Brenda Dyer's Blog, page 3

Prophecy Series inspired and influenced by J.R.R Tolkien

Would you like to know how and why fantasy author J.R.R Tolkien has inspired and influenced my paranormal romance series?
Stop by Rosanna's blog and find out.

http://rosannaleo.blogspot.com/2013/08/brenda-dyerprophecys-child.html"

Love’s Prophecy won First Place Honorable Mention.

Love’s Prophecy won First Place Honorable Mention.


August, 10th, 2013, I found out my paranormal novel, Love’s Prophecy won first place honorable mention in the 2012 RONE Awards in Vegas.
To say I’m thrilled—and a little shocked—is a massive understatement. When I received the news, I went numb. Then I jumped up and quietly screamed to myself—didn’t want to wake up my husband and sons.
Took awhile before my hands stopped shaking. Once they did, I informed fellow writers and friends of this wonderful news. The congratulations poured in.
August 10th, 2013 was one of the happiest days of my life.
I'd like to thank InD'Tale Magazine for helping make my dreams come true.

Prophecy's Child is here!

The time has finally come. Prophecy's Child, book 2 in the Prophecy Series is here.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0R4230

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

Prophecy's Child will be available soon on Barnes and Noble, Apple, and Sony

I'll be working on a printed version of Prophecy's Child soon.




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?

Snippet from Prophecy's Child

Feeling like the biggest fool alive, Katherine scrambled off Kal's lap. The walls guarding her heart slammed back into place. “I want you out of my house and never come back.”
Kal jumped up, stalked around the coffee table, and stopped in front of her. “I can’t do that.”
Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward slightly. “Let me make this crystal clear. I may despise my parents, but I hate you with a passion so intense I’m afraid I’ll explode. As sick and twisted as they are, at least my parents discarded me because they thoughtthey were doing God’s will. You abandoned me because you’re a worthless coward!”
“For Christ’s sakes, Katherine. There’s more to it than that.” He grasped her arms. “If you’ll stop insulting me, I’ll explain everything.”
 “Let me go,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Not until you hear me out.”
“Let me go right now, or so help me.” She tried to jerk her arms out of his clasp, but he tugged her closer.
He stared down at her, his blue eyes dark with anger. “You’ll what? Tell me how much you hate me? You’ve done that—repeatedly. I need you to sit down and listen to me.”
With a violent tug, she yanked free. “How dare you demand anything from me? And if you think you have any rights where Ike is concerned, then you are more deranged than I thought. Now leave before I call the cops.”
“Let’s get something straight right now. I’m going to be there for my son whether you like it or not.”
Without thinking, she drew her arm back then shot it forward. As her hand connected with his jaw, a sharp crack filled the room. His head snapped to the side.
She didn’t see him move. But before she had time to register the burning pain on her palm, his body was tight against hers, the hand she’d slapped him with pinned behind her back, and her chin held steady in his taut grip.
His expression turned thunderous; brows pulled together and eyes blackened with an emotion she couldn’t name.
“Don’t do that again, Katherine.”
“Or what? You’ll hit me?”
“I’d never touch you in violence, and it hurts me you’d suggest it.” His face lowered until his lips were a hair’s breadth from hers. “My touch would only bring you pleasure.”
His words shot straight to the throbbing flesh between her thighs. Desire tried to drop-kick anger aside. Neither would budge, so both fought for supremacy.
Desire won.
Her breathing turned to shallow gasps, which brought her breasts in contact with his hard chest. Her nipples hardened.
Come on. Just do it. You’ve pleasured yourself to his memory for ten years. Those memories are old, stale. Why not make a new one to use for the next ten years? No! Don't be a fool. You know his touch comes with a price you’re not willing to pay—your heart.
 Kal released her chin and then smoothed his hand over her cheek until he cupped the back of her head. His fingers tangled in her hair. “Katherine,” he whispered before his lips claimed hers.
Prophecy's Child is coming soon.

It's Canada's Birthday, eh!

A Little Canadian Fun on Canada Day

HAPPY CANADA DAY –we're 146 yrs young!




In honour of that, fellow author and Canadian, Daryl Devore, and I decided to meet. She threw a donut at the map and picked a Tim Horton's in Saskatchewan




Why Saskatchewan? Daryl lives in the center of the universe – a.k.a Ontario. Brenda lives in Lotusland - a.k.a BC – a.k.a – British Columbia – see map



Sask is in the middle (the green one). And why Tim's? Cause there is one on every other street corner in this country. We love our Timmies. We might be addicted to them.


