Last month I discussed beginning hooks. Equally as important are the hooks at the end of your chapter. I've discovered five categories of end of the chapter hooks. Every chapter should end with a hook that is strong enough to make the reader turn the page. Never wrap up your chapter as though it's the end of your book. You want the reader to wonder what will happen next.

Promise of Sex

Examples:
Joe kissed her sweetly. Then he made his second fantasy come true.
Sue Brockman — Prince Joe

Oliver closed his eyes and gritted his teeth when he felt the touch of her silky panties against his throbbing erection. It was going to be a long night.
Jane Krantz — Wildest Hearts

A Threat of Death (Danger)

Examples:
There was no way he'd reach her in time. She was going to die.
Sue Brockman — Prince Joe

Luke knew he was a dead man.
Debbie Macomber — Sooner or Later

There was a soft laugh; then the line went dead.
Christine Skye — Bride in the Mist

Shock Factor

Examples:
(The heroine who had been convicted of murdering her husband Oliver and was sentenced to Australia has just married the hero. A stranger introduces himself to her new husband.)

“My name is Wentworth,” said the stranger. “Oliver Wentworth. I understand my wife is here.”
Candice Proctor — Night in Eden

(The hero is telling the heroine what happened to his wife.)

“What happened to Emily?” His voice was brutal. “I killed her.”
Susan Wiggs — The Lighthouse Keeper

Ending Question

Examples:
How could he trust her? Did he have a choice?
Janice Kay Johnson — Whose Baby?

But how was he going to hide all his contempt and fury from her?
Diana Palmer — Soldiers of Fortune

Ending with a Prediction

Examples:
She might lose but not without a fight.
Linda Howard — Lady of the West

Things were about to get worse.
Lynn Erickson — The Eleventh Hour