The comedy and music section of the DVD's had to be totally redone, and more books picked up yesterday including Lori Wilde and Debbie Macomber. Cleaned the car and was eaten by ginormous mosquitoes that God had no business creating. (lol) I was looking through a lot of my treasures from back in the 90's and realized all of the heroes were totally gorgeous and the women were stunning. In fact, they pretty much depicted what was on the cover. Picking up my first novel so many years ago, I realized that I needed those lead characters to be almost perfect, along with a happily ever after. Books truly allowed me to escape into the fantasy of pure romance or eroticism.
It wasn't until 2010 when I reviewed an historical novel entitled, A Little Bit Wild, by Victoria Dahl, that it became clear that just like in real life, the star of the book didn't really need to be good looking in the traditional sense that I had grown used to. Jude didn't care about fitting in by dressing like every other aristocrat, his nose was broken and everything about him was large. Soon, I was drawn to his phenomenal sense of humor, strong morals, patience and raw masculinity. Originally Marissa, a stunning and impetuous woman, simply found Jude to be odd and different, and there was definitely no attraction. Yet, just as he did with Marissa, I soon fell head over heels in love!
Now, as my reading tastes have evolved, I look forward to reading about that curvy heroine with a witty personality, or the Navy Seal who woos me with his intelligence and gains my respect with his confident nature. Where I used to be drawn to the handsome hunk with dark hair and deep blue eyes, that's no longer important.
What matters more is the multilayered story that is weaved and the overall depth of the characters. I eagerly embrace the novel that's compelling and dares to be different from the status quo. I'm looking for the woman we see running to catch the subway, or the man buying his own groceries in the supermarket. You know - the everyday heroes.
However, we could probably debate all day who is considered handsome or beautiful. We'll save that fun topic for another day. (lol)
But what about you? Do your characters need to look a certain way in order for you to get into the book? Do you care one way or the other?
Ironically, when characters are too good looking it's a total put off, I love flaws. Flaws add a bit of realism to each character, the ideal person isn't particularly ideal to me. If that makes any sense?;) Hugs hun! Happy Saturday
ReplyDeleteI remember needing to have the lead characters beauty or handsomeness as part of the book's success and I wanted that fairytale. Like you, the flaws of a person make it real. Hugs...Hope your week has been great!
DeleteMy heroes don't need to look a certain way but they need to have a likable personality even if it's hidden for a while. I've fallen in love with heroes who had scarred faces, mutilated bodies after war and men who were considered large by someone's ridiculous standards.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Mary. A likeable character may not be movie star handsome, yet still have much to offer. Hugs...
DeleteOften, most authors give their characters have a slight imperfection. Once, I start reading, it's the quality of the character that appeals. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! The quality is so important! Hugs...
DeleteI am sometimes unable to "get" what the guy looks like from the description. ANd, for whatever reason they always look like action heroes from my younger days. So it probably doesn't make a difference. Nobility and intelligence are more important to me.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point, and one I've experienced at one time or other. For some reason the characters never reflect people I actually know or movie star, but I usually get some visualization eventually. I'm hooked on intelligence, too.
DeleteI have to admit I don't really visualise characters I read in a book. However when it comes to series of novels I guess I end up with a picture in my mind - and have been disappointed when some have been translated onto the screen. They don't really need to be good looking though - just something alluring about them!
ReplyDeleteThere have been times I couldn't envision the hero, but in most instances I do have a clear picture. Like you, I feel that something about them has to be interesting and more than a pretty face.
DeleteI think this is why I've always had a thing for the Beauty and the Beast motif in books and not just the men. I remember being so taken by Georgette Heyer's hero, Freddy Stanton because he was the average guy in looks and demeanor competing for the girl against the ideal historical romance hero. I need to re-read that one.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I like seeing the everyday guy win the woman because he dared to be different or more sensitive or more intelligent, or wore glasses. Something about him has to be compelling. I love Beauty and the Beast, and is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover in every instance. Hugs...
DeleteSimply put: YES. I'm not going to pretend I'm not a superficial reader. I like my heroes to be so unbelievably handsome that it's nearly impossible to put a face in the name. However, I'm willing to make an exception with Levi of Fangirl fame.
ReplyDeleteLove your response, Joy, as always! (lol) I totally get it, and was that way once. , too. Linda howard wrote this phenomenal book, "Mr. Perfect", and he was just that. Adorable, fun, handsome, and I fell in love. In fact, if I read it again, I'd probably feel the same way and get weak in the knees. For the most part, I'm looking for more substance these days. Blame it on old age! (lol) Hugs...
DeleteGreat topic! I think every book has the main characters that will suit the story and it depends on that if they should be handsome or not. For me it isn't a requirement. I like a good story with or without pretty people.
ReplyDeleteThank you and you're right. That's the fun part of reading so many books these days. We're bound to find a mix of both and have it be just as meaningful if all the components are there. Hugs...
DeleteFor me, it really depends, Ro. In some cases, I am easily woo'ed by a handsome hero, but in others, those who aren't conventional looking at all can mark me on a much deeper level. One of my favorite heroes is Terrible from Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series, and he is not good-looking, but rather a bit scary and bordering on ugly. He is amazing, though! And getting to know him was worth being a little awed and afraid of him at first ;)
ReplyDeleteLexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Ooh...he sounds really interesting! I'm going to have to get that book. It sounds like a real keeper! I was telling Joy that I loved Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard and fell totally in lust, but as i've gotten older, my reading has changed and while I can still be wooed by a handsome face, I'm just as comfortable with the average hero. Hugs...
DeleteOne of my favorite heroes ever was Clint from Lori Foster's Just a Hint, Clint. He's this big haulking male and multiple times they mention how he wasn't handsome and had a rough face. But oh man. I would snap him up in a second. It's all about the personality and he had that sexy swagger that just melted me. And like mentioned when they're too perfect they are a bit of a turn off because it's just too much for me. I also really like Elizabeth Hoyt's historicals where all of the characters have something "wrong" with them physically. I love all of their imperfections :D
ReplyDeleteYep, I remember that book and have it on Lori's shelf. Yes , totally agree with you that swagger and strength can make all the difference in a hero, and makes him seem much more real to me. I know there are really handsome hunks in real life and goodness, they are wonderful to look at, but if there's nothing going on behind the face like integrity, honesty, sensitivity, it just doesn't seem real. Same thing in books. Hugs...
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