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Talk About Heroes! (Please!)
7
Jun
11
Roxanne St Claire Icon

This week, I’m learning the true meaning of a “drop dead deadline.”  If I make the one I’m facing, I’ll probably drop dead from exhaustion. When we’re in this situation here at MSW, sometimes we bloggers run a poll or launch a discussion question.  I’m going to do that today…but I have an ulterior motive.  I need some help for this book.

You see, my hero is not cooperating and I happen to know that is at the root of my problems with this story.  He is steadfastly hiding his true identity, keeping his motivations murky, refusing to buckle to the challenges I give him, shifting his goals from chapter to chapter, and generally eluding my ability to shape him into the guy who is all wrong but still all right for my heroine.  Normally this would not bother me…except I’m on the last 10,000 words.  So, I need some inspiration beyond this — the closest picture I can find that captures this man’s attitude and looks. But heroes are not built on attitude and looks alone. As Rod Stewart sings in one of my favorite old songs, Cut Across Shorty, “they have to have that certain something that can’t be found in books.”

Except my job is to make sure that something is found in books, and it has to include the right conflict, backstory, goals, and motivation.  And lips like this.

This, friends, is Clay Walker, a southern boy who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “can’t.” He’s an architect…kind of. He hasn’t quite passed the board certification, so my slightly older heroine is conflicted about hiring him. And doing other things with him. Wouldn’t you be? (No, that is not the discussion question. Wipe your drool and keep reading.)

When I think about those heroes who stole my breath and my heart, the first to come to mind are a few created by Linda “Man, Can That Woman Write Men” Howard.   My friend and I used to have a running joke about LH books:  Oh, was there a heroine in that story? No offense to Linda Howard, but I don’t remember the names of her heroines. But I will never forget John Medina in All The Queen’s Men or Sam Donovan in Mr. Perfect.  (Orange juice, anyone?)

To get a hero right, there’s a lot of digging and unpeeling (not just clothes) and chiseling at his exterior that has to happen.  Every once in a while, on the well-behaved and wonderful books that we sometimes call a “gimme” book, a hero will show up fully formed.  For example, when I sat down to write Zach Angelino, the hero of Edge of Sight, and one of the anchor characters for The Guardian Angelino series, I was ready to write one of “my” kind of guys.  Sure, they’re all different, but my heroes share many traits: fearlessness, confidence, intelligence, wit, washboard abs, and, of course, a face that could melt your heart.

I expected Zach to be no different, except that when I got to the page where he was introduced, he was different than any other hero I’d ever written.  I knew it as the words planted in my head and I had to type them.  Dang, this wasn’t in the story outline that was approved.  This wasn’t in the plans.  But that hero just wouldn’t come out of the shadows, literally.  In the first scene, he just wouldn’t reveal himself to the heroine.   Why?

When I had him step out of the darkness into the moonlight so she could see him, I was not happy.  I was, in fact, as shocked as my heroine, who’d known and loved him before his last tour of duty.  This man is scarred, I realized.  Not just scarred, but ruined, with one eye missing, and a slash down his cheek. I remember staring at the computer screen and thinking, Zach, please don’t do this to me.  I like picture perfect guys.  I can’t write a wounded hero.  I want to spend at least a whole day cruising Hot Guy Sites on the internet looking for your likeness.  I want to fall in love with you, Zach, not be ashamed of you. And by the end, I truly did love him.  In fact, my scarred and wounded hero turned into a RITA nominee, so he kind of loved me right back.

Here’s my question with an obvious plea for inspiration:  What is it about certain heroes that makes them unforgettable?  Why do some jump off the page and rip out our hearts and take complete ownership of our soul?  Who are your favorite heroes and why?

I want everyone to know the thrill of an unforgettable hero (and, honestly, there were really terrific heroines in these books, too) so I’m going to treat one commenter to brand new copies of All The Queen’s Men

and Mr. Perfect, two gems created by one of my unforgettable hero-creating idols, Linda Howard.

Talk about heroes! (Please.)

