There's just something about a hero who's a bit wicked, but in all the right
ways! In historical romance, he may be a titled noble with a bitter secret in
his past or a rugged Highlander with a heart filled with regret. Perhaps he's a
rogue who has walled off his heart, a spy with secrets of his own, or a criminal
whose love for the heroine pulls him from a dark place into a brighter future.
He's a man with flaws—some so profound they will stand in the way of his love
for the heroine—but when he demonstrates his inner courage or compassion, he's a
hero I can root for on the road to happily ever after.
When I'm writing a romance, I make some key decisions about the hero while the
story is just a kernel of an idea. While planning my new Victorian historical
romance, WHEN A LADY DESIRES
A WICKED LORD, I knew from the start that the hero would be an adventurer, a
man who'd left England to seek his fortune. I decided to make him an
archaeologist gone rogue, a daring scholar like Indiana Jones but with far
different motives. Benedict Weston, Viscount Marlsbrook, would be a man with a
title he never wanted, a title that seemed more of a burden than a blessing.
During the Victorian era, some members of the nobility whose fortunes had eroded
over time entered into marriages with wealthy heiresses hunting titles rather
than love. But Lord Marlsbrook takes a far different approach to rebuilding his
family's estate—a decision that costs him the love of his life and a
relationship with the man who was like a father to him. Benedict's journey to
reclaiming Alexandra's love and redeeming himself in his own mind is at the
heart of WHEN A LADY DESIRES
A WICKED LORD.
In order for me to enjoy a romance, whether it's historical, contemporary, or
paranormal, both the hero and heroine must have courage and compassion. When I'm
writing a love story, the characters may not make a show of these qualities—they
may be under the surface, but the hero and heroine will allow these
characteristics to emerge as the story moves toward a happily ever after. In my
books, the hero most likely isn't going to be a knight in shining armor charging
in on a stallion, come to sweep the heroine away from it all. His figurative
armor is likely to bear some tarnish and a few dents along the way, and he may
downplay his inner integrity at every opportunity. But from the start of the
story, these characteristics shine through his actions far more than his words.
Of course, he has flaws. In WHEN A LADY DESIRES A WICKED
LORD, Benedict is arrogant and fiercely driven to rebuild his family's
wealth. The heroine, Alexandra Quinn, provides a strong counterpoint to
Benedict's defensive arrogance. A brilliant Egyptologist, Alex is able to hold
her own with Lord Marlsbrook while demonstrating a quiet courage and compassion
that frees Benedict to reveal his own integrity and open his heart to love.
They're drawn to each other, and Benedict's passion is wicked in all the right
ways. But Alex's heart and life itself are at risk. Drawn into a lethal mystery,
Benedict must call upon his courage and put everything on the line to protect
Alex from both a killer and himself.
And now, a little about the story:
He'll protect her life with his own... but who will protect her heart?
Brilliant Egyptologist Alexandra Quinn is stunned when the man who'd shattered
her young heart rescues her from an intruder at the last minute. Forced to work
with the rakish Lord, they must identify a cunning murderer who's left a
blood-drenched trail from Cairo to London. Alex knows better than to trust
Benedict, but the wicked promise in his kiss tempts her.
Benedict Weston, Viscount Marlsbrook, never wanted to be a hero. For years, he's
plundered antiquities in his quest to restore his family's debt-ridden estate.
Now, a killer has targeted the only woman he's ever loved—the woman he craves
with a soul-deep hunger. He'll do whatever it takes to protect Alex—even from
himself.
I hoped you enjoyed this peek at my process for creating the hero, Lord
Marlsbrook, in WHEN A LADY
DESIRES A WICKED LORD. If you'd like to learn more about my books, please
connect with me on Facebook or visit my webpage at www.tarakingston.com.
Award-winning author Tara Kingston writes historical romance laced with
intrigue, danger, and adventures of the heart. She lives her own
happily-ever-after in a cozy Victorian with her real-life hero and a pair of
deceptively innocent-looking cats. When she's not writing, reading, or burning
dinner, Tara enjoys movie nights, cycling, hiking, DIY projects, and cheering on
her favorite football team. Learn more about Tara's books at www.tarakingston.com.
Her Majesty's
Most Secret Service
Brilliant Egyptologist Alexandra Quinn is stunned when the man who'd
shattered her young heart rescues her from an intruder at the last minute.
Forced to work with the rakish Lord, they must identify a cunning murderer who's
left a blood-drenched trail from Cairo to London. Alex knows better than to
trust Benedict, but the wicked promise in his kiss tempts her.
Benedict Weston, Viscount Marlsbrook, never wanted to be a hero. For years,
he's plundered antiquities in his quest to restore his family's debt-ridden
estate. Now, a killer has targeted the only woman he's ever loved—the woman he
craves with a soul-deep hunger. He'll do whatever it takes to protect Alex—even
from himself.
Romance Historical
[Entangled Scandalous, On Sale: April 24, 2018,
e-Book, ISBN: 9781640635562 / eISBN: 9781640635562]
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