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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

My name is Renee, and I am the host of this site. I am a 34 year old woman, on the prowl for her mate, searching out the best of books, exploring the wilds of the imagination and delving into the heart of a beautiful love story.

 

Historical Romance 101: What Makes A Amazing Hero and Personal Favorites

by | Apr 13, 2015 | Historical Romance 101 | 16 comments

Historical Romance 101For today we will be offering something special where we talk about Amazing heroes and what our favorites are and why!! Come and check out what we have for ya. Also make sure you check out these other sweet ladies choices as well. Feminist Fairy Tales; Quinns Book Nook; On A Book Bender

So what makes a great hero? I have been thinking about this question for quite some time now, and I think there are various reasons. For me personally I love a hero that has a commanding presence, both to the story and to the reader, one that gives off a strong impression. One that has a balance to his character, but isn’t all together perfecection. One that is scarred or troubled, or hasn’t had the easiest time of it. I love those heroes that capture your attention from the beginning, Ones that you can remember for years after reading a certain book. Ones that have multiple facets to their characters. Alpha’s are my favorites, but also betas as well, especially if you have a telented author at the helm.

1. Christian Trent

A Kiss of Lies

Christian Trent, is a battle scarred hero, and one that has been wrongfully accused. A character that hasn’t given up on going back to his home. A character that still has his honor and loyalty to all those things that makes him who he is.

2. Jeremy Malory

A Loving Scoundrel

Jeremy is a hoot of a character, he just might be my favorite malory. He is a rake and a scoundrel, and even though he has a very alpha personality (he gets it from his pirate of a father), he is also very witty and has that unique quality to him that makes him memorable in every way.

3. Cameron MacKay

His Wicked WaysCameron MacKay is one hot highlander, an pure alpha male, possesive, forced to be laird because his father and brother were killed, stubborn and fiercely protective of what is his. He does what it takes for the good of his clan.

4. Ian MacKenzie

The Madness of Lord Ian MackenzieIan Mackenzie, suffered from a form of autism, but back in this time that the story takes place, many considered it a form of madness. Ian knew what he wanted and went after it. He had a certain attention on certain objects such as ming vases untill he meets Beth. he is honest to a fault, he is quite a complex character at times, yet at other time has a simple childlike quality to him as well.

5. Ian of Isley

A Sword Upon The roseIain is a man that has worked hard and risen up the ranks of Bruce’s army, and that hasn’t been easy at all. He is a very hardened warrior, loyal to his cause and what he is fighting for.

6. Alistair Munroe

To Beguile A Beast-ExtendedAlistair has many flaws, has scars, gruff at times, but he is also gentle and warm hearted. He has a heart of gold, and has a few vulnerabilities, which give off a realistic view to his character.

7. Bowen Montgomery

Highlander Most WantedBowen is such a great hero, he is fierce and protective, and he is so good with the heroine…Genevieve. Honorable, loyal and compassionate. His love for Genevieve is priceless and I love the way he is with her especially in the later half of the story.

8.ย Prince Pietr Wulfinski

How To Pursue A Princess

Peter is a stunning hero, and makes this story deep and strong. He is loveable, kind, and doesn’t give up on the woman he loves. Dependeable in the way that the heroine needs him to be, and is sexy as sin.

9. Valentine Corbett

Sin And Sensibility

Valentine is a rake, scoundrel, and a lover of all women everywhere. But there is also something so much more in depth to his character than you see on the surface. he is witty and has a strong sexy appeal to him, and is a bit playful too.

10. Cole MacKenzie

ColeCole is a hero that even after years of reading this, still makes an impression on me. He is confident, sure of himself, and has a gentle side to him that makes your heart melt.

11. Gideon Horn

The Pirate lord

Now Gideon is such a lovely hero, at first he seems to be a typical sexy pirate, but he is quite complex, and what he does at the end is just priceless.

12. Royce Westmoreland

A Kingdom Of Dreams

Royce is the perfect hero, and is one of my favorites, which is why he is listed. He is a warrior, talented and intelligent, full of honor and integrity. He doesn’t hide who he really is, admits his failings but is also proud of what he has accomplished.

13.Ross Cannon

Lady Sophia's Lover

Ross is delectable. “Swoon Worthy” male material. I read Lady Sophia’s Lover about ten years ago for the first time, and I still love it, and Ross is a wonderful hero. He stands up for what he believes in, he is honest and kind hearted, but has that alpha male magnetism. ย He is very disciplined but also has a affection and kind nature.