 

 

 

 

© 2011, Roxanne St. Claire. All rights reserved.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at 6:11 am and is filed under Roxanne St Claire. Tags: . You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times bestselling, RITA-Award winning author of nearly thirty novels of romance and suspense. The author of two popular romantic suspense series, The Bullet Catchers and The Guardian Angelinos, Roxanne is hard at work on new books for 2012, which will include the launch of a contemporary series, Barefoot Bay, and her first young adult novel, Don't You Wish, and a brand new stand-alone romantic suspense, Space in His Heart. A five-time RITA nominee, Roxanne's books have won the National Readers Choice Award, the Daphne Du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best, the Book Buyers Best, The HOLT Medallion, multiple Awards of Excellence, and Borders "Top Pick"" for Romance in 2007. She lives in Florida with her husband, two teenagers, and one impossibly cute Australian Terrier named Pepper.

84 comments to “Talk About Heroes! (Please!)”

  1. 1

    I’m not very much like most people I know. I like Beta Males more than Alpha Males, so I guess my perfect heroe is one who is strong willed, but not overbearing. Who stands by the heroine’s side, and whose strength jumps out at you from out of nowhere, but who at the same time gives space for the heroine to be confident and strong herself.
    A good chivalry man is always welcome, but when it’s too much, it just turns me down.
    Still, sometimes I fall in love with the aplha types. My favourites are:
    - Red, from Juliet Marillier’s “The Daughter of the Forest”
    - Sirius Black, from J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter”
    - Zhadist, from J.R. Ward’s “BlackDagger Brotherhood;
    - Dresden, from Jim Butcher’s “Dresden Files”
    - The Prince, from Patrice Kindl’s “Goose Chase”
    - Constantine, from Robin McKinley’s “Sunshine”;
    - Richard, from Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere”;
    - Sam, from Maggie Stiefvater’s “Shiver” (it’s YA, but I really liked his character);

    Oh, and I hope you find your heroe’s ways. :)

    by Ana C. Nunes June 7th, 2011 at 6:58 am
    • 1.1

      Ana, I really think that a beta hero in the right author’s hands is truly a thing of beauty. I also find it interesting that this is the first comment because this guy I’m writing is about the closest thing to a beta I’ve ever done, and that might be why I’m struggling so. Great comment, thank you! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 8:08 am
    • 1.2

      He’s not just a hero, he’s a superhero. He embodies what superheroes usually are: tall, dark, and handsome. With a persona that’s larger then life: mysterious, powerful, fearless, with a dash of bruteness or wittiness. Oh, and let’s not forget his arsenal of wealth. However, despite all of that the hero doesn’t captivate me until I see his vulnerability. His lose of control when he’s around the heroine. And when he harnesses his awesome superhero abilities (as listed above), to protect her, please her and win her. Yes, that is when I fall in love with him.
      Since, we’re on the Linda Howard bandwagon, one of her many heroes that I happen to love is Diaz from Cry No More. He’s the strong and really silent type, and when he loves his woman he doesn’t say it, he just her tampons when she needs it, does her laundry and makes sweet, sweet love to her, for her sake (sigh).

      by Carine Esther June 7th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
      • 1.2.1

        Oh Carine, I may have to print out your comment and tape it to the wall. Lovely! And Diaz in CRY NO MORE was awesome, awesome, sexy, and more awesome. I forgot how much I loved that book, but oh my heavens did I cry. Also KISS ME WHILE I SLEEP – she had me at the end of that one. I really thought he killed her and this would be the one LH romance without a happy ending. That is some mad writing talent, there. xo

        by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
  2. 2

    Hi Roxanne
    Great post! I love alpha heroes that are contrasted with a certain vulnerability, like they’re nice guys too. They are dads, brothers, friends. The biggest contrast in a hero, alpha/vulnerable, was Thomas in Beth Kery’s Explosive. Just a great balance for me. Tortured heroes are irresistible as well like Thomas & Zach in EOS. I’m glad I read your prequel first though, so I knew who Zach was & who he became.

    by Mary G June 7th, 2011 at 7:00 am
  3. 3

    BTW I just came back from Lori Foster’s Get Together in Cincy. I went to the book exchange to find more of your backlist. No one brought theirs because they are keepers dammit LOL.

