Fresh Fiction Blog | Shana Galen | It's All About the Hero

My editor is fond of saying that she's looking for books with a heroine the reader can relate to and a hero she can fall in love with. As an author that means I want my heroine to be someone I can see as a best friend and my hero to be a guy I could fall in love with.

But it's not quite that simple. To illustrate, try a simple game. In your mind, list the 5 or so qualities that would make you fall in love with a man. I came up with

- Kindness

- Reliability

- Thoughtfulness

- Sense of Humor

- Loyalty

Hmm. If I wrote a kind, reliable, thoughtful hero, I think readers wouldn't turn to the second page. And it's not that my heroes aren't kind and reliable and thoughtful and loyal, but first and foremost they also need to be sexy. And when you make a list of what makes a man sexy, reliability is not at the top!

My job is often to write a hero who is sexy first and kind, reliable, thoughtful, and so on, second. I have to write a bad boy who seems like he's the worst thing that ever happened to our lovely heroine, until she realizes maybe he's not as bad as she thought. Maybe he's actually fall-in-love worthy.

This is exactly the case with Warrick Fitzhugh in my recent release, IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY. Warrick is not a thoughtful kind of guy. He's an elite spy for the Crown, one of the Diamonds in the Rough, and he's being hunted. One of his fellow spies has already been assassinated, and Warrick does not intend to be next. To that end, he needs Fallon's help. She has information that might help him find the man who wants him dead.

Fallon is also known as the Marchioness of Mystery. It's a sobriquet the Prince Regent bestowed upon her to illustrate her position as the most fashionable of London's "Fashionable Impures." In other words, she is a courtesan.

When she meets Warrick, he's an uninvited man in her bed, and he's blackmailing her with secrets she would really rather keep not be revealed. Not only does he begin their relationship by blackmailing her, he forces her into several dangerous situations, where her life is threatened.

See? Warrick is not a nice, thoughtful guy. Fallon is not wrong to dislike him, but we still like him because we understand his motivation. Who is worried about being nice when their life is threatened? And yet Warrick is not out only for himself. He cares about Fallon, and he protects her. When he falls in love with her, his own life and safety become second to hers.

That's a hero to fall in love with.

What kind of qualities do you think make a memorable hero?

IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY BY SHANA GALEN – IN STORES MARCH 2013

Her Mysterious Past is the Best Revenge...

Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, is a celebrated courtesan with her finger on the pulse of high society. She's adored by men, hated by their wives. No one knows anything about her past, and she plans to keep it that way.

Only He Can Offer Her a Dazzling Future...

Warrick Fitzhugh will do anything to protect his compatriots in the Foreign Office, including seduce Fallon, who he thinks can lead him to the deadliest crime lord in London. He knows he's putting his life on the line...

To Warrick's shock, Fallon is not who he thinks she is, and the secrets she's keeping are exactly what makes her his heart's desire...

Praise for IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY

"Galen is at the top of her game... Galen is a grand mistress of the action/adventure subgenre." —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month

"The writing is excellent and the characters are captivating. Ms. Galen delivers a steamy romance between a determined hero and a reluctant heroine." — Night Owl Reviews, 5/5 Stars, Reviewer Top Pick

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers' Choice Winner The Making of a Gentleman and the RT-nominated When You Give a Duke a Diamond. Her books are published all over the world and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Comment today and win WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND (book 1 in the Jewels of the Ton series, and the book directly preceding IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY). US / Canada addresses only.

Comments

I would love to win these books, as Shana Galen is a new
author to me. I am always on a search for new stories and
great authors.
(Lisa Richardson 2:16am March 21, 2013)

I agree. Sexy heroes are the absolute best!!!!!
(Debbie Rudder 8:28am March 21, 2013)

I would love to read this book...Thanks so much for the chance to do that!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:41am March 21, 2013)

I would add devotion to your list of her qualities.
(Kathy Sullivan 9:14am March 21, 2013)

A sense of humor. Always enjoy Shana's stories.
(Jean Patton 9:37am March 21, 2013)