She gets in her dogsled (we call them cars here) and drives east. I get in mine and go west. Days later I arrive at our chosen location and plop down in a chair and wait. Brenda walks in the door. I recognize her - her photo is up on FB. She recognizes me by the crazy red head who's waving hysterically across the room.

Momentarily debating whether to drive back to BC or stay, Brenda orders a Double double and collapses in the seat across from me. Conversation starts off brilliantly.

"Hey," I say.

"Hey," she says. (We are writers – not talkers!)

Brenda tosses a loonie and toonie on the table and takes a sip of her coffee. She closes her eyes and sighs. "Ahhhh, I needed this. Been an hour since my last one and was having withdrawals." She takes a bite of her double chocolate donut and smiles at Daryl with chocolate in her teeth. "Want a bite?"

Daryl rolls her eyes and cringes. "Ah, no. No I don't."

Brenda shrugs. "Your loss." After swallowing the last bit, she sits back. "How was the drive?"

"Not too bad. It's July 1st so the snow is almost melted. How was yours, eh?"

"Basically uneventful. Well, except for the bloody gas prices. A buck forty a freaking litre." Shakes head. "I heard by the end of summer gas should be aboot a buck fifty a litre."

Daryl takes the top off her hot chocolate and blows across the steamy liquid. "Bullshit, all of it, eh."

Brenda eyes Daryl. "This'll be a stupid question since this is the first time we've met in person, but you seem tired."

With a wide yawn, Daryl crosses her legs. "I am. We've been renovating the igloo. Finally finished after months of chaos. Global warm is wreaking havoc on the roof."

Brenda nods and smiles. "I know what ya mean. We re-painted our igloo last summer. So, what did ya think of the Stanley Cup playoffs? I was choked the Vancouver Canucks didn't get far. Still pissed they lost to..." Gags. "Boston last year. That still stings."

Daryl shrugs. "I don't really care for hockey."

Brenda sits up straight and narrows her eyes. "What do you mean, you don't care for hockey?"

"Just what I said. I don't really watch it."

Suddenly, Brenda stands up with her hands balled into tight fists, knocking the chair to the floor. 
"WHAT? How can you say that? Are you sick or something?"

"Look,not ALL Canadians like hockey, eh!"

Gasps from the other customers fill the room. A pimpled-faced teen, wearing the Tim Horton's uniform rushes over. "Hey, what all the shouting aboot, eh?"

Daryl crosses her arms over her chest and crosses her legs. "Nothing."

"Nothing?" Brenda's frown deepens. "She said she didn't care for hockey!"

"That's no reas--wait, what did you say?" the Timmie's employee asked.

"Oh for shit sakes," Daryl said under her breath. "So I don't like hockey. Is that a national crime?"

"Maybe?" Brenda narrows her eyes and crosses her arms.

"Look, I stopped watching it when they changed the Hockey Night in Canada theme song. Hockey's just never been the same for me. I feel hurt, crushed, aggrieved, cut to the quick, discommoded." Daryl lowers her head and tear drips off her cheek.

Everyone in the Timmie's stands – places their hand over their heart and bellows – du du du du du, du du du du du, DU NAAAAAAAAAA.  To hear real version - click here (hope this works?!?!)

Brenda places a comforting hand on Daryl's shoulder. "Yes, you know you're Canadian when a hockey theme is better known than our national anthem."

A retiree sitting with his buddies leans over and says, "Yea, you know you're Canadian when - you drink pop, not soda."

A voice shouts across the Tim's "You get milk in bags."

"You dismiss all beers under 6% as for children and the elderly."

"Like any international assassin/terrorist/spy in the world, you possess a Canadian Passport."

Brenda stands on her chair and yells - "You're not sure if the leader of your nation has EVER had sex and you don't WANT to know if he has!"

"Back bacon and Kraft Dinner are two of your favourite food groups."

"Your snow blower gets stuck on the roof."

"You clean the grease off your BBQ so the bears won't prowl on your deck."

"You find -40 a little chilly."

Daryl jumps up on the counter raises her fist and yells - "You know the 4 seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter and Road Construction."

Brenda wipes a tear away. "I remember when the TV show The Beachcombers was taken off the air. I still miss old Relic."

She grabs her Tim Horton's coffee and raises it high. "I'm proud to live in a country that actually knows what a touque is. My favorite store to shop in is Canadian Tire. That store has everything!"

Daryl flashes Brenda the thumbs up sign. "Canada is aboot the best dang country in the world, eh?"

The room erupts with cheers and the National Anthem is belted out in French and English. Ooooooooooooooooooooooh Caaaaaaaaaaaaaaanada. Our home and native land. Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux.

Brenda and Daryl hug and step outside. Both walk over to a park and sit under a maple tree. A warm breeze blows through the large leaves, making them dance, while the Canadian flag set on the peak of the Timmie's roof snaps crisply in the wind, proudly displaying her colours.

As Daryl sits on the thick grass she looks up at Brenda. "I guess we should probably talk writing or aboot our books, eh?"

Brenda sits by Daryl and plucks a blade of grass. "Nah, I'm sick of yapping aboot my book Love's Prophecy and how spectacularly awesome it is. If people are interested they can check it out on Amazon. If they aren't interested – they should still check it out anyway. Click here to check it out.Do you want to talk aboot your books?"

Daryl shrugs. "Not really. I'm sick of talking aboot how excellent my erotic contemporary fantasy, Capri's Fate is. Or how wonderful erotic my medieval romance Black Dorn is and how A Kept Woman is filled with spanking goodness or how Sexy Red Hood is a twisted Fairy Tale with a sexy spin that'll leave you hot and bothered. And that all my books are available on Amazon, Smashwords, All Romance Ebooks, Kobo, Reader Store, BookStrand…." Daryl puts a finger to her lips and looks at the sky. "Oh yea and All Book Stories if you want print versions."

"Your books are really good though," Brenda said. "What are ya working on right now?"

Daryl blushes at Brenda's praise. "I'm writing an erotic medieval fantasy where a prince meets a mysterious woman and a dragon. Well I'm writing it when I'm not answering emails, Facebooking, Twittering, promoting, Triberring, Pinteresting, Blogging, Blog hopping."

Brenda sighs and shakes her head. "I hear ya. Don't forget rewrites, critiques and edits, plotting, POVs and GMCs."

"General Motor Corporation???"

"Goals, motiviation and conflict."

"Ah, yes, I knew that."

A car drives past with the windows open and the music blarring - Baby, baby, baby, oh Like baby, baby, baby, no Like baby, baby, baby, oh…..

Brenda and Daryl chuckle. "Gotta love our Biebs."

"So Brenda, Mel, the vampire in your wickedly wonderful, hot, awesome book – Love's Prophecy – now available in paperback – is he based on any one you know? Anyone you might be married to?"
"I wish--not sayin' my husband isn't hot and sexy, but Mel is in a league of his own. But now that I think about it, Mel and Paul share a few personality traits. Mel and I also share a few quirks. But really, Mel isn't based on anyone in my real life. He is strictly part of my imagination.
"And is there another book in the works? Details. The juicier the better. I need something to think about on the long drive back to Ontario."

"Yep, book #2 in The Prophecy Series. Book 2 is Kal's story. The title is Prophecy's Child. It’s scheduled for release the 2nd week of July. I can give you all a few hints of what you can expect to find, but they will be vague so as not to give anything away. Kal was in love--real love--with a human woman named Katherine ten years ago. But he left her because of their differences: he is a vampire, she is a human. He didn't think it was possible for the two to have a lasting relationship until Mel and Breeana showed him the error of his ways. Anyway, he and Katherine literally bump onto each other. Kal is elated, but Katherine's hatred toward him puts the brakes on his thoughts of maybe them reuniting. But destiny is a funny bitch. She has other ideas. Kal is going to come face to face with his fate and he will have to fight to win all he desires.
This book will be filled with humor, anger, love, hot sex, and twists you didn't see coming."

"Oooh, I love twists. Can't wait to read it."

Daryl looks at her watch. "Guess it's aboot time to hitch up the sled and head home. Gonna be havin' a feed of Beaver Tails."

Brenda rubs her tummy. "With maple syrup -- that comes from a tree."

"You know it. It's the only way to eat a beaver…...tail that is." Snicker Snicker.

