Fresh Fiction Blog | Danelle Harmon | The Hero Sets the Tone

Many years ago, a bestselling author — Laura Kinsale, if I remember correctly — stated that the hero sets the tone of a romance. That's a truism that stuck with me, and one that I've pondered many times over the years. Indeed, I find myself pondering it today.

There are authors out there who are known as "humorous" writers. There are authors who are known as "dark" writers. Others are "witty" writers. Or "hot" writers. Or ... well, you get the picture. Me? I don't think I can be comfortably shoved into any defining box, and that's largely because of my heroes — each of whom does, indeed, set the tone of his story. Each one is unique and very different from any hero with whom I've previously worked; each one is a new and unexplored person for me, someone I can't wait to meet, to get to know, to watch grow in character even as he struggles to find love and his own happily-ever-after. Some heroes are lighthearted optimists who take everything in stride that life throws at them, like Lord Gareth of THE WILD ONE, the first book in my bestselling de Montforte Brothers Series. Some are serious types who strive for impossible goals, like Lord Charles of THE BELOVED ONE. Some are vulnerable in ways they'll never admit, like Lord Andrew of THE DEFIANT ONE, and some are dark and sensual and mysterious, like Lucien, the mighty Duke of Blackheath, in THE WICKED ONE. One thing is certain: I never, ever write the same hero twice ... and I get emotionally invested in each and every one of them, with me sitting there in the passenger seat (often with white knuckles) as they do the driving: or in other words, setting the tone of the story.

And so, when I sat down to revisit Damon de Wolfe, the sixth Marquess of Morninghall and hero of my just-released (for e-readers) WICKED AT HEART, I knew I was going to be in for an emotional bruising. After working with the de Montforte brothers for so long, to go deep into Damon's dark and tortured world was like boarding a plane in the hot Florida sunshine and landing in Maine during the coldest day in January. It was one extreme to the other. Sure, the de Montforte brothers had their share of baggage and they certainly put me on an emotional roller coaster — especially Lord Charles! — but it was nothing compared to what awaited me as I willingly plunged myself back into Damon's world. Nothing.

WICKED AT HEART is set in England during the War of 1812, and Lord Morninghall is a once-decorated naval officer whose star has fallen. He has a problem with his superiors. He's not good at taking orders, his admiral has a vendetta against him, and his reasons for remaining in the Royal Navy are all wrong. He should be home, running his estate in the Cotswolds. He should be anywhere but the Navy — and anywhere but demoted to the post in which he now finds himself after killing his admiral's son in a duel.

But Damon is difficult. Like many who suffer the life-long effects of a miserable childhood, he's dark, vengeful, and angry at the world. He is a towering, complex, larger-than-life character; magnificent in his very "bad-ness." He's fierce and intimidating, but underneath all that armor he's also vulnerable because he has problems, and plenty of them. Panic attacks. An anxiety disorder. An absence of friends. And a churning, ever-present darkness deep in his soul that makes him the quintessential "tortured hero."

Sound a bit like someone we know in the Beauty and the Beast tale? Is there any hope for a man like this?

It'll take a very special, and very strong woman to find her way to this man's heart and help guide him along his journey from darkness back to light. That journey is one of struggle, heartbreak, and courage, and a gut-wrenching ride through the emotions. WICKED AT HEART is, without a doubt, the darkest and most emotional tale I've written to date. But, it shares one thing in common with the books that come before it: It's like nothing I've written before.

Damon, who was a finalist for a Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Hero Of The Year Award, holds a very special place in my heart. I hope he will in yours, too.

One commenter will win a gift basket of imported English goods.

Buy links for WICKED AT HEART: Kindle |(Barnes & Noble) Nook | Smashwords | Kobo

Danelle Harmon loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected], or through any of the following means:

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Comments

I like what you say about your books "It's like nothing I've written before" WICKED AT HEART sounds like a very interesting book....I can't wait to read it!
(Deborah Garcia 3:32am July 28, 2012)

Wow!! I want to see how Damon can be saved. I wouldn't take on this task. I put this book on my wish list.
(Kathleen Yohanna 3:33am July 28, 2012)

Love reading about many different heroes.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 5:35am July 28, 2012)

SOunds fantastic! That was a truism about the hero setting the tone. You really took it to heart and ran with it. I like strong heroines who can steer their man in the right direction.
(Karen Gervasi 6:48am July 28, 2012)

WOW! sounds very exciting and very much like a 'can't put it down until I finish' book.
(Barbara Hanson 7:53am July 28, 2012)

Sounds like one hell of a hero. I can't wait to read what he has to go through to get to the better place with love.
(Jo Anne Benware 8:02am July 28, 2012)

I like the idea of a hero with a vulnerable side. Interesting about the hero of the year award. I didn't know there was such a thing. :)
(Kirsten Kimball 8:17am July 28, 2012)

I like a hero with problems and a heroine willing to find and resolve.
(Beth Elder 9:00am July 28, 2012)

Wow, Damon sounds like a perfect hero!
I love a hero who has to overcome a less than happy past to become a vulnerable hero.

Mindy :)
[email protected]
(Mina Gerhart 9:06am July 28, 2012)

This sounds like a book I'd love to read...thanks so much for the chance to win it!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 9:09am July 28, 2012)

Thank you, everyone! It's great to be here today, and so nice to see so many comments, already! Kirsten, if you go to the Romantic Times site and do a search for WICKED AT HEART, you'll find a page for RT Award Nominees and Winners. Just scroll down to K.I.S.S. Hero :) (I tried posting the link, but I don't think I can, here.)

-- Danelle Harmon
(Danelle Harmon 9:54am July 28, 2012)

(Whoops, sorry about that -- I got two error messages telling me it didn't post, but I guess it did!)
(Danelle Harmon 9:54am July 28, 2012)

Loved your post. So much great info. Looking forward to reading Wicked at Heart.
(Brenda Hill 10:41am July 28, 2012)

Some people get excited over jewelry, chocolates and such. For me it's a good book. Reading your post has me so excited to learn more about your heores. I love an emotional read about dark and vulnerable heroes. I can't wait to read more about yours.. especially Lucian and Damon.
(Christine Stack 11:05am July 28, 2012)

You are a new author for me. Thanks for the intro to your work. I enjoyed your column and look forward to reading those heroes!
(G S Moch 11:07am July 28, 2012)

always hope that people can change, like your hero.i cannot wait to read how
this plays out in the book!
(Debbi Shaw 12:17pm July 28, 2012)

I love England & would love to visit there someday.
(Terri Quick 12:37pm July 28, 2012)

Sounds like a terrific book! Will look for me next time I am in a bookstore!
(May Pau 12:43pm July 28, 2012)

Huh. That's an interesting idea, and I'll have to ponder it. I don't think I care for books with weak heroines, nor for those with thin heroes. Offhand, I think that interesting protagonists with strong interaction is what's important. But I'll be shewing on this one for some time. Probably decades.
(Mary Ann Dimand 12:53pm July 28, 2012)

I CAN'T WAIT TO READ ABOUT DAMON. HE SOUNDS LIKE ONE OF KIND
HERO. YOUR MY FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME. LOVE YOUR BOOKS
THEY ARE FANTASTIC. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS CONTEST BECAUSE I
HAVEN'T WON A ANYTHING IN MY LIFE AND I REALLY WOULD LOVE TO
WIN THIS CONTEST.
(Shelly Caggiano 1:37pm July 28, 2012)

Oh this sounds wonderful... Damon is a character that I would enjoy reading.
(Colleen Conklin 1:39pm July 28, 2012)

Thank you for all the wonderful comments here! Midwest Book Reviews wrote, "This is a paradigm Wounded Hero novel, and Ms. Harmon does it wonderfully!" I hope you all enjoy the book, and best of luck to you all in the contest! Some good stuff in that basket! :)
(Danelle Harmon 1:50pm July 28, 2012)