The qualities that make a memorable hero is, courage, bravery, kindness, humble, generous, and willing to fight for what they believe in.
(Aimee Robison 9:53am March 21, 2013)

I would say loyalty is a big one. Loyalty to the hero's
leader/country/heroine.
(Karin Anderson 10:21am March 21, 2013)

I think devotion and a sense of humor helps too!
(Julie Parrish 10:36am March 21, 2013)

Integrity, Adventure, Compassion, Intelligence (Wit/Humor/Healthy Sarcasm included), and Passion are my top 5. A strong character that might have flaws but has the passion and qualities that make any obstacle a non issue is wonderful.
(Carla Carlson 10:38am March 21, 2013)

I think that the hero can have a few rough edges, but he should have a tender, thoughtful side, have a sense of humor, be honest, and have a sexiness about him, without having to be sexy-looking. I hope that last trait made sense. He should also be strong - strong-willed to a point, and strong in general. I've known some men who were real weaklings, and it was pathetic to their race!! lol Your book sounds great, and I can't wait to read it!! I love the spin on the story!! Congratulations on the book, and I love the cover, too!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:16am March 21, 2013)

My list of qualities would be the following.

1. Compassion
2. Strength
3. Humor
4. Intellegence
5. Faithfullness
(Linda Henderson 11:40am March 21, 2013)

My qualities would be sexy, not afraid, humor, great smile and handy. I like a guy who can think on his feet quickly.
(Sue Galuska 12:00pm March 21, 2013)

I agree with your 5 traits. For memorable, i would say sarcastic humour!
(May Pau 12:31pm March 21, 2013)

Sexy has to be at the top of the list, but add a sense of humor, intelligence,and faithfulness.
(Anna Speed 12:34pm March 21, 2013)

Kathy, absolutely. Devotion should be there.
(Shana Galen 12:36pm March 21, 2013)

Thanks, Jean. A sense of humor is also important--and sexy!
(Shana Galen 12:37pm March 21, 2013)

I like your listed traits... sexy does not hurt either! ;)
(Colleen Conklin 12:37pm March 21, 2013)

Leona, a gentleman, yes (but maybe not always) ;-)
(Shana Galen 12:37pm March 21, 2013)

Karin, I totally agree. I love it when heroes are fiercely loyal to the heroine.
(Shana Galen 12:38pm March 21, 2013)

Carla, flaws are important too. I know a lot of readers like tortured, flawed heroes.
(Shana Galen 12:39pm March 21, 2013)

Thank you, Peggy. I do know what you mean. And have you ever noticed that what a lot of men thinks looks sexy on a man is not what women think?
(Shana Galen 12:40pm March 21, 2013)

Definitely, Pam. The kind of guy who helps an injured puppy.
(Shana Galen 12:41pm March 21, 2013)

I'll take handy, Sue. I could use a guy who can change a light bulb.
(Shana Galen 12:43pm March 21, 2013)

May, I do love a guy who has a sense of humor and makes me laugh.
(Shana Galen 12:43pm March 21, 2013)

Anna, intelligence is a great one. I hate how so many guys on TV sitcoms are so unintelligent. That's not heroic.
(Shana Galen 12:44pm March 21, 2013)

Well, for me the only man I would want is an intelligent one. But after that come the other qualities you mentioned - sense of humour and loyalty being high on the list. Intelligence is sexy!
(Clare O'Beara 1:20pm March 21, 2013)

I love a hero who is strong, intelligent, funny, and totally devoted to his heroine.
(Cheryl Castings 1:34pm March 21, 2013)

I completely agree, Clare. I love a smart man. Maybe that's why The Big Bang Theory is such a popular show right now.
(Shana Galen 1:41pm March 21, 2013)

Cheryl, there's something about a strong man felled by a woman that's endearing.
(Shana Galen 1:41pm March 21, 2013)

Qualities that makes a hero:
1. Bravery
2. Honestly
3. Compassion
4. Empathy
5. Decency

A man that comes with a full package of a little bit of everything. He doesn't need to
be the perfect man, but just a man that has a heart for only one woman. The heroine.
(When he finally admits to himself that he's into her, Lol)

Thanks for the giveaway Shana!
(Lazydrag0n Puff 2:14pm March 21, 2013)

I love Shana's reads and would love to win!!!

