Welcome to A Hero’s Blog Hop, peeps! I hope you all have hopped all over the place, taking in the many fine heroes Carrie Ann Ryan has amassed through the authors and bloggers participating. Thanks so much for hosting, Carrie Ann!
So, I’d like to chat to you all about my upcoming release from Decadent Publishing, ROUGH DIAMOND, and my wonderful, saucy hero, Rupert Llewellyn!
As a massive fan of the brilliant TV show Misfits, I love love LOVE Simon. He’s just so cute, which is really kinda strange cos in the first series, he was a bit of a creepy stalker dude. HOWEVER. The actor who portrays him, Iwan Rheon, is Welsh and as Rupert of ROUGH DIAMOND is Welsh, I thought who better to be my inspiration!
Personality-wise, though, the inspiration is all Rupert. He’s playacting at being an empty-headed Public School boy. Hmm. I should probably explain myself a bit there. Um… Er…
The closest example I can think of is Hugh Laurie in Blackadder. Total sidenote – you’ve no notion how shocked I was the first time I watched House. THAT was Hugh Laurie?! Are you sure?? No way was that the same man who played that empty-headed nincompoop in Blackadder. NO WAY*
Anyhoo, back to Rupert. Rupert is much cleverer than he pretends, and only his heroine, Alice, can see through his deception. Being the kind of man he is, Rupert is mightily intrigued and somewhat amused that Alice doesn’t believe his lie. Unfortunately, he underestimates her completely, and that’s when the fun begins… Alice turns him over and around, until he doesn’t know why she’s got him so tied in knots, and while it’s agony for him, it’s pretty fun times for us as readers, hey? 
ROUGH DIAMOND will be available later this year from Decadent Publishing’s Western Escape. I hope you guys check it out!
And now, the contest#!
Comment below on your favourite hero. Why have you chosen that particular hero? What is about him that makes you swoon? What makes him so very special? Let me know!
One lucky commenter will win a USD$5 Amazon.com Gift Card, as well as a signed ENSLAVED postcard, a signed TEACH ME postcard, an ENSLAVED magnet and TEACH ME magnet. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter!
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!!!
The GRAND prize winner may be chosen from this very blog! Therefore, please make sure to include your email address in your comment – you could win the following:
- 1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
- 2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
- 3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
Super cool, right? Good luck, peeps!
xx
*FYI, totally is him. It’s on his IMDB page and everything, so it must be true**
** Guys, I’m totally messing with you. Of course I knew it was him. They kinda look the same, so it’s the same guy, right? That’s how that works, yes?***
*** Golly, I crack myself up some times, I surely do
Click here to see the other awesome giveaways!
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# The small print: Comment before midnight on 01/08/2012 (Australian Central Standard Time) to be entered to win a USD$5 Amazon.com Gift Card, one (1) signed ENSLAVED postcard, one (1) signed TEACH ME postcard, one (1) ENSLAVED magnet and one (1) TEACH ME magnet. Winner will be selected via random.org, with winner’s name posted on this blog by 02/08/2012. Cassandra will also contact the winner by e-mail; the winner will be required to reply with their postal address so Cassandra can send the prize to them.
Only one entry per ISP address. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. By entering, you agree Cassandra can use your name when announcing the winner if you should win. If potential prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes will be awarded. International entries are welcome. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.
The Grand Prize competition is run by Carrie Ann Ryan and winner will be drawn by Carrie Ann. Cassandra accepts no responsibility or liability for this competition.
I know – Hugh Laurie – kept listening to this House guy with that accent and saying – but he’s British!!
AND HE’S A COMPLETE IDIOT! Well, not Hugh Laurie, but the character I know him as ;p
That first season was so weird. My eyes were telling me one thing, my brain another…Glory be, so odd!
Thanks for visiting, Daryl!
My hero of the moment has got to. Be Richard Castle from the books and TV . He is sexy and funny and adores his family
Ohhh, Nathan Fillion! He is my secret husband. I love him so much, ever since I first, ahem, “admired” him in FIREFLY…
Thanks for visiting, Petula!
