Christine Feehan's Blog - Posts Tagged "bound-together"
Romance and Character: Lessons Learned from Dark Promises, Power Game and Bound Together
Each romance is special and that includes the romance you find between my hero and heroine for each book I write. The couple is as unique together as they are as individuals and what each couple learns or teaches us about romance is varied as well.
In celebration of #RomanceWeek 2017 I wanted to share the lessons I feel these couples teach us (or at least me).
DARK PROMISES
Couple – Aleksei and Gabrielle
This couple started out so very different from each other. Aleksei is an ancient near the end of his time. He knows very little of the world outside the monastery where he has sequestered himself.
Gabrielle is a modern women who never wanted to be part of the Carpathian world. She wanted to remain human and have a normal, human life. But, circumstances took that from her and the only thing she had left to hope for was a human relationship. When that relationship is denied her she grasps at what she has longed for.
Aleksei is certain Gabrielle has betrayed him and likely cost him his life.
Gabrielle is certain that a Carpathian male like Aleksei is her worst nightmare.
LESSON: We often close the door on possibility when we become determined to force what we want into reality. What you think you want for your life isn’t always what’s best for you and you have to be open minded to that. Be open to the love offered instead of entrenched in one that can never be. I think everyone at some time in their life has learned this lesson, certainly I have.
There is a second couple in Dark Promises- Fane and Trixie
Outwardly this couple appears so very different from each other. Trixie is a great grandmother, but tenacious, independent and has a great sense of the theatrical which makes much of what she does hilarious. Fane is ancient and appears younger, though he is, in reality, hundreds of years older. Fane depends on structure in his life as he oversees the monastery and its dangerous inhabitants. He is stoic and serious and very, very determined.
Trixie is certain the only love left to her is that of family and she will fight the devil himself to save her beloved granddaughter. Even if that devil is achingly handsome. At her age, she knows better than to give in to good looks and a silver tongue.
Trixie is sure that Fane is dangerous, both to her life and to her heart. Because he appears younger and is so handsome she feels she’s too old for a love affair.
Fane has lived a long time without color, hope or love so when Trixie appears and he realizes she is his lifemate he knows this is his one chance at true love and to save his very soul. Now, he just has to convince her that they are destined for one another.
LESSON: Never resign yourself not finding love. Don’t let your view of yourself hinder your potential no matter your circumstances whether it be age or illness. Love and the potential for true love does not diminish with time. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. And never lose your ability to find humor in things…including yourself.
Dark Promises is out in paperback Feb. 21st.
Dark Promises
POWER GAME
Couple – Ezekiel and Bellisia
Having two very strong personalities Ezekiel and Bellisia were actually quite similar in many things. Unfortunately, those things were often what put them in conflict with each other. Both have a strong protective instinct and a desire to save others without having others risk themselves. Bellisia grew up thinking the Ghostwalker program was very dangerous and that Ghostwalkers can’t be trusted. Ezekiel has a strong loyalty to his Ghostwalker team and would die or kill to protect them.
Bellisia saves Ezekiel’s life despite her fear of capture by Ghostwalkers she doesn’t trust just to find her nightmare come true and she becomes imprisoned by Ezekiel’s team; a betrayal she blames Ezekiel for.
Ezekiel must choose between a mission that would save lives and remaining behind so Bellisia doesn’t have to be imprisoned until the team returns. He is put into a position of ensuring his team’s safety and proving to Bellisia he cares for her.
LESSON: Trust and partnership are essential to building a relationship and sometimes that trust must extend to that person’s inner-circle as well. It’s important to always have each other’s back and to feel you are equals.
Power Game is currently available in hardback, ebook and audiobook.
Power Game
BOUND TOGETHER
Couple- Viktor and Blythe
Some love affairs burn hot and immediate, and the embers of the aftermath when it all goes wrong can burn forever. Viktor and Blythe’s relationship was one that was overpowering for them both, but built on deception because Viktor was on a mission and Blythe was a way to reach his target. But, Viktor finds he’s lost his heart to Blythe before he must move on to the next mission and his messages to her asking her to wait for him are never received, so Blythe is left heartbroken and devastated. Then, years later Viktor returns, once again on a mission, but this time he plans on claiming Blythe. Blythe thought their marriage was a farce and has moved on, so when she sees Viktor on his motorcycle, sexier than ever, she knows to protect her heart at all cost.