"Hey," Brenda asks. "Ever been to Zexwzaxw Glacier?"

"Naw, but I did make it to Come by Chance once. Wanted to go to Dildo, but the fog got thicker than 3 day old pea soup."
"Husband and I were thinking of taking the kids camping at Ass Hill or Billy Butts Pond."

Daryl nods. "Fun places. Good times, eh. Well, Brenda it's been an honour to meet one of my favourite authors and did I mention I love the colour of your hair it's almost the same as my neighbour's?"

"G'won wit 'cha." Brenda hops on her sled/car and heads towards the drive thru. "Going to need an x-large double double to make it back to BC."

Daryl stands and stretches. "Yes, I'd best get a move on. If I'm late I'll get a right good tongue banging."

And that dear visitor is a peek into the warped minds of authors exxxtrodinaire Brenda Dyer and Daryl Devore. For more fun and wackiness – head north of the 49th parallel where we sing the "Great White North" theme song with pride ... coo-ooh-coocoo-coo-ooh-coocoo coo-ooh-coocoo-coo-ooh-coocoo To hear song - click here

If you'd like to see a fascinating segment about the relationship between Canada and the US – watch – Tom Brokaw Explains Canada to Americans –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV_041oYDjg&feature=related

If you've made it this far - if you have any questions about Canada - ask away.

Take it easy, hosers.

Coming Soon, Prophecy's Child: Book 2, The Prophecy Series

The time has almost come for book two in the Prophecy Series to be published Prophecy's Child, book 2 in the Prophecy's Series is scheduled to be released the second week of July. I'm super excited about this story. For those of you who loved Kal in Love Prophecy, I hope you will fall in love with him all over again in Prophecy's Child.
 
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?

Bad Boys of Romance Blog Hop

Bad Boys of Romance



Hello, and welcome to my site. Come on in, grab a seat, and make yourselves comfortable. Coffee and tea are on the table. Help yourselves.
Follow the link and fill out the rafflecopter to enter the grand prize: http://herdingcats-burningsoup.blogspot.ca/p/bad-boys-of-romance-hop.html
My gift to one random commenter is a $5.00 Amazon gift card. Please leave a comment at the end of the post with your email address.
Today we are talking about the Bad Boys of Romance. You know the type. The take charge men, the larger than life men, the muscular men, the handsome men...the alphas.
But what characteristics make up a Bad Boy in romance novels? Is he a character who takes whatever he wants? A character that oozes confidence? Is he fearless? Free from insecurities? Is he so sure of himself that he never second guesses his actions? Is he a character who believes he knows best?
Hmm. Yes, these are all traits of a Bad Boy. LOL, toss in a few criminal records, a scar or two, and we have the makings of an emotionally stunted, ego maniac that probably belongs behind bars.
LOL, seriously, I kid. The Bad Boys of Romance are all of those things, but so much more.
For me, I love a Bad Boy who loves hard, will do whatever it takes to protect the heroine, but also wears his heart on his sleeve. I love a B.B who shows his fears and insecurities, just like we all do. These traits make the B.B a three dimensional character instead of two dimensional. Confidence is great, but over confidence is a turn-off.
In my novel Love’s Prophecy, the Bad Boys are bad to the bone, and oh so handsome. They are larger than life, but also plagued with the same fears as we are. They second guess their actions. They fear the choices they’ve made are the wrong ones.
Mel, the heroine in Love’s Prophecy, is riddled with fears, worries, and pain. The only light in his life is Breeana, but he doubts his ability to keep her safe—alive.
If you adore paranormal romance novels featuring vampires with strong, real-life characters, super hot alpha male warriors, and an intriguing plot, then Love’s Prophecyis the book you’re looking for.





Excerpt from Love’s Prophecy:
A shiver of dread squirmed around Mel's heart. “What the hell is going on?”
“Let's go sit down,” Kal said.
Fear ripened in Mel's gut like fruit on the vine. “Just spit it out.”
Kal ignored him and headed into the living room. He sat on the couch and blew out a loud breath.
Mel followed. “Out with it. Now!”
With his gaze glued to the floor, Kal, muttered, “I killed her.”There was only one her Kal would be talking about. The she-demon. “Where?”
“Downtown Burnaby. Black and I were patrolling when we saw her and another demon coming out of a nightclub.”
Mel slumped boneless beside Kal on the couch. “Are you positive it was her?” He heard the calm in his voice and wondered at how he managed it because inside he was screaming, lips peeled back, eyes squeezed shut, heart shattering. He screamed so loud he was afraid he'd never stop.
“Positive.” Kal brought his gaze to Mel's face. “So, what now?”
“I…I'll take Breeana home tonight.” Was it really over? Could he do it? Could he honestly set her free? One thing was certain; when she left, his heart would go with her.
“Welcome back to misery, my son,” his father's voice cackled in his head. “Never fear, I'll keep you company.”
Panic constricted his breathing. His chest tightened and the living room walls seemed to close in around him. Mel bolted up and tore into the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of J.D. out of the cupboard, ripped off the cap, and slugged down a large swallow.
“Are you all right, man?” Kal leaned against the doorjamb, eying him with concern.
Mel set the bottle down, placed his palms flat on the counter, and hung his head. “Yeah.” Keep telling yourself that.
Kal stepped nearer to him. “I'm going to miss Breeana too. The place won't feel the same without her.”
“Yep.” He could hardly squeeze the word through his constricted throat. He grabbed the bottle and walked back to the living room.
“She wants to stay with you, dude.”
Mel stopped in front of the TV and stared at the blank screen. “It's over. I knew as soon as it was safe, she'd be going back to her life.”
“Yeah, see, that's great and all, but things have changed. I see how much you two care for each other. And believe me, man, that's something you shouldn't lightly toss away.”
Red hot rage burned through him. “Lightly? You think this isn't torturing me?”
My question to you is, who is your favorite Bad Boy of Romance and why?

WET AND WILD BLOG HOP

Welcome to the Wet and Wild Blog Hop




Hello, and welcome to my blog. Thanks for dropping by. Leave a short comment and your email address at the end and you’ll be instantly entered to win the grand prize. Also, I’ll be giving away a $5 gift certificate from Amazon.


The words Wet and wild brings to my mind many different things. The first being a brand of lipstick called Wet and Wild. When I turned sixteen and started wearing make-up, I purchased a tube of Wet and Wild lipstick in a metallic shell-pink shade. The color worked so well with my lavender Angora sweater and big 80’s hair—at least I thought so. *Shakes head and laughs.*

Wet and Wild invokes images of water parks, waterslides, kids running and sliding on a Slip ‘n’ Slide, a couple having sex in a shower or bathtub, or a Hot tub. Also, Wet and Wildreminds me of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit photo shoot. I picture a model decked out in a thong bikini standing under a waterfall in a lush, tropical setting with a sexy pout on her face. LOL, although I always wonder what she’s really thinking. Probably under her sexy, come-hither stare she’s thinking, just take the damn shot already so I can call it a day and go have lunch.

If you made it this far, then here comes the plug for my paranormal romance novel, Love’sProphecy. LOL, you knew it was coming. I’ll keep it short. Promise.

Although my novel doesn’t feature shower or waterfall sex it does have plenty of wild sex scenes. Love’s Prophecy has been described as follows: Love’s Prophecy will take you on a wild, emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you completely satisfied by the end.

So if you enjoy reading paranormal romances featuring sexy, alpha male vampires, a sweet, spunky heroine, a revengeful she-demon, a prophecy, and a new take on the vampire myth, then Love’s Prophecyis a novel you may enjoy.


Love’s Prophecy is available on: Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, Sony and Apple.

The question I ask of you today is what comes to your mind when you hear or read the words Wet and Wild?

Thanks for stopping by. Now go forth and be wild and visit the other stops on the blog hop to further your chances of winning wonderful prizes. And remember, stay wet, lol.

Dialogue Tags: demanded, sneered, said, and asked.

Dialogue Tags: demanded, sneered, said, and asked.

To tag or not to tag is the question of the day.
By now most know what a dialogue tag is. For those of you who don’t, a dialogue tag is a clause of two or more words showing who is speaking.
Examples: Tim said. John asked.
Did you notice in my example I chose said and asked? My reason is in writing, they are considered invisible. Readers tend to not notice them—unless used too much.
Some don’t like to use only said and asked, they prefer to change it up, but is this wise?
Example: “Don’t drop the ball,” Tim laughed.
“Please come with me. I don’t want to go by myself,” Cynthia begged.
“You’re so cute,” Sandy smiled happily.
So, what is wrong with my examples? First, one can’t laugh dialogue. Try it, it doesn’t work. Same goes for smile. Second, they are telling. The writer—me—is telling you—the reader—how the dialogue was spoken.
Let’s use the same examples but show how the dialogue was spoken.
Tim doubled over, trying to hold back his laughter. “Don’t drop the ball.”
Cynthia gripped Carol’s hand. “Please come with me? I don’t want to go by myself.”
Sandy smiled and shuffled her feet. “You’re so cute.”
By using action beats, not only did I show more of the emotions, I did away with the dialogue tags. But like with dialogue tags, don’t overdo it with beats. Mix it up.
Here’s an example of a scene with over used dialogue tags.
“Are you coming over to my house tonight?” Trevor asked.
“I’m not sure. My mom’s still pissed at me about the D I got on my science test,” Jason said.
“I told you to study for it,” Trevor muttered.
“I know, and I did . . . sort of,” Jason whispered.
Okay, so the dialogue tags in my example show how too many can stop the flow. Since there are only two speaking, let’s try without them. I will start the scene by using one.
“Are you coming to my house tonight?” Trevor asked Jason.
“I’m not sure. My mom’s still pissed at me about the D I got on my science test.”
“I told you to study for it.”
“I know, and I did . . . sort of.”
Hmmm, better, but it reads flat and boring. Let’s try adding action beats.
Trevor closed his locker and glanced at Jason. “Are you coming to my house tonight?”
“I’m not sure. My mom’s still pissed at me about the D I got on my science test.” Jason scrolled through the list of songs on his IPod.
Trevor sighed and slung the strap of his backpack over his shoulder. “I told you to study for it.”
“I did . . . sort of.”
In my example I used beats to fill the scene out more. Also, rarely do people just stand there doing nothing while talking. Add some movement. I could have taken this one step further and added internal dialogue for the POV character—Trevor—but that is a lesson for another day.
What if you are writing a scene with more than two characters? The same rules apply; use a mixture of action beats with dialogue tags.
Example: Cynthia reached across the sticky café table and grabbed Carol’s hands. “Please come with me? I don’t want to go by myself.”
“I can’t. I have plans,” Carol said.
Sarah took a sip of her coffee and then set it down. Her gaze remained glued to Carol’s face. “And what exactly are your plans? Care to share?”
Glancing away, Carol’s face turned red. “Not really.”
So to sum up, use dialogue tags sparingly, and try to stick with said or asked. They are considered invisible. Use action beats to show who is speaking, to fill out a scene, and show how the dialogue is spoken without having to tell. IE: He said angrily. She said happily.
Remember, dialogue cannot be laughed, smiled, or begged. Use a mixture of tags and beats when more than two are speaking.

Love, Sex, Danger, and a Prophecy = Love's Prophecy

In this scene Roarik the leader of this clan of demon slayers feels it's necessary for Breeana to be sent to a different squad because of the feelings she and Mel share.Mel doesn't care for the idea, lol.

