Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Today's Special -- Miranda Neville

Our special guest today needs no introduction, but I will do the honors anyway. Miranda Neville burst into the historical romance scene in a big way in March of 2009 with her debut, Never Resist Temptation. She has since penned the critically acclaimed Burgundy Club series: The Wild Marquis (March 2010), The Dangerous Viscount (October 2010) and the newly released The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton (which I can't wait to read!). Miranda is also one of the lovely ladies of the new Ballroom Blog, which features her and five other talented historical authors. If you haven't visited yet, you simply must! Please welcome back Miranda as she dishes about...


A Dandy Hero


Two portraits of Beau Brummell.
I think the sculpture gives a better
impression of his elegance.

 
The hero of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton is a dandy. According to the Oxford English Dictionary this word came into common use in London about 1813 “for the ‘exquisite’ or ‘swell’ of the period.” The most famous Regency dandy was Beau Brummell, who rose to prominence from quite humble origins through his friendship with the Prince of Wales, later Prince Regent. Brummell dominated London society for a few years, before falling victim to hubris: he offended Prinny, his patron and lost a fortune at the gaming tables. Eventually he fled the country and died in poverty in France.

For a man famous only for being well-dressed, whimsically charming, and rude, Brummell’s fame is remarkably durable. But he was responsible for one thing that has lasted to this day: the men’s suit. "If people turn to look at you on the street, you are not well dressed” goes one of his memorable sayings. He made it fashionable, indeed essential, for a gentleman to dress plainly. When he decreed that a gentleman’s evening clothes be black, relieved only by a starched linen neckcloth, he basically invented the “top hat, white tie and tails” of Fred Astaire. Brummell emphasized good cut and fresh linen, cleanliness and good grooming. Who could argue with that?

Not a good look



Though it could be argued that the change would have happened anyway, after Brummell the gorgeous silks, embroidery and bright colors worn by rich men in previous eras never returned to fashion. Sometimes I feel a twinge of regret. Then I remember the “Swinging ‘60s,” which saw a brief revival of a more exuberant dandyism. Do you remember the Kinks’ song “Dedicated Follower of Fashion”? “His clothes are loud, but never square,” it went. I think of Austin Powers, shudder, and thank heaven for dark Armani suits.




The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton is set in 1820, a few years after Brummell’s exile. Tarquin Compton has achieved his ambition of replacing him as London’s best dressed man and arbiter of fashion. But any man of substance (and Tarquin is one, despite the exquisite exterior) needs something else to occupy him. First he needs to be brought down to earth. This is achieved by a blow of the head, the theft of most of his clothes (how apt), and temporary amnesia. To complete his humbling, he encounters Celia Seaton, a disgraced governess who was once the victim of his sharp tongue. Celia discovers that “Terence Fish,” as she maliciously dubs him, is a very different man from the snooty dandy. He’s kind, he’s thoughtful, he’s sexy. And he knows how to catch fish. The trouble really starts when Tarquin recovers his memory and has to reconcile his old persona with the new.
….but I prefer to think he looked more like this.


Tarquin may have been dressed like this …

Dandy heroes aren’t all that common in romance. Janet Webb (aka @JanetNorCal) is a fount of knowledge about historical romances, including traditional Regencies. Knowing I’d written a dandy hero, she hunted down other dandy books for me. The best, in my opinion, is Georgette Heyer’s classic Cotillion. Freddy, the delightfully beta hero, is described as a “pink of the ton,” always impeccably dressed with perfect taste. He’s a gentle soul, however, with none of Brummell’s fabled rudeness. Another terrific book is Deborah Simmons’ The Last Rogue. I loved this one about a hedonistic viscount compromised into marriage with a plain Jane. A couple of trads are Jane Ashford’s Man of Honour and The First Season by Anne Baldwin. The latter has a somewhat similar set up to The Amorous Education: the hero’s remarks make the heroine a laughing stock, but I’ll admit I didn’t feel the hero redeemed himself quite enough.





Do you like a well-dressed man as a hero, or do you prefer one who doesn’t care about his appearance? And what does a hero have to do to redeem himself once he’s hurt the heroine? All four of these books, plus a copy of THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON will go to one commenter.

118 comments:

  1. Hi, Miranda! I finished the book and my chant for Tarquin was justified! I, too, liked him better as Terence Fish, but he more than made up for his previous treatment of Celia.

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  2. Congrats on the new release, Miranda. I think I want a hero to put some effort in his appearance. The hero must admit he was wrong and apologize or find some way to make it up to the heroine.

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  3. I love a hero rigged out beautifully in period clothes. To redeem himself, I would expect the hero to be truly contrite & make it up to the heroine in every way possible.

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  4. Hi Miranda

    I am soo looking forward to reading this one

    Yes a man has to dress up and make himself presentable to his heroine. I also think that a true hero would always appoligize if he has done something wrong being honest is very reedemable.

    Congrats on the release
    Have Fun
    Helen

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  5. Congratulations on your newest release, Miranda!

    "First he needs to be brought down to earth. This is achieved by a blow of the head, the theft of most of his clothes (how apt), and temporary amnesia. "

    LOL

    I love it when heroes are put to the test.

    And when they have to grovel or just do something outrageous to win back the heroine. I've just finished reading Sarah MacLean's "Eleven Scandals..." and the groveling scene near the end was awesome.

    Heroes need to be put through the wringer once in a while and I'm glad Tarquin (what a sexy name!) gets his turn. :D

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  6. Congrats on yur new release! I've read so many good reviews about that book by now that I can hardly wait to read it. :)
    I like a well dressed hero. But he can't be too fussy about his clothes, that makes him kind of unmanly when he cares more about how he's dressed than the heroine. ;)

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  7. In real life, I like a more relaxed look.

    In books, especially historical romance, you have to be nicely dressed.

    The hero must be sincere in his quest for forgiveness. His actions must suit his words. Treat her with respect. Most importantly truly fall in love with the heroine and believe in the power of love.

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  8. Morning, ladies. It's a beautiful one and always a pleasure to be here. Thanks for the stupendous introduction, Andrea. [blushes]

    Hi Sheree! Loved your Twitter chant. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. I loved "Terence Fish" too, but they couldn't wander around the moors for ever. They had to deal with real life.

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  9. Jane: I think a little effort is in order. In one of Sabrina Jeffries Prince books the hero shaves off his bushy beard in an effort be more acceptable to the heroine and I, for one, sighed with relief. And of course I love a good grovel. What romance reader doesn't?

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  10. Marybelle: the Regency was such a wonderful time for men's clothes - I think that's one of the reasons the Jane Austen adaptations are so successful. I wish someone would start making movies of the books of other writers - perhaps some of the modern ones. I'd like to see Richard Armitage as Tarquin LOL

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  11. Exactly, Helen. Women are forgiving creatures and there's little they can't get past with true remorse and a grovel. I'd be interested to know if readers think there's anything a hero can do that's a deal breaker for them.

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  12. Antonia: Sarah gives great grovel! Another terrific book I was thinking of lately is Loretta Chase's trad, Knave's Wager. The hero feels so bad about what he's done that he prepares to leave the country. The heroine has to track him down and MAKE him apologize, DEMAND the grovel. She wants to forgive him but the wimp wouldn't give her the chance. Loved that twist.

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  13. Claudia: I'm afraid Tarquin is much better dressed than Celia. He has a motivation for being a dandy, which emerges in the book.

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  14. A certain carelessness can be sexy but not too much. In my last book, The Dangerous Viscount, the hero is a terrible dresser but I made sure he was always clean! Then he got dressed up to win the heroine and, believe me, she appreciated it. But she also realized the clothing was only the outer man and what's inside matters.

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  15. Laurie G. I agree about real life! Apart from anything else, I'd make a lousy match for a formally dressed man because I hate to get dressed up every day. (Hey, I'm a writer: I'm in my PJs right now). I do like to put on the dog for a special occasion

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  16. Hi Miranda! Good to see you back at The Dish. I'm really enjoying The Ballroom Blog and looking forward to all of you lovely ladies visiting later this month! And I'm also hoping Lady B and Albert may pop by to join in the festivities as well. ;)

    As for heroes, I don't think what they wear is as important as how they wear it. A man who is confident and comfortable in his own skin looks good whether he's wearing a tux, or a t-shirt and jeans. And as a What Not to Wear devotee, I will also have to stress fit, and the importance of a great tailor. ;) But yes, hygiene and cleanliness is a must and not negotiable!

    If a hero crosses the line, in order to make up for it, he better have a darn good explanation, take responsibility, express some genuine remorse (groveling a plus not not necessarily a must) and must ensure that it will never happen again.

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  17. I think Brummell did us a disservice! I love the lacy cuffs and the more colorful coats of earlier eras, although I do draw the line at red heels for the gents or for anybody, really. :) I had a good time with Tarquin and Celia and look forward to the next book!

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  18. So glad you liked it, Sheree! I can't wait to read all about Tarquin and Celia's adventure!

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  19. Jane said: The hero must admit he was wrong and apologize or find some way to make it up to the heroine.

    Very well said, Jane!

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  20. Hey, Helen! Apologies are so important, aren't they? For both parties. :)

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  21. Yes, Antonia! ELEVEN'S groveling scene was awesome!

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  22. ClaudiaGC said: I've read so many good reviews about that book by now that I can hardly wait to read it.

    Me, too!!

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  23. Laurie G said: In real life, I like a more relaxed look.

    In books, especially historical romance, you have to be nicely dressed.


    This is exactly how I feel, Laurie. I like when my husband dresses up, but prefer a more relaxed look. :)

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  24. Welcome, welcome, welcome, Miranda!! We are so glad to have you back at the Dish! I simply CANNOT wait to read all about that amorous education that Celia receives. *g*

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  25. Lisa, isn't the Ballroom Blog a great site?! I am so loving all the great posts! And Albert and Lady B are simply divine. :)

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  26. growlycub said: ...although I do draw the line at red heels for the gents or for anybody, really.

    LOL, me, too!

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  27. Congrats on the new release! I think the hero needs to put some effort in to how he looks, but not so much that it is an obsession.
    And yes groveling is good for the hero once in a while.
    Can't wait to read this one!!

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  28. Hi Lisa. We're all excited about visiting the Dish. I'll ask Lady B about Albert's schedule - he's a much-in-demand parrot!

    You are right about the appeal of self-confidence.

    "And as a What Not to Wear devotee, I will also have to stress fit, and the importance of a great tailor. ;) But yes, hygiene and cleanliness is a must and not negotiable!"

    I absolutely agree - Beau Brummell himself couldn't have put it better.

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  29. Growlycub. I kind of agree about the luxurious clothes of earlier eras. Done with taste and panache (NOT like Austin Powers) they must have looked glorious. LOL on the red heels - or even high heels of any kind. When I think of great big male feet in them I can't help seeing drag queens. Not a good look for a hero.

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  30. Congratulations on the new release. A hero that has sincerity, strength of character and is a real man.

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  31. I do like a well dressed and well groomed man but not one that is overboard - the clothes don't have to be designer but they do need to be clean and in good repair...As far as redeeming himself after he's hurt the heroine- I would say first a little begging is in order and then sincerelly making it up to her - whatever that entails - even if he has to *gasp* ask for someone else's help

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  32. The question that most intrigues me is what must a hero do to redeem himself after hurting the heroine? My first response is "Plenty." It really depends on the circumstances, but I do want to see the hero make the effort to both acknowledge the wrong and to right it. And it needs to be enough for the heroine to forgive him.

    I'm looking forward to reading your newest. Now, I'm off to visit Ballroom Blog.

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  33. Congrats on the release. A hero has to be a man, in other words comport himself as a strong minded and principled man.

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  34. Traveler. An excellent definition. Thanks

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  35. Maria: Yes to begging! And I always love it when the self-sufficient hero has to turn to friends (or even people he dislikes - that's really letting go one's pride) for advice.

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  36. LSUReader. Plenty indeed. And may I say that heroines can be wrong too. Goveling goes two ways. Look forward to seeing you in The Ballroom.

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  37. Petite. You've got something there with "principled." Even the redeemed bad boy (and those are some of my favorites) has to have some core principle he will not violate. It gives him a basis for credible reform

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  38. Hi Miranda! I can't wait to read your new book!
    I prefer a hero who cares about his appearance. In order to redeem himself, I like to see the hero do the unexpected.

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  39. Hi, Miranda! So glad you're here today.

    I like a well-dressed hero, but I also have a soft spot for the rumpled hero who's not obsessed with his looks. And a hero MUST admit he's wrong when he hurts the heroine. Redemption is completely necessary.

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  40. Janet W here: thanks for the kind words. I'm sort of semi-obsessed with this topic, prolly because I need a hero to dress me up!

    So, a few thoughts (and don't pick me LoL, I have all the books!).

    Freddy is my fave and why I so loved Freddy, Kitty was just as elegant as he! No trumpery garnets! She knew intuitively when to wear sables.

    In Loretta Chase's Miss Wonderful the heroine used hero's dandyism to play him. ... I keep getting title wrong tho so correct me please! The heroine's garb (fabrics, colours) actually made hero wince, let alone the way she dressed her hair.

    The hero in the the Simmons book too, had a visceral discomfort with some of the exceeding drab outfits his lady choose (altho all is explained :D).

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  41. I don't mind a hero who's a bit of a dandy -- as long as he doesn't go overboard. Let the valet do the fussing, a truly yummy dandy hero just manages to look that good without appearing to go to the effort ;). Besides, one must admit, a gent who's been "well cleaned up" and "put out" is both a pleasure to see and be seen with :)

    congrats on the release

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  42. Hmm, firstly thanks for some Darcy that always hits the spot. I do adore a well-dressed man. When my DH gets all dressed up puts on suit with cufflinks and “shoots his cuffs” all this wife thinks about is taking him home at the end of the night. Can’t wait to read your new book and your new blog is make my day funny I may never tire of Lady B and her decadent ballroom.

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  43. I loved The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton! I've added it to my Best of 2011 list.

    I'm a big Patricia Veryan fan. It's not surprising then that Gervaise Valerian of The Riddle of the Deplorable Dandy is another of my favorite dandy heroes. So is Maxwell, Lord Montrose, hero of Edith Layton's To Love a Wicked Lord.

    Offending heroes definitely need an appropriate grovel scene IMO. I think SEP is the champion in writing these, and Bobby Tom Denton in Heaven, Texas has the best grovel scene.

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  44. Trisha - I always enjoy the unexpected. Probably why I write books about nerds and dandies!

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  45. Hi Gannon. Great to be here! Rumpled and careless is also good. Luckily we don't want all heroes to be the same (except in the ability to grovel)

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  46. Hi Janet. Don't thank me! You gave me so many great ideas. I see you have a Pygmalion fantasy. That's another trope I enjoy. Hmm. Gets me thinking.

    Thanks for mentioning Miss Wonderful - I loved it, especially the scenes where Alastair's fastidiousness gets him into trouble. Naturally he's more than his exquisite exterior: the dandy hero has to be. But aren't all good appealing characters multi-faceted? Freddy certainly turns out to have much more going for him than his trivial exterior.

    Good stories are almost always about uncovering what a character hides. The dandyish exterior makes an excellent mask.

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  47. Thanks gamistress. One of Brummell's rules was that the well-dressed man must never be seen to obsess about his appearance - never peek at a mirror or twitch at his cravat.

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  48. Glad those cuff links turn you on, Kat! So pleased you enjoy The Ballroom

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  49. I was so thrilled by your review, Janga. I don't know any of those Regencies - perhaps Janet has them! As for Bobby Tom: he had some serious groveling to do, but he stepped up to the mark and hit it out of the ballpark.

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  50. I like a hero who is effortlessly put together. I like balance of a crisp clean white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, the slight askew necktie, and the tousled hair. Looks natural and at ease which is very attractive. I want simple and understated class with subtle details to recall the period but not to be overwhelmed by descriptions. That might bring to mind a haughty, pompous king. Of course if the occasion fits I don't mind seeing him clean up nicely, simple and subtle though.

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  51. I forgot to answer the second question...hmm for a hero to redeem himself he has to have remorse and be willing to change his ways. He has to realize he has done the heroine wrong and rather than defend his actions he needs to show he is sorry...a little grovelling doesn't hurt :) That part is always fun and his actions shouldn't be forgiven too easily by the heroine as well. He has to earn his way into her good graces.

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  52. Congrats on the new release. Yes, I think personal grooming is very important. There's nothing sexy about a sloppy, unkempt hero. Also, if he's done something wrong, a little grovelling may be in order.

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  53. Congrats on the release, Miranda! I can't wait to read it.

    I agree with others that a real man will apologize. It is very hard for men to do so, but know when they have been wrong and will own up to it.

    I like a well-dressed man, but I also like one to look relaxed and cool. My DH looks ever so handsome in a shirt and tie and dress slacks, but also looks great in a fun, casual shirt.

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  54. Deborah R said: I think the hero needs to put some effort in to how he looks, but not so much that it is an obsession.

    Amen to that. I used to date one of those long ago... *shudder*

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  55. Na: I'm interested that you'd rather not have too detailed a description of clothing. I rather agree - an impression can be more effective than a clear picture. I'd extend that to all characters' physical appearance. I prefer to get a general idea from the writer then imagine him/her in my own head. On the other hand some of those details can be fascinating - like all the yummy gowns in Loretta Chase's new book, Silk is For Seduction.

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  56. Maria said: even if he has to *gasp* ask for someone else's help

    Like asking for directions, Maria? LOL!

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  57. Clean and humble! That's how we like 'em, Penfield.

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  58. Very well said, LSUReader. Enjoy the Ballroom Blog!

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  59. Gannon said: ...but I also have a soft spot for the rumpled hero who's not obsessed with his looks.

    Kind of reminds me of Harry Pye from Elizabeth Hoyt's THE LEOPARD PRINCE. Sigh.

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  60. I think it can be hard for women to apologize, too, Deb! But men seem to be especially good at pretending nothing has happened one could *possibly* be upset about. But we have high expectations of our heroes. and why not?

    Your DH sounds like a well dressed man - casual is the new formal!

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  61. Harry Pye is one of my all time favorite heroes, Andrea. Totally yummy.

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  62. Hello, Janet W, and welcome to the site. Being semi-obsessed is perfectly fine. LOL. Thanks for stopping by!

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  63. I like your way of thinking, Trisha!

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  64. Kat said: firstly thanks for some Darcy that always hits the spot.

    Doesn't it, though?! *g*

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  65. Glad to hear that CELIA ia one of your top books, Janga! Makes me even more anxious to read it!

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  66. Penfield said: There's nothing sexy about a sloppy, unkempt hero.

    This reminds me of my brother through his teenage years. LOL!

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  67. I agree, Deb! (In regards to my DH, not yours-lol) My husband used to have to wear a shirt and tie to work everyday, but they changed it to a very nice looking Oxford long sleeve shirt without a tie, and he looks good either way. :)

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  68. Miranda, I have to add that when it comes to historical women I absolutely love reading about the equisitve gowns. The more details the better and I don't mind if they steal the show because that just means they have also stolen the men's breath. I think it's because with women it's easier to care about a woman's attire because they have more possibilities and the fashion does play a role into their social status. It is very easy to fall in love with the fashion because everything was made with care, custom-fitted, hand-crafted and decorated...all very feminine. Even with women from lower classes, maids, chaperones, governesses I get a Cinderella-like feel seeing them transform into a Lady of the nobility when they do dress up.

    With a men I do find I care less but that their clothing still matters but I'd rather they show their style through their mannerisms and actions. The clothing is supplementary of my impression of them :)

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  69. Miranda Neville said: Harry Pye is one of my all time favorite heroes, Andrea. Totally yummy.

    Oh, Miranda, Harry is a hero that I'll never forget. I just love him (and his story)!

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  70. It is so good having you back with us, Miranda!!

    Do you like a well-dressed man as a hero

    Well, I like a non-dressed man as a hero - LOL!!!!! I just *HAD* to go there ;-)

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  71. Congrats on your new release, Amanda! Am looking forward to reading this one.

    I like a man to be well dressed and hopefully of the upper crust crowd. To be a redeemable hero in my eyes, he needs to be truly sorry for hurting the heroine and go to great lengths to show her and us that he has indeed changed.

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  72. Luckily we don't want all heroes to be the same (except in the ability to grovel)

    Groveling is always good, Miranda. ;-)


    Kind of reminds me of Harry Pye from Elizabeth Hoyt's THE LEOPARD PRINCE. Sigh.

    Andrea, I "heart" Harry!

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  73. I don't think it matters how well dressed a man is as it is how he carries himself. Not shyly, or arrogantly, but with a sense of knowing who he is. As far as redeeming himself after hurting a heroine I think it all has to do with letter her into his heart and showing his true feelings and self. Most of the time heroines are hurt by the hero shutting her out or by not allowing her to know the complete truth of his feelings.

    Congrats on the new release!

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  74. I just started reading your newest book so I am not reading any of the comments. So far, I am enjoying it as I enjoy all of your books.

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  75. I like a well-dressed hero; this is why I like watching British period dramas. Those men have such good form in their fine coats and starched cravats, so tall and straight. :D I think, once a hero has hurt the heroine, there has got to be some major groveling scenes to leave me satisfied. One of my favorite examples of this is Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke. The hero dismisses the heroine and says some hurtful things that she overhears, but once he really notices her he goes crazy trying to get her out of his mind. When he finally realizes he needs her, she puts him through hoops trying to court her. Yay!

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  76. I like a hero who's well dressed, but not overly obsessed with fashion. I think if a hero has hurt his lady love, he'd have to redeem himself by showing her that he's truly sorry and that it will never happen again, and will do whatever he has to do to prove it.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  77. I like a guy who's a little rough around the edges, but who can dress up on the rare occasion and pick something out that doesn't make others shudder and think...'gee I've never seen an outfit quite like that'.

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  78. Na - that's a great explanation for your different feelings about women's and men's clothing. Thanks

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  79. Hi Buffie. Always a pleasure to be here.

    "I like a non-dressed man" - bwhahaha. Me too!

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  80. Hi Cathy P. You prefer a gentleman or nobleman, do you? Must admit I feel the same. I like that element to my fantasy. And of course well-dressed and VERY SORRY for all his sins!

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  81. Lolarific - it's that self-confidence again. So important in an attractive man.

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  82. Bridgit - I don't think we've had any spoilers. I'm so glad you're reading The Amorous Education and hope you enjoy it.

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  83. Love those period dramas, Rosie. They make the men look so delicious. Guilty Pleasures is a wonderful book. Loved it!

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  84. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara. Right, the heroine has to be able to trust that the man is really repentant.

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  85. LOL Sheila. I've seen some outfits like that!

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  86. Wow! It's been busy in here today!