14. Rafe Easton

Lord of Wicked Intentions

Rafe is a bit of a tortured hero, at first he is strict and firm, and doesn’t let anyone get too close. But there is something deeper to his character that calls out to you. He is dangerous, sexy, and a compelling hero.

15. Dominic Leighton

The Marriage Wager

In this story, the hero I fell madly in love with. I ย love how fierce he is in the woman he loves. He is poor, has tenants and a title to take care of, he knows he should marry a woman with wealth, but he loves a woman that has little to her name. But he is willing to fight for a future with her, no matter what he has to do. I love how strong and passionate Dominic is, doesn’t let anything stand in the way of his future. Hard working, devoted, compassionate and protective.

16. Ian MacDonald

The Guardian

Ian is the type of hero that you have to peel like a onion to get to the inner core of. At first you don’t know what to think of him, but by the end you have found a hero that is true and good. We see a man that is fighting for those he loves, and will do anything to protect them. He has a heart of gold, sincere and though a bit rough around the edges….is like a cuddly bear when you get beneath that rough exterior.

17. Hart Mackenzie

The Duke's Perfect Wife

Hart is really rough at times. Isn’t easy to please, and one “alpha” male. He loves to take command of every situation and is quite bossy. His family is his top prirority though, and you see his love for them despite his controlling nature at times.

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16 Comments

  1. Sophia Rose

    Oh wow! That’s quite the line up. Ian Mackenzie and Ross, yes!

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      Oh yes Ian and Ross!! Love that you know Ross as well. He is such a great one right? I had the hardest time narrowing my list down…I never realized how many historical’s I have read lol

      Reply
  2. Amanda @ On a Book Bender

    Love Ian MacKenzie — and how he always pops up in the other books in that series, usually to tell the characters to stay together. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      I know…Ian is hilarious to me…his little quirks that make his character so original.

      Reply
  3. Red Iza

    Ian McKenzie I can’t wait to read about ! But Jeremy Malory looks pretty good too ! Oh my, where to start… ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      oh you would love love love Ian!!! You really should pick that one up soon. You will get a kick out of his character. And oh Jeremy…he is lovely and pretty fun at times. That book is one of the book that made me fall in love with regency romance, and he is pretty outrageous at times.

      Reply
      • Red Iza

        He was #41 on my to-read-first list, I now moved it up to #14 thanks to you ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
        • Loverofromance

          Yay!!! I just know you will love it!! One of my favorite books of mine!!

  4. carolcork

    Great hero line up, Renee. Ian Mackenzie, Alistair Munroe, Royce Westmoreland and Rafe easton are among my favourites too. My list would also include Leo Hathaway (Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas), John McKenna (Again The Magic by Lisa kleypas), Ludovic DeVere (The Devil DeVere series by Victoria Vane), “Charming” Mickey O’Connor (Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt) and Sebastian Ballister, Marquess of Dain (Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase) to name just a few.

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      Oh John McKenna is good one as well, and Leo is a charmer and he could be quite hilarious at times. And Mickey is a great choice…I really want to re read that one now.

      Reply
  5. Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook

    Oh my goodness, I’m almost afraid to admit this, but I haven’t read ANY of these books! Even Lady Sophia’s Lover. It’s one of the few Kleypas books I never got too. I should really look into Jennifer Ashley.

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      oh you haven’t read any? Oh they are just fantastic. Jennifer Ashley is amazing with her historical’s!!! You should try her out. And Lady Sophia’s Lover is a wonderful story. Its one of the first regency themed books I ever read. I think you would love Ross and Sophia.

      Reply
  6. L..

    These are great choice and I love the new design even though I miss seeing your posts on blogspot! Is it possible to be added to doing these challenges? If so, how? I’d love to do something outside of reviews and tours on the blog for my readers!

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      Thanks!! I had many problems with blogger, and so I decided to come over here and its so much easier.

      Reply
  7. Jennifer (@feministfairy)

    There are quite a few heroes that I’m not familiar with so thanks for helping me add them to my wishlist. Love that you features the MacKenzies, Bowen, Alistair, and Rafe. I’m most intrigued by Jeremy since I haven’t read any of the Malory books (I know!).

    Reply
    • Loverofromance

      no problem…hope you enjoy these characters when you get a chance to read them. No Malory books *gasp*….I might go into shock LOL. Those Malory men are the reason I like regency romance. And Jeremy’s story is absolutely delightful…you would love him he is one of those outrageous rakes you just can’t help but love.

      Reply

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