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Welcome to Cupid’s Playground Giveaway Hop. Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card.
I need a hero!
Does anyone remember that Rock n Roll song by Bonnie Tyler from the eighties? I only remember belting out the chorus—badly— at the top of my lungs. The rest of the lyrics had no meaning because I had already decided what my hero would look like.
He’d be tall, handsome, and rich, all the prerequisites of a romance hero. Twenty plus years and hundreds of romance novels later, I’m rethinking my definition of hero.
We always tell our daughters, and ourselves, that looks aren’t everything. It’s what’s in the person’s heart and how he treats you. Yet, the lure of the hard-bodied, bad attitude, bad boy populates romantic literature and our real lives.
Be honest, ho
w many times have you fallen for the bad boy, until heartache and wisdom showed the error of your ways. I, too, am a culprit and victim of this particular affliction.
Nearly every romance writer wants her hero oiled up with a six-pack. But why aren’t there any smart, geeky types on the most wanted list? Cupid’s Arrow shouldn’t discriminate. As a writer, I’ve pondered this. Not that I’ve considered having one as my main hero, but why haven’t I considered one? Is it taboo? Are you less likely to fall for him if, instead of muscles and height, he had a deck of cards and a rash? That may not be a good analogy, but you get my drift.
In real life, it’s not the classic portrait of a hero that saves the world. In real life, Superman is the doctor that saves your child’s life. Batman is the detective that solves a thirty year old mystery. And Wonder Woman is every working mother.
Let’s face it, where would the world be without Gates, Jobs, Spielberg, Edison, and Einstein. All are or were giants in their chosen fields. All have made significant contribution to humanity. All were nerds.
In this present day, as America grows fatter, and more slovenly, the studly example of male virility will be harder to find in everyday life. Should romance novel reflect real life? My answer is no. Romance novels are the best form of escapism. It’s legal voyeurism into another world, another life, another time.
But I can’t help casting a secret ballot for the nerd. Maybe, I’ll write one where the hero isn’t Jason Bourne, Jack Reacher, or James Bond. But Jeffrey, the slightly overweight, grubby t-shirt, converse sneaker wearing, techie who just happens to save the world and get the girl without closing his laptop.
Coming to an e-book soon.
Now meet the hero of my debut novel Eternity.
After weeks of begging for an interview, Roman Nicolis agreed to meet at a restaurant one block away from his Park Avenue townhouse. I was calm, cool and collected until Roman walked in. 6’7” and muscular with wavy dark hair and intense blue eyes, I swallowed the drool forming and nearly fanned myself. I had to stay focused. I wasn’t here to drool over the man. I had questions that needed to be answered.
His hand swallowed mine when he shook it. He sat opposite me and ordered a scotch neat.
“Would you like something Ms. Stephens?” he asked while the waitress waited.
Yes, but a fruity drink wouldn’t steady my nerves. “Water, please.” As the waitress walked away Roman’s full attention landed on me. “I don’t have much time so let’s get this over with.”
Thanks for the prodding. I whipped the tape recorder from my purse. We already agreed I could record the interview so I didn’t expect him to balk. He scowled, but said nothing. I pressed record and began.
“Hi this is Tmonique Stephens, I’m here interviewing Roman Nicolis, CEO of Nicolis Security. Formerly, one of the most eligible bachelors in New York City who has finally agreed to sit down and talk to me.
“Sir, you’ve been missing from your company and the city for two months. Why the disappearing act?”
Roman Nicolis. “I’ve been on an extended vacation.”
TMS: “To where. There’s no record of you leaving the country.”
RN: “Are you stalking me, Ms. Stephens?” (a smile tweaked the corner of his mouth)
TMS: “Yes, I am. Mr. Nicolis, there has been some speculation on how you’ve made most of your personal fortune. Some say your company is just a cover for illegal activity overseas. Care to comment?”
Roman Nicolis: “I don’t comment on speculation.”
TMS: “So you’re not issuing a denial?”
RN: “There’s nothing to deny or confirm.”
TMS: “O.K.” (shuffles through some papers) “How’s the wedding preparations coming along with your lovely fiancée, Bianca Maylor?”
RN: (his face becomes shuttered) “I’m no longer engaged.”
TMS: “Really, the wedding was three months away. Is it because of houseguest, Miss Stella Walker that you’re no longer engaged?”
RN: “My personal life isn’t up for discussion.”
(The waitress returns with his scotch and my water. He downs his in a single gulp while I try not to choke on mine. His lips are compressed into a thin angry line)
TMS: “Okay, next question. You have a very interesting family. Can you tell us more about them?
RN: “There is not much to tell. I have 6 brothers. Thane, E.J., Avery, Tyrone, Brayden and Quin. Oh, and Hector, my butler.”
TMS: “Yes, but they’re not really your brothers. Not biologically.”
RN: “Blood couldn’t make us any closer. Many are descendants of my sister Aria. They were orphaned and adopted by me.”
TMS: “Wait, descendants of you sister? Just how old are you?”
RN: (His smile turned and wasn’t warm or welcoming)
TMS: “You look surprisingly youthful for someone who adopted several young boys who are now adult men. What’s your secret?”
RN: “Plenty of water and eight hours of sleep”
TMS: “Who lets a single man adopt young boys?”
RN: “Are you saying I did something illegal?”
TMS: “Did you?”
RN: (He gives a cool chuckle) “No. Next question?”
TMS: “Alright. Is it true there has been a Nicolis in every war since The Revolution?”
RN: “. . . Possibly.”
TMS: “More than possibly. I’ve done some research and dating back to the 1777 there’s documentation of one a Roman Marius Nicolis. And in each subsequent war I’ve found variations of that name until The Vietnam war. You come from a long line of military men.”
RN: “Is that an insult or a compliment, Mrs. Stephens?”
TMS: “Definitely a compliment. I also discovered some pictures of those men. They all have a striking resemblance to you. Any comment.”
RN: “Strong genes.”
TMS: “Speaking of genes, is there anything you’d like to say about your twin?”
RN: “My twin is dead. There’s nothing more to say. Next question.”
His anger surprised me. Flustered, I shuffled my papers trying to get the interview on track.
TMS: “Now that you’re single again the ladies will hang me if I don’t ask you some questions, so here goes. Blonde, brunette or red head?”
RN: “Brunette.”
TMS: “Miss Maylor is blonde while Miss Walker is brunette. Interesting. Petite or statuesque?
RN: “Both.”
TMS: “Athletic or curvaceous?”
RN: (sighs) “This is ridiculous.”
TMS: “I must placate my female reader, please.”
RN: (leans closer) “You want to know what type of woman I’m attracted to? I’ll tell you without the silly questions. I want a woman with a mind of her own. One who knows what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. One who isn’t afraid of life and living. A woman who will love me as much as I love her.
Whoa! I can’t take my eyes off him. His intensity is intoxicating. A drug I would gladly get addicted too. I grab my water and slowly drain the glass. After a deep breath I was ready to continue.
TMS: “Have you already met the next Mrs. Roman Nicolis?”
A wry smile flashed across his face, but his eyes were forlorn.
RN: “I have time for a final question, Ms. Stephens.”
TMS: “What is your biggest regret, Mr. Nicolis?”
RN: “This interview.”
TMS: “Come on. Give me one.”
RN: “… I have many regrets. None I care to share with your rapacious readers.”
TMS: “Why did you agree?”
RN: “Lack of good judgment.” (He stood) “Your time is up Ms. Stephens.”
TMS: “One last question. If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?”
RN: (He pauses. For a brief moment his gaze becomes distant, almost wistful. Then his features became guarded) “I’d change nothing. I would live my life as I have, on my own terms with no regrets. (He leaves)
As I gather my notes and my thoughts, I reflect on what I have learned about the enigmatic Roman Nicolis. Some questions were answers, but much more was left a mystery.
Maybe his brother, Reign has the answers I need.
Thank you for this giveaway!
Gloria.lancia@gmail.com
Thank you for this give away!
Gloria.lancia@gmail.com
Your books sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.
kp_kazamei(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for this giveaway!
parisfan_ca@yahoo.com
Great excerpt. I tweeted.
Awesome Excerpt!!!
Awesome giveaway
I’d love to find out more about Roman (and Reign too).
sallans d at yahoo dot com
I for one find a sexy geek just irresistible! (There’s always Jake in Tara Lain’s Genetic Attraction series, for instance….)
Wonderful giveaway!
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
I love the studly hero but I don’t think I would mind reading about a geek as an hero :).
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
Not sure if my post is showing up? I love reading about the studly alpha hero but I don’t think I would mind the geeky one as well.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
mmalavec(at)med(dot)umich(dot)edu
I am fond of males who are smart. Not necessarily the nerdy ones but smart enough to carry an intellectual conversation. I wouldn’t want to spend much time with someone who I can’t talk with.
anne.j2 (at) gmail.com
I love your post! It’s weird how something we appreciate so much in fiction is definitely not the same thing we appreciate in reality.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Oh my, that picture is fantastic and the interview, well lets just say I’m going to go get the book as soon as I finish this hop.
proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com
Very nice photo! woot!
thanks for the contest as well!
He he! I adore character interviews and he sounds like one crazy character! =D
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
carmenheartshugs@gmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway!
by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br
Such a handsome man!
