I'm thrilled to welcome back my dear friend and one of our favourite Lair authors - the wonderful Virginia Kantra. It's particularly exciting because this means the wait for Sea Lord - the third book in her fabulous Children of the Sea series - is over! The Amazon pigeon is struggling across the ocean with my copy, as we speak *g*. Welcome, Virginia.
Thank you, Anna. It's always great to visit the Romance Bandits.
I understand you're talking about a special kind of hunky hero, in honour of your new release, Sea Lord.
I am. Today, we're going to be talking about The Prince.
Can't wait! Over to you, Virginia.
CINDERELLA'S PRINCE: Am I not Sensitive, Clever, Well-mannered, Considerate, Passionate, Charming, As kind as I'm handsome And heir to a throne?
RAPUNZEL'S PRINCE: You are everything maidens could wish for!
[Stephen Sondheim, "Agony" lyrics]
In "Into the Woods," Sondheim makes fun of princely heroes and fairy tale archetypes. I, however, am a sucker for The Prince. His appeal goes beyond his sword and crown, his servants and castle, even his charm.
Which is good, because the title hero of my latest release SEA LORD, selkie prince Conn ap Llyr, is determined, dedicated, disciplined and ruthless, but not particularly charming. Or sensitive.
That's okay. It's those other qualities that make him a good leader and explain the appeal of the prince.
Males in the animal kingdom compete for the right to reproduce. Not only must the male drive off or defeat his rivals, but his prowess - his ability to protect and provide - attracts his mate. You don't have to stretch your imagination to see how some paranormal writers (werewolves and tigers and bears, oh my!) make this work for them in their books. But even in the human kingdom, we still look for a hero who can protect and provide.
Maybe it's primal instinct, but we seem drawn to men who can protect us, who can guard the cave and defend our young. Which no doubt explains the popularity of Navy SEALs, gun slingers, cops, and the Undead. The ability to provide goes beyond hunting skills to social power and monetary power, which is why we have heroes who are dukes and billionaires.
Establishing the male’s fitness as a mate isn’t only a matter of physical prowess, of wealth or social standing, but of competence. Nora Roberts has said that to a woman with two small children, a hero is the man who can fix the toilet on a Saturday night. This may explain part of the popularity of the “nerd” books, in which the hero’s mental competence is at least as important as his physical strength.
Princes, kings, and sheiks combine all these qualities. They're strong, rich, powerful, competent, and commanding. In short, the quintessential alpha males, confident and fully capable of protecting and providing for the heroine and their people. What's not to love?
We-ellll...All those strengths can be pretty overpowering.
The prince's virtues can make him arrogant, inflexible, and overly protective. Any heroine who doesn't want to be locked in a tower ("for her own good") has to step up and take a stand.
The woman who dares to love a prince has to find her own power, her own strength, to match him. And when she does, he will respect her abilities and nurture her talents.
Yeah, I'm a sucker for The Prince.
So what about all of you? Do you go for the alpha type ruler or his steady second-in-command? The bad boy or the boy next door? How Charming does your prince have to be to talk his way into your...favor?
One lucky commenter today will win a prize!
USA Today bestselling author Virginia Kantra is a six-time RITA Award finalist and winner of numerous writing awards including the Golden Heart, Golden Leaf, Holt Medallion, Maggie, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of three kids, Virginia is a firm believer in the strength of family, the importance of storytelling, and the power of love.
Her favorite thing to make for dinner? Reservations.
Visit her on the web at www.virginiakantra.com or www.myspace.com/virginiakantra. You can also find Virginia on Facebook.
111 comments:
Hi Virginia - thanks for visiting with us today! I really enjoyed "Sea Witch" and was recently discussing "Sea Lord" with some friends :D
It's definitely on my book list.
As for your questions - I like the alpha rule *and* the loyal second in command. I'm an equal opportunity hero lover ;)
I think both have great stories, and their personalities lead to vastly different types of romances, all of which I enjoy.
Hey limcello he is yours by default well done have fun with him.
I love alpha heros that can protect and provide but I really love a strong heroine to go with the alpha, but in saying that I do love bad boy heros as well.
I think it depends on what book I am reading and what the heroine is like. For me as long as they are honest and strong and protective I love them.
This series really sounds good and I am going to get all three of them together so as I can read them one after the other.
