Thank Goodness for Heroes.
I tried to come up with a list of qualities that represent the
quintessential hero, but that was nearly impossible. We all like something
different in our ideal men.
My perfect hero has a variety of characteristics, so it’s difficult
for one particular man to encompass all of them. I like heroes who are dark and
tortured, men who are physically or emotionally damaged, who are on a journey
to redemption (whether or not they realize it). And I like those endearing bad
boys, those rogues or rakes just waiting for the perfect woman to bring them to
heel.
But whether they’re rogues, rakes, or troubled warriors, they need
to possess a streak of sensitivity—or at least develop one. And a sense of
humor. A comic who is “on” all the time can be tiring, but I think nothing is
sexier than a man who has a dry wit, who can see the absurdity in life.
One who can laugh at himself. (Not others; that’s cruel.)
So many terrific authors today have wonderfully memorable heroes,
it’s a challenge to choose amongst them. But one of the knights I’ve remembered
with affection is Sir David, the hero of Christina Dodd’s ONCE A KNIGHT. He has
many of the qualities I mentioned above.
And of course I’m partial to Sir Stephen, the hero of my new book.
Only when a band of renegade knights is brought to justice can he lay down the
burden of guilt he carries. And only then will he be free to love again.
What characteristics do you look for in a hero?
Do you have a favorite hero?
To celebrate my first week of release, I’m giving away a free e-copy of
the book, so be sure to leave a comment!
Title: THE HEART OF THE PHOENIX
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date Published: Sept. 3, 2014
Genre: Medieval Romance
Word Count: 88,000
Some call him a ruthless mercenary; she calls him the knight of her
heart.
Memories
Lady Evelynn’s childhood hero is home—bitter, hard, tempting as sin.
And haunted by secrets. A now-grown Evie offers friendship, but Sir Stephen’s
cruel rejection crushes her, and she resolves to forget him. Yet when an
unexpected war throws them together, she finds love isn’t so easy to dismiss.
If only the king hadn’t betrothed her to another.
Can Be Cruel
Sir Stephen lives a double life while he seeks the treacherous outlaws
who murdered his friends. Driven by revenge he thinks his heart is closed to
love. His childhood shadow, Lady Evie, unexpectedly challenges that belief. He
rebuffs her, but he can’t forget her, although he knows she’s to wed the king’s
favorite.
And Deadly
When his drive for vengeance leads to Evie’s kidnapping, Stephen must
choose between retribution and the loved he’s denied too long. Surely King John
will see reason. Convict the murderers; convince the king. Simple. Until a
startling revelation threatens everything.
Excerpt:
“I
don’t believe you heard me, Sir Stephen.” Evie’s words dripped honey. “I’m
going home on orders of my brother. If the travelers Davy were to join haven’t
appeared, then he can accompany me.” She shot a glance toward the youth, deep
in conversation with the maid.
The
back of Stephen’s neck tingled, and he clenched his hands. God’s blood, she
made him so angry he longed to grab those soft arms and shake some sense into
her.
“You are not remaining at the monastery, and
you are not traveling to England.” The words came out in a growl. He stepped
forward, and she tilted back her head to meet him eye to eye. “Must I tie you
to that horse?”
She
leaned in. “Just you try, Sir Stephen-the-Bully.”
He
glared and crossed his arms against his chest, daring her to continue.
“Do as you think you must.” She echoed his
stance, her crossed arms pushing her plump breasts higher.
Not
that he noticed, blast her.
“I vow I will return the moment I’m free,” she
added. “You have no authority over my movements, for you are no relative of
mine.”
“And I thank God for it. How Henry has put up
with you all these years I do not know. A more troublesome, contentious
wi...woman I’ve never seen.”
“Did you call me a witch?”
Buy Links:
In honor of the new release, my first book SILVERHAWK, is on sale for
$2.99. Here are buy links for it.
Author Bio:
Award winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved
history and English. As a college freshman, she briefly considered becoming an
archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved.
And math.
She now lives in Missouri, where by day she’s a mild-mannered English
teacher, and by night she’s an intrepid plotter of tales featuring heroines to
die for—and heroes to live for.
Author Links:
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the the excerpt and your post on "My Kind of Hero." I like heroes who are very polite, but have trouble trying to fit in because they are rich, or were once bad boys, etc. Good luck with your release of "The Heart of the Phoenix."
Hi Judy, I like your reformed bad boys, too! Thanks for the good words and for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks for having me here in the delightful Hero series. It's always such fun visiting
ReplyDeleteBarb, You're welcome and it's always a delight to have you as my guest! Thank you for participating! :)
DeleteGreat excerpt and blurb! Sounds like another great one from you, Barb! I'm like you in that I like heroes with similar traits, and having a dry wit is always just so sexy!
ReplyDeleteI so agree Lani. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteBarb - Fun post! I love the part about how you can't be "on" and funny all the time, but interjecting humor and wit at the perfect times - another great book - all the best!
ReplyDeleteKat
Barbara, I love the excerpt. Stephen sounds so sexy (sigh) I agree about the dry wit and from the sounds of Stephen you captured it perfectly.
ReplyDelete