Why Dragons Make Perfect Romance Heroes & a Contest! Back to Blog
Update: Meagan’s winner is…CatsMeow! Congratulations!!
Hi! * waving at everyone* My name is Meagan Hatfield, and I will be the next victim…err, blogger chatting here with Cynthia! *grin* I want to thank her so much for having me and thank everyone who stops by!
Now, a quickie about me…I currently write dark paranormal romances for HQN & Silhouette Nocturne. My debut novel, SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE just came out this week! *eek* I’m so excited! DRAGON WARRIOR, a novella set in the same world, will be releasing July 1st from Harlequin Nocturne Bites. When I’m not hovered over my laptop (writing, not Tweeting or Facebooking of course *grins*) you can find me shakin’ it in my Zumba classes where I teach seven classes a week. Actually, I have to head to one in about 30 minutes, so we’d better get this party started!
Okay, so I have been getting asked the same question a lot lately…with all the yummy paranormal heroes out there – vampires, werewolves, demons, etc…why did I chose to write about dragons? What is my fascination with this species and why did I think they would make good romance heroes? I figured what better way to answer this than the good ol’ top ten list.
So, without further ado, here are my top ten reasons dragons make perfect romance heroes:
1. Dragons are cool. Or actually they’re quite hot (pun intended.) No really, in my stories, they are tall, muscular men with rippling biceps and thick corded thighs who put even the hottest of movie-star hotties to shame.
2. Number 2 sort of ties in with Number 1, but they are gorgeous. Okay there, I said it. I’m being shallow. But both the man and the beast are beautiful in their own way. Dragons are sleek and sexy, strong and yet lithe and elegant, all power yet vulnerable too. They have great wisdom that comes with age and immortality. Yet they possess the fiery hot ardor and *ahem* stamina of a young buck in his prime. 😉
3. Dragons are dangerous and let’s face it, we all love a little danger, don’t we ladies? *wink* Well, the kind of danger you can experience from the other side of the page at least. A dragon hero could char you to a crisp at one glance, or ignite a burning desire with one look into their jewel colored eyes. They make the woman in us want to tame the beast, have the mighty dragon purring in our palm and using ever reserve of his powerful strength to claim us.
4. I don’t know about you, but I love action and breath-catching fight scenes. Dragons are one of the best ass-kickers and name takers around. I mean, when a dragon show up at your party, you pretty much know sparks are going to fly and most likely in the most literal of senses. So, the moment our dragon hero shifts into the beast and steps on stage, you are guaranteed intense, high-stakes, life or death action. And let’s face it, if you’re the bad guy, a flippin’ dragon is last thing you want to see running at you on the battlefield, for it will most likely be the last thing you see.
5. Dragons are already equipped with every weapon they might require in a battle. So need for guns, swords, daggers, shields or the like. Their scales are hard as armor, talons sharp as daggers, their tails not only help balance in flight, but can be a skilled weapon (or a delectable extra hand for those other battle scenarios…but we’ll get to that later.) And let’s not forget the dragon’s most formidable weapon…dragonfire. White-hot and able to melt flesh from bone in 0-60, dragonfire will turn up the heat in any fight.
6. My dragon lord heroes are fiercely loyal, noble, altruistic and aren’t afraid to stand by their beliefs, even on pain of death. Whether you are the heroine or newfound friend, you have a friend for life when you make one with a dragon hero. He will stand beside you in battle, protect you if you fall, or rescue you if you get captured – and not for money or fame, but because it’s “the right thing to do.” Awww. 🙂
7. Next reason, dragon lords are irresistible heroes…they are not sexist. {{gasp, shock}} Crazy, I know. But they believe a woman is just as capable of charging into a battle, as she is a bedroom, which makes them a rare gem when it comes to any man. Even more remarkable, they manage to retain this equality trait while remaining strong and confident Alpha males.
8. Now, this could be a personal preference, but the purebred dragon lord heroes in my books have long strands of silken hair down to their hips. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a product of the 80’s or what, but there is just something about running your hands through long, soft hair on a big, rock hard man that does it for me.
9. The tail. Nuff said. *wicked grin*
10. Drumroll please…and the last reason that Dragons make the best heroes…while I may not have just described the dragon-shifting hero you wrote about, read about, saw in a movie or fantasize about, Declan Black, the hero of my dark paranormal debut, “SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE” has all of the characteristics listed above…and boy is he hot. *wriggling brows*
CONTEST TIME! I am running a contest for a signed copy of my July release, SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE! All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite romance hero and why, to be entered to win!
Good luck!
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Hi, Meagan! Thanks for guest posting–loved that list. Of course, you had me at reason #1. Dragons are just hot.
Vampires are my favourite romance hero, if your wanting actual names, I’m afraid there are too many to mention. I like the bad boy vampires, I guess because they’er probably not someone, someone like me would have a hope with, I like the mystery, the danger. Looking forward to you new book.