Congrats Virginia and thank you Anna for inviting Virginia back
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Virginia,
Congrats on the new release. I love alpha heroes. They sure know how to get the job done. I think I prefer a bad boy with a sensitive side because then I can have the best of both worlds.
Congrats on the GR, Limecello.
Hi Virginia! Welcome back to the lair and congrats on the release of SEA LORD. VAnna, thanks for bringing back one of my favorite authors!
I enjoy reading about all types of heroes but I admit it's the alphas and bad boys who most readily steal my heart. Like Helen, I also enjoy a heroine who will go toe to toe with the hero and I especially enjoy it when the heroine "grows into" that role, like Lucy did in SEA LORD.
The Children of the Sea is a terrific series that grows more enthralling with each book. I can hardly wait to see what new adventures await us in the next one!
FYI...my review of SEA LORD is posted today at http://www.romancenovel.tv.
Virginia, congrats also on being blessed with some of the most beautiful and sensuous book covers around! Gorgeous!
Books look great! Put them straight on my TBR.
Well, considering that we live in a world where everything is pretty much equal opportunity, I would take a domesticated men who will help change the diapers and run to the drug store at 3 in the morning for cough medicine over the alpha type. Sorry, but once you have kids, your perspective about what you want in men changes ... I would love to read a book that makes such men sexy!
Good morning all - it's a glorious sunny day here in Cambridge. Though rain is forecast :(
So, Lime - did you and your friends enjoy Sea Lord?
I like you being an equal opportunity hero lover LOL
You sound like me, Helen - got to read the whole series in one go *g*. Except, I can't wait when Virginia's books come out LOL.
I agree a strong alpha hero needs a strong heroine. Otherwise he'll stomp all over her - like in some of the old romance novels *g*.
Hi Virginia, welcome to the lair and thank you, Anna, for bringing Virginia to us. Sea Lord sounds like a wonderful read.
Ahh, in romance, I love the Prince, be he the charming kind or the more autocratic sort. In real life, I think Nora has the right idea:) A prince knows when Mummy needs a little alone time...
Hi Jane! Are you enjoying the Playoffs - even though both our teams aren't in it?!
I love bad boy heroes. Especially, getting beyond the outer tough guy to the sensitive, caring inside. That's probably why I like hockey hunks *g*. They're the ultimate bad boys, but get them off the ice and they're really good guys with a strong sense of justice and honour.
You're welcome, PJ. It's always such fun having Virginia guest with us - she knows she has some big fan girls in the Lair *g*. Not ust from her fabulous books, but also her amazing writers workshops.
And thanks PJ for reminding me to tell everyone about the awesome video of Virginia up on romancenovel.tv too. You own't be able to resist Sea Lord when you hear Virginia talking about her heroine Lucy! Or after reading PJ's review on the blog pages.
Oh and we're very excited that there will be more Children of the Sea books!!
Hi Alaine - you'll never be disappointed by Virginia's books. Just be prepared to stay up all night reading them!
Llehn - LOL - how true. I must admit (from my own experience) that alphas are lovely to read about, but marrying one can be a big mistake *g*.
My lovely hubby is gamma (with some very alha traits) and definitely has an inner bad boy. Yum.
Hi Christine - tough day with the little ones? Hope your prince has stepped in!
Being a Brit - I tend to have a different view about princes *g* (just like my part-Persian heritage gives me a different view on sheikhs!). Growing up you dream of being a princess - then, as you get older, reality hits! Especially with our princes *rolls eyes*.
Though, I must admit, fictional princes are so much better than the real thing LOL.
I guess people who are surrounded by cowboys or SEALs feel the same way.
Yes, VA, I grant you that real life princes aren't very inspiring (not sure about sheikhs but I'll take your word for it!) Maybe that's why the fictional princes always live in some imaginary central European principality:)
LOL Christine - I think you're right.
I prefer the Beta male with Alpha tendencies, how about that? And you gotta love nerds too, where are they on the alpha scale?
I am like limecello, I want to read them all at one time but I know I won't be able to hold out, I never do.
That sounds similar to my Gamma Man, Dianna *g*.
With Sea Lord out now, you can read all three Children of the Sea books in one go!
Virginia, it's great to see you here! (Virginia and I are in the same city and the same RWA chapter, but might as well be separated by continents since we're both so busy. It's tragic.)
I love the alpha male and really loved "Agony". *g* I enjoy some vulnerability in my alpha, which all the best princes show us, naturally. I think the bad boy is a special kind of alpha: one whose tender underbelly isn't well hidden. For whatever reason, the bad boys cry out to be cared for. I think that's why we love them so!
