Hello Everyone! Welcome to my August Symposium!
This month is all about our favorite kinds of naughty girls!
I thought I’d asked my friends and fellow authors to give everyone a little inside peak at what their favorite type of heroines are and why. Read on and find out what everyone had to say!
LAURIE
ROMA: My favorite type of heroines I
enjoy creating are real women...but I also like to write characters that
epitomize what we all aspire to be. They are well rounded individuals who enjoy sex, swear, have a wicked sense of humor and certainly have no problem
speaking their minds. At the core, my heroines are strong, dynamic, and very
capable women who can handle anything, but each has their own personal demons
to face...just like we all do in real life. I guess you could say that my
heroines are looking for love, but aren’t the type that need a man to survive. On
a personal note, I wish that each of you be the heroine of your very own love
story, complete with a fabulous happily
ever after. Happy Reading!
Jared “Hammer” Caufield is a former Army Ranger and retired professional MMA champion that had to give up his fighting career due to a knee injury. He is a bad boy through and through, but that doesn’t stop him from craving the sweet little bakery owner, even though he knows she is too good for him…
Bakery owner, Kalista Redford, is a woman who has had a difficult past. She has always struggled with her self-esteem, and her last breakup hasn’t done anything to help improve her opinion of herself. When Kalista finds herself pursued by the dark and dangerous man she has secretly dreamed about, will she be able to follow her heart or will past insecurities threaten to ruin her chance at true love?
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EVE LANGLAIS: I’ve got two favorite types of heroines. The first is sassy, outspoken and confident in herself. No matter her size or looks, she is unafraid to go after what she wants. When it comes to love, she’s not the type to just wait for a man to seduce her. She demands and she takes. She’s the heroine I wish I could be. Which leads me to my second favorite type. She is the one who starts out doubting herself. She’s shy, perhaps a tad insecure because of body image issues but who through the course of a book discovers that it doesn’t matter what society thinks so long as she loves herself. This more timid heroine begins her romantic adventure as meek but as she’s thrust into situations discovers an inner strength that just needed the right circumstances and encouragement to flourish. She might start out as being the one seduced, but in the end, discovers strength in her love.
He might growl, but she's not afraid to bite.
Hands full taking care of his clan, the last thing this Kodiak bear needs is a woman poking her cute little nose into his affairs. But when she refuses to back down—and shows the courage to stand up to him—he can’t resist the allure of a curvy city girl.
She’s mine. All mine.
And when a rival clan thinks to use her to force his paw, he’ll show them why you never piss off a Kodiak, or threaten what’s his.
Tammy is convinced men are all scum, even gorgeous ones like Reid Carver. She knows he’s hiding something. Something big. She just never expected a real freaking bear hid underneath all those muscles. But when the truth comes out and he tries to scare her off with a roar, she shows him not just bears have bite.
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NJ WALTERS: Heroines come in all shapes and sizes, ages and ethnicities, backgrounds and economic groups. I love them all. But what really makes a heroine special for me is her ability to change, whether physically or emotionally, during the course of the story. We all face challenges, but I admire a heroine who is not afraid to face them head-on. Sure she may have doubts and may falter along the course of her journey but she doesn’t give up. She’s not afraid to reach for what she wants. She doesn’t need a man to complete her but when she chooses to give herself and her love to one, she gives it everything she has.
Is he Prince Charming or the Big Bad Wolf?
Salvation Pack, Book 2
Anny Conrad is a single thirty-year-old librarian—a cliché complete with two cats. Dragged out to a local bar, she’s rethinking her life plan over a few drinks when a man walks up and asks her to dance. And what a man. Tall, rugged and more than a little untamed. Before she knows it, she’s in his arms and throwing caution to the wind.
With a pack war in full, deadly swing, the last thing Armand LaForge needs right now is a woman in his life, much less a human. But one thing is certain, he’s met his mate, the one woman in the world for him.
The kindest thing to do is give her all the hot sex she wants and then leave her alone. But when the morning comes, fate isn’t done screwing with them. Anny is confronted with the fact that the myths in her library books are real…and now she’s one of them.
S.E. SMITH: My favorite heroine is a woman who is comfortable with who she is and what she is capable of. In the case of my current heroine, Lacey, she is a widow running an animal shelter. Did I mention that she also happens to be a witch and lives in the town of Magic, New Mexico where everyone is a little bit ‘different’?
Touch of Frost: Magic, New Mexico Book 1
Lacey Adams lives in the small town of Magic, New Mexico where she devotes herself to the animals at her Touch of Magic Animal Shelter. The strange assortment of animals helps heal the pain and loneliness inside her since the death of her husband three years before.
Frost is a Star Ranger. He travels the star systems bringing intergalactic fugitives to justice. When a maximum-security fugitive escapes from the mining prison, he is sent after him. Only this time, the fugitive has violated a major law… he has traveled to a distant forbidden planet inhabited by a race that has not mastered space travel yet.
Now, he is in a race to find the fugitive before those on the planet known as Earth discover there are not one, but two aliens on their world. Things become complicated when Frost discovers his heart is not as frozen as he thought when a young human female is taken hostage by the fugitive. What he doesn’t anticipate is her unexpected resistance – both with the fugitive and with him.
Frost is forced to make a decision that is guaranteed to put him on the most wanted list when he follows his heart and kidnaps Lacey. He knows that some things are worth the risk. What he doesn’t know is that Lacey has a few secrets of her own.
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LACEY THORN: My favorite type of heroine is one who is strong, bold, and willing to get a little dirty to get what she wants. I can't stand heroines who whine or pull the 'poor me' stuff. And I like heroines who aren't ashamed of what they want sexually. I want them empowered and just as horny as the hero is. That's the type of woman I like to read, and they type of heroine I try to write.
Skye has a secret she's kept from everyone. Three lovers who cross in and out of her life as time permits. Seeing her sisters so happy makes her want more for herself.
Rance, Sawyer and Jeff have taken turns joining in sex games with Skye. Now all three men are willing to admit they want more. If Skye wants to keep her agents of pleasure, she's going to have to agree to forever.
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SUSAN HAYES: My favorite type of heroine? Sassy ‘n strong. It doesn’t matter if she’s waltzed through her life without stumbling once, or picked herself up off the ground more times than she can count, I love a heroine with a quick wit and a core of steel. She doesn’t have to be a warrior, but the heroines I enjoy the most have the courage to fight for themselves and the ones they love, and the strength to do what has to be done without waiting for her hero (or heroes) to swoop in and rescue her. She’s the tigress buried deep inside of every woman, beautiful, powerful, and bold.
Sonja Grekov has spent her life in a gilded cage, trapped by her wealthy family’s expectations and the scroll tattoo on her face that declares her to be one of the coveted fertile women on Earth. No longer willing to be a pawn to further her parents’ ambition, she finally finds the courage to break free before she can be claimed in a loveless match. She is determined to set her own path, but never expected where it would take her...
Trevar Storm and Deacon Wilde are Alliance Elites, but there’s nothing elite about their current assignment. They crew one of the oldest freighters in the fleet, ferrying goods across Alliance controlled space with just each other for company. With a reputation for trouble and no chance at promotion, the two men are planning for the day they can go into business for themselves and leave their military lives behind.
A straightforward supply run turns into a life changing event when the two elites discover a treasure hidden in their cargo bay. Keeping their sexy stowaway may bring the full wrath of the Alliance down on their heads, but Trevar and Deacon won’t let her go without a fight. Will their journey end in heartache, or can three misfit hearts find love in the darkness between the stars?
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LEA BARRYMIRE: Heroines? *sigh* I'm torn on what type I enjoy. Most of the time I really like a self-confident, kick-ass woman. I love how they just do what needs to be done. Fuck the world. But, then sometimes I like to read about a softer woman who is a little broken, like me, and finds her strength in the arms of a man. LOL In my upcoming release, 'Accidentally Yours', you'll meet a woman who seems soft in the very first paragraph but redeems herself. She finds strength and is quite fiesty. This is a paranormal erotic romance. Lots of sexual tension leads these two on a merry adventure.
Cammie has had one hell of a night. Her long-time abusive boyfriend pushed her to the limits and then a freaking wolf hit her car. While clutching a bag of frozen peas to her swollen eye she manages to rescue the animal and make it home. But what’s she do with it after that?
Coyote Bluff is a small, quaint town in the mountains of Virginia. With it's diner run by Mama, the police force of one and a single stop light it's much like every other small town in America. Well, until you take a closer look.
Feel free to come visit Coyote Bluff... but keep an eye on the wildlife.
PRE-ORDER LINK:
Releasing 9/10/2014
JENIKA SNOW: My favorite type of heroine is the one that can be stubborn and strong, but also has that soft, innocent side. I want her to be able to give as good as she takes, especially when it concerns her hero. I’m all about the alpha for the hero, but a fierce heroine really brings out the story because she isn’t a pushover. She has to have a smart mouth, be independent and intelligent, and when her hero challenges her she doesn’t back down easily. Giving in to easily is never a good thing, and I like to see that determination in the heroines I read as well as write.
Bronson Lyon, Scottish leader and warlord of Clan Lyon, has seen enough death to last a lifetime. He has battle scars that would have killed a lesser man. After fighting for years to reclaim his territory, he is ready to settle down and create a family. But Bronson does not court or woo women. He takes what he wants, when he wants it, and makes no apologies for the carnage left behind in his wake.
When a buxom and untouched redhead is brought to him as a potential bride, he instantly wants to claim her. Genevieve's body was meant to bear him strong, fearsome sons, and he will show her what it means to be owned by a warlord.
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ERIN M. LEAF: Spunky, sassy, and serious - My very favorite kind of heroine is a woman who has spunk. Sass. Some serious mojo. She isn't afraid of life and can usually take care of herself, but once in a while, something happens that knocks her on her butt and she just needs a little help...I bet you know where I'm going with this? Enter awesome hero, stage left! In my latest novel, DARK, the heroine has had a rough time of it, but she's spunky. Courageous. Determined to survive, even though her dad died, her mother uprooted her from all she knows, and her only peaceful sanctuary is inhabited by a gruff, territorial man. Unfortunately, he's not her only problem. --> Greyson Dark doesn’t like strangers in his territory. Eva Waverley doesn’t like being told to keep out. But when an ancient alien menace threatens Earth, he can't just let her die...
Greyson Dark doesn’t like strangers in his territory.
Eva Waverley doesn’t like being told to keep out.
After her father's suicide, hiking is the only thing that makes the bullying in Eva's new school bearable. When Greyson rescues her from a tumble, she falls for him despite his autocratic demeanor. She's leaving for college soon—what does it matter if she crushes on a man everyone else fears?
Greyson suspects Eva is his true mate, but duty demands he remain aloof. She doesn’t know he's a long-lived Sentry, sworn to protect Earth from an ancient alien menace. When she leaves for college, he's relieved, but four years later she comes back, all grown up and more gorgeous than ever.
Greyson can't afford to care for a mortal woman, no matter how compelling. Hackers are attacking Stronghold, the Sentries' net, and Spiders are swarming beyond the moon, but when Eva is attacked, he discovers he can't just let her die…
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VELLA DAY: I love a heroine who can give as good as she gets. She’s not one to bend to the will of her man (or men), but will challenge him. If she believes she’s right, she’ll go after it—whether it’s to find the bad guys or to get her man. That being said, she is putty when making love to her man/men. She may challenge him, but he never lets her win. That, of course, spurs her on to tease him(or them) even more. My two biggest “naughty girls” are Mackenzie Wagner in Loving Their Vixen Mate(Pack Wars 4)—due out Sept 10th, and Ali McDaniels (Awakening Passions)- due out Nov. 12th.
The hunt begins.
Mackenzie Wagner is deeply worried when her cousin not only fails to return from a job interview in Florida, she doesn’t answer her phone. Fearing something has happened to Cheryl, Mackenzie is determined to find answers. Now that her werewolf father has been slain by the evil Colters, it’s her job to carry on the tradition of helping others.
Werewolf cousins, Brandon and Sam Crenshaw, work for The Pack—a group charged with taking down the Colter organization. They’re hot on the trail of locating Cheryl Johnson, Mac’s cousin, and the last thing they need, or expect, is a woman interfering with their job.
All plans of keeping her at a distance go awry when the men realize Mackenzie is their mate. They vow to keep her safe—even if they have to lock her up. Too bad she’s smart enough to outwit them. It doesn’t matter the sex with both men is hotter than sin, she wants to find her cousin—no matter the cost.
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JODI OLSEN: I was asked who is my favorite Heroine. I have many favorites, but I would say Laney from Owning the Desire. She is married to Eliott who works hard and is always traveling for business. He is never home, their sex life sucks and after 11 years she is about ready to give up on him. She gives Elliott one more chance to repair their marriage. She wants more control and she takes it to a level Elliott never knew he could enjoy so much. She becomes a Mistress/Domme and he is her slave in the bedroom.
Elliott and his beautiful wife, Laney, were in a rut. The spark had gone from their marriage, replaced with work and the humdrum routine of everyday life. When Laney opens the boxes of “toys” that Elliott ordered, and checks his browser history on the computer, she finds the key to adding some spice back to their love-life. With the assistance of local Domme Aunt Mavis, Laney becomes the dominant vixen Elliott always fantasied about. Both Elliott and Laney find what they need and end up…Owning the Desire.
