Welcome to A Hero’s Blog Hop! We’re here to celebrate all the wonderful heroes in the romance novels we love, and to have a great time hopping from one blog to another. And when you do, you have the chance to win some wonderful prizes from the over 100 bloggers and authors who are participating in the hop.
Even better, there are THREE grand prizes. You can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
Pretty awesome, eh? All you have to do to win either on my blog, the other blogs, or one of the grand prizes, is to leave a comment on the blogs you drop by, which includes your email address. That’s particularly important if you want to be eligible to win one of the grand prizes.
Now that the preliminaries are out of the way, let’s talk about the man candy, er, romance heroes. As a romance writer, I have to confess that I love ALL my heroes. If I didn’t love them I don’t think I could write them – makes sense, right? So, what do I find so attractive about them? Let’s take two heroes from the sexy contemporary romances I write with my husband under the pen name of VK Sykes. That’s Jake Miller from Fastball and Nate Carter from Hardball, the first two books in our sports romance series about the fictional baseball team, the Philadelphia Patriots.
Jake and Nate are best friends but, on the surface, they’re really not much alike. Oh, sure, they’re both incredibly hot, good-looking dudes with great bodies–after all, they are professional athletes–but Jake is an all-around good guy while Nate is the classic bad boy. While Jake plays his cards close to his chest, keeps his personal life to himself and stays out of the limelight as much as he can, Nate is pretty much the opposite. He dates supermodels, drives fast cars, and lives life as hard as he pitches those curve balls over home plate. Really, when you think about it, it’s almost a miracle that Jake and Nate are such good friends.
But they do share some really important qualities, ones which are necessary to every good hero: they are loyal, decent men, they treat women with respect, and they will do whatever is required to protect the women they love from whatever threatens–even if that threat is nothing more than a big old nasty spider crawling up the wall.
Now, in both Jake and Nate’s stories, the women they love are strong and resilient and well able to take care of themselves. But Holly and Maddie, my heroines, both run into some serious trouble, and when they do their heroes are willing to move heaven and earth to help them–even if it means breaking the rules.
Handsome, sexy, loyal, respectful, great in bed–oh, did I forget to mention that quality? And willing to put their lives on the line for the women they love…what more could anyone ask for? You can check out my VK Sykes website to read excerpts from both books, and to get a taste of what my two uber-sexy heroes are like. I’m hoping you won’t be disappointed!
And now for the question! What qualities do you think are essential to any romance hero, be it a paranormal, historical, or contemporary romance kind of guy? Tell me one or two qualities that really work for you. One person who comments will win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Once you comment on my blog, just follow the link below to continue on with your hop:
The hop will run through July 31st. Have fun, everyone!
didn’t realize baseball was that hot.
darn that’s what I was gonna say. i now have a whole new appreciation for the sport.
pinkelmo3 at gmail dot com
I need a romance hero to be intelligent & quick witted. Everything else usually falls into place after that.
Fangs help, but the most important qualities for me are a quick mind that can make me laugh (no wonder I love my hubby, my own romantic man), and one that shows he cares in a million ways, even if he almost NEVER says “I love you.”
torymichaels(at)live(dot)com
Excellent!
Compassion, respect, intelligence and a good sense of humor. Oh yes, and he has to love dogs. For me, that’s a deal breaker. 😉
I’m thinking this weekend might be good for spending a little “quality time” with Jake and Nate. 😉
pjpuppymom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Thanks so much for stopping by, PJ!! I totally agree that must love dogs has to be on the menu.
The most important qualities I love are loyalty and being able to laugh at themselves.
I like reading quick-witted comments/comebacks – especially double entendres. I don’t have to have them, but they spice up a book (deliciously).
seytype at hotmail dot com
Two qualities I like the best when reading are loyalty and wit. I love to read the banter 🙂 These books of yours look really interesting, thanks for sharing them!!
I didn’t add my email into my comment, sorry! 🙂
jesscaashley@yahoo.com
Thank you, Jessica!
Hot Number was so much fun – I definitely need to check these out as well!
I like a hero who’s intelligent and appreciates a strong, intelligent woman!
Thank you Rebe!
smart, loyal, brave, kind, handsome. these are only some of the many, many qualities.
He has to be smart and know who he is.
countessofmar@yahoo.com
For me, the hero has to be intelligent and kind.
Oops… I forgot to add my email address:
maybe31 at yahoo.com
For me I need for the hero to be Wounded emotionally. I do read others, but that is my very favorite kind.
gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com
I want strong, strength of character and tenderness.
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
I think my hero would have to love me for me and not want me to change who I am and I think he would have to be funny.
For me, a hero needs to be loyal and have a heart of gold. I mean that no matter what he’s like on the outside, deep down, he’s really a good guy.
A dashing hero always makes me swoon.
bidelia78@yahoo.com
Me too, Kitty!
I think a hero should have intelligence and a sense of humor. Honesty is another important quality whether in frienships or romantic relationships. Of course, looks don’t hurt either.
penfield716(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I like my hero to be very alpha male.
jlhmass at yahoo dot com
Thanks for all the great answers, ladies! Keep them coming!
I loved Hardball and I cannot wait to read Fastball and Hot Number…hopefully I have time soon.
Since I love vampires and shifter stories, I love the Alpha Male type; strong, hard and determined to rule…but if this male has a heart of gold especially for its mate, that will be the top of the iceberg for me.
Thanks, Natasja! So glad you enjoyed Hardball – Nate is a pretty fun hero, isn’t he?
My perfect hero must be honest! A heroine needs to know where she stands!! If said hero wants to get the girl he needs to be truthful…any self-respecting woman should demand and deserves the truth!!
i value honesty, strength, courage, a sense of humor and a touch of alpha male in a hero
I defintely have to go with what everyone has been saying about intelligence. I just can’t see a hero not having that essential quality. I also love vulnerablity. I belileve that is one of the most sexiest qualities a hero can have.
qualities eh? Intelligence and the ability to use it: humour because laughter is great medicine: sarcasm because we all need a bit of snark in our lives and a sense of honour that remains constant.
glhince@gmail.com
I think my two qualities are being intelligent/witty (I like a lot of banter between the hero/heroine) and loyalty/honestly (you got to know he’s committed).
bluebubbles24 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I like my heroes to be dominant and have a great sense of humor. Thank you for the giveaway.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com
I like someone who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable–all that alpha stuff bothers me. Loyalty and intelligence are musts, and humor doesn’t hurt!
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
For me, the heroes have to seem REAL, they must have flaws, because what man doesn’t have a least a few? I like a man that has depth of character, one dimensional characters of any kind are not a good thing though. He must be willing to sacrifice. He is not afraid of confrontation, and he is not so self deluded as to think he is always right.
Bingo, Lora. I think the willingness to sacrifice is key
I think it’s essential for the hero to be intelligent and be trustworthy.
Intelligence and honesty are big factors for all of us, it looks like. And to be trustworthy, too.
Honor, intelligence, and a sense of humor.
Wow, the models on your covers are positively sinful! Thanks for the excerpts.
molly(dot)frenzel(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Molly! I enjoyed working on them with my designer!
I like a strong, confident man with a soft side. emily joy drake at gmail dot com
My heroes need to be intelligent and funny! I think I found some baseball reading I need to do :O) Carin
mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Carin!
Vanessa –
Whether I’m reading your historical romances or the “sports” books you’ve co-written with your husband I love your books!
I’ve finally “converted” my husband and he’s also reading your “V.K.” books – thanks to your husband for finally getting my husband to read books that I love as well!
Aw, Jeanne! You made my day! I’ll be sure to pass that on to Randy.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35 (at) yahoo (dot) com
honesty and respect
Agreed!
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love sarcasm, heart of gold buried deep inside but its there and a protectiveness of those he cares deeply for. Once he finds his true love not afraid to show his romantic side even if he gets ribbed by his friends.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
Well said, Donna!
I love them to be paranormal. Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Those paranormal guys are usually pretty darn hot!
I think I love my heroes full of honor and protective. Mmm.. there’s just something about a protective man willing to defend his love. 🙂
imsocool(at)gmail(dot)com
Agreed, Melissa!
He needs to put his life on the line for everything and anything he believes in, fight for it.
whoops email is ptitpupuk at sky dot com !
Well put!
I like humor and honesty.
Thanks for doing this giveaway!
~Krista
pinkbonanza{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com
I think he should have humor and power. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest(AT)aol(DOT)com
Honor & intelligence works for me.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com
I’ve always been partial to the Alpha male types in all genres I have read, but they must also be intelligent, have a sense of humor and not selfish
cms72023(at)gmail(dot)com
Christine, that’s exactly the type of hero I like, too.
Must have a strong personal moral code and be gentle to those who are weaker than him be it physically or emotionally.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
count me in! Thanks!
lena.grey.iam@gmail.com
My hero would be smart, loyal, trustworthy, and especially humorous! I love a guy who can make me laugh 🙂
laceyblossom1(at)gmail(dot)com
Me too, Lacey!
I think that a good hero is the one who follows his heart to find the truth behind all that obscures it!
I love a man who is respectful and honest, in life and in my books. Other than that, the nearest he can get to Mr. Rochester, in my opinion, the better 🙂
Mr. Rochester was the classic Gothic hero, wasn’t he?
Wow! Think I’m going to add you to my favorites. Your covers are as hot & drool worthy as Jaci Burton’s Play by Play series. Love sports heroes, strong men with a sense of humor.
JessieL62@comcast.net
Thanks so much, Jessie!
Some of my favorite qualities are responsible, respectful, intelligent, and caring heroes.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
smart, funny, loyal and compassionate works for me. Thank you for hosting. thesolitarybookworm(@)gmail.com
You’re welcome, Mary!
Successful heroes need to create a sense of maleness. I want my hero to be strong, not weak. He has to have enough of a soft side to ‘change’ throughout the story from all business, minor interest TO still business, but strong feelings of love/adoration (snort, yes ADORE ME) toward the heroine.
Oh and hot, he needs to be hot…whether old-fashioned, or supernatural, or uninformed (i.e. time-travel oblivious to period updates)–not to be confused with unintelligent. I love nearly all subcategories of the romance genre!
I so agree with this, Christina!
clburns1024(at)comcast(dot)net
Successful heroes need to create a sense of maleness. I want my hero to be strong, not weak. He has to have enough of a soft side to ‘change’ throughout the story from all business, minor interest TO still business, but strong feelings of love/adoration (snort, yes ADORE ME) toward the heroine.
Oh and hot, he needs to be hot…whether old-fashioned, or supernatural, or uninformed (i.e. time-travel oblivious to period updates)–not to be confused with unintelligent. I love nearly all subcategories of the romance genre!
Sexy and funny…lol
I just love to read and find new arthurs everyday….
Intelligent and Understanding.
AquarianDancer at gmail dot com
Loyalty and protectiveness are really necessary in a hero.
Thanks for the giveaway!
justjanhvi at gmail dot com
You’re welcome, Janhvi!
I like a strong and intelligent man with a healthy sense of self AND a sense of humnor works well too!
Humor definitely works, Betty!
The two that always stand out for me are loyalty and humor. Can’t have a hero without those.
achbarrow(at)gmail(dot)com
Wonderful covers!
sugerlady@aol.com
Thank you!
alot of times the cover of a book makes me pick it up and possibly buy it..of course I do read the synopsis on the back cover but covers definitely catch my eye first
Hello sailor.;-)
Like a man who is sexy,loyalty and with a sense of humor.
r.d1@myfairpoint.net
Yep!!
Oh, those sound great! I love my heroes to be strong, smart, funny and a bit vulnerable. Thanks for participating. wilckjz(at)optonline(dot)net
I love Strong, Loyal, Protective, and Sexy…
ronnkelly3@aol.com
Good sense of humor and out smart you angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com
At the very top of my list are 1) honesty and 2) sense of humor. Everything else is a bonus. I love heroes, who can engage in cheeky verbal sparring 🙂
Thanks for the great giveaway and the chance to win.
msromanticreads(at)gmail(dot)com
Me too, Michelle!
Fun to read the responses. So many good qualities. =)
For me I like a hero to have honor, there must be lines he will not cross. He must also have a tender side, even if the only soul to see it is his woman.
I’ve been enjoying it too, Lexi!
Ah, forgot.
eyesofblueice (at) gmail
Strong and sensitive.
sqwalker2@hotmail.com
Good combo, Lisa!
I like a hero that is intelligent and witty.
robin.christofaro@yahoo.com
I really love them very alpha male strong and protective!
Thank you so much for the great giveaway!