The corporate- or prince-type alpha tends to hide his vulnerabilities a bit better. Maybe because they haven't been wounded in the same ways - or simply haven't reacted to the wounding in the same ways - as the bad boys.
In any case, I love the alpha in his many forms. I do, like Helen, require a strong woman for them, though. There is nothing sadder to me than a wimpy heroine - especially one who thinks she's tough. Ack! I have a box of spines for those women around here somewhere...
Hello Virginia,
Your series sounds fascinating. Let's get to the questions. I love alpha males for the most part, bad boys too. All males have to charming. However, it really depends on my mood as to what I'm actually reading. Plus, it depends on what is in my TBR pile as well. I have a tendency to skip around quit a bit. Have a great day.
Hi Virginia,
Lol, now I really have seen these books everywhere, I guess I will take it as a sign to read them :)
I do confess that I melt when i read sheik books, I love those.
But between the alpha and his steady 2nd, well sure the alpha but it depends on the other guy. Cos I do go for the guy next door *coughs* (and perhaps a bad boy here and there ;)
Can I say how much I LOVE these books. I'm so excited for the new release (it's being shipped as we speak.
I love Alpha's and the rules that apply to them too! They are my favourite heroes to read!
Do you go for the alpha type ruler or his steady second-in-command? The bad boy or the boy next door?
I'm not too picky, I like them all.
Aikakone - Keltainen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYjMTeUKWXI
MAARIT Tuuli & Taivas (Wind & Sky)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDf5NDRRUoU
Good morning! Thank you for the welcome, guys. Wait a sec, I need to pour myself some coffee...
Limecello, I with you on liking different hero types. One of my favorite scenes to write in Sea Lord was essentially a pissing match between Caleb (my battered knight in rusty armor), bad boy Dylan and born to rule Conn.
Helen, Alaine, thank you so much! Hope you enjoy.
PJ...Wow. Thanks. That may be my favorite review ever.
Llehn, I'm married to a man who can cook. Very sexy. Actually, in all my books there's almost always a scene of the hero feeding the heroine. Okay, Dylan is clueless in the kitchen, only brings chef Regina tea. But I believe your mate has to be tuned to what you need and willing to provide it.
Anna, you're right about the "stomping" part. Which is the subject of that RNTV video (Maria did an amazing job, btw.)
Christine, LOL on the princes living in imaginary central European countries!
I like a hero who is tough on the outside but has an emotional vulnerability he isn't afraid to share with his soul mate.
Dianna, I think nerds can be very sexy. All that intelligence makes great genetic material... Are they alpha? I don't know. Are we talking Spock, here, or Bill Gates?
Caren! I'm so happy to see you! (Yes, it is pathetic how little we see each other in real life.) Glad you enjoyed "Agony." I am a Sondheim fan girl.
Housemouse, I agree, "charming" is good. So is "sincere."
Blodeuedd, we do seem to be on the same blog schedule. Nice to see you again!
Tiffany...aw. Thanks.
Minna, I'm with you. I can fall in love with any hero as long as the author does her job. Now whether I'd want to live with him after the book is over is a whole 'nother story.
Caren - isn't that always the way?!
I'm ROFL at the box of spines!
I think corporate princes are a different type of alpha - and their vulnerabilities have to be hidden more because of the constant threat to their positions. They can also have backgrounds that are less than royal, having earned their title through battle rather than inheriting it. Sounds rather medieval, doesn't it?!
I'm with you, Housemouse - sometimes I'm not in the mood for all that testosterone and ego LOL.
There are voices whispering to you Blodeuedd ... you will buy these books! LOL Either that or the usual magic of being in the Lair means that they seem to end up on your TBR pile before you know it!
The steady second is a fascinating character - often more complex than the alpha. His hidden depths are intriguing.
Hi Tiffany - congrats again on your sale!! That's awesome news!!
I think my poor Amazon pigeon is being hampered by high winds and rain ... at least, I think that's their excuse for delaying delivery of Sea Lord *grrrr**
Which type of alpha do you like best?
Virginia, I am thinking Spock, the ultimate nerd.
LOL Minna - go you! Life is a smorgasbord of heroes - enjoy!
My lovely hubby can cook too, Virginia - I blame him for all the weight I've put on since he retired. Who can resist home-made bread, pasta, ice-cream etc etc?!
I agree, Kathy - those kinds of heroes are so appealing.
Interesting thing on the nerds - Spock vs Bill Gates.
If Bill Gates was good-looking, he'd be a typical alpha hero. You don't get where he's got by being a beta, that's for sure. Sadly, he isn't and no matter how much money he has ... and how many great pairs of shoes that would buy ... he doens't do it for me.
Spock's appeal comes, I think, from his unattainability. The challenge of breaking down that almost emotionless barrier. Giving him a human mother was such a clever character twist, because it offers the chink in the armour.
Anna Sugden said...
Interesting thing on the nerds - Spock vs Bill Gates.
Spock's appeal comes, I think, from his unattainability. The challenge of breaking down that almost emotionless barrier. Giving him a human mother was such a clever character twist, because it offers the chink in the armour.
Absolutely! On the occasions that chink showed itself and he had the smarts and the emotions....wowser!
This book sounds great, Virginia. Not to mention the cover is very yummy. :)
I do like prince heroes. A cute movie I've seen in the past year is The Prince & Me with Julia Stiles and Luke Mably. Hated that Julia was replaced with another actress in the sequel, but I still liked the story.
Okay, if we're talking Spock, I am so there! Anybody here seen the new movie yet?
Thanks, Trish! The art dept did an amazing job with this entire series.
You can read my interview with artist Tony Mauro (and see the covers that didn't make the cut) at
Mauro InterviewAt least, you can if I type the link correctly. :)
Let me try that again with no clever formatting -
http://virginiakantra.net/Mauro.html
I'm going to see the new Star Trek in about an hour. I can't wait (says she of immense sci-fi geekitude). I've been watching the trailer over and over.
Good morning, Virginia!
Can't wait for next B&N visit to pick up your book! I have to pace my spending--too many books at one time and the hubster has a coronary! I love alpha's, but with a touch of beta under their skin.
Sorry, forgot to click the follow up box, and now it's making me comment again. *sigh* Sorry.
Hi, Virginia! It's great to see you here in the Lair.
I really love alpha heroes and the bad boys, especially seeing them brought to their knees by the heroine! *sigh* You've gotta love that!
Congrats, lime!
Good morning, Virgina. Welcome to the Lair once more! (You know where the margaritas are, don't you?)
I'm one of those people who loves alphas and betas. Alphas because when they find the right woman, she can bring out the tender and protective sides in him. Where as betas, can become alpha when it comes to protecting his woman. Yummy!
A-ha, so there is a definite attraction to alpha geeks (at least, good-looking alpha geeks *g*)
Haven't see that movei, Trish - will have to check it out. Enjoy Star Trek. I'm looking forward to seeing it, but as usual, it'll be out on cable before I get around to it!
Interesting interview with Tony Mauro, Virginia. What a cool background he has!
LOL Magolla - one of the benefits I have with my hubby is that he's as much of a book-buyer as I am. As we read different genres, our house is overflowing with bookcases (over 30 at the last count) and boxes of books.
Gannon - I can hear the relish in your voice about bringing those bad boys to their knees LOL.
It's interesting - all the comments about strong heroines. Yet, many stories with alpha heroines don't work. Wonder why that is.
Great description of alphas and betas, Suz - definitely yummy!
Gannon and Suz, thanks for the welcome!
Magolla, hope you like Sea Lord!
Star Trek is definitely on my weekend To Do list.
Oh, and working on this novella. (lurching away from computer) Must... write...
Virginia, welcome back! Anna, thanks for having her.
I'm with limecello in that I like both the alpha and his second (or Kirk and Spock, if you will*g*), and I agree that the heroine has to meaure up.
Virginia, I see that ST is on your weekend list. My guys are taking me on Sunday, for Mothers Day. The dh isn't as into stuff blowing up in outer space as the boy and I are, but he likes Trek.
I'm so looking forward to this book! The other two were wonderful.
Hi, Virginia!! Yay on book three!! Did I hear that there will be more Children of the Sea books??
As for the alpha or his second-in-command? I think it depends... for instance, Kirk or Spock? Definitely Spock. But Picard or Riker? Definitely Picard!
Virgina! You are everywhere this month! So much fun to see you here with the Banditas! (My "other" name is Becke (Martin and Davis).
I've been hooked on Virginia's books since Day One. I hope she keeps writing them for a long time!
