Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group discussion

What RS plots work for you? Which ones don't? What's a good way to integrate a good, adrenaline rush suspense plot with romance that warms your bones?

My favorite RS stories are the ones with military guys, or tough guys who know how to handle themselves. I have a weakness for spies, assassins, and black ops soldiers. I like when the writer is able to add something a little different to the typical storyline.

I also like when the hero or even the heroine is kind of a bad guy but they turnaround as the story progresses, and I can see the good in them.

For instance, The GhostWalkers are the best RS I've read in a while. The H/h and genetically enhanced and their lives are in jeopardy in relation to that. I love how Feehan brings the H/h together.

I also love the Ice series by Anne Stuart. The heroes are lethal and dark, experienced covert operatives. They usually start out as enemies or threats to the heroines, but that changes over the books.

The I-Team series by Pamela Clare actually works better than I would have thought, much better. I don't care much for the news media, but Ms. Clare writes these books to have me fully engaged in the story and her characters are principled and want to use their assets to make the world a better place instead of just being famous or getting a large byline.

Cry No More by Linda Howard was also an impressive RS. I didn't think I would like the storyline about the heroine searching for her lost child, but I was completely involved. I liked how Diaz was a dark, unpredictable, but caring man.

On the other hand, I really don't like serial killer-themed romance. I am not big on serial killer fiction period.

LD, I seem to like the same series you do as well as:

Maya Banks – Kelly Group: I like the family aspect of these ex-military alpha hero brothers as they all meet their ladies and expand the family. It is kinda formulaic with the couple meeting because one of them is in danger, but the writing style is good and the characters always interesting. This is an ongoing series with 4books out so far.

Cindy Gerard – Black Ops: This group is ex-military alphas that were in the same platoon and get even closer when one of their members is KIA and they vow to stay close that his family. The series recently ended at 7books.

Suzanne Brockmann – Troubleshooters: I’m still making my way thru this series that has 17books & counting. This military band of brothers that also works with government agencies has some lighthearted moments as well as pulse-pounding adventures around the world.

Lori Foster – Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor – These men are friends that have some experience being the alpha guys you need to get the job done. Through 4books I’ve thrilled at them doing just that.

I, too, love a military man. I also love men who are in law enforcement. Police, FBI, DEA, CIA, etc... And Firemen! Sigh! And then, there is the cowboy! Another deep sigh!

I can get into a good police procedual but some can get too bogged down into the crime that the romance suffers. I prefer a good balance between the romance and suspense and a bit of witty banter or humor of some sort to lighten the situation is good. As long as its in good taste. Making light of a dead body or gruesome situation can be a turn off.

Love the I-Team and several of Linda Howard's books (Dream Man, Mr Perfect, Open Season, Cry No More, etc), Jaycee Clark's Deadly series, Marliss Melton's Seal Team 12, etc...

I like a good military man, but my favorite romantic suspense books are the tried and true "cop/FBI/regular guy protects woman from serial killer/stalker/whatever" type books. They just seem to be my favorites.

I am like you, Pamela, I like a very good balance between the romance and the suspense. Some authors just can't seem to find that, and it drives me crazy. Also, I don't mind reading from the bad guy's POV, but not TOO much. Every once in a while is fine, but when half the book is in his head, I can't deal.

I love a good catcher book, where the hero is a lawman (FBI Agent,CIA Agent, etc.) Suzanne Brockmann books were the first ones that I have read about navy seals.

Now, I love Anna Stuart type of dangerous bad boys. A good bad assassin is good too.

Megan, my sister has a problem with too much POV from the villain as well.

I can't stand when the books describe horrible murders and then jump to a sexy love scene. My brain short-circuits.

I like for the suspense part to be well-crafted and believable and not just a prop for the romance. Otherwise, why read romantic suspense.

Yeah, I have a problem with inappropriate love scenes. Like when something like the hero's truck blows up and the couple proceed to jump each other like crazy. Or they are on the run and out in the elements and the bad guys just passed by and they go for it.

Or they are half-dead and really aren't capable of having sex. They should be resting and getting over almost dying. I can buy it if there is a minimal injury, and they truly have a safe moment. But not in the thick of things.

Yeah, Lady D, that cracks me up. They are near death but can still do the deed? Come on, give me a break!

I guess they are so manly and virile, they can still have an erection even when severely hypovolemic! :)

I cannot stand the damsel-in-distress or the too-stupid-to-live heroine that most Harlequin Intrigue books have. I wanna bash those women, really, because half the time, all the dire things are happening because of their stupidity. *harsh, sorry, but that's how it feels often*

I also don't like serial killers - esp because the trope always implies that the killer will take a liking to the heroine and she's the next on his list, or she's the most venerable target he can ever acquire. Villain's POV too doesn't work for me, because I feel it takes away from the story and esp the romance.