Latisha D
tishajean@ charter.net
I love an alpha hero who’s not only protective, loyal, dependable and compassionate but doesn’t take himself too seriously. Thanks for the giveaway!
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
Confidence and intelligence are incredibly important for a great hero. 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity 🙂 Loving all the stories about Heroes!!!
brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
The Brunette Librarian Blog
There have been lots of fun discussions, haven’t there? Thanks for stopping by!
I want my hero to be strong ans still have a soft side when he needs to.
mythic021@gmail.com
I like a smart hero with a wry sense of humor.
Cathy m
Caity_mack@yahoo dot com
patienc! patience is so sexy. when the heroine just makes him mad but he doesnt completely lose it. so yes, patience
has to be patience
marybkabui@gmail.com
My heroes are strong, successful and charismatic, but also sensitive and caring too.
paulamartinromances(at) gmail.com
I agree with Lex. I like my heroes to have honor. Even if it is their own code of honor. I love a hero that also has wit and humor. And of course I melt when the hero is such a gentleman he melts when his lady is in need.
oops
edneyallison@gmail.com
The one or two top qualities? Intelligence tempered with compassion–that’s pretty irresistible in a hero, Vanessa!
f dot chen at comcast dot net
Agreed, Fedora!
Thanks for being in the blog hop.
damianbloodstone@gmail.com
I like my hero to be all ALPHA…large and in charge!!
thanks for the chance to win 🙂
raynman1979 at yahoo dot com
Yummy alphas!
For me, it’s honor, honesty,
and humor in my Alpha/Beta.
Pat C.
p-cochran@juno.com
I’ve always loved baseball heroes. 🙂 My favorite heroic qualities are a sense of humor and intelligence. Those get to me every time.
Me too, Donna. Thanks for stopping by!
He has to be intelligent, quick-witted, sense of humor, protective, compassionate, loyal, honorable, and good-looking with a hot bod, and a sensual smile doesn’t hurt neither.
That is an awesome list, Joy!
I think a hero needs to be intelligent, compassionate, and honest!
Thanks for participating in the hop!
OceanAkers @ aol.com
I love a hero who is loyal, honorable, and soft hearted.
A sense of humor helps too.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
An essential hero quality is confidence.
Dedication and honor do it for me 🙂 I also really like a hero that surprises you in some way. The ones that are “unlikely” heroes 🙂
Thanks
acade29@gmail.com
That’s true, anna. It’s great when a hero surprises you.
the hero are the fire dept here now and then we are having fire and then they are trying to keept the grass down
deistheb onde at msnd dot com
Firemen truly are real life heroes, Desiree. Thank God we have them!
Charismatic, mysterious,sexy, intelligent
Hmm, I’d have to say vulnerability. A hero isn’t a hero unless he has a vulnerable side. Otherwise he’s just made of ice and just isn’t as interesting.
Adria
adria(.)rose_03(at)yahoo(.)com
I have a thing for tortured heroes.
ljberma01@gmail.com
I think a deep sense of selflessness is required to be a true hero — the ability to put the needs of others before our own is hard to come by! feathermaye at gmail dot com
Loyalty and courage
andieleah78@gmail.com
Some of my favorite qualities is kindness, humor, loyalty, i love an alpha, i especially love a hero with a tragic past. One that needs a strong heroine to match him. Thanks for the fun hop and the awesome giveaway! Ya all rock!! 🙂
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
First, I want the hero to put the heroine first. I like intelligent. I like strong. I like humorous. I do not like selfish.
A good sense of humour and nice shoulders to lean on..
oops, I forgot that it’s 9:45pm July 31st here in Quebecm but August 1st in USA. I posted it too late!
No worries – I’ll throw you in the pot!
I think that a hero has to be very protective and brave and has to have a sense of humor. Thanks for the giveaway!
flava_sava_chick@yahoo.com
For me a hero has to be faithful, loyal and devoted to his woman. And if he has sexy rocker long hair it doesn’t hurt my feelings any.
Debdebss@yahoo.com
My top 2 qualities that a hero has to have is loyalty and courage. I have many others, but those are musts! 😉
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
trb0917 at gmail.com
Thanks for all the great comments, ladies, and for stopping by!
I think a man who’s steadfast and true is essential, as well as a man who can see humor in any predicament that might arise.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com