    AND Don’t enter me on the LH books – have both of them.

    by Mary G June 7th, 2011 at 7:03 am
  4. 4

    I’m one of the least feminine girls around, but even I’ve got that gut-level desire to protect and nurture the wounded hero :)

    One reason I don’t read romances is that I don’t usually buy that a leopard’s going to change his spots. Writer’s got to lay some really deep, solid groundwork to convince me of that.

    Hope that helps.

    by L Blankenship June 7th, 2011 at 7:18 am
  5. 5

    I personally have a weakness for tortured heroes. I like the guys to be rough around the edges and a little dark. They have to be very Alpha and dominant. They are usually protective and a bit possessive. Confident men are sexy. A brave hero is even better.

    That is my description of the perfect hero. Any guy like that would make me weak in the knees. A truly unforgettable character.

    by StacieDM June 7th, 2011 at 7:24 am
    • 5.1

      Confidence and courage are sexy…but you know what? I’m writing a contemporary romance with no dead bodies, no suspense, and no flying bullets. So *showing* confidence and courage is a lot harder, because it has to be done, as the Wicked Witch says, deeelllllllicately. Good comment! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 8:11 am
    • 5.2

      The Alpha male is always a huge hit, I know. You know who KILLS it with the alpha hero? Kresley Cole. OMG, that woman can write a possessive, cocky, bone-meltingly sexy hero! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
  6. 6

    yup, love me some wounded warriors. the emotional scars are the best. they just speak to me for some reason. zach is one of the most memorable characters, probably because he was exceedingly perfect looking and is now damaged. such an amazing story. another zach, who is damaged in different ways, is Pam Clare’s Breaking Point. godd stuff!

    by kris June 7th, 2011 at 7:55 am
    • 6.1

      Kris, I so wish the prequel to EDGE could have been in the book. I do believe it changes the experience of the book for a lot of readers, since I’ve heard from so many after they read the prequel.

      I’ve only read one Pam Clare book and it was great, but haven’t read the latest. More to download when I’m done writing! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 8:14 am
  7. 7

    I love a strong hero but he’s also not afraid to show emotions. I also love a hero that will laugh at himself too. Some of the authors that I love their hero’s and have reread a lot of their books are Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz, Lori Foster, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan.

    by Sherry S. June 7th, 2011 at 8:08 am
    • 7.1

      I LOVE a hero who laughs at himself. That was probably why I enjoyed writing Colton Lang (Face of Danger) so much. And, yes, JAK does a GREAT hero, as do the others you mentioned! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 8:15 am
  8. 8

    I don’t know what makes the perfect hero for me except that I know him when I see him.

    Here’s a few of my favs:

    Rochester from Jane Eyre.
    Russell Crowe’s character in Proof of Life
    Robin Hood
    Hank Rearden from Atlas Shrugged
    Wolverine from X-Men
    Tybalt from the October Daye series
    Gary Cooper in High Noon

    It’s an eclectic list, but all of them work for me. =o)

    by B.E Sanderson June 7th, 2011 at 8:19 am
  9. 9

    I don’t mind Alpha if the male is trying to protect, not dominate. One of my favorites is not a book hero but TV, as in both Castle and Firefly. Some is in the writing, and some is the actors ability to capture the humor and vulnerability of a strong male.

    The same thing happens with the sheriff in Eureka.

    by Carol Shenold June 7th, 2011 at 8:55 am
  10. 10

    I’m a beta lover, too. Not overly fond of heroes who can do absolutely everything and do it well. I want them pushed to do things they can’t do. And not only in “dangerous” situations. I want to push my claustrophobic hero into an elevator because the woman he loves works on the 42nd floor. Yeah, he has the job skills, but it’s when a hero has to go beyond them that things get interesting.

    But — all time favorite hero: Roarke. He carries Eve’s button in his pocket.

    Terry
    Terry’s Place

    by Terry Odell June 7th, 2011 at 9:42 am
  11. 11

    Good luck in the home stretch, Rocki. As for me…I can’t torment my heroes enough. I like them so damaged they’re shredded and gasping for air and don’t know what hit them. I may, ah, take it a little too far sometimes.

    You know what hero just popped into my head? Probably not useful for you, but I love Mal in Firefly, the way he can never find the words to talk to Inara, yet you can *feel* his torment every time she’s nearby. She literally takes all his powers away – and he’s the most heroic of heroes in all other settings. I guess there’s a reason that guy has a cult following, but he’s SOOOO much better in Firefly than Castle (based on the couple episodes I’ve seen…my *real* favorite “character” in that show was Michael Connelly. :)

    by sophie littlefield June 7th, 2011 at 10:40 am
  12. 12

    I like strong heroes who love animals. I just started reading Nora Roberts’ “The Search” and the hero does not like the puppy who is eating his house and car (literally) but I know that he will like that puppy at some point. A love of animals is something that I think can be shown in any genre….you don’t have to be writing an adventures/suspense/bullets flying type of story to throw in something to do with animals.

    For the adventure hero: I’ve always loved Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt. :)

    by Linda McDonald June 7th, 2011 at 10:50 am
    • 12.1

      OMG there is nothing sweeter than a man with a dog. The only time I’ve done that story is in Face of Danger – Lang with little dachshund Stella was a BLAST to write. Especially because the dog hated the heroine, LOL. xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
  13. 13

    Well… I kind of think that “unforgettable” heroes are more about the reader than the author, or at least they are for me. What do I mean by that? Like… the heroes who are unforgettable, to me, are the ones who are like the guys I, Barbie, like in real life. Of course, the author makes the character, but what I mean is that we’ll like heroes that appeal to us as people, if they’re the kind of guys we like, which is why different heroes appeal to different women.

    I absolutely ADORE Allison Brennan’s Sean Rogan. Why? He’s annoying as hell. He’s slightly arrogant. He’s stubborn. He’s playful. That’s the kind of guy I like for myself. I love a guy who’ll spend all his energy arguing about a point he doesn’t believe in just to tick you off. He reminds so much of my ex boyfriend (I’ll get over him someday — Bruno, not Sean). So, yeah.

    I like annoying heroes much more than strong, protector heroes. Which is why I prefer Con to Dan, or Marc to Zach. Because annoying is the one thing I really, really like in a guy in real life (yeah, I know, I have issues). I LOVE AND ADORE your Lang because he argues with Vivi all the time. Who doesn’t love a hero who argues???

    Having said that, I have a really soft spot for Karen Rose’s Abe Reagan, who’s not as annoying or stubborn, but is still a smartass.

    So, yeah. Know what I mean, though? I guess the unforgettable heroes for us, are the heroes that are like the guys we like in real life, so, it’s really personal for person to person. I bet “annoying hero” isn’t really hot in the hero market, but it’s about the most important thing to me.

    ps: Don’t die, Rocki. I’d miss you sooooo much!

    by Barbie June 7th, 2011 at 11:13 am
  14. 14

    This is karma. Just yesterday I was searching the internet for classic love stories for my next MS. I found all the great ones, but the few that stuck out were Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Darcy and Elizabeth, Helen of Troy and Paris. I have an idea for a YA romance and I wanted to see why the great stories worked so well.

    I decided after rereading the stories that women want to fix things. A man needs to have a crack of some kind, physical, psychological or an imperfection in their personality (like Darcy and his snap judgments). If there is nothing broken, the man is just a man, not a hero – tragic or otherwise. And, it may be the hero’s fault/imperfection, but woman wants to overcome it and thus heal, or ignore (as in Catherine with Heathcliff) her own faults.

    I bought THE BARGAIN by Mary Jo Putney on a whim, because you can do that with a Nook, and I LOVED it! Lots of good faults everyone is overcoming.

    Good luck. I know your pain – not the deadline pain – the other one.

    by Shannon June 7th, 2011 at 11:19 am
  15. 15

    I love tortured heroes as much as the next chick, but I really love guys who seem outwardly confident and get knocked on their ass or are taken down a peg or two by a woman. Then they are so…shocked by how much they feel for that woman, and what they would do for that woman to make her happy.

    by Lori Armstrong June 7th, 2011 at 11:22 am
  16. 16

    Good luck on the deadline. I’m reading all these answers, trying to learn :-)

    My favorite heroes are dark, tortured and have a heart that refuses to turn evil. But that’s so easy to say and so hard to show.

    by Jennifer Lyon June 7th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
  17. 17

    Roarke in the IN DEATH series. Most. Perfect. Hero. Ever. Rich. Sexy. Intelligent. Dark. Mysterious. Loves Eve with passion.