Colin Firth as Mr Darcy has to be the best hero ever. That man can say a million words with his eyes! Swoon!
paulamartinromances(at) gmail.com
YES! A million times, yes! I did love that miniseries, and Colin Firth was just completely swoonworthy. Have you had occasion to see LOST IN AUSTEN? It’s a great riff on both Pride & Prejudice and the BBC miniseries.
Thanks for commenting, Paula!
My favorite hero has to be Vishous from J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. He is such a tortured soul, yet, he has a tender side. He cares deeply for those he loves, would do anything for them, but, he is a smartass, won’t straight up tell them. He’s a fighter, a lover, a friend, and a male of worth. What more could a girl want! Oh, and…he’s a sexy vampire to boot! Mmmm….
Ohhh, nice choice, Barbara! I must admit, I’m a bit partial to Zsadist from the BDB series. THIS SURPRISES NO ONE. *sigh* I’m so predictible with my tortured bad boy fetish ;p
Thanks for hopping, Barbara!
My hero #1 hero will always be Duncan McLeod of the Highlander TV series. Good looks, killer moves, big heart, fierce protective streak, troubled soul, and the accent. Who could possibly ask for more?
bidelia78@yahoo.com
Oh yes, he is certainly yummy! I did love the movie HIGHLANDER to pieces, and the tv series was mighty fine. Unfortunately, here in Oz it was on at such random times that I never got a true sense of the series – maybe I should see if its available for public consumption on the internets…hmm
Thanks for your comment, Kitty!
My pleasure. It got weird after the 4th season. Highlander used to be on Hulu, a few years back. Not sure if it is anymore or not, since I switched to using Netflix.
Hmm. I think I must search out, if only to see how it got weird.
Thanks for letting me know!
by weird I mean the hero turning {temporarily evil} and such.
You’re welcome.
I think I’ll break out the DVDs and watch some myself.
I must say, I agree that both Richard Castle and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy are great. I’m also partial to both Morelli and Ranger in Janet Evanovitch’s Stephanie Plum series (for the record, my vote’s on Morelli). But my all-time favorite hero is Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. How can anyone resist him? He’s brave, loyal, passionate, considerate, and the tips of his ears turn pink when he experiences strong emotion. Also he’s Scottish and looks outstanding in a kilt. I have heard rumors of a movie, and I only hope they find an actor who can do justice to the role.
What a great list, Maureen!
I must admit, I haven’t been able to get into the Outlander series for whatever reason. I think I’m missing out on something special – must rectify this!
Also, I read the other day that Ronald D. Moore, the guy who did the reboot of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, is developing Outlander/Cross Stitch for TV! That should be mighty interesting, don’t you think?
Thank you so much for visiting, Maureen!
Sappy, but my hero is my hubby. He’s strong and dominant, but can be gentle and caring.
jlhmass at yahoo dot com
Ohhh, that’s lovely! How wonderful that your husband is your hero.
Thanks for stopping by!
Andy Whitfield from the first season of Spartacus. he was so powerful in that series and made me believe!
parisfan_ca@yahoo.com
OH MY GOD, YES! In fact, Andy was the inspiration for Marcus from ENSLAVED – I am completely, violently, obsessively in love with SPARTACUS. Can’t believe it’s all over red rover with the third season, but major props to the creators for ending it before it started to wane.
Thanks for commenting, Laurie!
I can think of a lot of heroes and they have all had strength of character and tenderness.
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
You’re right, those are such important qualities, Yvette.
Thank you so much for visiting!
Right now, one of my heroes is Duke from G.I. Joe, played by non other than the sexy Channing Tatum!! Sighhhh…he can rescue me any day.
tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
I only saw Channing Tatum in a movie for the first time last week – I know, totally slow on the uptake. He’s quite delish, isn’t it?? Might have to check out G.I. Joe!
Thanks for stopping by, Chickie!
Oh I adore Blackadder … let’s see ..