    Welcome, Miranda! We always love having you visit with us here at The Romance Dish. Congrats on the new book. I adored this story!

    I'm more drawn to a "rough and tumble" guy than a well-dressed dandy which is probably why I liked Tarquin better as Terence Fish. But, once I'd gotten to know the man, I happily accepted both halves - especially after the way he redeemed himself with Celia!

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  87. A good hero will look good no matter what he's wearing (or not wearing).

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  88. Hi PJ. Thanks for the welcome and for your lovely words about The Amorous Education. Though I say it myself, Terence was adorable - and so befuddled.

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  89. It isn't so much about the clothes as the man wearing them (a really good hero can make just about anything look good, imo).

    When a hero hurts his heroine, the only thing he can do is show her with his actions how sorry he is and that he realizes the error of his ways and will do better in the future (actions speak louder than words may be a cliched saying, but it still holds true!).

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  90. The Austin Powers look makes me cringe.
    I am more interested in the man than the clothes. Yes it is nice when they are good dressers, but nice clothes don't make up for not being a good person.

    To redeem himself would take a bit. First of all, he would have to realize what he did, why it was wrong, and be truly sorry for having hurt her. A personal sincere apology would be good, but he must publicly make amends for what he did. How he did that would depend on what the original offense was.

    Thanks for the interesting post. I didn't realize that Beau Brummell had left England in disgrace and died in poverty in France.

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  91. Hi Miranda, it was a pleasure meeting you at Avon's Tea during RWA last month. I was the one asking so many questions!

    I very much enjoyed your article on men's fashion. For me the fashions in Historical Romance are a part of what defines the genre by placing it in a definate time frame and social class. When an author takes the time to research the the details, it adds great credibility and elavates her writing into better reading. That said, a little can go a long way, too much can get a little tedious.

    Finally, there can never be too much groveling for a hero to redeem himself! However, I do prefer actions of redemtion. Going back to Ths Source: I love it when Mr Darcy's selfless actions on the part of Elizabeth's family, win her back because it not only pulls everyone out of the frying pan and fire, but shows her his very real love and concern for her.

    Congratulations on your new release; I am so looking forward to reading the series.

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  92. I like a hero who can clean up well but I don't think his fashion should be a priority. When a hero has treated the heroine badly I want him to grovel and really prove he has changed.

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  93. I love when the hero has style! Whether that be in fashion or how he does something doesnt matter, but the charisma that shows through it does.
    And for me a hero definitely has to redeem himself with the heroine in a way that leaves no doubt that he not only loves and respects her, but also regrets and is sorry for his mistake. I like to see him make it up to her:)

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  94. @Di - LOL well put, I completely agree:D

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  95. I like my heroe either way! Ones that can be sexy dressed up or down! Just as long as he is well groomed and has nice shoes! I hate men that wear ugly shoes! LOL! Thanks for sharing!

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  96. Hi Miranda, Have not read any of your books but have you as a new author to read. Can't wait to get started.

    To me the man is more important than the clothes but he should also dress for the event and smell great but not overpowering you with his smell. lol Not up to date on the latest men's colognes but my Dad wore Old Spice and it was only a faint smell and a masculine smell. Can't stand sweet smelling cologne or aftershave on men.

    Men should dress for the occasion, example, when going out to dinner, pair of slacks, nice shirt and dockers. Going to Church, suit when cold but can go without the jacket when hot weather. No ragged jeans, muscle shirts, or off color printings, etc. No going to a formal wedding in jeans as a suit is a necessity.

    Also a man's hair should always be neat and clean and if he has facial hair it should be kept neat and clean. Hate facial hair that has gone wild or caveman hair. lol

    Whenever a man hurts his lady's feelings he should apologize and let her know she is the most important person in his life. He Doesn't have to grovel but maybe beg a little. Men need to realize women's feeling can be hurt easily so he should always choose his words wisely or she will let him know what is what once she gets over the hurt feelings. lol

    Congrats on your new release. I have added to my wish list.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  97. I don't think it matters if he is dressed to the nines or he is casual as long as he is neat and above all clean. Clothes do not always make the man! (Sometimes he is better without them) Dee

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  98. I like it both ways, I like a well dressed man but also a man who can downdress easily. I do prefer clean shaven with the exception of some men look great in a reasonable
    mustache and a small Van Dyke. But Neat is operative word.

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  99. Rosemary: All of what you say is true!

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  100. LibraryPat. Of course what's inside really matters, but I think we can all appreciate a well-groomed man. And even in the 1960s they didn't all look like Austin Powers!

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  101. FSBuchler. I do remember you but sorry, I don't recall your first name. That was a fun event!

    Good point about Darcy. Saving Lydia & paying off Wickham was not only selfless, it must have been truly painful. And all for love. Swoon.

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  102. Hi Maureen - My hero, Tarquin, is devoted to his dress but he has other interests. And he changes!

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  103. Bella: style and charisma - two essentials for a hero, even if they don't always reveal themselves in the same way.

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  104. Hi Johanna. LOL. Note to self: do not put hero in ugly shoes.

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  105. MissKallie: I agree about men's scents: they should be very subtle and applied with restraint.

    Funny, I was discussing facial hair with some other writers lately. We commented how relatively uncommon it is in romance heroes, even those of the Victorian era when the vast majority of men had beards.

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  106. Hi Gram: Clean and naked, yes ma'am.

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  107. LOL! I am loving all these comments!! Thanks so much for being such a terrific guest, Miranda!!

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  108. Hi Miranda,

    When I'm reading about a hero, I enjoy reading about all manners of dress: from delightfully disheveled to fabulously fashionable. All I ask is that the author describe his garments as clean and fitting him very well *ahem!*

    I have had this book on my Wish List for SO LONG--I just can't wait to read it! However, winning it would make it even more special--and it would find a permanent home on my Keeper Shelf. Please enter my name in the giveaway.

    Thanks,

    Laura T
    heartoftexasbooks[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  109. Miranda -
    Thanks for your new release. What a great book for summer and the perfect reason to stay inside on a hot summer day.

    I love a well dressed hero since my husband has the habit of dressing in jeans and his idea of "dressing up" is putting on a hawaiian shirt and we live in New England! He's lover at heart buy until I can afford a butler he looks more like the gardner than the Lord of the Manor!

    When I'm reading your books I can pretend I'm surrounded by luxury and going to a ball instead of another Saturday shopping at the local supermarket with people in shorts and flip flops! Your stories take me into a world of luxury where I can envision myself listening to all the gossip - even if it's as the chaperone sitting in the row of chairs at the back of the ballroom!

    Keep the books coming and my imagination of being among the Lords and Ladies of the manor just around the corner. Reading your books make my day a "Calgon take me away" day!

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  110. Hey Miranda, you're new book sounds amazing!!!

    Although I love a man in fancy clothes, like Darcy. I normally don't really care so much about a man's appearance.

    If he's clean looking and smells good the actual outfit doesn't matter a whole lot to me.

    But a pink coat and bright red pair of breeches is perhaps not my fav style for a guy.

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  111. I like a man clean shaven and in good physical shape. I prefer to see a man dressed nicely but can look good dressed down a bit.

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  112. Oh I think I like a well dressed hero the best! I don't know if I want him to be a fop, but definitely someone who cares a little bit about how he looks.

    And how should he redeem himself? Hmmmm...that's a difficult question. I would say by doing something special for the heroine. Not necessarily buying something material, but some little thing that is very important to her. First thing that came to mind was from the movie A Walk To Remember when he had the star named after her. Simple, but sweet! That's always a good way to get back in someone's good graces! :-D

    lisa(at)onceuponachapter(dot)com

    Lisa Jo @ Once Upon A Chapter

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