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Amanda Forester | The Tortured Hero vs. Torturing Your Hero


The Highlander's Heart
Amanda Forester

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Scottish Highland Romance #2

November 2011
On Sale: November 1, 2011
Featuring: Laird David Campbell; Lady Isabelle Tynsdale
384 pages
ISBN: 1402253044
EAN: 9781402253041
Kindle: B005UEF4G6
Paperback / e-Book
Add to Wish List

Also by Amanda Forester:
Earl Interrupted, January 2018
My Highland Rebel, January 2017
If the Earl Only Knew, July 2016
The Highlander's Bride, September 2015

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I do love the tortured hero in romance novels.  My first book, THE HIGHLANDER'S SWORD, had a great tortured hero.  He had been raised in war and held lots of deep secrets, guilt, and anguish.  As a result  he was distrusting, moody, and did a lot of glowering and such. 

In contrast, the hero of my latest release, THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART, is not particularly tortured.  Laird David Campbell  actually had a loving childhood and is surrounded by family who adore him.  His clan is prosperous, and although he does have to negotiate with the surrounding clans to avoid war, I wouldn't say he has anything in particular to be tortured about.

Despite this, poor David Campbell is still a tortured hero.  No, he's not being tortured by his own internal demons, he is being tortured by me, the author.  He had his life all worked out, controlled, organized, and predictable, until I threw Lady Isabelle into his path.   Within fifteen minutes of meeting her, he is attacked by ruffians, gored by a wild pig, and his horse is stolen.  And it pretty much goes downhill from there. 

David also has a secret fear, one that he doesn't want anyone to know.  He is a brave man, don't get me wrong, but he has arranged things nicely so he doesn't have to face this one particular phobia.  So of course, me the evil author, will push him to face this fear.  Repeatedly. 

I'd like to think that I am generally a kind person, but being a hero in one of my books is a risky proposition.  I really enjoy David, he is one of my favorite heroes, but he has things just too perfect, too orderly.  Time to shake up his world.  Enter a lost English countess trying to escape her murderous husband.  I'd like to think it is with the best intentions that I throw Isabelle into his path, but I'm sure at several times in the book David might want to stop the narrative and argue with me to stop afflicting him with such an unconventional, trouble-making lady.  A lady who makes everything he was settling for in life seem colorless and flat compared to the spark she ignites within him.  Once he had lost his heart , he will risk everything to be with her.   Let the torturing commence!

In the end, love will win the day, and I hope poor David Campbell, the tortured hero, will forgive me!

When you read books do you like a hero who is tortured by his internal demons, or a hero who is tortured by his leading lady?  Comment on the blog for a chance to win a copy of THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART!

THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART

Lady Isabelle escapes her murderous English husband only to be abducted by a Highland warrior and held for ransom. Her determination to break free from captivity is exceeded only by the passion growing between her and the Highland Laird. David Campbell plans to hold Isabelle for ransom as an easy way to line his pockets and return her back where she belongs, but he is unprepared for a feisty English lass with a penchant for finding trouble. Caught between rival clans bent on claiming the throne of Scotland, Campbell must choose a side, and a bride. Standing on the brink of war, Isabelle may be his only hope to save his clan, and his heart

Visit Amanda at website, facebook, or twitter.

 

 

Comments

49 comments posted.

Re: Amanda Forester | The Tortured Hero vs. Torturing Your Hero

Hi Amanda,

the book sounds really good and I am already feeling bad for poor David. Gored by a wild pig and facing his phobia, poor guy.
(Danny Brüggemann 6:55am November 16, 2011)

Sounds like a great read--love David already and what a hero he is
(Shirley Younger 8:13am November 16, 2011)

I love tortured heros, they are so much more tasty!
(Barbara Hanson 9:01am November 16, 2011)

I love your power! Internal demons that are revealed by a lady - repeatedly.
(Beth Elder 9:15am November 16, 2011)