    My perfect heroes are smart. I like smart guys. :)

    For Clay, I don’t see him as former military. I see him as someone who lost something dear to him, long ago, so he doesn’t really know how much it affected him. Or if he does know, he doesn’t admit it to anyone. And I would ask WHY he didn’t get board certified if he was so close.

    I know you’ll nail him. Figuratively, of course!!! :) … you always do, Rocki!

    by Allison Brennan June 7th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
    • 17.1

      All right, I’m down loading the first In Death book next week, the minute I turn this one in. I’m sick of hearing about this Roarke guy and not experiencing him!

      Clay’s DEFINITELY not ex-military and yes, the fact that he didn’t get board certified when he was so close is key to his whole character. I’ve got that figured out, I think. He’s just a wily one. I’m playing with him now and think I’m working it out. I hope…xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
  18. 18

    Okay, I’ll just say that while Zach was an amazing guy, I fell harder for Colton. I loved the way Face of Danger peeled away layer after layer to expose the true hero, a man who was exactly right for Vivi. And this post has reminded me that there’s so much more than awesome good looks that goes into the perfect hero. Thanks, Rocki! Love the post.

    by Leigh Duncan June 7th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
    • 18.1

      Oh, Leigh, thank you! And thank you for stopping by ON YOUR RELEASE DAY!!! Want to read a great hero, guys? Run, don’t walk, and get Leigh’s latest Harlequin American, THE DADDY CATCH. It’s adorable, beautifully written, and takes readers into the gorgeous world of fly fishing, which Leigh magically makes sexier than it might actually be. Congrats on the release, Leigh!! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
  19. 19

    Great topic! I love a hero who can persevere no matter what the world (or the heroine) throws at him. He knows himself, his limits and he’s not afraid to push them, for her. :) I know you’re absolutely gonna get it perfect, Rocki–you ALWAYS do!!! CJ

    by Jan Snyder June 7th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
  20. 20

    I like a little humor in my hero. Not so stuffy and broody. Make me laugh or smile, then beat up those bad guys before they do something, well, bad. And muscles. Muscles are good…

    by Christine June 7th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
    • 20.1

      I like a LOT of humor in my heroes, real and fictional. My husband makes me laugh out loud all the time, and I swear that’s why I married him. (He’s cute and can cook, but those are secondary to the ability to crack me up!) xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
  21. 21

    I love an alpha male who has a weakness that is found out by the heroine or someone he loves. Something the world at large doesn’t know about but it shows a human aspect to them or a soft side. Some alphas are written with an unrealistic aspect as they are too hard, too controlling, too fake. I want to be able to fantasize that they are my man and when they are too fake or unattainable, that is unattractive. Scars, whether emotional or physical reflect a human side. Nobody is perfect and it’s nice to have a hero that shows scars eventually. A hero that loves like there is no tomorrow and when they fall, they fall hard and forever.

    They can’t be controlling in all aspects of life/relationship, but they are extremely protective of those they love and have the need to dominate in bed as well. They have a hard shell on the outside but once you get through the shell, they are warm and soft on the inside.

    by Liz June 7th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
  22. 22

    I don’t know if this counts, but I would say Kvothe from Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of The Wind.

    What makes him so memorable? He does the wrong things for the right reasons.

    As in, attempts to break into the apartment of the guy who stole a ring from the girl that he is obsessed with so he can surprise her with it.

    Of course, the break in goes horribly wrong, but that’s part of the character’s charm, too.

    *This unfunny comment brought to you by a writer who has been spending too much time thinking about writing and not enough time writing.*

    by Patrick Alan June 7th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
    • 22.1

      Never heard of the guy, but it does sound funny. Well, not, funny like I expect from you, but good nonetheless! Now stop thinking and write! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
      • 22.1.1

        Yeah. I am crossing genres for the reference. Its a big doorstop fantasy.

        by Patrick Alan June 7th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
        • 22.1.1.1

          I just read both books in this (trilogy?)… third one not out for a while and Kvothe (pronounced Kote) is so phenomenally memorable. It’s the flaws, though, that create that.

