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jlariviere

February 04, 2019 at 10:02 AM UTC


Personally, I’d love to see a story with an “average joe” type heroe… One that isn’t the king, prince, owner of a business, but just one who is working hard to get through the daily grind. There’s a bunch of good suggestions in the other comments, but this is a character who often doesn’t seem to get much attention.

Lisa

February 05, 2019 at 03:26 AM UTC


I really like this idea – I would really like to see this one, because the guy who is just average – he’s not extremely gifted or attractive, not super snarky or darker temperament, and not obviously challenged in any particular way; but is a supportive, possibly quieter, AVERAGE type – these are the nice guys who never seem to get the girl/guy. I think it would be a really good read.

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jlariviere

February 04, 2019 at 10:06 AM UTC


maybe one who remembers to do spell check before hitting the submit button, though… lol

Stacee

February 04, 2019 at 06:15 AM UTC


I would like to see a very clever and witty hero. It would be someone who could figure out a solution or escape in a seemingly impossible situation. Some examples might be Percy from The Scarlet Pimpernel or Sherlock Holmes, or the heroes from Raphael Sabatini books.

Marenid

February 01, 2019 at 11:27 PM UTC


Definitely alpha male trickster villain turns hero. I love seeing the huge dramatic change especially when it’s because of love that they changed. Maybe a guy who had plans to be against the heroine but ends up being for her at the end.

K Dudenhoefer

January 31, 2019 at 08:14 PM UTC


Thank you to those who are editing out the nasty or inappropriate comments I very much appreciate the tenor of this site
Kindness and civility are good qualities

Kinshuk

January 31, 2019 at 08:41 PM UTC


Yup! Seconded.

Ælfhild Wiklund

January 31, 2019 at 01:14 PM UTC


Quiet and deadly with a dry sense of humor.

Charismatic trickster, such as many portrayals of Coyote.

And no, not in the same character, these are two different types. Though that would be interesting, a split personality?

Melanie

January 31, 2019 at 08:47 AM UTC


I’d love to see a Superman/Clark Kent archetype story. Hidden identities and the protagonist having to pretend they’re not the totally competent hero who saved the love interest’s life/defeated the bad guy/rescued the bus of nuns and orphans from colliding with the fireworks factory/etc. are completely my jam.

Kyla Mader

January 31, 2019 at 06:35 AM UTC


I like the suggestions for competition between the hero and heroine, but friendly with witty hilarious Kitty-Shea-type banter! That would be amazing!

Shay

January 31, 2019 at 08:02 AM UTC


I think I also really love this idea. Competitive heroine or hero. I could even see it turning pranky or flirty. I think i really enjoy reading the really quick witted characters, especially if there’s two that banters really well.

El

January 31, 2019 at 05:59 AM UTC


Omg definitely the villain or rival type!! Those are my absolute favourite! (Though I’m sure anyone you write will be just amazing) 💜

Arielle

January 31, 2019 at 05:56 AM UTC


A Quasimodo character. Someone who’s physically deformed but incredibly talented. I’ll also take someone who’s physically handicapped like Garret from Quest for Camelot. I think something like that could bring out a lot of insecurities and development.

Mahogany

February 01, 2019 at 12:49 PM UTC


Ohh. I like this. Quest for Camelot is one of my favorites.

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Lindsey

January 31, 2019 at 07:29 PM UTC


I’d love to have a character like this! Garret has always been one of my favorite characters and I love how he has learned to survive despite his handicap and seems confident but is secretly insecure about the way others view him. This kind of character would be really fun to read(and I’m sure to write). It would also be interesting to see a character like Howl from Howl’s moving castle. Maybe not quite so annoying(though I love him anyways) but more just a character who is really capable and saves the day/is really helpful but refuse to admit he’s a good person and pretends everything he does is for selfish reasons.

Alyssa

February 01, 2019 at 08:21 AM UTC


Yes!!! A disabled hero would be amazing!! Preferably not romanticized as a perfect wise person but shown with all their flaws and strengths. For example, he could be stronger because he’s learned how to survive life’s hardest hits but he’s weak because he’s human and he’s convinced that others see him as “less than”. That is probably way too specific! It’s so hard to find good books that really paint a great picture of a person creatively working through life with a disability and embracing and even leveraging their limitations. (Without miraculously getting a magical cure all, like a magic power that makes them so strong they don’t even seem disabled.) If you need some places to get ideas, there are many paraplegics and other physically disabled people who have blogs/YouTube pages. Spinal cord injury is another great way to search. Thanks for letting us share our ideas with you!

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El

January 31, 2019 at 06:03 AM UTC


Oooo I like that idea!!! If it’s in a world with magic, maybe along the way he gets something like an enchanted prosthetic, a magical item to help him or those around him know in advance when he won’t be having a good day, man there are a million ways this could be amazing and wow I’d read the heck out of that character

Mahogany

January 31, 2019 at 05:20 AM UTC


I’ve always wanted you to do a guy who is very in touch with his feelings, not afraid to cry. Maybe something where he is trying to save/protect the heroine. I know the TFT are over but maybe something like Rapunzel would work.

Kinshuk

February 04, 2019 at 11:41 AM UTC


The feelings idea though is quite interesting. I was always irked when steffen forcefully snubbed his feelings. It would be great to have someone do that.

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Kinshuk

January 31, 2019 at 08:37 PM UTC


If i am not wrong, rapunzel’s story will have mikk as the hero. I can’t really imagine him crying.

Carolyn

January 31, 2019 at 04:29 AM UTC


I would love to see a rival/ prankster duo. I always love the stories where it turns out that that was the guy’s way of flirting with the girl, but any variation of the first is always fun. The guy is super smart and talented, but he would rather spend his time competing with his girl than conquering the world.

RainbowDoom

January 31, 2019 at 03:04 AM UTC


How about a guy who isnt good in a fight but keeps stumbling into trouble do to a combination of a kind heart and snarky mouth?
Also villain turned hero, but the villain was really the good guy all along because the heroine was misinformed.

Alisha

January 31, 2019 at 12:43 AM UTC


I’m a huge fan of the “laugh to diffuse the tension,” “You don’t think I’m taking this seriously but I am thinking about it and will jump in the fight to defend who I care about” type of hero (think Malcom from Firefly).
Or the steady good guy who makes a mistake but means well (can Marzell from Snow have his own story?)

Abby

February 01, 2019 at 01:42 AM UTC


Yes! Seemingly a jokester, bit of a bumbling idiot, but in reality very smart, very wise and decisive, talented fighter and leader who hides behind his jokes for a deeper reason. Mal of Firefly all the way!

rydi123

January 31, 2019 at 12:27 AM UTC


Hidden power. This can combine with others, like alter ego, schemer, etc. but the core is an individual that plays themselves off as meek and not particularly powerful but actually holds more power than anyone would have imagined. This can play into a villain or hero role, or a bit of both depending on the other archetypes chosen to compliment it.

Kinshuk

January 31, 2019 at 08:12 AM UTC


Someone like Angelique?

Havers

January 30, 2019 at 11:14 PM UTC


My favorite trope is of the incredibly competent hero having a public identity of a kindly but not too bright person of means while doing something heroic in an alternate identity. Examples are: The Scarlet Pimpernel and Zorro. In my favorite books, the heroine is torn between her feelings for both men, but falls for the foolish-but-kind one in the end.

Hazel

January 30, 2019 at 09:34 PM UTC


Go, Merlin, Emerys, and Miles! XD

-Villain turned good guy has been said a lot, but I’m going to say it again XP
-Flirty play boy who becomes devoted to one girl
-Snarky/sarcastic character who doesn’t want to be a part of the mission/quest/plot conflict (a reluctant hero)
-Childhood best friend
-I really enjoyed Aldelbert’s and Wendal’s interactions, and I feel like their dynamic would make a cute couple, so a devoted servant hero that will destroy anyone who even looks at their Lady the wrong way

Hazel

January 30, 2019 at 09:36 PM UTC


Oh, and Alpha Male sounds interesting!

Camille

January 30, 2019 at 08:52 PM UTC


Nerdy writer
Sweet stutterer
Best friend but maybe more
Traveler who blends in
Adorable dork
Gentle giant

Lauren

January 30, 2019 at 09:51 PM UTC


Camille, I love the Nerdy Writer and Gentle Writer! That’s such a good idea!!!

Sarahhopefully

January 30, 2019 at 07:52 PM UTC


Maybe in the lines of villain-turned-hero, a betrayer or misplaced loyalty– someone who is torn between our heroine/good and their family/family-type unit that is evil, due to loyalty or back story. Someone who makes the “wrong” choice by staying loyal to their family, realizes they are wrong, and has to win the girl back while turning to the good side.

Mog

January 30, 2019 at 07:42 PM UTC


I like the idea of another Machiavellian schemer – i know we had that with Merlin, but it’s a broad enough type it could end up a very different hero if it was combined with a less selfless ascetic personality. Well, I guess Friedrich was a bit of a devious schemer too, but always room for more!

