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| Photo by Andrew Chattaway |
Welcome, Gwen!
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)
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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
Buy Links
Amazon:
Googe:
iBooks:
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky 4750 (at) all (dot) com
I too haven't tried Avon Impulse yet but this book sounds good. I think Sandra Brown has some strong characters in her books....
ReplyDeleteHi Gwen .... I like the way that you think.
ReplyDeleteA 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
Yes, I have read Avon Impulse before and enjoyed them. I really like Wanted Wife and look forward to this book.
ReplyDeleteI have not read any books from Avon Impulse (US reader)
ReplyDeleteStrong characters have always been my favorite. As to Avon Impulse - I don't have a clue lol.
ReplyDeletelike strong characters; no favs
ReplyDeletehaven't read any Avon Impulse
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
ReplyDeleteI'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)
ReplyDeleteStrong 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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 :)
ReplyDelete