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Mary Campisi | Name Your Hero
September 26, 2011
People often wonder why I write in different genres. The answer is simple -- it
relaxes me. When I'm working on a contemporary romance or women's fiction, the
tone is usually heavier, the issues more complex, and there's invariably a moral
dilemma that's ambiguous. My brain is tired when I finally type the end.
I love the work, love the process and the results, but I need time to play...or
in other words, write about brooding heroes and smart heroines aka Regency
historical romances. I began writing these for the pure joy of falling into romance through a
fairytale setting. The beautiful young women, the wealthy, titled men, the
gowns, the carriages, the estates, even the villains are pure fairytale material
reminiscent of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. I still
remember watching Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella with Leslie Ann Warren
and Stuart Damon, (who was later Alan Quartermaine in General Hospital!) The
historical lifts me up and carries me away into happily ever after. I love, love, love Mr. Darcy of PRIDE & PREJUDICE. What a delight when he
appeared in movie theaters and later, on our televisions :-) I own both the
regular and the deluxe DVD versions with Mathew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley. I
watch this movie at least once a month and marvel at the sparks and sizzle
between Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth -- before they ever touch one another. It's
pure amazing. Some say it's not true to the times or the story, but I say the
emotion is there and it pulls me in. Every. Single. Time. Mr. Darcy is the reason I write brooding heroes! THE SEDUCTION OF SOPHIE
SEACREST, Book One of An Unlikely Husband series, has its own brooding hero
in Holt Langford, Earl of Westover. Here's the blurb, followed by an excerpt. When Holt Langford, the new Earl of Westover, returns to England
after twelve years at sea, he resembles more pirate than nobleman, a far cry
from the scrawny youth shipped off by his father to become a man. No one
recognizes him and he'll use this anonymity to enter a game of subterfuge in
order to expose the scoundrel who has vowed to destroy Holt's family business. Unfortunately, that scoundrel has a devoted daughter -- Sophie Seacrest. Sophie
can't deny her attraction to the unorthodox stranger who stirs her blood and
makes her think things no proper lady should. Holt and Sophie are drawn into a
seductive tangle and just when he's about to reveal his true identity
and his honorable intentions, she discovers the truth and must choose
between love and family duty.
And the excerpt...He was not a handsome man by society's standards. There was too much bulk, too
much hair, good heavens, too much man, but there was something
compelling about him that stuck her to her spot. Was it the eyes that appeared
to consume her every breath? She could see them now, a deep navy. Or the
roughness of his voice that sent a tremulous shiver through her entire body? Or
perhaps it was the man's sheer size, a true oddity by today's standards. "And who are you?" he asked in a too soft voice as he stepped closer. "Lady Sophie Seacrest." His eyes narrowed a fraction. "Ah, a Seacrest." "You must know our groomsmen, Hodge." He shook his head and long strands of wet hair clung to his massive shoulders.
"No, I've only been at Ellswood a short time." Which explained why she had not seen or heard of him before today. Seacrests
might be estranged from Langfords but staff tongues still wagged and Aunt Vivian
made it her business to stay abreast of all happenings. She said it was best to
keep one's enemies close. The man retrieved a blanket from a nearby bureau and settled it around her
shoulders. "You shouldn't ride when a storm is threatening," he said, his
deep voice curling around her. She pulled the blanket closer in an effort to stave off the tingling in her
middle and replied, "I'm an accomplished horsewoman." He lifted a brow and slivers of amusement filtered his words. "But not so
accomplished as to remain seated during a thunderstorm?" She shrugged and smiled. "Apparently not." "Step by the fire so you don't catch a chill." Drops of water slid from her gown
as she moved toward the fire's heat. What would her father say if he knew she
was alone in a cottage with a stranger, an employee of the Langford's no less?
He would not be pleased. Nor would her aunt. But they would never know for she
would keep this one scrap of harmless adventure to herself and perhaps in nights
ahead, pull it from her memories and think of the dark stranger. "Drink this." The man thrust a snifter in her hands and she took a healthy
swallow expecting brandy. A burn captured her throat, stealing her breath as she coughed and sputtered.