Ashley

January 30, 2019 at 07:27 PM UTC


I love that Emerys made it into second place and another hero interview would be much appreciated. I would like to see some other character types in upcoming books that branch into darker themes. A guy with a serious dark side who is also a serious flirt but who gets won over by the girl because he sees that she’s special and strong too. A boy next door character and more love triangles would be nice too. They make for a much more exciting sub plot. A genuinely kind person without any pretenses or dark past or emotional torture would be interesting too. Then the woman could be much more complex and be the one with the darkness.

Ciara Robinson

January 30, 2019 at 07:27 PM UTC


How about a mentor turned equal. That story line can be difficult to create but I always think it shows a lot of character development.

Kinshuk

January 30, 2019 at 07:31 PM UTC


Mentor turned equal? As in the romantic way? Coz then we already have Evariste around i guess.

Laura

January 30, 2019 at 07:03 PM UTC


I would love to see a villain turned good guy scenario where the “villain” didn’t realize he was the villain!

Alyssa

February 01, 2019 at 08:32 AM UTC


I love this idea! Farrin knew they were doing the wrong thing but had other more compelling reasons to stay. It would be neat to see someone who completely bought in to “the cause” and really believed they were on the moral high ground find out they were absolutely wrong. Sort of like a medieval crusade soldier finding out/understanding what we know now about the crusades. A moral person would be broken by the kind of guilt they would experience and it might take a special woman to help him process and forgive himself!

Elizabeth Davis

February 01, 2019 at 10:47 PM UTC


That’s true, Farrin definitely knew it to an extent. It could be really interesting!

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Elizabeth Davis

January 30, 2019 at 07:07 PM UTC


Well, Farrin was in that scenario. But that’s still cool!

Kalli

January 30, 2019 at 06:59 PM UTC


Anyone have read

“Cassandra Gannon
The Kingpin of Camelot: A Fairytale Romance (A Kinda Fairytale Book 3)”
Not a clean romance (sorry 🥴) however I think that Midas is one fine example of what a villain turned hero looks like (according to my opinion.. you don’t have to agree just respect it.. 😂).

Katrina

January 30, 2019 at 11:45 PM UTC


I love that book! And it really is a good example of villain turned hero.

Caelan

January 30, 2019 at 06:45 PM UTC


I love a misunderstood or reformed bad guy. The “whole I don’t deserve happiness” thing. It leaves a lot of room for character development. It would be cool to see that happen to a villainess.

Abby

January 30, 2019 at 06:37 PM UTC


I like
A) th charming, flirty (but only with the one girl) guy (Stil, Friedrich, Lucien
Or
B) the quiet-I-will-kill-you-if-you-hurt-her kind of a guy (Farrin, Isaia, or Fritz)

Elizabeth

January 30, 2019 at 06:11 PM UTC


I have always been a succor for sarcastic, ridiculous, or what would you call benjimir and Merlin’s personality? Calculateing?

I think an absolute villain turned good guy would be fun. I know you did something similar with Benjimir, but to be honest a always viewed him as more of a Luke warm villain. I’d love to see a full on villain who for some reason or another HAS to help the heroes and eventually realizes that he doesn’t want them to die (except maybe sometimes)

Katrina

January 30, 2019 at 11:48 PM UTC


Like Spike from Buffy. He might be one of my favorite characters of all time.

witistreasure

January 30, 2019 at 05:54 PM UTC


A rival character who is also a villain turned good guy would be nice. If you’re taking suggestions on looks, dark hair long enough to run your fingers through, light eyes that the main character can read very easily, and in general kinda sharp features that aren’t too masculine, like not a wide face? Sorry I’m probably being way too detailed here

Louisa

January 31, 2019 at 02:12 AM UTC


Actually a rival character would be interesting. With that they wouldn’t have to be a “villain” so much as “feel” like the villain to the heroine. Like Anne vs. Gilbert in Anne of Green Gables.

Bonita

January 30, 2019 at 05:32 PM UTC


Super athletic, stoic guy… who’s a lazy genius (lazy because he doesn’t want everyone to find out how smart he is). I don’t know why, but I think that would be a hilarious combo! If it’s even possible!

Louisa

January 31, 2019 at 02:13 AM UTC


The lazy genius reminds me of Prince Lucien.

Erika

January 30, 2019 at 04:29 PM UTC


Obviously we must like benevolent masterminds, snarky cursed kings, and the strong silent type because that’s who won the existing hero poll.

Personally, I’d love to see a musician pop up somewhere, amateur or professional. But I feel like we might need some more nerds, healers, maybe even a mad scientist, although Stil has some elements of that last one.

