The Perfect Hero? by Hanna Martine
When Beth asked me to participate in this blog contest to launch her incredible new erotic series, I told her I was going to talk about the hero I want to fall in love with when I read, and the man I love to write about in my own books.
You know, that incredibly poised man who commands a room, whether it’s from the words he speaks or merely his presence. In contrast, he can be brought to his knees by someone else. Someone who crumbles his poise, or who forces him to give over command, whether he wants to or not. In those rare moments when he’s caught off guard, when he’s stripped of that careful control he carries with him in every other facet of his life, his grace falters, he isn’t perfect. It’s a beautiful thing to witness, as he regains the dominion that’s his and his alone.
That man who is confident where and when he has to be–with his job, or dealing with people, or in his beliefs. Maybe he’s a bit bull-headed when it comes to certain things, but he’ll eventually admit he doesn’t know everything. Though he may be reluctant to learn new things at first, when the lessons hit, they hit hard, and the person he loves is usually wielding the bat. Afterward, he isn’t shy or ashamed to seek comfort.
That man who has secrets. Ones you know he has … and ones you don’t. He thinks he wants to keep those secrets, that it’s better to keep them locked up and hidden away, until someone breaks through and shows him they’re easier to bear on two sets of shoulders.
The kind of guy who knows exactly what he likes and wants in the bedroom. The kind of guy who can satisfy his partner. He may want to be in control or he may let his partner take the reins, but either way he is present and invested, and most likely his heart gets tangled up in all the physical pleasure. He loves it furious, but also slowly passionate. Above all, he knows how to kiss. And he always lets the other person teach him a thing or two.
He’s protective of what’s his, but doesn’t believe in leashes. He acknowledges the need for growth in the person he considers a match, and he’d pound the crap out of anyone who says differently. His partner is his, no doubt, but he or she is also their own person, capable of making their own choices, taking care of themselves. Above all, he believes in respect.
And of course, he’s sexy. Not just because of the way he looks, but because everything above amplifies his physical appeal tenfold.
So. I was going to write all about that hero, and then I realized … those are the exact same traits I look for in a romance heroine.
Take everything I just said above. Exchange “she” or “her” pronouns where warranted. Voila. Put this layered woman up against such a profound man, and that, my friends, is the holy grail of romances.
Magic is Corporate America’s best-kept secret.
Gwen possesses the unique ability to pick up any language in an instant—a power that will globally expand the profitable family business. As dutiful future leader of her race of water elementals, she’ll do anything to protect her people’s secrets and bloodlines—including enter an arranged marriage. Inside, however, she yearns for forbidden human men.
Reed is a mercenary addicted to the money and adrenaline rush of his work. After he inadvertently saves Gwen’s life, he ignites her taboo desire for men without magic—and with bodies of gods. Just as things heat up, Reed discovers that Gwen is exactly who he’s been hired to kidnap. He resolves to put work before lust, yet her luscious beauty and fiery spirit unravel him…
But there is a terrible truth behind Gwen’s family business—and now, caught between the kinsmen she no longer trusts and an enemy bent on vengeance, the only ally she has is her abductor…
Excerpt
The Allure was intoxicating. A tempting, evil drug that could snare you permanently if you weren’t careful. At this point, surrounded by Mr. Tattoo’s sizzling heat, trying it once and then going cold turkey seemed virtually impossible.
Disobedience had never felt so seductive.
“I like the way that skirt looks on you,” he said, staring at her mouth. His tone changed. His words changed. They felt like a caress. “And those boots.”
She took the compliment the way she knew how, by deflection. “Came straight from work. One of those days.”
That tease of a smile again. “Yeah. It sure was.”
When the denim of his jeans brushed against the small bare patch of skin between her knee-high boot and skirt hem, she gasped.
He leaned in, so close his breath ruffled the hair next to her ear. “What’s your name?”
The rest of the bar dropped away like a trapdoor.
She turned her head just enough to make out the details of his tattoo. Leaf- and thorn-covered vines twisted around his neck, the tip of the last leaf resting just below his earlobe. She clenched her fingers, resisting the urge to touch it. To touch him.
Her voice came out in shaky threads. “Gwen.”
She felt him smile. “Gwen. I’m Reed.”
Hanna has generously offered a copy of LIQUID LIES, format of winner’s choosing, to one randomly selected commenter here today! (Please make comment relevant to Hanna’s post). And if you haven’t yet entered the Huge Because You Are Mine contest (including giveaways of a Kindle Fire and Nook) do so here!
Comment
thanks for a chance to win this book, so excited 🙂
Comment
I will be honest and say that I have not read anything of Hanna’s, I am not sure why because I love this genre. Win or not, I do hopr to tho, I will be looking into her books from now on. Thanks to you Beth and Hanna for the introducing me to a new author, the interview and the give away. I do have a kindle, but print is fine, in case I win;) Hey a girl has to be prepared right!! Have a great day, thank you.
Comment
That sounds like a wonderful book!
And you are right… why not just become the man you want to marry? 🙂 I like interesting heroines just as much as interesting heros. 🙂
Comment
Hi
I really enjoyed your post about the perfect hero (and heroine) and I have to agree with you, I love to read about characters with those traits. I read all types of books and even though I enjoy characters that may have pieces of these traits, I would have to say my favorite books (or those that I re-read) will have all the magic traits of the perfect hero.
I am looking forward to reading this book!
Thanks for the chance.
Pam
Comment
Looks like another author to add to the list. Excerpt draws you in.
Comment
Enjoyed the excerpt!
Comment
It sounds like an intriguing plotline. It would be nice to learn any language in a matter of seconds.
Comment
Ah, perfect hero. All that you write above are make sense, Hanna. And I love about how perfect hero is believe in respect. The most important thing I want to read in a book is a respect. I don’t like hero who can’t respect his woman.
Thanks for the excerpt and giveaway! 🙂
Comment
Who wouldnt want a man like that? Wow will have to add this to my to-read list.
Comment
You just explained my perfect hero much more detailed then I ever could have but perfectly. One of my favorite parts of reading about these heros is watching the learning curves and when the are secrets revealed.
Comment
I have this book on my wishlist. Would love to read it!
So many hero traits you’ve mentioned are also those I look for. Protectiveness, loyalty and lots of love. Same goes for heroines too.
Comment
Liquid Lies looks like a great book! I also have to agree with the post – other than physical attributes what makes a guy a great hero should equally make a girl a great heroine:) Thanks for the giveaway!
Comment
A spot on description, Hanna, of exactly my favorite kind of characters, both male and female.
Comment
Great excerpt.adding this book to the TBR list.
Comment
Definitely the perfect type of hero and heroine. Loved the excerpt. I’ve been looking forward to this book for quiet some time. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win.
danni0113(at)gmail(dot)com
Comment
I read your post then the snippet and I have to say it seems like you have the kind of hero we would all like!!!
dsadler53 at yahoo dot ca
Comment
Hi Hanna – you’re a new to me author, and this is the first time I’ve heard of your book, but I’m definitely intrigued. Loved the hero you described, and think he’s pretty much perfect. I think that’s also how heroines generally end up – at least in the best romances. Personal growth allows her to become who she truly is or meant to be.
Comment
I read a great review on this book and I’ve had it on my wishlist since then.
Comment
This looks like a great story! Is this a part of a series?
Comment
Great excerpt and perfect traits. Thanks for sharing!!
Comment
Your idea of a perfect hero is spot on with mine and am adding your book to my wishlist.
Comment
Oh I’m liking the sound of your perfect hero! Will be adding this one to my shopping list 🙂
Thanks!
Comment
Thanks for the giveaway! The book sound very interesting!
Comment
wonderful story,love the excerpt… thank you for the chance to win this book, i’ve never read one of your books,i would love to win this…