HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO
For your consideration: one anthology with four very different and very hunky men. But as different as they are, they share one thing in common—they’re all heroes. Three of the writers in the anthology AN INVITATION TO SIN, thought it might be fun to talk about the qualities that make up a hero. How, in fact, do we know that heroines are actually holding out for a hero, and not some pale, pathetic imitation?
Sally MacKenzie says:
I think the kind of hero I write must be shaped by the fact I’ve always lived in a sea of testosterone: first a father and two brothers, then a husband and four sons. No sisters, no daughters (but one daughter-in-law now.) I like men, and I think I understand them–until, of course, one of them does something to prove they are indeed an alien species.
My heroes are tall and handsome, of course, but I don’t describe their appearance in great detail–I want my reader to be able to imagine them in a way that most appeals to her. They are smart; they have power and wealth and prestige if not from their pedigree then their character; and they are sexy. Many, many women lust after them–Damian Weston, the Earl of Kenderly and the hero of “The Naked Prince,” was dubbed the Prince of Hearts by the ton–but my heroes don’t become egotistical jerks as a result. They aren’t rakes; they don’t use women. Damian, now bored and annoyed by London society, would rather spend an evening working on his current Latin translation than attend another ball. And they have families–fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts–and friends whom their care about deeply. Damian is attending the house party in “The Naked Prince” solely to protect his friend Stephen Parker-Roth from the machinations of an unscrupulous female.
They know what love is, but haven’t felt true romantic love until they encounter their heroine. And once they do, they are off on a maddening, frustrating, exasperating–and exhilarating ride.
Vanessa Kelly says:
I’m pretty old school when it comes to heroes—historical romance old school. That means I’m a sucker for alpha males, especially the kind who wear leather boots and breeches and tends to fall into the category of rake. To me, there’s nothing more seductive than watching a cynical, hard-ass man, who has vowed never to fall in love, tumble hard for some pert miss, starched-up governess, or crusading bluestocking. These kinds of guys usually need heroines who have a generous heart and lots of empathy, but aren’t willing to put up with bad behavior. Such an equation usually generates tons of heat and conflict and makes for great fun—both for the writer and the reader.
But alpha males have to be more than hard-ass jerks. They must also display a willingness to protect the weak, especially children and dotty old spinsters. Although tough and cynical, they are rarely, if ever, cruel. And if do sometimes stray over the line, they usually suffer paroxysms of remorse over the hurt they’ve inflicted on others—even if they have trouble recognizing that’s what they’re feeling! They must also have a strong sense of honor and a need to see good prevail over evil. Sometimes they might be a bit hard-headed in how they view the world, but our intrepid heroine will eventually point them in the right direction. And, they’ll listen to her.
Captain Christian Archer, the hero of my novella, The Pleasure Of A Younger Lover, is all alpha male in that he is big and strong and very tough. In fact, he’s a soldier. But he is also kind and generous, and very protective of the heroine, whom he’s loved for years. He’s determined to win her and he won’t let any obstacles—even the heroine’s own stubborn rejection of him—stand in his way.
Oh, and there’s one other thing I want in a hero—a sense of humor. If he can make me laugh, then I’m his forever!
Kaitlin says:
When I read a really good romance novel, I always fall a little in love with the hero. The same thing happens when I write. I have to be a little in love with my main male character in order to make him appealing. And what, exactly, makes a hero appealing? For one, they have to be decent guys deep down. They have to respect women and have a sense of humor. Those are my top two qualities. Yes, they can be extremely handsome and wickedly charming and devastatingly sexy, but there has to be a sense that no matter what, they are capable of loving a woman and being the guy who will always do the right thing. Even if they appear to be bad boys on the surface.
To a certain extent, I think all women like to see the bad boy redeemed in some way. We love men who can admit they were wrong and make changes in their lives to prove it, as elusive as such men are. In AN INVITATION TO SIN, my novella, A Summer Love Affair, the character of Gavin Ellsworth is such a man. He’s lived his life a bit recklessly, getting by on his blond good looks and charm, but he has left some wreckage in his wake. He is not a bad person, just rather careless. But when he meets the lovely Charlotte Wilton in the south of Spain, he realizes what has been missing in his life. But you have to read A Summer Love Affair to find out what happens!
