Friday 27 July 2012

A Hero's Blog Hop


What’s my ideal romance hero?

I usually define  him as an alpha-minus, beta-plus man, who retains the best and loses the less attractive qualities of each type.

So my hero has strength of character without being domineering, self-assurance but in a non-aggressive way, and of course that indefinable charisma which makes him stand out in a crowd. He’s successful too, not because of any inherited wealth or position, but through his own efforts in whatever sphere of work he has made his own. On the beta-plus side, he’s sensitive and caring, and maybe struggling with some inner insecurity which he keeps hidden.

In His Leading Lady; Kyle Drummond is a successful theatre producer/director, with a string of successes in both London and New York. To begin with, he comes over as overbearing and arrogant, but there are reasons for this. Jess, after disliking him intensely when they first meet, soon discovers a deeply caring man behind his public persona. He’s also pretty good in bed too (but then so are all my heroes!)

One reviewer said, “And OH MY do I wish Kyle Drummond were real!!! His character was so incredibly perfect and smoldering.”

In Fragrance of Violets, Jack Tremayne is a journalist and best-selling writer. After making a name for himself, he’s in a position where he can concentrate on the serious issues he wants to research such as global warming and alternative energy sources. At the same time, he reveals his compassionate nature as he tries to rebuild his relationship with Abbey, understanding all the reasons why she is so full of distrust.

In the words of a reviewer: I fell in love with Jack. What a heroic character. Considerate and patient with Abbey's presumption all men are like her absentee father, Jack works in the background to ensure Abbey can achieve her heart's desire. 
In Changing the Future, Paul Hamilton is a world-famous volcano expert, no longer the unknown university researcher he was when he first met and fell in love with Lisa. After an acrimonious break-up, both their lives have changed when they meet again. In contrast to his careful and guarded professional research, Paul has to deal with his tendency to jump to the wrong conclusions over the things that happen in his personal life.

Here’s the moment when he realises the truth:

His son. He let the words roll round in his mind. They sounded so good. His son.

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt. So did that mean—?

He heard the echo of Lisa’s words: No, you’ve got it all wrong!

The truth hit him like a thunderbolt. He had got it all wrong. Utterly, appallingly, catastrophically wrong.

For a few seconds he struggled to breathe. Lisa had been telling the truth, but he’d refused to believe her denials. Unfounded suspicion, and, yes, jealousy and resentment, too, had led him to make the most disastrous decision of his whole life.

In Her Only Option (my next release, due out in November), Ross McAllister is a well-known archaeologist, working on his dream project in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. He’s articulate, determined, and dedicated. His ex-fiancee told him he was married to his work, and she couldn’t compete with that. Realising the truth of her words, he’s decided there’s no room for a woman in his life. Until he meets Neve Dalton, a cruise ship tour guide, who shares his passion for Ancient Egypt. He knows he has met his soul-mate and, when their relationship is threatened by an unknown enemy, he won’t rest until he has discovered who is behind the threats.

My critique partner describes Ross as “one of those guys so interesting and smart, he doesn't see how gorgeous he is.”

You can find all my books at my author’s page on Amazon

And now I’d be interested to know which of my heroes sounds the most attractive to you!

Or, if you’ve already read one or more of my books, which one did you like the best (and, of course, why)?

I’m offering a PDF copy of either His Leading Lady, Fragrance of Violets or Changing the Future (your choice) to one person who leaves a comment here (please remember to leave your email address so I can contact you if you’re a winner!)

And now read on for even more exciting news!

Over 100 Authors and Bloggers are sharing their favorite things about romance heroes, a character post from them, and what we love about romance and men in general.

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yes, there will be over 100 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. So you can enter over 100 times!

What are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack! (USA only – apologies to my fellow Brits!)


Go here to visit the other participants in the bloghop, and increase your winning chances!
http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.co.uk/p/a-heros-hop.html


68 comments:

  1. The one I like the look of most is Kyle Drummond from his leading Lady. They all look good though.

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  2. Hi, Paula,

    What a well-presented blog! I'm intrigued by your critique partner's description of Ross...He sounds just like my kind of guy, and she captured the essence in just a few word: "So interesting and smart he doesn't see how gorgeous he is." Wow. Tells me that you have created a flesh-and-bones man.

    But of course I love Jack. That reviewer was right to call him "heroic," but he's much more-warm, insightful, giving--all without being a pushover.

    Keep up the astonishing writing. You'll always have me as one of your biggest fans.

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  3. Nice Blog you have here. I just came in for the first time (through Dawn Roberto's yahoo group). These Blog Hops are so much fun!! Thanks for participating Paula!
    ~Rush~
    http://enchantedrosegarden.blogspot.com/
    taina1959 at yahoo dot com

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  4. I love that idea of "alpha-minus/beta-plus"--it sounds just right. The traditional alpha just offends my sensibilities: all those control issues! Looking forward to reading your work...

