My Real-Life Hero

Things have been a little crazy lately around my place, and to be honest, I almost forgot I was posting here at DIK, today. Part of why I've been pre-occupied this week is that today is my guy's birthday, and I've been party-planning.

Now, the DIK blog is all about the heroes we love. So, in honor of his birthday, I wanted to dedicate today's post to my favorite, real-life hero: my guy.

Even though this picture is over a year old, it's still one of my favorites, because it says so much about him.

Like Ben Fortune, in Jill Sorenson's Crash Into Me, my guy is an awesome dad. He's there for our kid, whether it's attending or coaching sports activities, playing video games with him, taking him on hikes, or reading him bedtime stories acting out all of the voices.

Like Seth Mortenson, in Richelle Mead's Succubus series, he's an unabashed geek, loving quirky t-shirts (like Yoda, above) and a bit absent-minded when he's focused on whatever he happens to be working on at the time.

Like Jasper, in Elizabeth Hoyt's To Seduce a Sinner, my guy has a sense of humor and is quick with a silly joke.

Like Lord John, in Diana Gabaldon's Lord John Mystery series and the Outlander series, he has a sense of integrity and honor that just blow me away.

Like Dave Malkoff, in Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series, my guy's intelligence and intensity are belied by a laid back attitude.

But, when it comes down to it, even though he has lots in common with some of my favorite romance novel heroes, my guy is an original, and my only real life hero.

So here's to heroes, ladies, and here's to my guy.

Happy birthday, honey!

Do you have a real-life hero? If you do, which fictional hero does he (or she) remind you of? If you don't which fictional hero has qualities that you would like to find in someone?

Come on back tomorrow and visit me here at the island.
Also, be sure to visit me at my place, Renee's Book Addiction.

My favorite heroes of 2010...so far

I know that it's a little early for "best of the year" lists, but 2010 has been such a great year for heroes, and, DIK is all about the heroes, isn't it?

I compiled a pretty healthy list for the year. Initially, the list was pretty long, but I've been able to whittle it down to my top 5. *wipes brow*

Here goes:

1. William from Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

I could go on and on about the awesomeness that is William, but at the risk of repeating myself in my review of the book, William is the total package:




Alpha shifter who can kick ass and take names? Check.
Tragic past that he’s dealing with? Check.
An admiration for strong heroines who can kick ass and take names? Check.




Truly, it's the combination of vulnerability and alpha male that gets me every time.

2. Terrible from the Chess Putnam series by Stacia Kane




Terrible's love for Chess is totally compelling. He is tough, and feared by all. Yet, Chess, brings him to his knees.




Over the course of the series, the reader (through Chess' eyes) sees beyond Terrible's 'ugliness' and into the man beneath the surface. His relationship with her isn't easy, or even comfortable reading, but the payoff is soooo worth it.




I can not wait until the next book to read more about Terrible!




3. Nick from The Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan




Nick is one of those characters that, whenever he enters the scene, it completely belongs to him.




He's a really uncomfortable guy to read about. He's angry, he's violent, and he's more than a little sociopathic. But, his relationship with his brother, Alan, reveals that there's more to him than meets the eye.




I've got a confession to make about Nick: while I know that it's a hopeless wish, whenever he's in a scene with Mae's brother, Jamie, I totally root for them to wind up together. They have the best chemistry together, and their dialog/banter is great reading.




4. Javier from Lord of the White Hell, books 1 & 2 by Ginn Hale

Javier, on first glance is a rakehell, who leads the aptly named Hellions with arrogance and wit. Yet, his outrageous behavior hides a young man who is damned. Literally.

As the vessel for the White Hell, even Javier's friends are afraid to enter his rooms or get too close to him. That is, until Kiram, also an outsider, shares his room, his life, and wins his heart.




Javier has a lot to overcome in The Lord of the White Hell. Not only does he live under a curse, but he must hide his love for Kiram while trying to find a way to protect him from a mysterious supernatural threat.




5. Curran from the Kate Daniels series, by Ilona Andrews




While Curran has been around for a while (and one of my favorite heroes for the last couple of years), he really comes into his own in 2010's Magic Bleeds.




Ilona Andrews has taken her time developing the relationship between Kate and Curran, and with Magic Bleeds, their courtship --if that's what you can call the mayhem that takes place --is nothing if not unique.




Curran truly is the King of Beasts, and Kate is a perfect match for his over the top personality. His need to take care of his people and his love for Kate make him truly a favorite hero of mine.

Of course, I've still got 5 weeks left in 2010, so there's every possibility I may add a couple more to my list. At least, I hope so. ;-)

What are your heroes in 2010?

Come on back tomorrow and visit me on my second day here on the Island!
Also, be sure to visit me at my place, Renee's Book Addiction.

These are a few of my favorite things . . .

One of the fun things about DIK is its celebration of heroes. We have the guys in our hut, which were chosen with only a little (virtual) bloodshed. They are a pretty diverse group, appearing in books of different genres, coming from different time periods, and are even different kinds of beings (humans, vamps, shifters, etc).
However, something that transcends these differences between are heroes are the type of heroes they are. A few weeks ago, I posted over at my place, Renee's Book Addiction about a couple of my favorite hero types, the Misfit and the Smart Ass. Since writing that post, I've been thinking a lot about the kinds of heroes that I enjoy reading about.

Here are a few more hero types that I really love:

The Smart Ass
The Smart Ass hero is another independent type. He has loads of confidence and a strong independent streak.
He usually has a sense of humor (though not always appropriate). Often, he gets the best lines, using everyone around them as the straight man. And, he's typically extremely intelligent. (Brains=Sexy.) Usually, their mouth gets ahead of their better judgment (or they ignore it all-together) and they wind up in situations that are so fun to read about!
One of my favorite scenes with a smart ass hero, is in Natural Born Charmer, when Dean first meets Blue as she's walking down a rural road in a beaver costume. Their dialog, their separate internal monologues, and the circumstances make up one of my favorite scenes in a book.

Some of my favorite Smart Ass Heroes: Izzy Zanella (Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann); Harry Dresden (The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher); Dean Robillard (Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips); Cal Leandros (pictured on right) (Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman).

The Tortured Hero
This is a man who has been through hell and back. He has darkness in his soul and needs the love of a good woman or man to heal him. One thing I love about a tortured hero is that if his story is done well, there is lots of character growth as he opens up to his significant other. One of my favorite tortured hero scenes is in To Seduce a Sinner when it's revealed what Vale, who was tortured while a prisoner of war, needs to do to feel safe when he sleeps at night. My heart hurt when I read that scene.

Some of my favorite Tortured Heroes: Zadist (Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward); Lord Ian Mackenzie (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley); Viscount Vale (To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt); Belimai Sykes (Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale).

The Guy Next Door/Caretaker
Originally when I started writing this post, this was 2 separate hero types. But, they had so many qualities in common, I just had to bring them together. These are the guys that you can bring home to mom. The ones that you go to when you get into a jam or need a shoulder to lean on. Yet, they are never boring, and usually someone you would want to hang out with on a Saturday night (watching a DVD and eating popcorn).
Right now, I'm re-reading the Adrien English Mysteries (getting ready for Dark Tide!), and one thing I'm noticing is how people are drawn to Adrien. For all his drama with Jake and assorted murders, he is the port in the storm for his sister, for Claude, and for Angus.

Some of my favorite Guys Next Door/Caretakers: Adrien English (pictured on right) (Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon); Cam Rohan (Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas); Jeremy Danvers (Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong); Lord John Grey (Outlander & Lord John series by Diana Gabaldon), Devil Cynster (Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens); David Cooke (Happy Ending by LB Gregg).

The Reformed Rake
This is an old favorite of mine. Some of the first romances I read were Regencies (Barbara Cartland, anyone?) where rakes were thick on the ground. I love reading about a jaded, cynical hero is slowly transformed by their love, and allows himself to be vulnerable. Also, there is usually a great grovel when the hero realizes the error of his ways.
In Scandal, Banallt has already reformed when the book opens. Seeing how he struggles to convince Sophie that he has truly changed (and is not just trying to get her into bed) makes for such compelling reading.

Some of my favorite Reformed Rakes: St Vincent (Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas); James Durham, Viscount Sanburne (Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran); Banallt (Scandal by Carolyn Jewel); Dain (Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase).

The Misfit
I have a total soft-spot for the misfit hero. A few reasons I love them? They walk their own path, regardless of what everyone else is doing or expecting of them. They’re usually loners, which makes their connection with their significant other really meaningful. And, what often sets them apart is that their intelligence. (Again, Brains=Sexy in my book.)
My favorite recent misfit revelation was in Men of the Otherworld. I LOVED hearing Clay's voice in this anthology. After his being in so many previous Otherworld books, it was great to really "get" why he is so out of step with everyone around him, including the other members of his pack.

Some of my favorite Misfit Heroes: Dave Malkoff (Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann); Wildcard Karmody (Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann); Clay Danvers (Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong); Victor Bayne (pictured on right) (PsyCop series by Jordan Castillo Price).

The Enigma
A man of mystery, I'm typically turning the pages as fast as I can to discover what I can about this guy. His past tends to be murky, and sometimes discovering what he is is (Jericho, Dante) part of the mystery. Usually, his motives are questionable, and it's not always clear whether his actions are in the significant other's best interests. When he gets close to his love interest, he must reveal parts of himself that he never allows anyone to see.
In Zero at the Bone, D opens himself to Dr Jack, and small acts which most people would take for granted, are monumental acts of bravery for D. These scenes are so emotionally charged and fraught with significance, that I had a lump in my throat when I read them.

Some of my favorite Enigmas: Jericho Z Barrons (Fever series by Karen Marie Moning); Dante (The Maker's Song series by Adrian Phoenix); Jack Winter (Black London series by Caitlin Kittredge); Jack (Nadia Stafford series by Kelley Armstrong), D (pictured on right) (Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville).

Well, these are some of my favorite hero types. I deliberately avoided the Alpha and Beta (and, even Gamma) hero in this discussion, because any of these individual heroes can be an alpha or a beta hero. For example, both Zadist and Lord Ian are tortured heroes, but their individual personalities (and how they've reacted to their respective abusive experiences) are extremely different.

What are some of your favorite hero types?

Please join me tomorrow for my last visit of 2009 to the Island.

Clare London Day Two - Heroes

Clare’s Dilemma: So many Heroes, So Little Time?

Everyone talks about their heroes, don’t they? We read about them, we write stories about them, we admire them and cherish them and sigh for need of them.

Can we help it if we’re entranced by the image? Our hearts are excited by adventure and strong passion, while our heads admire loyalty and integrity. To find the combination in one man – well, what more could we ask. And there’s such a range to choose from: the artists, singers, doctors, firemen, cowboys, bad-guys-turned-good, good-guys-tempted-by-bad, old and young, indoors and outdoors-men, saints and sinners, tall, blond, short and lean, rough and tough and strong and mean… well, you get the picture. Heroic behaviour can burst from any one of them.

And one of the most likely scenarios is when love comes into the equation. Then we are treated to those who love from afar, and those who fight for their love. The big, strong guys who face up to each other in a crisis but want to snuggle up in a snowstorm. Those who struggle with expression, while others charm with soft words. And we probably do have our favourites – whether we like the shy, sensitive, intellectual type, or the buff, muscled, strong and silent type.

But hey! Whoever said I had to make a choice?

I answered a question online recently about what was my favourite genre in which to write my stories of men and their loves. I found that more difficult to answer than the infamous interview question – where do you see yourself in five years’ time J. Because I don’t really have a favourite, I like plenty! I’ve written fantasy, contemporary romance and paranormal settings. I’ve written happy-ever-after, happy-for-now, don’t-know-about-happy-but-you-look-good-in-my-shower, and – to one reader’s annoyance recently – character death. My heroes are flawed and their heroism erratic. Sometimes they’re selfish, they make mistakes, they miss the damned point.

But they all have the potential to be Hero. And the fun of writing them is to see whether I can bring that out.

I don’t think it’s fickle, to find heroes in all situations – through time and space, with lovers, with enemies, with women and men. Our hearts want to seek the best of human nature, to admire kind and loyal and brave behaviour. It doesn’t have to be on a battlefield. He doesn’t have to be alarmingly handsome – which, after all, is a matter of taste. It’s the spirit that we seek. And here is my shopping-for-a-hero list.

Charmed Chap

This hero is not of this world. He may not even be human. Is that so bad, so long as his ambitions and aims are still recognisable? And there’s such glamour in the vampire bite or the magic of a man truly in love…

My first published book was Masquerade, a collection of fantasy stories that featured vampires, psychics, wizards and a beautiful young man who had more in common with a silkworm than the oppressed workers around him. And recently I revisited the fantasy theme with my vampires Edward and Ambrus, in my short story Out of Time.

Fantasy Fellow

This guy lives in an alternate universe. He may not know how to work a washing machine but he’ll wield a sword and is free from so many of the chains of modern society’s expectations.

I wrote two novels set in a fantasy world, Aza City, where women ruled as Mistresses but were supported and served by their male warriors – who then satisfied their true desires and need for companionship with fellow soldiers. That was The Gold Warrior and Twisted Brand. The Gold Warrior Maen was everything a true hero should be in his devotion to duty and his sense of place in the hierarchy – until he fell from grace because of his love for his apprentice, the Bronzeman Dax.

Modern Man

Now this one is more familiar in many ways, in that he wears recognisable clothes and has no more special power than being able to open that jar of peaches you’ve been struggling with for half an hour. But in fictional hands, his heroism is still just as valid, and with all the vivacity and empowerment of modern life.

This year, I published the contemporary romances Sparks Fly and True Colors, full of glamour, melodrama, mystery and high-powered city business. Both were based on the attraction of opposites. In Sparks Fly, playboy Nic battled with geek Aidan to the very end of the book, despite their desperate attraction to each other. And in True Colors, cool businessman Miles tried to ground the mercurial artist Zeke, even as Zeke was bringing excitement and spontaneity to Miles’ life.

And I also published Freeman, set in my home city London, in a world of crime and mystery, and with a fair dose of angst before dawn. Freeman is a very modern man who lives alone in the city, successful and rich, but who thinks he’s lost the art of connecting emotionally with people – at least until he meets Kit, a young man who disturbs everything and demands Freeman’s attention in return.

So I’ve covered all these categories *sez Clare, buffing her nails*. What about you? Do you have favourites? Or do you think – as I do – that variety is the spice of life?

And now, back to struggling with the lid of that jar of peaches until My Hero comes home from work…
J

You can visit Clare London here
http://www.clarelondon.co.uk
or at her blog .
http://clarelondon.livejournal.com/

MsMoonlight's 2nd Day on the island

“Good morning all! MsMoonlight here with all my heroes and my sidekick Johnny Depp. Boy what a night we all had last night! Johnny got everyone bombed on rum then the guys got all stupid as drunk guys do…”

Johnny: “Hey I resent that comment! We didn’t get stupid, we just had some fun. Can I talk now?”
Me: “Sure, but make it kinda quick? I’ve got to tell everyone about my heroes.”
Johnny: “Ok, I just wanted to say that the guys and I will lay any woman who visits the island today.”
Me: *slaps forehead* “Johnny! Now look what you’ve done! Slow down ladies, don’t riot! Someone’s going to get hurt! What Johnny means is while him and the heroes got bombed last night on all that rum they decided to make their own LEIs, as in the traditional wreath of flowers necklace given to visitors in Hawaii.”
Johnny: “Well of course that’s what I meant Elizabeth, the other…that would be quite a challenge.” He pauses here to think it over, then with a grin says; “Hmm…lay…lei…I’m willing to give it a go either way here.”
Me: “Then I suggest going sleep now, because I know some of these women! Besides, the guys have a big bon fire party planned for tonight. I'm thinking rum and fire probably aren't a good idea, but I can't talk them out of it.”

Ok now where was I? Oh yeah my DIK heroes! My picks are from over a decade ago because all my current picks were already taken by previous islanders (this shows I have good taste in hunky heroes because others have already gobbled them all up!). I had to dig deep in the way back of my keeper shelf to come up with these heroes and while I recall really liking them, it’s been so long (more than 10 years) since I read then I honestly can’t give specifics on them now.

But before I list who my heroes are I wanted to share again my current favorite books (which I mentioned in my Q&A welcome to DIK post back in June) that have already been picked, because I haven't mentioned why these are my favorites. This is from question #3:
3. What are your 5 favorite books?

Paranormal favorite: "Lover Eternal" by JR Ward

Historical Romance: "Prisoner of my Desire" by Johanna Lindsey

Mystery: "Dead to the World" by Charlaine Harris

M/M Romance: "The Assignment" by Evangeline Anderson

Young Adult: "Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer

“Lover Eternal” is my favorite paranormal because Rhage is my hands down favorite paranormal hero of all time. I think he’s perfect – inner beast and all.
“Dead to the World” is my favorite mystery fiction (favorite mystery series actually) because of all the phenomenal characters. As weird as they are, they are engaging and compelling drawing assorted emotions from me with each chapter of every book. Few books can do that for me, but Charlaine Harris never fails to take me on a roller coast ride of emotions and leave me begging for more.

“The Assignment” was my first step into gay romance. I had read other bloggers reading and reviewing these books and my first thought was “Why? If you’re not gay, why read a gay romance? What’s the appeal?” – that was very shallow of me and I am glad I quickly got over it because I now love gay romance books! What I learned is romance is romance and if the writing is good and the characters engaging it draws me into the story - I just love a good romance story and gender hasn't got a thing to do with it. That is what Evangeline Anderson’s “The Assignment” did for me. Totally opened my eyes to gay romance and sent me on a spending spree for more gay novels which are now beginning to fill my keeper’s shelf.

“Eclipse” is my favorite of the “Twilight” YA series that is making teens swoon around the world. I liked this book in the series because I think you see the most growth in the characters and the story turns strongly to how to make things work after a heartbreaking break up and where to you fit in the guy (Jacob) who supported you and took you through the worst time of your life, when your boyfriend is back but things aren’t exactly like they were before. Loved this part of the series. Bella had a lot of decisions to make and Edward and Jacob both had a lot of accepting to do. Personally, (my unasked for opinion) I think Stephenie Meyer should have stopped at this book in the Twilight series, and then gone on to a new spin off werewolf/shapeshifting series for Jacob at this point instead of the horror of what happened in “Breaking Dawn”.

So that’s the ‘why’ behind some of my favorite books, I left out “Prisoner of my Desire” because that is in my current island hero list that I will talk more about soon. So now to get to my hero list from my keepers shelf!

My first hero is Zane MacKenzie from “MacKenzie’s Pleasure” by Linda Howard. I love Linda Howard’s books; they are my number ONE keepers of all time. She tops my list and had I been able to pick any hero from any book it would have been hands down John from “All the Queens Men” – my favorite book by her of all time. But her “MacKenzie” series is phenomenal and I really liked Zane – a military stud. The heroine is being held prisoner by a terrorist group and NAVY SEAL Zane is sent in to save her, he does and loses his heart to her in the process. Great story and a fast read.

My second hero is Warrick de Chaville from “Prisoner of my Desire” by Johanna Lindsey. Back in the 1980’s when I began reading romance (yeah I’m that old!!), I stocked my shelves with this author. I was completely consumed by historical romance and read that nearly exclusively until Jude Deveraux began turning out some contemporary romances. In “Prisoner of my Desire” the tables are turned. The heroine needs to conceive a child fast, so she kidnaps hero Warrick then…rapes him. Yeah, I know rape is bad and prominent in many of these historical romances and it’s usually the woman saying ‘no, no’ but supposedly meaning ‘yes, yes’ (that’s a whole other topic for discussion) but in this story it’s good. Well no, being rape isn’t good, but it makes for a good story when written by Johanna Lindsey, that’s what I mean. The heroine is a virgin, hasn’t got a clue what to do but finally manages to get it right. The hero is not happy being used and seeks retaliation, but of course they fall in love and have their happily ever after.

My third hero is also from Johanna Lindsey, its Royce of Wyndhurst in her “Hearts Aflame” book. The hero is a Saxon who captures the Viking heroine and makes her a slave in his household, but she doesn’t remain one. Soon he can't get enough of her and they fall in love, but have all sorts of problems between them. I love the depiction of this time period that author Johanna Lindsey creates, it’s like watching it being played out for you. Her details are great as is the love story that unfolds between the characters.

My fourth hero is Jamie Graham from “The Lion in Glory” by Shannon Drake (another author I filled my bookshelf with for decades under all the names she writes under). This is the story of the Scottish vs. the English and the romance that blooms between them. The Scots have turned the war and King Robert the Bruce has taken more land from England. His knight Jamie takes heroine Christina as hostage, but he’s got his hands full because Christina will stop at nothing to help her brother. Jamie is continually frustrated by the stunts Christina pulls and she keeps him on his toes and eventually in her bed. Fun romance for anyone who loves those Scottish men in kilts!

My fifth hero is Lord Ware from “Lion’s Bride” by Iris Johansen. I read this one last year and really enjoyed it because I hadn’t read a dashing knight falls for the lady he really doesn’t want to love in a very long time. This had an element to it of mystery and magic, they come out in the second book, but the second book doesn’t come close to being as good as the first. The hero is an ex Templar Knight with a target on his back – he’s supposed to be death and there is a hit out on him. The last thing he wants is to fall for a woman and put her in danger, but that is exactly what happens. Together they fall in love and save each other.

My sixth hero is Nicolas Eden from “Love Only Once” by Johanna Lindsey. This is part of her Malory series, the book that started it all – a series I reread over and over and over again for at least ten years! So good. If you like historical romances with sexual tension and characters that are near combustible together, this is a book you want to read.

My seventh hero is Warren Anderson from “The Magic of You” by (you guessed it) Johanna Lindsey. This is another book in the Malory series but this was is different from the rest in that the heroine is Amy Malory and the hero Warren (whose been wounded by love in the past) does his very best to stir clear of her but she simply will not take no for an answer and Warren being so studly can only hold out for so long. Warren is the wounded hero you want to be happy and find love, and Amy sees his pain, loves him already and is determined to be the one to heal him and bring him happiness. This is a battle of wills with love winning out. Loved it!

My last hero is Lt. John Dunbar from Dances With Wolves by Michael Blake. I love watching John transform and grow as a person while he struggles with just who he is and what side he’s going to stand on when things begin to go bad. He’s a hero and Kevin Costner did a great job portraying him in the movie based on the book in my opinion.

So those are my heroes from my deep dark keeper’s shelf. They were pushed to the back and buried by books from JR Ward, Charlaine Harris, Nora Roberts, Kresley Cole, Evangeline Anderson, Cheryl Brooks, Kendra Leigh Castle, Anne Rice, Lori Foster, Stephenie Meyer, Lora Leigh, Jude Deveraux, Maya Banks, Lisa Marie Rice, Christina Dodd, JK Rowling, Judith McNaught, LaVyrle Spencer, Erin McCarthy, Lisa Kleypas, Tami Hoag and many others.

It was wonderful to revisit these heroes and I hope to one day soon reread their stories and recall all the details of what made them so special that they have stood the test of time for me and remained on my keeper shelf even after a decade- or two!

So my question to all of you is, who do you have buried in your keeper shelf from years ago that stands the test of time?

I'm Loving This Whole DIK "Hero" Thing - Lea & Tori Day 3

This is Tori's and my last day on the Island therefore I decided to follow tradition and talk about the "heroes" I brought along to DIK.

I've never been involved in a polyamorous relationship involving different species and sexual dominants before and I learned quickly ground rules were required. There certainly have been a few "moments", particularly when one of my vamps decided he needed a "drink" in the middle of the night and a certain demon required his "needs", to be met at the same time. ::waggles brows:: Then of course Tori got a little jealous when everyone was doing this group hug - bonding thing. But once I made sure she was included all was well...

So, as Renee and Jenre so eloquently mentioned, us newbies did this sort of round robin draft and each picked 8 favorite "heroes", from novels to bring to the island. Therefore I'm listing them in order picked.

"Guys, guys, I love all of you equally! God, don't get your knickers in a twist."

Sorry, about the little distraction, there was some grumbling about who gets mentioned first. Man, these guys, everything is a competition. Not that I mind, of course. ;)


First is Eidolon (Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione). Eidolon is a seminus demon, and these guys are BIG (and very horny). Eidolon is dark haired, has a sexy smile, and boasts sort of a chiseled facial bone structure. His muscled arms are adorned with intricate tattooing or "dermaglyphs", which shimmer and writhe and are an indication of his parentage.

