Which type of guy is for you? by Adrienne Monson

Valentine’s Day has come and gone. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance books, then this month is probably just like any other. After all, you live for romance at any given time, right? But with this month’s holiday, my thoughts have turned to characters that we all love to love.

If you’ve read the Sookie Stackhouse series, then Eric would probably be the character you have the biggest crush on. Or perhaps Damon, from the Vampire Diaries is your cup of tea. Those types of characters are the ones that I’m personally drawn to.

But when I discussed these characters with a friend of mine, she disagreed with my choices. She loves Jacob from the Twilight series, and characters that are like Edward Ferras from Sense and Sensibility.

This brings me to the topic of this post: Which type of character do you like the most? I’ve made up a few different types of characters to choose between and am using a character to symbolize each type so it’s easier to see what kind of man I’m talking about.

I apologize if you haven’t read or watched the books and shows that I’m referencing. However, this may be a good opportunity to check out these books and movies. They are really good!

The bad boy: My personal favorite. The character I’ve chosen to represent this type is Jericho Barrons from the Fever series (by Karen Marie Moning). He is dark, mysterious, and readers don’t know whether he’s a good guy or a bad guy. Barrons is intensely passionate while unreadable and very private. He’s a Pandora’s box that women everywhere want to be able to open and learn of his secrets.

The good guy: I hope you’ve read the Mercy Thompson series (by Patricia Briggs) because I’m using Adam’s character as the example for this one. Adam is the alpha of his werewolf pack. He’s a great leader, dutiful, and is always there to help the damsel in distress. His traditional values and beliefs can sometimes interfere with Mercy’s independent, kick-back nature, but they make it work anyway.

The funny guy: I’m branching out to an older movie for this one. James, from Sliding Doors. He’s a perfect example of the funny guy. He uses humor to cheer up Helen during a difficult time in her life. He’s a great listener and keeps an upbeat demeanor which inspires everyone around him to be happier.

The sophisticated guy: Let’s go with Mark Darcy from Bridget Jones’ Diary. Yes, I do realize that this character is based off of Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, but Mark’s character fits the stereotype a little better because he’s not quite as harsh as Jane Austin’s depiction. Mark gives off a sophisticated, upper class feel. Yet he also shows a great deal of sensitivity and empathy towards Bridget.

After reading through these descriptions, and putting a face to the type of man represented, which one hits closer to home for you? Does any particular character make you feel more romantic than the other? It’s possible you lean towards more than just one. Perhaps you like them all. I actually like each of the characters I listed, though I already told you which type I like the most.

So when you want to curl up with a book or watch a movie to enjoy the courting of a character, think of which man will make your toes curl the most and spend an evening with him.

DISSENSION by Adrienne Monson

Fists are pumping, bodies gyrating, sweat dripping—
booming music drowns out all other noise in the dark club. Leisha, dressed in skimpy, revealing clothes, eyes her victim. As soon as he sets eyes on her, she knows he’s hers. He becomes excited as despicable thoughts of murder run through his mind, all readable by Leisha’s abnormal senses. After a bit of small talk, they are soon both out the door, Leisha pushed against the wall. The man pulls out a knife,ready to cut up this beautiful woman. Leisha smiles as she deflects the knife and bites into his neck, sucking every ounce of life from this abominable man. It wasn’t always this way.

Leisha was once a loving mother with an ideal family. Though this was over two thousand years ago, Leisha still holds that time dear to her heart. But for now, she must focus on trying to escape the eternal and bloody war between her kind—the Vampires— and the Immortals, an undying race sworn to destroy her people. Soon, Leisha finds herself captured by the government only to be saved by a young and mysterious human girl. What entails is the beginning of a long and torturous journey as Leisha and her newfound friend run for their lives while searching for the one thing that can end it all— the prophecy child.
Dissension is the first installment in The Blood Inheritance trilogy and Adrienne Monson’s debut novel. Taking vampires back to their roots while maintaining a modern twist, Monson has completely “revamped” the vampire novel. Paranormal fans will be relieved to see such an exhilarating and engaging book that doesn’t resort to gimmicks or glitter.

About Adrienne Monson

Adrienne Monson, winner of the 2009 Oquirrh’s Writer’s Contest and the Utah RWA’s Great Beginnings, has immersed herself in different kinds of fiction since a young age, but she has always found herself to have a voracious appetite for vampire novels. She currently lives in American Fork, Utah, with her husband and two kids.

Blog: www.adriennemonson.com

Facebook: facebook.com/adriennemonson

Twitter: @adriennemonson