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

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  5. That was me sorry, there was a typing error.

    I really like Paul, he sounds just my kind of man. Importantly too, if he marries me he can take me to all those wonderful places where he works.

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  6. I like Kyle Drummond. I like a hero that smolders.
    janna@jannashay.com

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  7. Great compliments on your heroes, Paula. I know I'm always thrilled when readers love my heroes as much as I do.

    DebraStJohn

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  8. I haven't read yours yet, but after their descriptions they are definetly on the TBR list!
    modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

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  9. Petula - I think I'm still in love with Kyle Drummond too!

    Erin - I hope you're going to love Ross! Jack was a different kind of hero, but so considerate and caring.

    Rush - many thanks for visiting.

    Anon - I don't much like the traditional alpha either, not my ideal!

    Margaret - well, he's been to Peru and Iceland - so where next? Hawaii maybe?

    Janna - another vote for Kyle, thanks!

    Debra - yes, it's great when readers fall for your heroes, isn't it?

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  10. Thanks, L.M. - so glad my heroes are attracting you!

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  11. All of them seem real, which is a big draw for me.

    damianbloodstone@gmail.com

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  12. Gotta be Paul. A vulcanologist! The brainiac who can't manage his personal life. Yep. That's the one for me.

    Very interesting site--full of goodies! Thanks for introducing us to your heroes. (And I love that alpha-minus/beta-plus idea.)

    larkin at larkinhunter dot com or
    larkin dot hunter at gmail dot com

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  13. i haven't read any of your books yet but kyle drummond sounds like MY kind of hero

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  14. I've been eying up Changing the Future for my TBR pile. Paul Hamilton sounds like the type of hero I could wrap my heart around. Thanks for a great blog post and a wonderful opportunity.

    maeclair(at)maeclair.com

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  15. Jack Tremayne is most interesting to me - I haven't yet read any of your stories ..

    glhince@gmail.com

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  16. I haven't read any of these yet, but Jack and Kyle are definitely the most appealing to me.
    molly(dot)frenzel(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Jack. Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  18. I like the sound of Changing the Future--a story you can really get into (besides, I love volcanoes!). Interesting post. M. S. Spencer (meredithATmeredithellsworthDOTcom)

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  19. Oh Paula - I LOVE the sound of all your heroes. I too like them caring and successful, imperfect and a tiny bit vulnerable, but All Man!

    If you force me to choose then I'll say Ross McAllister - as I quite fancy an Egyptian adventure al-a tomb-raider!

    janice.horton@btinternet.com

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  20. Damien - thank you, I'm so glad my heroes seem like 'real' men!

    Larkin, love your description of Paul, you;ve summed him up perfectly!

    Laurie, Kyle IS rather yummmy!

    Mae, I'm sure you won't be disappointed in Paul!

    iamindeed - glad you like the sound of Jack.

    Molly - that's interesting, as Jack and Kyle are very different!

    Natasha - glad you like Jack, too.

    Meredith - it's fascinating to find someone who likes volcanoes :-)

    Janice - definitely my kind of man too. And Ross is one of the best!

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  21. Duncan from Highlander TV series, Damon from The Vampire Diaries, and in real life my BBF A Marine, who is currently deployed.

    Enjoy the hop.
    bidelia78@yahoo.com

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  22. I have not read any of your books but they are getting added to my list!
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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  23. Not exactly what I was asking for, Kitty, but thanks for visiting.

    Many thanks, Yvette :-)

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  24. I like my heroes to be struggling with their own demons. It makes them in my opinion a far better hero. I haven't read any of your books but they look great. Thank you for the giveaway.
    kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

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  25. The archeologist sounds fascinating!! Thanks for the blog hop!
    jennyrlowery@yahoo.com

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  26. For some reason, blogger won't let me post on this one. My vote goes to Kyle. He was a charming guy and of course, a great lover. I can't wait to get to know your next hero who is sure to be another unforgettable guy.

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  27. Kaylyn - you're right about heroes struggling with their own demons. Jack and Paul are both examples of this.

    Jennifer - Ros, my archaeologist, is gorgeous, believe me!

    Linda - your post came through okay. Glad you liked Kyle!

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  28. Hi Paula, I love the sound of all your heroes, and I definitely prefer the smart ones! Have fun with the blog hop. wilckjz(at)optonline(dot)net

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  29. I'd say My favorite of your heroes is Kyle Drummond with Ross McAllistar a very close second.

    Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  30. There is always something special in the hero that we create and bring to life.

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  31. I wish Kyle Drummond were real :O) Thanks for your part in this blog hop. Carin mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. I'll take Jack Tremayne.
    bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com

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  33. I have to say your Blog looks wonderful..
    Jack Tremayne is my favorite, even though they both sound great..

    ronnkelly3@aol.com

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  34. Jen - all my heroes are smart, although in different ways. It's part of their charisma!

