Recently, Harlequin created a calendar for 2018 full of heroes, and one of the men featured
was Kyle βMacβ McKenzie, a
secondary character in my
Profiler series.
Needless to say, I was thrilled. Iβve always thought of Mac as a great hero, but it got me
thinking. What makes a character
a standout hero?
Mac isnβt the center of the series. That honor goes to FBI profiler Evelyn Baine, who began
the series as a newbie in the
FBIβs Behavioral Analysis Unit. Back then, she was quiet, always observing everything and
everyone. She was a naturally
talented profiler, but pretty lacking when it came to using those observation skills in her
personal life β like noticing
Hostage Rescue Team agent Kyle McKenzie was interested in her from day one.
When Mac is first introduced, heβs full of charm, but Evelyn has a hard time taking him
seriously. When he stops by the
BAU office, heβs always joking around and she assumes his flirting is more of the same. But
on the job, heβs one hundred
percent serious, and Evelyn learns early on (in
HUNTED, the
first book in the series), that Mac will be there for her even if she doesnβt ask. (In fact, heβll
be there when she needs him
even if she specifically tells him she doesnβt want his help!)
As the series progresses, I think itβs that combination of fun charm on the outside and
steadfast loyalty underneath that
begins to win Evelyn over. It may be whatβs winning readers over, too (who nominated Mac
for Harlequinβs Hero of the
Year contest, winning him a spot in that calendar!).
By the time of the most recent book in
The Profiler series, STALKED, Evelyn and
Kyleβs relationship has
progressed, and although I imagine there will be bumps in the road for them, I also picture
their love affair as never-
ending. I hope readers feel the same way!
You can learn more about
The Profiler series at www.elizabethheiter.com. For a
chance to win a copy of your
choice of a
signed book in the
series, leave a comment below
letting me know what you look for in a hero (or heroine)!
I look for a guy who isn't afraid to show his feelings but when there is danger will kick a little butt, he needs a sense of humor and a good wide shoulder to lean on, but knows how to step back and watch his girl do what she has to do.
(Annetta Sweetko 9:39pm December 29, 2017)
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