Welcome to the HEROES blog hop. For this hop I’m giving three $5 Starbucks cards. You must leave me a comment, with your email address, to be entered into the drawing. Also, by entering my drawing you are automatically entered in the drawing for the large swag pack (picture below) and for the Kindle Fire. Enjoy the hop. For every blog that you leave a comment you get one entry for the grand prizes. So vist everyone and get more than one hundred entries.
What is a hero? Or more specifically what is a romance hero?
A romance hero is the embodiment of every fantasy we have as girls and women. He’s strong, good looking, gentle, good with children, loves us beyond reason, is a protector, takes what he wants but only if we’re willing, is stern when he needs to be, doesn’t get taken advantage of, but if it happens seeks and gets revenge. He’s our father, brother, matinee idol, soldier all rolled into one sleek package.
Why do we need heroes?
Romances would not exist if not for the hero. Our heroine has to have someone who wants her and ends up loving her, usually in spite of herself, in order for it to be a true romance. The hero must take a journey. Usually it’s learning that he loves the heroine, that it’s okay to be vulnerable, okay to be gentle, okay to be the man she needs.
What’s your favorite characteristic of a hero?
My favorite characteristic is gentleness melded with strength. I want my hero’s to love me unconditionally. He’s gentle with me all the while being the strong man he needs to be as well. He knows that he doesn’t have to be hard to be a man. He’s secure in his manhood.
Who is my favorite romance hero?
One of my favorite romance heroes is Challen Ly-San-Ter from Johanna Lindsey’s Warrior’s Woman. He is the epitome of raw strength and gentleness. As is Duncan from Julie Garwood’s Honor’s Splendor. Both of these books are on my keeper shelf and I read them again and again. At least once per year. And, of course, the heroes in each of my books are my very favorites
Now you tell me. Who is your favorite romance hero and why? I’d love it if you tell me, in your comments, who your favorite romance hero is and what book they are from. I’m always looking for new books to read. You don’t have to of course, just leave any comment to be entered into the drawings for the grand prizes or for my books.
Again, leave me a comment and be entered to win a Kindle Fire or an Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card. Remember, three lucky commenters will win copies of my books from the Tame Series. Either TAME A WILD HEART, TAME A WILD WIND or TAME A WILD BRIDE.
BIO
Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.
Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.
Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.
She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write. Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates. She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories. In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America. Unfortunately, the loss of her job demanded the she not renew her memberships and her writing stagnated for many years.
In 2001, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she’d attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter’s table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn’t looked back.
Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she’s made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.
Here are the links to all my books, western and scifi. I hope you’ll check them out.
All are on Amazon.
TAME A WILD HEART
TAME A WILD WIND
CENTAURI DAWN – This book was a finalist in the Romcon Readers Crown Contest
CENTAURI TWILIGHT – This book was a finalist in the Romcon Readers Crown Contest
CENTAURI MIDNIGHT
THE SWORDS OF GREGARA-JENALA
THE SWORDS OF GREGARA-RIZA
Favorite romance hero. That’s a problem, because there are sooooo many. To be politically correct, I should name one of yours. Unfortunately, while yours are wonderful (I won your Centauri series a while back), I have to say my favorite would either be Logan from Master of the Mountain (Cherise Sinclair) or Ivan from Theory of Attraction (Delphine Dryden). Probably Ivan, since he’s a big-time geek, yet still droolworthy to the nth degree!
torymichaels(@)live(.)com
Hi Tory. Thanks for stopping by. I know what you mean there are just so many heros out there it hard to choose. Thanks for stopping by today.
What a great post. I know what I’m going to do this afternoon. Hopping! Please let me add something to the hero discussion. My heroes are women who survived growing up, strife, trauma, love and loss, love and keep. I find these women in real life and put them in my contemporary women’s fiction. I know that wasn’t the essence of this great post, but…
Thanks Betsy. I couldn’t agree more. My mother was always my hero. She raised 4 children alone after my father died when I was five. She was an amazing woman and I still miss her.
Greetings Cindy!
Last year I opened my fb account when I heard about the Cape Fear Crime Festival in Wilmington, NC. Among some of the Authors I have met through fb is David Bishop who highly recommends your books! Like you, I let my writing fall to the wayside and am now just getting back into the ‘swing’ of putting pen to paper – or perhaps it should be fingers to keys. Best wishes for continued success. My hope it to be able to get a Kindle Fire for my birthday so I can enjoy a lot of these books only available at Amazon! Have a great day!
Coni
You made my day. Hearing that another author highly recommends my books is like candy to me. Thank you for letting me know and thank you to David as well. Good luck in the drawings.
There are so many heroes that are my favorites, but it I had to pick just one, I’d say Ruark Beauchamp from Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss.
Ohh, I loved that book and Ruark was so sexy. Kathleen was always one of my favorites.
What a fun blog hop you’re doing, Cynthia. I have too many romance heroes I love to name them. But my favorite is my real life husband.
Hi Karalee. I’d have to say that your Bob is a good example of a hero. So is my Jim and like you, my husband is my favorite hero.
You brought up some great points.