Blythe has endured tragedy Viktor has no idea of and heartache she feels he could never comprehend. So, finding out their marriage is real and not only does he want her back, he wants her to help him care for an entire band of misfits and outcasts does not encourage her to forgive him.
Viktor would do anything to have the one good thing he’s ever known in his life: Blythe. She was unexpected, amazing and he has no plans on giving up on getting her back. But, when he finds out what she’s endured in his absence, and what danger she and the entire town of Sea Haven are in, he realizes he might have to give up everything to make things right.
LESSON: Sometimes we hurt those we love most. The road to redemption can be long and cost more than you imagined. That forgiveness can be difficult to give when you’re still hurting. But, without redemption and forgiveness love can’t exist. And that family isn’t always something we’re born into. Sometimes family is what we define for ourselves with those we choose to bring in and keep with us.
Bound Together will be released in paperback March 21st.
Romance couples always have conflict, both inner and outside and part of what I love about romance novels is that we, as readers, get to see how those couples must overcome their own issues and find courage that will allow them to have the love they long for.
Can you name some romance novel couples that you feel taught you a valuable lesson about love?
Bound Together
Follow @AuthorCFeehan
In celebration of #RomanceWeek 2017 I wanted to share the lessons I feel these couples teach us (or at least me).
DARK PROMISES
Couple – Aleksei and Gabrielle
This couple started out so very different from each other. Aleksei is an ancient near the end of his time. He knows very little of the world outside the monastery where he has sequestered himself.
Gabrielle is a modern women who never wanted to be part of the Carpathian world. She wanted to remain human and have a normal, human life. But, circumstances took that from her and the only thing she had left to hope for was a human relationship. When that relationship is denied her she grasps at what she has longed for.
Aleksei is certain Gabrielle has betrayed him and likely cost him his life.
Gabrielle is certain that a Carpathian male like Aleksei is her worst nightmare.
LESSON: We often close the door on possibility when we become determined to force what we want into reality. What you think you want for your life isn’t always what’s best for you and you have to be open minded to that. Be open to the love offered instead of entrenched in one that can never be. I think everyone at some time in their life has learned this lesson, certainly I have.
There is a second couple in Dark Promises- Fane and Trixie
Outwardly this couple appears so very different from each other. Trixie is a great grandmother, but tenacious, independent and has a great sense of the theatrical which makes much of what she does hilarious. Fane is ancient and appears younger, though he is, in reality, hundreds of years older. Fane depends on structure in his life as he oversees the monastery and its dangerous inhabitants. He is stoic and serious and very, very determined.
Trixie is certain the only love left to her is that of family and she will fight the devil himself to save her beloved granddaughter. Even if that devil is achingly handsome. At her age, she knows better than to give in to good looks and a silver tongue.
Trixie is sure that Fane is dangerous, both to her life and to her heart. Because he appears younger and is so handsome she feels she’s too old for a love affair.
Fane has lived a long time without color, hope or love so when Trixie appears and he realizes she is his lifemate he knows this is his one chance at true love and to save his very soul. Now, he just has to convince her that they are destined for one another.
LESSON: Never resign yourself not finding love. Don’t let your view of yourself hinder your potential no matter your circumstances whether it be age or illness. Love and the potential for true love does not diminish with time. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. And never lose your ability to find humor in things…including yourself.
Dark Promises is out in paperback Feb. 21st.
Dark Promises
POWER GAME
Couple – Ezekiel and Bellisia
Having two very strong personalities Ezekiel and Bellisia were actually quite similar in many things. Unfortunately, those things were often what put them in conflict with each other. Both have a strong protective instinct and a desire to save others without having others risk themselves. Bellisia grew up thinking the Ghostwalker program was very dangerous and that Ghostwalkers can’t be trusted. Ezekiel has a strong loyalty to his Ghostwalker team and would die or kill to protect them.
Bellisia saves Ezekiel’s life despite her fear of capture by Ghostwalkers she doesn’t trust just to find her nightmare come true and she becomes imprisoned by Ezekiel’s team; a betrayal she blames Ezekiel for.
Ezekiel must choose between a mission that would save lives and remaining behind so Bellisia doesn’t have to be imprisoned until the team returns. He is put into a position of ensuring his team’s safety and proving to Bellisia he cares for her.
LESSON: Trust and partnership are essential to building a relationship and sometimes that trust must extend to that person’s inner-circle as well. It’s important to always have each other’s back and to feel you are equals.
Power Game is currently available in hardback, ebook and audiobook.
