Athletic Heroes... by Natalie Anderson

When I first started writing romance and delved into the 'how to' books and communities, there were a few unwritten 'rules'. I'm not exactly sure where I got the idea from, but it was part of the code that sporting star heroes weren't in fashion - nor were newspapers or journalists. There'd be no real takers readers-wise. That was fine, I could live with it.

Seats in Stadium by Sura Nuralpradid
www.freedigitalphotos.net

But I must admit I do like my heroes to be fit - yes 'fit/hot' as well as just fit. Most of the heroes I've written aren't team sports guys. Sure, they'll support a team but they play as an individual in some kind of fiercely competitive sport and often one that's solitary too - be it distance running, swimming, sometimes sailing. I tend towards the endurance events! Because they do need to be fit. Really fit. ;)

Then, with a number of books written, I did feature an athlete - Jack in Walk on the Wild Side. He's a pro snowboarder, but also owner of a very flash lodge and for most of the book he was recovering from an injury so lazing on the beach in summer. And snowboarding is more of a 'cool' sport (pun intended!) - not a traditional one.

FIT snowboarding hero on the sand ;)

After that I decided, given I come from the rugby champion nation, I wanted to write about a rugby club. This was largely because I'd heard about a PR assistant for one of the clubs getting to be wardrobe assistant at the annual calendar shoot - what a job!!! That idea turned into the opening scene for Nice Girls Finish Last. I continued with the rugby club for my next book - First Time Lucky? - featuring the team doctor. But neither of the heroes in the book were actually rugby stars themselves. But pro sportspeople fascinate me - their drive, their dedication, the sacrifices they make...

I'm currently working on a story where the hero is the brother of an elite rower - he was a rower too, but stopped for various reasons. So still, not a pro athlete hero - I can't quite seem to get past that old 'rule'. But I wonder whether that rule is still valid (or if, indeed, it ever was). There are several hot racing driver stories out, some gorgeous surfer guys... but what about the hurdles or sprints? Anyone?! Are some sports 'sexier' than others do you think? And would you like to read about a professional athlete at the height of his game?!

PS. If you're on Goodreads, there's a giveaway running at the moment for the rugby team's Doctor Gabe's story - just click to enter!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

First Time Lucky?

by Natalie Anderson

Giveaway ends April 18, 2012.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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