          Not just the vulnerability, though that’s important, but the guy’s flaws and what he tries to do about them that are, for me, the key to him being memorable.

          by Toni McGee Causey June 8th, 2011 at 12:18 am
  23. 23

    I love Dark and Dangerous!! Anne Stuart is a master at this.It’s great when the Hero has alot of angst and things to work through. Also I like hearing things from their side,as well as the heroines, of course. It’s important that there’s a little friction at the start of the relationship, I think it makes a better read.

    by Jacquie Biggar June 7th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
  24. 24

    I know it is un-PC, but I love heroes who let the heroine be who she is. But, they are there if and usually when they fall. It is not so much that the heroine needs saving from the bad guy or the situation as much as she needs saving from herself. Her flaws, her issues, her goals that she just needs that little belief the hero has in her to get her to the point she needs to be.

    by Jill James June 7th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
  25. 25

    Flawed, damaged, screwed up heroes are great because they give the heroine something to work with. Plus, what woman with her own flaws wants to be paired with Mr. Perfect and constantly be reminded of her own short comings? I love a hero with issues. Which is not to say I don’t enjoy a greater beta too – but they’ve got to have something to work through. I think readers want to see growth. The possibility of change.

    by Kristen Painter June 7th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
    • 25.1

      That’s so true, Kristen – he’s got to change. So if he’s too perfect to start out, there’s no where to take him. (Other than, you know, the shower or the shed.) xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
  26. 26

    i love an alpha hero. one thats a bad boy that you want to tame. :) i like it when they’re not perfect and have flaws.

    by shadow June 7th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
  27. 27

    I like heroes who are completely confident in their world until the heroine comes along and upsets their balance, or the heroes who have had a tough childhood/some kind of trauma, but strive to overcome the angst to be honorable men. Some of my favorites are:
    Suzanne Brockmann’s Kenny, Izzy and Stan
    Your Colton Lang *swoon*
    Kaylea Cross’ Rhys from Relentless and Luke from Absolution
    Jill Shalvis’ Ford from The Sweetest Thing
    Cynthia Eden’s Zane from Eternal Flame
    Jill Shalvis’ Brady from Animal Magnetism
    Tara Janzen’s Christian from Crazy Hot
    Cindy Gerard’s Johnny from Whisper No Lies

    All of these guys have some issues, and they are all just undone by the heroine. Most of all, be they alpha, or mostly beta with alpha moments, they have honor when it counts.

    by Sharon June 7th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
  28. 28

    I loved Zach, FYI. But then I like my men rugged and worldly (even if they’re otherworldly). The pretty ones, the ones who should be on the cover of CQ make me nervous. Are they players? What is it they want? Can they be trusted? (I don’t like perfect looking heroines for the same reason lol)

    The scarred hero, whether those wounds are inside or out, is the one who had lived, has lost, and it’s that depth of experience that draws me. I’m going to head into Louis L’Armour western territory. Tell Sackett is a man who still makes me want to wrap my arms around him and tell him he is worthy of being loved. This is a man who die protecting the woman he loves. This is a man who would kill for the woman he loves. I’m shallow enough to admit I *want* to be the woman he loves. LOL

    The hero who walks into the bar and every man there looks up and wants to buy him a beer, or get the hell out of his way? Yeah, that’s the hero for me. He’s got a story to tell, but he’d rather go to his grave than spill it. Only that one special woman will be able to heal those scars, and only have a lot of fighting to do it. If she has her own secrets, then all the better. They can heal together. That’s what brings tears to my eyes. That’s what keeps me turning the pages.

    And that’s what you gals here at MSW do so well. (And I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never read either of those books of Linda’s. I really should rectify that one day soon. *blush*)

    by Silver James June 7th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
    • 28.1

      You would LOVE those books, Silver. And can I just say – you are SUCH a good writer that I read your post twice, just for the beauty of the writing! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
      • 28.1.1

        Ack! Considering all the typos? I went back and reread and cringed. I really must learn to proof read my “first drafts”! ;)

        Thank you, Rocki. Coming from you, that’s an honor!

        by Silver James June 7th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
  29. 29

    well i am a big fan of the Alpha’s the hero’s etc. I love your stuff so i like all that. I love Linda Howard’s Mr Perfect. Laugh your butt off funny and yes please to the OJ. lol I have no idea what to say about a beta male though Rocki. I sit here thinking and nothing comes to mind.

