I have a confession. I absolutely love an anti-hero. Maybe my anti-hero obsession began with Spike when I used to watch Buffy episodes. The minute Spike stepped onto the TV screen, I forgot all about Angel. And, then, of course, Dexter started airing, and I found myself rooting for the serial killer who was hunting other serial killers. How did that even happen?
And I know I’m not alone in my love for the anti-heroes when it comes to romance books. These heroes are hugely popular but…why? Well, I have a few suspicions.
- The heroine is who matters to the anti-hero. The anti-hero may not care about many things in this world, but he will go to his knees for the heroine (pretty much just for her). If it’s a choice between her and the rest of humanity, ahem—sorry, humanity. The anti-hero will choose her.
- The anti-hero keeps you guessing. A normal hero tends to be pretty true-blue. You know what he’ll do in dangerous or stressful situations (hint—it’s the right thing). But an anti-hero? Oh, no. You can’t predict him. And the surprise is half the fun.
- An anti-hero answers to no one but himself. He has his own code. Sure, it can be a morally shady code, but he stands strong and isn’t intimidated by anyone or anything. He truly is his own law. That can be pretty powerful.
Whether they are appearing in paranormal romances, romantic suspenses, or contemporaries, the anti-heroes always steal the show for me. As summer winds to a close, I hope you can sneak in a few anti-hero reads, too. Enjoy them!
Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance #10
He’s been protecting her since he was sixteen years old…
Beau LeBlanc has a killer grin, a voice that can seduce a saint, and a serious reputation for being mad, wickedly bad, and exceedingly dangerous to know. Growing up, everyone always thought he was trouble with a capital T…until one night the bad boy became a hero. He rushed into a burning house and saved her—Avalon Trahan. He still bears the scars from the flames on his body, but it was Avalon who marked his soul. For her, he wanted to be more than just the most dangerous guy in town.
They grew up. He kept watching her.
Beau knows that he’s obsessed. He also knows that someone has to look after Avalon because the fire wasn’t the last time that her life was in danger. Over the years, he’s had to step in when she needs help…not that she knew he was there. He stayed in the shadows. Watching. Waiting. And eliminating the threats that came her way. You didn’t screw with what belonged to him.
She’s been his fantasy for years. He’s been her dark hero.
He never expected Avalon to walk into his bar. To come straight to him. But when she does, she’s a temptation he can’t resist. Beautiful, bold, and smart, she’s everything he has ever wanted. Desire explodes between them. A need he has fought for so long is suddenly a blazing inferno that he can’t control.
But Avalon needs Beau now more than ever before. A killer has her in his sights—a man who loves to see the world burn. And this predator won’t stop until he finishes what he started years ago…The fire is going to come for Avalon again. And this time, he’ll make sure no one is there to save her.
Author’s note: The Ice Breakers are back once again! A serial arsonist is ready to set the world ablaze. To stop him, Beau and Avalon will have to trace a trail of murders back to the killer. Avalon is a true-crime author with ties to the Ice Breakers, and she will need their backup to unravel the mystery of her past. She’s also going to need some serious protection. Good thing Beau is more than willing to get up close and personal with her. Prepare for smoking-hot pages, danger that will chill your heart, and a hero who is too well acquainted with the dark side of love…and obsession.
Romance Suspense [Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc., On Sale: June 25, 2024, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781960633811 / ]
Believe in monsters. They believe in you.
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes dark tales of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia is also a two-time finalist for the RITA® award (she was a finalist both in the romantic suspense category and in the paranormal romance category). Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over thirty novels and novellas.
Cynthia is a "hybrid" author. She has published extensively with New York (her New York publishers include Kensington, Grand Central, and Harlequin), and she has also enjoyed success in her indie writing career.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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