Kaitlyn

January 30, 2019 at 10:40 AM UTC


The guy who wants nothing to do with what’s going on but by the end gets so into it that he cries when it’s over and pretends its dust in his eye.

Annie

January 30, 2019 at 09:49 AM UTC


Villain turned good guy VILLAIN TURNED GOOD GUY

Kendall

January 30, 2019 at 08:39 AM UTC


I would love to see a “bad boy” type character. Like, maybe he was roped into being a villain because of his family or something, and he likes to flirt with the dark side, but at the end of the day he is a good person and a good guy, even if he likes to relentlessly tease the main character. Think someone like Farrin(getting roped into being “bad but not really evil) mixed with a typical “bad boy” type. ( A perfect example of who I’m talking about is Robin from “The Secret of Moonacre”. It’s not super well known, so if you don’t know this movie, I really recommend it. It’s super good and one of my all time favorite movies.)

Louisa

January 30, 2019 at 07:43 AM UTC


Any chance of a poll for favorite pet/creature? Like Sius, Puss, Pricker Patch, Jock, Esses… ????

Kinshuk

February 04, 2019 at 11:58 AM UTC


Great idea!

Alexandra

January 30, 2019 at 07:20 AM UTC


Yay Emerys!!!
I think there have been enough pranksters(not that I object to them). There needs to be a more romantically challenged character. Maybe a complicated love triangle, or a friend dying(not a huge, lovable character, but someone you dont get to know very well who you just feel bad for).
Anyway, my most wanted characteristics are:
Singer
Sappy character who thinks everything is romantic
Understanding just-friend-nothing-more
Bookworm that isnt afraid to get out and try new things

Jemma

January 30, 2019 at 04:12 AM UTC


Clumsy but smart and lovable
Enthusiastic and bright
Prankster

All pretty much the same kinda thing, but gosh dang it I love them.

Quick question, have you heard of the 5 Love Languages Kitty? I was reading Snow White and I loved that I could tell what their love languages were! More authors should use it in their romances it makes it so much more believable.

Also I feel like Alpha Male is a little more of an abusive trope a lot of the time… I dunno.

Louisa

January 31, 2019 at 02:37 AM UTC


Alpha Males, I think, really depend how the writer writes them. I look at Farrin as an alpha male of sorts. Everyone in his regiment obeyed him without question for the most part, but they also looked up to him and greatly respected him. I think it really said something that when Farrin switched sides, EVERY ONE of his magic users switched as well!
Also, I have read the 5 Love Languages and I totally agree with you. When I stop to think about it, I can usually see which languages most of the heroes or heroines have!

Jemma

January 31, 2019 at 05:02 AM UTC


Ah yeah, I see what you mean.
I think I’m just a little cynical after hearing about a lot of paranormal romance tropes 😐

So I’m thinking Snow White and Fritz have physical touch and quality time as their love languages 🙂

Kiara

January 30, 2019 at 02:39 AM UTC


Nerdy/quiet and sweet guy

Aaliya Bishop

January 30, 2019 at 06:25 PM UTC


Seconded!!!
The guy who gets overlooked because he doesn’t grab the spotlight but has that quiet devotion and steadyness.
He is almost overlooked in romance and I’ve never heard of a nerdy sweet guy who is quiet and steadfast getting the girl.

Allison

January 30, 2019 at 02:14 AM UTC


A villain/rogue who isn’t a villain–an inwardly good guy buttonholed into that role because of his appearance or some other circumstance and just decided to embrace the hate rather than fight it (like Shrek, or Nick Wilde in Zootopia) but has it in them to be a hero. You kinda did this with (*spoiler*) Rothbart in Swan Lake, but he wasn’t the leading man and didn’t get a happy ending.

S.R. Nulton

January 29, 2019 at 11:32 PM UTC


What about the poor woodcutter? You know, the every day, super broke guy who somehow ends up being a hero?

Kinshuk

February 04, 2019 at 12:02 PM UTC


That would be awesome given that many stereotypical fairytales are about the poor woodcutter’s son and we still haven’t met one. Though as louisa said, gabi is the female version of that one.

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Louisa

January 30, 2019 at 07:39 AM UTC


That makes me think of Gabrielle! It would be interesting to have a guy character like that.

Megan

January 29, 2019 at 08:32 AM UTC


What about a MacGyver sort of character? One who is able to build random things and solve problems in creative ways no one ever considered?
Or what about a scholar-turned-hero, like Daniel Jackson from Stargate SG1? (What? It’s on Amazon Prime)

Alyssa

February 01, 2019 at 08:40 AM UTC


Yes please!!! To MacGyver AND Daniel Jackson. Although maybe not in the same character… that might be too intense. 🙂

Megan

February 01, 2019 at 06:53 PM UTC


Lol!

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Megan

January 31, 2019 at 04:01 AM UTC


Yay! Glad so many Mac & Daniel fans are here!
@Jerilynn – yes! It would almost have to be a “oh yeah, that’s a thing. What’s next?” And I agree about the character development – that’s why Merlin is one of my favs!

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Alisha

January 31, 2019 at 12:44 AM UTC


Yes.

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Jerilynn

January 30, 2019 at 07:35 PM UTC


Yes! After reading the suggestions this has got to be my favorite idea! I was definitely leaning toward the quiet nerdy type, but then if he’s like MacGyver that would just be awesome! And I think for it to work he would have to be super humble. Like not arrogant – “oh yeah look at me I just did that.” But more like – “Yeah that worked and moving on.”

And, as a side note one thing I really dislike about male characters as if they’re just totally perfect. I prefer books where all of the characters have to have character development. It’s actually why Lucien is one of my favorites out of your characters.

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Louisa

January 30, 2019 at 07:41 AM UTC


A MacGyver character would be really cool! And I also like Daniel!

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S.R. Nulton

January 29, 2019 at 11:28 PM UTC


Such a good idea!

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Raelene

January 29, 2019 at 11:42 AM UTC


I love Daniel Jackson from stargate!

Sarah

January 29, 2019 at 06:36 AM UTC


So I like the character like Rick O’Connell idea… and one where the hero is a healer/doctor type (maybe slightly nerdy/aloof but incredibly caring once the heroine has gained his trust??)
I also LOVE the pairing between Dmitri & Anastasia… so maybe a Dmitri-like character…. not really bad at the core, but kind of on the wrong side of the law for awhile… unless of course, you feel like writing a spin-off of Anastasia! 😉

Mahogany

January 31, 2019 at 05:16 AM UTC


Ahhh, I love Anastasia!

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Sarah

January 29, 2019 at 06:53 AM UTC


P.S. Do we get another “heroes who won” interview?

Jerilynn

January 30, 2019 at 07:37 PM UTC


Yes please! Merlin and Emerys in the same room would be HILARIOUS!

Tiffany

January 29, 2019 at 06:29 AM UTC


Someone who doesn’t understand people’s emotions could be funny.

Lauren

January 28, 2019 at 11:49 PM UTC


Silently insecure, but covers it by making jokes.

Protective Doctor

Gabrielle

January 29, 2019 at 12:14 AM UTC


Ditto the silent insecure one!

Blue-cat

January 28, 2019 at 05:24 PM UTC


A villain turned good guy, but not a villain. More of a guy who’s seen a lot of bad things, and violence, and tries desperately to hide behind smiles and jokes, but inside he’s just afraid. Idk, but more of a dark character maybe?

Colleen

January 31, 2019 at 02:39 AM UTC


Like Han Solo maybe? A reluctant good guy?

Blue-cat

February 03, 2019 at 06:59 PM UTC


Kind of, but more like Bucky barnes kind of dark, he wants to do good, but he’s afraid it will just harm other people.

Reanna Knight

January 28, 2019 at 07:33 AM UTC


I know I commented once already, but I would love to see a street rat character. Think Aladdin or briar moss from tamora pierce circle of magic or conn from Sara prineas magic thief.

Eleniel

January 28, 2019 at 01:28 AM UTC


Alpha male sounds like it could have some fantastic potential. Especially if the female MC is just as bossy and headstrong and can hold her ground. Kind of like Britt and Merlin, actually, but with the guy less distracted than Merlin was. (Takes two hours to finally get what Blaise was so obvious about- Really?!?)

Lynn

January 27, 2019 at 11:17 PM UTC


Hmmm, heros I like (pretty much all have been said in comments above but here is my vote anyway)
Class clown
dangerous and quiet (but ultimately loyal)
introverted, maybe a little aloof, still waters run deep guy
big brother of friend trope
I liked Benjimir’s whole (misunderstood?) bad guy to good guy (though I never expected to like him from book 1). I liked that he wasn’t intimidated by his wife and revelled in her strength versus trying to squash it or reign it in. That’s my number one favorite characteristic in a hero.
Boy next door types (like mentioned above they always seem to get the shaft from alphas and showy guys).

Louisa

January 28, 2019 at 07:04 AM UTC


I agree with you about Benjimir. He was the “bad guy” in the first one but was really misunderstood and jealous and took things too far. So he really wasn’t a bad guy at all, but he had to “grow up” and learn some lessons. I wouldn’t mind seeing his type of character in Timeless.

