FOX TALE by Karen Hulene Bartell ~ Blog Tour & Giveaway

Fox Tale (Sacred Emblems, #1)
by: Karen Hulene Bartell
Series: Sacred Emblems
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 8, 2024
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

Tortured Heroes vs. Alpha Males

I’m not particularly fond of alpha males. Maybe it’s because I began life as an actress and dated so many actors, but in my experience, men who appear to be alpha males are phonies that play-act at being strong, and since they’re not “real,” I can’t relate to them.

Give me a tortured hero any day, one who’s authentic and deals honestly with doubts, disappointments, and defects.

In my opinion, both bodice rippers and machismo action flicks/stories have overindulged in ego-driven male characters for far too long. I prefer complex, multifaceted male characters, not superficial cardboard cutouts that parody true males.

By the term tortured hero, I don’t mean brooding or whiny. I mean a male character, who’s emotionally mature and whose emotions run deep--a man--neither a smooth-chinned boy, nor a bearded, iron-fisted caricature of a male.

Give me a healthy dose of compassion with the passion. Instead of macho bravado, let the protagonist demonstrate valor despite his fear. Instead of swaggering bluster and brawn, let him exercise his brain to resolve his dilemma--not muscle his way through the scenarios.

I find Rafe, the male protagonist in my latest paranormal romance, Fox Tale, to be an attractive leading male. He showed a protective, empathetic side during an earthquake as he “braced himself with his left hand but stood facing me with his right arm outstretched, as if poised to catch me if I stumbled.”

Rafe admitted he was wrong and apologized. “It’s taken me two years to realize my mistakes—and admitting them still isn’t easy. My behavior was inexcusable, and I’m honestly sorry.”

A tortured hero takes responsibility for his actions and is unafraid to ask forgiveness. He has emotional intelligence and knows how to control himself--not how to control his leading lady.

Maybe I’ve only known alpha wannabes, not true alphas, but to me, alpha males smack of deep insecurities, condescension, and patriarchy. Give me a male character who’s secure enough in his own skin to seek a formidable female protagonist. That’s sexy!

I applied my makeup with an artist’s hand, blending three shades of eyeshadow and going heavy on the mascara. Then I slipped into the black cocktail dress I’d bought for the occasion--a fusion of chic and slutty.

Wish I knew what Rafe planned for my birthday. Dinner at an upscale restaurant? Pub food at a sports bar?

“A surprise,” was all he’d said.

What’s the fine line between dressed to kill and overdressed? Glancing at the mirror, I glimpsed the exposed décolletage, then examined my naked left hand. More importantly, is tonight the night? After dating for three years, the conversation had finally turned to rings and weddings, and with graduation a month away, I was eager to take the next step.

At six o’clock sharp, I sat by the door, butterflies fluttering in my belly.

Ten minutes passed, fifteen. I texted him. An hour later, I called. When he didn’t pick up, I left a voicemail.

At eight o’clock, I checked my email. No messages, no texts--radio silence.

At nine o’clock, I removed my makeup, the black, smoky taupe, mauve, and greige streaks on the cotton pad mirroring my mood. After showering, I picked at soggy leftovers as I studied my bare left hand. Leftovers…

When the phone dinged, I flinched. Rafe?

Mia--Guess who’s at Tootsie’s? And Rafe’s not alone. What’s going on?--

I sat back, stunned. He wouldn’t break up with me on my birthday--without even the courtesy of telling me--would he?

Purchase Fox Tale from:

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Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued *Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

Places to find Karen Hulene Bartell:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

You can follow the Fox Tale Blog Tour here.

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