I like both the hero and heroine tough as nails yet with a softer side that they can show in relation to the romance happening between them. The protectiveness of the hero. Military, assassins, spies, lawmen - all of them work, but only when paired with a strong if not stronger heroine. :)

I prefer the hero to be stronger than the heroine, and that she NEEDS his protection, but I don't like the heroine to be TSTL.....it's a delicate balance LOL! It depends on the genre and setting, but I am usually not a fan of the tough, alpha female. They grate on my nerves very quickly.

I like both strong women and "damsels in distress". But I hate TSTL or whiney heroines. And strong in my opinion doesn't necessarily mean physical strength. My favorite heroines are the ones who have survived the worst life can throw and they are strong enough to keep going.

Yes Pamela....I think I mean physical strength. I'm all about emotional strength, but when they have too much physical strength, it makes them seem manly to me. I like a "feminine" woman, I guess.

You don't have to be sorry for your opinion, Zee, although I don't strictly agree. I don't mind a heroine who isn't physically strong or has emotional issues. I like the knight in shining armor trope, and I don't think all women need to be kickbutt to have a good story. For me, that puts pressure on all women to fit some unrealistic mold. Having said that, I love a strong woman who can fight at the hero's side. I even like some books where the heroine saves the hero's butt (flipping the script). The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo movie with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig does that and I loved it. It's all in the execution. I like the way you both put it, Megan and Pamela. It's about balance, and emotional strength to overcome and grow as a person.

Anything with a gorgeous FBI agent. Navy SEALs are good too.

Whiny heroines are an absolute no-no for me. Just finished The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks and couldn't stand Rachel. Her "woe is me" attitude just annoyed the heck out of me and I hated all the condescending endearments the men lavished on her.

I prefer it when the hero and heroine are equal partner. Each plays to their strengths and they compliment each other.

Lauren wrote: "Anything with a gorgeous FBI agent. Navy SEALs are good too.

Whiny heroines are an absolute no-no for me. Just finished The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks and couldn't stand Rachel. Her "woe is me" at..."

she gets better and that is a good series

Lol, Danielle! I was on a roll yesterday. :)

Nope, she doesn't have to tough as nails all the time - I meant that more in the way that she better not be whiny or TSTL. Man, I was very eloquent yesterday... *grin*

Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "The I-Team series by Pamela Clare actually works better than I would have thought, much better...."

I agree. I'm reading Extreme Exposure and I was a little skeptical about the politician and journalist pairing but it works really really well.

I liked Extreme Exposure, too. Anything with a unique storyline in this genre is sure to be a winner. It's been saturated with the same old stuff for so long!

I just finished reading Kristine Cayne's Romantic Suspense book, Deadly Addiction and I loved the story. It's about the struggle of First Nations autonomy and sovereignty, and drug and alcohol abuse on Native American reservations. It's an interesting story, great romance, fast paced and sexy!

In fact, we're going to be hosting Kristine Cayne as our first Featured Author. Be sure and stop by, say hello, and enter for a chance to win a copy of her book.

Getting to Know Kristine Cayne

If you want to know more, here's My Spoiler Free Review of Deadly Addiction

I love RS book which is about Assassin/Killer, Thief/Burglar, and Spy/Detective. I'm always interested when hero and heroine have job like that. =P

The suspense have to fit with the romance. Not have too much unnecessary sex scene or lovey-dovey talk/ sweet cheesy thing that make the plot drop. );

It's still depend on the relationship btw the hero and heroine, though. :) They have to *click*, being perfect match for each other. ;)

I am all for black ops soldier/covert agent/spy/assassin/military storylines. Those are my favorite RS plots. I like when the H/h are initially enemies and become lovers.

Assassin and Spy are always my fave. ^^ I really want to read about Bodyguard too, but it's kinda hard to find the book about Bodyguard!

Pang, here is a whole series about bodyguards

Thanks for the recommend! I will check this series out! :D

Oooh bodyguards :) Just added this series to my TBR list. Thanks.

I love Hostage ones. I read when i was young and it really stuck with me. I also liked but it sort of lost its oomph for me. I've just done my own, which is a sexy hostage situation within a Zombie Apocalypse :)

IMHO~C wrote: "Oooh bodyguards :) Just added this series to my TBR list. Thanks."

Cindy Gerard's Bodyguards series was my first real RS love. I still go back to it all the time, particularly these two: