Let’s talk men!

Writers and readers alike get into discussions (sometimes) heated about the greatest romance heroes of all time or their favorites. They argue about what constitutes a great hero. There are huge differences of opinion.

I hear from readers and authors who like a tender man: supportive, emotionally available, gentle, not afraid to show affection, the “strong, silent type.” This is a good man, a solid man, loyal, dependable, committed. He’s there for the long haul, understands you and will got the extra mile to make you happy. In real life, I live with this man–and he’s wonderful. I’ve also written him into Marrok, who is the hero of my first Doomsday Brethren paranormal romance, Tempt Me With Darkness, which released August 26, 2008 from Pocket Books. Another Brethren member, Ice, falls into this category, as well. And Luc from my Berkley Heat erotic release, Decadent.

Some people like the smart ass/bad boy: ever-ready with a smart-alek comeback or a wicked innuendo, he’s quick and clever…and slightly unattainable. You never quite know what’s under the surface, and getting past his facade takes a tenacious woman. Getting him to be serious about anything–especially you–won’t be easy. It will be entertaining, frustrating, exhilirating–and just about any other “ing” you can think of. Another of my Doomsday Brethren, which you’ll meet in Tempt Me With Darkness, falls into this category. Bram is one sharp-tongued devil, master puppeteer, and sexy-as-all-get-out British bad boy wizard… Also Thorn from Dangerous Boys and Their Toy. He’s ALWAYS got a comeback.

I’m personally fond of a hero type you don’t see often: the thinker/scientist. This guy is brilliant with a capital B. His mind is a mysterious and ever-changing place. He’s deep and his mental energy is boundless. He’s often distracted by things that have nothing to do with you, but when he focuses on you… *shiver* He has a dry wit, and once focused on your relationship, will view it with profound depth. He proves that brains are sexy! Duke, another of my Doomsday Brethren, falls into this category. I think his understated sexiness is totally yummy.

Then we have the hero I like to call “the guy”: he’s all about sports and having beers with his buddies. He’s not a skirt-chaser, per se…but he’s not at all adverse to catching what’s underneath. He can be a surprisingly elusive bachelor. He’s not against relationships; they just aren’t for him. He’s got a full life: work, friends, sports, extended family. Why add a wife to the mix? At a glance, he might seem like more trouble than he’s worth. But you’ll have fun with him. He’ll introduce you to activities and people you would have never met otherwise. He definitely digs woman, and once he realizes he’s into you, he’ll find some pleasurable ways to show you. I’m writing this man now in Mitch MacKinnon, who appears in latest Samhain release, A Perfect Match. He amuses me all the time! And Doomsday Brethren member Caden also falls into this category.

Another major hero type you see: Tortured Alpha male. Some readers loathe him. He comes with baggage, doesn’t trust easily, has a thousand reasons not to let you into his life or heart. He’s difficult and cynical. He can be argumentative…and find arguments stimulating. He’s pushy and aggressive and sexual and difficult and will, at times, make you tear your hair out and cry all at once. Personally, I love this guy. But I’m the kind of woman who likes a challenge. I can give as good as I get, and I’d sometimes rather be challenged than coddled. The women who like this hero want to be the one who “tames” him. Dangerous? Yes. Danger is this guy’s middle name. He’s intense…both in and out of bed. Once he’s determined to get his hands on you, you don’t stand a chance. And aren’t you glad? Once you get under that remote facade, however, is the heart of a man who will be forever yours. That always makes me close the book with a sigh. Several of my Doomsday Brethren fall into this category: Shock and Lucan, for sure. Ice has shades of this, as well. Definitely Deke from Decadent and Jack from Wicked Ties. The intensity of this type of man is something I just can’t resist!

You may be able to think of more heroe types. Whatever hero you like, that’s the great thing about romance–there’s a book, and a hero, for every type of reader. Go forth and read!

Well, for anyone, like me, who’d been counting the days…it’s here!! TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is finally available and I’m thrilled. I hope you’ll give the series a try. Please drop me a line if you do and let me know what you think. I’d love your opinions and predictions on future books.

