Readers of my Rose Gardner Mystery series know that I often release novellas between the novels. When I released novellas before, I let my newsletter subscribers read the novellas in three parts before they officially released. They would get links and passwords in the newsletter and could gain access to read the parts on my website. It wasn’t a free download, but it was a free read. It was a way to tell my readers thank you for their loyalty and support.
Unfortunately, for now, SINS OF THE FATHER is the last Rose Gardner free read novella.
With the release of each novella, I got angry emails. Readers had trouble with the passwords and gaining access. (My assistant or I Â would happily help them get to the page.) Â Some readers missed the deadlines and were upset that I wouldn’t 1) give them access to the pages after the deadline (the pages were deleted the day after the deadline) or 2) wouldn’t send them a free copy. (That wouldn’t be fair to the other readers who didn’t get free copies and read it on the website.) Honestly, it became exhausting and disheartening.
So for now, I will be releasing novellas with the new Rose Gardner Investigations series, but they will be only available for purchase. I’m giving the novellas a series name–Rose Gardner Exposed–because I plan to make each novella focus on a character and their past. The first novella will be centered around Neely Kate, and after you read FAMILY JEWELS, you’ll know that Kate Simmons has been sending Neely Kate upsetting letters that Neely Kate refuses to share with Rose. A lot of readers are curious about Neely Kate’s past and her backstory will play a part in future books.
The novellas will be bonus material, but like the previous Rose Gardner Mystery novellas, they will provide insight that Rose isn’t privy to. I plan for the “Exposed” novellas to only have one character’s point of view.
I’ll be writing more novellas, although I’m not sure if the second one will follow FOR THE BIRDS (Rose Gardner Investigations #2) which releases July 11, 2017, or will come later. I’m still working on my schedule. But I am curious:
Which character would you like to be featured in a novella? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
You can see the cover and the description for TRAILER TRASH: NEELY KATE below.
TRAILER TRASH: NEELY KATE
(A Rose Gardner Exposed Novella)
April 18, 2017
iBooks
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
Google Play
Goodreads
Neely Kate Coulson’s life is a carefully built house of cards—and now her newly discovered half-sister is threatening to collapse it. While everyone thinks Kate Simmons was neutralized when she was incarcerated in a psych ward, Neely Kate knows better. Her sister has been sending her letters threatening to expose her past, only Neely Kate has stuffed so many secrets into every available crack and cranny, she has no idea which ones could be dragged into the light.
Growing up with an abusive, drug addicted mother taught Neely Kate to play the game—to be whoever she needs to be in whatever situation she finds herself in. But thanks to her best friend, Rose, she’s discovered she mostly prefers being herself. For the first time in her life, she has a lot to lose—a job, a plan for the future, and an adoring half-brother who happens to be the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Fenton County. But topple one card down, and all of them will fall. Everything she’s built could be lost in an instant.
Neely Kate knows she needs help, but when she reluctantly turns to Rose’s bodyguard, Jed Carlisle, she faces a far more dangerous threat—only this time her heart is on the line.
I’m shocked beyond words that readers and loyal fans have sent angry messages regarding the novellas!
I’ve truly loved the faxt that you’ve taken the time to write these for use, providing characters we love with their own point of view and other brilliant backgrounds. Let alone that you’ve allowed us to read them at no charge!
I will be more than happy to pay for future books, as I know and appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into writing them.
I can’t wait to read the next installment and wish you all the luck in your new series xx
It’s hard to believe that people would complain about your novellas. I made sure I copied and pasted so the code was correct. I didn’t have any problems that way. I’m glad to pay, though. You deserve to be paid for what wonderful writing you do! I have enjoyed all your series that I’ve read. You are a fantastic author!!
I would like to hear from Maud. She loves her son, k does where he is, loves Rose and Joe and has some powers herself. That would be an intriguing avenue.