Joanne
(Joanne Bozik 2:30pm March 21, 2013)

I'd agree with all of yours and add courage and intelligence.
(Janie McGaugh 4:11pm March 21, 2013)

I love a guy who is strong intelligent and has a sense of
humor
(Donna Antonio 4:32pm March 21, 2013)

As I read through the comments, I would say that the qualities that make a memorable hero are stated nicely. Compassion, intelligence, sense of humor and devotion to the one he loves.
(Lin Berda 6:15pm March 21, 2013)

Some qualities for a memorable hero are courage, loyalty, intelligence, sense of humor, and sexy. I enjoy historical romance and would love to win your books. Thank you for the giveaway.
(Bonnie H 6:44pm March 21, 2013)

Understanding, strong, intelligent, loves animals---that's what my hero would be.
(Sue Farrell 7:07pm March 21, 2013)

Your list of qualities make a memorable hero!
(Cheryl McEwen 8:26pm March 21, 2013)

quirky, sense of humor, rugged, honest, intense - that would be my top 5 for a hero
(Donna Holmberg 8:57pm March 21, 2013)

You are so right.
The hero can be all of those things, but maybe we don't know it at first. We have to earn, along with the heroine, that special look inside of him :-)
(Chelsea Brooks 9:19pm March 21, 2013)

Janie, I can't believe I forgot courage. Of course!
(Shana Galen 9:21pm March 21, 2013)

Donna, a sense of humor is so important. The hero has to be able to laugh at himself a little.
(Shana Galen 9:22pm March 21, 2013)

Thanks, Bonnie. Good luck with the giveaway.
(Shana Galen 9:23pm March 21, 2013)

Sue, a hero who does not love animals wouldn't work for me either.
(Shana Galen 9:24pm March 21, 2013)

Sara, a little mysterious, a little dangerous--love it!
(Shana Galen 9:24pm March 21, 2013)

It wouldn't be a very long book if they fell in love on page 3, right, Chelsea?
(Shana Galen 9:26pm March 21, 2013)

Sexy & handsome, for sure. Some sort of negative history to
overcome, but someone with a good heart. Sense of humor is
good, too.
(Sharlene Wegner 10:08pm March 21, 2013)

A great hero is someone that truly cares for others and puts
others needs ahead of their own needs. Honest and caring and
giving to others too. Thanks for the great contest. Cecilia
CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 10:44pm March 21, 2013)

Smart with a sense of humor, not to mention honest and loyal. That to me makes a memorable hero. Thanks for the contest Shana, looking forward to reading your new book!
(Anita H 10:52pm March 21, 2013)

Shana, your list of 5 is spot on. Who wouldn't want an
intelligent hero who is kind,reliable,thoughtful,loyal and has
a good sense of humour? Love your books!
(Ada H. 11:22pm March 21, 2013)

I be honest I have not read one of your books. But I would love to win so I could. I would love for my hero, to be sexy,care about others,and one you could trust.
(Linda Hall 11:58pm March 21, 2013)

Sharlene, oh I love a good tortured hero with a deep dark secretive past! Great addition to the list.
(Shana Galen 7:54am March 22, 2013)

Cecilia, I completely agree. A selfless person makes a great hero or heroine.
(Shana Galen 7:55am March 22, 2013)

Thank you, Ada. I know my list is definitely what I'd want in a real life or book hero.
(Shana Galen 7:56am March 22, 2013)

Linda, good luck with the giveaway! And great additions to the list :-)
(Shana Galen 7:56am March 22, 2013)

A hero is a character who went through a tragedy and he is trying to find justice and/or right a wrong. He never takes credit for doing what is right. Of course,there is a dark secret or mystery about him that the readers want to know more.
(Kai Wong 9:39pm March 22, 2013)

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Shana Galen | It's All About the Hero

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Praise for IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Comments

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SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Shana Galen | It's All About the Hero

AVAILABLE

Praise for IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors