A Dangerous Hero
I find dangerous heroes strangely compelling. I'm drawn to their mystery and darkness. The unknown. Is he dangerous to everyone, including the heroine, or only his enemies? Part of the thrill is not knowing for a while. Part of the fun of the Twilight series is the wondering and waiting, will he bite her as he's yearning to and drain all her blood? The longer he resists doing what he wants to do most, the more we love him. He's proven his trustworthiness. Though he could kill an enemy one handed, he treats Bella like precious glass.
Dangerous heroes are often alpha heroes, very protective of those they love. An expert with weapons, ready at a moment's notice to charge into the action. While a dangerous hero causes a lot of conflict initially, he proves to be someone fantastic to have around. Dangerous heroes are sometimes hard to love, but in the end it only makes them more irresistible. Don't you think?
In my upcoming March 21 release from Carina Press, a paranormal historical called Laird of Darkness, the hero, Duncan, kidnaps the heroine and takes her hostage. With him displaying such outlaw behavior, the heroine Alana doesn't know what to expect from him. He could do any number of horrid things to her.
Duncan has a dangerous reputation. Is he evil? Clearly he has paranormal abilities, but are the rumors about him true? Here's an excerpt from my novella:
What an infuriating warlord he was. For all she knew, he could be the infamous Laird of Darkness she'd heard rumors about the whole of her life. A man who could single-handedly lay waste to an entire army. He was said to drive well-trained war horses mad, sending them fleeing from battle. The Laird of Darkness could possess weapons and turn them against their owners. A man killed with his own sword or dagger did not die in honor. But survivors fared no better. The legends claimed he would call up violent gales, blowing his enemies into lochs and rivers, drowning them. And most scandalous of all, he slipped past men-at-arms and seduced rival chiefs' wives and grown daughters…and even a few comely maids, turning their loyalties. Nicole North – Laird of Darkness
Rumors are often embellished, growing with each retelling until the tale has expanded to mythical proportions.
What is the truth? Here's an explanation from Duncan's point of view.
He glared back at her. She talked too much. Asked too many questions. He liked women who silently did what they were told. Didn't he? If that were the case, why did he look forward to hearing her voice and her impetuous remarks?
Truth was she fascinated him. A brave, curious lass who didn't fear the Laird of Darkness. He knew of his reputation, how parents frightened their children with scary stories to make them behave. Be good or the Laird of Darkness and his monster minions will cart you away to the cold, dark land of Otherworld.
He snorted and faced the window again.
His wicked reputation had come when he was but a lad of seventeen—though he appeared a man full grown. His father had just died, and his enemies had thought to invade, capture the castle, rape the women and steal the cattle. But Duncan had proven the new chief was not someone to trifle with. Using his Fae powers and any weapon at his disposal, he'd personally killed the leading chieftains, both seasoned warriors, who stormed the castle and several of their men. His own men saw that day he was a strong leader despite his youth, and though outnumbered, they rallied behind him and successfully thwarted the two rival clans who'd banded together. Before long, the tales of him, his men and the battle had been exaggerated to legendary proportions. His fearsome reputation kept any foes at bay, allowing his clan to live in peace. Nicole North – Laird of Darkness
I enjoy exploring the concept that first impressions can be deceiving, and that a dangerous hero can actually be one of the best kind of men to have around.
Do you enjoy reading or writing about dangerous heroes? If so, what draws you to them? One commenter will be selected to win a copy of Laird of Darkness, my March 21 release from Carina Press.
Thanks!
Nicole
Nicole North's erotic romance novellas have been described by reviewers as "exciting, high octane, captivating, scintillating, sinfully delicious and pure romance." Her stories contain "heart and heat, killer love scenes, magic and extraordinary characters." She has sold four stories to Red Sage Publishing. Laird of Darkness is her first novella for Carina Press. Nicole's stories usually focus on her favorite things: Scotland, Highlanders and hot men in kilts. She and her husband live in the Southeastern US, but she wishes she lived in the Scottish Highlands at least half the year. As she puts it, Scotland is a beautiful, magical and enchanting place where anything seems possible. She teaches online workshops about various aspects of writing, including sexual tension and how to write great love scenes. Though she has a degree in psychology, writing romance is her first love.
Website: http://www.nicolenorth.com/
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