First let me say, someone always has to ruin a great thing for others. I adore these in between novellas, and at times they have actually helped me understand not only the book that I just read, but also parts of the one coming up. I enjoy reading the parts as they come out and then yes, I still buy the novella once it has been put together and on sale. As far as who would I want to read their story, that, to me is where the problem comes in. To me the best part of these novellas is that they concentrate on the main characters and participants iin the last book. That to me is hard to choose ahead of time, not knowing exactly who the stories are about. I will always credit your great writing of Twenty-eight and a Half Wishes with me getting back into my love of reading, so I hope to always be able toitoi keep up with Rose and what is going on in her life. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
u should do these 3 people jed, mason and joe for the exposed series
First I would like to say thank you for the novellas and the time you put into them. So sorry to hear about the angry correspondence, your instructions were always easy to follow! I would love to read about Jed and Mason. Thanks xxx
Thank you for the novellas, too bad a few ruin it for all. Sins of the father is a great read btw!
I’m really sorry to hear about rude readers… i send twice an email to denise’s assistant about having problems to download for free on amazon a novella (in france it wasn’t free) she was really nice, polite and a great help.
Thank you for the last novella, it was a good transition to rose’s new adventures. I must tell that skeeter wasn’t a favourite until 34, now i want only skeeter pov… thank you once again, i’m about to buy family jewels! And faint from joy. Bisous from france.
So sorry that you’ve had to go the abuse because some people don’t know how to read. I’ve never had a problem accessing the novellas other than not reading the instructions fully, my fault not yours. I absolutely love the novellas and the POV’s in them, doesn’t matter to me how they come out I will pay for them plus you benefit that way. I agree with Stephne B, Jed first and then Mason. Please and thank you! We love you, Denise!
James, of course. Intriguing character.
Like so many have said already, I’m sorry you and your assistant had to put with angry emails when you so willing provided your writing for free. Thank you for that and for sharing your love of your characters. I will also willing pay for the novellas (have already pre-ordered Trailer Trash: Neely Kate).
Exposed series POV’s……Jed, Kate and Maude….maybe some more from Joe and Mason too.
I have enjoyed them. Sorry that some people were not happy. I like hearing about all of the characters so any are fine with me.
I enjoyed all of the novellas very much. Sorry that some people have had problems. I will pay for them.
I have loved all of your novellas, thank you so much. And I’d say James and Jed for the Exposed series, I can’t get enough of them.
Rose and James and Neely Kate with Jed bring it on I’m move than ready
I think we’ve heard enough from Joe and Mason…Maeve, to me, may be a bit boring.
I’m not interested in Jed’s character at all….yet. His character interests me as much as Anna and Jessica.
I would like to see a novella on Kate. How exciting it would be to know her back story, her POV and to dive into the mind of a person who has a few screws loose. Since the letters from Kate are going to play a part in future books, it’d be nice to know more about their source. She’s mysterious and interesting, in my opinion.
James: While waiting for the next book, I’m going to start at 28.5 and read all the books all over again. I was not expecting this at all. I’ve been picturing Skeeter Malcolm looking like Boss Hog from Dukes of Hazzard (an older, extremely heavy, sweaty man in a bar) this whole time and it grossed me out that Rose was looking at him differently. Then, I read his description in this book and I’m floored. How can a good looking guy have the nickname “Skeeter” ? I need to re-read these books from the beginning and picture him differently so my perspective on things will change. I would like to read a Novella on him if he lets us inside his feelings more than his history.
I don’t mind paying for the novellas. They help ease the pain of having to wait so long for the next book. I’d like more of them to help the time go by faster. So, if it helps DGS avoid the issues and frustration of the free newsletter ones and makes the time go by faster…I’m all for it.
DGS: What actor(s) closely resemble what the main characters look like?
This is what I picture them looking like:
Skeeter: Was Boss Hog…now probably Theo James
Jonah: “Han” from 2 Broke Girls
Joe: James Marsden
Mason: Chris Evans
Maeve: Doris Roberts
Rose: Rachel Weisz
Neely Kate: Scarlett Johansson
Am I close ?
Interesting! I too would like Kate featured. I will be going back to reread some books as well. I love these books.
Its such a shame that some folk gave you a hard time when you generously provided the novellas for free. I love every book and novella in the series. I’m relishing Family Jewels, the anticipation was killing me.
I’d love you to do Skeeter/James, Jed and Mason.
Please keep on writing the Rose Gardner & Neely Kate books. I have read your other series and enjoyed them but RG et al are the best. I love your work and will happily pay.