Enjoy the hop.
bidelia78@yahoo.com
Thanks Kitty.
Hi Cindy! My favorite heroes? Ones who are a little dominant, but know when to back up and let ‘his’ woman be strong and independent too. And the woman can then be her own hero! It would be extremely hard for me to pick a favorite, but I have had a spot in my heart for Acheron (Sherrilyn Kenyon) since first reading about him. That’s not to say that I don’t have a soft spot for every other hero I read in every book I pick up 🙂 Have a good one!
Hi Lori. Thanks for stopping by. I have to admit that Acheron is a really great choice for a hero, too. I just love him.
Hi Cindy,
On of my favorite heroes is Devlin from Maria Snyder’s Glass series. He has so much growth throughout the series.
I’m not familiar with that series. I’ll put it in my list of TBR books.
Hi Cindy,
Wow, I can’t believe the hero in Shana is remembered by more than me. Have to admit, he may be the hero that got me wanting to write romance heroes. So, yep, he would have to be my all time favorite. My contemporary book hero now would have to be any of the Masters men I’m writing. They all have that protect but don’t smother attitude I adore. Sorry, but if I don’t love my own heroes why am I writing them, correct 🙂
You’re totally right Sandra. Our own heroes are always our favorites or we shouldn’t be writing them. 🙂
Hi cindy
one of my favorite hero’s is Hart Mackenzie from the dukes perfect wife by jennifer ashley
laurie
parisfan_ca@yahoo.com
Good, another book for me to check out. So many books and never enough time. Thanks for stopping by Laurie.
At the moment, my favorite hero would be Ian MacKenzie, also from Jennifer Ashley’s Highland Pleasures series.
Karin
AquarianDancer at gmail dot com
I have definitely got to check this series out!
I don’t have a “romance” hero – they all have their good and bad points – but my irrational self still likes the bad boys.. so I tend toward the naughty but nice character of Sinclair in MJ Davidson’s Undead and Unwed series
In reality – my other half fits the bill perfectly – and doesn’t interrupt my reading time with demands …that makes him a hero in my book!
glhince@gmail.com
Doesnt’ interrupt your reading time??? You definitely got a good one. Hang on to him, he’s a keeper.
Great post! I’m a fan of dark, tortured heroes and Vishous from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is definitely dark, tortured, and one of my faves.
molly(dot)frenzel(at)gmail(dot)com
Another series I need to check out! My TBR list is growing by leaps and bounds.
My favorite is Eric or Bill from the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Talk about tortured. Is there a more tortured soul than Bill?
Well my favorite is (I have two) Gabriel St. Croix from “Broken Wing” by Judith James and Gideon Cross from “Bared To You” by Sylvia Day. I love them both!
gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com
Another one to add to my ever growing list.
My favorite hero is usually the one I just finished reading LOL! I do like the reformed bad boy hero. Thanks Carin
mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com
I understand how that is. I always fall in love with the hero in the book I’m currently reading. Thanks for commenting.
My husband is my hero. Has been for the 13 years I’ve known him. 🙂
carrielynnbarker@verizon.net
My husband will always be my number one hero.
My real life hero is my hubby but my fictional hero is Julian from RJ Scott’s A Better Man.
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
Totally agree about my real life hero. My hubby all the way.
I love so many heroes that this is hard. I will say Master Adam from Nobody’s Perfect is one of my favs. He is such a caring guy. Thank you for the giveaway.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com
Caring heros are always good. Thanks for stopping by.
I fall in love with all the heroes U read about. Can’t choose a favorite. I remember Challen Ly-San-Ter well. Wow, I haven’t read his story in years, may have to re visit an old friend .
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
He was just so SEXY. Johanna wrote a wonderful, tender Alpha male.
My favorite hero would be Bowen from the Immortals after Dark series. I have not read any of your books yet, but they sounds fantastic. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest(AT)aol(DOT)com
I’m not familiar with this series. Who is the author?
I don’t have a particular favorite but I just read about Ian from The Warrior Trainer – a combination of strength, compassion, and vulnerability that reaches the jaded heroine.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com
Not to self, add The Warrior Trainer to list to read.
I love Rhage from the J.R. Ward series. Smart, sexy, and strong! YUM!!
Thank you for the opportunity!
brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
The Brunette Librarian Blog
I’ve never read her series either. Wow, there are so many.
Mines not so traditional but there is an unpublished book called the Girl for Me by Failte and really both of the main characters are my favorite romantic heroes. Kevin for just being Kevin and totally accepting Danny/i for who she was. And Danny/i for not letting the world stop her from being herself. They are totally inspiring and I love reading their story.
achbarrow(at)gmail(dot)com
Ayla, thanks for stopping by.
My favorite is Roarke from J.D. Robb’s In Death series.
Finally, someone I know and love. Thank you.
I don’t really have a favorite hero, I tend to fall for all the heroes if they are well written. I do tend to love alpha, dominant men. Those that are intelligent, responsible, dependable, respectful, & caring are my favorites.
Thank you for the giveaway & for taking part in the blog hop.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
So do I. I’m in love with whatever hero I’m reading at the time.
