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Thursday, March 01, 2007

SMOOTH-TALKING, HEARTSTOPPING, HUNKY HEROES AND WHY WE LOVE EM!


What makes a hero? Are they real or fantasy? I say, they are both. As a writer, I love inventing hot, sexy, passionate, take-charge men who know who they are. They are definitely rough around the edges. They are seriously appealing. Men who shield their heart and emotions. They are not your everyday run of the mill man. They don't send flowers. But they'll do something unique that will make the heroine fall a little bit in love with them, even though she knows she shouldn't.

In Fortune's Vengeful Groom, Reese Parker makes no mild gesture to Eliza. No, he has an agenda of his own, so he tempts her with something he knows she can't resist. He's about as unyeilding as they come, wanting revenge. A true hero shows only a small measure of himself to the heroine, and slowly, little by little, his defenses against her crumble. It's that slow melting down that romance readers cheer on and hope for.

I love my western cowboy heroes. There's no doubt about that. But heroes, whether contemporary or historical have many things in common. They are strong in body and mind. They show little outside emotion, but we know what they're thinking, by the arch of an eyebrow, the ticking of their jaw, the swagger of their walk. They ooze sex appeal. In short, heroes have MAJOR ATTITUDE.



For me, the key to a really great story is a really hunky, jaw-dropping, what's-he-going-to-do next hero. I love heroes who never doubt themselves. They are cocky, determined, strong-willed, intelligent, confident men who know exactly what they want. Often time, their attitude defines them. They rarely show the true measure of their emotions to anyone, until they meet our heroine. They don't like that there's a woman out there who can steal into their hearts and bring them to their knees. Yep, loving the right woman can do that. And it's a joy to see our heroes fall in love, the rollercoaster ride of emotions is an E-Ticket. (and I'm not speaking of electronics here).

Some of my own personal favorites from my stories are of course, Reese Parker in my latest release, but I did love Jake Griffin in Expecting the Cowboy's Baby. Kane Jackson, in Renegade Wife and Sam Beaumont in Bunking Down with the Boss. BTW, Sam's brother's story is coming this June in Between the CEO's Sheets.


So, tell me who are your favorite heroes?
What traits do you look for in a hero? And if you've read Fortune's Vengeful Groom, what was it about Reese Parker that you liked the most?

13 comments:

Charlene Sands said...

Hi Cherie,
I agree. I love reading those Alpha males! But writing them can be tricky. They have to be so cooool all the time, until they finally let the heroine in.

Thanks for posting and send me your email addy (I don't get it here) at charlenesands@hotmail.com
for your book choice!

Meljprincess said...

Hi Charlene,
I like a hero who's intelligent, witty, and patient. I don't like them to be abusive in any way.
I have not read FVG but I'm sure Reese is a good man. :-)

Melissa
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

Charlene Sands said...

Hi Melissa,
Reese Parker is patient in that he's waited six years to take his revenge! He's a good man, but we don't see that until later on. The fun is letting my hero show us who he really is in measured increments. The love of a good woman always breaks down my heroes' hard walls of defense.

Carol M said...

I haven't read Fortune's Vengeful Groom. It sounds very good! I agree with you Mel. Those are good qualities in a hero. :)

Carol M said...

Sorry, I forgot my email address.

mittens0831 AT aol DOT com

Carol M said...

I'm very forgetful! lol I forgot to post that Roarke from J.D. Robb's In Death series is my favorite hero. He's perfect! lol

Charlene Sands said...

Carol,
I haven't read Nora's Roarke hero, but I hear great things about him! But Nora's heroes are always memorable!

Carol M said...

Hi Charlene,
You have to read the In Death series. I'm really enjoying it but then I do love Nora's books!

Thank you! I sent you an email.

catslady said...

I haven't read Fortune's Vengeful Groom or the Nora books - I need to to get out and buy more books lol. I think a hero is someone that doesn't put himself first.

catslady said...

Oh and here is my email address if needed: catslady5 at aol.com

CrystalGB said...

Reese is a great alpha male. Strong, complicated with hidden layers that only his lady will get to explore. Having a alpha male who is a cowboy makes my heart race. Love the cowboys. :)

Charlene Sands said...

Crystal,

I love those cowboys too. I'm always finding ways to make my heroes have at least a background of ranching or rodeo riding. Nothin' sexier, in my opinion!

Charlene Sands said...

Crystal,

I love those cowboys too. I'm always finding ways to make my heroes have at least a background of ranching or rodeo riding. Nothin' sexier, in my opinion!