by Sharon Kendrick, author of Back in the Headlines (Harlequin Presents, December 2012)
What makes a man sexy?
For me it’s confidence, humour, arrogance and power.
I like a firm handshake, a steady gaze and the strength to chop open a coconut with a machete (though not all at the same time, obviously!).
Mediterranean men are sexy because they love women.
Greek men are sexy because they’re just so macho.
Tortured men are sexy because they tear at our heartstrings.
Sheikhs are sexy because….well….because they just are.
Every character I write is different, but for my latest hero I strayed into uncharted territory. Titus Alexander is an English aristocrat. Actually, he’s a Duke.
I pictured someone who had been born with every advantage a man could ever want. Someone privileged and powerful – with a huge country estate and a fabulous London townhouse. The kind of man who would be a marital target for every ambitious woman in the country.
Titus has coppery hair and steely eyes and I based him on Homeland actor Damian Lewis (who in real life is very posh indeed and went to Eton school).
Then I had to find Titus a woman – but she had to be the most unsuitable woman in the world.
Step forward Roxy Carmichael.
Roxy was once a member of a famous girl-band called The Lollipops, before she fell on hard times.
Now she’s cleaning other peoples’ houses and singing her heart out in a seedy nightclub.
Explosive chemistry might sizzle between this sexy has-been and the posh playboy, but it’s never going to be more than a fling.
Or is it?
I love stories of opposites attracting and I particularly liked the way that Roxy stood up to this tricky man who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
What kind of men do you find sexy – and would you include Damian Lewis in their number?
Sharon, call me shallow but all of the above appeal to me – maybe that’s why I’m a sucker for a Presents story. I’m absolutely with you on the confidence and humour, and could I just add competence? I love the fact that my favourite romance heroes are brilliant at their chosen field, whatever that may be. And if they’re great at getting dripping taps fixed too I wouldn’t complain!
Love the sound of your latest. It sounds like sparks all the way.
OMG, Damian Lewis! *faints* Yes. Yes, I do find him sexy.
Hi Sharon!
I love opposites attract stories and yours sounds like a cracker.
I love the qualities you listed, and Annie was spot on with confidence. There is something really attractive about a man who can do stuff and do it well.
That firm handshake…yes, that’s a sure sign of a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Can’t wait to read this one!
Can’t wait to read this one Sharon! I too love opposites attract stories. I have to add a man who can laugh at himself even if he is rich, powerful and deliciously arrogant
Hello Sharon,
Brillant, witty, cheeky,unpredictable but deeply trustworthy minds do attract me in a man.I’ll defenitly have to get into this Homeland series to check out Damian Lewis…and certainly can’t wait to read your latest ‘oeuvre d’art romantique’!
Annie, I’m with you on competence….though not sure I can see my alpha man mending a dripping tap (maybe off the page!)
MaryK – I’m with you!
*faints*.
Melanie, thanks for dropping by. A hero who goes after what he wants….yes! I like a man who is masterful.
Jennifer – totally agree that a man who has the ability to laugh at himself is truly delicious. Plus I like the contrast between humour and arrogance.
Helene. Indeed – trustworthiness is key and it conveys an inner strength which is one of the essential characteristics of the romantic hero.
There’s nothing sexier than a man who stays calm and in control in a crisis.
Because I’m a panic driven writer with an over active imagination, I can create a crisis out of nowhere so I made sure I picked a man with that quality
Can’t wait to read Roxy’s story Sharon!
Yes, totally agree, Sarah.
Calm, controlled and unflappable is the way to go….
Oohh, can’t say I’m a Damian girl but I do love a tall, broad, dark man with a very firm…handshake
x Abby
My goodness Sharon, another explosive mix you’ve got there….I can’t imagine how these two protagonists could possibly meet…dear me…I’m going to have to buy it! Ax
You’re right Sharon, there is something about Damian and I can’t wait to read this explosive opposites attract story. Like Annie West, I also look for all those qualties you listed and find them in Presents!
Abby Green – is that a little innuendo I see slipping into your comment?!
Alison, they have a GREAT meeting….
Rachael, hope you enjoy my copper-haired hero.
Sharon, this book sounds wonderful!!
Thanks, Maisey!