When I wrote Claiming His Brother's Baby, my January release for Harlequin Special Edition, I kept thinking this is probably my favourite hero so far. I'm sure that will change when the next book comes out, but for the moment I'm just a wee bit in love with Tanner.
I like certain traits in my paperback heroes....integrity of course, that's at the top of the list. Honesty (even if he has to keep things from the heroine, because he always has a good reason) Humour, because I love a hero who can laugh at himself. Strength...not just physical, but an emotional strength that he relies on through the worst of it and when the heroine is making him crazy. And vulnerability....something of an Achilles heel for me (Think Jane Austen's Captain Wentworth from Persuasion...because he's my most favourite hero ever!) A big ask? Maybe. But in the pages of a category romance novel, exactly what readers expect and deserve.
So, what traits do you admire and demand in your heroes?
Leave a comment and go into the draw to win a copy (either eCopy or paperback) of my January release, Claiming His Brother's Baby and I'll announce the winner tomorrow.
His Brother's Family
Cassie Duncan knew it was only a matter of time until Tanner McCord tried to sell her house out from under her. Still, the single mom can't help but be touched by the sacrifices the handsome loner makes for her and her son, even babysitting when she's sick! She knows he's keeping secrets—after all, it runs in his family…
Tanner returned to his childhood home in Australia to settle his estranged brother's estate—not fall for the woman who'd borne his brother's son. But one look into Cassie Duncan's blue eyes, and the rancher's heart was lassoed good and tight. He wants to give Cassie everything she's been denied…but doing so means confessing the truth about his brother and might ruin their chances at true family…
Cassie Duncan knew it was only a matter of time until Tanner McCord tried to sell her house out from under her. Still, the single mom can't help but be touched by the sacrifices the handsome loner makes for her and her son, even babysitting when she's sick! She knows he's keeping secrets—after all, it runs in his family…
Tanner returned to his childhood home in Australia to settle his estranged brother's estate—not fall for the woman who'd borne his brother's son. But one look into Cassie Duncan's blue eyes, and the rancher's heart was lassoed good and tight. He wants to give Cassie everything she's been denied…but doing so means confessing the truth about his brother and might ruin their chances at true family…
Hi Helen, I'm with you on all those things. I think the biggest thing for me is a hero who has a set of values I can believe in. They mightn't gel with everyone else's but he's committed to them - preferably with a strong sense of right and wrong, which includes the honesty you mentioned. I love it too when a hero is totally focused on his heroine, (even if he tries not to be!). A hero who's physically attractive and has a sense of humour - yes please!
ReplyDeleteLove the story twist in your new release! It sounds a beauty.
Hi Helen, they sound like a pretty good list of hero traits to me! I think the key thing for all of my heroes is a desire to care for the people they love, I love a protective hero (even if the heroine doesn't want his protection in the beginning!)
ReplyDeleteI think all of these are great character points. I might add he has to have a sense of mystery about him, because we never really know what someone else is really like inside.
ReplyDeleteI love your list of hero traits, Helen. I don't know why, but I find I have a bit of a soft spot for a grumpy hero these days too…as long as he has a sense of humour. Oh, and I don't like a stupid hero either. Grumpy (with a sense of humour) and totally on the ball? Oh, yeah, that'll do nicely thank you very much. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Helen. Hmm, I love hero with a sense of humour and who is as smart as hell.
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