Andrea
I’m really going to have pick a favorite romance hero after you just gave me all those reasons for a dragon? I don’t think I can do that. I will go with the general hot, dominating, alpha male no matter what form he takes.
My favorite romance heroes are vampires. Men like Malachi from Shiloh Walker’s Heart & Soul novel or Zander in R.G. Alexander’s book Regina in the Sun. They are demanding, arrogant, domineering and stubborn in all the right way to make one go crazy, but cannot help to love. Vampires are the ultimate bad boy your mom always warned you to stay away from.
Thanks for the top 10 list. I may have to look a little more in the dragon idea. I have only read a few books. I’ll have to now broaden my reading horizons.
A favorite…one single fav, can not do… I am into variety… love the many different heroes out there for different reasons… each on is unique and I do not think I lean towards one specific!
I have many favorite romance heros but one is Jamie from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. He is so sincere, devoted, and brave.
I also love Wrath from Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. He’s brave, smart, devoted, and he has a physical flaw, which I find appealing.
Sheesh – what 2 extremes.
I can’t say I really have a favorite. Usually the book I am reading at the moment, the hero in it is my favorite. Then on to the next book
After reading your 10 Ten list, I just might have to change my mind about my pick, but for now it’s Bones from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series because he’s a kick-ass, powerful vampire who’ll do anything for his woman, Cat, not matter what it takes.
*argh* how did I miss your book? it sounds fantastic!!! thanks for sharing 🙂
but it’s impossible to pick just one hero/heroine as favorites, because there are a lot out there and every day my wishlist grows *g*
My favorite romance hero is Jeaniene Frost’s Bones.
Vampires have always been my favorite romance heroes because they are yummy and are very hard to kill. They also tend to be very loyal. Wraith the demon/vamp of Larissa Ione is my absolute favorite. But lately I’ve had a thing for cat shifters too. Something about the strength good looks and once again loyalty.
My favorite heroes are werewolves. Love the whole alpha, protective characteristics they tend to have.
So can you tell me more about SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE, is this going to be part of a series a stand alone book?
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Hi Meagan! You know, I really don’t have a specific favorite romantic hero, because I love them all. It also depends on what I’m reading at the time. Like everyone else I like the vamp and shifter heroes the best, but as long as they’re sexy and even slightly intelligent I’ll go for anything ** Grin ** Thanks for stopping by today and I can’t wait to read Shadow of the Vampire!
Great list! Dragons do make great heros 🙂
And I’m going to say my favorite hero is (because he is. at the moment 🙂 ) Lord Diain from Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels! That’s the book I’m reading at the moment, and the book I’m currently reading always holds my favorite hero. At the moment 🙂
Vampires are my favorites, love all The Dark-Huners!
I love Mr. Darcy. He is the ultimate romance hero for me. He is gallant, charming and so lovable.
Hi Meagan. Love all your reasons for your Dragon Lord heroes. Especially when they feel their woman is equal in all ways.
My all-time favorite hero is Jamie Fraser. He is just everything I would envision my hero to be. With his endearing hero traits, he has also his faults. Now, if he had paranormal attributes he would, be so over the top!
Welcome Meagan,
Congrats on your debut release. My favorite kind of hero is the tall, dark and broody type who doesn’t realize he needs the heroine.
Only ONE??? Gads, how about an EASY contest? 😉
Quinn from Keri Arthurs Riley Jenson series.
(Okay, just gotta, second would be Rhage from the black dagger brotherhood.)
Congratulations on your release!
CONGRATS ON YOUR RELEASE!!! 😀
Hahaha, #9 has me all curious. The tail, huh?
My favorite romance hero is probably Clay from The Otherworlds series. I love him, and I love how he treats Elena. He might not be perfect, but he’s perfect for her. Such a great series!
*crosses fingers*
Lots of favorites, especially enjoy Joey Hill’s heroes. But I would say my ultimate fav is Roarke.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
OOOh this is hard b/c I read so many books about awesome paranormal heros. But Im gonna have to say demons….I LOVE me a bad boy that somehow still has a good heart. As far as books that they came from…well Larissa Ione’s Demonica series…the character of Wraith was my favorite out of the 4 so far. And of course our own Cynthia Eden’s Niol in Midnights Master.
I do love shifter books as well…and dragons are most def hot! And yes…the tail…*wink* So you have intruigued me lol.
On a side note…Ive always wanted to try Zumba. Cant afford the series right now and there arent any classed near me…booo. Im currently doing Turbo Jam…wanting to get Turbo Fire. 22lbs down and only like 25 more to go 🙂
Welcome, Meagan! As for fav romance heroes, I have a number in mind so it’s hard to choose just one. The two that pop into mind are Zsadist (from JR Ward’s BDB series) and Hawke (forthcoming N Singh Psy/Changeling series). I better stop at two or it’ll be a lonnnnnng reply.
omg! Favorite romance hero HAS to be Ash from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters! Such a beeeeast! *falls over*
Shifters, vampires, demons, demigods, atlantis warriors, dragons oh my!
