Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Heroes Don’t Always Slay Dragons by Sasha Summers


When I was younger (we won’t get into age specifics here), the alpha-male hero was predominant. You know, the rude, aggressive, and inflexible man that needed to find his heroine before he grew a heart and any real sense of humanity. Am I exaggerating? Maybe a little, sure. But this was (and still is) a typical romance hero. And while I appreciate reforming a too manly-man with the power of love I don’t think it’s the only type of hero women want to read in romance.

Josh Wiley, my hero in Hollywood Ever After, is not an alpha-male – in the traditional kick-butt and take names kind of way. But he is, without a doubt a hero. He is singularly swoon-worthy and masculine without kicking anyone’s butt. Well, he does kick alien butt, but only in the movies he stars in.

So why did I choose to write a young, straight-forward, and romantic hero?

  1. He came to me pretty fully-formed. I knew him, saw him, and loved him as soon as he ‘turned up’ in my cast of characters.
  2. He’s what Claire needed. She wouldn’t have responded well to an alpha-male. In fact, she probably would have run the other way as fast as she could. And that would’ve been an awfully short book. 
  3.  His honestly and interest was also a set-up. As sweet and charming as he is, you can’t believe he’s that good. At least, Claire can’t. I think, in romance, we wait for the hero to reveal some inner secret that’s dark and dangerous. But that’s not Josh. He puts everything out there, and hopes for the best. In fact, it’s Claire’s secrets that offer the most danger – though Josh is ready and willing to help her process them. 
And while Josh does have a run in with a dragon (you’ll have to read the book to learn more), he has no interest in slaying it - unless it threatened Claire or her kids. Then I have no doubt Mr. Wiley would have become the ultimate alpha-male.

Thanks for having me!

Tour Wide Giveaway: 
2 autographed paperback copies of the book with bookmarks, pins, and magnets 
1 custom charm bracelet with charms special to the book (and book swag) 
2 $10 Amazon gift cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:  

Sasha Summers is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, romance, and travel. She writes both lyrical romantic fantasy and contemporary romance. Her first play was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She's been writing ever since.  She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she's doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Website/Blog: www.sashasummers.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sashawrites
Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sasha-Summers/213036208773108
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759214.Sasha_Summers Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sashasummers/

1 comment:

  1. Thanks so much for having me on the blog today. I love talking heroes and all things romance :) Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete

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