    Lisa - Kyle and Ross are my favourites too (I think!)

    Savannnah - yes, I always love bringing my new heroes to life - and then falling in love with them!

    Carin - Kyle is definitely one of my favourites, so much pent-up passion!

    JanD and ronnkelly - thanks for your vote for Jack. He's a different kind of hero, but I love him dearly for his sensitive and caring nature.

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  35. Ross sounds pretty great ;)

    Thank you for the opportunity!
    brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
    The Brunette Librarian Blog

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  36. I would love to know more about Kyle Drummond. He sounds wonderful.
    kateyes1953@gmail.com

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  37. Chiming in. I love Paul from "Changing The Future" He's hot, lol, that's why. And extremely intelligent. And bull-headed, He's kind of like the bad boy at heart who must be brought around to seeing things clearly. :-)

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  38. I definitely want to know about Ross!
    achbarrow(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. I haven't had a chance to read your books yet, but Kyle sounds VERY interesting!
    sqwalker2@hotmail.com

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  40. I like Kyle Drummond just because he appears to be what he is not. I like a bit of a mysterious hero, one who keeps the heroine guessing.
    Thanks for a chance at these fantastic grand prizes.
    luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

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  41. All of your heroes sound good, but the one that I would love to read more about is Paul. I love stories of second chance at love and misunderstandings. Thank you for the giveaway.
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  42. They all sound great, but I'm torn between your newest hero Ross, and Paul. They are definitely the most intriguing to me.
    Thanks for being a part of the blog hop and for your giveaway.
    Wishing you continued success.

    cms72023(at)gmail(dot)com

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  43. Many thanks for all your great comments about my heroes! At the moment, Kyle is in the lead with 10 votes, followed by Paul and Ross with seven each, and then Jack with 6.

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  44. Jack sounds interesting.So does Kyle.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

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  45. theshoreswewalk@gmail.com Hello hello hello... That Kindle fire sounds nice!

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  46. Kyle is "it" for me! Enjoyed the post & thank you for participating in this blog hop.
    JessieL62@comcast.net

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  47. More votes for Kyle and Jack - many thanks!

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  48. great hero blog

    lena.grey.iam@gmail.com

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  49. thanks for a chance to win and hope you are enjoying your summer and i love heros of every kind angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com

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  50. I like your idea for the well rounded hero not to alpha to be overbearing and just sensitive enough to make you fall for his charm. Great post.
    Debdebss@yahoo.com

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  51. Woohoo! Loving this hop!
    <^_^>
    Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
    reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. Thanks for participating in the hop! raynman1979 at yahoo dot com

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  53. I would love to read His Leading Lady sounds really good! Thank you for the great giveaway!
    Latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  54. Heroes need to be well rounded I think, because then they have all the good in them tested and still stay true to what being a hero means.

    jenmartinauthor@gmail.com

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  55. Hi Paula! You are a new to me author, so thank you for participating the hop. I may never have come across your books and yummy heroes otherwise. I can't decide between Kyle and Paul, but I'm leaning more toward Kyle. He sounds like a bit of a bad boy, and that just draws me in. I've added two of your books to my TBR list on Goodreads, so I don't forget to revisit them.

    Thank you for the great giveaway.

    msromanticreads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. I'm gonna go with Jack. I love your book covers. Thx for giveaway.

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

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  57. You have me intrigue with Changing the Future. I've always dream to see a volcano erupt (where there in no harm to people, of course) and would like to read this book whether I win or not.

    minnie2297@yahoo.com

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  58. Your definition of the perfect hero is pretty much identical to mine. It is, in fact, Mr Twist!

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  59. great blog contest, love your books
    kintana002000@yahoo.com

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  60. i have to say that your a new authro tome and then i like the cover of the book and can i sask a question do you have book mark or cover if so can i get some o them i collect thema nd put them in albums

    desi the blonde at msn dot com

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  61. I find Kyle Drummond to be the most attractive. Thanks for the chance to win!
    Jesscaashley(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  62. I love blog hops where I can find new to me authors! They all look good, particularly Ross who's books coming out soon. There's something about archaeologists. Kyle also grabbed my attention! Thanks for the giveaway!

    suz2(at)cox(dot)net

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  63. Lovely Blog !! ThanX 4 the giveaway! I lovvvvvvvvvvve Bks..& finding out about New Authors,it's so exciting..
    redz041@yahoo.com

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  64. Kyle is my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway.

    mythic021@gmail.com

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  65. Thanks for the fun hop and the awesome giveaway! Ya all rock!! :)
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  66. I like Kyle Drummond. I like a hero that smolders. janna@jannashay.com

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  67. I have not read any of your books but they are getting added to my list! Yvette yratpatrol@aol.com

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