"This is not brandy!" "No," he smiled and his dark eyes glistened. "It's whiskey." She coughed again and cleared her throat. "Why on earth do men find that drink
so appealing? It is much too harsh and unrefined." "Some of the best things in life are harsh and unrefined," he commented,
glancing at her lips. "I beg your pardon?" "A kiss for example." He moved closer and rubbed his jaw. "There are many kinds
of kisses. There is the kiss you give your mother or the peck on the cheek for
your father or aunt." His voice dipped. "And then there is the other kind of
kiss." "Oh?" The room suddenly grew very small. He lifted a finger and traced her lower lip with such lazy perfection she forgot
the dampness of her skin, forgot everything but the fire on her lips. "Yes." He worked his finger over her upper lip in a faint caress, then dipped
into her parted mouth and stroked her tongue with the tip of his finger. "There
is the kiss a man and a woman share. Harsh. Unrefined." She swallowed. "Oh?" The man cupped her chin and leaned forward, brushing his lips over hers. "It's
part of an age old mating ritual, a dance which begins slowly with the faintest
touch of skin to skin and escalates to," he flicked his tongue across her lower
lip and said, "more primitive methods of communication." "I see." But she did not. Her lips tingled and burned where he stroked her,
filling her with the need to . . . do something . . . "And soon, there is only touching and all refinement slips away." He captured
her mouth once again, this time easing his tongue between her lips. He pulled
her roughly to him, his massive arms circling her waist, sliding down her back. A rush of heat spread through her as he pressed his hardness against her
abdomen. She flung her arms around his neck, burying her fingers in his long
hair as wondrous sensations overtook her. Eager for more, she strained against
his chest and sighed when the velvet fabric of her soggy riding habit heightened
the pleasure. "And then there is no more thinking." He cupped her buttocks with a large hand,
and murmured, "Only feeling." His mouth slanted over hers, urging her lips apart
as his tongue delved inside. Sophie moaned when he captured her tongue and
gently sucked. Oh, but this delicious tasting and touching must be wrong, but did she not
deserve this one small pleasure after so many years of thinking only of others?
Yes, her body cried, smothering logic and common sense. Yes! Two commenters will receive an e-copy of THE SEDUCTION OF SOPHIE
SEACREST just let me know who YOUR favorite brooding hero is, or why you
don't like brooding heroes. THE SEDUCTION OF SOPHIE
SEACREST is only 99¢
 
Comments
37 comments posted.
Re: Mary Campisi | Name Your Hero
I read different genres for the same reason. Some are heavy going and others are just plain fun. I love regency - the pomp and rules that are just asking to be broken.
I love the sound of your book - it's just my cup of tea!
(Barbara Hanson 8:30am September 26, 2011)
My favorite brooding hero would have to be Jane Eyre's Mr. Rochester - of course, Orson Welles nailed that interpretation perfectly - brooding, tortured, conflicted, you name it -
And, I, too, like to mix things up with various genres - need that mental "palate cleansing" to really appreciate everything more.
(Felicia Ciaudelli 9:18am September 26, 2011)
Who doesn't like Mr. Darcy? He's my favorite too. :)
(May Pau 9:53am September 26, 2011)
Thanks for the comments! I find that when I'm immersed in a particular genre, my brain thinks differently which is a great mental exercise.
Has anyone seen the new Jane Eyre movie? I hear it's a bit different from the book, but still very emotional and romantic. It's on my list to watch.
(Mary Campisi 10:29am September 26, 2011)
Loved the Kiss!
(Beth Elder 10:44am September 26, 2011)
I like to switch around with my books also. I get bored if I read the same thing all the time and go into a reading slump. My favorite hero of all time is Rhett Butler.
(Gail Hurt 11:55am September 26, 2011)
I read various types of books, also, but all have to end happily ever after. I hope Sophie chose the hero instead of that scoundrel of a father.
(Anna Speed 12:01pm September 26, 2011)
I always wanted to see Rhett turn around and profess his love to a changed Scarlett. I know the ending is more powerful the way it was written, but I also want a happily ever after.
(Mary Campisi 12:08pm September 26, 2011)
crazy, I know, but Hamish Macbeth, from MC Beaton's mysteries, is desperately in need of wife, altho he does want those wee little bairns and mine are all grown up - still, I think I could convince him otherwise - and he's definitely a brooder!
(Beth Fuller 12:45pm September 26, 2011)
Definitely depends on my mood :) My reading is all across the board so I love em all. Favorite brooding hero would have to be Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. Love, love, love that book.
(Erin Fender 12:53pm September 26, 2011)
I enjoyed the excerpt! As long as I get my happily ever after, I will read any genre in romance... as for fav brooding hero... not sure, I have enjoyed reading many heroes from different authors that I can not choose!
(Colleen Conklin 1:23pm September 26, 2011)
I like brooding characters, they make the book. Sometimes they are irrating, but they are funny about it. I loved Edward from Twilight. He wanted to be with Bella and wanted to save her by not being with her. There are a lot of others like Heathcliff from Wethering Heights because he wanted what he could not have and made everyone miserable and Romeo because he wanted someone else.
(Chris Bails 1:36pm September 26, 2011)
I have a love for Rhett Butler, a man's man and a ladies man.. a man
truly passionate, even patient, but one driven mad by love
almost...maybe that's also why I love Othello..who loved not wisely but
all too well.
(Carla Carlson 4:17pm September 26, 2011)
Brooding heros make the stories for me---and Rhett Butler was the best of them all.
(Sue Farrell 5:52pm September 26, 2011)
The first one that comes to mind is Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre.
How many books are planned for The Unlikely Husband series?
Thank you.
(Mary C 5:53pm September 26, 2011)
My husband broods at times, so have to admit that he is my favorite!!!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 5:53pm September 26, 2011)
I love brooding heroes and especially love Matthew Macfayden's Darcy!
(Renee Pajda 5:54pm September 26, 2011)
Regarding the number of books for An Unlikely Husband Series - I'm thinking five, but if the characters cooperate, there could be more:)
Marjorie- you have a brooding hero husband?!
Renee- another Matthew Macfadyen Darcy fan! That voice, those eyes...oh, so wonderfully Darcylicious!
(Mary Campisi 6:22pm September 26, 2011)
Colin Firth's character, when he was on the BBC series "Ballykissangel," was a brooder par excellence!!
And then any George Clooney hero that broods is fantastic, too!
One question, however. When Holt gives Sophie a swig of whiskey, is he giving whisky or whiskey? In other words, is she drinking what is known as "Scotch" everywhere but in Scotland (where it is properly know as "Whisky"), or is she drinking American whiskey?
Just curious, because to the best of my knowledge, Whiskey didn't exist in the London of the Regency period. It had barely gotten started over here!
Later,
Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 7:34pm September 26, 2011)
William Hurt is my favorite brooding hero along with the gentlemen in The Englishman.
(Alyson Widen 7:50pm September 26, 2011)
My brooding hero is more contemporary. Buffy the Vampire Slayers,
Angel. Nobody could brood like Angel!
(Tanja Haack 8:39pm September 26, 2011)
I believe that the person I'm thinking of is Sam Eliot. It's too bad that I can't enter the contest, because I don't have any type of Kindle or e-reader. Being on a fixed income, I consider that a luxury expense. I do think your book would be an excellent read to warm me up this Winter, but I guess that isn't going to be. I also love to read other genres of books, depending on my moods. Best of luck on your future writings. I will keep my eyes peeled for your books, I suppose, for now.
(Peggy Roberson 8:44pm September 26, 2011)
Sounds just like my type of story! I'd love to read it.
(Molly Wilsbacher 10:16pm September 26, 2011)
Peggy...If you have a pc get the free kindle for pc app and you can read ebooks there.
I agree iwth Tanja...Angel is the sexiest..I love love love him.
(Patti Paonessa 10:16pm September 26, 2011)
I've seen the new (PBS) Jane Eyre, it's wonderful. I love Mr Rochester,one minute he's yelling at Jane. The next minute it's mind games. Which leads to friendship, affection,and then tension.And the big question,"What do you want Jane?" So romantic.
(Deb Pelletier 10:28pm September 26, 2011)
So many great brooding heroes - seems Mr. Rochester is a top pick!
Peggy, are you able to read books on your pc? If so, you can enter and if you win, I could send you a pdf file which you would be able to read on your computer. I'm sorry this book is not available in paperback.
(Mary Campisi 11:05pm September 26, 2011)
I do love a brooding hero dont have a favorite they are all special in their own ways so ill list a couple lol Acheron,Lachlain MacRieve,Angel
(Wanda Flanagan 12:07pm September 27, 2011)
My favorite brooding hero is Atticus Finch of "To Kill a Mockingbird." He broods over saving an innocent man and stands against prejudice and violence while setting an example for his young children and teaching those children and their vacationing young friend decency and courage. He is handsome and out of reach as portrayed impeccably by gorgeous Gregory Peck. How can any woman not be moved by such a man so out of reach!
(Carla Schuller 12:14pm September 27, 2011)
I think that Booth from the tv show Bones can be a little bit broody.
(Lisa Kendall 12:22pm September 27, 2011)
I cannot pick my brooding hero because I am reading all the time and the hero I
am currently reading is the one I am thinking of at any one time. I love
Regencies to relax and have watched the genre change over the years but
basically they are still the most relaxing fiction out there.
(Sandra Spilecki 11:31am September 27, 2011)
Back in the day, Judith McNaught wrote wonderful brooding heroes - loved those guys!
(Mary Campisi 11:40am September 27, 2011)
Holt and Sophie both sound like wonderful characters and I loved the excerpt. As far as brooding men go, I have to say that my favorite is the one I am reading at the time.
(Cathy Phillips 2:10pm September 27, 2011)
I don't think I have a favorite. It's usually the one I'm reading about at the moment and most of them are usually brooding at one time or another lol.
(Jeanne Sheats 8:01pm September 27, 2011)
I regret that I can't name my favorite brooding hero--I've read about too many to recall them individually. I should probably not like them as much as I do since I'm inclined to brooding myself. Maybe that's why I don't really remember individual ones.
(Sigrun Schulz 11:23pm September 27, 2011)
Hmmm.. brooding.. I guess Rhett Butler stands out the most for me... and it must really be the visual that Clark Gable presented in the movie..
(Cate Sparks 4:21am September 28, 2011)
There's something about witnessing the pain of a brooding hero as he realizes the woman he loves doesn't love him, (at least he thinks she doesn't), that tears me apart. When it's my story and I get to have my ending, you can bet that hero is not going to experience that pain at the end of the book! That's why I wanted to see Rhett and Scarlett get together in the end!
(Mary Campisi 8:47am September 28, 2011)
Brooding hero?? Janet Evanovich's Morelli...or Ranger. No...Morelli. Ok, Ranger & Morelli- wow, two heros, together, with one...Hmmm, better end that thought process right here!
(Patti DelValle 1:07am September 29, 2011)
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