As I mentioned yesterday, he is a physician (handy to have on a desert island) and even though he is a demon, is kind, gentle and empathetic. Eidolon has a total sensual aura about him that is inherent to seminus demons. When I read "Pleasure Unbound", for the first time it was David Boreanaz who was the visual. I think he fits the persona of a "tortured hero so well. ;)


It's been interesting having humans, mixed with vampires and one demon all vacationing in the hut. However, once the ground rules were set with respect to not eating the humans and sharing, everyone has gotten along just fine. :)

Vic Savian (Wicked Burn by Beth Kery), is my second choice and I was so relieved he wasn't previously taken by one of the other islanders. Vic is a total "Alpha" guy who doesn't mince words. He is a ruggedly handsome, temperamental, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, who loves the country. I think he has enjoyed our stay on the island though, kicking back with the guys, enjoying a drink, checking out the other "Island Girls". Ahemmmm... ;)

When I read "Wicked Burn" the fantasy visual I had for him was Sam Shepherd. I think the picture on the right depicts him perfectly. That craggy handsomeness, no nonsense persona, and an inherent sensuality. ::sigh::


Shane "Dom" Dominic (Sweet Restraint by Beth Kery), has really enjoyed our island holiday because he is a FBI ‘Special Agent In Charge’ of an investigation into the largest organized police theft ring in Chicago's history. Dom is an absolute ‘force of nature’. He is handsome, brilliant, driven and has an innate ability to comprehend people’s motivations and to predict how they would act in a certain set of circumstances. He is strong, enticing and dominant, another "Alpha".

So a little 'vacation' away from it all is just what the 'doctor' ordered.

Dom's eyes are a different color than Josh Harnett's, however I could see him as Dom. Intense, pensive, and damn sexy. My kind of guy... lol


I pirated this picture of 'Jude Law', from fellow newbie Renee, as the perfect depiction of "Devereux" (The Vampire Shrink by Lynda Hilburn), my next hero. To quote Renee, Jude Law is almost "criminally handsome", as is Devereux IMHO.

This is Devereux:

"He stood when I opened the door and it was fluid motion. As if he had simply willed himself to stand. His body was all lean muscle radiating some kind of primal power. He moved elegantly over to me, gave a slight bow of his head, and offered a glorious smile.

Dressed all in black, his snug leather pants, form-fitting silk T-shirt and long leather duster gave the impression of high fashion rather than Harley Davidsons.

I froze in the doorway with my mouth hanging open, speechless, staring into the most amazing pair of turquoise eyes I'd ever seen.

He picked up my hand gently and kissed the back, his lips soft and silky, "I am Devereux. Is this a good time for an appointment?"

"The Vampire Shrink" © Lynda Hilburn

Devereux, hangs back in the hut during the daylight hours for obvious reasons. But he is so down with the beach party every night! ;)


Nicholai Hel (Shubumi by Trevanian) is my next hero. He is an aristocratic, reclusive genius without a country, and an assassin. He is also written as the world's most artful lover and has this amazing, powerful aura. I had a rough time forming a visual of Hel but then I saw a movie staring Clive Owen and knew he was the man.

"Shibumi" is apparently going to be made into a movie and I have no doubt it's author, Trevanian, is rolling over in his grave. He would consider it an insult. And I doubt Hollywood will do the book justice. I mean, Hel is supposed to have survived the ravages of Hiroshima, so that would make him pretty old. Then I read Keanu Reeves had been cast as Nicholai Hel, and choked on my own spittle! Seriously? IMHO Clive Owen is the only actor on the planet who could possibly do Hel justice...


Next is Mitch Magruder (Unraveled by Jaci Burton). Mitch is a forty something self made millionaire who has the body of a man fifteen years younger, midnight black hair and stunning turquoise blue eyes. He is brilliant, tough in business, but also inherently kind and sensitive. (And, HOT)

Mitch owns a hotel chain and was never much interested in settling down until he is reacquainted with his old friend's sister, Greta. It is an unusual love match, but a beautiful story.

Mitch also loves to surf, so you gotta know where he is spending his days while on the island.

My image of Mitch? It had to be Gerard Butler, he is perfect to fit Mitch's character... :)



Rupert Campbell Black (Riders and Rivals by Jilly Cooper) has been a bit of a pain in the ass since we arrived. Devereux and Iollan have actually kindly volunteered to eat him a couple of times, but I reminded them of the rule number one, "No eating the humans". Nicholai wanted to use his "naked kill", technique on Rupert, and I quickly reminded him that eating humans is equated with "killing" them. Eidolon then offered to administer an anesthetic just to shut Rupert up for a while and I considered that one, but the guy is just so damn hot, I decided I wanted him awake and "alert" for the rest of our stay.

Rupert, you see, is an upper class British rake. He loves horses, money, making trouble and was a non-repentant womanizer. That is until he met "Taggie". Then he became a reformed rake and was much less fun. I think what I love about Rupert is his sarcastic wit and his cunning. He is also none to tough to look at and a studley. IMHO Matt Damon (who is mine in my next life), would play the perfect Rupert. I know Matt is an American, but hey look at Bridget Jones! ;)



Last but certainly not least is Iollan Drake (Embracing Midnight by Devyn Quinn). This vampire, wow, just *sigh*...

This is Iollan:

"Iollan Drake. In the flesh. Right here. Right now.

All lean muscle and sinew, the outlaw was stunning. Thick hair brushed his brow. An unusual shade best described as pearlescent smoke, it settled in tousled layers around his chiseled face. Deep-set eyes, wide strong nose, and an absolutely sensual mouth ruled over a jaw brushed with stubble."

