Help me welcome author Clare James today, here to talk about writing sexy heroes! Don’t miss my review of her latest book, PLAYED, here.
Writing Sexy Heroes
By Clare James
Thanks for having me today, Becky! I’m so excited to talk about what makes a sexy hero in a romance novel. In my new Brazen romance, PLAYED, my hero is a rugged cowboy, who also happens to be a country music god! Double-whammy!
Still as good as that is, it isn’t enough. It’s close, but I think there are five traits a romantic hero must have.
#1- He must be appealing to the eye.
Okay, we’ll start with the superficial. A romance hero doesn’t have to be physically perfect, but he must have something—the eyes, body, smile, edge—that the reader is going to find attractive. But for me, I happen to love when he also has some physical flaw. My cowboy is rough around the edges, and it’s up to my heroine to get him ready for primetime. The scenes where she tries to make him over are very funny and were a blast to write. And to me, it makes him even more endearing.
#2- The words!
This is my personal preference. I don’t think there is anything sexier than a smart man, so his dialog is very important. If he’s soft spoken, even better, because it puts even more importance on the moments when he does talk. And that is a ton of fun. If he can make a few of those choice words dirty? Well then we’re in business.
#3- Flaws!
If he doesn’t have a physical flaw, or even if he does, he needs to have some issues. And just being an asshole for the hell of it, is not good enough. I’m quite tired of those heroes, actually. I want a real life flaw, something that impacts his decisions and allows him to grow through the story. That makes for an incredibly interesting character.
#4- Motivation.
What does the hero want?! When I’m reading a romance novel, that must be clear very early on. I have to know what makes him tick, and understand why he does the things he does, to become invested in the story.
#5
Chemistry with the heroine.
I want this by the truckload! And it doesn’t mean they have to spend the entire book in bed. Some of the sexiest, most enjoyable scenes to read can simply be full of sexual energy and chemistry that jumps off the page… without the sex. I know, that is hard to believe. Still, when they finally get to the bedroom (or wherever) it makes the moment that much sweeter!
What about you? What do you need in a hero?
Two words: Aaron Major 😉
About Clare James:
Clare James writes contemporary romance and new adult novels with spunky heroines and sexier-than-sin heroes. Her books have made several best-selling lists including the tender love stories in the Impossible Love series; the steamy romantic comedy Dirty Little Lies; and the touching family drama Wednesday. She’s also the author of a new series with Entangled’s Brazen line about the women of Elite PR and their very naughty clients. The first two books in the series are out now!
A former dancer, Clare still loves to get her groove on – mostly to work off her beloved cupcakes and red wine. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and young son, and is always on social media chatting with readers.
Connect with Clare: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Title: Played
Author: Clare James
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Release Date: October 19, 2015
Series: Elite PR #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781633754515
Play. Or be played.
The music should be enough. End of story. But Aaron Major is finding out it’s not, and now his agent has hired a firm of suits to help launch his debut album, turning his life into a goddamn circus. Smile here. Play there. Be nice. Well, screw that. If Aaron wanted to spend his time shaking hands and kissing babies, he would’ve gone into politics.
Helping launch the career of country singer Aaron Major should be a cakewalk for PR pro Melody Sharp. Aaron is charming, sexy, and oh-so-appealing when he’s on stage. Off stage, though, he’s her worst nightmare. A stubborn, ornery, reclusive nightmare without a lick of business-or fashion-sense. The only way he’s going to make it in music is with a serious makeover-and quite possibly a personality transplant.
Soon, they’re engaged in a game of give and take, and though it’s Melody calling the shots, it’s Aaron who holds all control…
Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Goodreads
