Friday, November 28, 2014

Today's Special - - Gwen Jones


Photo by Andrew Chattaway
Gwen Jones is a mentor and instructor in Western Connecticut State University’s Master in Creative and Professional Writing program, and an Assistant Professor of English at Mercer County College, in West Windsor, NJ. Her work has appeared in Writer’s Digest, The Kelsey Review, and The Connecticut River Review, and she is the author of the HarperCollins Avon FRENCH KISS series, Wanted: WifeKiss Me, Captain, and The Laws of Seduction. A writer of women’s fiction and romance, she lives with her husband, Frank, near Trenton, New Jersey.


Visit my website – Gwen Jones Writes
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Follow me on Twitter – gwenjones25
Buy my books!  - See all titles

Welcome, Gwen!






Why Alpha Males Need Strong Women

            One of the basic tenets of romance concerns the hero and heroine overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to fall in love. It doesn’t matter if he is a detective, a duke or a ditchdigger—or if she’s a countess or a country bumpkin or a feminist attorney. Their problems can be of class differences or underlying neuroses or even as simple as she hates men who wear Panama hats. Whatever the bone of contention, it has to forceful enough to cause night sweats and rashes, yet still won’t stop them from crossing mighty rivers or hacking through buffalo grass to get to each other. And nine times out of ten, it’ll be the hero doing the hacking because as sexist as that sounds, most romance readers still like their men physically stronger than they are.

            All right…don’t get your knickers in a twist. There’s reasons for that, and if you’ll just calm down a second I’ll tell you what they are. First off, romance heroines are strong women. That’s right–tough, inside and out. They’re also smart enough to spot a sniveler a hundred yards off. So of course – and here’s the logic – a strong and smart woman is not going to be looking for a man weaker than her. It just wouldn’t make sense, because if he was, she’d barely give him the time of day. She’ll be looking for her equal at least, but more often than not, she’s looking for someone to knock her off her feet. He can’t be anything less than an Alpha Male, someone powerful, smoldering, unrepentant. And looks alone aren’t enough, because our savvy heroine can get anyone she wants with a crook of her little finger. Her man, in any form he takes, has to be everything she’s looking for plus. Plus equaling that inimitable quality only she can define, and recognize the moment she meets him.  Because when she collides with someone who can actually best her, it’s such a mind-blower she’s instantly intrigued, whether for good or for bad, for love or for hate. And from there, the chase begins.

            I can hear you saying, but it’s not real. Most men have foibles, shortcomings, are far from perfect. But this isn’t the real world, dahlings–this is fantasy. Yet in so many ways, it isn’t. Fact or fiction, real life or not, don’t we all realize something in our object of affection that no one else can? Aren’t we privy to insider info maintained for our eyes only? Of course we are. Because only when we’re in love do we open up our hearts, to share the things no one else can see, to an enraptured audience of one. Who would want it any other way?

            Ah, amor!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Readers, do you enjoy strong heroines and even stronger heroes? Who are some of your favorites?

Have you read any Avon Impulse titles yet?

One randomly chosen person will receive a print copy of 
The Laws of Seduction.
 (U.S. addresses only)






When Rex Renaud, the COO of Mercier Shipping, is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, he knows he'll need a miracle to clear his name … and sassy lawyer Charlotte Andreko is the perfect woman for the job. Charlotte has built her career defending pro bono clients against womanizers like Rex Renaud, and she'd much rather let him sweat it out in a jail cell than defend him in court. Yet Rex swears he's been set up, and when he offers her a shocking sum of money in exchange for her legal counsel, the financial security is too tempting to resist. The court dubs Rex a serious flight risk—how many people have their own jet?—and he's released on one condition: Charlotte's his new jailer, and he's stuck with her until his arraignment. But when a bomb threat sends Rex and Charlotte on the run, neither is prepared for the explosive chemistry and red-hot passion that flare between them as they hunt for the truth about his arrest. - See more at: http://www.avonromance.com/book/gwen-jones-the-laws-of-seduction#sthash.DMeJRhWU.dpuf




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12 comments:

  1. Haven't read any Avon Impulse releases yet. I agree that a strong heroine needs a strong hero. Julie Garwood's heroines are good examples. Even her historical heroines who are in cultures that see women as subservient, have inner strength that helps them survive abusive and dangerous situations. A quiet strength is still strength and something a hero can see and admire.

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  2. I haven't read any Avon Impulse yet. But I will be doing so. I love this cover.I'd love to read about the outcome for Rex and Charlotte.Thanks for the post.One heroine would be Eve Dallas from the In Death series by JD. Robb.
    Carol L
    Lucky 4750 (at) all (dot) com

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  3. I too haven't tried Avon Impulse yet but this book sounds good. I think Sandra Brown has some strong characters in her books....

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  4. Hi Gwen .... I like the way that you think.

    A feisty heroine making her way in a man's world is one of my favourite tropes. Annie Oakley showing Buffalo Bill how to shoot! LOL

    I just downloaded 'Laws of Seduction' to try (only 99p) .... I hope it works as a stand alone.

    Most of my favourite authors have written strong heroines with matching heroes: Amanda Quick, Mary Jo Putley, Catherine Anderson, Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell .... list is endless.

    As most romance readers are female, and I'm sure that most males would like an alpha hero, could it be that a more submissive heroine is needed to attract more male readers?

    Doesn't apply to me though .... I like a challenge! LOL

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  5. Yes, I have read Avon Impulse before and enjoyed them. I really like Wanted Wife and look forward to this book.

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  6. I have not read any books from Avon Impulse (US reader)

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  7. Strong characters have always been my favorite. As to Avon Impulse - I don't have a clue lol.

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  8. like strong characters; no favs

    haven't read any Avon Impulse

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  9. I certainly believe that a strong heroine needs a man equally as strong. But when I hear the term Alpha I am always leary. I read a book book where the hero was certainly an Alpha but for me he crossed the line to arrogant jerk. I guess its all in how the story is told

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  10. I've read Lena Diaz in this line but just now discovering you. Sorry! Better late than never, right? Right? (Down on knees abasing humble self repentently)

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  11. Strong heroines & stronger heroes sounds just about right! One couple that comes to mind is Daphnie & Rupert in Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase. Another one is Jessica & Dain from Lord of Scoundrels, also by Loretta Chase. In both cases, the characters are strong, but have an insecurity that makes them relatable.

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  12. I also haven't read any in this imprint line but I do like what I see :) Congrats to Gwen on the new release and thanks for sharing! I love watching the sparks fly between strong heroes and heroines. Definitely makes the story riveting :)

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