    Lisa B

    by Lisa B June 7th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
    • 29.1

      Yep, you like alphas. I think the OJ drinking moment is a CLASSIC. I read Mr. Perfect way back before I was published, and it was seriously eye-opening for me. A romantic suspense can have humor! Lots of it! I really loved every word of that book. xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 7th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
  30. 30

    I just read Mr Perfect because you had mentioned it before! Absolutely loved it an Sam was definitely memorable. He was so arrogant and miserable in the beginning, then he was tough and sexy. I think that’s what makes a hero memorable. He can’t just be sexy, for me there’s gotta be some emotion there from him. Like Luke in Nora’s Honest illusions.

    by Nicole June 7th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
    • 30.1

      Ooh, so glad to have introduced you to one of my favorites. Sam was so surly in the beginning, I couldn’t believe he was the hero. I forgot about Honest Illusions – that’s the circus one, right? I just read Water For Elephants (amazing) and now I want to read more circus books. xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 8th, 2011 at 6:20 am
      • 30.1.1

        Yep! I love circus books! SEPs Kiss An Angel started my love affair with circus books. It’s one of my all time faves.

        by Nicole June 8th, 2011 at 8:14 am
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    Their attitude, their behavior, their mind, actions, all these things can make a man and turn him into a someone memorable.
    I don’t have a favorite one there are too many but Roarke from the In Death series by JD Robb is a good example.

    by Diane Sadler June 7th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
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    I am not real sure what makes the perfect hero for me but I do know that I love a strong hero, one that is kind to the heroine. He also has to have flaws. Sometimes the more tortured or flawed the hero the better I like them

    by Quilt Lady June 7th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
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    The most memorable hereos have some sort of flaw. These heroes recognize and own the flaw. They are strong for the people around them. They are all larger than life or have something that makes them stand out from the crowd. One good example is Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon. One of my favorite lead heroines of all time is Phedre from Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s series. Thanks for the giveaway.

    by Jen B. June 7th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
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    Tortured heroes get me. Every. Time. The one’s that are jaded, broody… the one’s that really, really need love. Bad. I’m pretty sure that’s why the Beast and Edward Cullen are so popular…. ;-)

    by Chelsea B. June 8th, 2011 at 12:35 am
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    I’m a fan of the Rhett Butler kind of hero. The kind who may say they don’t give a damn, but are really just saying that from hurt. From a place of vulnerability.

    by Mary Preston June 8th, 2011 at 2:46 am
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    I actually spent the day thinking about this. Just didn’t comment on time -)
    Count me for the Roarke alpha too! Another one I love–Adrik Wilder from Christina Dodd’s “Into the Shadow”
    Arrogance, not evil-just lives on the dark side, takes what he wants. As he pushes his heroine out the back of a tent (to save her), he tells her to survive, because one day I’ll find you again. He does and then we learn about his transformation.
    Must admit, I love me some Jack Culver too!

    by Catherine June 8th, 2011 at 7:00 am
    • 36.1

      Oooh, Jack Culver. Thank you, Catherine! When Jack appeared on the page, everything I thought I knew about Lucy Sharpe changed in an instant!

      I finished a book last night and tonight, I’m downloading the first “in death” book…and so I start! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire June 8th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
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    I’m with Terry…..Roarke became my all time favourite hero way back in “Naked in Death” when he keeps Eve’s button and I’ve loved him ever since. I also like Nalini Singh’s alpha heroes in her Psy series and Linda Howard’s heroes have provided many hours of enjoyment…..

    by Karen G June 8th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
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    Go, Rocki, go!

    by Debra Webb June 8th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
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    OMG, I love Linda Howard! The first book of her’s I picked up, or actually my husband picked it for me, was Death Angel and I fell in love with her writing style and I’ve been going through and trying to get my hands on as much of her backlist as I can. I am totally in love with the bad boy attitudes. Give me a tortured soul, someone who walks the edge of the line, kind of a loner, and in walks the heroine who throws him through a loop and he’s dealing with all these alien feelings. I love watching him come out on top and love seeing that vulnerable quality in him

    by Jolene A June 10th, 2011 at 3:39 pm