Hello and Good Morning Season readers. I would like to start by thanking all who came by and welcomed me into your group yesterday, as well as answered or replied to my question. The drawing will be held on Friday, so make sure you stop by to see if you’ve won!
I was going through my endless books of one of my favorite romance novelist, Janet Dailey. I stumbled onto a somewhat memorable tittle called, LEFTOVER LOVE. Why did this particular tittle stand out? The hero was, butt ugly! Of course this book first came out in 1984; I hope I’m not dating myself…lol. I digress. It really was a great book, but I do remember being a little uncomfortable with the fact that the hero was, not plain, but ugly. I think it was because it was Janet Dailey that I continued and read the whole book. Now, fast forward to 2012, I’m not sure that an ugly hero would fly in this day and age. With provocative covers and slick marketing I’m not sure if an ugly hero has a place in this millennium of romance novels. What do you think, would you pick up a book knowing the hero was ugly?
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sure — beauty & beast stories are a fave trope of mine, if the hero is wonderful in other ways, he’s still a hero & worth falling for
It depends on the story. I certainly like to read stories about handsome heroes, but I don’t expect every hero to be Adonis. I honestly think that the only stories I have read where the hero was genuinely ugly were Beauty and the Beast type stories, where he was ugly or monstrous in some way, but she grew to love him despite that, and I’m fine with those.
Absolutely. I love it if the hero is not some perfect, handsome guy. Anyway, we all grow more attractive in our partners’ eyes as the connection between us grows and this applies perfectly to romance.
I certainly would and have lol 😀
leanne_gag[at]hotmail[dot]com
Yes.
You can’t judge a man by how “pretty” he is…also, I have a tale of woe that I heard / observed play out regarding a man who was beautiful & knew it, who treated everyone around him like crap. He got away with it because of his Beauty..which in the end made him uglier than a dirty mud puddle in my eyes.
Good character counts for far more than muscles and a perfect face.
I guy without imperfection isn’t realistic…………so no I wouldn’t mind a hero that was “ugly” (ie: scar, crooked nose, etc.)
Same for me. I love a beauty and the beast kind of story. Thanks for the giveaway!
There has to be that special spark between the couple. Id much prefer to read about a hero who was dependable and had a great sense of humour than an adonis with about as much personality as an amoeba. My husband isn’t handsome per se, but he can make me melt with a look, or burst into fits of laughter when he says something.
Lol. It is sad I do judge a book by its cover. However, I have read a couple of books that had the hero was not handsome. Some actually had been scarred and not the handsome scars. When you have an ugly hero, you really need a really good story line where you forget that he’s ugly. I think that’s what makes the difference.
Melody, I agree a great story can make up for a “ugly ” hero.
Of course I would, what is ugly to some is beauty to others. I have read many stories about this subject. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites.
It’s all in the story. A ugly man can make a beautiful story!! Sometimes they make the Best story!
Yes i would read a story where the hero was concerned ugly. beauty is the eye of the beholder
I definately would read a book with an ugly guy. Beauty is only skin deep and often the most beautiful people are not attractive. I LOVE tortured heroes also. Yes… ugly would be great!!
I have read several that had an ugly guy, by the end of the book you were thinking he was hot as all get out because he was so wonderful to the heroine and you just fall in love with him too. Love can make you see someone as beautiful even if others don’t!
I wouldn’t mind! The question is…how would the covers look? I’m not sure PR/marketing would actually put an ugly hero/heroine on the cover.
Hi Julie, I agree in this age of photo shop I think that he would not be ugly on the cover; maybe rugged…lol.
It’s all about perception, really. What one person considered “ugly” another may find attractive. How many times in romance writing have we seen plain, awkward, ugly heroines at the beginning of books turn into beauties by the end? At least they do in the eyes of their male counterpart. As the lovers get to know each other better their perception changes of the other person. If a sinfully handsome (my favorite term for the heroes!) can fall for a plain, awkward or unassuming lady, what is to say a beautiful, poised lady can’t fall for an awkward, “ugly” man? Her perception is bound to change as well.
And isn’t that one of the key points in romance? It is not about looks or attraction, but about Love. Love is not instantaneous (well, not usually) and part of the intrigue and draw of the romance is to see how their perceptions of each other change as the lovers get to know each other & fall in Love.
Christina, yes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I know I have found a guy aesthetically gorgeous and after a while I don’t see his looks because he’s a jerk.
Absolutely! Beauty and the Beast themed books are my favorite, and just because the hero doesn’t have looks, doesn’t mean he’s unworthy of love. Looks mean very little, to me.
I think most men on old romance covers are butt ugly, so I’m used to it. 😉
Hi Willaful, that is so true…lol.
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale. I think it’s a story of true love – looking past the artificial – true love!
Hi catslady, don’t forget in Beauty and the Beast, once he learned his lesson he became “beautiful” again. I would say Shrek the movie showed a little bit more real true love. He remained his same ugly self, and even his Fiona chose to remain ugly for true love.
I have read many books about heroes with serious scars. Cherise Sinclair has written about two different heroes who were terribly scarred in war. The heroes were tough and closed off. They were very Alpha and sexy. When they met their heroines (who also had emotional and physical scars) they were finally able to let themselves fall in love.