I’d say Oenomaus from Spartacus – especially in the flashback season when we meet his wife – or even Ganniicus – the anti-heroic hero… He’s far cuter in a tiny package…
glhince@gmail.com
Awesome choices! I’m quite partial to Ganniicus as well.
Actually, I was watching the DVD of SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA the other day, and the actor who portrays him, Dustin Clare, said he based his character on quite a well known Australian boxer who is totally arrogant and a bit of a dick, but is amazingly good at what he does, which balances the arrogance. What’s really funny is Dustin phrased it in such a way that I immediately knew who he meant!
If anyone is curious who it is, let me know and I’ll pass it on ;p
Thanks for commenting, gaele1!
My favorite fictional hero is Bones from the Night Huntress series. Bones is dark, dominant, all alpha male, and my perfect hero.
molly(dot)frenzel(at)gmail(dot)com
Ooooh, nice one! Bones is rather delish, isn’t he? And that chapter in book 2…my word! *cassandra fans herself*
Thank you so much for commenting!
My fave hero is Acheron from the Dark Hunter Series, I just love him!
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, good answer, donnablhmistress!
I must say, I’m enjoying reading about everyone’s favourite heroes – I think some reading is in order, very soon
Thanks for visiting!
Very excited about your new book!
My favorite historical romance hero right now is _still_ Julian Spencer from Julie Anne Long’s How the Marquess Was Won — the mix of rock star/a-list status and very human insecurities captured my imagination. ^_^
khriscc (at) yahoo (dot) com
Yay, Tin, so glad you’re excited about ROUGH DIAMOND!
Nice pick as well! I do like the Pennyroyal Green series from Julie Anne Long – can’t wait to read Lyon’s story ;p
Thanks for popping by, Tin!
I have too many favorites. lol I love Nathan Fillion as Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds in Firefly. It only last a season and one movie but it is great. Thank you for the giveaway.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com
Ohhh, kaylynd, you are after my own heart. I LOVE Nathan Fillion in FIREFLY, so so much. That show was just full of awesome, wasn’t it? So sad it didn’t get more than one (abortive) season, but that’s better than nothing!
Thanks for commenting!
oh my gosh I LOVE Hugh Laurie! Nathan Fillion isn’t bad either, you my dear have great taste!
Okay heroes, I love a bad boy who reforms for the heroine type, okay I just love a bad boy what can I say.
Rough Diamond sounds good can’t wait, thanks Carin
mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Carin. They are pretty scrumtious ;p
I must say, the bad boy who reforms is a particular love of mine. *sigh* I’M SO VERY PREDICTIBLE
Thanks so much for commenting!
My favorite used to be Gabriel St. Croix from “Broken Wing” by Judith James, but sadly it comes in second to Gideon Cross from “Bared To You” by Sylvia Day. My very favorite hero has to be wounded emotionally. Don’t ask me why, because I have no idea. Thanks for doing the Hop!
gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh, Mary, total snap there! What is it about the wounded hero that is JUST SO HOT???
Thanks so much for visiting!
I love all the heroes in the books I read. I could never choose between them. My real life heroes are my kids. They have challenges they must face everyday & it never fazes them
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lisa G
That’s so wonderful, Lisa G.
Thank you so much for sharing, and for stopping by!
I love heros, especially romantic ones.
lena.grey.iam@gmail.com
They are the bestest, aren’t they?
Thanks for commenting!
I really liked Sin from Devil May Cry. He gave the heroine a second chance after his numerous experience with betrayal.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com
Hmm, I haven’t read that one, Jan. Might have to add it to the TBR pile!
Thank you so much for stopping by
I love Bowen from Immortals after the Dark series, he can save me anytime. thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest(AT)aol(DOT)com
Ohhh, the IAD! I do love that series. For me, my faves are Conrad and Malkom – again, the damaged, broken guys are the hottest, IMO!
Thank you so much for commenting!
One of my favorite heroes from a book is Wraith from the Demonica series by Larissa Ione. He is half demon/half vampire and a very tortured hero. He starts out pretty self centered (thinking he can do what he wants without consequences) due to the things that have happened to him in the past. He now has to save himself by pretty much damning someone else, can he do it? You will have to read the book, lol.
June
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Ah yes, the Demonica series! I did quite like Wraith
Good pick, June! Thanks so much for commenting!
I have to say my all time favorite book hero is Zsadist. He was sucah a tortured sole for so long then Bella came into his life. His determination to save her even if it was from himself grabbed my heart. Now if I had to choose a favorite from the big or little screen that’s even harder! Mark Harmon as Gibbs on NCIS is so yummy but all the guys in Expendables 2… OMG!! Can not wait for that movie to come out!
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
The Expendables, hey? I’ve not seen that one, but I might have to now!
Ah, Zsadist. You are a character after my own heart, you surely are.
Thanks for commenting, Susan!
My favorite hero from tv is Ian Somerhalder from The Vampire Diaries.Those blue eyes of his make me swoon
Thanks for the giveaway!
justjanhvi at gmail dot com
Nice pick! It’s hard to believe that’s the same guy who was so annoying in LOST, hey? Shows what good writing and fantastic character work can do!
…
Hmm, and that just sounds like I was bagging LOST, which I totally didn’t intend! LOST was frustrating, but it had some shining moments.
Right. I’m going to leave it there!
Thanks so much for visiting!
My favorite hero is hands down… Shelly Laurenston’s Bo Novikov from “Beast Behaving Badly” He is surly, and mean, and everyone hates him, except Blayne Thorpe. She get him to behave and not be so selfish and mean and he loves every minute of it. He just doesn’t show it to the world.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ohh, I do like Shelley Laurenston, and I LOVE her Dragon books! Will def have to give BEAST BEHAVING BADLY a go
Nice pick, Renee. Thanks for stopping by!
My favorite fero isn’t really a romantic hero but he’s pretty awesome in my book. Harry Dresden: Wizard PI extraordinaire he doesn’t believe in giving up, always gives it his all even if it hurts and will always be a champion for the underdogs of the world. That he does it while making you laugh at his snarkyness is just a bonus. He’s swoonworthy in my book. achbarrow(at)gmail(dot)com
I like your choice, Ayla. I’ve read the first Harry Dresden book and must find time to read more.
Thanks for your comment!
I have to many hero’s Thank you for the giveaway..
ronnkelly3@aol.com
It IS hard to choose, isn’t it?
Thanks so much for visiting, Kelly!
My favorite hero is a musician. I simply adore him because he is portrated as a player, a user. But as the series goes on you learn he has a troubled past. He is actually really lonely and desperate for love and when he finds the perfect woman for him, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Debdebss@yahoo.com
Ohhhh, don’t leave us hanging? Who is this musician???
Thank you so much for stopping by, Debra!
My favorite fictional hero is Roarke from J. D. Robb’s In Death series.
sqwalker2@hotmail.com
Oh yes, Roarke. Rwoar! ;p
Thanks for commenting, Lisa!
I cannot pick just one of my heroes. They all are different & unique in their own way. Oh…what’s a girl to do??? Thank you for participating in this blog hop.
JessieL62@comcast.net
Have them all? ;p
Thanks for stopping by, Jessie!
So it may be weird, but I’m super into Batman right now. He is my PERFECT hero!! He has cool cars, is handsome, saves people, rich…and super smart. My kinda hero!
Thank you for the opportunity!
brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
The Brunette Librarian Blog
Not weird at all! Christian Bale as Batman, yum!
Thanks for visiting!
Any man in uniform, they save lives and are sexy.
r.d1@myfairpoint.net
Nice choice, Deb, and a fantastic reason
Thanks for commenting!
my stepdad, never thought I’d ever see my mom smile again
marybkabui@gmail.com
Awww, that’s so lovely! Thank you so much for commenting
great blog contest, love your books
kintan002000@yahoo.com
Thanks, Nina, what a great compliment
Good luck!
Well I love Jim Heron form Fallen Angel series by JR Ward. He is HOT and gets to literaly save the world. Plus lets face it who doesn’t want a bad boy in bed!
Heh, good reason, Minnie ;p
Thanks for stopping by!
Christain bale i choosed him cause he is the best bayman by far that is the reason i choosed him angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com and ps by the way i love how he visted the surving victims in colorado
I do love Christian Bale as well. Great choice, MicheleAnn!
Thanks for visiting!
I have so many Heroes I love Bones he is one of my favorites!
Thank you for the great giveaway!
tishajean@ charter.net
Ah, Bones, you are a bit of a fave. Excellent choice
Thanks for stopping by!
All ALPHA…Large and in Charge!!
raynman1979 at yahoo dot com
What an awesome choice of character detail, Larissa! Gotta love those Alphas
Thanks for commenting!
Jacky Faber from the Bloody Jack books is my favorite heroine.
Jesse
jesse.kimmelfreeman@gmail.com
I haven’t heard of this series before, but I’ll def have to check it out.
Thanks for visiting!
My most recent read is my newest hero
Jack Cavendish-Audley from Julia Quinn’s The Lost Duke of Wyndham – He has military background so he is strong yet you see his soft side and oh so witty with gorgeous emerald green eyes 
Thank you for the chance to win!
Jesscaashley(at)yahoo(dot)com
Nice pick, Jessica! I do like Julia Quinn, though I esp like her early stuff – how good was The Duke and I??
Thanks for commenting!
wow that going to bae hared the hero ilike here are the fire dept they are out fighting a fire now a 1200 acre and then they are risking there live and then the saving the farm and the the animal on the aplcae
dse ithe blonde at msnd to com
What a wonderful choice. Real life heroes are awesome, aren’t they?
Thank you so much for visiting
Many favorites, but my real hero has been at my side for 51
years. An Alpha with touches of Beta, Honey has given his
all to our family and devoted himself to caring for our
children and grandchildren.
Pat C.
p-cochran@juno.com
How lovely, Pat. Thank you so much for sharing that
I’m probably the odd one here, but my current fave hero is Odd Thomas, from the Dean Koontz series. He has a purpose that he always trusts (even if he doesn’t always understand it), and may eternally pine for his lost love, Stormy. He’s pretty special, for a short-order cook!
feathermaye@gmail.com
I’ve heard a lot about Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series. I LOVE his earlier work, esp LIGHTNING, WATCHERS and my very favourite, STRANGERS. Think I might have to check this series out!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
My favorite fictional hero is my own, Heath. (Because he’ll stone me to death if I name anyone else. Seriously, living with this guy in my head is quite the experience! LOL)
He isn’t actually fully aware yet that he is going to be a hero, but that won’t stop him from shoving his way into the spotlight! The funny thing about this is that when he actually does something heroic, like saving a bunch of orphans from a flood or beating the daylights out of an abusive bastard, he doesn’t brag about it. He’d much sooner talk about his sexual conquests, his chess match wins, or his sexual conquests. (He’s with twins right now, thus the double mention. My poor brain. LOL) But in the end he will prove that he is a great hero. Then again, maybe he’ll be the ultimate villain. I’d hate to rule anyone out just yet, as readers will have a long journey ahead before that answer sneaks out!
Heath sounds like a swoonworthy hero! Will def have to check him out ;p (OMG, TWINS???)
Thank you so much for commenting!
I love Charles from the alpha and omega series by Patricia Briggs. He’s very alpha but is gentle with his mate and would do anything to protect her.
mythic021@gmail.com
I quite like that series myself, Vanessa, and Charles is just delish!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Right now my favorite hero is Justice from Justice by Laurann Dohner. I love this book and i love the characters! Especially the hero.
Thanks for the fun hop and the awesome giveaway! Ya all rock!! 
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much, Shadow! And thank you for your hero choice – fantastic
I like Zsadist from BDB because he’s caring and alpha.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Nice choice, I love Zsadist too!
Thank you so much for commenting