Roarik walked back to his desk. “I need to speak with you about a couple of things.”
Mel studied Roarik's emotionless face. Now what?“What's up?” The last thing he wanted to do was talk. His nerves were already strung to the breaking point.
“Have a seat.”
“I have nothing to add that I couldn't have said in front of the others.”
Roarik sat and waved a hand, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk.
Warning signals detonated up and down Mel's spine when he caught the grave look in Roarik's eyes. He snagged a chair leg with his foot and sat on the edge of the seat. “What's on your mind?”
“I'll get right to it. How much do you care for this hu— Breeana?”
What is this? The hair on the back of his neck stood up. “Why do you ask?”
“I ask because the Sacred Order wants us to keep her in our custody.”
Mel remained quiet, but inside his mind screamed the word, NO!
Roarik's faced looked as if fashioned from stone. “If your theory is correct, then she will have to breed with another who possesses the mark. So I ask again, how much do you care for her?”
His heart dropped like a stone sinking to the bottom of the ocean. “Too much to allow that to happen.”
Scrubbing his hands over his face, Roarik sighed. “That's what I thought.” He looked away and straightened a stack of files on his desk. “I think we should send her to the squadron in Alberta.”
Mel exploded off his chair. “She goes nowhere except back to her life! She's been through enough and I will not pass her to another to be bred like a prized mare!” He stalked to the door and stopped. “Believe me, I will take her and disappear and you, the Sacred Order, the gods, and the fucking prophecy can all go to hell. Do I make myself clear?”
Roarik slammed both hands on his desk hard enough to knock a mountain of books to the floor. “Don't threaten me, Mel.”
Mel stood his ground. “Believe me, it's no threat.”
A muscle ticked in Roarik's jaw. “What a bloody mess.” He rubbed a finger along his brow. “Answer me this. What kind of life would that be for you or Breeana? You'd be constantly on the run, hunted by the vampire authorities, considered AWOL. Plus a kidnapper.”
“You're right, but it would be better than Breeana being tossed to some vampire to mate with. Tell me, what will happen to her once she gives birth? How many times will she be impregnated? One, two, ten times? What will be her fate after she is no longer useful?”
Roarik glanced away. “I don't know.”
“A life on the run would be far better than what is waiting for her.”
“You've placed me in a very precarious position.” Roarik drummed his fingers on his desk. “You realize you're asking me to choose between you and my duty as a squad leader?”
“I'm not asking you to do anything,” Mel said, his voice devoid of all emotion. “But just know, I'll take down anyone who gets in my way.”
After a long moment of silence, Roarik cleared his throat and spread his arms wide. “Fine. When it's safe, Breeana will be free.”
Mel took a step closer. “What do you mean, free?”
“Free to go back to her world. Free from the prophecy.”
His heart jackknifed. “What about your obligation, your allegiance to the Sacred—”
Roarik stood. “My loyalties are with my men, not a bunch of bureaucratic bastards that sit behind their desks spouting orders. Besides, more with the mark have already been found and I believe more will follow. I doubt one less will change the outcome of this war.”
“What will you tell the Sacred Order when they ask about her?”
“I will inform them she met with an unfortunate accident.”
Mel stood stone-still in the middle of the room. Would Roarik really do this? More importantly, why would he put his ass on the line like that? He narrowed his gaze on his captain, trying to comprehend the reason for this boon. “Do you want to explain to me why you'd do this?”
Roarik sat down. He smiled, but his eyes were full of sadness. “For you. Your life has been difficult enough and I won't add to your misery. And I feel this would…crush you.”
Mel slumped down in the nearest chair. Breeana would be free; free to live out the rest of her life. This was more than he could have hoped for. He'd be forever indebted to Roarik, but that debt he'd gladly pay, no matter the price.
Overcome with gratitude, he lowered his head and whispered, “Thank you.”
“No need my old friend. I could never put you through that.” Roarik grabbed a pen from a strawberry jam jar on his desk and twirled it through his fingers. “Would you take Breeana for your mate if she were willing to leave her world and kind behind?”
Mel's head shot up. He needed to end this conversation quick before he disgraced himself in front of his captain. He was tempted to tell him no, but after the risk Roarik was willing to take to see Breeana free from all obligations, he owed him the truth, no matter how painful it would be to speak it. “I'd love nothing more than to take her as my mate, but I won’t.”
“Isn’t she willing?”
“She would stay, but for the aging difference.”
Roarik didn't speak for a few minutes. “You know that can be remedied…unless you've asked her and she finds it not to her liking.”
Shit. “It's not an option. The price is too high.”
“Have you asked her?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Mel rose to his feet. “Every night my life is on the line. I won't bind her life-force to mine knowing that.” He stared hard into Roarik's eyes, driving his point home. “If you were in my shoes, can you honestly tell me you'd bind Celeene's life to yours, knowing you could be killed at any time, ending her life as well?”
Roarik hung his head and folded his hands on the desk. “I see your point. Would she stay and live her life out naturally?”
“No. And even if she did choose to stay, I would deny her. I don't want her to leave all she has accomplished, for me. Over time, I'd be afraid she'd eventually regret her decision and hate me for it.”
“I understand,” Roarik said with a nod. “I see now you truly have no choice but to let her go.”
Mel paced the room like a caged tiger, looking for a way to escape.
“Take the night off and go be with Breeana while you can.”
Shocked, he spun around, shaking his head. “The sooner I kill the demon bitch the sooner Breeana gets back to her world. It’s for the best.” He tried without success to believe his own words.
Roarik stood and came around to the front of his desk. “Take this night and enjoy. That's an order.”



                    Happy Holidays to you all!