Fresh Fiction Blog | Sara Humphreys | Top 4 Must Have Qualities in a Romance Novel Hero

What makes a romance hero attractive? Well, for me there are four must have qualities that my heroes simply have to have. To me it's a recipe for a sweep-me-off-my-feet sexy kind of man.

1. Protective Instincts: A true hero is a man who will, by gut instinct, do anything and everything to protect the people he cares about. It doesn't necessarily have to be life or death protection either. That protective instinct could be something as simple as making sure the heat is on when his woman gets home, so she won't be cold or pointing out broken glass on the sidewalk so she won't step in it.

2. Loyalty: If a man can't be loyal then he's not a man. A romance hero is dreamy and dishy when he sees no one but the woman he loves. I mean a flock of naked women could run by and he wouldn't even see it. Well...okay...he'd glance briefly but only so he could turn to his lover and say, "Babe, you are way hotter than any of them."

3. Generous Lover: I'll be honest, I can't imagine a romance hero who isn't generous in the bedroom. I'm not saying he's got to have some kind of ninja acrobatic skills, but he has to be attentive. A real hero isn't satisfied unless his lover is—and that goes for in and out of the bedroom.

4. A Sense of Humor: If a man can't make his woman laugh...he's going to find it hard to get out of a lover's spat gracefully. To me, there's nothing sexier than a guy with a fantastic sense of humor. Laughter is a potent aphrodisiac.

Now, you may have noticed that I didn't list any physical attributes and there's a good reason for that. If a man, romance hero or otherwise, doesn't have the qualities listed above....it wouldn't matter if he looked like Hugh Jackman or Brad Pitt. These four qualities are what I find most attractive in a man, so I make sure that every one of my heroes has ‘em.

Pete Castro in UNDONE possesses all of these qualities and more. He may be human (then again he may not) but he gives Marianna, a pure blooded Amoveo shifter, a run for her money.

How about you? What is your "must have" quality in a hero?

UNDONE BY SARA HUMPHREYS – IN STORES MAY 2013

She's Far From Human...

With her secret race of shapeshifteres embroiled in civil war, all Marianna Coltari wants is to stay far from controversy. Even so, when her overprotective brother insists on hiring his human friend Pete as her bodyguard, Marianna is furious.

Does She Dare to Love One?

Like most retired cops, Pete Castro resents his new job as a bodyguard. It's even worse because he'll be babysitting a party girl like Marianna. But that's before he meets her for the first time and discovers his instincts on red alert. Would he kill to protect her?

Praise for UNDONE

"Humphreys' skillful storytelling is so intriguing, you'll have a hard time putting this book down. 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month!" —RT Book Reviews

"Spellbinding... This fast-paced, jam-packed thrill ride will delight paranormal romance fans." —Publishers Weekly

"Sara Humphreys has truly created her own world." —Under the Covers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Humphreys has been attracted to the fantasies of science fiction, paranormal, and romance since her adolescence when she had a mad crush on Captain Kirk. An actress and public speaker, Sara lives in Bronxville, NY, with her husband, who is very considerate of her double life, and four amazing boys. Look for a brand new paranormal romance series, Dead in the City, starting with TALL, DARK AND VAMPIRE this August, and the next Amoveo Legend book, Unclaimed, in December 2013! For more information about her books and to join her street team, please visit www.sarahumphreys.com or follow her on Twitter, @AuthorSara.

To purchase UNDONE:

What are your top must-have qualities in a hero? One commenter will win UNTAMED

Unleashed
Amoveo Legend
#1.0
October 2011

Untouched
Amoveo Legend
#2.0
April 2012

Untamed
Amoveo Legend
#3.0
November 2012

Undone
Amoveo Legend
#4.0
May 2013

Comments

I love the covers! I agree with you..what makes a romance hero attractive is not necessarily his looks but his protectiveness, desire and loyalty.
(Bonnie Capuano 5:29am May 16, 2013)

Funny enough, those are my top qualities as well. I would
maybe add intelligent to the list, though, since I'm a nerdy
guy fan.
(Karin Anderson 8:42am May 16, 2013)

I also want him to be able to comfort her. Reading a Sabrina Jeffries now and he is doing all except the humor; that will probably come.
(Leona Olson 9:02am May 16, 2013)

When I look for a book, the cover has to grab my attention.
Yours definitely does. Can't wait to read the next book in
the series.
(Tina Meissinger 9:06am May 16, 2013)

Hi Bonnie, Karin, Leona and Tina! Glad to see you gals agree with my list but I'd
agree that intelligence is important as well. A hot book cover will most definitely
grab my attention but the hero I see in my mind, never matches what's on the
cover. How about you?
(Sara Humphreys 9:47am May 16, 2013)

I would say that he would have to be smart, and a bit of an adventurer. By that I mean that he would like to go out and do things with his lady, but also enjoy being at home, snuggling under the covers with his lady!! As far as the other categories, you hit those on the head. Your book sounds great, and the cover isn't too shabby, either!! I can't wait to read it!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:58am May 16, 2013)

I agree with a sense of humour and loyalty! :) I also need intelligence (or at least streetsmart), kind and brave!
(May Pau 10:07am May 16, 2013)

I really like the 4 your listed. I would also add smart. I like smart men.
(Pam Howell 10:07am May 16, 2013)

Your readers seem to agree. The list is pretty much the same
for each of us. Love the cover.
(Mary Hay 10:14am May 16, 2013)

Peggy, May Pau and Pam--I can't believe I left smart off the list. D'oh! I should
amend my post and add intelligence. Nuts.
(Sara Humphreys 10:15am May 16, 2013)

Integrity, Intelligence, Wit/Humor, and the Quiet Strength one needs. I think respect, passion, and general stability are also very great qualities.
(Carla Carlson 10:32am May 16, 2013)

Hi Sara
I love a hero who is sexy, affectionate, protective and funny!
(Nicole Laverdure 11:09am May 16, 2013)

i love the hero that is sexy loving and would do anything for
the women he loves
(Denise Smith 11:54am May 16, 2013)

Qualities of a hero are, honesty, loyalty, charisma, and of course he's got to be
protective!
(Lazydrag0n Puff 12:04pm May 16, 2013)

Hero qualities... loyalty, being protective, & intelligent. :)
(Colleen Conklin 2:52pm May 16, 2013)

HI Carla, Nicole, Denise, Xoun and Colleen--Thank you all so much for coming
by! I like the idea of quiet strength and of course there's charisma but that's so
hard to define. What makes a man charismatic? I think either ya got it or ya
don't.
(Sara Humphreys 4:00pm May 16, 2013)

Laughter is such a very important quality. Patience is another quality that's important. To be able to wait & put up with someone's quirks is all a part of patience.
(Laura Gullickson 4:15pm May 16, 2013)

my must have top quality in a hero is handsome, muscular and brave
(Shirley Younger 4:22pm May 16, 2013)

I agree with all four of your points. He can be scarred up and scary looking but if he's protective, loyal, generous and can laugh and make you laugh that is all you need. I just finished Untouched and I will say I love love love your series and will be looking for them all.
(Annetta Sweetko 5:14pm May 16, 2013)

I agree with all your qualities and would add smarts, honesty and respect both given and demanded of. Now if only we could find such a man in real life!
(Janis Milford 6:23pm May 16, 2013)

I definitely agree with those four qualities, along with the rogue-type. The smart, does what he wants, adventurer is my ideal (fictional) man.
(Austine Decker 7:11pm May 16, 2013)

I love loyal and honest. Also has a sense of humor. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 8:03pm May 16, 2013)

Yes, I agree Protective Instincts, Loyalty, Generous Lover, A
Sense of Humor and also Add Common Sense, Intelligence,
Charisma, Sexy Body, My Lover and My Friend to the End. Wow,
I Love the book covers and would love to win your great
contest too. Thank You, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:41pm May 16, 2013)

I like all your points, and I'd add honorable and intelligent.
(Janie McGaugh 8:53pm May 16, 2013)

care about others
loyal
strong
big heart
love the cover
thanks for the chance
(Jennifer Beck 10:28pm May 16, 2013)

He has to be intelligent, brave, and honorable with a sense of humor.
(Kai Wong 11:30pm May 16, 2013)

most important is that they care more about others than their own self...love the cover..it draws you in...love to win
(Kimberly Hoefs 11:56pm May 16, 2013)

I like a team player -- the hero who works with his heroine to solve problems. She's part of him and her opinions matter.
(Lenna Hendershott 3:06pm May 17, 2013)

Thank you all for coming by! What I love about all of your lists is that there's
little mention of physical attributes and that's cool. Thank you all so much for
coming by and I do hope you'll try the Amoveo Legend series. I should mention
that you can download a forever free short story called UNDENIED on either
Amazon or BN. It's a great way to try the series.
(Sara Humphreys 3:11pm May 17, 2013)

I love a witty and intelligent hero who's loyal and trustworthy!
(Anita H 2:58am May 18, 2013)

He must be intelligent, honorable & a have a wonderful sense
of humor.
(Mary Preston 4:25am May 18, 2013)

Four top qualities - I'd want them myself! I would add intelligence as if a guy is too slow I may like him but could not love him.
(Clare O'Beara 7:04am May 19, 2013)

Sense of humor, intelligence, honesty, loyalty
:)
(Penny Mettert 7:14pm May 20, 2013)

I can't believe that I left "intelligent" off the list. That wasn't very intelligent on
my part. LOL. Thanks for the cover love, ladies! I have to give the art department
at Sourcebooks all the props for that.
(Sara Humphreys 9:59am May 22, 2013)

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Love, Secrets, and Second Chances—February’s Must-Read Books Await!

Authors To Watch

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Sara Humphreys | Top 4 Must Have Qualities in a Romance Novel Hero

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Comments

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FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors