by Mary Jo
Today's Ask A Wench blog comes from a question by Jeannette Halpin in Virginia, who asks:
"I have always thought it interesting that in almost all of the books I have read (about 200? maybe?) almost all of the heroes/protagonists are BIG men, over 6 feet, massive shoulders, huge biceps. etc etc. And I wonder why. Have you all done your own research as to what the readers of your stories prefer? "
The only "normal" sized guy I can think of without too much effort is in Mary Jo Putney: Richard Dalton who first appears in The Bargain, then comes into his own in The Diabolical Baron and makes an appearance in The Rake. I find Richard Dalton/Davenport very attractive, and he is much more like my imaginary "friend" in the ongoing novel I will never write!
MJP: Thanks, Jeannette! Since who doesn't like talking about heroes, here are some Wenchly responses:
Nicola Cornick:
I've sometimes wondered if the inspiration for the big, brawny hero (especially of a Scottish persuasion) comes from this advertising for Scotts Porage Oats. He certainly has massive shoulders and bulging biceps! I have the impression that the muscle-bound hero with the six pack is pretty popular, but I can't say that I have researched whether this is actually true. I guess everyone has their own idea of what a perfect hero looks like.
My heroes tend to be tall, but not excessively so, and not necessarily brawny. I do confess to liking a corded muscular forearm – or preferably two, but other than that I prefer men who are solid and strong rather than very beefy. Lean and rangy works for me too. In The Lady and the Laird the heroine, Lucy, comments that the hero, Robert, is too big and muscular but then she is tiny. It's all relative. I think I write the type of hero that I find attractive, but a hero is very much the sum of all his qualities, including physical appearance, a confident demeanour, and a strong personality. For me a man could be very good looking but if he doesn't have a great sense of humour and other appealing qualities then the looks alone are not enough. That said, if he brings a bowl of porage oats with him I might be persuaded to change my mind!
Susan King:
While big hunky Highland heroes have often appeared on my romance book covers, the 
heroes aren't always big, muscle-bound alpha dudes inside those covers. The stepback for Raven's Moon, years back, featured a handsome, shirtless former Mr. Universe–who looked a far cry from my long, lanky, sexy Scottish lawyer hero. The apparent proliferation of hunky heroes in romance is due in part to decisions made at the publishing level about what they believe sells and appeals. The rest is up to the author.
I don't prefer a towering, dominant muscled-up guy in my stories or in reality, so I don't usually write them. Though I'm used to being around tall, big guys–as a small woman married to a tall guy and surrounded by tall sons–and so I'm used to looking way up at them and used to the sheer physical space they can occupy (as in, please move those enormous feet, I'm trying to cook in this kitchen!). Yes, I'm partial to taller heroes, and I usually give them some height in relation to the heroine. In my books, if the heroine is on the tall side, her hero is usually just a smidge taller; and a smaller heroine in my books may get an average size hero.
No matter their size, it's the compelling physical presence and the charisma of the hero that counts. I don't exaggerate them physically–there's no need. I'm more interested in creating romance heroes who are attractively strong, lean, fit and tallish, but natural with it. A beefed-up, souped-up guy doesn't seem natural (or attractive), since my heroes are not alpha and animalistic–they are warrior poets. Strong and capable, with a deep soul and a hidden poetic mind–wisdom and substance enhancing and elevating just the right amount of brawn.
I will say that I've written a couple of big, brawny, beefy heroes very purposefully. I wanted their physicality to contrast their inner nature–they were quiet, deep, kind, interesting guys in some state of emotional recovery (cue the heroine). The unexpected play and tension of physical brawn vs. mental agility and sensitivity is very interesting, and can add a nice richness and complexity to the character. They're sexy not because of their beefcakiness, but beyond it, with depth and value within–truly gems in the rough, as it were.
Cara/Andrea
Ah, the question of what a perfect hero looks like is such an interesting one! Brawny men with bulging biceps do appear often in romance novels, but I must say, I’ve not pictured my heroes as such . . . probably because I tend to create the type of man I find attractive in my books. (Hey, I have to spend a lot of time with them, so I want to enjoy it.) Personality aside—that’s a whole other blog!—I like lean, lithe men—strong, yes (and they do tend to be tall) but in a more subtle, whipcord way than possessing big, beefy muscles. So that’s the type of hero I like to write. And their attraction comes not just from their physical looks, but also from the way they carry themselves, and the attitude they project. A man who radiates a sense of calm, strength and a sense of being comfortable in his own skin is, to me, infinitely more alluring to me than a lunk who’s got nothing but outward good looks. Sexy is very cerebral as well as physical!
Patricia Rice:
"Have you all done your own research as to what the readers of your stories prefer?" 
My market research consists of reading every book I can fit into my schedule. I’ve done this since before I started selling books, because I like to analyze what makes things tick. Very early on I discovered that romance bestsellers almost entirely include physically large heroes, at least, until an author reaches automatic bestseller stage.
But I fear my contrarian ways tend to ignore my own research. I write heroes the size they need to be. If I have a petite heroine, I generally do not have a giant hero because the combination doesn’t fit well in my head. In Sweet Home Carolina, my hero overcompensates for his not-large size through marksmanship, but he’s wealthy enough to get what he wants otherwise.
So I vote that every hero ought to be his own man, and size of character counts.
Anne Gracie here:
It's an interesting question. In reality I think most women care far more about personality than size, but romance novels are a kind of fantasy, so we're writing to a perceived ideal, physically speaking. I don't find muscle-bound big men attractive, so I don't write them. Tall, yes, and strong, definitely, but with the kind of pumped-up, gym-honed, muscular types that so many publishers put on the covers of romance? Not for me. (Not that I get men on my covers for some reason.) I prefer the kind of physique that Australian Rules footballers tend to have — tall, lean, hard-muscled and fast. Click here to see what I mean.
That said, my secondary romances tend not to follow this pattern. I wrote a medium-sized, slightly plump duke in The Perfect Rake — Edward — he was a sweetie. And Giles Bemerton, the hero's best friend in The Perfect Waltz was fairly short, though handsome and charming. I have fun with my secondary romances, playing outside the "lines."
Joanna Bourne:
My heroes … Well, all of them are strong. All muscular. Beyond that, I've consciously tried to pick different 'physical types' for my heroes. I don't know that it's so much I'm trying to match hero to reader taste. It's more that I just want to write about different kinds of men.
So I got me a big, hulking fellow — Doyle. He's a great, lumbering bear of a man, perhaps the closest to the ideal of a 'hunk'. Doyle is one of those ancient warriors born out of his time, a throwback to an earlier, simpler society where men ruled by sheer stature and physical strength. If you wanted something heavy moved, you'd pick him.
And if the world were falling apart around you, you could hold onto such a man and be safe.
Another character, Grey, is a military man. He's tall enough that he'd see over a crowd; he's well-muscled in an understated way; but dress him in fawn breeches and a well-cut coat and he'd fit nicely into any ballroom. You'd might maybe notice he carried himself, with a military straight back. You might see a gravitas in his posture and movement that comes from commanding men. Not so much a man of muscle as a man of controlled and disciplined power.
And if the heroine's task is to oppose all that self-disciplined drive …
And there's nothing of the hunk about my dandy-ish Hawker. He has 'the body of an 
acrobat, one of those slight, tightly-constructed people'. His body almost never entirely relaxes. Always there's a little thrum of vigilance running through him. He's of less than average height, but more than average deadliness, so that works out well for him.
I think a reader would find herself staring eye-to-eye with Adrian. That's almost a challenge in itself, for both the man and the woman, meeting a Romantic inter
est on terms of absolute equality.
Jo Beverley
I think we Wenches have a fondness for the sleekly muscled male rather than the heavily built ones, and so do I. I'm not sure why this should be as clearly some women really go for bulging muscles. I wonder if our tastes don't have something to do with the periods in which we choose to write.
I don't do heavily muscled Georgian and Regency heroes because they don't get my heart pounding, but also because it would spoil the lie of the clothes! You don't see many hefty guys in period portraits, though there are plenty of fat ones.
On the other hand, I do enjoy writing medievals and there's more likelihood of big muscles there. If you grow up training and fighting in chain mail or plate armor and becoming dextrous with a large sword and shield, you have to develop some bulk. I'm always a bit bemused by the slender warriors we see in later medieval illustrations. Artistic license, or am I wrong about them needing bulk?
Mary Jo:
It sure doesn't sound as if there's much Word Wench support for muscle bound men! 
Physical build is clearly situational. In Nowhere Near Respectable, my hero is a big broad guy–who faints at the sight of blood. (I liked the contrast. <G>) I've had heroes like Richard Davenport or Lord Robert Andreville, who were average height at best, while others are tall and lean. I do like a good set of shoulders, but not overall bulky.
So Jeannette, for offering a question that's used here, you get to choose a copy of one of my books, so you can pick the physical type you like best!
What about you? What physical type do you like to read about? What would you like to see more of? Or less of?!!
Mary Jo
I’m with you Wenches – I like strength and some muscles, but I don’t like big bulging and (to me) over-developed muscles, either in real life or on the page. If I read about a man like that in the Regency my attention wonders off to wonder how he built up those muscles and how he maintains them. They didn’t have weight-lifting machines, and tended to keep fit by riding, fencing, walking and shooting, and some boxing (although not that much). I don’t think that those sports would develop bulging biceps.
Given that most Regency heroes are from the aristocracy or at least top rank, they would be better nourished and from a family with a history of better nourishment, so may well be more likely to be taller than the average. I suspect some people confuse height with bulk – as you say, the two don’t necessarily follow, and a tall man might well be lean and rangy.
So not only are your inclinations right in my view, I think they’re probably more historically accurate!
I’m with you Wenches – I like strength and some muscles, but I don’t like big bulging and (to me) over-developed muscles, either in real life or on the page. If I read about a man like that in the Regency my attention wonders off to wonder how he built up those muscles and how he maintains them. They didn’t have weight-lifting machines, and tended to keep fit by riding, fencing, walking and shooting, and some boxing (although not that much). I don’t think that those sports would develop bulging biceps.
Given that most Regency heroes are from the aristocracy or at least top rank, they would be better nourished and from a family with a history of better nourishment, so may well be more likely to be taller than the average. I suspect some people confuse height with bulk – as you say, the two don’t necessarily follow, and a tall man might well be lean and rangy.
So not only are your inclinations right in my view, I think they’re probably more historically accurate!
I’m with you Wenches – I like strength and some muscles, but I don’t like big bulging and (to me) over-developed muscles, either in real life or on the page. If I read about a man like that in the Regency my attention wonders off to wonder how he built up those muscles and how he maintains them. They didn’t have weight-lifting machines, and tended to keep fit by riding, fencing, walking and shooting, and some boxing (although not that much). I don’t think that those sports would develop bulging biceps.
Given that most Regency heroes are from the aristocracy or at least top rank, they would be better nourished and from a family with a history of better nourishment, so may well be more likely to be taller than the average. I suspect some people confuse height with bulk – as you say, the two don’t necessarily follow, and a tall man might well be lean and rangy.
So not only are your inclinations right in my view, I think they’re probably more historically accurate!
I’m with you Wenches – I like strength and some muscles, but I don’t like big bulging and (to me) over-developed muscles, either in real life or on the page. If I read about a man like that in the Regency my attention wonders off to wonder how he built up those muscles and how he maintains them. They didn’t have weight-lifting machines, and tended to keep fit by riding, fencing, walking and shooting, and some boxing (although not that much). I don’t think that those sports would develop bulging biceps.
Given that most Regency heroes are from the aristocracy or at least top rank, they would be better nourished and from a family with a history of better nourishment, so may well be more likely to be taller than the average. I suspect some people confuse height with bulk – as you say, the two don’t necessarily follow, and a tall man might well be lean and rangy.
So not only are your inclinations right in my view, I think they’re probably more historically accurate!
I’m with you Wenches – I like strength and some muscles, but I don’t like big bulging and (to me) over-developed muscles, either in real life or on the page. If I read about a man like that in the Regency my attention wonders off to wonder how he built up those muscles and how he maintains them. They didn’t have weight-lifting machines, and tended to keep fit by riding, fencing, walking and shooting, and some boxing (although not that much). I don’t think that those sports would develop bulging biceps.
Given that most Regency heroes are from the aristocracy or at least top rank, they would be better nourished and from a family with a history of better nourishment, so may well be more likely to be taller than the average. I suspect some people confuse height with bulk – as you say, the two don’t necessarily follow, and a tall man might well be lean and rangy.
So not only are your inclinations right in my view, I think they’re probably more historically accurate!
I have to laugh about tall heros when I’ve toured English castles. If you take the stairs to the battlements, the stairs get narrower and the ceilings lower. A 6′ 2″ guy mentioned that he’d have to duck down if the top floor didn’t come soon. I’ve been in museums, too, where the chair sizes were much smaller. But fiction is just that, and big, strong heros are part of the escape package.
Being around some guys with the brawny forearms and the six-pack abs, I have come to know that they work out for those bodies. And it’s just not about physical challenges, it’s about diet as well. I like it when an author at least explains where the muscles came from.gh
Authors who have published several books do tend to vary their heros a little more. Laura Willig’s The Mischief of Mistletoe’s, Reginald ‘Turnip’ Fitzhugh is a case in point. Not only is does he have bad taste in waistcoats, but he isn’t the brightest bulb at the Duchess’ Christmas gathering. But he reaches beyond his potential and ends up with a HEA.
I have to laugh about tall heros when I’ve toured English castles. If you take the stairs to the battlements, the stairs get narrower and the ceilings lower. A 6′ 2″ guy mentioned that he’d have to duck down if the top floor didn’t come soon. I’ve been in museums, too, where the chair sizes were much smaller. But fiction is just that, and big, strong heros are part of the escape package.
Being around some guys with the brawny forearms and the six-pack abs, I have come to know that they work out for those bodies. And it’s just not about physical challenges, it’s about diet as well. I like it when an author at least explains where the muscles came from.gh
Authors who have published several books do tend to vary their heros a little more. Laura Willig’s The Mischief of Mistletoe’s, Reginald ‘Turnip’ Fitzhugh is a case in point. Not only is does he have bad taste in waistcoats, but he isn’t the brightest bulb at the Duchess’ Christmas gathering. But he reaches beyond his potential and ends up with a HEA.
I have to laugh about tall heros when I’ve toured English castles. If you take the stairs to the battlements, the stairs get narrower and the ceilings lower. A 6′ 2″ guy mentioned that he’d have to duck down if the top floor didn’t come soon. I’ve been in museums, too, where the chair sizes were much smaller. But fiction is just that, and big, strong heros are part of the escape package.
Being around some guys with the brawny forearms and the six-pack abs, I have come to know that they work out for those bodies. And it’s just not about physical challenges, it’s about diet as well. I like it when an author at least explains where the muscles came from.gh
Authors who have published several books do tend to vary their heros a little more. Laura Willig’s The Mischief of Mistletoe’s, Reginald ‘Turnip’ Fitzhugh is a case in point. Not only is does he have bad taste in waistcoats, but he isn’t the brightest bulb at the Duchess’ Christmas gathering. But he reaches beyond his potential and ends up with a HEA.
I have to laugh about tall heros when I’ve toured English castles. If you take the stairs to the battlements, the stairs get narrower and the ceilings lower. A 6′ 2″ guy mentioned that he’d have to duck down if the top floor didn’t come soon. I’ve been in museums, too, where the chair sizes were much smaller. But fiction is just that, and big, strong heros are part of the escape package.
Being around some guys with the brawny forearms and the six-pack abs, I have come to know that they work out for those bodies. And it’s just not about physical challenges, it’s about diet as well. I like it when an author at least explains where the muscles came from.gh
Authors who have published several books do tend to vary their heros a little more. Laura Willig’s The Mischief of Mistletoe’s, Reginald ‘Turnip’ Fitzhugh is a case in point. Not only is does he have bad taste in waistcoats, but he isn’t the brightest bulb at the Duchess’ Christmas gathering. But he reaches beyond his potential and ends up with a HEA.
I have to laugh about tall heros when I’ve toured English castles. If you take the stairs to the battlements, the stairs get narrower and the ceilings lower. A 6′ 2″ guy mentioned that he’d have to duck down if the top floor didn’t come soon. I’ve been in museums, too, where the chair sizes were much smaller. But fiction is just that, and big, strong heros are part of the escape package.
Being around some guys with the brawny forearms and the six-pack abs, I have come to know that they work out for those bodies. And it’s just not about physical challenges, it’s about diet as well. I like it when an author at least explains where the muscles came from.gh
Authors who have published several books do tend to vary their heros a little more. Laura Willig’s The Mischief of Mistletoe’s, Reginald ‘Turnip’ Fitzhugh is a case in point. Not only is does he have bad taste in waistcoats, but he isn’t the brightest bulb at the Duchess’ Christmas gathering. But he reaches beyond his potential and ends up with a HEA.
Hmm… perhaps most romance heroes aren’t described as “heavily muscled” or “brawny”, but the description I’ve read literally hundreds of times is “taller than average, over six feet, broad shouldered, tapering down to a narrow waist, flat stomach and slim hips, with muscular legs clearly evident in the breeches or pantaloons”. And while there are a few blondes or auburn-haired heroes in the bunch, I find it a cliche at how many heroes have thick, raven black hair and stunning green or blue eyes!
Ironically, from having worked around wealthy Brits for years in the Thoroughbred racing industry, what I saw was invariably average height, soft, pasty-complexioned with thin mousy brown hair.
So I guess that was a long way of saying what I’d like to see less of (obviously I’m in the minority). I’d like to see more heroes like Heyer’s Gilly who rely less on the superficial and stereotypical ideal and more on being a well-rounded, heroic individual with inner strength. And yes, Joanna, Hawker worked for me!
Hmm… perhaps most romance heroes aren’t described as “heavily muscled” or “brawny”, but the description I’ve read literally hundreds of times is “taller than average, over six feet, broad shouldered, tapering down to a narrow waist, flat stomach and slim hips, with muscular legs clearly evident in the breeches or pantaloons”. And while there are a few blondes or auburn-haired heroes in the bunch, I find it a cliche at how many heroes have thick, raven black hair and stunning green or blue eyes!
Ironically, from having worked around wealthy Brits for years in the Thoroughbred racing industry, what I saw was invariably average height, soft, pasty-complexioned with thin mousy brown hair.
So I guess that was a long way of saying what I’d like to see less of (obviously I’m in the minority). I’d like to see more heroes like Heyer’s Gilly who rely less on the superficial and stereotypical ideal and more on being a well-rounded, heroic individual with inner strength. And yes, Joanna, Hawker worked for me!
Hmm… perhaps most romance heroes aren’t described as “heavily muscled” or “brawny”, but the description I’ve read literally hundreds of times is “taller than average, over six feet, broad shouldered, tapering down to a narrow waist, flat stomach and slim hips, with muscular legs clearly evident in the breeches or pantaloons”. And while there are a few blondes or auburn-haired heroes in the bunch, I find it a cliche at how many heroes have thick, raven black hair and stunning green or blue eyes!
Ironically, from having worked around wealthy Brits for years in the Thoroughbred racing industry, what I saw was invariably average height, soft, pasty-complexioned with thin mousy brown hair.
So I guess that was a long way of saying what I’d like to see less of (obviously I’m in the minority). I’d like to see more heroes like Heyer’s Gilly who rely less on the superficial and stereotypical ideal and more on being a well-rounded, heroic individual with inner strength. And yes, Joanna, Hawker worked for me!
Hmm… perhaps most romance heroes aren’t described as “heavily muscled” or “brawny”, but the description I’ve read literally hundreds of times is “taller than average, over six feet, broad shouldered, tapering down to a narrow waist, flat stomach and slim hips, with muscular legs clearly evident in the breeches or pantaloons”. And while there are a few blondes or auburn-haired heroes in the bunch, I find it a cliche at how many heroes have thick, raven black hair and stunning green or blue eyes!
Ironically, from having worked around wealthy Brits for years in the Thoroughbred racing industry, what I saw was invariably average height, soft, pasty-complexioned with thin mousy brown hair.
So I guess that was a long way of saying what I’d like to see less of (obviously I’m in the minority). I’d like to see more heroes like Heyer’s Gilly who rely less on the superficial and stereotypical ideal and more on being a well-rounded, heroic individual with inner strength. And yes, Joanna, Hawker worked for me!
Hmm… perhaps most romance heroes aren’t described as “heavily muscled” or “brawny”, but the description I’ve read literally hundreds of times is “taller than average, over six feet, broad shouldered, tapering down to a narrow waist, flat stomach and slim hips, with muscular legs clearly evident in the breeches or pantaloons”. And while there are a few blondes or auburn-haired heroes in the bunch, I find it a cliche at how many heroes have thick, raven black hair and stunning green or blue eyes!
Ironically, from having worked around wealthy Brits for years in the Thoroughbred racing industry, what I saw was invariably average height, soft, pasty-complexioned with thin mousy brown hair.
So I guess that was a long way of saying what I’d like to see less of (obviously I’m in the minority). I’d like to see more heroes like Heyer’s Gilly who rely less on the superficial and stereotypical ideal and more on being a well-rounded, heroic individual with inner strength. And yes, Joanna, Hawker worked for me!
Oh! And so did Richard Dalton! 😉
Oh! And so did Richard Dalton! 😉
Oh! And so did Richard Dalton! 😉
Oh! And so did Richard Dalton! 😉
Oh! And so did Richard Dalton! 😉
This was a really fun blog! Got me going just reading the various descriptions 😀 I like each of the wenches’ approaches, and the humor that came through in each response! For instance: Large man who faints at the sight of blood! Yes, that was a fun one!
It is great that you all can take your own approach to each different hero. They do all have different personalities that bound off the page.
This was a really fun blog! Got me going just reading the various descriptions 😀 I like each of the wenches’ approaches, and the humor that came through in each response! For instance: Large man who faints at the sight of blood! Yes, that was a fun one!
It is great that you all can take your own approach to each different hero. They do all have different personalities that bound off the page.
This was a really fun blog! Got me going just reading the various descriptions 😀 I like each of the wenches’ approaches, and the humor that came through in each response! For instance: Large man who faints at the sight of blood! Yes, that was a fun one!
It is great that you all can take your own approach to each different hero. They do all have different personalities that bound off the page.
This was a really fun blog! Got me going just reading the various descriptions 😀 I like each of the wenches’ approaches, and the humor that came through in each response! For instance: Large man who faints at the sight of blood! Yes, that was a fun one!
It is great that you all can take your own approach to each different hero. They do all have different personalities that bound off the page.
This was a really fun blog! Got me going just reading the various descriptions 😀 I like each of the wenches’ approaches, and the humor that came through in each response! For instance: Large man who faints at the sight of blood! Yes, that was a fun one!
It is great that you all can take your own approach to each different hero. They do all have different personalities that bound off the page.
HJ–
I find myself thinking the same thing: how does Regency Man build massive muscles without being a steroid consuming gym rat? *G* As Jo said, in the middle ages, the armor and weaponry would build more bulk, but it’s not very realistic in most other eras.
HJ–
I find myself thinking the same thing: how does Regency Man build massive muscles without being a steroid consuming gym rat? *G* As Jo said, in the middle ages, the armor and weaponry would build more bulk, but it’s not very realistic in most other eras.
HJ–
I find myself thinking the same thing: how does Regency Man build massive muscles without being a steroid consuming gym rat? *G* As Jo said, in the middle ages, the armor and weaponry would build more bulk, but it’s not very realistic in most other eras.
HJ–
I find myself thinking the same thing: how does Regency Man build massive muscles without being a steroid consuming gym rat? *G* As Jo said, in the middle ages, the armor and weaponry would build more bulk, but it’s not very realistic in most other eras.
HJ–
I find myself thinking the same thing: how does Regency Man build massive muscles without being a steroid consuming gym rat? *G* As Jo said, in the middle ages, the armor and weaponry would build more bulk, but it’s not very realistic in most other eras.
Shannon–
That’s a nice thing about having written a number of books–one can sneak in more variety. I think the variety we tend to avoid most is “fat,” but Carla Kelly did a lovely traditional Regency with a pudgy marquess. (Who was in better shape by the end, but still. *G*)
Shannon–
That’s a nice thing about having written a number of books–one can sneak in more variety. I think the variety we tend to avoid most is “fat,” but Carla Kelly did a lovely traditional Regency with a pudgy marquess. (Who was in better shape by the end, but still. *G*)
Shannon–
That’s a nice thing about having written a number of books–one can sneak in more variety. I think the variety we tend to avoid most is “fat,” but Carla Kelly did a lovely traditional Regency with a pudgy marquess. (Who was in better shape by the end, but still. *G*)
Shannon–
That’s a nice thing about having written a number of books–one can sneak in more variety. I think the variety we tend to avoid most is “fat,” but Carla Kelly did a lovely traditional Regency with a pudgy marquess. (Who was in better shape by the end, but still. *G*)
Shannon–
That’s a nice thing about having written a number of books–one can sneak in more variety. I think the variety we tend to avoid most is “fat,” but Carla Kelly did a lovely traditional Regency with a pudgy marquess. (Who was in better shape by the end, but still. *G*)
Donna, I think Hawker worked for EVERYONE! You’re right on with that general description, too. Personally, I like blond men and they do turn up more often in Britain than the US. But when doing my backlist e-books, it’s hard to find good images of blond men.
Donna, I think Hawker worked for EVERYONE! You’re right on with that general description, too. Personally, I like blond men and they do turn up more often in Britain than the US. But when doing my backlist e-books, it’s hard to find good images of blond men.
Donna, I think Hawker worked for EVERYONE! You’re right on with that general description, too. Personally, I like blond men and they do turn up more often in Britain than the US. But when doing my backlist e-books, it’s hard to find good images of blond men.
Donna, I think Hawker worked for EVERYONE! You’re right on with that general description, too. Personally, I like blond men and they do turn up more often in Britain than the US. But when doing my backlist e-books, it’s hard to find good images of blond men.
Donna, I think Hawker worked for EVERYONE! You’re right on with that general description, too. Personally, I like blond men and they do turn up more often in Britain than the US. But when doing my backlist e-books, it’s hard to find good images of blond men.
Thanks, Donna! I like to think so. Richard was actually the hero of the first book I ever wrote (even though The Bargain is chronologically earlier), and he illustrated my natural contrarianism. I played him off the Diabolical Baron, who was a deliberately cliche Regeny hero, dark hair and height and all.
Thanks, Donna! I like to think so. Richard was actually the hero of the first book I ever wrote (even though The Bargain is chronologically earlier), and he illustrated my natural contrarianism. I played him off the Diabolical Baron, who was a deliberately cliche Regeny hero, dark hair and height and all.
Thanks, Donna! I like to think so. Richard was actually the hero of the first book I ever wrote (even though The Bargain is chronologically earlier), and he illustrated my natural contrarianism. I played him off the Diabolical Baron, who was a deliberately cliche Regeny hero, dark hair and height and all.
Thanks, Donna! I like to think so. Richard was actually the hero of the first book I ever wrote (even though The Bargain is chronologically earlier), and he illustrated my natural contrarianism. I played him off the Diabolical Baron, who was a deliberately cliche Regeny hero, dark hair and height and all.
Thanks, Donna! I like to think so. Richard was actually the hero of the first book I ever wrote (even though The Bargain is chronologically earlier), and he illustrated my natural contrarianism. I played him off the Diabolical Baron, who was a deliberately cliche Regeny hero, dark hair and height and all.
Laura–
I suspect that a lot of those six-pack covers come from the art department! Along with the shaved chests. *G* But within the pages of the book, those guys are OURS!
Laura–
I suspect that a lot of those six-pack covers come from the art department! Along with the shaved chests. *G* But within the pages of the book, those guys are OURS!
Laura–
I suspect that a lot of those six-pack covers come from the art department! Along with the shaved chests. *G* But within the pages of the book, those guys are OURS!
Laura–
I suspect that a lot of those six-pack covers come from the art department! Along with the shaved chests. *G* But within the pages of the book, those guys are OURS!
Laura–
I suspect that a lot of those six-pack covers come from the art department! Along with the shaved chests. *G* But within the pages of the book, those guys are OURS!
I think in historical romance that it’s probably a mistake to mention actual height. We could say “taller than average” and he might only be 5’9″. But it’s hard to pry the movie mindset out of our heads!
I wrote Michael O’Toole in ENGLISH HEIRESS as average and wiry, auburn-haired, and deliberately not hero material–he had no money, no name, and some very bad habits but a good soul. He’s one of my more popular heroes, so I think romance readers really do want that character building as much as muscle building.
I think in historical romance that it’s probably a mistake to mention actual height. We could say “taller than average” and he might only be 5’9″. But it’s hard to pry the movie mindset out of our heads!
I wrote Michael O’Toole in ENGLISH HEIRESS as average and wiry, auburn-haired, and deliberately not hero material–he had no money, no name, and some very bad habits but a good soul. He’s one of my more popular heroes, so I think romance readers really do want that character building as much as muscle building.
I think in historical romance that it’s probably a mistake to mention actual height. We could say “taller than average” and he might only be 5’9″. But it’s hard to pry the movie mindset out of our heads!
I wrote Michael O’Toole in ENGLISH HEIRESS as average and wiry, auburn-haired, and deliberately not hero material–he had no money, no name, and some very bad habits but a good soul. He’s one of my more popular heroes, so I think romance readers really do want that character building as much as muscle building.
I think in historical romance that it’s probably a mistake to mention actual height. We could say “taller than average” and he might only be 5’9″. But it’s hard to pry the movie mindset out of our heads!
I wrote Michael O’Toole in ENGLISH HEIRESS as average and wiry, auburn-haired, and deliberately not hero material–he had no money, no name, and some very bad habits but a good soul. He’s one of my more popular heroes, so I think romance readers really do want that character building as much as muscle building.
I think in historical romance that it’s probably a mistake to mention actual height. We could say “taller than average” and he might only be 5’9″. But it’s hard to pry the movie mindset out of our heads!
I wrote Michael O’Toole in ENGLISH HEIRESS as average and wiry, auburn-haired, and deliberately not hero material–he had no money, no name, and some very bad habits but a good soul. He’s one of my more popular heroes, so I think romance readers really do want that character building as much as muscle building.
Pat–
Michael, like Hawker, rocks. *G* I agree that mentioning actual heights is a mistake: “above average” works just fine. (Actually, a lot of Hollywood movie stars are short, but camera trickery makes them look taller. This is less effective in real life. *G*)
Pat–
Michael, like Hawker, rocks. *G* I agree that mentioning actual heights is a mistake: “above average” works just fine. (Actually, a lot of Hollywood movie stars are short, but camera trickery makes them look taller. This is less effective in real life. *G*)
Pat–
Michael, like Hawker, rocks. *G* I agree that mentioning actual heights is a mistake: “above average” works just fine. (Actually, a lot of Hollywood movie stars are short, but camera trickery makes them look taller. This is less effective in real life. *G*)
Pat–
Michael, like Hawker, rocks. *G* I agree that mentioning actual heights is a mistake: “above average” works just fine. (Actually, a lot of Hollywood movie stars are short, but camera trickery makes them look taller. This is less effective in real life. *G*)
Pat–
Michael, like Hawker, rocks. *G* I agree that mentioning actual heights is a mistake: “above average” works just fine. (Actually, a lot of Hollywood movie stars are short, but camera trickery makes them look taller. This is less effective in real life. *G*)
Good point, HJ, about how a Regency gent would get the sort of muscles that come from working out in a gym. Most of them would have pretty good thighs from riding, though, and we do see that in some cartoon type drawings of the time.
Jo
Good point, HJ, about how a Regency gent would get the sort of muscles that come from working out in a gym. Most of them would have pretty good thighs from riding, though, and we do see that in some cartoon type drawings of the time.
Jo
Good point, HJ, about how a Regency gent would get the sort of muscles that come from working out in a gym. Most of them would have pretty good thighs from riding, though, and we do see that in some cartoon type drawings of the time.
Jo
Good point, HJ, about how a Regency gent would get the sort of muscles that come from working out in a gym. Most of them would have pretty good thighs from riding, though, and we do see that in some cartoon type drawings of the time.
Jo
Good point, HJ, about how a Regency gent would get the sort of muscles that come from working out in a gym. Most of them would have pretty good thighs from riding, though, and we do see that in some cartoon type drawings of the time.
Jo
Donna, I’m tired by black hair, too. Truly black hair is rare in the British gene pool, and blond is much more common. I happen to really like blond guys so I have quite a few in my books.
Jo
Donna, I’m tired by black hair, too. Truly black hair is rare in the British gene pool, and blond is much more common. I happen to really like blond guys so I have quite a few in my books.
Jo
Donna, I’m tired by black hair, too. Truly black hair is rare in the British gene pool, and blond is much more common. I happen to really like blond guys so I have quite a few in my books.
Jo
Donna, I’m tired by black hair, too. Truly black hair is rare in the British gene pool, and blond is much more common. I happen to really like blond guys so I have quite a few in my books.
Jo
Donna, I’m tired by black hair, too. Truly black hair is rare in the British gene pool, and blond is much more common. I happen to really like blond guys so I have quite a few in my books.
Jo
Ah, now, about those “shaved” chests, Mary Jo. The British gene pool also makes hairy chests much more likely, particularly dark hair. It’s the Scandinavian influence.
Jo
Ah, now, about those “shaved” chests, Mary Jo. The British gene pool also makes hairy chests much more likely, particularly dark hair. It’s the Scandinavian influence.
Jo
Ah, now, about those “shaved” chests, Mary Jo. The British gene pool also makes hairy chests much more likely, particularly dark hair. It’s the Scandinavian influence.
Jo
Ah, now, about those “shaved” chests, Mary Jo. The British gene pool also makes hairy chests much more likely, particularly dark hair. It’s the Scandinavian influence.
Jo
Ah, now, about those “shaved” chests, Mary Jo. The British gene pool also makes hairy chests much more likely, particularly dark hair. It’s the Scandinavian influence.
Jo
In a historical rather than romantic setting I think the average Georgian or Regency aristocrat would be average and fat possibly very fat. Think of those cartoons of the gout ridden squire !!I can’t imagine there were many with a six pack . The sort of exercise they had was generally to do with horses and the odd boxing match or fencing lesson all of which says lithe and supple to me not muscle bound. I think the art departments just like a bit of beefcake on the cover whether that actually sells any more books?Personnally I go by the author and the book synopsis on the back and don’t really look at the front as it rarely has much to do with the actual characters or story !
In a historical rather than romantic setting I think the average Georgian or Regency aristocrat would be average and fat possibly very fat. Think of those cartoons of the gout ridden squire !!I can’t imagine there were many with a six pack . The sort of exercise they had was generally to do with horses and the odd boxing match or fencing lesson all of which says lithe and supple to me not muscle bound. I think the art departments just like a bit of beefcake on the cover whether that actually sells any more books?Personnally I go by the author and the book synopsis on the back and don’t really look at the front as it rarely has much to do with the actual characters or story !
In a historical rather than romantic setting I think the average Georgian or Regency aristocrat would be average and fat possibly very fat. Think of those cartoons of the gout ridden squire !!I can’t imagine there were many with a six pack . The sort of exercise they had was generally to do with horses and the odd boxing match or fencing lesson all of which says lithe and supple to me not muscle bound. I think the art departments just like a bit of beefcake on the cover whether that actually sells any more books?Personnally I go by the author and the book synopsis on the back and don’t really look at the front as it rarely has much to do with the actual characters or story !
In a historical rather than romantic setting I think the average Georgian or Regency aristocrat would be average and fat possibly very fat. Think of those cartoons of the gout ridden squire !!I can’t imagine there were many with a six pack . The sort of exercise they had was generally to do with horses and the odd boxing match or fencing lesson all of which says lithe and supple to me not muscle bound. I think the art departments just like a bit of beefcake on the cover whether that actually sells any more books?Personnally I go by the author and the book synopsis on the back and don’t really look at the front as it rarely has much to do with the actual characters or story !
In a historical rather than romantic setting I think the average Georgian or Regency aristocrat would be average and fat possibly very fat. Think of those cartoons of the gout ridden squire !!I can’t imagine there were many with a six pack . The sort of exercise they had was generally to do with horses and the odd boxing match or fencing lesson all of which says lithe and supple to me not muscle bound. I think the art departments just like a bit of beefcake on the cover whether that actually sells any more books?Personnally I go by the author and the book synopsis on the back and don’t really look at the front as it rarely has much to do with the actual characters or story !
Well … I do like them to be described as tall (at least 6′ tho 6’2″ or 6’4″ is even better) – probably because I am tall. I like them to be strong with nice but not an overdone set of muscles. I like a description of strong but tender hands. But most of all I like intelligence and kindness.
Well … I do like them to be described as tall (at least 6′ tho 6’2″ or 6’4″ is even better) – probably because I am tall. I like them to be strong with nice but not an overdone set of muscles. I like a description of strong but tender hands. But most of all I like intelligence and kindness.
Well … I do like them to be described as tall (at least 6′ tho 6’2″ or 6’4″ is even better) – probably because I am tall. I like them to be strong with nice but not an overdone set of muscles. I like a description of strong but tender hands. But most of all I like intelligence and kindness.
Well … I do like them to be described as tall (at least 6′ tho 6’2″ or 6’4″ is even better) – probably because I am tall. I like them to be strong with nice but not an overdone set of muscles. I like a description of strong but tender hands. But most of all I like intelligence and kindness.
Well … I do like them to be described as tall (at least 6′ tho 6’2″ or 6’4″ is even better) – probably because I am tall. I like them to be strong with nice but not an overdone set of muscles. I like a description of strong but tender hands. But most of all I like intelligence and kindness.
I often think much of a reader’s perception of a hero’s build is due to how the author has him move, carry himself, and relate to others. If a man enters a room and takes it over it may not be because he is some over-muscled hulk, but perhaps it is his presence, something beyond the physical.
And while many Regency gentlemen were in all likelihood on the paunchy side, as in all eras I am certain there were those who were vain enough or perhaps hyper enough to always be in motion, always participating in physical activity and therefore they acquired some muscles along the way. Riding, fencing, boxing and even swimming are great exercise and can give one a muscled physique if one has the time and inclination to do them every day.
I often think much of a reader’s perception of a hero’s build is due to how the author has him move, carry himself, and relate to others. If a man enters a room and takes it over it may not be because he is some over-muscled hulk, but perhaps it is his presence, something beyond the physical.
And while many Regency gentlemen were in all likelihood on the paunchy side, as in all eras I am certain there were those who were vain enough or perhaps hyper enough to always be in motion, always participating in physical activity and therefore they acquired some muscles along the way. Riding, fencing, boxing and even swimming are great exercise and can give one a muscled physique if one has the time and inclination to do them every day.
I often think much of a reader’s perception of a hero’s build is due to how the author has him move, carry himself, and relate to others. If a man enters a room and takes it over it may not be because he is some over-muscled hulk, but perhaps it is his presence, something beyond the physical.
And while many Regency gentlemen were in all likelihood on the paunchy side, as in all eras I am certain there were those who were vain enough or perhaps hyper enough to always be in motion, always participating in physical activity and therefore they acquired some muscles along the way. Riding, fencing, boxing and even swimming are great exercise and can give one a muscled physique if one has the time and inclination to do them every day.
I often think much of a reader’s perception of a hero’s build is due to how the author has him move, carry himself, and relate to others. If a man enters a room and takes it over it may not be because he is some over-muscled hulk, but perhaps it is his presence, something beyond the physical.
And while many Regency gentlemen were in all likelihood on the paunchy side, as in all eras I am certain there were those who were vain enough or perhaps hyper enough to always be in motion, always participating in physical activity and therefore they acquired some muscles along the way. Riding, fencing, boxing and even swimming are great exercise and can give one a muscled physique if one has the time and inclination to do them every day.
I often think much of a reader’s perception of a hero’s build is due to how the author has him move, carry himself, and relate to others. If a man enters a room and takes it over it may not be because he is some over-muscled hulk, but perhaps it is his presence, something beyond the physical.
And while many Regency gentlemen were in all likelihood on the paunchy side, as in all eras I am certain there were those who were vain enough or perhaps hyper enough to always be in motion, always participating in physical activity and therefore they acquired some muscles along the way. Riding, fencing, boxing and even swimming are great exercise and can give one a muscled physique if one has the time and inclination to do them every day.
Jo, I didn’t realize that a tendency to be hirsute was a Scandinavian trait, but I suppose that one when lives in the North Country Fair, anything that adds warmth is welcome. *G*
Jo, I didn’t realize that a tendency to be hirsute was a Scandinavian trait, but I suppose that one when lives in the North Country Fair, anything that adds warmth is welcome. *G*
Jo, I didn’t realize that a tendency to be hirsute was a Scandinavian trait, but I suppose that one when lives in the North Country Fair, anything that adds warmth is welcome. *G*
Jo, I didn’t realize that a tendency to be hirsute was a Scandinavian trait, but I suppose that one when lives in the North Country Fair, anything that adds warmth is welcome. *G*
Jo, I didn’t realize that a tendency to be hirsute was a Scandinavian trait, but I suppose that one when lives in the North Country Fair, anything that adds warmth is welcome. *G*
Diane–
Intelligence, kindness, and character trump appearance any day. But since this is fiction, we can imagine them as gorgeous as we want. I don’t notice hands particularly, but I -love- a good voice.
Diane–
Intelligence, kindness, and character trump appearance any day. But since this is fiction, we can imagine them as gorgeous as we want. I don’t notice hands particularly, but I -love- a good voice.
Diane–
Intelligence, kindness, and character trump appearance any day. But since this is fiction, we can imagine them as gorgeous as we want. I don’t notice hands particularly, but I -love- a good voice.
Diane–
Intelligence, kindness, and character trump appearance any day. But since this is fiction, we can imagine them as gorgeous as we want. I don’t notice hands particularly, but I -love- a good voice.
Diane–
Intelligence, kindness, and character trump appearance any day. But since this is fiction, we can imagine them as gorgeous as we want. I don’t notice hands particularly, but I -love- a good voice.
Louisa–
I agree that the ability to quietly dominate a room is more character than physical size–what was called ‘countenance’ in the Regency. THe hero of my first Lost Lords book, the Duke of Ashton, was like that. Only average height and build, quiet–but with natural authority.
Louisa–
I agree that the ability to quietly dominate a room is more character than physical size–what was called ‘countenance’ in the Regency. THe hero of my first Lost Lords book, the Duke of Ashton, was like that. Only average height and build, quiet–but with natural authority.
Louisa–
I agree that the ability to quietly dominate a room is more character than physical size–what was called ‘countenance’ in the Regency. THe hero of my first Lost Lords book, the Duke of Ashton, was like that. Only average height and build, quiet–but with natural authority.
Louisa–
I agree that the ability to quietly dominate a room is more character than physical size–what was called ‘countenance’ in the Regency. THe hero of my first Lost Lords book, the Duke of Ashton, was like that. Only average height and build, quiet–but with natural authority.
Louisa–
I agree that the ability to quietly dominate a room is more character than physical size–what was called ‘countenance’ in the Regency. THe hero of my first Lost Lords book, the Duke of Ashton, was like that. Only average height and build, quiet–but with natural authority.
Jo–
I’m sure you’re right about the fat squires–just reading the menu for a typical dinner is enough pile on the calories. When I read the first Patrick O’Brien novel in his series, MASTER AND COMMANDER, I’ll admit that I was put off in the first chapter when the sea captain hero was describe as ‘blond and fattish,’ if I recall correctly. *G*
Jo–
I’m sure you’re right about the fat squires–just reading the menu for a typical dinner is enough pile on the calories. When I read the first Patrick O’Brien novel in his series, MASTER AND COMMANDER, I’ll admit that I was put off in the first chapter when the sea captain hero was describe as ‘blond and fattish,’ if I recall correctly. *G*
Jo–
I’m sure you’re right about the fat squires–just reading the menu for a typical dinner is enough pile on the calories. When I read the first Patrick O’Brien novel in his series, MASTER AND COMMANDER, I’ll admit that I was put off in the first chapter when the sea captain hero was describe as ‘blond and fattish,’ if I recall correctly. *G*
Jo–
I’m sure you’re right about the fat squires–just reading the menu for a typical dinner is enough pile on the calories. When I read the first Patrick O’Brien novel in his series, MASTER AND COMMANDER, I’ll admit that I was put off in the first chapter when the sea captain hero was describe as ‘blond and fattish,’ if I recall correctly. *G*
Jo–
I’m sure you’re right about the fat squires–just reading the menu for a typical dinner is enough pile on the calories. When I read the first Patrick O’Brien novel in his series, MASTER AND COMMANDER, I’ll admit that I was put off in the first chapter when the sea captain hero was describe as ‘blond and fattish,’ if I recall correctly. *G*
Personally, I am not as picky about upper body or height but give me a muscled pair of legs and butt anytime. The hero has to look good in those ultra tight breeches and most men probably had pretty nice legs from riding horses so it is true to the period.
Personally, I am not as picky about upper body or height but give me a muscled pair of legs and butt anytime. The hero has to look good in those ultra tight breeches and most men probably had pretty nice legs from riding horses so it is true to the period.
Personally, I am not as picky about upper body or height but give me a muscled pair of legs and butt anytime. The hero has to look good in those ultra tight breeches and most men probably had pretty nice legs from riding horses so it is true to the period.
Personally, I am not as picky about upper body or height but give me a muscled pair of legs and butt anytime. The hero has to look good in those ultra tight breeches and most men probably had pretty nice legs from riding horses so it is true to the period.
Personally, I am not as picky about upper body or height but give me a muscled pair of legs and butt anytime. The hero has to look good in those ultra tight breeches and most men probably had pretty nice legs from riding horses so it is true to the period.
Hey, it’s fiction. Make them perfect. Readers who prefer wimpy men can always read contemporary fiction. I want my historical heroes tall, strong and handsome. I can look at “real” men anytime, but I want something special to read about.
Hey, it’s fiction. Make them perfect. Readers who prefer wimpy men can always read contemporary fiction. I want my historical heroes tall, strong and handsome. I can look at “real” men anytime, but I want something special to read about.
Hey, it’s fiction. Make them perfect. Readers who prefer wimpy men can always read contemporary fiction. I want my historical heroes tall, strong and handsome. I can look at “real” men anytime, but I want something special to read about.
Hey, it’s fiction. Make them perfect. Readers who prefer wimpy men can always read contemporary fiction. I want my historical heroes tall, strong and handsome. I can look at “real” men anytime, but I want something special to read about.
Hey, it’s fiction. Make them perfect. Readers who prefer wimpy men can always read contemporary fiction. I want my historical heroes tall, strong and handsome. I can look at “real” men anytime, but I want something special to read about.
Asya–
The legs would be well-muscled, but perhaps–a trifle bowed? *G* But this is fiction, we can make ’em the way we want. *G*
Asya–
The legs would be well-muscled, but perhaps–a trifle bowed? *G* But this is fiction, we can make ’em the way we want. *G*
Asya–
The legs would be well-muscled, but perhaps–a trifle bowed? *G* But this is fiction, we can make ’em the way we want. *G*
Asya–
The legs would be well-muscled, but perhaps–a trifle bowed? *G* But this is fiction, we can make ’em the way we want. *G*
Asya–
The legs would be well-muscled, but perhaps–a trifle bowed? *G* But this is fiction, we can make ’em the way we want. *G*
Bettye–
As you say, it’s fiction and we can make them perfect–but the definition of perfect varies! This is the advantage of those covers where the heads are cropped off–we get to shape the characters the way we want!
Bettye–
As you say, it’s fiction and we can make them perfect–but the definition of perfect varies! This is the advantage of those covers where the heads are cropped off–we get to shape the characters the way we want!
Bettye–
As you say, it’s fiction and we can make them perfect–but the definition of perfect varies! This is the advantage of those covers where the heads are cropped off–we get to shape the characters the way we want!
Bettye–
As you say, it’s fiction and we can make them perfect–but the definition of perfect varies! This is the advantage of those covers where the heads are cropped off–we get to shape the characters the way we want!
Bettye–
As you say, it’s fiction and we can make them perfect–but the definition of perfect varies! This is the advantage of those covers where the heads are cropped off–we get to shape the characters the way we want!
I like my heroes to be my ideal fantasy man, and that happens to be tall and muscular (though not gorilla-muscular, thank you very much. I find the extreme muscles of bodybuilders to be a bit weird). And I happen to think most muscular men look better *in* a shirt than bare-chested. Like in a T-shirt. Or a regular button shirt. I find it very sexy for the sleeves to be rolled up to mid-arm or just below the elbow, the top two buttons undone at the neck, and broad shoulders filling out the rest. It leaves a lot to the imagination and a well-muscled physique shows through the outer trappings anyway.
Lean, whipcord thin men don’t attract me. As Mary Jo says, the definition of “perfect” certainly varies. Most of my female friends say they prefer lean, wiry men over big muscular guys. I have an acquaintance who is huge, a bearded, red-haired grizzly bear. He’s 6’5″ with meaty arms, thick neck, big chest, and large feet. He is physically imposing. But he’s gentle, soft-spoken, and intelligent. I loved dancing with him. He was a regular twinkle-toes, light on his feet, and while I felt deliciously overpowered by his size, it was his intelligence and wit (and sense of humor) that held the most sway over me. The rest was just icing on the cake. *g*
I like my heroes to be my ideal fantasy man, and that happens to be tall and muscular (though not gorilla-muscular, thank you very much. I find the extreme muscles of bodybuilders to be a bit weird). And I happen to think most muscular men look better *in* a shirt than bare-chested. Like in a T-shirt. Or a regular button shirt. I find it very sexy for the sleeves to be rolled up to mid-arm or just below the elbow, the top two buttons undone at the neck, and broad shoulders filling out the rest. It leaves a lot to the imagination and a well-muscled physique shows through the outer trappings anyway.
Lean, whipcord thin men don’t attract me. As Mary Jo says, the definition of “perfect” certainly varies. Most of my female friends say they prefer lean, wiry men over big muscular guys. I have an acquaintance who is huge, a bearded, red-haired grizzly bear. He’s 6’5″ with meaty arms, thick neck, big chest, and large feet. He is physically imposing. But he’s gentle, soft-spoken, and intelligent. I loved dancing with him. He was a regular twinkle-toes, light on his feet, and while I felt deliciously overpowered by his size, it was his intelligence and wit (and sense of humor) that held the most sway over me. The rest was just icing on the cake. *g*
I like my heroes to be my ideal fantasy man, and that happens to be tall and muscular (though not gorilla-muscular, thank you very much. I find the extreme muscles of bodybuilders to be a bit weird). And I happen to think most muscular men look better *in* a shirt than bare-chested. Like in a T-shirt. Or a regular button shirt. I find it very sexy for the sleeves to be rolled up to mid-arm or just below the elbow, the top two buttons undone at the neck, and broad shoulders filling out the rest. It leaves a lot to the imagination and a well-muscled physique shows through the outer trappings anyway.
Lean, whipcord thin men don’t attract me. As Mary Jo says, the definition of “perfect” certainly varies. Most of my female friends say they prefer lean, wiry men over big muscular guys. I have an acquaintance who is huge, a bearded, red-haired grizzly bear. He’s 6’5″ with meaty arms, thick neck, big chest, and large feet. He is physically imposing. But he’s gentle, soft-spoken, and intelligent. I loved dancing with him. He was a regular twinkle-toes, light on his feet, and while I felt deliciously overpowered by his size, it was his intelligence and wit (and sense of humor) that held the most sway over me. The rest was just icing on the cake. *g*
I like my heroes to be my ideal fantasy man, and that happens to be tall and muscular (though not gorilla-muscular, thank you very much. I find the extreme muscles of bodybuilders to be a bit weird). And I happen to think most muscular men look better *in* a shirt than bare-chested. Like in a T-shirt. Or a regular button shirt. I find it very sexy for the sleeves to be rolled up to mid-arm or just below the elbow, the top two buttons undone at the neck, and broad shoulders filling out the rest. It leaves a lot to the imagination and a well-muscled physique shows through the outer trappings anyway.
Lean, whipcord thin men don’t attract me. As Mary Jo says, the definition of “perfect” certainly varies. Most of my female friends say they prefer lean, wiry men over big muscular guys. I have an acquaintance who is huge, a bearded, red-haired grizzly bear. He’s 6’5″ with meaty arms, thick neck, big chest, and large feet. He is physically imposing. But he’s gentle, soft-spoken, and intelligent. I loved dancing with him. He was a regular twinkle-toes, light on his feet, and while I felt deliciously overpowered by his size, it was his intelligence and wit (and sense of humor) that held the most sway over me. The rest was just icing on the cake. *g*
I like my heroes to be my ideal fantasy man, and that happens to be tall and muscular (though not gorilla-muscular, thank you very much. I find the extreme muscles of bodybuilders to be a bit weird). And I happen to think most muscular men look better *in* a shirt than bare-chested. Like in a T-shirt. Or a regular button shirt. I find it very sexy for the sleeves to be rolled up to mid-arm or just below the elbow, the top two buttons undone at the neck, and broad shoulders filling out the rest. It leaves a lot to the imagination and a well-muscled physique shows through the outer trappings anyway.
Lean, whipcord thin men don’t attract me. As Mary Jo says, the definition of “perfect” certainly varies. Most of my female friends say they prefer lean, wiry men over big muscular guys. I have an acquaintance who is huge, a bearded, red-haired grizzly bear. He’s 6’5″ with meaty arms, thick neck, big chest, and large feet. He is physically imposing. But he’s gentle, soft-spoken, and intelligent. I loved dancing with him. He was a regular twinkle-toes, light on his feet, and while I felt deliciously overpowered by his size, it was his intelligence and wit (and sense of humor) that held the most sway over me. The rest was just icing on the cake. *g*
I mean the other way around, Mary Jo. The Scandinavian tendency is to a hairless chest, so it’s more common in Britain.
I mean the other way around, Mary Jo. The Scandinavian tendency is to a hairless chest, so it’s more common in Britain.
I mean the other way around, Mary Jo. The Scandinavian tendency is to a hairless chest, so it’s more common in Britain.
I mean the other way around, Mary Jo. The Scandinavian tendency is to a hairless chest, so it’s more common in Britain.
I mean the other way around, Mary Jo. The Scandinavian tendency is to a hairless chest, so it’s more common in Britain.
Now I see where you got the hairy Scandinavians, Mary Jo! Sorry about that. HairLESS chests are much more likely in England.
Now I see where you got the hairy Scandinavians, Mary Jo! Sorry about that. HairLESS chests are much more likely in England.
Now I see where you got the hairy Scandinavians, Mary Jo! Sorry about that. HairLESS chests are much more likely in England.
Now I see where you got the hairy Scandinavians, Mary Jo! Sorry about that. HairLESS chests are much more likely in England.
Now I see where you got the hairy Scandinavians, Mary Jo! Sorry about that. HairLESS chests are much more likely in England.
Mary Jo, I thought every romance reader and writer noticed hands! I often describe hands because I’ve always been turned on by the right sort of hands on a man, and readers often comment on a hero’s hands.
My favorites are strong and long-fingered, as long fingers are a sign of intelligence if one believes in the hand assessment part of palmistry. BTW, thumbs that bend back at the middle joint is called the “murderer’s thumb” because it links to violence.
Everyone is now looking at their thumbs.*G*
Mary Jo, I thought every romance reader and writer noticed hands! I often describe hands because I’ve always been turned on by the right sort of hands on a man, and readers often comment on a hero’s hands.
My favorites are strong and long-fingered, as long fingers are a sign of intelligence if one believes in the hand assessment part of palmistry. BTW, thumbs that bend back at the middle joint is called the “murderer’s thumb” because it links to violence.
Everyone is now looking at their thumbs.*G*
Mary Jo, I thought every romance reader and writer noticed hands! I often describe hands because I’ve always been turned on by the right sort of hands on a man, and readers often comment on a hero’s hands.
My favorites are strong and long-fingered, as long fingers are a sign of intelligence if one believes in the hand assessment part of palmistry. BTW, thumbs that bend back at the middle joint is called the “murderer’s thumb” because it links to violence.
Everyone is now looking at their thumbs.*G*
Mary Jo, I thought every romance reader and writer noticed hands! I often describe hands because I’ve always been turned on by the right sort of hands on a man, and readers often comment on a hero’s hands.
My favorites are strong and long-fingered, as long fingers are a sign of intelligence if one believes in the hand assessment part of palmistry. BTW, thumbs that bend back at the middle joint is called the “murderer’s thumb” because it links to violence.
Everyone is now looking at their thumbs.*G*
Mary Jo, I thought every romance reader and writer noticed hands! I often describe hands because I’ve always been turned on by the right sort of hands on a man, and readers often comment on a hero’s hands.
My favorites are strong and long-fingered, as long fingers are a sign of intelligence if one believes in the hand assessment part of palmistry. BTW, thumbs that bend back at the middle joint is called the “murderer’s thumb” because it links to violence.
Everyone is now looking at their thumbs.*G*
Shannon, I remember thinking the same when I was doing some research for my hero (who was semi-conscious at the time) needed to be helped up the stairs of a cottage. I used the cottage in Melbourne that once belonged to captain Cook’s parents. The low ceilings were one things, the tiny bed alcoves were another.
And some of those suits of armor are quite small.
Still, there were men around the 6 ft mark — no doubt those with the right genes who had good nutrition all their growing years.
Shannon, I remember thinking the same when I was doing some research for my hero (who was semi-conscious at the time) needed to be helped up the stairs of a cottage. I used the cottage in Melbourne that once belonged to captain Cook’s parents. The low ceilings were one things, the tiny bed alcoves were another.
And some of those suits of armor are quite small.
Still, there were men around the 6 ft mark — no doubt those with the right genes who had good nutrition all their growing years.
Shannon, I remember thinking the same when I was doing some research for my hero (who was semi-conscious at the time) needed to be helped up the stairs of a cottage. I used the cottage in Melbourne that once belonged to captain Cook’s parents. The low ceilings were one things, the tiny bed alcoves were another.
And some of those suits of armor are quite small.
Still, there were men around the 6 ft mark — no doubt those with the right genes who had good nutrition all their growing years.
Shannon, I remember thinking the same when I was doing some research for my hero (who was semi-conscious at the time) needed to be helped up the stairs of a cottage. I used the cottage in Melbourne that once belonged to captain Cook’s parents. The low ceilings were one things, the tiny bed alcoves were another.
And some of those suits of armor are quite small.
Still, there were men around the 6 ft mark — no doubt those with the right genes who had good nutrition all their growing years.
Shannon, I remember thinking the same when I was doing some research for my hero (who was semi-conscious at the time) needed to be helped up the stairs of a cottage. I used the cottage in Melbourne that once belonged to captain Cook’s parents. The low ceilings were one things, the tiny bed alcoves were another.
And some of those suits of armor are quite small.
Still, there were men around the 6 ft mark — no doubt those with the right genes who had good nutrition all their growing years.
I often mention hands, too, as I also find some men’s hands attractive. I’ve also had one or two heroes who were gently born but grew up rough — in factories or on ships, for instance — and who therefore don’t have “gentlemen’s hands.”
I didn’t know about “murderer’s thumb, Jo. 🙂
I often mention hands, too, as I also find some men’s hands attractive. I’ve also had one or two heroes who were gently born but grew up rough — in factories or on ships, for instance — and who therefore don’t have “gentlemen’s hands.”
I didn’t know about “murderer’s thumb, Jo. 🙂
I often mention hands, too, as I also find some men’s hands attractive. I’ve also had one or two heroes who were gently born but grew up rough — in factories or on ships, for instance — and who therefore don’t have “gentlemen’s hands.”
I didn’t know about “murderer’s thumb, Jo. 🙂
I often mention hands, too, as I also find some men’s hands attractive. I’ve also had one or two heroes who were gently born but grew up rough — in factories or on ships, for instance — and who therefore don’t have “gentlemen’s hands.”
I didn’t know about “murderer’s thumb, Jo. 🙂
I often mention hands, too, as I also find some men’s hands attractive. I’ve also had one or two heroes who were gently born but grew up rough — in factories or on ships, for instance — and who therefore don’t have “gentlemen’s hands.”
I didn’t know about “murderer’s thumb, Jo. 🙂
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Sherrie–
I like the image of Twinkle Toes, the redbearded grizly dancer! Muscles are good, but I wonder if the over-inflated bodybuilder type is someday going to be considered just a weird stylist fad that will fall out of favor? Clearly, it’s not hugely in favor among romance readers even now.
Okay, my thumb doesn’t bend back. I guess I only murder people fictionally. *G*
Okay, my thumb doesn’t bend back. I guess I only murder people fictionally. *G*
Okay, my thumb doesn’t bend back. I guess I only murder people fictionally. *G*
Okay, my thumb doesn’t bend back. I guess I only murder people fictionally. *G*
Okay, my thumb doesn’t bend back. I guess I only murder people fictionally. *G*
Okay, now we’re on the same (hairless) page. *G* I do tend to think of blond men as smoother skinned. I guess that means the Vikings had to wear furs to compenate!