BUY LINK:
WILLOW BROOKE: Thank you Laurie for having me back! This is my favorite time of the month! There are so many types of women in the world, which gives variety to our characters. My favorite type of heroine is complex, like real women are. I love a woman with strength, passion, and the desire to adapt and overcome. A snarky spunk and sarcastic outlook always makes for a humorous and enjoyable story. There is nothing better than to be reading along and go, “Get ‘em girl!” because she managed to floor the hero/heroes. If a woman can floor you with her wit and charm the pants off the most alpha of males, she is definitely worthy of the ‘best heroine’ title! She loves stronger than most, cries for her heart, and fights for what’s right… all while outsmarting the person/persons that are standing between her and her happiness. This woman empowers the reader and gives them the courage to take a piece of her into themselves.
In book four of Breaking Protocol: The troops finally land a vacation in a tropical paradise for some much needed R&R and a honeymoon celebration. With time to unwind, Zane ‘Hulk’ Monroe moves in on the one little redhead that’s been on his mind since she arrived at the ranch—Violet Larose. He’d been keeping her at a distance, but with their mission at a standstill and the warm sun, soft sand, and flowing drinks, what better time than the present?
Nick ‘Kodiak’ Hughes has enjoyed the playful flirting with Violet, but wants more. A lot more. He knows Hulk has a thing for her that she returns, but doesn’t think that should stop him from moving in. What’s not to like about a good ménage relationship, right? Normally, the woman would be the one to need some extra convincing and persuasion, but not in this case. He’s up against not only one of the most stubborn soldiers he’d ever met, but one that is suffering from extreme PTSD and in denial.
With the enemy hunting on their territory and endangering the family they hold so dear, the unit must lay it all on the line to protect them. With the mission down to the wire and the victory in sight, can they figure out who is friend, and who is foe?
This book contains real problems that real soldiers deal with on a daily basis. Join the men in a journey of love, action, and a family pulling together to help their soldiers regain control of their lives as they take on the world in order to protect their country and defend their freedom. Sweet romance, hot ménage sex that will curl your toes, and a bunch of soldiers who will steal your heart and leave you wanting more awaits you!
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STACEY ESPINO: I think I've written just about every type of heroine over the years—insecure, feisty, strong, innocent, naughty, and damaged. They span different genres and appear in my novels from cowgirls to executives. I'd have to say my favorite type of heroine to write has a definite naughty side with a splash of humor. She's well aware of her own sexual needs and isn't about to let Mr. Wrong screw up her life—even if she secretly craves that fairy tale romance. I often like to mix things up in my writing, adding heroines with disabilities or the less-than-perfect ideal. Overall, a strong, independent heroine makes for an interesting...and larger than life relationship. Whether she starts out sweet and virginal or bratty and set in her ways, my heroes always manage to bring out their naughty sides!
Eva Ford lives a sheltered life on her small rural farm. At twenty-two, she feels the need to spread her wings and start her own life, planning a trip to the city to show her prized cows. Colton and North McReed from the next ranch over are determined to make sure she stays out of trouble.
Twin brothers, Colton and North, have always loved little Eva. She's their rock in life, the one pure thing in their otherwise dark existence. Their abusive father ran out on the family years ago and their mother suffers from a serious addiction. They never look at Eva with desire...until they spend a week alone with her in the city.
Everything changes when Eva and the cowboys realize just how deep their love for each other runs. Once their passion is unleashed, it's impossible to contain. But can their unorthodox relationship last? Will sex ruin the friendship of a lifetime?
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KALI ARGENT: My favorite type of heroine is independent and confident without being bitchy. She’s willing and able to stand up for what’s right, and she’s not about to be anybody’s doormat. However, she’s also smart. She knows when she’s outgunned, outmuscled, and is secure in asking for help. She’s even capable of removing herself completely from the picture if that’s what it takes to get the job done. My favorite type of heroine is kind and compassionate, but at the same time, she doesn’t trust easily. This girl isn’t going to give her heart to just anyone. Her trust, her love, and her loyalty must be earned, but once accomplished, no one on the planet loves harder or passionately than she.
Sometimes, new beginnings come from unexpected places.
To Cecily Baker, being unattached means making her own decisions, living by her own rules, and never answering to anyone. So when her sister drags her to a singles night at a local club—and then ditches her—it only strengthens Cecily’s conviction that dating just isn’t for her.
Pulling double duty as a bouncer and a bartender, Rafe Serento has seen a parade of beautiful women walk through the doors of Electric Mist, but he’s never met anyone like Cecily. Lovely in every sense of the word, and just as stubborn, she challenges everything he thought he wanted in a relationship.
The more Cecily pushes him away, though, the harder Rafe pushes back, and unless they find some common ground, they’ll both end up Alone.
BE SURE TO STOP BY KALI ARGENT'S BLOG TO CHECK OUT HER FOURTH FRIDAY FAVES THIS MONTH!
