I'd like to welcome one of my favorite paranormal romance authors back to Reading Between the Wines today, Cynthia Eden! Cynthia is joining us with her upcoming release of Angel Betrayed, the second book in her The Fallen series.
Let’s Talk Heroes!
Hi, everyone! Happy Friday! Oh, I do love Fridays. ;) I’m excited to be at Reading Between the Wines (and thank you to Crystal for inviting me over). Today, I thought I’d talk about one of my favorite things…
A good hero.
When I read a book, I want to fall in love with the hero. I want to root for him. I want to think he is just the most amazing person ever. I need him to be good (or, well, a really good bad boy), and there are certain hero characteristics that always lure me in:
- A protective streak. What can I say? I like the big, tough guys who don’t let anyone mess with their ladies. A guy willing to fight to keep you safe? Sexy.
- Smart. I need to read about a smart hero. If the heroine is always having to tell the guy everything, well, come on, where’s the fun there? He can be street smart, he can be a geek genius, but he has to be a man who can think well on his own.
- Resourceful. When I read a book, I want my hero to be MacGyver…or, at least, close to that. He should be able to fix a car. Shoot a bad buy. Make love like a sex god. Ahem. Unrealistic you say? Come on, it’s fiction! It’s supposed to be that way.
- Funny. I like a guy who can laugh in the face of death. That’s just…cool.
- Loyal. Once he meets the heroine, my hero doesn’t have a wandering eye. When love hits him, he’s a goner.
Sometimes, I like to write (and read) about heroes who are on the darker end of the spectrum. Guys who do some very bad and dangerous things…but even those bad boy heroes still have all of the characteristics that I just listed. Those characteristics are important to me…but what traits are important to you?
Share with me…and you could win a copy of my upcoming release, ANGEL BETRAYED. (The winner will be randomly selected to win—either a digital or print copy, winner’s choice). And, to get you in the mood for ANGEL BETRAYED, here’s the blurb:
Sammael–call him Sam–was an angel once. An angel of death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide…
Thanks,
Cynthia Eden
ANGEL BETRAYED—Available 6/26/12 from Kensington Brava
When you betray an angel, there’s all hell to pay…
About the Author:
Cynthia Eden is a national best-selling author of paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, and her novel, DEADLY FEAR, was named a RITA® finalist for best romantic suspense.
Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.
Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, and Brazil.
(Back in the day…) Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology (because people interest her) and Communication (because she likes to write about said people). Cynthia has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher, and as an editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.
~*GIVEAWAY*~
As Cynthia mentioned above, she is giving away one copy of Angel Betrayed (digital or print, winner's choice) to one lucky reader! To enter just leave a comment on this post answering her question and then fill out the rafflecopter below. Additional entries are available but not mandatory. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I love a hero that is loyal and very protective. I also like a hero that is kind hearted. Love the romantic ones also.
ReplyDeletemrsworldwidewebbATcoxDOTnet
aka Kathy
Hmmm, I don't like my heroes to be too goody-goody. They have to have a little bit of a dark side, whether it's their sense of humor, the way they dress, etc. And the over the top macho "I must protect you from everything" attitude has to go. What? Is the heroine a little girl that doesn't know anything?
ReplyDeleteOk, I'll stop my ranting. LOL
Thanks for the chance to win.
A hero to me has to be loyal to those they love or care for. Protective of those same people and those who need the protection. But also a hero needs to be able to stand back and allow those he loves a chance to become a hero themselves, but be their to lend a hand or morale support when needed. It doesn matter if they have a not so perfect background, what matters is how he treats those around him. Thanks for the chance. ;)
ReplyDeleteMissyj6342@gmail.com
I just purchased Angel of Darkness and look forward to reading it. I would say all the things you listed are a must have for a hero! I like it when the Hero has something to overcome and even though they can be strong and protective they have a vulnerable side that only the heroine can unlock. Thanks, Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteProtective, smart, sexy and a great sense of humor are what do it for me!!
ReplyDeletesionedkla@gmail.com
I like my heroes to be Phoenixes, having risen from the ashes. Like I say in my WIP, 'gone through hell and come out the other side a better man'. It sounds like Sam qualifies.
ReplyDeleteCompassion is an important trait for my heroes :) thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteKathy, I think those loyal, protective heroes are the best! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa, rant anytime you want! I love it when a heroine is just as kick-ass as the hero, too. She doesn’t need to be a princess, sitting in a castle, waiting for Prince Charming to come and get her out. She can escape the castle all on her own. But I do enjoy it when a hero is protective, no matter how strong the heroine is—I like to see that he cares.
