | Tagged As Long As You're Mine, Excerpts, Jenna Jaxon, Sweet Nothings, works in progress, writing romance | 27 Comments

Horny Hump Day 08/28/13: As Long As You’re MIne

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

And now for something a little different

from my WIP

As Long As You’re Mine

When Lady Samantha Easterling devises a trap intended to snare the husband of her choice, she never imagines she’ll be the one caught in it.

Disillusioned by her parents’ unhappy marriage, Lady Samantha intends to compromise herself so thoroughly her father will have to allow her to marry the man she’s selected—a man she knows will never touch her heart. Instead she finds herself in the wrong bed…or does she?

His hand continued its descent over waist and hip, leaving heated trails on her flesh that lingered and throbbed.

Dipping lower, he brushed a light touch over the curls guarding her womanhood—a touch that brought her hips off the bed. A startled gasp turned into a whimper of delight.

Hope you enjoyed your peek! As Long As You’re Mine is currently out to several agents and an editor, so more news on this WIP shortly.

Please check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors.

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day!

Posted in Blog Hops, On As Long As You're Mine, On Horny Hump Day, Promotion, WIP | Tagged As Long As You're Mine, blog hops, historical romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, sensual sex scene, Victorian romance | 9 Comments

Betrothal and The Serialized Novel

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Wickimedia Commons

Short fiction has certainly been revived by the advent of the e-book and e-reader. Short stories and novellas abound whereas fifteen years ago you found them only in anthologies. So I was not surprised to find that another form of short fiction had returned–the serialized novel. And the news came at a good time for me, because I found that I was actually publishing one.

A serialized novel is a long novel that is published, usually in a newspaper or magazine, in monthly or weekly installments. Today the increments can also be published as stand alone chapters or novellas rather than in a standard publication.

According to Alexandra Alter’s Wall Street Journal article, The Return of the Serial Novel, “Serialized fiction, an all-but-lost art form that was practiced by such literary giants as Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy and Joseph Conrad, is rebounding in the digital era.”

Although the serial novel first appeared in the 17th century with the advent of movable type, the form became extremely fashionable during the Victorian era. An increase in literacy, advances in printing technology, and a stronger economy all brought about the

Wickimedia Commons

surge in serialized novels. The wild popularity of Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, proved the viability of the form and set the standard for serialized fiction during the 19th century.

Today, the serialized novel is making a come-back. We are a society that wants things “on the go” or in “bite-sized bits.” Thus the appeal of a serial novel that one can read chapter by chapter on an e-reader.

Zach Bonelli, author of the serial novel Voyage, talks about the specific pros and cons of writing a serial novel in his article Monetizing Serialized Fiction. “Choosing to go serialized is a mixed bag. There are some big advantages, but also some important disadvantages to consider.”

Perhaps the number one drawback to the serial format is reader dissatisfaction with the lack of an HEA in each installment. “‘I am really sick of sitting down to read this book and just when you are enjoying it, it ends,’ one Amazon reviewer seethed. ‘Release the whole book, I would enjoy it more,’ another wrote.” (The Return of the Serial Novel)

This seems to be the biggest problem, according to reviewers, with my novella Betrothal. The first part or book of the longer work, Time Enough to Love, Betrothal is roughly 1/3 of the complete work. The end of the novella has been called “disappointing” and “rushed” by various reviewers. Though it does not have a cliffhanger ending exactly (I think of it as a “Happy For Now” type of closure), Betrothal still leaves the reader with the feeling that there is more to follow. So if the reader is not aware that this is Book 1 of 3, they aren’t as forgiving with the lack of a happy ending.

Another unfortunate thing in my case is that the release of Book 2, Betrayal, has been held up. I had hoped that it would be published by the end of July and that did not happen. I do understand the frustration of readers who may forgive the “cliffhanger” ending if the next work is released quickly. My apologies for this to all who have read Betrothal.

Betrayal is currently with my editor and I’m expecting the next round of edits at any time. To ease the misconception and appease the reader, as soon as Chapter 1 of Betrayal has been edited, I’ll re-release Betrothal with the addition of that chapter at the end of the novella. I’ll also publish it on my blog for those who have already purchased Betrothal. And when Betrayal is published, it will have the completed first chapter of Beleaguered, Book 3 of the novel, at the end of it. I will also work very hard to release Book 3 closer to Book 2.

To my readers, please be patient. The story of Alyse, Geoffrey and Thomas is far from over. There are events brewing that will change the course of their lives, for better and for worse. I hope you will keep following this love story through its twists and turns to its final, satisfying end.

Have you read other serialized novels? Do you like this format or do you prefer a complete novel no matter the size?

Posted in Betrothal, On Time Enough to Love, On Works in Progress, WIP | Tagged Betrothal, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, serial novels, serialized novels, Time Enough To Love | 22 Comments

Horny Hump Day 08/21/13: 7 Days of Seduction

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

Here’s another hot snippet from

7 Days of Seduction

Ashley Thompson had a wild time at her party last Friday night. Maybe too wild. She wakes to find a video of her in the middle of a ménage a trois with her ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous stranger. Here’s a bit more of what she found on that video:

Squirming on the bench, Ashley watched in fascination as the stranger reached over to his pants and pulled out a condom–moments later he rolled it on his cock, the electric blue accentuating both length and width. Warmth flooded her pussy as the man with the blue dick positioned himself behind her on-screen persona. He nudged himself between her thighs, and Ashley strained to feel the phantom rod but found only pulsing need in a frustrated emptiness.

Hope you enjoyed another peek! If you liked it, it’s available at Amazon and other e-tailers.

Please check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors.

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day!

Posted in Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Seven Days of Seduction, Promotion | Tagged 7 Days of Seduction, blog hops, contemporary romance, erotic novella, Erotic Romance, Horny Hump Day, hot kiss, Jenna Jaxon, New Dawning International Bookfair, sensual sex scene | 19 Comments

Life and Love Under Fire: An Interview with Gavin and Taylor of A Taylor-Made Life by Kary Rader

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I am pleased, no, honored to have the opportunity to interview the hero and heroine from Kary Rader’s incredibly moving and magnificent New Adult novel, A Taylor Made Life.

A Taylor-Made Life Blog Tour & Giveaway

They lived the life they were given; they loved the life they made.

Cheerleader Taylor Smith doesn’t want to die a virgin. Unfortunately, if the terminally-ill leukemia patient doesn’t find a lover or a stem-cell match within months, her fear will become reality. When her cancer mentor is revealed to be a hottie entrepreneur from California, it seems fate might finally be on her side.

Tech-geek Gavin Taylor has everything he ever wanted, except someone to grieve for him when he’s gone. With his melanoma cancer beyond the help of his riches, he agrees to participate in a cancer patient mentoring program where he’s matched with a dying teen from Texas. Despite his immediate attraction, the Silicon Valley whiz intends only to provide friendship and happy memories to the beautiful, young woman who is determined to win his love.

When it’s discovered that his frozen sperm and her harvested eggs could lead to a cure, Taylor’s mother offers to be a surrogate. And Gavin must decide if he can risk the heart he has never given and a child he’ll never know to a girl he just met.

Gavin and Taylor, I have nothing but the utmost respect and love for you two. Your story is so inspiring and it is my sincere hope that it will touch the lives and hearts of everyone who reads it.

Now, on to the interview. What was your first impression of your writer?

Taylor: My first thought was She ROCKS!!! Then I continued on in the story and realized she’s pretty evil.

Gavin: Kary is exactly as she should be.

Gavin and Taylor, How did you two meet?

Gavin: We met through a Cancer Patient Mentoring Program (CanSM) which pairs mentors with younger patients. Although the mentor is generally the primary teacher, I think Taylor has taught me more than I could’ve ever taught her.

Taylor: Aww, honey. You are so sweet. But don’t listen to him, I’ve learned so much from Gavin physically, mentally and emotionally.

Gavin What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness? How have they shaped your life?

Gavin: My greatest strength is my ability to learn, develop and adapt, but my weakness is the flipside—I generally prefer to work alone…that is until I met Taylor. I’m not proud of how emotionally I’ve been closed off, but I’m proud of the things I’ve accomplished in my life. My company is a successful enterprise employing hundreds of people and my games are played in every major market in the world.

But that isolation brought me to a point of realization when I met Taylor.

Taylor, what first drew you to Gavin? What qualities does he possess that are attractive to you?

Taylor: OMG – he’s a fairytale prince in every way and he is my ultimate hero. He saved me when I most needed saving. But I was first drawn to his games, then to his looks(because Holy Crap-o-doodle, he’s H-O-T) and finally to his personality.

But it’s his character that continues to blow me away—his integrity and loyalty. He is genuine in every way and I trust him with my life and my death…if it comes to that.

Gavin: **grabs her hand** it won’t…come to that. EVER if I have any say.

Guys, what does he/she do that drives you absolutely crazy?

Taylor: He gloats when he beats me at CROG.

Gavin: It’s my game, Taylor. I invented it. I should beat you…and I do not gloat.

Taylor: Do too.

Gavin: Not

Taylor: Too

Gavin: Well, it’s not like you don’t gloat when you win, too.

Taylor: **mouth drops open** I do not.

Gavin: Do too.

Okay…well, I can see where this is going so let’s move on. In your story, what was the most memorable moment for you?

Gavin: The first time Taylor gave me a bite of her dessert.

Taylor: **blushes** The second time I gave him a bite of my dessert. And if you haven’t read that part you really should. It’s EPIC!

Guys, what is your idea of a romantic evening?

Both: **they look at each other and smile** playing online computer games…and other stuff.

Would you like for your writer to create a sequel for you? Why or why not?

Taylor: **tears well in her eyes and a sob escapes her lips**

Gavin: **takes her hand and whispers in her ear, soothing her** Come on, Sweetness. You can answer this.

Taylor: **tears roll down her face** I know there’ll be a sequel, but I’m not ready for it.

Gavin: But when you are ready, Taylor, I want you to embrace it.

Now you’re going to get me to crying again. *sniffs* Thank you so much, Gavin and Taylor, for sharing part of your lives with us.

If you’d like to read more about Gavin and Taylor’s road to love, A Taylor-Made Life is available at

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DU52U5K

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/334257

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18012643-a-taylor-made-life

Giveaway: $25 Gift Card to Amazon, a Charm Bracelet, a Crochet Hat, and SWAG for A Taylor-Made Life, and Queen of Jastain.

Giveaway Rules:

Giveaway begins August 1st and will end August 30th 11:59 EST. The winner will be announced by email.

Open to U.S. residents only

We are not responsible for items lost in the mail & have the right to disqualify anyone, at any time.

Personal information given by the applicant in the giveaway will never be shared. All information is deleted once the giveaway ends.

To enter, click the Rafflecopter link here.

Author’s Bio:

Kary Rader is a part-time Twitter sage, stay-at-home mother of three, and slave to the characters and worlds inside her head. Always creative, she’s drawn to stories with fantastical worlds and creatures. With a little bit of magic and divine guidance, there isn’t anything that can’t be accomplished with words. It’s the power of words that creates and destroys. Vanquishing evil and injustice while finding eternal love in the process is all in a day’s work. With the help of her critique partners and master cartographer imaginary places come to life.

Author Links:
Website/Blog: www.karyrader.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaryRader

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/KaryRaderauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6998567.Kary_Rader

This blog tour was hosted by Christine Marie Book Publicity & Promotion. If you’d like to become a tour host follow this link: http://publicistchristinemarie.wordpress.com/become-a-tour-host/

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Horny Hump Day 08/14/13: 7 Days of Seduction

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

I’m cranking up the heat with a snippet from

7 Days of Seduction

Ash could see the moment he deepened the kiss—his jaw widened and she pressed her naked breasts to his chest and rubbed against him. It was agony to watch and not be able to feel it.

After an eternity, he released her lips and his hands traveled down her back and cupped her ass, squeezed it as his lips fastened on her right breast.

Hope you enjoyed your peek! If you liked it, it’s available at Amazon and other e-tailers.

Please check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors.

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day!

Long Awaited Prophecy: Prophecy’s Child by Brenda Dyer

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Screaming Instincts

Hello. My name is Brenda. Today I will be talking about listening to your instincts when it comes to your characters. But first, I’d like to give Jenna a huge, heartfelt thank you for featuring me and my newly released paranormal romance novel, Prophecy’s Child on her blog. Thank you, Jenna.

Back when Prophecy’s Child was in the critique phase, one critter sent me a message letting me know she didn’t care for my heroine—Katherine. She worried Katherine’s behavior may tick off readers.

Before I go any further, I want to say this critter’s opinion I value very much. I may not agree with her sometimes, but her crits and suggestions always make me think deep and hard about my story, my characters, their emotions, etc, etc. In fact, her comments make me analyze everything, from plot, my character’s goals, motivations, the conflicts that drive them, how my characters react to said conflict, what makes my characters who they are, and if their reactions ring true.

This particular critter felt Katherine’s anger toward the hero—Kal—was a little too much—too harsh. She worried readers who had read Love’s Prophecy, and fell in love with Kal, may not take too kindly to Katherine, lol.

At first, I let this info sink in. I didn’t freak out, but I will admit, I was a little scared. Last thing I wanted was for readers to hate my heroine. Then I began analyzing Katherine’s character. I ripped apart her personality. I studied her past—the hurt and pain she endured—the life events that had shaped her into the woman she was in the story. Took me awhile, but I realized I was right on track. If I changed her—and I tried—she wouldn’t be the character I saw in my head and felt in my heart. The story would have been weaker for it, I believe.

Will some readers feel Katherine’s pain? Understand what drives her? Sympathize with her fears? Her doubts…her anger? I truly hope so. But I do know there will be some readers who don’t care for Katherine. But no matter what, I’m glad I listened not only to my screaming instincts, but to Katherine as well, lol.

Authors, have any of you experienced a critique partner or reader not liking one of your main characters?

Readers, have you read a book where you couldn’t stand one or both of the main characters? If so, what was it that bothered you?

Thank you all.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card.

I’ll leave you with the blurb and an excerpt from Prophecy’s Child.

Blurb for Prophecy’s Child:

His secret will shatter her world.

Katherine Colby’s life splintered ten years ago when her lover suddenly vanished, leaving her with more than a broken heart. But when Kal unexpectedly makes an appearance, her safe, dependable existence is shattered once more. Drawn into Kal’s deadly world of vampires and demons, she must now put aside her hurt and anger and learn to trust him. Can she forgive past deceptions and find the courage to love again? Or will she turn away the one man who owns her heart and soul?

Her secret will change his life.

Powerful, and lethal, Kal is a vampire warrior, sworn to protect humans from demons. Loving Katherine too much to pull her into his dangerous world, Kal deserted her, believing his decision was best for them both. But not even time could assuage his yearning for the woman who has captured his heart. As fate tosses them together once again, Kal must fight to win Katherine’s trust and forgiveness before evil separates them forever. But is he ready to become the man she needs him to be? Or will he lose the one woman he can’t live without?

Excerpt for Prophecy’s Child:

Katherine crossed her arms in a pitiful attempt at guarding her heart and her secret. “What are you doing here?” Please say visiting relatives or on vacation.

Kal pulled his left hand out of his pocket and showed her a small plastic bag. “Buying a video game.”

“I mean, what are you doing in Vancouver?”

“I moved here for work a few years ago. What about you? Do you live here?”

No! Her stomach plummeted to the floor. With Kal living here, she’d have to be on guard whenever she went out—especially when Ike was with her.

“That’s none of your damn business.” She quickly schooled her features and pointed at his bag. “Nice to see you’re just as childish as you were years ago. Some things never change, huh?”

His cheeks reddened, and he glanced at the floor. Sighing, he rocked back and forth on his heels as he shoved the bag into his pocket. With a flick of his head, he dislodged thick bangs out of his eyes. “Look, Katherine, I need to apologize.”

“For knocking me down? Don’t worry about it.”

“That too, but I’d like to apologize for the way I left things between us.”

The tenacious hold she had on her rage disintegrated. “You didn’t leave anything between us—you just left. I woke up, and you were gone. Which wasn’t unusual. You were never there in the mornings. But when I tried to call your cell phone…you had the damn thing cut off! So please, do me a favor, and keep your bullshit apologies because I don’t want to hear them.”

With the rounded tip of his boot, he toed the base of a metal clothes rack. He fingered the sleeve of a fluffy purple housecoat; his intense stare locked with hers.

He glanced away, but before he did, she noticed guilt and hurt cloud the blue depths of his eyes.

How dare he be hurt? He had no right. Katherine’s fury boiled over. She wanted to wound him even more.

“If your objective back then was to have me fall in love with you, and then make me detest you, then bravo, mission accomplished. And make no mistake. I do despise you.”

Prophecy’s Child is available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Where to find Brenda:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaMDyer