One of the great things about romance novels is the fantasy of finding the perfect mate. From Roman gladiators to rocket scientists, exciting heroes populate the fictional worlds of readers and writers, offering an escape from reality that everyone needs once in a while.
Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great romance hero. For some variety is a big part of the fantasy and there are several types of heroes that one person might find appealing.
I tend to love heroes with a dark side. Antiheroes and at times even villains are my favorite characters. Over the top heroes are often part of what excites me about romance novels. The idea of a shapeshifter, a vampire or alien lover is thrilling. The tough alpha male who can protect those he loves but also show tenderness is common in romance novels. Let’s face it, those are attractive qualities, even more alluring than a handsome face and great body (both of which are subjective, right?).
As much as I enjoy paranormal heroes, there’s something about a regular guy that’s also heartwarming. The hero doesn’t always need to possess supernatural powers or battle a mega-villain to be the stuff of fantasies. Part of the charm of romance novels is the sweet moments and sharing of everyday occurrences that bind the hero and heroine.
In Everything Nice, the hero isn’t superhuman. He’s basically a normal guy who has fallen in love with a woman bent on having a successful career. Fortunately they’re like-minded and their business partnership soon turns to something more.
Antonio is rough around the edges. He doesn’t always say the right thing, but he loves his lady and longs for a happy life with her–if he can convince her that mixing business with pleasure is sometimes the right thing to do.
How do you feel about paranormal heroes versus regular guys? Do you prefer one over the other or do you like both types?
Everything Nice
by Kate Hill
(Spicy Contemporary Romance)
Blurb:
Will Antonio’s romantic confession win Orlanda’s heart, or destroy their partnership? A partnership made in heaven/hell–they secretly lust after each other, but … business first! How can they build a successful business together if their focus is on the bedroom instead of the bakery?
Excerpt from Everything Nice:
“Hey, Orlanda,” Antonio said, walking out of the kitchen to stand beside her near a glass display case. “You okay?”
“Yes. Why?” She turned to him and her heart skipped a beat when his gaze met hers. Damn. The warmth in his big brown eyes could melt a glacier.
“You’ve been standing here for a while looking a little down.”
“I’m just thinking. We’ll be opening soon. I’m getting nervous. You?”
“Nah. After boot camp not much makes me nervous.”
She smiled. “I can understand that. It’s just that I want us to succeed. It’s my way of giving ‘the arm’ to Rose and Danielle, which is something I should have done a long time ago.”
“I never figured out what you were doing with them. I always wondered how a couple of chicks whose heads were up their ass could get their noses so far in the air.”
Orlanda snorted with laughter. “I guess it started in high school. I didn’t have a lot of friends. All right I didn’t have any. I was kind of boyish and when I wasn’t playing sports I studied all the time. I never was much for girl stuff.”
“You sure changed, huh?”
She raised an eyebrow. “I have?”
“Sure. I mean you’re gorgeous.”
Numbness overtook her for several seconds. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Finally she said, “I am?”
His brow furrowed. “Definitely.”
She didn’t reply and he stepped a bit closer. He reached out hesitantly and cupped her cheek.
Orlanda knew she should move away, but she didn’t want to. His big, warm hand felt so good against her skin. He stood close enough that when she tilted her gaze up to his face, she saw the moistness of his chiseled lips. His thick, dark lashes lowered partway and he dipped his head toward hers.
When he kissed her, Orlanda lost focus on everything except this gorgeous warrior turned pastry chef.
She stood on tiptoe and his arm slid around her waist, tugging her closer to his rock-hard body. He was so tall and powerful, yet he kissed her with such tenderness, making her feel protected and desirable.
“Orlanda,” he murmured against her lips. The tip of his tongue tickled her earlobe and he nuzzled her neck, sending little shivers of delight through her.
From New Concepts Publishing
http://store.newconceptspublishing.com/kate-hill/everything-nice/
Also available at All Romance Ebooks
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-everythingnice-1076512-149.html
About Kate Hill
Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels. Kate also writes under the pen name Saloni Quinby.
When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.
She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com. Visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com and http://www.twitter.com/katehillromance.