Springtime Book and Block Party

This blog post is coming to you from beautiful East Texas.

A lucky commenter will receive

An e-book copy of A Highland Pearl

and

An e-book copy of A Highland Ruby

This stop will have two winners. (2)

JOIN US!

Click here to visit the block party lineup.

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Eight Heroes for Your Novel

*Before you write that first word, you must have a specific male character in mind. The following will help you build that unforgettable hero. These are types, and you can build your character from these foundations. Feel free to mix several types together. I’ll start with my favorite male type.

THE CHIEF: He’s a dynamic leader, and he is wrapped up in his work. He urgently needs to fix problems and produce results. He expects people to follow him without question. Independence is important to him and the thought of relying on another person makes his skin crawl. He doesn’t think he needs a woman in his life; however, he falls head over heals in love with a beautiful female who makes his life miserable, because he cannot command her love.

THE BAD BOY also called THE WOUNDED HERO: He’s dangerous to know and walks on the wild side. Family provided only pain and scars. He was either abused or abandoned. Every girl has a crush on him. He wears his cynical attitude like armor to protect his vulnerable heart. Often he’s lost the one woman who ever loved him.

THE CHARMER: He’s a smooth talker, and frequently unreliable. Makes women believe in happily-ever-after, but is not often there for the ever-after. He’s creative and witty, but manipulative and irresponsible. Often this man experiences the biggest character arc, or he is the anti-hero.

THE SWASHBUCKLER: Mr. Excitement. He’s an adventurer. He doesn’t hesitate when faced with danger. He’s fearless, exciting and capable. He’s the daredevil and the explorer. He fears falling in love because he doesn’t want to be tamed.

THE WARRIOR: He’s a champion and acts with honor. He’s the ultimate protector and defender. He’s tenacious and principled. But he’s also self-righteous and relentless. He’s out to see justice done. Couple him with THE BOSS feminine lead, and you’ve got sparks from the start.

THE PROFESSOR: He’s coolly analytical and knows every answer. But he’s also inhibited and somewhat inflexible. When he finally gives his heart, he’s painfully vulnerable.

THE LOST SOUL: A tormented male, he lives in solitude. He’s a man with a past who yearns for love, but doesn’t know how to get it. He’s devoted, vulnerable, and discerning. But he broods and is unforgiving. He dreams of a loving relationship, but is not willing to stick his neck out to make it happen. Sometimes he’s an outcast.

THE BEST FRIEND: Sweet and safe, he never lets anyone down. But he seldom asserts himself. He’s unsure about love being worth the risk to his calm, low-key life. And he’s my least favorite type for a male lead.

Choose the best hero type for your book and turn him loose on the female archetype that will give him the most trouble.

*Taken from the book, HEROES AND HEROINES, by Tami Cowden, Caro LaFever, and Sue Viders.

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Scottish Highland Historical Romances by Brenda B. Taylor

If you like romance, you will love romance and adventure in the Scottish Highlands.

Both books are on sale for $0.99 at most ebook vendors.

Blurb:

A sweet romance blossoms amidst feuding and war. With her reputation at stake after being accused of practicing witchcraft and hated as a member of a rival clan, Maidie considers leaving Clan Munro and returning to the home of her birth in Clan Cameron. Fierce battles, a tragic encounter, and a handsome clan chief compel her to make crucial decisions in this haunting romance set in the16th century Highlands of Scotland.

Buy Links:

Historical Heartbeats

Amazon

Apple iTunes

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

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Review of A Highland Ruby:

Flora Vass has lost her love to the New World. He preferred fighting savages than having a life back in Scotland with her. She has lost one man before on the fight, another one now to adventurous l…

Source: “A Highland Ruby” by Brenda B. Taylor – A Review!

Blurb:

She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass forced Gavin Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin leaves no doubt he returned to make the bonnie Flora his own and intends to fight for her. Flora’s betrothed, Iain MacKay, and Gavin’s brother, Chief Andrew Munro, have other plans. Andrew needs her to marry the MacKay and bring peace between the two clans. Iain MacKay desires an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to make crucial decisions.

Buy Links:

Historical Heartbeats

Amazon

Apple iTunes

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords