When She Doesn’t Like It

If you are anything like me, you have your favorite authors. You read every book they publish. And when a friend asks me for a new author to try, I first find out what she likes and doesn’t like. Then, of course, I suggest some of my favorite authors based on her tastes. I’ve done this for years and my friends have always liked the authors I’ve suggested.

So imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of my friends wasn’t thrilled by my recent recommendation. She read a couple of the romances and liked them, but the author failed to impress. I was stunned. I’d never had this happen before. I had suggested authors to this friend before and she’d loved them. So what happened? Have I lost my touch, my critical ability, by sense of what she likes?

Have you ever had this happen? What do you think went wrong? I’m still trying to figure it out :-}

Alexis

The Fire Lord's Lover is out now!

I just have to share with you this release on a new book by a friend of mine that I know is going to be fantastic!

THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER, the first book in Kathryne Kennedy's new fantasy romance series, THE ELVEN LORDS, is now available wherever books are sold. This unique blend of historical, fantasy and romance has reviewers and readers taking notice:

"As darkly imaginative as Tolkien, as richly romantic as Heyer, Kennedy carves a new genre in romantic fiction."~Erin Quinn, author of Haunting Warrior

A Tolkien-esque world combined with an eighteenth-century historical romance produces a satisfying tale with twists you'll never expect. Excellent!"~NYT bestselling author Jennifer Ashley

"This enthralling story combines magic and realism as its excellent plot reaches out with great depth of emotion, heart-stopping action and characters easy to care about wrapped in a passionate love story. "~Romantic Times BOOKReviews

Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.

Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She's lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family-which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com .

Price $7.99 US

ISBN-10: 1402236522
ISBN-13: 978-1402236525
Format: Mass Market Paperback

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Now available: MY UNFAIR LADY~A Library Journal Editor's Pick!
*Starred* review from Publishers Weekly: "This romance goes against type in a wonderful way."

I’ve read everything else she’s ever written and can’t wait to get my copy. Hope you enjoy :-)

Alexis

What makes a hero?

Happy July 4th! It seems like the perfect week to talk about heroes as we celebrate America’s independence which couldn’t have been achieved without the courage of our ancestors, soldiers and statesman alike. There are everyday heroes that receive little notice and then there are those who are splashed across the internet for their great deeds. But we don't need the media to tell us who is heroic. So if we are reading a romance novel, what makes a hero?

One of my favorite authors asked her readers which of her heroes was their favorite. I immediately replied as I knew who I liked the best, despite having read at least a dozen of her romances. Afterwards, I started wondering why that particular hero stood out to me. He was, of course, the usual hunk with a lot of power who found the heroine fascinating, but there was one quality that truly took hold of my heart. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of the heroine and his community. No, of course he didn’t die, this is romance after all, but he did give up his freedom and by freedom I don’t mean bachelorhood!

But other readers of Jennifer Ashley had different choices for their favorite heroes which told me many specific virtues spoke to other people. I’m curious as to what makes a hero a favorite for you? Are there one or two qualities that really tip the scales toward having a favorite hero? Please share, my curiosity is driving me crazy :-)

Alexis