Thank you for the giveaway!
swordlily_girl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway.
kareninnc at gmail dot com
Thank you for the excerpt!
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
Thank you for the chance to win!
verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com
Whoo Hoo found a new book and a new tortured hero. Thanks do much T.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
Whoop… Thanks so much…LOL
I would totally fall for in real life/read a romance novel about a smart geeky hero. Well, as long as he isn’t TOO geeky.
Thanks for the giveaway!
aircdrewood at gmail dot com
Thanks for participating in the hop.
wendy_pogrant@yahoo.com
Thanks for the great giveaway! Really liked the interview 🙂
laceyblossom1(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
I need a hero is totally one of my workout jams! Thanks for the giveaway!
~Krista
pinkbonanza{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com
thanks for the chance to win 🙂
sunshine_pinkystar(at)yahoo(dot)com
Enjoyed Roman’s interview.
bituin76@hotmail.com
Thanks for this one. A great hero adds so much to a story. And, I Love that song. Footloose all the way.
Great giveaway. Thank you.
alinutza4u2004[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk
Thanks for the great giveaway.
I loved that song from the 80’s! awesome giveaway
susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
Sounds good. Looking forward to hearing more.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Thanks for the giveaway! If I could shoot anyone with Cupid’s arrow, it would be, in this order: Alexander Skarsgard, Henry Cavill, Joel McHale, and James McAvoy. Yum.
As for fictional men, it would be, in this order: Jamie Fraser from “Outlander,” Christian Grey from “50 Shades,” Travis from “Beautiful Disaster,” and Lucas from “Easy.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
mestith at gmail dot com
thanks for participating in this hot.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
Thank you for the great giveaway fun blog hop!
Latisha D
tishajean@ charter.net
Having a great time on this hop.Thank you for this chance to win.Have a great weekend
flanagan@mebtel.net
sounds like a hero 🙂 thanks for the giveaway
gamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com
This sounds like an awesome read! Thanks so much!
-Amber
goodblinknpark(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Your book sounds fantastic – thank you for sharing!!
booksconsidered[at]gmail[dot]com
Found this while going through the hop – thanks for the g/a here.
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Sassychassy333 at gmail dot com
I love that song! And I totally have a weakness for sexy nerds!
snhoveln (at) gmail (dot) com
I have a weakness for intelligent, nerdy/geeky types, because, well, they’re a lot like me. 😀
tp DOT quixotic AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
anasmith1919 at gmail dot com
Fiction is fiction, not RL, and I agree with you.
anasmithblue AT gmail DOT com
Loving this blog. Thanks for the giveaway! teganlove(at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you very much,
Adila (from Azerbaijan)
I remember that son ” Holding out for a hero”. Do you remember it was the theme song for the show Cover Up?
Thanks for the giveaway.
Sue
Saschwager at Juno dot com
While I love the idea of a nerd being a hero in my book, I would still want him to have a six pack and be tall dark and handsome. I don’t think I would want Jason, the nerdy overweight neighbor to be the fantasy icon in my book. I read my books because men in real life never live up to my expectations and while my Book Boyfriend’s don’t always either, they at least look and sound amazing while disappointing me.
I now have, I Need A Hero, stuck in my head and may not forgive you today!
Best wishes,
Marlena
charmedpoms(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love the interview.
Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
liked the intro thanks for the hop – regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
Loved the interview, thanks for the giveaway!
tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
If I could shoot anyone with Cupid’s arrow I would pick Eric Northman- either from the book OR TrueBlood the show, AND Clay Matthews from the Green Bay Packers! Two golden, blond Adonises!! Hot damn!!
Ashley A
ash_app(at)hotmail(dot)com
Nice interview! The book sounds interesting.
jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu
Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway! Looks great! saltsnmore at yahoo dot com
Fun interivew.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway and the great interview! Sounds great.
thompsonem3 at aol dot com
I do like a sexy nerd/geek 🙂 Thanks for the great interview & giveaway .
June
manning_J2004 at yahoo dot com
Thank you for the awesome hop and giveaway!!! 🙂
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the great giveaway! 🙂
samimcsamsam@gmail.com
I loved the excerpt!
Thanks for the chance to win!
sqwalker2@hotmail.com
I will officially go to bed with that song in my head tonight 🙂 And I agree, romance novels are a form of escapism. Would I really want the bad boy for the rest of my life? Nope! Thanks for the giveaway!
dreammie_angel at yahoo dot com
I like the sound of your book. Thanks for the giveaway.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
Great book and love the pic! I’d love to hit cupids arrow to Zadist from Lover Awakened! Thanks for the chance to win!
kacidesigns AT yahoo DOT com