Okay, now we’re on the same (hairless) page. *G* I do tend to think of blond men as smoother skinned. I guess that means the Vikings had to wear furs to compenate!
Okay, now we’re on the same (hairless) page. *G* I do tend to think of blond men as smoother skinned. I guess that means the Vikings had to wear furs to compenate!
Okay, now we’re on the same (hairless) page. *G* I do tend to think of blond men as smoother skinned. I guess that means the Vikings had to wear furs to compenate!
Okay, now we’re on the same (hairless) page. *G* I do tend to think of blond men as smoother skinned. I guess that means the Vikings had to wear furs to compenate!
I’m not enamored of overly muscled men, I like to see some slim wiry ones too. Mary Balogh is very good about having a big variety of physical types. But my real pet peeve is all the hairless chests on the book covers, especially when during the story it mentions his hairy chest, or the heroine is running her fingers through his chest hair! I was happy to see that on Grace Burrowes’ book “The Heir” had hair. 😉
I’m not enamored of overly muscled men, I like to see some slim wiry ones too. Mary Balogh is very good about having a big variety of physical types. But my real pet peeve is all the hairless chests on the book covers, especially when during the story it mentions his hairy chest, or the heroine is running her fingers through his chest hair! I was happy to see that on Grace Burrowes’ book “The Heir” had hair. 😉
I’m not enamored of overly muscled men, I like to see some slim wiry ones too. Mary Balogh is very good about having a big variety of physical types. But my real pet peeve is all the hairless chests on the book covers, especially when during the story it mentions his hairy chest, or the heroine is running her fingers through his chest hair! I was happy to see that on Grace Burrowes’ book “The Heir” had hair. 😉
I’m not enamored of overly muscled men, I like to see some slim wiry ones too. Mary Balogh is very good about having a big variety of physical types. But my real pet peeve is all the hairless chests on the book covers, especially when during the story it mentions his hairy chest, or the heroine is running her fingers through his chest hair! I was happy to see that on Grace Burrowes’ book “The Heir” had hair. 😉
I’m not enamored of overly muscled men, I like to see some slim wiry ones too. Mary Balogh is very good about having a big variety of physical types. But my real pet peeve is all the hairless chests on the book covers, especially when during the story it mentions his hairy chest, or the heroine is running her fingers through his chest hair! I was happy to see that on Grace Burrowes’ book “The Heir” had hair. 😉
One of my favorite Heyers is The Quiet Gentleman, for the characters, witty conversation, and the trick to the story. The hero is described as slender or slightly built and people tend to underestimate him. People underestimate the quiet heroine too, until the last chapter.
One of my favorite Heyers is The Quiet Gentleman, for the characters, witty conversation, and the trick to the story. The hero is described as slender or slightly built and people tend to underestimate him. People underestimate the quiet heroine too, until the last chapter.
One of my favorite Heyers is The Quiet Gentleman, for the characters, witty conversation, and the trick to the story. The hero is described as slender or slightly built and people tend to underestimate him. People underestimate the quiet heroine too, until the last chapter.
One of my favorite Heyers is The Quiet Gentleman, for the characters, witty conversation, and the trick to the story. The hero is described as slender or slightly built and people tend to underestimate him. People underestimate the quiet heroine too, until the last chapter.
One of my favorite Heyers is The Quiet Gentleman, for the characters, witty conversation, and the trick to the story. The hero is described as slender or slightly built and people tend to underestimate him. People underestimate the quiet heroine too, until the last chapter.
Not so sure that blonds are smoother – I think it’s the opposite. I’ve always heard that blondes have way more hair follicles per sq. inch than dark-haired folks, and redheads come in a close second on amount of hair. Nordic types needed more body hair to keep warm in the cold environment, and were less in danger of too much sun exposure so they don’t have as much melatonin protection, so they’re more fair-skinned. Darker-haired folks from warmer climates tend to have less hair coverage and more tanning protection in the skin. I think that’s the genetic tendency (which holds true among the blond men in my family!) — but with so much mix and mingle in the human gene pool, there are a zillion variations. And very nice ones, I might add. 🙂
Not so sure that blonds are smoother – I think it’s the opposite. I’ve always heard that blondes have way more hair follicles per sq. inch than dark-haired folks, and redheads come in a close second on amount of hair. Nordic types needed more body hair to keep warm in the cold environment, and were less in danger of too much sun exposure so they don’t have as much melatonin protection, so they’re more fair-skinned. Darker-haired folks from warmer climates tend to have less hair coverage and more tanning protection in the skin. I think that’s the genetic tendency (which holds true among the blond men in my family!) — but with so much mix and mingle in the human gene pool, there are a zillion variations. And very nice ones, I might add. 🙂
Not so sure that blonds are smoother – I think it’s the opposite. I’ve always heard that blondes have way more hair follicles per sq. inch than dark-haired folks, and redheads come in a close second on amount of hair. Nordic types needed more body hair to keep warm in the cold environment, and were less in danger of too much sun exposure so they don’t have as much melatonin protection, so they’re more fair-skinned. Darker-haired folks from warmer climates tend to have less hair coverage and more tanning protection in the skin. I think that’s the genetic tendency (which holds true among the blond men in my family!) — but with so much mix and mingle in the human gene pool, there are a zillion variations. And very nice ones, I might add. 🙂
Not so sure that blonds are smoother – I think it’s the opposite. I’ve always heard that blondes have way more hair follicles per sq. inch than dark-haired folks, and redheads come in a close second on amount of hair. Nordic types needed more body hair to keep warm in the cold environment, and were less in danger of too much sun exposure so they don’t have as much melatonin protection, so they’re more fair-skinned. Darker-haired folks from warmer climates tend to have less hair coverage and more tanning protection in the skin. I think that’s the genetic tendency (which holds true among the blond men in my family!) — but with so much mix and mingle in the human gene pool, there are a zillion variations. And very nice ones, I might add. 🙂
Not so sure that blonds are smoother – I think it’s the opposite. I’ve always heard that blondes have way more hair follicles per sq. inch than dark-haired folks, and redheads come in a close second on amount of hair. Nordic types needed more body hair to keep warm in the cold environment, and were less in danger of too much sun exposure so they don’t have as much melatonin protection, so they’re more fair-skinned. Darker-haired folks from warmer climates tend to have less hair coverage and more tanning protection in the skin. I think that’s the genetic tendency (which holds true among the blond men in my family!) — but with so much mix and mingle in the human gene pool, there are a zillion variations. And very nice ones, I might add. 🙂
That’s a great example, Artemisia, and a nice thumbs-up for those of us on the smaller and quieter side! And a reminder that Heyer so knew what she was doing with character and story surprises. 😉
That’s a great example, Artemisia, and a nice thumbs-up for those of us on the smaller and quieter side! And a reminder that Heyer so knew what she was doing with character and story surprises. 😉
That’s a great example, Artemisia, and a nice thumbs-up for those of us on the smaller and quieter side! And a reminder that Heyer so knew what she was doing with character and story surprises. 😉
That’s a great example, Artemisia, and a nice thumbs-up for those of us on the smaller and quieter side! And a reminder that Heyer so knew what she was doing with character and story surprises. 😉
That’s a great example, Artemisia, and a nice thumbs-up for those of us on the smaller and quieter side! And a reminder that Heyer so knew what she was doing with character and story surprises. 😉
I didn’t notice that The Heir had hair! I need to go back and look at that cover. I’m all in favor of natural looking chests as opposed to those that are shaved and oiled.
I didn’t notice that The Heir had hair! I need to go back and look at that cover. I’m all in favor of natural looking chests as opposed to those that are shaved and oiled.
I didn’t notice that The Heir had hair! I need to go back and look at that cover. I’m all in favor of natural looking chests as opposed to those that are shaved and oiled.
I didn’t notice that The Heir had hair! I need to go back and look at that cover. I’m all in favor of natural looking chests as opposed to those that are shaved and oiled.
I didn’t notice that The Heir had hair! I need to go back and look at that cover. I’m all in favor of natural looking chests as opposed to those that are shaved and oiled.
Artemesia–The Quiet Gentleman is one of my favorite Heyers, too. As you say, she had a real range to characters since she was creating the genre, not folowing its quidelines.
Artemesia–The Quiet Gentleman is one of my favorite Heyers, too. As you say, she had a real range to characters since she was creating the genre, not folowing its quidelines.
Artemesia–The Quiet Gentleman is one of my favorite Heyers, too. As you say, she had a real range to characters since she was creating the genre, not folowing its quidelines.
Artemesia–The Quiet Gentleman is one of my favorite Heyers, too. As you say, she had a real range to characters since she was creating the genre, not folowing its quidelines.
Artemesia–The Quiet Gentleman is one of my favorite Heyers, too. As you say, she had a real range to characters since she was creating the genre, not folowing its quidelines.