Good morning, Virginia & Anna!
I'm a total sucker for the prince, but not necessarily the alpha/bad boy/man's man who leads the charge. I'm drawn more to the guy who quietly does what needs to be done without making a big, noisy, look-at-me-being-alpha fuss about it.
Lucky for me, I married this guy. And believe me, I'm grateful every day for him.
Thanks for swinging by the lair today, Virginia! Can't wait to meet your latest prince!
Hi, Virginia! I loved Sea Witch... Gack, I'm so far behind! I'd better run and get Sea Fever AND Sea Lord. Good thing I have a Borders coupon in my purse.
I like the deceptively understated hero whose alpha side doesn't show until it's needed. Then wham! he shows his stuff and saves the day. Woo-hoo!
Hi, Virginia, welcome back to the Lair. Your third book in the Children of the Sea series sounds as exciting as your previous ones.
I love an alpha male, but he has to be one that the heroine can match (otherwise she's just too uninteresting). I like heroines who are capable of saving themselves in most situations, given the differences in body shape and size between men and women. I like a smart hero too, one who is powerful through his wits as well as his physicality.
Nancy, Happy Mother's Day!
Flchen, yes, there are definitely more Children of the Sea stories in the works. Right now I'm writing a historical set in 1813 Scotland, with a hero who's a veteran of the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo. Sort of a Lady of the Lake tale, with a finfolk heroine. And then Morgan's story is out next fall.
Becke, thanks for the welcome and the good vibes!
Susan, love your description of your husband.
Barbara, thank you!!! (that's one exclamation point for each book)
Jo, In Total Agreement.
If you haven't seen it, the RNTV interview on Lucypretty much nails that balance of power thing.
http://www.romancenovel.tv/
(in case my link doesn't work)
Ooh, excellent, Virginia--glad there are more books to look forward to!
And Susan, I love your description of an idea guy, too--capable, no fuss... I'm thankful I've got one, too :)
Hi Virginia, welcome to the lair!
Must admit I love princes...and their second-in-commands. Can I have both? They each have their strengths and weaknesses. As long as they have that strong, competent, good-spirited core, I'm willing to fall in love all over again.
Oh, yes. Geeks. I do have a soft spot for them.
If Bill Gates was good-looking, he'd be a typical alpha hero.
I was just wondering if everyone would put him into the role of a hero. By some of the stuff I've heard about him, he might be even a bit too ruthless for it. Personally, I think I'd prefer Linus Torvalds.
Young Einstein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaOVeKvrEX4&feature=related
Now that's my kind of Mother's Day pressie, Nancy. Happy Mother's Day to all you mums in North America - our Mother's Day is in March. Wonder why the difference?!
Fedora - it's picard's voice isn't it?! The man could read a acket of cat litter and make it sound sexy!
You and me both, Becke. I have a keeper shelf of all Virginia's SIMs as well as her ST's.
Oh yes, Susan - that's my kind of prince and just like my lovely hubby - though I do occasionally get the look-at-me-being-alpha, worship-appropriately!
Oh yes, Barbara - you know you'll want Sea Lord, the minute you've finished Sea Fever, so you're doing yourself a favour by getting them both!
LOL on the hidden alpha!
Donna, how did I know you'd want both men?! LOL
That's my point, Minna - I think Bill Gates is a real alpha. Sadly, he doesn't have the good looks to redeem that alpha-ness! I suspect Linus Torvalds is not very different. Nor Richard Branson.
And we know that Donald Trump fails miserably on the good looks scale, but is a true corporate alpha!
Hi Virginia!
Your series sounds utterly fascinating!! Adding to my already long wish list!
I like a fictional man/hero who starts out as a bad boy, but then, voila...his hidden 'boy next door' peeps out. Thanks to the unwavering love of a good, strong woman, LOL!
I find that type of character just grabs my attention!
All Alpha on the outside, what he shows the world, but when he is alone with the heroine, a complete sensitive, hunky softie! *sigh*
Hi Anna, have a few sad things going on and needed a cheer me up so came on over.
Hi Virginia :)Congrats on your new book.
Welcome back to the lair, Virginia! On Monday I promised myself I'd spend Mother's Day reading Sea Witch and Sea Fever. I can't wait *g* (Okay, I probably won't wait because I'm not that patient so I'm sure I'll be reading tonight *g*)
My lovely hubby is gamma (with some very alha traits) and definitely has an inner bad boy. Yum.Anna! I think we married the same guy ;-) Mine is the same way and I wouldn't change him for anything.
The hero in the book I'm working on now is definitely gamma but I (and my heroine *g*) think he's all types of sexy - not because he's bossy (okay, he's a bit bossy) but because he's honorable and someone she can count on to be there for her and her son :-)
Looks like we're all in agreement, Drew. The perfect kind of alpha is one with a hidden soft centre *g*.
Big hugs, Dina. Hope we bring a smile to your face. Pull up a hockey hunk and have a drink!
LOL Beth - we both have such great taste! The only different is your hubby is very talented with woodwork! I love the chopping boards and placemats/coasters he made for us. Just wish we could get some of his fabulous furniture too.
Hi Virginia!
Welcome back. It's always great to have you here in the lair with us.
I have been waiting for this one so I could read them all. I'm a wimp and once I start a series I hate to wait for the next book, so I've begun to wait for all of them as long as they're Single Title books and I know I can still get them. The category books are a little harder.
As to heroes. I'm the intolerant one in the lair. I love confidence and competence. But I hate arrogance. An arrogant jerk makes it really hard for me to keep reading. I know they get their just comeupance in most novels, but my reality is, "if I were that heroine, I'd be SO outa there" at the first sign of that kind of idiocy. So, I have a tough time relating to the heroine who puts up with it.
Confidence and competence--I know they sometimes come across as arrogance, but to me they're not the same, and I need something to let me know the hero is not truly an arrogant you-know-what to keep me reading. Most authors do that very well and keep me there. I've run into a few who didn't give me enough to hold me.
So I don't mind alphas, as long as they're willing to change the diapers and help feed the kids too. I don't see a dichotomy there as some people do.
"my reality is, "if I were that heroine, I'd be SO outa there" at the first sign of that kind of idiocy."Yep. I also have a low tolerance for the "but then he touches me and despite my feelings and better judgment, I cannot resist" heroine reaction. When I'm mad...well, hell, I'm mad. And women should listen to their feelings and their better judgment, not simply their glands.
Anna, thanks!
Drew, happy to e on your wish list.
Beth, whenever you read the books, I hope you enjoy!
Cassondra, I like to read my series back-to-back, too, but I don't have your patience. Certain authors I have to buy the second their books come out. Which will make this summer (waiting for Balogh, waiting for Nora) really painful.
Welcome back to the Lair! It's so
nice to visit with you again. I love
Princes, my favorite is Briar Rose's
Prince, or maybe Cindrella's, or maybe! As I said, I love Princes,
Alphas or not! The side-kicks aren't
so bad, either!
Pat Cochran
I suspect Linus Torvalds is not very different. Nor Richard Branson.
Well, he sure doesn't look like a film star, either. But based on what I've read about him and his thoughts, I don't think Linus is excatly an alpha, not like Gates, anyway.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus_Torvalds
Torvalds, Linus & Diamond, David: Just for Fun
Young Einstein HQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prqQKESDrj4
Just have to say...Hee hee hee! I love Sondheim's Into the Woods!
LOL, Anna! So true, and I don't even have a cat! Please, read away, Picard! ;)
Virginia, welcome back to the lair! Congratulations on all your success and on the release of your third Children of the Sea book SEA LORD. I must say I'm a sucker for anything with 'sea' in the title! Anna, thanks for having Virginia back to visit us!
FYI -- back from Star Trek and I loved it. I think they did a really good job of casting with everyone, but I really, really liked Karl Urban as Bones. I think he nailed it.
Virginia, the theater is conveniently located near the Books-a-Million, so I stopped and got all three Children of the Sea books.
I can't stand arrogance either, Cassondra. I think books which fall flat for me, are the ones where there isn't a hint that the alpha hero is more than just ego and arrogance. I read one of those recently and was so frustrated. Especially as it was by a normally favourite author!
He may not be like Gates, Minna - but he won't be a beta either. Not with that level of success!
LOL Pat - why did your post make me think of Enchanted?!
Snow White's prince and Sleeping Beauty's prince are pretty cool too.
Another Sondheim fan-girl, eh, Pissenlit?!
Ah Anna - master (or is that mistress? *g*) of the alpha male. Kylemore and Erith are such fab alphas!
Glad you liked ST, Trish. V. envious that you've been to see it.
Even more envious of your book buying! I hope my Amazon pigeon is flapping away!
Uniform chasers used to crack me up. And, I think that plays on some of the stuff being discussed here.
Ironically, I cannot ever once remember dating or even giving a second thought to any girl I met while in uniform, though there were plenty.
USMC dress blues were like a 400 megawatt chick-magnet. I guess maybe I knew it was the uniform they were after and dismissed them for it. In retrospect, that seems kind of odd, because back then, I'd use about any advantage I could find to land a hottie. Weird.
So there's your "protector" stereotype. Yeah, the uniform attracted them.
But not like a motorcycle.
Oh man did a bike get the girls' attention back in the day. It probably still does, but I'm not sure I'd notice. "Dangerous." You wimmins and your "dangerous" guys. If the Dress Blues were a 400 megawatt chick magnet, the bike was measured in gigawatts.
Then there was the whole "the hotter they were, the worse they wanted to be treated" thing. Those poor girls... once I learned that rule of thumb... wow. Life got *good.* (in a bad way)
What women find attractive, I'm not sure I'll ever understand.
Truly deadly guys don't advertise. So, most of the time, if you're falling for a ninja, he's a fraud. But on the bright side, in a book, he's the real deal, right?
I want the bad boy - so much more exciting. Life is never easy but at least it's not boring.
I just love all your covers!
Donna, both at the same time?
Trish, I'm so happy to hear you could find all three at BAM!
Dina, hugs! Hope your day improves.
Pissenlit, I'm a huge Sondheim fan and frequently use music to set the mood when I'm writing. For example, Lucy's theme was
Idina Menzel's BRAVE -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVDfHBxGPOs
P, sounds like in your experience the bad boy on the bike trumps the Prince in uniform.
Bad boys sound good in theory but I don't think I want to spend my life waiting for them to grow up. I think I would probably pick a geek. I mean look at Bill Gates and Steve Job ... now that's sexy! HA!
Anna, if only I could pull up a certain hockey hunk for that drink, it would sure liven me up, lol. Maybe I'll have a chance Monday, lol.
Thanks Virginia.
I had an emergency today with my dog, she is ok bot but of course the bill is not finalized til Tues.
Hi Virginia,
Nice to see you here! I haven't read any of your books yet but planning on getting them.
As to the questions we all kind of like the bad boys but when we choose a man for me it would have to be the boy next door. Then I will drool over the bad boys. I also enjoy the alpha heros to take care of the heroines.
I'm way late to the party but Virginia....LOVE The Sea Lord!
Write. More.
Write. Faster.
Hi Virginia!
Oh its hard to pick just one of these heroes! I love a variety!!
I too love those strong silent types too. So much you have to guess about them but they too so alpha as well!
Aw, Joan, thanks!
So while we're talking about heroes, I just got back from seeing the new Star Trek and...Wow!
Long time fans will love it.
Everybody will love it.
It's going to be one of those movies Nancy talks about.
Great fun visiting with you all in the lair. Thank you for making me feel so welcome!
P226 - always great to hear your perspective on things. Cracking up at the gigawatt potential of a motorbike versus the dress blues!
Bikes over here have varied meanings and effects. There's the cool gigawatt factor of say Richard Gere in Officer and a Gentleman or Tom Cruise in Top Gun (though the jets send the sexy value into hyper-gigwatt territory!).
Then there's trials bikes with the huge shocks = jerks *g*. Probably can't afford a car, certainly can't afford a proper bike. Uggh.
And mopeds with parkas - Mods (no, I'm not that old, but I was around when they filmed Quadrophenia).
LOL Catslady - so true about life being more exciting, but not easy!!
OMG BabygirlG - tea over the monitor moment! Loved your line about not waiting for bad boys to grow up!
The great thing about the strong, silent type, Caffey, is that they don't say much. On the other hand, the bad thing about the strong, silent type is that they don't say much!
Joanie - Definitely!!
So, that's two votes for the new Star Trek!
Thank you, Virginia, for spending the day with us - you must be exhausted. Pull up a hunk and let him get you a drink.
We'll all be eagerly awaiting the next installment of your Children of the Sea series - and look forward to having you back in the Lair!
Dina - I'll be rooting for your hockey hunks and hoping they can pull it round. Go Admirals!
Glad to hear your dog is okay! Hugs.
You're right, BB Virginia. It's like that old saying, love to drool over them, but wouldn't want to live with one!
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