"Embracing Midnight" © Devyn Quinn

Iollan is a "Niviane Idesha", an alien vampire wanted by the FBI for very unsavoury purposes. His feeding habits are rather "unusual", but we have been able to accommodate him quite nicely while on the island. (Not that I've complained.) Iollan becomes invisible when he is resting during the day, so staying in the darkened hut hasn't been an issue. His other most striking feature is his eyes, they are copper colored. 'yum' He and Devereux have enjoyed discussing the differences in their vampiric species, and have actually developed a fragile friendship while here on the island.

The picture on the right was Devyn Quinn's visual when she was writing Iollan, which I think is PERFECT. However, I think the only actor who could actually play Iollan would be Johnny Depp, he has the aura and chameleon like ability to play almost any character to perfection.

I am looking forward to my last night of hosting the big Island bash in my hut and I hope you all will have fun with Tori, myself and my guys. By the way, I'm going to leave my blowfish bikini top and the rest of my island wear here for my next visit so if anyone would like to borrow the fish lips.. GFI!!

I've had great fun here on the island this past three days, thank you again for allowing me to join in! When Tori and I aren't here we make a nuisance of ourselves at closetwriter blog.

Ms. Moonlight takes over the helm here tomorrow so be sure and stop by for some REAL fun!

What a Disaster! (Jenre day 3)

Well here I am on this beautiful island, with sun, sea and Pimms - what more could a grown woman want, I ask you? Well some peace and quiet would be a good start!

When I chose my heroes, I was under the, perhaps misguided, impression that they would all get along well and we would be one big happy family in my cabana. Boy was I wrong.

Take Victor Bayne as an example. He's from the Psycop books by Jordan Castillo Price, and as I said in yesterday's post can see and speak to dead people. Last night we went for a 'meet and greet' walk around the other cabanas, just to say hello and be sociable. When we got within a few yards of Kris' cabana, Vic went completely pale, staggered about as though he was going to faint and took off running in the opposite direction. Ever since then he's refused to come out of the hut and sits there muttering under his breath. I've no idea what or who he saw, but I wish he'd snap out of it. Come to think of it, quite a lot of people have been giving Kris' cabana a bit of a wide berth and there's been a few nervous glances cast that way.

I thought that since the two vampires in my hut - Ridley, from KZ Snow's Utopia X series and Wild Bill from the Channeling Morpheus series by Jordan Castillo Price - were gay, they wouldn't mind if I saved on the pennies and bought just one large zip up hammock for them to 'rest' in during the day. How wrong I was! Apparently they are from different vampire gene pools and don't get on with each other. Also Ridley told me that he refuses to rest with Wild Bill on the grounds that he 'stinks like cigarettes and The Powers knows what else'. I did suggest, quite tactfully that Wild Bill might wish to go for a dip in the sea at which point it was his turn to go white (if that's possible with his already pale complexion) and run in the opposite direction. It was hardly my fault that Jack and Matthew took this as a challenge and grabbed him later intending to throw him in the sea. I don't think I've heard anyone squeal so much and if it wasn't for his ability to move swiftly, Wild Bill would have been soaked. As it was Jack and Matthew ended up flat on their backs, nursing a bloody nose each, which didn't help when it came to good relations in the cabana.

Soon after that Mark Hardwicke from I Spy Something Bloody by Josh Lanyon and James Bond from the books by Ian Fleming. Took it upon themselves to disappear into the forest, leaving a note to say that they'd gone exploring and would be back in a few days. I do hope that Mark doesn't get the wrong idea of James, as he is definitely a woman's man. At least they were getting on with each other.

I was hoping that my three Regency/Victorian men would be able to find a common bond. Unfortunately Wulfric Bedwyn, from Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh, or 'that Duke' as the others keep calling him, has not really helped in that department. He's a total snob and refuses to speak to anyone, especially Jack Devlin from Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas who is a bastard son of a nobleman and Matthew Hawkwood from the Hawkwood books by James McGee, who is a bow street runner. The fact that the men earn their living as a publisher and a policeman, seems almost abhorrent to Wulfric. The tension was getting so bad that I had to send Wulfric off for a diplomatic sojourn to the other cabanas to make contact with other aristocrats just to get him out of the hut.

So that leaves just me, Jack and Matthew. Fortunately these two do get on with each other and also with most of the other men (Wulfric excepted). Their laid-back easygoing natures have already made them popular with the other heroes on the island. Thank goodness I've got at least two heroes willing to fetch and carry for me and rub sun cream on my back.

This is my final day on the blog and I've had a great time and I'm really looking forward to meeting all the other newbies. Do come and join me at my blog Well Read.

The New Boys in Town (Renee-Day 2)

Dear Derek, Sebastian, Hawke, Curran, and Ranger,

Thank you for the wonderful welcome to the island. Your ladies were so generous to let you out of their huts when I included you guys in my application to join the island. (Well, actually, I pilfered you when they weren’t looking, but we needn’t go into that, now.) However, it was only a temporary situation, and it is now time for you all to return to your rightful, respective ladies. Last week I picked my new heroes, and they will be arriving today. I’ll always remember the beautiful, balmy night of my arrival. You all looked so wonderful in the torchlight.

And who knew Ranger could hula so well?

The limbo dancing was also fun, though I think Curran might have been cheating a bit when he tried to hamstring Hawke as he went by on his last turn.

I hope that you all will make the new men in my hut welcome, and show them the ropes. Derek, maybe you could give them some instruction on the best way to apply the sun tan lotion to my back? You do it so well.

Sebastian, I think that you would do a great job taking Lord John Grey and Jasper Renshaw, Lord Vale under your wing. Lord John and Jasper, too, are more familiar with the ways of English aristocracy, than with island life. Though Lord John did have that brief stint in Jamaica. And, Jasper had his time in the wilds, during the French and Indian War. (Though of course, he’s still dealing with some of the emotional scars from that experience.) Both of them have military background which should help immensely.

Curran, you’d be a great example for Xia on how such an alpha male can live harmoniously with so many other dominant men. Of course, he is “only” a fiend, and not the King of the Beasts, like you, but as a man who is famous for his temper, I’m sure you can give him some pointers, like how chore lists, house meetings, and lots of deep breathing, can keep the peace in your hut.

Ranger, as a man who loves to surround yourself with the finer things in life, and also used to leading groups of men (and Stephanie) during your bounty hunter adventures, I’m sure you can give Devil Cynster great advice on how best to keep his cravat crisp in the island humidity, while still being able to organize the hut’s day to day living arrangements. Luckily, Devil is used to taking care of those kind of pesky details, as well as being comfortable sharing space with so many other men, given he’s used to always being around his cousins, aka the “Bar Cynster.” Of course, he might be a little touchy thinking he has competition with the other alpha men in the hut over who’s in charge. He’ll feel better when he realizes there’s only one person there who is really running the show. (That would be me, of course. ;-) )

Hawke, could you show Elec and Ben all the fun things they can do on the island to keep themselves in shape? (At least, those that don’t involve keeping me happy.) Of course, they can’t shift like you do, but with Ben’s prowess as a world-class surfer, and Elec’s physical conditioning (necessary for racing those stock cars), they should be able to keep up with you. Heck, Ben may even be able to get you out on the waves on a surfboard!

I honestly don't think neither René nor Janvier need anyone's help adjusting to island life. For one thing, René has been living on his own island in the South Pacific for years, and was able to build such a wonderful hut for himself and Gabe. For another, while Janvier -- being a vampire -- may need to lie low in the hut during the day, his immortal life out on the Louisiana bayou will make it easy for him to adapt.

Now, guys, if you and the ladies on the island want to really make my new heroes welcome, here's a little info so you can find out a little more about them. (It'll help with the small talk at the hut-warming party I'm throwing tonight!)

• Lord John Grey, Outlander series and Lord John series by Diana Gabaldon. One of the most honorable heroes around. Known for his long blonde braid, and military bearing, he is a beta hero that is ready be be tough when the need arises.When he loves, he is capable of carrying a torch for the person he loves for years.
• Jasper Renshaw (Lord Vale), To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt. On the surface, he appears to be a light-hearted guy, always ready with a bon mot. However, he hides a darker, tortured side, due to his experiences in the French and Indian War. When he loves, he accepts his heroine as she is, whole-heartedly, witout wanting to fix or change her.
• Xia, My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel. A former mage-held fiend who hates mages and witches, he is one serious alpha hero with a bad attitude. Most often found in black leather and riding his motorcycle. When he loves, it is with single-minded intensity and soul-bearing honesty.
• Elec Monroe, Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy. Young, intense, and driven to win, Elec is a stock car driver who is going places. He radiates a confidence both on the track and off. When he loves, he makes his heroine feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
• Ben Fortune, Crash Into Me by Jill Sorenson. Ben's athleticism and intensity has made him a world class surfer. He's also a devoted dad, trying his hardest to help his daughter negotiate adolescence while dealing with the loss of her mother. When he loves, his laid back attitude belie a temper that can be explosive and passionate.
• René Dubois, Islands by Samantha Kane. On first impression, René appears to be a French ex-pat, living the leisurely life on his island in the South Pacific. But, he's also lived the brutal life as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion. When he loves, he's a romantic who is fierce and sensual.
• Janvier, Angels' Pawn by Nalini Singh. A Cajun vampire, Janvier is flirty and sexy. He has that wonderful accent that would make him sound great reading the phone book. Although he was introduced in the novella, Angels' Pawn, his love story with Ashwini is not yet completed, and I can't wait to find out what kind of hero he'll be.

Again, Derek, Curran, Hawke, Sebastian, and Ranger, thanks for the memories, and let your ladies know that as a thank you for sharing, they can come over to my hut and visit my guys anytime.

Sincerely,

Renee

P.S. I couldn't resist a little of my fantasy casting. Featured are Rupert Penry-Jones as Lord John, Ian Anthony Dale as Xia, and Tony Hawk as Ben Fortune.

Come visit me at my regular playground, Renee's Book Addiction, where I'll share my opinion with just about anything book related.