Kinshuk

January 28, 2019 at 10:50 AM UTC


When i read the book last year, i knew he was going to be one of fav heroes forever. Also he didn’t struck me as a full fledged villain either. But witnessing him changing bit by bit….awesome.

Lynn

January 30, 2019 at 09:09 PM UTC


Great point! It was an evolution that took time and not instantaneous. He needed the right situation to let his guard down and time to become who he was meant to be.

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Lynn

January 28, 2019 at 08:35 AM UTC


His Arc was satisfying for sure! Glad to hear you enjoyed it too.

Leo

January 27, 2019 at 05:11 PM UTC


A lovable goofball who is laid back and kind and just rolls with the curveballs life throws at him. He just happens to run into the heroine and ends up helping her and tagging along on her adventure because he is a good person and as they spend time together they fall for one another.

Aldelbert or a similar personality who is just narcissistic and in love with himself to fall for someone based on their personality or some random quirk/ability they possess without any regard to their appearance because naturally he is good looking enough for the both of them. And he would just start tagging along on their adventure and they would be bemused at first then slowly fall for him.

I actually like the idea of a villain turned hero who is stoic type paired up with a kind but klutzy heroine. Also the little selkie is one of my favourites and I wouldn’t change it but I sometimes wonder how a similar situation might lead to a romance between the captive princess and one of the bodyguards assigned to watch her.

Leo

January 29, 2019 at 05:49 AM UTC


Just realised I somehow missed out a couple words and I can’t edit it so now it looks I think aldelbert is a narcissist in love with himself. What I meant was he is just the right amount of narcissistic/in love with himself to not be influenced by others appearances when falling in love.

Elizabeth Davis

January 27, 2019 at 03:56 AM UTC


Congratulations to the winners of the Hero Poll!! I’m happy that Stil, Farrin and Friederich got in the top ten (I’m still hoping Stil and Farrin will get a few lines in the possible Hero Poll Interview, hee hee. I’m guessing Stil will NOT be happy, poor guy.)

As for ideas…
~ Honest Intellectual
~ Kind/Charitable/Generous Introvert
~ Childhood Best Friend (Isaia technically fits into this one, but maybe more of an extraverted/less circumstantial best friend)
~ Neutral Guy (neutral and unaffiliated/independent for a while then turns to one side, the good side?)

Cora

January 27, 2019 at 02:37 AM UTC


I would love to see a detective type character from you!(could be Sherlock ish but also just someone good at putting the pieces together)

Jerilynn

January 30, 2019 at 07:41 PM UTC


A Sherlock Macgyver! That would be epic!!!!

Lenni

January 27, 2019 at 02:27 AM UTC


A seemingly bad guy at first glance, but really just a softy with a bad past! I also agree with PumpkinPi’s “lazy genius.”

AleryaLeveilli

January 26, 2019 at 10:48 PM UTC


Prankster, all the way! I think it is because I love to see how someone can not take themselves seriously, have fun, and make others laugh while still doing the right thing. How often do you see that in fiction?

Sarah

January 26, 2019 at 09:05 PM UTC


A hero who is genuinely kind. Someone who goes out of their way to be kind to people, even those they don’t particularly agree with, out of the goodness of their hearts and not because there’s something in it for them.

Cora

January 27, 2019 at 02:38 AM UTC


Aww yes I love the kindness!

JKTMK

January 26, 2019 at 05:31 PM UTC


Prankster who hides behind a mask of teasing and cheer.
Flirt
Insecure

Lauren

January 29, 2019 at 09:56 PM UTC


I love the prankster idea! That would make a really fun book!

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Aurora

January 26, 2019 at 09:07 PM UTC


I like the flirt and insecure ideas. Maybe he should have anger issues and cover it up by acting insecure. So far, everyone seems to have good control over their tempers

foxinsox

January 26, 2019 at 03:06 PM UTC


Friendly Competition
or
Not-So-Friendly Comptetion

Gabrielle

January 26, 2019 at 02:06 PM UTC


Alpha male sounds like an interesting read.
Also a man that is likable but has very low self-esteem

Sabine

January 26, 2019 at 02:00 PM UTC


What would be awesome.
Probably a villain who lifes in a self chosen exil and has no interested in what happens in the world. Prefers to be left alone, with his studies without human interaction. Well until she forces herself into his life and turns everything upside down.
Well that kind of sounds like beauty and the beast 😒.
But I love stories with villain or the Sherlock Holmes like heros

Megan

January 29, 2019 at 08:28 AM UTC


I get what you’re saying! Like B&B, but more dramatic/exaggerated. Maybe a wizard sort-of guy who is completely closed off, just conducting his research, thank you, and then – BAM. She hits him. Maybe needs his help with something? Could almost go with a Han & Leia arc – he’s just doing his thing, while she’s super-passionate, & keeps trying to convince him, and he’s just like “leave me alone, I’m doing my own thing, I’m not getting involved, I’m – *realizes cant just leave her/his new friends/the bigger picture he is now aware of* Dang it. What do you need help with?”

Sabine

January 29, 2019 at 01:47 PM UTC


Oh yes you definitely got it.
Probably pair it with the tale allerleirauh. (She needs to run away because her father wants to marry after her mothers death and he goes slightly crazy) her conclusion to stop her father aka a villain, get the help of a more badass villain. And even though she annoys him and absolutely not wants to get involved in the mess, he realizes he just can’t push her out of his life

Christina

January 26, 2019 at 01:48 PM UTC


Maybe someone like your snow white but a supporting roll. Shy but kind and strong. Or someone that’s hard to read, like holds his feelings close inside him.
Also yay emerys!!!

Lauren

January 26, 2019 at 11:22 AM UTC


I’d be curious to see a male character who has something like a bit of autism, or a general inability to understand social conduct and non verbal conversation. I think he would value honest, straightforward verbal communication, and would champion truth.

Kyrialady

January 27, 2019 at 05:36 AM UTC


That’s kinda how I saw Falk from Wild Swans.

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foxinsox

January 26, 2019 at 03:07 PM UTC


Like Asperger’s Syndrome?

Lindsey

January 26, 2019 at 09:11 AM UTC


I want an underdog. The character in a love triangle who is never picked by the leading lady but is really sweet. The guy who puts her needs before his own even if that means letting the other guy win. For example, Keefe from Keeper of the Lost Cities(really great book series by the way). I always seem to love this type of guy the best and for once I want to see him win the girl.

Lindsey

January 28, 2019 at 06:06 AM UTC


I’m glad to find fellow KOTLC fans among Kitty’s fans. Still holding out hope that Keefe will manage to win Sophie over in the next few books. But yes I want a similar type character, not afraid to have fun and tease the MC but still willing to do what it takes to keep everyone safe and happy.

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Kyrialady

January 27, 2019 at 05:38 AM UTC


🙌🏼 Keeper of the Lost Cities fan.

Lindsey

January 28, 2019 at 06:07 AM UTC


Heck yes🙌🏻

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Dylan Vanderleest

January 28, 2019 at 01:56 AM UTC


Oo yes!! A charcter like Keefe would be great to see him actually get the girl, and he is always so funny to read about

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JKTMK

January 26, 2019 at 05:24 PM UTC


I absolutely love that series! And I think a Keefe kind of character would be EPIC!! They are the best.

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Lyn

January 26, 2019 at 03:29 PM UTC


Bit off topic here but just sayin’ Keefe for kotlc is my fave too! Actually, a character like him might be nice. The teasing kind of guy who’s putting up a happy front? Idk. And I’m all for a competitive rival hero who pretends he doesn’t care but is always there for her haha.

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Lauren

January 26, 2019 at 11:14 AM UTC


That’s totally the best kind of guy. I married him, and people literally call us Prince Charming and Cinderella even six years later because he’s so incredibly sweet and thoughtful! Part of me feels bad for all of the girls who had a chance at him but couldn’t see his excellent qualities… But mostly as a daily occurrence, I end up having a mental conversation with them, “I sure don’t know how I got this man, but he’s all mine, and you missed out! HA! Serves you right for ignoring that nice guy underdog.”

Kate

January 26, 2019 at 08:32 AM UTC


—Dangerous, but with a great heart (like Kieran from Sharon Hinck’s Restorer series)

—A doctor/healer (I’m a nurse…a girl can dream!)

—Really really kind and patient

Camille

January 30, 2019 at 08:56 PM UTC


Yassss a doctor!!

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Lauren

January 29, 2019 at 10:02 PM UTC


Love the Doctor idea! That would be such a cool story/hero!

Kinshuk

January 26, 2019 at 08:21 AM UTC


A sherlock holmes type but with more emotions obviously
Maybe someone like mendenbar from searching for dragons (i just read that book and i love that hero)
Anyway, any hero you write will be awesome.

Kaitlin

January 26, 2019 at 07:33 AM UTC


Someone like Rick O’Connell from the Mummy.

Arletta Miller

January 27, 2019 at 05:00 AM UTC


Excellent suggestion!

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Kinshuk

January 26, 2019 at 05:46 PM UTC


Awesoem idea. I love that character. An excellent combination of qualities.

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Lauren

January 26, 2019 at 11:16 AM UTC


Ooh, that’s a great one!!

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Kate

January 26, 2019 at 08:27 AM UTC


Agreed!

Reanna Knight

January 26, 2019 at 07:21 AM UTC


Lazy genius
Comically accidental, like Emmet from the lego movie.
Or sweetly sincere

Sarah H.

January 26, 2019 at 07:15 AM UTC


I am so glad that Solus Miles is in the top three and Asher and Aaron are in the top ten. Solus Miles became one of my new favorites after this last book (really hoping for more Retha books soon because we are stuck on a bit of a cliffhanger with that one).

In terms of heroes, I like the villain turned hero concept. I kind of also like the idea of an alpha male that can still be strong but starts to realize that women can be strong and exceptionally clever as the story progresses – kind of Sherlock Holmes meets Carina Smyth (from the latest Pirates movie), Hermoine Granger, or Shuri (from Black Panther – this was my sister’s recommendation).

Marie Shen

January 26, 2019 at 06:55 AM UTC


Prince Charming
Overprotective Brother
Musical Genius
Animal Lover
Cinnamon Roll

Because we all totally need more cinnamon rolls in our lives
Also, yay, Asher and Aron!! 😀

HobbitLady97

January 26, 2019 at 06:23 AM UTC


Appears dopey, but is secretly very intelligent.

Elizabeth Davis

January 27, 2019 at 06:47 AM UTC


Wasn’t that the whole basis of Lucien’s struggle/personality? Really intelligent but acts like a fool? I liked Lucien, but I’d rather not have another one.

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Arletta Miller

January 27, 2019 at 05:03 AM UTC


Kind of like the Scarlet Pimpernell with Jane Seymour. To the public he is a fool, But it is to hide a cunning intellect. I love it.

Stephanie

January 26, 2019 at 06:04 AM UTC


Comically accidental hero (total klutz and doesn’t mean for it to happen but somehow things seem to work out well enough)
Celibate hero (or just someone who isn’t paired off and doesn’t think twice about it)
I do also like the prankster

Aurora

January 26, 2019 at 06:00 AM UTC


Flirt
Rival Character
Insecure

Aurora

January 26, 2019 at 06:04 AM UTC


Maybe also a guy who sings… not magically, but as a hobby, Like, he just kind of randomly starts to sing when he feels it fits into the moment.

PumpkinPi

January 26, 2019 at 05:04 AM UTC


Lazy genius
Comrade in arms
Prankster

Also, so excited to see that Aron and Asher made it into the top 10! I know that’s a long way from us ever getting a Life Reader sequel, but maybe someday!

2019 Hero Poll Results

The 2019 Hero Poll is finished! Over 1,000 of you Champions voted for the top K. M. Shea/A. M. Sohma hero…and the results are in!

In first place, for the second year in a row, we have Merlin of King Arthur and Her Knights! He won with 609 votes–not bad for a wizard!


A very close second place is award to Emerys of The 12 Dancing Princesses. He had 591 votes. Third was a surprise “dark horse” so to speak: Solus Miles of The Second Age of Retha! He had 579 votes! Lagging in fourth place by just a few votes was Stil of Rumpelstiltskin! (He had 574 votes)


Farrin of Snow Queen came in fifth with 459 votes (a big drop from Stil to Farrin, interestingly) and Benjimir of Royal Magic snagged sixth with 368 votes. Friedrich of Cinderella took seventh with 255 votes and Arion came in a fairly close eighth place with 239 votes. Finishing up the top ten are Severin of Beauty and the Beast (168 votes) and Asher and Aaron Montamous of Life Reader (149).


But this marks the start of the second half of the poll–the 2019 Most Wanted Hero Poll! Here’s how it works for the next week or so (until comments are turned off on this post) I’m accepting suggestions for male archetypes/tropes you would like to see as a “Most Wanted Hero.” (In advanced warning, to keep the poll from being horribly long I group a lot of the suggestions together, so you likely won’t see your exact suggestion when the poll comes.)


Examples of archetypes/tropes are…

  1. Alpha male

  2. Villain turned good guy

  3. Prankster

  4. Rival character

  5. Batman-esque


And so on! So submit your suggestions by commenting below–until comments are turned off! That’s all for this post, thanks for reading and participating in the poll, Champions!

Update (2/5): The comments are now turned off as the Most Wanted Hero poll is built! It will take a bit to go through all the entries and set everything up so the poll won’t be coming until later in February. Thank you to everyone who left a suggestion!

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