I adore all the heroes of the books I have read. I don’t think I could even choose a favorite. Thank you for being a part of the blog hop. It has been a great way for me to be introduced to new authors and fantastic books. Best wishes!
cms72023(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for stopping by.
I have too many favorite heroes.But the Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter are my favorite.
Enjoy the blog hop!
justjanhvi at gmail dot com
Thanks for stopping by
fave hero would be ben from montana sky, nora roberts
marybkabui@gmail.com
Nora Roberts can always be counted on for a good hero.
I think you’d like all my heroes, Cynthia. They’e strong, successful and charismatic, but also caring and with some hidden vulnerability. Please visit my blog to meet them all!
paulamartinromances(at) gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by, Paula. I’ll have to visit your blog.
I cannot just pick one of my favorite heroes. Too many & each a little different. Love strong, alpha males who may be rock hard on the outside, but on the inside they have heart. Thank you for participating in this blog hop!
JessieL62@comcast.net
It is difficult to choose just one or two or three, I could go on and on.
Serengil is one of my favorite heroes.
lena.grey.iam@gmail.com
Can’t say I’ve heard of him. Someone else new to check out.
love the alpha males and hope you are enjopying your summer and thanks for a chance to win angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com
We all love to read about Alpha males.
I have to agree with you. You came up with some fabulous heroic qualiyties. Great post.
Debdebss@yahoo.com
Thanks, Debra.
You’re right — a romance wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the hero. I’m glad there are so many different ones to choose from. We’ll never run out of good ones!
Thanks for stopping by, Donna. I couldn’t agree more.
Woohoo! I love blog hopping!
My favorite hero is hands down… Bo Novikov from Shelly Laurenston’s “Beast Behaving Badly” He is surly, and mean, and everyone hates him, except Blayne Thorpe. She gets him to behave and not be so selfish and mean and he loves every minute of it. He just doesn’t show it to the world.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
You’re welcome Renee. Thanks to Carrie Ann Ryan for setting these up.
I really like alpha males who are strong and protective one who is my favorite is Bones love him! Thank you for the great giveaway!
Latisha D
tishajean@ charter.net
I agree, Latisha. Thanks for stopping by.
That are so many. Right now would go with Zsadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. He is just so tortured you can’t help but love him.
beckerjo at verizon dot net
Again, another hero for me to check out.
Hi Cindy: I loved your post. I’m afraid that I can’t tell you my favorite hero. I’m a fickle female. I love the hero in the current book I’m reading and then when I go on to the next book, he becomes my favorite hero. I have a series that I love to read over and over and that’s Lora Leigh’s Breed Series. Her heroes take charge especially when they find their mates. I have not read any of your work but I’m looking forward to changing that.
Lynn
lareynolds0316@gmail.com
I totally understand, Lynn. Thanks for stopping by.
My favorite hero is Jim Heron from JR Ward’s Fallen Angel series. Why? Well girl if you don’t know why, you haven’t read the books. I mean we can always like the good ones, can we? We like our good guys with bad@$$ written all over! 😉
minnie2297@yahoo.com
I’ve never read JR Ward. More on the to get list.
I’m not sure I have a favorite but I love all the guys on Team 16 in Suzanne Brockman’s Troubleshooters series
I haven’t read much contemporary but I have friends who love Suzanne.
great blog contest love your books
kintana002000@yahoo.com
Nina, thanks for stopping by.
thanks for the hp and then i love book your look great and then i would read them and bog on t hem for any one
desithe blonde at msn dot com
Thanks for stopping by Desi.
I love every hero I read for all their own reasons! Your books sound really good, thanks for the chance to win! Plus I love coffee LOL
Jesscaashley(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll try my books. I think they are entertaining. 🙂
I love the alpha heroes. Thanks for the giveaway.
mythic021@gmail.com
Don’t we all love them. Thanks for stopping by.
I love alpha heroes! So hot! One of my favorite heroes is Justice from Justice by Laurann Dohner. I love this book and i love the characters! Especially the hero. 😀 Thanks for the fun hop and the awesome giveaway! Ya all rock!! 🙂
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite fictional hero is my own, Heath. (Because he’ll stone me to death if I name anyone else. Seriously, living with this guy in my head is quite the experience! LOL)
He isn’t actually fully aware yet that he is going to be a hero, but that won’t stop him from shoving his way into the spotlight! The funny thing about this is that when he actually does something heroic, like saving a bunch of orphans from a flood or beating the daylights out of an abusive bastard, he doesn’t brag about it. He’d much sooner talk about his sexual conquests, his chess match wins, or his sexual conquests. (He’s with twins right now, thus the double mention. My poor brain. LOL) But in the end, he will prove that he is a great hero. Then again, maybe he’ll be the ultimate villain. I’d hate to rule anyone out just yet, as readers will have a long journey ahead before that answer sneaks out! The book will be out as soon as it is published.
So many heroes, how to make a choice! I’ll just stay with my all-time hero, the man who has
been at my side for 51 years.
Love you, Honey!!
Pat C.
p-cochran@juno.com
Zsadist from BDB because he’s caring and alpha.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com