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

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