Thank you so much for inviting me back to visit Lush Book Reviews today!
Heroines…the good, the bad and the quirky
Hi everyone! I have a confession to make: I tend to focus a wee bit more on my heroines than my heroes when I’m writing a story. Along with the obvious reasons, I like writing men because for some reason I seem to slip into their heads more easily. But to have a successful book, your heroine needs to be one that readers can relate to. It also helps if they’re aspirational and someone that a reader can hope to be like. Or at least that’s what I’ve been told.
When I started to write No Dress Required, my bestselling Entangled Publishing Flirt, I knew Noelle was smart and funny, but that she also had her share of quirks. One of them is her holiday shirt collection. Yep, she goes for the gold when it comes to reindeer and puffy bunnies and wears them proudly! Jake, her hero, teases her about them but he secretly thinks they’re pretty hot (yep, my heroes are quirky too!) Here’s a short scene from No Dress Required which shows just how much Jake likes Noelle’s unusual choice of wardrobe. Enjoy!
“My day’s gone to shit, but I’m fine,” Noelle said. “Don’t I look fine?”
Jake swallowed a retort and took his time looking her up and down. Her hazel eyes glowed fiery gold in the waning sunlight, and her small mouth had pursed into the mother of all scowls. But her pink cheeks, mile long eyelashes, and curvy body added up to one heck of a package.
A package he wanted to unwrap, one fuzzy sock at a time. He grinned at the striped knee socks slouching down her trim calves. She pulled the coat tighter but he still saw the fluffy bunnies and glittery noisemakers on her top. It was nice to see that even after months away, some things hadn’t changed. Thank God.
“You look great,” he said finally, hoping his slightly shaky voice didn’t give him away. He wasn’t the best at hiding his emotions around her. With other women, yeah, he could play the role of smooth cat looking to score. At least he’d been able to before Maureen had swept into his life, made a nest for, oh, five years or so, then swept back out again.
So I have a question—well, a couple questions actually—for all of you. If you could craft your perfect heroine, what qualities would she have? Do you enjoy a snarky heroine or one that’s more serious? How about physical beauty? Does that matter to you or do you prefer your heroine to be more realistic? I’m looking forward to your answers!
Giveaway, Entangled is givingaway a eBook of No Dress Required open to international contestants
Good Luck!!!
Visit Cari Quinn at www.cariquinn.com
I’m also on Goodreads, Twitter and Facebook as Cari Quinn as well.
About No Dress Required
After years of ho-hum dating, Noelle Gregory is tired of fooling around. There’s only ever been one guy for her—Jake Conroy, her best friend’s older brother. Now that Jake’s back in town, she’s headed to his sister’s New Year’s Eve party to make her move. Purse full of condoms? Check. Sparkly dress guaranteed to show Jake the sexy woman she’s become? Check.Carjacker that makes off with both two hours before the party? Check.
When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road—looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it—he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party. His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted…and if he’ll be able to walk away when it’s over.
Readers can read Chapter One here: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/no-dress-required/
Thanks for stopping by Cari!!! xxxx
sounds like a great book. looking forward to reading it
ReplyDeleteI like a heroine that is somewhat smart. A good head on her shoulders and can't be pushed around. Physical beauty isn't necessary. Just someone that is like the majority of women and not a super model. And most especially not ditsy.
ReplyDeletelareynolds0316@gmail.com
Hmmm, let's see I prefer a heroine who is confident in herself, has common sense, likes to laugh, she doesn't have to be drop dead gorgeous and so tiny that the wind blows her over. She needs some curves and she also has flaws. I don't like heroines who are wimpy and whiney and jerks.
ReplyDeleteluvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com