I would give the book a chance. The book would just be more realistic because not everyone in the world is beautiful in the outside and like they say what matters is the inside. Like the say don’t judge a book by It’s cover
I actually prefer books with “real” looking people. Model-perfect gets old!!
If the hero treats the heroine great, I don’t mind if he is not attractive.
Absolutely!
I love Beauty and the Beast stories so an ugly hero would not bother me at all. It is a nice change when either the hero or heroine is not drop dead gorgeous. Not everyone can be handsome or beautiful. As they say, you can not judge a book by its cover. Some of the most beautiful people are not necessarily the handsomest or most beautiful in appearance. What they are like personally on the inside is what makes them beautiful.
I would definitely read a story about a hero that was ugly. I love books that are poignant and explore feelings of not being worthy. I like heroes that are vulnerable and need “fixing”. Btw, I remember reading that Janet Dailey book. Had it in my collection for the longest time. Janet Dailey, Sandra Brown, Iris Johansen, Nora Roberts, Kay Hooper….I read them when they were ::gulp:: serial romance authors.
Yes I would! It’s refreshing to read books where the characters are described more “normal”. Beauty is from the inside not the out!
Thanks for giving us an opportunity to win a copy!
Beth
If it’s well-written, I’m there! I love a good Beauty/Beast storyline.
I would read these books as long as the story was good.
Yes!
I have read about heroes with physical deformities (Mary Balogh’s Sydnam Butler from Simply Love) and heroes who have been described as not-so-handsome (Carolyn Jewel’s Earl of Banalt from Scandal) —
I think it makes for a more compelling read to see how attraction will start between two people who aren’t conventionally attractive to begin with.
I think with like movies everyone wants to dream of beautiful people. When you imagine the characters in your mind as you are reading, I would imagine it would make it hard to wrap your mind around someone being “ugly”. I have a problem though when they are made out to be too beautiful. It is like the character Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey. I was asking myself if they made a movie who could I see playing the part of Christian Grey. The character reminds me a lot of Ryan Gosling, but Ryan Goslings face is not just drop dead gorgeous, stop you in your tracks, beautiful. Which is how the character in this book is written. I think you can go too much either way and it can leave something to be desired.
Yes, I would read a book where the hero looks ugly to me. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As long as he is a good hero, it is good enough for me.
I’ve read books where the hero is ugly or horribly scarred and those are some of my favorites. It isn’t all about what is on the outside, it is about what is on the inside 🙂
Yes, I would read a story with an ugly hero. Of course he has to be beautiful on the inside and the heroine would be able to look past his looks to the kind of person he was. I think that would make for an interesting story – basically the Beauty and the Beast premise.
Yes I would read a book with an ugly hero after all everyone has a place in life and not everyone is perfect or beautiful, handsome so to speek. It should be that way in books also. Beauty is over rated its whats in side that counts.
I’ve read several books that were Beauty & the Beast types. I can’t tell you the names but the heroes were scarred or just not the greatest looking-hiding off on their country estates… I’ve even read one or two where the heroine was the “beast”. If the story has interest and chemistry between the characters then yes I’ll read it and probably enjoy it.
I think I read this book. I don’t really enjoy beauty and the beast tropes, but if a favorite author uses it, I’ll read it.
I would. It is what is inside that will sustain a relatinship
Yes, I would read a book knowing the hero was ugly. I don’t buy my books based on the cover.
it depends. I always look for the cover. if the cover of the book is gud then i can imagine a gud looking hero in my mind to describe a guy.
Oh I don’t know if it would stop me from picking up the book. I have read books where the hero/heroine is scarred or crippled and it enriches the story. Though your right with the marketing of today’s books, they couldn’t put an ugly mug on the cover.
I don’t mind if the hero is ugly or has some flaws.
I enjoy beauty and the beast stories and I love flawed characters. In books, as in life, I don’t find appearance to be that compelling a trait. So yes, I would read (and have read) books with unattractive main characters. And I am not a book cover person–I’m sure an unnattractive hero could be marked in profile or shadows, or with only a torso showing, etc.
Yes I would. The Beauty and The Beast is my favorite story trope. Not everyone – male or female – is drop dead gorgeous. Some are nice looking, some are plain, some aren’t very attractive and some could be considered ugly. That doesn’t make them any less deserving of their very own HEA. Being nice looking doesn’t guarantee that who that person isis worth knowing. I am a firm believer of looking past the packaging and judging the person by what is in their heart
Would those books sell, very well in today’s market? With all the focus on beauty and personal attractiveness in today’s society, an ugly hero wouldn’t fit.
I suppose ugly can be subjective.
I once had a dog who was SO ugly, he was gorgeous.
Yes I would!!! I love Beauty and the Beast storylines.
Don’t count me in for the contest. But it depends on the story, but covers sometimes do turn me off. I had seen a Sil Intim Mom book years ago where the hero was so ugly I don’t know what the artist was thinking – I dont think he was portrayed as being ugly in the book but don’t know for a fact if it was true.
The hero had a mustache, buck teeth and ugly eyes. I laughed hysterically and showed it to the owner of the store. I cannot remember the title or author, sorry.
Hi Pat, thanks for your comment. In the book he is described as “ugly.”
My favorite fairytale has always been Beauty and The Beast. But reality is that a gorgeous looking man draws me to it’s cover. But I have no problem with an ugly hero if the story is a strong one and he’s a kind, loyal and gentle man. Because even an Adonis becomes “Butt Ugly’ when he’s a conceited and arrogant jerk.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
What’s that saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”? Same applies to people. Just because someone is ugly to one does not mean they’re ugly to all. Didn’t we learn as children that it’s whats inside that counts? Sure, I would pick up and read a book with an ugly hero and/or heroine.
My personal opinion is, I read romance books to escape from the day to day struggles of my life, and ideally I would like to say that I would pick up an “ugly book.” But I know a beautiful cover and a glamorous story is what I’m drawn to. Remember, even in Beauty and the Beast he becomes “beautiful” again after he’s learned to love.
Thanks for your comments regarding the “Ugly Hero.” I value your input; keep em coming.
I really would not care about his looks. I read the stories for the love and the love story. Of course it is always nice to think of a fine looking man while reading the story. I would still read the story, it is the whole Beauty & the Beast concept. Looks are not everything. A personality, humor, and many things play into what a person is, not how good-looking he is.
I wonder if the fact that so many members of my family have served in the military over the decades has influenced me in never even considering if a hero was handsome or “ugly”? Being raised in a different generation I think made me more aware of judging a person by who they are and the way they treat and interact with others as opposed to how the look, what they wear or how much money they have. I grew up hearing stories about the struggles different people had gone thru and how they had perseverded and to remember never to judge others beause of how they look, what job they have, etc but on the true person inside.
Since the first “romance” I read was by Cervantes I think I may have been influenced to instead like Quixote seeing only what he perceived Dulcinea to be and not the ugly side of her life that I may look at heros and heroines in a different way.
Is it a “true love” if you would turn away just because of the physical appearance? Would you not be drawn to a compassionate person who may not have the right “look” but instead turn to the “beautiful” person who was cruel?
In the end I try not to make snap judgements when I’ve first met someone but try to wait and get to know them first. I think that we each see beauty in a different way. Some see into the soul and others the outisde core. Maybe the next time we meet someone we should instead simply take a moment to see and get to know the “whole” person.
Of course! Whatever the looks, I want to read my share of romance.
If a person is ugly on the outside, not a problem. I’m just remembering the words of ‘The Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time’….well, I’m no Angelina Jolie even overhauled!
I’m not sure I ever read about a really ugly hero, but there have been many disfigured ones. So many Regency heroes had been in the Napoleonic wars that few returned unscathed.
I do notice that many heroes on TV or in the movies are just okay, while most women are lovely. I think there’s a different standard for women. The big question is, “Would you read a romance featuring an ugly heroine?” “Would you buy a book with an ugly woman on the cover?” is another question to ask. I’m afraid the answer would be a “no”. Even if we believed that character and kindness are what count in a relationship, if we went to a mixer (now there’s a blast from the past), we wanted a nice-looking guy to ask us to dance. Most guys wanted to dance with the prettiest girls. I don’t think we were any shallower fifty years ago when I was a teen.
I would definitely read a book with an ugly hero. I always like the books that are a little different, and having an ugly hero would definitely be out of the norm from most of the books published today.
I think it depends on how the hero is described since there has to be something appealing about the hero to make the heroine fall in love with him. If not his looks then something else and then you would think that that would be highlighted.
I don’t mind an ugly hero at all! I remember the hero Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels. He wasn’t handsome but was sexy. I think that’s what I look for, not beautiful but sexy!
I was reading a book last night ( Text order Bride) and the hero actually said about his soon to be wife ” She Wasn’t the prettiest face he had ever seen” And I was like OH WOW…. that’s not something you find in books in this day and age. People are beautiful and perfect and have the right amount of muscle and the perfect boobs and they are the right heights for each other every time. I think it is because most people read to get away and escape and you want to think that the people you are reading about ” the best” if that makes sense…
I work as a cashier and see countless men of every age, race, and economic background, and the only ones I would ever term as physically ugly are those who are disfigured by burns or skin conditions, or those who have grossly neglected their personal hygiene, and these people are rare. Most men are plain, and the older, more overweight, or sloppier with their appearance they are, the plainer are. It is true that some men are blessed with extraordinary good looks, but with modern technology, exercise, a healthy diet and good taste in clothes, any man can be reasonably attractive. Keeping up appearances even for the beautiful people is a life-long commitment. Nobody stays handsome when they don’t take care of themselves. Attitude has much to do with beauty. Friendliness, sense of humor and warmth can definitely light up a man’s looks. Historical romance is a different issue in that through the centuries, many people of all economic backgrounds were left scared by disease or physical deformities that the medicine of the day had no way of correcting. It was more common to see people with harelips, lost teeth or pock marks. In either historical romance or contemporary romance, if a deformity or a hero’s self image challenges are not part of the story, there is no reason to have an “ugly” hero.