Heroes

When writing romance novels, one of the things you learn early on is the reader has to fall in love with the hero. That's what keeps them reading.

When I read romance I see my husband in every hero. He may not be a quadrillionaire, but I see my husband in Rorke (the hero of Nora Roberts's In Death series). I see my husband in Joe Morelli (the main love interest of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series). And so on.

These wonderful storytellers seem to capture everything sexy and satisfying I see in my husband... hum, I guess I picked a good one.

When I wrote my first novel, Creatures of the Moon (yet to be published) the character Ryan reflected aspects of my husband. I realized this on the third reread and wondered if my next hero should as well. In some ways it feels like cheating. Here I have the sexiest man alive (No not anyone famous) as my husband and I'm using him as character fodder.

So my current project is not based on him. I've tried something else and I'm wondering if I may have made a mistake. That's not to say my new male isn't sexy, he's just more reserved, not as much of a player, doesn't just take what he wants... yet. He will have to step up and be an alpha male when it counts, but for the most part he's not completely sure of himself. The concept could be refreshing or it could bomb entirely.

So, I'm asking you...If anyone out there is reading this. :) Does a romantic hero have to be a Rorke or Morelli, or can he be quiet and reserved until his alpha moment, then retreat back until he's needed again? Hum, I guess it would be more a Clark Kent / Superman thing. Could a woman love Clark Kent?