I JUST LOVE YOU BOOKS THEY ARE MARVELOUS. KEEP WRITING THOSE
EXCITING BOOKS.
(Shelly Caggiano 2:19pm July 28, 2012)

I agree whole-heatedly that the hero sets the tone of the
romance! I love the tortured hero myself since it seems to
add more of a sense of confidence and strength to the
heroine that will "save" him. Love those heroines that are
self-reliant and know their worth way before their time! By
the way, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new covers and excited to see
that THE WILD ONE is only $0.99 for Kindle-- So, guess what
I am re-reading today? ;)
(Cerrie Norris 2:37pm July 28, 2012)

Cerrie, I love the new covers, too! So, so much nicer than the print versions. Funny how things change when an author has control over something! :) I hope you enjoy the re-read.

Thanks, Shelly! :)

-- Danelle
(Danelle Harmon 2:55pm July 28, 2012)

Damon sounds like a very tortured hero. I can't wait to find out who his heroine is to relieve him of his many problems! I LOVE the storyline so far and the beautiful cover! Thanks for the chance to win your goodie basket!
(Linda Luinstra 3:41pm July 28, 2012)

An author friend of mine recently said that she was looking back over a novel
she had written sometime ago and was rather taken aback at a particular part
of a book she had written. It was so profound and she just couldn't believe
she had written it. I guess authors find that they can reach deeply within
themselves and find this same way to express the depth of what their
characters are feeling. I'm quite interested is reading how you have captured
and portrayed Damon in "Wicked at Heart."
(Connie Fischer 3:58pm July 28, 2012)

Thanks for the great excerpt! Who doesn't love the tortured hero? =)
(Kathleen Conner 4:13pm July 28, 2012)

This sounds interesting. I like the comparison to B&B.
(Pam Howell 4:26pm July 28, 2012)

Heros that really earn the right to be called a hero are fabulous!
(Darci Paice 4:39pm July 28, 2012)

I still have the original Avon copy. It was a keeper.
(Sharon Mitchell 5:18pm July 28, 2012)

I'm glad to hear that Damon is like no other hero you have written before. I do get so very tired reading and re-reading about the same heroes over and over, even when it's by different authors!

I haven't had the chance to read any of this series, so I'd love to read this (and win the goodie basket!).

Thanks for the contest!!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 5:27pm July 28, 2012)

The hero sets the tone. So simplistic but so very true. Thanks for another fun stop on the tour.
(Janice Pauley 6:16pm July 28, 2012)

Thanks for posting. The de Montforte Brothers books all sound great.
(Mary C 7:01pm July 28, 2012)

Hi Danelle!
I'm so curious about your wonderful cover...did you design it or have any part in how you wanted it to look?
Cathy
(Cathy Howard 7:55pm July 28, 2012)

Anything that takes place in England is good by me
(Catherine Myers 8:19pm July 28, 2012)

for every cup there is a saucer. there is someone waiting for you despite your wickedness agressivenes ...whatever traits you have. damon sounds like quite a challenge!
(Mal Kaplan 8:31pm July 28, 2012)

Wow! Sounds like a great series! Can't wait to get started
(Nancy Gallagher 8:36pm July 28, 2012)

This sounds like a really interesting book!
(Chelsea Knestrick 8:38pm July 28, 2012)

Thanks, ladies. So many wonderful comments here! Mal, I love your "for every cup there is a saucer" statement. So true! Cathy, yes! I knew exactly what I wanted on each cover, and had a very large part in how each one looked, but it was actually designer Kim Killion who brought my ideas to fruition -- I am not that talented :)
(Danelle Harmon 9:15pm July 28, 2012)

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, and I love reading variations on the theme. This sounds like a really good one!
(Janie McGaugh 9:57pm July 28, 2012)

I adore English Romances, and to have this one set during wartime, makes it even sweeter!! You have me sitting on the edge of my seat typing this!! I can't wait to read the book, and the cover left me breathless!! Whomever did the cover did a bang-up job!! It's like a piece of artwork that you just stare at for a couple of minutes, and start to swoon!! Thank you for the wonderful explanation about your book, as well as the past books in your posting today. It makes your books all the more special.
(Peggy Roberson 10:46pm July 28, 2012)

