Michelle McLean | Top Ten Hunky Qualities in Heroes
June 11, 2014
A good romance has to have a hunky hero who gets the heroine’s heart pounding. I
personally find a lot of different qualities attractive, but when it comes to my
romance heroes, here are 10 of my favorites. 1) A tortured past – he might be surly, grouchy, or just plain mean, but as
long as there is a reason behind it (especially one that can be worked through)
then this gives the hero a little license to behave badly for a bit. 2) A rockin’ bod – okay, this probably isn’t politically correct, but we are
discussing heroes in romance novels and fantasy guys are just more fun when they
are built ;-) 3) A heart of gold – like #1, he might be the meanest guy in the room, but
there is a difference between mean and cruel. If he’s a jerk to the heroine at
first because he’s just trying to protect himself but deep down he’s really
totally in love with her and wants to ride off into the sunset and make her
dreams come true, then that totally works for me. If he’s the sort that will
kick a puppy just for the fun of it, then no. 4) A quirk or two – I like my romance heroes to have some little quirk about
them that sets them apart from all the other alpha males out there. Maybe the
big, strong hunk likes to curl up with a book and a cup of cocoa at night, or
maybe he likes to spend his downtime writing poetry or knitting socks. Just
something unexpected that makes him “different.” 5) A physical flaw – a rockin’ bod is definitely a plus, but those little
imperfections can be sexy too. A nose that’s slightly too big, a crooked tooth,
scars, shaggy hair….small imperfections can really add to a heroes
attractiveness and keeps them from being just an average pretty boy. 6) A dangerous side – I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a bad boy. As long as
that bad boy has a reason for being bad (i.e. a tortured past) and is basically
a good guy deep down (heart of gold), then being a little dangerous can be sexy. 7) A brain – I’m all for a handsome face, but my hero needs to have some
brains to back up the good looks or it just doesn’t work for me. 8) A soft side – he can be big, burly, and dangerous, but if he’ll also pet a
kitty when no one is looking, that just makes him all the more sexy. 9) A romantic side – again, no matter what his other qualities, a guy who
wants to please his lady with a few flowers or by wrapping his coat around her
when she’s cold is top on my list. 10) A protective side – I like to write (and read) about strong heroines who
can fight their own battles. But there’s nothing wrong with having a strong man
at her side who will protect her at all costs. Comment below to be entered to win a copy of A BANDIT'S STOLEN HEART,
and don't forget to check out Michelle McLean's new release, ROMANCING THE RUMRUNNER.
Comments
18 comments posted.
Re: Michelle McLean | Top Ten Hunky Qualities in Heroes
I agree with your definition of a hero. Can't wait to read your latest book. (Linda Harrison 9:05am June 11, 2014)
I think that you pretty much have the qualities down pat, but I would add that the Hero doesn't have to be drop dead Handsome!! I prefer my Hero to look like your everyday guy, when it comes to looks. If you make him too Handsome, then it seems to take a little bit away from the actual story, and turn it into more of a fairy tale!! I love the cover of your latest book, and am looking forward to reading your latest books!! Congratulations!! (Peggy Roberson 10:46am June 11, 2014)
My idea of a hero is simply someone who steps up when they're needed. Sounds like a marvelous read. I enjoy Western romantic fiction. (Irene Menge 11:41am June 11, 2014)
All of the above of course! We all have our preferences but I think you nailed it. Mine have to have a soft spot as well, be smart, be charming, have a redeeming quality, and perhaps sexy but in their own unique way ;) (Joanna Moreno 3:17pm June 11, 2014)
Thanks everyone! And a big thanks to Fresh Fiction for having me here today :) (Michelle McLean 4:25pm June 11, 2014)
Michelle- I love Western Romance this book is a winner & will be on my TBR list. As a new author it seems you have it down pat, keep them coming, and the cover it awesome. Thanks, for the blog contest. (Lois Imel 5:13pm June 11, 2014)
I love western romance books very much and will enjoy reading yours. I have to write your book titles down and look for them. Your book covers are fabulous and I'm happy to have found a new author today of my favorite reading genre! (Linda Luinstra 8:05pm June 11, 2014)
You have summarized everything about a hunky hero. Those qualities exist in cowboys, law enforcement, military and even with CEOs. (Kai Wong 1:04am June 12, 2014)
Love your qualities of a hero. These are what attracts us for sure. Thanks for the chance to win your marvelous book! (Rita Spratlen 1:26am June 12, 2014)
I (Sally Hayes 8:28am June 12, 2014)
Your book seems fun to read! Would love to win a copy for me to review!Beautiful cover! (Nicole Laverdure 10:01am June 12, 2014)
I totally agree with #10! As long as the heroine can handle it. (Karin Anderson 10:03am June 12, 2014)
Thanks so much everyone! And just a quick note, my publisher has recently bundled my Western trilogy, the Blood Blade Sisters Series (the book we are giving away is the first book in that series). So you can now get all three books for the price of two! My new book, Romancing the Rumrunner, is set in the 1920's and was an absolute blast to write. Such a fun time period! (Michelle McLean 10:31am June 12, 2014)
i love the western romance books they are so much fun to read cant wait to read this (Denise Smith 12:13pm June 12, 2014)
Love the list and agree whole heartedly! (Denise Austin 5:14pm June 12, 2014)
Perfect list! (Glenda Martillotti 10:56pm June 12, 2014)
Love your books! (Diane Teunessen 11:30pm June 12, 2014)
I like all of your qualities. Number one is my favorite. There is something about a hero with a tortured soul. It just makes you want to rescue them, give them a hug, soothe their soul and make everything better. (Debbie Kelly 3:13pm June 13, 2014)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
|