Fresh Fiction Blog | Vonda Sinclair | Strong and Unusual Heroines

I confess, I love creating heroines in my Scottish historical romances who are extraordinarily tough, resilient, and a bit outside the norm for historical romance. My heroines need to be strong in order to stand up to my Highland warrior heroes. These women have lived through difficult times or traumatic events before the opening of the story and are stronger for it.

Though Gwyneth, the heroine of MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER, is only twenty-three, she's well beyond the school-girl stage. Caught in a horrible scandal, she's forced to leave her home in England and journey to the Highlands of Scotland. There she has a child out of wedlock and marries a man she wishes she'd never seen. Now a widow, a mother and a healer, she's become a survivor and a resourceful woman any of us might admire... all for the sake of her young son, so that he might have a better life one day. But when she saves the wounded chief of an enemy clan, she risks her life for the first time. To her, this man is worth the risk because she knows he wants peace as she does, and there's something about him she can't turn away from. She can't let him lie on the battlefield and die. This shows her strength of character. She's brave and believes in saving a life if she can. She feels that's her responsibility as a healer, no matter who the injured person is.

Alasdair, the hero, is incredibly grateful to Gwyneth for saving his life when he was knocked out, and he's more than willing to return the favor if he needs to. He can't help but admire everything about Gwyneth. She is beautiful to him, strong and flexible as a willow tree, a good mother, a gifted healer. Can he help it that he falls for her?

In my second book, MY WILD HIGHLANDER, Angelique is only twenty but she's had it with men. The year before, she'd thought she was in love and had planned to marry a man who turned out to be not only unfaithful but also brutal. Now, being forced to marry a roguish Scotsman is the last thing she wants, but she has little choice. Having survived a traumatic event, Angelique now carries weapons with which to defend herself. And those weapons come in handy on more than one occasion. Might she even save the life of her charming but too-trusting husband?

Lachlan, the hero, finally witnesses the vulnerability behind Angelique's prickly, steel-hard façade. She can take care of herself--and he loves this about her--but he'd also like to be the one protecting her... and loving her, once he breaks through those walls.

You can't help but root for strong, resourceful heroines who pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, try to make their own way in life despite it being the 1600s and a man's world. There were limits to how much a woman was allowed to accomplish by herself back then, but I like for my heroines to test those boundaries and see how far forward they can go before they need a man's help. And even then, sometimes it is the woman who saves the day.

Do you enjoy reading about strong heroines?

I'm giving away a copy of MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER to one commenter.

MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER
Excerpt

MY WILD HIGHLANDER
Excerpt

Vonda Sinclair’s favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot, Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is a past Golden Heart finalist and Laurie award winner. She lives with her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story. Find Vonda on http://vondasinclair.com/, Facebook, and Twitter

Comments

I enjoy reading about strong heroines, as long as the author doesn't get carried away with it. Sometimes they make her a bit too strong, and it makes the man in the story come across as a bit feeble then, which is a bit hard to describe, but is just my opinion. Women should be strong to a point, due to the fact that I feel they are in real life, whether they realize it or not, so to read about it is a good and creative thing. It's just how far the author pushes the envelope that will make it a good or bad thing. I'm looking forward to your book, and think the covers are not only colorful, but have a nice piece of eye-candy on it. :) Have a great weekend!!
(Peggy Roberson 6:11am October 14, 2011)

Women have to be strong.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:25am October 14, 2011)

Strong heroines are much more fun to read about, providing there is legitimate reasons behind her strengths.. Men confident in their own life skills don't need some namby pamby weak woman to make them feel better -- they are looking for someone that can match or enhance their lives. Thanks for the weekend eye candy -- have a great weekend from start to finish!
(Cate Sparks 6:28am October 14, 2011)

I LOVE STRONG WOMEN IN BOOKS AND EVERYWHERE ELSE! MY FAVORITE IS , OF COURSE, SCARLETT O'HARA!
(Silvana Moscato 6:46am October 14, 2011)

I enjoy reading about strong heroines and think many people read fiction for affirmation. As we read stories with self-sufficient heroines, they reinforce what we may believe about ourselves. We often identify with these characters, cheering them on while they fight the bad guys. Strong heroines can nurture us. In romance books, when strong heroines win, these women can keep us believing in ourselves!
(Diane Brixius 6:52am October 14, 2011)

Strong characters are the best! I can't stand reading about women who let others walk all over them or don't seem to have any backbone at all.
(Karen Gervasi 7:33am October 14, 2011)

I definitely prefer strong heroines. I like to think I can take care of myself and relate more to the stories of women who can too.
(Pam Howell 7:50am October 14, 2011)

Strong heroines tend to create friction & tension & I love that.
(Mary Preston 7:54am October 14, 2011)

I love strong heroines. I can't stand to read a story where the main
character is weak and too stupid to live. It just makes me irritated, and I
end up closing the book. I like witty dialogue and tension, and you simply
can't get that without a string female lead.
(Debbie Burdeen 8:15am October 14, 2011)

I can't stand the wishy washy women, even back then some had backbones. Everyone, who has not read any romance books, assumes they are full of feinting females dropping like flies. Those books I do not enjoy, we all have weekness's but are stong too.
(Barbara Hanson 8:45am October 14, 2011)

Love strong heroines. :0 Never enjoy wimpy girls anyways. :) Your books sound terrific! :)
(May Pau 9:07am October 14, 2011)

I agree that a strong heroine is a lot more interesting than a wimp. Both of your books sound great and I love the covers! Have a great weekend!
(Renee Pajda 9:38am October 14, 2011)

I like strong characters too - I love it when the thing they have "given up on" suddenly appears. Life is great that way.
(Beth Elder 9:57am October 14, 2011)

I love a strong heroine. I love that strong female character that can kick butt just like the guys. I like one that is fierce, don't take no s#*t from no one, and can't talk back & not be scared. My favorite heroines are Cat Crawfield from Jeanine Frost's Night Huntess series and Anita Blake from Laurell K Hamilton's series.
(Chris Bails 10:17am October 14, 2011)

A heroine should be strong, not always just physically but emotionally, to get through the trials that we read about. I find myself sometimes inspired by their strength and will, afterall, as women we are stronger than most take us for, and we are capable of strength, willpower, and need to go on.
(Carla Carlson 10:32am October 14, 2011)

I admit that I was really thrilled at the turn in how heroines have been portrayed in recent years. Strong heroines have my respect and are inspiring.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:08am October 14, 2011)

I really enjoy strong heroines that have experienced a rough life and have learned to be strong, then and now. Especially when they meet up with men who want to tame them, and they are rebelling. I would love to read Gwyneth and Alasdair's romance. Angelique and Lachlan's story sounds really good also. They sound like must reads. I will have to check them out.

You are a new author for me, but I like the sound of your books.
(Cathy Phillips 11:42am October 14, 2011)

Yes, I enjoy strong heroines, but also like them to have "weak
spots" so they need rescuing by a sexy strong hero at times..
(Leanna Morris 11:44am October 14, 2011)

Thanks so much, everyone, for your insightful comments! I
agree with you. I love strong, resourceful heroines. But I
still want the hero to be stronger. :)
(Vonda Sinclair 11:54am October 14, 2011)

I like stong heroines--whimpy ones just don't appeal to me at all. But of course, strong heroines still need to be rescued since they always get themselves into trouble.
(Sue Farrell 12:43pm October 14, 2011)

I love strong heroines, they are much more interesting than
wimpy ones at least :D
(Ilona Fenton 1:16pm October 14, 2011)

I enjoy the variety of heroines out there, but when you have a strong female lead it adds more to the story.
(Colleen Conklin 1:23pm October 14, 2011)

I do like strong heroines. I especially like seeing a heroine develop self-confidence and discover her strength of spirit within the story.
(Cheryl Castings 2:56pm October 14, 2011)

I like strong heroines who are self-confident and kick a**, as long as they also show a soft side.
(Jennifer Langford 3:28pm October 14, 2011)

The heroines in your books seems to not only be strong but have a softer side. Add Scottish heroes and you have a winning combination. I would enjoy reading both of the books.
(Anna Speed 4:07pm October 14, 2011)

I do like a strong heroine, one with a strong will and confidence in what she strives to conquer and/or overcome. It gives encouragement relating to women, that they, too, can strive to accomplish more in their own lives by not giving up on their pursuits and believing in themselves, through whatever trials, hardships and struggles they face.
(Linda Luinstra 4:11pm October 14, 2011)

I enjoy reading about strong heroines especially when she survived from something bad in her past and became self-reliant.
(Kai Wong 4:12pm October 14, 2011)

To me a good book has a strong female and strong male- that is what gives the book depth. Two strong people butting heads and then the coming together is even more wonderful. I can not wait to read this book. Congrats Vonda on the release.
(Christine Arcidiacono 4:50pm October 14, 2011)

I love strong heroines and I love historical romance. Back in the days before women won the right to vote, laws were were not kind to women and their rights. So many women of that time were doormats and had to be submissive. Sounds like your book has a strong and alpha hero (a must for a romance novel), and has an admirable heroine. I'd love to win a copy of your book! Sounds like a great read.
(Monica Vargo 4:53pm October 14, 2011)

Thanks so much everyone for your thought-provoking comments! I
am enjoying reading them and glad to know most everyone loves
a strong heroine!
(Vonda Sinclair 5:03pm October 14, 2011)

I do enjoy strong heroines (no body likes a wimp). heroines
don't have to be physically stong (tho it's fun if they are),
but they should be mentally strong - there's always some issue
or another that they'll need to cope with.
(Diane Sallans 5:24pm October 14, 2011)

I love strong women and I love Highlanders even more!! This sounds like my favorite kind of read!
(Jeanne Sheats 6:15pm October 14, 2011)

reading about strong heroines is very, very interesting and I love reading about them
(Timothy Younger 6:47pm October 14, 2011)

I love strong women who can certainly take care of themselves. Wimp women who are TSTL drive me crazy and usually result in me throwing the book against the wall. Give me Strong every time.
(Maude Allen 6:48pm October 14, 2011)

You make me laugh with Angelique being over men at the young age of twenty. I do love strong characters and all the drama they create keeping true to character or not.
(Alyson Widen 6:55pm October 14, 2011)

Strong heroines make the man to do the right thing, sometimes. She helps to keep the story moving forward.
(Deb Pelletier 7:24pm October 14, 2011)

I prefer strong heroines in my romance novels. A woman should be able to stand on her own two feet before she finds a man to stand at her side!
(Jennifer Beyer 9:33pm October 14, 2011)

Love to read about strong women in hopes I can become one someday. Love to read anything with a scottish flair so am looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 10:24pm October 14, 2011)

Most real women are stronger in character than they, themselves, realize until and if they face situations requiring strength of every dimension. I am a strong woman and I always have tried to convince/influence/assist other women to be just that. So it follows that women in general appreciate strong women in life and in fiction. Moreover, to be a "heroine" is to be strong; thus, how can a novel with a heroine, a woman of varietal strength, not be a welcomed success!
(Carla Schuller 11:25pm October 14, 2011)

I love strong heroines, especially when they have a soft side. I find it sweet when there is someone that falls for the strong heroine and she can't help but be in love back. I can't wait to finish reading my stack of books so I can start on yours. Maybe I could write a book with a strong heroine too. I want to be an author when I grow up. I plan on using the pen-name Rose Wolf or Maria Andrews. I'm also considering Hannah Hayes. I don't know yet, but it's all a work in progress.I guess I'm trying to write a series but I don't know how I want them to be ordered. I guess I'll just see what I finish first and go from there. Well, continue writing your wonderful stories and have a good day. :)
(Meghan Anderson 11:37pm October 14, 2011)

I love strong heroines because we women truly are strong. We have to be strong. So week milk toast heroines wouldn't ring as true. A strong Heroine inspires us.
(Heidi Durham 1:13am October 15, 2011)

I like strong heroines, as long as they're using their strength for a good reason. Not just being strong to be strong but for a real purpose.
(Cheryl McEwen 2:30pm October 15, 2011)

I love strong heroines. However, it bugs me to no end when they start out strong, but then meet an "alpha" man who they literally let steamroll right over them. They can be strong any other time but not w/ the love of their lives? Love should compliment, not change/weaken. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Erin Fender 5:32pm October 15, 2011)

Love Highlander books. Love to get lost in them.
(Cheryl M Kaplan 8:33pm October 15, 2011)

Love strong heroines, sort of empowering :)
(Jolene Allcock 9:09pm October 15, 2011)

I am also a Highlander love story fan, Love sexy heros and fisty heroines and your book fit the bill for me. I will be adding them to my TBR list.
(Vickie Hightower 9:23pm October 15, 2011)

I love strong heroines. But even more than that I love highlanders...this is on my wish list. I can't wait to read it.
(Patti Paonessa 9:30pm October 15, 2011)

I do like strong heroines but they should be matched up with a man who is strong too. Looking foward to reading your book.
(Kathleen Yohanna 9:55pm October 15, 2011)

Sounds like a good one, nothing is better than a free book, unless you add free chocolate.
(Gwen Hansen 10:41pm October 15, 2011)

I love Highlander stories. Can't wait to read this one.
(MaryAnne Banks 10:45pm October 15, 2011)

I love a strong heroine. I think women have to think for themselves or risk becoming overshadowed by a strong male.
(Renee Brown 1:15pm October 16, 2011)

I LOVE strong heroines. However, I don't like situations of
"the lady doth protest too much." I like the women to be
strong, but able to own up to their feelings as well. It's
not a sin to show that you care or that you need help.
Sometimes, that's just the way it is. So I'd say strong,
but honest...with themselves and others.
(Karin Anderson 2:27pm October 16, 2011)

I am with the majority here and like a strong heroine, nobody wants to feel
dependent on a man. But it is nice to have a strong man at your back,
especially if they are in a kilt ; )
Your book sounds great!!
(Lexi Hansen 6:55pm October 16, 2011)

I love Highlanders.And I'm so glad to see that's what you write. :) A strong Heroine is definitely needed when involved with the very Alpha Highlander. At least in my opinion. You're now on my list of Authors to read.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
(Carol Luciano 6:57am October 26, 2011)

While reading your blog, it seems that you research on this topic very much. I must tell you that your blog is very informative and it helps other also.
contract hire
(Ansar Smith 12:55pm February 19, 2012)

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