Donna Michaels | Do you prefer a funny Dean? Or a brooding Dean?

Hi! I’m Donna Michaels and I’m excited to chat with you today about heroes. I like mine like I like my romances—hot and humorous. lol All the better if the hero possesses that alpha stubbornness, too. I think that’s why I’m drawn to Jensen Ackles’ character Dean Winchester on the hit TV series, Supernatural. Do you watch the show? It’s about two brothers who hunt down the supernatural and protect a world who has no clue about the evil. Although both brothers are hot and humorous, Dean’s character is more alpha, stubborn, and a bit of a jerk at times. Man, it must be fun writing his character. I can just imagine the sarcasm filling the air during the writing session for the show.

I’m not sure what I love more? Dean’s sense of humor, or the reason for it. He
uses it to cover up anger, grief, and guilt, along with the pain he buries deep
inside. Pain for all he’s lost. A pain that motivates him to do what it takes to
keep strangers safe, and to sacrifice everything and anything for his brother.
Is it any wonder he inspires my heroes?

In my latest release with Entangled Publishing, THE RIGHT RANGER, Book 3 in The Men of At Ease Ranch Series, my hero, Cord Brannigan even resembles Dean. Readers first met a quiet, solemn Cord, in Book 1, IN A RANGER’S ARMS, and a concerned, stubborn Cord in Book 2, HER SECRET RANGER. This time, in his own book, I got to dig deep and expose a different side of him to his heroine. A sweet, caring side, albeit a slightly vulnerable side. Ah, there’s nothing like stripping a hero…of his defenses. What did you think I meant? lol

Men of at Ease Ranch

In a Ranger's Arms #1 Kindle BN.com iTunes/iBooks Kobo Google Play

Her Secret Ranger #2 Amazon.com BN.com iTunes/iBooks Kobo Google Play

The Right Ranger #3 Kindle BN.com iTunes/iBooks Kobo Google Play

There’s also nothing like a heroine getting under an alpha’s skin without his
permission. Here’s an example where Cord is forced to come into physical contact
with Haley after she’s injured in the barn:

After helping her to her feet, he bent to scoop her in his arms.

“W-what are you doing?” She wiggled as he carried her across the yard, trying his damndest not to notice the soft curves brushing his chest.

“Taking you inside to fix your arm. Stay still.” Awareness already spread through his body, waking up parts that had no business enjoying the feel of his dead friend’s widow cradled against him.

Haley grunted. “I can walk.”

“Good to know,” he replied, but continued to hold her as he stepped onto the porch. “Get the door.”

With a loud sigh, she reached out and twisted the knob. “Okay, you can put me down now.”

“Where’s your first aid kit?” he asked, ignoring her protests.

She closed her mouth and stared at him, her eyes twin pools of pissed-off brown. God, she was gorgeous. And damn, he did not need to have his arms full of her hot curves.

He muttered an oath. “You can keep quiet all you want, but I’m just going to stand here and hold you until you tell me.”

Even if it killed him.

Well, as you could see, that was a bit of a brooding and sarcastic hero, because
I love both traits! Which do you prefer? A sarcastic hero? A brooding hero? Or
both?

Thanks for reading,

~Donna