Sounds like a great book. Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 11:08pm July 28, 2012)

I'm not usually a big fan of historical romances, but this one
seems great! Maybe it's partly because I just came back from
visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland, countries so rich in
history, you can't help but fall in love with it all. Thanks
for the giveaway!
(Laura Garofalo 11:12pm July 28, 2012)

WICKED AT HEART looks like such an amazing read.
(Mary Preston 11:22pm July 28, 2012)

I don't actively look for tortured heroes but a variant on
beauty and the beast easily pulls me in.
(Jan D 11:31pm July 28, 2012)

Thank you again, everyone, for all your comments. It was great to be here, and thank you to Fresh Fiction for hosting me here today! Good luck to all in the giveaway!
(Danelle Harmon 1:28am July 29, 2012)

I often find myself falling for the hero in a romance novel. I like heroes who are witty, kind and strong. ButI was surprised to read that you never write about the same hero twice.
(Gladys Paradowski 2:37am July 29, 2012)

Every hero should be different all right... his background, upbringing and skill and ambition will vary, his friends and influences too. But if someone is writing a lot of books I can see how duplication could creep in ... and then the heart of the book is gone because it's not being driven by an individual any more.
Hope this book goes well for you.
(Clare O'Beara 5:40am July 29, 2012)

I can't wait to read your book. I love books were the dark tortured man finds
that one woman who touches him and changes his life.
(April Knight 7:25am July 29, 2012)

This book is my favorite kind of romance. It will be going on
my TBR list on Goodreads. I love how you said every hero in
every book is different. Some authors seem to have the same
kind of hero over and over again. Thanks for a great post!
(Mary Doherty 11:03am July 29, 2012)

Can't wait to read and old England are my favorite. Thanks!
(Diane Chenier 1:55pm July 29, 2012)

I love books set in England. Poor Damon sounds like a mess.
(Rita Wray 3:28pm July 29, 2012)

LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND I REALLY WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS CONTEST. I
NEVER WON ANYTHING IN MY LIFE AND I REALLY DO WANT TO WIN.
(Shelly Caggiano 3:31pm July 29, 2012)

I must say that I am really loving what you're all writing in these comments ... there are some very insightful posts here, and I appreciate them! Thank you so much to all of you for sharing your thoughts. Perhaps if I did write "stock characters," I would be more prolific as a writer. But I can't see myself ever doing that.

-- Danelle
(Danelle Harmon 3:47pm July 29, 2012)

This dark, emotional tale of a dark tortured hero sounds like quite a good read! Going to look for this book! THANKS for the great post!
(Rich Cook 5:21pm July 29, 2012)

Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win!
(Natasha Donohoo 2:31am July 30, 2012)

Your series sounds absolutely amazing, Danelle! I agree that heroes do impact a story very strongly. He has to be just right in our (reader) eyes, because we have to fall in love with him right along with the heroine! :-)
(Chelsea Brooks 3:26pm July 30, 2012)

This sounds like it's on my To Read List! Thanks for Damon and the contest.
(Debra Simning-Chapman 9:59pm July 30, 2012)

You know Danielle, I think this hits the nail on the head. Women want to fall
in love; be swept off their feet and only a great hero can provide that.
Damon was actually the first of the Harmon Heroes as I like to refer to them
and the one thing that impressed me about you style right off the bat was
you didn't just tell the reader the back story of the broken hero, you took us
to his moment of breaking. Rarely do authors do that, too eager to jump
into the "rescue stage" (boy meets girl who fixes it all). To really appreciate
the pain, the risk, the rescue, a reader should start at the beginning, the
driving force. I loved the story of Dante and now the various personalities of
the de Montforte brothers. Each uniquely their own.

Hoping to get my own book out of my head someday, your insights and
advice are so welcome. Thank you Danielle.
(Tara Conklin 11:24pm October 15, 2012)

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