Thanks Denise for all of your wonderful efforts.Sorry that some feel it is ok to abuse others .I am more than happy to pay for the privilege to read your stories & character back stories.I would like to know more about Jed.
Hello Denise,
I am sorry that you received angry complains, personally the only difficulty I found was working on the small phone screen to get them but obviously that’s not your fault, besides it was worth the effort if at the end we could enjoy the novella for free. Anyway I can’t say I am not sorry that we won’t get them anymore tbut totally understand your decision. By the way I happily received Family Jewels on Nov, 29 and read it within 24 hours! I was a little disappointed by Skeeter behaviour as I was hoping we could finally see Rose and him together: can’t wait to read #2 hoping for new events, any chance it will come out earlier than July? As far as NK I already booked your next Novella and the charachter I would like to know more is Jed! Thanks as Always for all your hardwork and looking for further reading you!
Barbara Machetti
Thank you for allowing me to join the readers community. I have read all of the Rose Gardner books and novellas several times. Each time I enjoy them just as much as the first. Love all of the characters, my favourites aside from Rose, Mason and Maeve are, Joe, Jed, Skeeter and Bruce Wayne. Would love to read more about Mason’s life in Little Rock before Rose. I’m also eagerly awaiting the Magnolia Steele third book Call Back in February 2017.
Thank you for keeping the Rose Gardner series going with new characters. You have given me many hours of enjoyment as well as nervous breakdowns waiting for the next one to come out. I would love a novella in James Malcom. I’m praying for a Rose/James romance.But your the writer I will continue to follow no matter what happens. Thank again keep up the good work
First of all, I am happy to purchase the novellas! Second, I just finished reading Family Jewels and I will need to see a sneak preview or something of the next installment because I don’t think I can hold out until July. I cannot get enough of Rose and Skeeter. I stayed up reading until 2 a.m. – could not put it down.
I really like the new series. I had a minor panic attack when I read that you were ending the Rose Gardner books until I read further about your idea to continue Rose in a new series. I love the idea and I believe it was the best way to continue Rose’s story because there is so much more left for her and the other characters to tell.
What a fabulous idea for the new novellas to delve into one character’s point of view! Again, I need more Skeeter/James! I have been rooting for Rose and Skeeter for a while and would love to have more insight into such a complex, tormented character.
Please please please more rose and James I agree these books should come with instructions for withdrawal can’t wait for the next one. This series is even better than the rose Gardner series. I to was afraid when that series ended but this new one had me going insane reading it could not put it down read it about five times already.
I completely agree! I am OBSESSED with their relationship and can’t wait to see how it develops. I really need this series to turn into a TV show or something!
James!
People always find something to complain about. I for one am very grateful for your attempt at giving us a sneak peek. Sorry you were the one who got the backlash. Please keep writing I would be very lost without your work.
Happy New Year Denise!
I’m sorry that they’re won’t be any more free novellas. I enjoyed them and didn’t find it tedious to read them online within the required time slot. I don’t understand why people would send you angry emails. Honestly people, get a life!
I would love to read POV from the following characters – not necessarily in that order – Jed, James and Kate. I also hope Rose & James’s relationship will grow into something other than friendship.
Happy New Year Denise
I really can’t believe some people, and sorry you and your assistant had to go through that.
I have read all your books and love them all in different ways, but to me Rose and her friends are the best.
I would love to see Rose and James together also Neely Kate and Jed.
Take care
I’m such big fan of yours!!! I love rose a lot!! I want to thank you for creating such an awesome character n I’m eagerly waiting for your upcoming novels ..All the best n are u planning to visit India?? N I would love to see Jed, James n Bruce Wayne exposed novella
WOULD LOVE TO SEE ROSE/JAMES MORE PERMANENT INVOLVED ROMANCE.
THOUGHT YOU WOULD HAVE DONE THAT HAVING ROSE TAKE THE INITIATIVE
THE NIGHT SHE UNDER JAMES PROTECTION.
I have never written to an author before so I’m not sure of the protocol. I have just finished reading the series for a second time after a year in between and caught up on all the new books. Here are my thoughts for what it’s worth.