I like a hero tortured by the woman he loves.
(Renee Pajda 9:38am November 16, 2011)

the poor guy, sounds like he's run into a bit of trouble. although sounds like a delightfully tortured hero to me :)
(d Kenney 10:40am November 16, 2011)

David and Isabelle sound like interesting characters. I just love tortured heroes whether they just suffer from internal demons or love for their heroine. In fact, we know that he will be tortured by the heroine, so that just leaves any internal demons he might also have to deal with.
(Cathy Phillips 11:26am November 16, 2011)

This is a new author for me and would love to win and read this book. I love the cover, very sexy. Love men in kilts and the plaid design. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Chris Bails 11:33am November 16, 2011)

I love the banter that occurs between the couple, but the true inspiration
comes from the internal battles. If it wasn't for those "demons", the
character, like real life, wouldn't be how they are, wouldn't have the
struggle to overcome..and let's face it we all have our own struggle and
reading/seeing someone overcome is inspiring.
(Carla Carlson 11:33am November 16, 2011)

The Highlander's Heart sounds really interesting. I would LOVE to win a copy, but even if I don't, I'll be getting the book to read. Bestof luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 11:40am November 16, 2011)

I lOve highlanders and tourtured souls, this is right up my ally!!
(Elizabeth Rodriguez 1:10pm November 16, 2011)

I like when the hero is tortured by his internal demons and want the heroine to nurture him and give him a reason to fight those demons.
(Na S 1:20pm November 16, 2011)

I like both... let the hero deal with his inner demons and come out on top... and have some battle of wits with the heroine... does not have to be in the same book...
(Colleen Conklin 1:26pm November 16, 2011)

I think that I prefer a hero that has internal demons. When he learns to conquer them, it makes him a better person after he deals with them. It also makes for a much more interesting character. I have to say that your book sounds like it will make for good reading, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!! The cover is great, right down to the authentic lettering. Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 2:03pm November 16, 2011)

I like tortured heroes, too. Whether they are tortured by inner demons or their leading lady, I enjoy seeing their journey to "wholeness" through love.
(Cheryl Castings 2:28pm November 16, 2011)

I love tortured heroes and Highlanders. Thanks for the chance to win your book!
(Jennifer Langford 2:46pm November 16, 2011)

A nicely tortured hero makes for a fantastic read!!
I love the cover, gotta love a man in a kilt. :)
Thank you for a chance to win.
(Julianne Keller 3:37pm November 16, 2011)

I like my tortured hero to deal with both his internal demons (to give him inspiration and strength to fight his battles and struggles along his journey) and being tortured by his troublesome heroine (to give him more challenges to gain her trust and heart), which makes the characters much more interesting. This Highlander, David, looks awfully good on the book cover. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy...I'll try not to drool on the cover, if I do!!!
(Linda Luinstra 4:00pm November 16, 2011)

What a way to go - to happiness!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 4:13pm November 16, 2011)

Very good! I like the part you revealed about THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART and want to know more.
(Anna Speed 4:22pm November 16, 2011)

Looks like a great book. I never seem to get tired of Highlanders. =)
(Kathleen Conner 4:36pm November 16, 2011)

I like him tortured by a leading lady...
Book sounds great....love these type of novels!
(Leanna Morris 4:44pm November 16, 2011)

I prefer my heroes tortured by internal demons rather than the leading lady.
(Sue Farrell 4:47pm November 16, 2011)

I like it both ways depending on the story and the h/h. It's up to the writer. I'm the reader and enjoy either.
(Maude Allen 4:53pm November 16, 2011)

Thank you for sharing the story backround. It sounds very interesting
(Cindy Olp 4:57pm November 16, 2011)

I only like a little bit of torture, and a variety of causes
is preferred. And torture by his lady is always fun.
(Diane Sallans 5:13pm November 16, 2011)

This sounds like a great read!
(Angela k 5:13pm November 16, 2011)