USA Today bestselling author Sally MacKenzie writes the Naked nobility series–funny, hot Regency-set historicals–for Kensington Zebra. Her sixth Naked book, The Naked Viscount, arrived on bookstore shelves June 1, 2010, and the seventh, The Naked King, will be out in June 2011. You can reach her on the web at: www.sallymackenzie.net
Called one of the new stars of historical romance by Booklist, Vanessa Kelly writes Regencies with sizzle for Kensington Zebra. Her latest book, Sex And The Single Earl, is on shelves now. My Favorite Countess, her next Regency-set historical romance, will be released in May, 2011. You can reach her on the web at: www.vanessakellyauthor.com
Acclaimed author Kaitlin O’Riley writes historical romance for Kensington Zebra. Desire In His Eyes and Yours For Eternity, a vampire anthology with Hannah Howell and Alexandra Ivy, are her latest releases. You can reach Kaitlin on the web at: www.kaitlinoriley.com
Comment to enter to win a copy of INVITATION TO SIN!
These sound great! I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve really gotten into reading novellas…I just don’t have time for more at this point.
This book so good, I have to put this on my To Buy list. I love anthologies.
okay this going to sound so stupid but what do you mean by “But as different as they are, they share one thing in common—they’re all heroes.?”…doesn’t all romance books have heros?..LOL sorry I sound so stupid right for asking this question.
I agree with you, Babs! Reading novellas are great when you’re short on time but you feel like reading something. I’ve been reading more of them lately myself. Seems like I never have enough time!
I appreciate all the heroes described by the authors above. Nothing like the seemingly arrogant rake who really is a sweetheart underneath!
You’re right, Marjana – all romance books have heroes. But there are all types of heroes, including some who don’t necessarily seem that heroic right off the bat. So we wanted to talk about the qualities that we felt made up a hero, no matter how different they might be from each other in terms of personality, appearance, attitudes, etc… An alpha hero is quite different from a beta hero, for instance, but they share certain qualities that would still be labeled as heroic.
LOL, I know what you mean, Babs. I’ve got so many books staring at me, but an anthology is a great way to sample some new authors and get a quick romance fix. I’ve been stealing time from blogging and writing to read this antho–that’s one of the fun things for me in being in a collection–I get three new stories myself. And, I may be prejudiced, but I think these are pretty good.
Marjana, I think as Vanessa says, there are different kinds of heroes. I don’t tend to write alpha heroes, not so much because I don’t like them…I do, at least sometimes (though I’m not sure I’d want to hang out with one in real life), but they don’t really fit the type of humorous book I write. An alpha guy would always be getting his chain yanked and unless he had a sense of humor himself and could deal with it, he’d just explode. Sort of messy for a romance. I do wonder if the type of hero one encounters has anything to do with romance sub-genre? Paranormals seem pretty full of alphas, though of course any generalization is full of exceptions. And romantic suspense. But even a “beta” hero can’t be a pushover or he’s not very heroic.
Stunning post everyone thank you for sharing with us !! I have had the honor of reading one part of this book and I am simply dying to read the rest !! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this amazing book !All the best Desere
Congratulations to Jo, Sally, Vanessa & Kaitlin on the release of this book. I am so looking forward to this book mainly because of Sally’s novella tied to her ‘Naked’ series. I’ve read all of her books so far and waiting impatiently for the rest to appear on my TBR shelves! Of course, I’m looking forward to reading the other ladies works as well! Vanessa & Kaitlin are new-to-me authors. That’s what I really like about anthologies…I get to sample a new authors’ work!
Hi Desere! Nice to see you!
Karen, Sally is an awesome writer, isn’t she? And that’s what I love about anthos, too. The chance to discover new writers.
I love anthologies, cannot wait to devour this one.
I haven’t read an anthology in ages!
I haven’t read an anthology in a long time either. I love them, though, because you do get to meet different authors, heroes, and heroines in one book. Jo, Sally, Vanessa, and Kaitlin, I would love to read this one. The cover looks somewhat calming, but I’m betting there’s nothing calming except for the happy endings in it. Lol!
This book sounds really good. I like reading anthologies since I get to sample different authors I probably would not read.
Sounds good can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Cathy, you’re right – there’s a lot of action in this anthology!
I can’t wait to read this book. Four great stories by four great writers. I have been looking forward to it for months now. Can’t wait to dig in.
I love anthologies and this one sounds fantastic with four talented authors. I’m sorry Jo couldn’t contribute today but her books are some of my favoirtes and when Sally and Vanessa have a release I make sure to have a copy waiting at the counter of the bookstore for me. I’m thrilled to find out more about Kaitlin and can’t wait to read her stories. Thanks for sharing about your heros but I think I’ll keep mine – he’s been by my side for 43 years and fortunately it didn’t take much to make him perfect!
They are all great descriptions of what makes a great hero and the book sounds great.
Smooches, Karen H. I hope you enjoy the Prince. You’ll see him and his heroine in the King, too. And thanks Jeanne. (I’m blushing, Vanessa.) It’s great to see everyone here. I ducked out and went to the mall, if you can believe it. Shoe shopping which is torture since no one makes shoes to fit my feet. But I had success!! I met Larry, an old time style shoe salesman, and he sold me two pairs, which I hope will feel as good and fit as well in the “wild” as they did in the store. Hey, I have a new hero and his name is Larry!! He’s bald with big glasses and I think he’s…gee, I don’t even know. Let’s say older. But he didn’t scoff at my feet. He saw them as a challenge. (And you people with normal feet are probably scratching your heads.) I gave him my name and number and he said he’d call next month when the sandals come in.
I love anthologies, and this one sounds wonderful. More heroes to fall in love with!
I love Vanessa’s idea of a hero. My view is the same as her’s, talk, dark and handsome and a very naughty rake. Also, the higher the heat rating, the better. I hope that I’m lucky enough to win a copy. If not, I will have to look for it in the shops. Keep up the great writing girls’…..
I do enjoy anthologies. I can read a whole story in a short time. I can enjoy more than one author in one book….great stuff. This looks like a really good anthology and it’s going on my wishlist.
Valerie
in Germany
This anthology sounds awesome. After reading each authors discription of their ideal heros, I think mine would be somewhat of a combination of what they discribed. Some of my favorites are highlanders. I will be putting this anthology on my TR list. Of course, winning it would be great too!!
Novellas are a good way to discover new authors.
Hmmm. A shoe salesman as a hero – that brings to mind all kinds of possibilities, Sally!
Danielle and Jeanne, you gals are so nice – thank you.
Valerie, I think you’ll really like it!
This book sounds wonderful! I love to read novella’s to sample an authors work! I have found many new authors that way! I look forward to reading this anthology!
Best wishes!
Chris
So many great hero types! I’ll have to keep an eye out for it!
If you had my feet, Vanessa, you would understand. This guy took care of me–he CARED about my feet. He felt my pain and frustration. He understood I didn’t want some crazy, fancy, outrageous shoes–just some classic, comfortable, stylish footwear. I trusted him…and am hoping he’ll call with some sandal possibilities. I won’t exactly be waiting by the phone, but I’m pretty sure my heart will leap with joy when I do hear his voice again. He’s liberating me from running shoes and flip flops, saving me from having to go barefoot. Sounds like hero material to me…though not exactly, er, heart-throb material.
I have been waiting for this book to come out and grabbing Sally’s new book that is coming out in June. I have to find out about my favorite characters. Thanks for the fun.
Vanessa, I am so glad I found your book and looking forward to the next.
I always save anthologies for busier times and it’s a wonderful way to find new authors. It looks like a wonderful collection of stories.
Sally, he totally sounds like hero material to me! I have, ahem, fairly big feet too, so it’s always a challenge to find something both comfortable and that doesn’t look like a canoe.
