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Tall, Dark, and Handsome - #MFRWauthor


Welcome back and happy Friday. It's week 19 for the #MFRWauthor blog hop. This week topic is all about the ideal romance hero.

This topic is very important to romance writers. The male lead has a lot of requirements he has to fill.

Photo source: https://www.thehunt.com
The saying tall, dark, and handsome was often a way to describe the 'ideal' man in old school movies and books. But what exactly does that term mean? The all-knowing Google couldn't even give me a concrete answer.

One source says it's about attitude. Them being a little mysterious and rugged. Another says it has to do with them having dark hair and eyes. While yet another will say it is about skin tone and having more a tan, Mediterranean complexion. So while it's a simple statement, tall, dark, and handsome is very open to interpretation.

But this post is supposed to be about what makes my ideal hero. The requirements are just as varied as the meaning behind that phrase. In my opinion there are three standard requirements usually found in most romance novels. First being looks. Another phrase that gets used a lot, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one person may find as attractive, others won't. For me I like my males to have full lips, a nice smile, and a great ass. Calida is learning she is an 'ass' woman because she really appreciates the ample one I gave Malcolm. I don't really care about a strong jawline or chiseled nose. My males are usually in shape. Not Mr. Universe, bodybuilder type, but firm and fit. Nice arms that are strong so they provide comfort and security to the heroine when he holds her.

Next up is personality. Alpha males are all the rage. The strong, domineering, take charge type of man. However, there's a fine line between alpha male and asshole male. It's a line that gets blurred in some novels and the asshole male isn't one that I find sexy. I like more the nice guy alpha. If the situation calls for it, they can take charge, give direction, and exert their manliness. What they don't do is becoming so controlling they border on abusive. They don't make the heroine feel like she's less than and must follow his lead because he knows best. Even nice guys have flaws, and I like that. They aren't perfect and that's how it should be. Malcolm has his moments where Calida sees him as that too controlling asshole, but given her history it takes very little for her to see any sort of  alpha tendencies as extreme. I like my guys to be funny, and flirty. To not take themselves too seriously.

Lastly would be finances. Those alpha males are most often always ridiculously wealthy. The females are most likely not their financial equal and for the asshole alpha they use their wealth as another control device. In my first book, Seth was an asshole alpha, but worse. Much, much worse, but he was designed that way. Against the romance norm, my 'hero' (and I use that term super loosely) was not meant to be loved, or hell even liked. He used his wealth to control aspects of Calida's life. The finances are okay for my guys, it's easier to not have to worry about writing in work and all that stuff. In Not Broken the money isn't a major factor. Calida actually is the one with more in this dynamic, but it's all in the background.

So to sum everything up. My ideal romance hero is a nice looking guy, with a great ass, full lips, and strong, supportive arms. He has to be a nice guy that loves and respects the heroine but has no problem being that take charge guy if it calls for. Having financial stability is a plus, but they don't have to be a billionaire.

So what do you look for in your romance hero? Be sure to stop by and check out the other blogs to see what makes up that 'perfect' hero for them.

Thanks for stopping by
~Meka




Comments

  1. I prefer a cop or fireman hero to a billionaire.

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    1. The billionaire aspect isn't important to me. Cops and firemen have awesome appeal.

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  2. The description Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome is an interesting one, it means so many things to different writers, not to mention readers! It's great you actually looked it up and researched into it. Good job, great to know that I'm not breaking "rules" with my ideal of Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome.

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    1. Yes, the idea behind that is extremely varied. Certainly not a one size fit all description. Nope not breaking any rules, your hero is what you make him. :)

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  3. I married a tall, dark, handsome and it didn't last, but I still prefer them to the fairer male features. :D Our lists are surprisingly similar in most of the posts I've read so far, which is probably a good thing as a writer of romance. I cringe seeing Alpha Billionaire in the blurb because they all tend to read the same way, but Your story sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Most of us writers are looking more for personality first then the rest follows. The alpha billionaire is seen often, think it has to do with the fantasy of having some insanely rich man sweep you off your feet. Thank you, glad it sounds interesting, that's the goal right? :)

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  4. You were right, Meka -- you do rail against the overweening alphas. I love this: "there's a fine line between alpha male and asshole male."

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    1. There is a fine line and it gets crossed in some books. Overbearing is not sexy to me but people perceive things in their own way.

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  5. loved the thought about the "fine line." And I too prefer someone who works with his hands to a billionaire.

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    1. I think someone that works a 'normal' job is more relatable. How many billionaires are running around rubbing elbows with the 'average Joanna'? Not many.

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  6. I am like the others and prefer the rugged or even blue collar worker to the wealthy but I loved your summary of your Heroe!

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    1. Thank you. Malcolm's job was inspired by my hubby's uncle. Pharmaceutical Sales is what he's done for 30+ years and made a great living from it. Retiring next month. Not quite blue collar, but still not billionaire status.

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  7. I like the blue collar guys, too (I can relate to them), so I wonder why there are so many billionaire romance heroes out there? Must be the fantasy aspect... Great post!

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    1. It is the fantasy aspect. That 'prince' so many fairytales had and the girl was from some village and got swept away. The prince has been traded for a ultra sexy billionaire, but the rest remains.

      thanks for stopping by

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  8. I recently finished a book I couldn't even review because I disliked "hero" so much. (He was totally controlling. Gag.) For me, the ideal hero is a guy who sees beyond himself. He doesn't necessarily have money or status or even looks, but he will win you over based solely on the goodness of his heart.

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    Replies
    1. Oh wow. That sounds bad. The complete control seems to be the thing for some reason. I agree, it can't always be about him and his needs, but a lot of times it is. Nice guys aren't as popular sadly. The 'Average Joe' doesn't fit into fantasy land as much I guess. :(

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  9. I'm thinking maybe to add dangerous to your summation. It's nice to have a nice ass, good pecs, a bulge that defies being restrained, and maybe all the other stuff but having that element of danger ups the ante. To know if anyone messes with me or him.... bye bye.

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    Replies
    1. Very true. There is something oddly appealing about a man that has an air of danger around him. Can make the heroine feel safe and a little conflicted all at the same time.

      thanks for stopping by

      Delete

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