Power Game
BOUND TOGETHER
Couple- Viktor and Blythe
Some love affairs burn hot and immediate, and the embers of the aftermath when it all goes wrong can burn forever. Viktor and Blythe’s relationship was one that was overpowering for them both, but built on deception because Viktor was on a mission and Blythe was a way to reach his target. But, Viktor finds he’s lost his heart to Blythe before he must move on to the next mission and his messages to her asking her to wait for him are never received, so Blythe is left heartbroken and devastated. Then, years later Viktor returns, once again on a mission, but this time he plans on claiming Blythe. Blythe thought their marriage was a farce and has moved on, so when she sees Viktor on his motorcycle, sexier than ever, she knows to protect her heart at all cost.
Blythe has endured tragedy Viktor has no idea of and heartache she feels he could never comprehend. So, finding out their marriage is real and not only does he want her back, he wants her to help him care for an entire band of misfits and outcasts does not encourage her to forgive him.
Viktor would do anything to have the one good thing he’s ever known in his life: Blythe. She was unexpected, amazing and he has no plans on giving up on getting her back. But, when he finds out what she’s endured in his absence, and what danger she and the entire town of Sea Haven are in, he realizes he might have to give up everything to make things right.
LESSON: Sometimes we hurt those we love most. The road to redemption can be long and cost more than you imagined. That forgiveness can be difficult to give when you’re still hurting. But, without redemption and forgiveness love can’t exist. And that family isn’t always something we’re born into. Sometimes family is what we define for ourselves with those we choose to bring in and keep with us.
Bound Together will be released in paperback March 21st.
Romance couples always have conflict, both inner and outside and part of what I love about romance novels is that we, as readers, get to see how those couples must overcome their own issues and find courage that will allow them to have the love they long for.
Can you name some romance novel couples that you feel taught you a valuable lesson about love?
Bound Together
Follow @AuthorCFeehan
Those Sisters of Mine
There’s something special about sisters. I’m sure brothers have their own bond and brother-sister siblings are close as well, but sisterhood is like air to those of us who love it.
I can’t imagine my life without my sisters, or growing up without sisters. So, it’s probably good that I have ten. Yes…ten.
The sisterhood of such a large family isn’t without its challenges. I mean, just think about the bathroom sharing issues! LOL I’m the second to the oldest sister, though I do have a brother between my eldest sister and I. And I do want to say, up front, that I adore my brothers as well. But, since we’re getting ready to celebrate Bound Together I thought I’d talk about sisters.
I would like to tell you just a little something about each of my sisters.
Renee, the first born in the family, is my best friend. She’s my partner in crime. She’s also the acknowledged head of the family. She’s a peacekeeper and a diplomat. And she loves babies. Good thing, too since she has 11 children of her own! She’s amazing with numbers and works as an accountant.
Ruth, who I secretly think may have been Dad’s favorite (don’t tell the others I said that!) is so incredible with children! Children gravitate to her. It’s like they can sense she will love and accept them immediately. She runs an after school program for children. She’s innovate and smart and, like many of my sisters, athletic.
Dianne is brilliant! No, really…BRILLIANT! She is very giving and has a soft spot for single mothers. She is a champion of them and a fighter for the rights of children. She is a lawyer and advocates for children. You should see her in the courtroom!
Bobbi loves animals like crazy. My family tends to love animals, but Bobbie takes it to a whole new level. LOL She has rescued horses and dogs for years and stands for the rights of animals. She has worked in just about every aspect with horses, from racing, polo to ranch and is their biggest advocate.
Jeanette is truly an incredible nurse. She has such a giving nature and is so good with patients and especially the elderly. She is patient, caring and loving. She is, very much, a people person.
Denise is one of the sweetest people and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. My youngest daughter is named after her. I can honestly say I’ve never heard Denise say a mean thing about anybody. She’s smart, sweet and caring. She works in the software industry coding things I will never understand.
Liz is a nutritionist and works with schools to make sure kids eat healthy. This is a passion for her. She is a protective mom, fun-loving and adventurous. She also is certified in helping doctors with diabetic patients and works closely with those who have the disease to aid in keeping it under control.
Lisa is scary-smart and beautiful. What a combination, right? She’s drop dead gorgeous and, most importantly, a wonderful mother. Not only is she an RN but she is also a lawyer.
Nanci is just like mom. I love to see her holding babies. Mom loved babies like that and when I see Nanci with a baby it’s like getting to see my mom again, the beautiful way she looks at a child. Nanci is an amazing ER nurse.