1. None of the guys in the series so far are equal to or up to par for Rose. They are all out for something from her and will not last in the long term. Don’t bring Mason back. He had his chance and blew it. Same with James. He doesn’t give back emotionally. Rose deserves better.
2. Rose did really well with writing things down and making a list. That’s what started the series. I think it’s time for a second list as she is reviewing where she is in her life now.
3. I like Maeve. She seems like a safe port for everyone. I sense that she doesn’t really understand her gift of sensing things. In the past, she has probably learned to not mention it. I would like to see her be able to explore it and expand.
4. Neely Kate’s family is interesting. I’m sure not all of them are short on IQ. I’d like to see more on Witt. I’d bet he still watches out for Neely Kate and knows more about what’s going on.
5. What the story with Scooter? You’ve talked about the family members of the other main characters but not James. Scooter has to have been involved at some time. I’d bet he’s as smart as James but just chose a different path.
6. You definitely need to do Kate’s story. Why is she so set on destroying others lives? Why is she so angry with Neely Kate?
7. Violet needs some closure to her situation. I know she’s a secondary character but you need to bring her back in and tie up the loose ends.
8. What’s up with Dr. Romero, the vet. He’s much too accepting of the stuff going on during the first date. He acts too unconcerned to not be involved.
9. I’d like to see Jed become an equal partner with James. He has started to make some independent decisions that go against what he is told to do. He is smart/ and has been with James long enough, they should be equals. I also like him with Neely Kate.
10. Office Miller needs a story line. Bring him out from behind the scenes.
11. Last but not least, I love Miss Mildred and her cronies. Did you ever watch “The North Avenue Irregulars” by Disney? You have all the characters to go for a really good time.
I love this series. Keep up the intrigue.
I would really love to know how Mason is doing. I still hope that they eventually see each other and get back together. Also I would love to see Joe with a love interest. Makes me sad to think he’s still hooked up with Rose when everyone knows that it’s not gonna happen between them.
I am most interested in learning about James Malcom! His character intrigues me and in a way I am rooting for him and Rose romantically if I’m honest. I would also love to know more about Jed. I keep trying to develop an image of them in my head, to see what you see, and I am struggling! I wish I had a visual of all of them, to see how you have created the character. I really wish this entire series would be made into a TV show, mini series, or even a movie!
I would really like if there will be a novella with Skeeter/James POV and also please let there be a Rose and Skeeter relationship. I miss them now and can’t wait for the next installment of the Rose Anne Gardner Investigations. I presume that there will be a story also with Skeeter’s brother.
My dear Denise I am so sorry that some heartless, ungrateful idiots were abusive when they couldn’t follow your simple instructions. I was amazed that you even allowed us to read the brilliant novellas early – and free! – let alone that people would COMPLAIN about the privilege! What a terrible example of “modern society”.
I absolutely love the Rose Gardner series, have read each thrilling instalment over and over and cannot wait for future books to see how Rose ‘s life (and all the other characters’) pans out.
I would love to read a novella on James Malcolm and one on Kate; I think Kate has a heartbreaking depth of pain and sadness and I actually really like her, despite the things she has done.
Thank you so much for bringing Rose into our lives and hearts. Much love, Jo x
I really can’t wait to hear more about Neeley Kate and her love with Jed … I am excited to see where this goes…
Would love to read from James’ point of view!! Love this series! Just finished For the Birds and I can’t wait for the new release!
I would love one for mason and one from skeeter
MASON
Please include one about Mason
I vote Mason…But my daughter votes James.
Sorry to hear so many angry people are writing you. We have been reading this series since almost the beginning & have turned many friends onto it. We have all managed to follow your very clear instructions and have appreciated your generosity to your fans through your novellas as well as the book deals that you frequently run!
I’m late to the game but I second everyone who has suggested Kate.. I want to know how she ended up evil and crazy since she and Joe were close as children.
Definitely James wish it was mutiple pov James,Jed, and Mason so sorry it was so much trouble with the novellas. All of the Rose Gardner series would make an amazing tv series😊😊💛
I have been reading the Rose Gardner series for several years now and have enjoyed them a great deal. I am in the process of reading Up Shute Creek. I am enjoying it. Reading this series takes my mind to wonderful places and at times its hard to put the book down. Thank you Ms Swank for a wonderful series.