Love your response, Missy! Such great hero characteristics! If a hero can’t treat the heroine well, then he isn’t much of a hero in my book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy Angel of Darkness, Amy! And I’m so glad you mentioned the hero’s vulnerable side! Even those big, tough, dangerous guys have to have some secret soft spot. ;)
Love those traits, Kassandra!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Sandra, I love that, too!!!! And I’m writing the 3rd book in my own Phoenix series now (turned in the other 2 earlier this year). So I am definitely a Phoenix fan! Rise from those ashes! Burn, baby, burn. ;)
Excellent character trait addition, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI think for me the most important thing is honor. Honor towards his family and friends, towards the woman he is going to be with, etc. If you hold those things in high regard, then you know you've got a good hero on your hands.
ReplyDeleteAnn
alltherhage AT gmail DOT com
Hi Cynthia -
ReplyDeleteI'm not entering, I have them already ;). I love the series. Sam is a fantastic hero because he is on the dark side.
Important hero traits include those mentioned above as well as emotional strength and I do love sarcasm :).
I can't wait for the next in the series :). But I will be happy when Howl For It gets into my hands right around my birthday :).
You're pretty spot on with all the characteristics I love and look for in a hero. That's one of the reasons why I love the IAD, I-Team and your Bound books so much. But what makes the book for me is not just the hero, but the heroine has to complement the hero too - kickass, strong, witty, and has a sense of humor. Rarely am I drawn to frail heroines or gamma heroes. I like my heroes to be alpha, strong and will go to the ends of the earth to find and protect his woman.
ReplyDeleteBTW, what are the names of your Phoenix books? I've never read one, so I'm definitely intrigued.
Mmm, what you listed above pretty much nails it. Goody goodies really bore me. When they have that dangerous edge really makes them seem appealing. They also have to have a sense of humor. Snark,
ReplyDeleteRaonaid at gmail dot com
I like a hero who is loyal, protective, slightly possessive, has a sense of humor, sexy, smart, and kind-hearted.
ReplyDeleteI like heroes who are loyal, trustworthy, kind to their fellow man and animals and polite but also know how to take care of themselves and defend those they love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
You hit all my favorite characteristics in a hero except wealth. I have major health issues and it would be nice to have a hero who could afford to keep me healthy :-). Having wealth allows them to go and do whatever is necessary without thought...
ReplyDeleteI need him to be honest and protective, i´m a sucker for Alpha males *rawr* and i don´t mind if he´s rough and unfriendly in the beginning, we all know he can change LOL
ReplyDeletebest wishes & Happy Midsummer Eve!
//Linda xo
What a great response, Ann!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Victoria! ;) And I am with you on the sarcasm—I think that may be why I love Dean on Supernatural so very much.
Hi, Suzie! I think strong heroes and equally strong heroines can make for some great reads! And I’m hoping that I get to keep the titles that I submitted for my Phoenix books, but I haven’t heard back for certain. The first book has the tentative title of BURN FOR ME, and the second one is ONCE BITTEN, TWICE BURNED.
ReplyDeleteRaonaid, does this mean that you really like the Eric character on True Blood? Dangerous edge and good snark. He’s one of my faves.
Hi, Artemis! So glad you like those attributes!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Joanne!
Maria, I’m so glad you listed heroes who are kind to animals! I think that is a big one!
ReplyDeleteGlittergirl, I am so sorry to hear about your health issues! I hope things improve soon for you.
Oh, Linda, you had me at *rawr*--and happy Midsummer Eve to you, too!
ReplyDeleteI like my heros to have a sense of humor and to be quick with the sarcasm. I also like them to be very protective and dominant. lol
ReplyDeletekaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com
Thanks for a fun interview and giveway! I look for the "beta" hero. One who is smart, snarky and mildly sensitive (i.e. not a chest thumping alpha) but who can kick butt if he has too :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAdmitting to loving is important and wanting to protect without being over protective is another reason; no gloating or acting superior...
ReplyDeletedsadler53 at yahoo dot ca
I totally agree with all the qualities you listed -- plus I'll add that I love an Alpha bad boy who's damaged (but redeemable)...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
I want my heros to be protective and decisive. I hate men who are push overs or need you to make all the decisions. I like strong-willed with intelligent minds. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI want my heroes to be strong and kick ###, but gentle with those he loves :) I had to hop over and take advantage of the $2.99 special for Angel of Darkness and am looking forward to reading more from Cynthia Eden. Thank you so much for sharing with us today.
ReplyDeleteI like your list...so in addition I would add, that he's compassionate, has integrity...a brave, sexy, affectionate alpha bad boy. ;) Thx for the AWESOME giveaway op!!
ReplyDeletebarbbattaglia @ yahoo.com
A hero must be intelligent, witty, brave & puts others before himself.
ReplyDeleteAlpha male, protective, possessive, sexy, smart, good sense of humor, puts others first. Willing to do what needs to be done with out thought.
ReplyDeletelorimeehan1@aol.com
I want a hero who will move heaven and earth for his heroine!!! Courageous, loyal, dominant, sex God is always a plus and who is not afraid to let the world know how they feel about the girl who brought them to their knees!
ReplyDeleteandieleah78@gmail.com
I agree with all that you have. For me, the most important trait would have to be loyalty. He must be able to stand beside the heroine, but also be able to stand by her side and let her grow into the person he can love and will complete the couple.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway,
Elizabeth Gray
elizabethgr@sbcglobal.net
A hero to me is a person who is loyal, compassionate, caring, loving, protective, would do anything for you, romantic, has a sense of humor and will proect the ones he loves no matter what. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI like someone who is smart, caring and sensitive. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat guest post!! All the characteristics that you listed for your ideal hero are also traits that I like in a hero. As much as I enjoy a person with a good sense of humor, I wouldn't mind if he was quiet and brooding (with at least a sarcastic sense of humor). Thank you for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteYou covered most of the traits I look for in a hero: loyal, smart, funny, and resourceful. I also like a guy who's honest, has goals and can cook. I think there's nothing sexier than a man cooking a meal for a woman, it's my favorite thing for a man to do for me. :D
Congrats on Angel Betrayed coming out. I read Angel of Darkness and absolutely loved it. I'm looking forward to reading Angel Betrayed.
ReplyDeleteI want my hero to be loyal, honest, strong, confident, have a sense of humor, courageous.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
Kaylyn, I love a man with a good sense of humor! Bring on the sexy sarcasm!
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree on the no gloating rule, Diane!
Oh, Elizabeth, those are my favorite kind! ;)
Yes, please! I want a strong-willed, smart guy just like the one Syd is having!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking advantage of the sale, Denise! I hope you enjoy the story.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Barbara!
Great characteristics, Marybelle!
ReplyDeleteLove that list, lorimeehan!
:) I’m with you, andieleah--I think the sex god bit is always a plus.
Elizabeth, you have just described such an awesome hero!
ReplyDeleteHi, Tore! So glad you’re interested in the book! Thank you!
I love guys like that, May!
Thanks for checking out the post, States! So glad you mentioned the brooding guys—they do seem to be popular!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, yes, yes, please—let’s get a guy who can cook and cook well!
Thanks so much for all of the comments! I hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, thank you VERY much for all of your amazing assistance.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI think that a hero must be first of all honorable and loyal :)
All of the hero's that I have come to love - have all had human traits - as in humbled, broken hearted, stubbon, things that make them more real. Thats what I like
ReplyDeleteFor me he has to be Loyal, honest and protective. He definitely has to have a sense of humor as well. Thanks for the amazing giveaway. I look forward to reading this series.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I like a bad boy who's a good guy underneath it all!
ReplyDeleteIrene
irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com
I so agree with all of yours! Especially protective and loyal, but I also love if under his hard-badassness there's some sweetness too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like a hero who is sympathetic but strong who doesn't take himself too seriously.
ReplyDeletehe has to be kind, protective.. and a sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteLoyalty and kindness are important to me.
ReplyDeleteAbove all he has to be honorable
ReplyDeleteI really love them loyal, protective, dominant love Alpha males! Thank you for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI like your list. I'd also like to add honesty (which I guess goes with loyalty) and strength.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the normal smart, sexy, and a good sense of humor I like a bad boy who deep down is loyal, protective, honest and trustworthy. Most of the time it is fun to read the hero's discover they really have these traits.
ReplyDeleteImportant traits in a hero? Smart, compassionate, generous, and ideally, in possession of a good sense of humor and humility :) Can't wait to read Angel Betrayed, Cynthia!
ReplyDeletef dot chen at comcast dot net
I like my heroes to be strong, but kind, sexy, alpha males.
ReplyDeletejlhmass at yahoo dot com