What makes a man into a fabulous hero? When you open a romance novel, what traits do you expect your hero to have?
For me, well, I have a list. My hero has to be:
1. Strong
2. Smart
3. Sexy
Yeah, my 3 “S” words.
I like a take charge hero. I want a guy who stands up for himself–and for the heroine. I want him to be fearless, and not afraid to get into the middle of a fight.
I want the hero to be smart. Muscles can only go so far–there’s got to be substance beneath that scultped body.
And, of course, the hero has to be hot. But sometimes, I think the strength and intelligence make the hero sexy.
What about you? What traits do you look for in your heroes?
Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com
IMMORTAL DANGER–Available now
MIDNIGHT’S MASTER–Coming 6/30/09 from Kensington Brava
May 4, 2009 at 8:22 am
I want a guy who actually LISTENS, especially to the heroine. Who respects her, trusts her, and who knows that without her, he’s incomplete.
May 4, 2009 at 10:19 am
I’m going to have to borrow from Terry’s list — I like my hero to be respectful to the heroine and trusts her.
I also like him to be strong, honest, and caring.
May 4, 2009 at 11:01 am
Oh, Terry, such a good answer!
Hi, Ellen! I would love to take all of these ingredients that we have and create the perfect man.
May 4, 2009 at 11:03 am
Intelligence is sexy, and self confidence ups the ante considerably. Many a guy who’s only average looking becomes hot in my eyes when he has those two traits.
Another essential trait would be integrity–the hero’s sense of honor may not align with the common definition of the word, but he must have it and stick to it.
May 4, 2009 at 11:16 am
I’d add caring, charismatic, and cerebral, which bear some similarity to some of the previous descriptions, but also
reinforce them.
Pat Cochran
May 4, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I agree with your top three. Also, I love it when a tough guy goes to mush when he meets that special someone!
May 4, 2009 at 5:05 pm
sexy, smart, caring, strong.
May 4, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I like heroes who are smart, have a great sense of humor and is trustworthy.
May 4, 2009 at 6:36 pm
So many great character traits! You ladies sure know your heroes!