I wanted to share a few things with you that you may not have seen yet. Recently, I conducted a little interview with Marrok of Cadbury, the hero of TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS. If you haven’t had a chance to meet him yet…this will tell you what he’s all about: Alpha with a capital A!

Here you go…

SB: Comfy? Cozy? Ready to talk?

MC: You again? Can you not leave me in peace, you infernal woman?

SB: I know you’re not interested in being the life of the party.

MC: Or even attending it.

SB: [rolls eyes] Spare me a few moments to discuss some of the major changes in your life. Recently, become involved with a group of wizards.

MC: Not by choice. I had been living these fifteen hundred years in my solitude, wanting naught but a peaceful end. That rapscallion, Bram Rion, knocked upon my door, shared visions of coming danger and evil with me, then dragged me into his magical muck.

SB: C’mon. You haven’t entirely disliked the experience. You spent so many years as King Arthur’s captain and champion. You can’t tell me that a return to the practice and battle fields was unwelcome.

MC: [shrug] I enjoy invigorating exercise as much as the next man. The political intrigue of magickind, however, they can keep. Annoying and demanding, the lot of them.

SB: You’re just being grouchy. Be honest… After a while, you came to like some of your fellow Doomsday Brethren, Bram included.

MC: Bram does have the cool head of a tactician and the mantle of a leader. He has earned his respect.

SB: You even asked his opinion a time or two. What about the others? I know there’s a fair amount of dissention in the ranks and personal issues to overcome, but certainly some others have earned your trust.

MC: Most are good and dedicated warriors in their own way. Ice and Lucan, in particular. [frowns] I certainly hope Lucan recovers… Duke is pampered but surprising even me. Caden refuses to stay, and Shock is not a warrior I trust. Things will not be easy for Bram, should he wish to keep this bunch together to defeat an evil like Mathias.

SB: Yes, Mathias is a really bad dude. He makes my skin crawl.

MC: If that is your modern, American way of saying he is evil incarnate, then aye.

SB: He’s been very eager to get his hands on this new woman you’ve become involved with.

MC: While there is a breath left in my body, Mathias will never, ever touch Olivia. I keep and protect what is mine.

SB: Heavy words for a loner…

MC: She is both my mate and the one who can end my immortal curse. Her heart is a tender one. I, who have lived alone and by my sword, have never known her like. She is…special.

SB: What do you mean?

MC: She’s both taught and helped me…even when I gave her no reason—and she often did so against my will, saucy wench. [smile] Without her, I would know naught of dancing, have no computer to use, would never have seen modern London by air had she not coerced me onto the London Eye. Pretty wench accused me of being claustrophobic. Who likes small, confined spaces?

SB: Doesn’t bother me, but… I hear she’s helped you with another problem.

MC: [scowls] ‘Twas naught little about that problem. Aye, she is the first woman whom I’ve bedded and found satisfaction with in centuries. ‘Tis certain that I’m keeping her by my side as long as possible.

SB: Any chance what you have with her is permanent?

MC: Nay, soon I will find a way to break my curse. Then I shall find peace in death. For now, she needs me. But Olivia is a woman who will learn to believe in her strength and live well without me.

SB: [arched brow] And maybe even find another man?

MC: [growls] We are done here.

SB: Anything else you’d like to say?

MC: Piss off.

Well, touchy subject aside, Marrok is one interesting man, and the woman who tames him is both gentle and assertive enough to keep him guessing—and not realizing that his heart is tied up in knots. If you want to know how it’s going to end, check out TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS.

I’ve also got a NEW quote to share that thrilled me to pieces!

“Tempt Me With Darkness is a hot, exciting romance filled with intriguing characters and a great storyline. I can’t wait for more in this imaginative, sizzling new series!” ~ New York Times Bestselling author Lara Adrian

I’m also going to be chatting tonight at Romance Junkies at 9pm, Eastern. Please come join me. I’d love to see friendly faces!

I hope you’ll join in with me on this new series! Happy reading!