Guilty Pleasures: All I Need Is A Hero

All right, so maybe I don't feel terribly guilty about this particular pleasure (but then, guilt is overrated anyway). When it comes to leading men -- whether they're on paper or the big screen -- I have three complete weakness. (Besides the whole dark-hair-blue-eyes thing.) These are the guys that get me, right here in the gut, every time.

1. King Alpha -- Oh how I love a hero who exudes that lead dog confidence. He is strong, self-assured, and doesn't like to listen to anyone's advice because he knows he's right. He doesn't take no for an answer. He is fiercely loyal and fiercely protective. And he is not about to cow to anyone else's wishes. But when he finds the right girl, then all of a sudden he starts to change. When he falls in love, he's still that rough tough Alpha male on the outside, but on the inside... when he's with her... then the lead dog turns into a lovable pussy cat. What girl doesn't dream that the jerky jock she's crushing on is secretly Mr. Sensitive on the inside? (My favorite Alpha: Michael Douglas as Jack Colton in Romancing the Stone)

2. Beta Buddy -- This is the best friend. He's the guy a girl can count on to help her out. He'll be her escort, her partner-in-crime, or her confidant, if that's what she needs. And the reason he's all to happy to be her pal? It's usually one of two reasons. 1) Because secretly, deep down inside in the one place he doesn't let her see, he's totally over the moon for her. Or 2) Because secretly, deep down in the a place that even he doesn't know about, he's totally over the moon for her. And when he either 1) confesses or 2) realizes the truth, then sparks will really fly because best boy friends can make really amazing boyfriends. (My favorite Beta: Adrian Grenier as Chase Hammond in Drive Me Crazy)

3. Theta Guy -- Omigosh, this is the tortured soul. The loner who tries to drive everyone away by acting like a total jerk. He can be rude, obnoxious, terrifying, or just a total recluse. But despite his outward appearances, he's really just trying to protect his vulnerable self because he's been hurt before. Big time. He's wounded, emotionally damaged, and he needs the kind of girl who can bring him back to life. (My favorite Theta: Robert Carroway in England's Perfect Hero by Suzanne Enoch)

But the best hero of all? One that's a mix of all three. He's the big dog who's also a good friend and has a haunted soul. (My favorite Mix: Simon Basset in The Duke and I by Julia Quinn)

Hugs,
TLC

OH. MY. GODS. (Dutton) May 2008
what I'm reading... To Have and To Hold by Dawn Temple