Hoorah! Love me a braw Highlander, thank you for the opportunity!
(Marcelle Cole 5:36pm November 16, 2011)

As for tortured and by what or whom I prefer when it is the heroine for sure!
(Marcelle Cole 5:37pm November 16, 2011)

I like both types of plots but maybe I like the heroine torturing the hero a little bit more. It can be fun to read.
(Maureen Emmons 5:43pm November 16, 2011)

I'm a Campbell (orginally) and David sounds great to me.
(Kathleen Bianchi 5:54pm November 16, 2011)

Hi Amanda, I love to read about Highlander's and can't wait to read your latest. I like a good romance mixed with a dab or mystery and a little suspense. I do like the heroine making the hero walk the line. lol Looking forward to reading about this great pair.
(Brenda Hill 6:31pm November 16, 2011)

It's just sooooo much more fun when it's the heroine torturing the hero!!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 7:11pm November 16, 2011)

Thanks for the giveaway! I LOVE Highlander stories! And I
love even more finding new authors who write about
Highlanders! I think I enjoy more a hero who is tortured by
his internal demons. They seem to be more vulnerable and I
love a hero with a tough exterior but is a softy on the
inside!
(Laura Henderson 8:01pm November 16, 2011)

I guess you know how to create the tortured hero and I do love a highland fling.
(Alyson Widen 8:36pm November 16, 2011)

I actually like both. Tortured heroes are good either way. But he does have to be a sweetie deep down.
(Patti Paonessa 8:36pm November 16, 2011)

I love the tortured hero and your books sounds fabulous
(Gail Hurt 8:53pm November 16, 2011)

I love a hero that has demons and a torturous heroine! HAHA! Sorry, I love giving the hero pain to work through!
(Jennifer Beyer 9:48pm November 16, 2011)

I think heroes who are tortured from their pasts tend to be a bit tedious, so I prefer stories where the hero is currently being tortured by the leading lady. :D
(Molly Wilsbacher 9:50pm November 16, 2011)

I love both types of tortured heros, although I will say I
identify more with the hero tortured by the heroine. Seems a
bit more like my life! :)
(Sharyn Lewis 10:05pm November 16, 2011)

When my dad use to say "I don't know why I married your mother, Oh ya I was young and in Love." Then there is my husband who'll say" Leave me alone woman,your're driving me crazy." I reply" Good then I've done my job." Definitely tortured by his heroine.
(Deb Pelletier 10:17pm November 16, 2011)

Sounds like a great read,thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 10:21pm November 16, 2011)

You have given David a realist portrayal and I am anxious to meet him. Congratulations!
(Gladys Paradowski 10:39pm November 16, 2011)

What about if the hero is tortured by both?
(Lisa Kendall 10:47pm November 16, 2011)

I love highlander books!
(Charlene Fraley 10:58pm November 16, 2011)

I want a hero tortured by both - the leading lady & inner demons. I want him to fight for both.
(Mary Preston 11:15pm November 16, 2011)

Poor David, but then, in order to grow we all need to have something (or someone) to conquer, accept, or learn to love.

I've been interested in Scotland since my mother told me about her 6-month visit there with various members of a family with whom she had become acquainted the year before.

Of course, if this were a classic romance, she would have met my father there and lived happily ever after. Alas, she'd known my father for about two years before that and married him 5 years later. And yes, they were married and had a total of four children, and lived happily together until my father had a stroke from which he died about ten years later. She outlived him by more than 20 years.

But I've kept my love for Scotland and books that take place there. I even managed to take a tour there once. I'd love to go back.
(Sigrun Schulz 12:25pm November 17, 2011)

Your description of your book - and Hero! - are so intriguing - I love David already, poor tortured fellow! Thank you for sharing this!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 9:32am November 17, 2011)

What fun you must have--controlling lives from afar. Include Scotland with the
mists and heather and good, strong heroes and I'm a goner. Thanks!
(Sandra Spilecki 9:53am November 17, 2011)

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