Jackie P and catslady, thanks for stopping by!
Oh, glad you’re liking the Naked guys, Jackie P! And, as Vanessa says, thanks catslady…one wonders how many cats you have!–and everyone for stopping by.
Sounds like a good anthology. What a pretty cover.
I love anthologies, especially when the authors are new to me.
This one has been in my TBR for awhile, and your heroes all sound delightful. I know what Kaitlin means about having to fall a little in love with a hero, I’m the same way. A good hero doesn’t need to slay dragons. He does need to show he understands and cares about the heroine in a way no one else does.
I never read a book by any of these authors and this book looks like a really good one in which to try them out!
I really enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for another giveaway!
Hi Vanessa, Sally and Kaitlin!! Thanks for blogging with me today. 🙂 I love my males alpha, although I’ve read a beta or two I really loved.
Your cover is so pretty and sweet looking. Are we going to get ‘heat’ in your stories????
You had me at the name of the anthology!
Lol, Beverley. I know Vanessa and I were a little surprised when we saw the cover. We were thinking it would look a little…hotter. I’d say my story is the usual Naked level of heat…which probably doesn’t help if you’ve never read Naked! But certainly hotter than sweet–but not erotica.
I love anthologies! I think it’s a great way to try out an author who never read. The funny thing is that I was just looking at this to get on my Kindle.
Yes, we certainly thought the cover would be hotter! It is pretty though, isn’t it? I definitely have some heat in my story – after all, the the title is “The Pleasure Of A Younger Lover.” It’s gotta be hot, right?
I’d love to give them a try! A Summer Love Affair…YES PLEASE!!!!
I agree with all the versions of heroes. They come in many shapes and sizes. this book sounds wonderful.
Hi Everyone! Sorry I’m a little late chiming in here. (Was stuck in meetings all day!) Oh yes, the title definitely fits the stories in this anthology, even if the cover is rather tame. My story’s title, “A Summer Love Affair,” says it all. Who doesn’t want to fall in love with a very sexy hero in the summer time?
Sounds good to me, Kaitlin!
It’s been great fun today – thanks for having us on, Bev. I’m signing off now, and going to read a good romance novel!
This looks like a fabulous read and I would love to read it.
Ooh! A novella with three of my favorite writers! And such delicious sounding heroes! For me an anthology like this is great for me to take to work. I can usually get one novella read during lunch and my breaks. Keeps me out of trouble because if a book draws me in I have to be reminded to go back to work!
Thanks everyone for stopping by. It’s been fun! I’m headed off to bed–got up early this morning
Thank you all for your good wishes and compliments! It was so fun to read all the hero comments. Wish I had more time to visit today. Here’s to good heroes and good romances!
I really enjoy anthologies – sometimes I’m just in the mood for shorter stories that I can finish in one sitting. An Invitation to Sin has a wonderful group of authors involved and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I enjoy reading anthologies, especially holiday ones. I also like being introduced to new authors this way. I read nearly all Jo Beverley’s books, all but one of Sally’s “Naked” books, and have a couple of Vanessa Kelly’s on my TBR pile. Kaitlin O’Riley is new to me. That combination seems good to me. I’m willing to spend the money on the book since I know I’ll like at least two of the selections and I get to read two new ones. Win, win! 🙂
I enjoy anthologies when I am wanting a short story, especially when waiting for a new book to come out.
Right now I could use a good anthology. I’m overwhelmed and can’t read a whole book.
I like my heroes to be intelligent, have a good sense of humor, and have A LOT of patience.
Anthologies are a great way to find new-to-me authors!
I love anthologies, whether the stories and characters are connected directly or just by the theme. It is a wonderful way to sample new to me authors and a great source for good short reads. AN INVITATION TO SIN has great authors and sounds like it will be a most enjoyable read.
Looks like a fabulous read!! I too love men who can admit they were wrong. It’s so important to be able to admit a mistake and to try and make it better. Would love to read this book. So please, count me in, thanks!