Mary was always a tremendous athlete. She had an uncanny ability to make anything grow. Sometimes she’d go to the store and buy their cast-off plants and take them home and make them flourish. She loved gardening. Even when she was going through chemo that girl would run, doing marathons or just jogging. And even sick she won a tennis tournament! I miss her. I miss her laughter most. She was a ray of sunshine to us all.
If you read my Sea Haven books, or any of my series really, you will always see a love of family, of children especially. So much of that is inspired by my own sisters, my brothers and my children.
I have an absolute love of family and so do my sisters. We are loyal to one another, we have each other’s backs. And we may argue from time to time, but if an outsider hurts one of us, the entire lot of us stand up and are a force unto ourselves. We are nurturers, but also protectors; of children and of animals.
There’s something special about sisters. It’s like magic.
I can’t imagine my life without my sisters, or growing up without sisters. So, it’s probably good that I have ten. Yes…ten.
The sisterhood of such a large family isn’t without its challenges. I mean, just think about the bathroom sharing issues! LOL I’m the second to the oldest sister, though I do have a brother between my eldest sister and I. And I do want to say, up front, that I adore my brothers as well. But, since we’re getting ready to celebrate Bound Together I thought I’d talk about sisters.
I would like to tell you just a little something about each of my sisters.
Renee, the first born in the family, is my best friend. She’s my partner in crime. She’s also the acknowledged head of the family. She’s a peacekeeper and a diplomat. And she loves babies. Good thing, too since she has 11 children of her own! She’s amazing with numbers and works as an accountant.
Ruth, who I secretly think may have been Dad’s favorite (don’t tell the others I said that!) is so incredible with children! Children gravitate to her. It’s like they can sense she will love and accept them immediately. She runs an after school program for children. She’s innovate and smart and, like many of my sisters, athletic.
Dianne is brilliant! No, really…BRILLIANT! She is very giving and has a soft spot for single mothers. She is a champion of them and a fighter for the rights of children. She is a lawyer and advocates for children. You should see her in the courtroom!
Bobbi loves animals like crazy. My family tends to love animals, but Bobbie takes it to a whole new level. LOL She has rescued horses and dogs for years and stands for the rights of animals. She has worked in just about every aspect with horses, from racing, polo to ranch and is their biggest advocate.
Jeanette is truly an incredible nurse. She has such a giving nature and is so good with patients and especially the elderly. She is patient, caring and loving. She is, very much, a people person.
Denise is one of the sweetest people and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. My youngest daughter is named after her. I can honestly say I’ve never heard Denise say a mean thing about anybody. She’s smart, sweet and caring. She works in the software industry coding things I will never understand.
Liz is a nutritionist and works with schools to make sure kids eat healthy. This is a passion for her. She is a protective mom, fun-loving and adventurous. She also is certified in helping doctors with diabetic patients and works closely with those who have the disease to aid in keeping it under control.
Lisa is scary-smart and beautiful. What a combination, right? She’s drop dead gorgeous and, most importantly, a wonderful mother. Not only is she an RN but she is also a lawyer.
Nanci is just like mom. I love to see her holding babies. Mom loved babies like that and when I see Nanci with a baby it’s like getting to see my mom again, the beautiful way she looks at a child. Nanci is an amazing ER nurse.
Mary was always a tremendous athlete. She had an uncanny ability to make anything grow. Sometimes she’d go to the store and buy their cast-off plants and take them home and make them flourish. She loved gardening. Even when she was going through chemo that girl would run, doing marathons or just jogging. And even sick she won a tennis tournament! I miss her. I miss her laughter most. She was a ray of sunshine to us all.
If you read my Sea Haven books, or any of my series really, you will always see a love of family, of children especially. So much of that is inspired by my own sisters, my brothers and my children.
I have an absolute love of family and so do my sisters. We are loyal to one another, we have each other’s backs. And we may argue from time to time, but if an outsider hurts one of us, the entire lot of us stand up and are a force unto ourselves. We are nurturers, but also protectors; of children and of animals.
There’s something special about sisters. It’s like magic.
Defining What Makes a Sister of the Heart
It’s important to have someone you can turn to in times of great celebration, great tragedy and great…boredom. LOL I have so many amazing friends. I have friends who I can call on if I need help, or want honest feedback. I have friends who hold my secrets and those who can make me laugh no matter what. But, there’s a difference between a good friend and a “Sister of the Heart”. It may seem subtle when we talk about it, but it’s important in ways hard to describe sometimes.
A Sister of the Heart is someone you have absolute trust in. You have unconditional love for each other. You can count on them regardless of time or distance or issue. They carry your secrets as their own. They are honest, even if it’s tough, but always in a supportive way.
I have several Sisters of the Heart that I know, without a doubt, I could call at 3AM and say “I need you” and their answer will always be “I’m on my way.”
And though I can’t write about every single one of these amazing women, I wanted to share something about some of those very dear women. And I want to invite you to tell me about one of your own sisters of the heart, or several if you are blessed to have many. I want to hear your stories, because in a way, it binds us all together.
Anita has been part of my family since I was a teen. She was my parents’ chosen child that they took in and loved as their own. And we all loved her. Anita is one of those people who is so easy to talk to. You feel like you can say anything without judgement from her. That she cares about what you say and how you feel. She’s fun and you just want to be around her.
Kathie is one of the sweetest, most gentle people I’ve ever known. She has so much compassion for people and animals. We tease her sometimes, good-naturedly, that she doesn’t even know HOW to be mean! LOL We’re pretty sure she’s never been mean in her entire life.
(With Cheryl)
Cheryl is brilliant and funny. A great combination to have in a friend! I love discussing books with her. She can make me laugh, that fully-belly-laugh that leaves you begging her to stop because you’ve laughed so hard it hurts. She is loyal. And for that I am truly grateful.
(With Sheila and Kathie)
Sheila is most like me. We could sit and talk or laugh for hours. Or we could sit quietly and still enjoy each other’s company. She is always there for me no matter what.
(With Brenda and Kelley)
Kelley, Brenda and Kris are extremely special to me and I’m thankful they’re in my life. Their loyalty and love bolsters me. Just one phone call or message and no matter what is happening in their lives they will be there for me.
And perhaps, in the end, that’s the common thread to all of my Sisters of the Heart, those mentioned, those not. I can put my trust in that they will always be there for me, no matter what happens in my life. I trust them with my heart, and they know they can trust me with theirs.
In celebration of the release of Bound Together, the final book in the Sisters of the Heart series, I invite you to be part of this blog. Part of this story I just shared with you. Tell me about your own Sister of the Heart and why they are so special to you.
A Sister of the Heart is someone you have absolute trust in. You have unconditional love for each other. You can count on them regardless of time or distance or issue. They carry your secrets as their own. They are honest, even if it’s tough, but always in a supportive way.
I have several Sisters of the Heart that I know, without a doubt, I could call at 3AM and say “I need you” and their answer will always be “I’m on my way.”
And though I can’t write about every single one of these amazing women, I wanted to share something about some of those very dear women. And I want to invite you to tell me about one of your own sisters of the heart, or several if you are blessed to have many. I want to hear your stories, because in a way, it binds us all together.
Anita has been part of my family since I was a teen. She was my parents’ chosen child that they took in and loved as their own. And we all loved her. Anita is one of those people who is so easy to talk to. You feel like you can say anything without judgement from her. That she cares about what you say and how you feel. She’s fun and you just want to be around her.
Kathie is one of the sweetest, most gentle people I’ve ever known. She has so much compassion for people and animals. We tease her sometimes, good-naturedly, that she doesn’t even know HOW to be mean! LOL We’re pretty sure she’s never been mean in her entire life.
(With Cheryl)
Cheryl is brilliant and funny. A great combination to have in a friend! I love discussing books with her. She can make me laugh, that fully-belly-laugh that leaves you begging her to stop because you’ve laughed so hard it hurts. She is loyal. And for that I am truly grateful.
(With Sheila and Kathie)
Sheila is most like me. We could sit and talk or laugh for hours. Or we could sit quietly and still enjoy each other’s company. She is always there for me no matter what.
(With Brenda and Kelley)
Kelley, Brenda and Kris are extremely special to me and I’m thankful they’re in my life. Their loyalty and love bolsters me. Just one phone call or message and no matter what is happening in their lives they will be there for me.
And perhaps, in the end, that’s the common thread to all of my Sisters of the Heart, those mentioned, those not. I can put my trust in that they will always be there for me, no matter what happens in my life. I trust them with my heart, and they know they can trust me with theirs.
In celebration of the release of Bound Together, the final book in the Sisters of the Heart series, I invite you to be part of this blog. Part of this story I just shared with you. Tell me about your own Sister of the Heart and why they are so special to you.