How do you pick just one type or one character? To chose just seems unfair. Some of favorite heroes have a tortured path and don’t easily admit they need a woman.
Hi Meagan,
Gee’s I need a cig or my hubby after that list! lol
I can not wait to read Shadow of the Vampire and the cover is just Hawt!
I agree with all those said reasons they would be awesome and I recently read a book with a dragon in it and he was veryyy talented with every part of him. 🙂
Now I have to agree it is mightly hard to pick just one hero but a Dragon would be 1st beside my vampires, just luv me some vampire/viking/named Eric from the Sookie series by Charlaine Harris! Did you see him in all his um… yeah…yep on the first night of True Blood??!!
Loved the blog and Best Wishes.
Ooh, I LOVE dragons and pretty much for all the reasons you’ve described. There’s just something about them. I will definitely have to get this book. Favorite romance hero tends to be the hero of whatever book I’m currently reading if it’s a really good one but I love tortured heros like Zsadist and I love shifters, especially ones that are slightly psycho like Curran the Beast Lord.
It’s to hard to pick just one favorite one . I love the Dark Hunters from Sherryln Kenyon, the Carparthians from Christine Feehan, The Dragons from Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey, the Merricks from Rhyannon Byrd’s Primal Instincts, and the Vampires in J.R Ward’s Black dagger Brotherhood
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
Wow–Dragons are flamin’ hot! Ten times over!
I fall for the lovelorn “beast” every time! I love “Beauty and the Beast”. Does it not touch on aspects of human nature which are far uglier than the cursed Beast? Does that make the love story even sweeter? To truly love someone is to love them with your mind, and see them in reality, and to soften that image by seeing them with your heart. Actor Ron Perlman portrayed Vincent (the beast) in TV’s “Beauty and the Beast. He also portrayed the title role in the “Hellboy” films. With his mesmerizing voice and amazing talent, Ron Perlman’s characters touch the heart of the beauty with the powerful and tender paw of the noble beast!
I love dragon books!! Great 10 reasons!!!
It is hard to list a favorite. I love the vampire heroes, and of course all the Dark Hunters. I could go on and on and leave many more out 🙂
I also am a huge fan of dragons as heroes. One of my favorites is Caleb, the golden dragon, in ‘Dragon Heat’.
I love to read paranormal stories with unique and wonderful heroes and let my imagination enjoy itself.
Thank you for the posting and looking forward to your debut book, ‘Shadow of the Vampire’…sounds terrific.
When you read many books, I don’t think you have a favorite other than the one you are currently reading. I do love Eve Dallas’ husband Roarke from the books by J D Robb, but then who wouldn’t?
It’s hard to choose I’ve always liked werewolves for as long as I can remember, but dragons are awesome too.
I’d have to say that at the moment dragons at the moment are my favorite, especially the dragons from G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series. Fearghus the Destroyer is my favorite so far!
Mr. Darcy is my favorite hero. There is something so strong, yet vulnerable about him.
I love dragons. 🙂
Favorite hero would probably have to be Zsadist from Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward. As for why? Because with his history he still made an effort to over come it and not let it define him in the end. 🙂
I agree with many of these post, but I have to go with the dominating male no matter what form he is. Whether its vampire, werewolf, or faery.
Hi Meagan, I love vampires, but shifters of any kind are a very close second. and you gave me a few extra reasons to love dragons more (I have read quite a few in the past)…your numbers 7, 8 and **ahem** 9 (i agree with the visualization) :p
Wolf shifters are my favorite. I love vampires and demons too but the werewolves are always so protective and sweet too. I couldn’t say who my number one hero is though, there are too many.
Vampires have always been my here. If you want a name I would have to go with Rhage.
Hi! I also have as my favorite the hero of the book I am currently reading which would be Constantine Huxtable in Mary Balogh’s “A Secret Affair”. Of course, once I start reading another book, that hero will be my favorite. 🙂
About reason 8, as someone who used to have hair that length, I tell you there will be a lot of “ow, you’re on my hair! Get off! Get off!” not to mention I could pin one of those hot guys to the bed just by laying on their hair. He’ll have to do my bidding to get free. Bwahahaha! 😉
This sounds like a fantastic book!!
I’m a big fan of dragons too………I love shifters, all kinds but lately it has been all about the dragons! 🙂
Sounds like a great book! My favorite hero…I can’t pick a favorite hero because I’ve read so many books and fallen in love with so many men. Anyway, as long as he’s tall, sexy, nice, and sexy then he’s just about perfect 😉
P.S. My sister and I were just talking about how amazing dragon are before I got on here and read your blog. I thought that was pretty cool.
I can’t really choose since there are so many but one of my favorite heroes is Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series because he’s an alpha with hot looks and a good heart.
My Favorite Romance Hero lately is Acheron from Sherrilny Kenyon Series A Dark-Hunter Novel two.I just look up and saw that the person a head of me said the same thing that’s like going to a dance and having the same dress on.Well she Can’t have him hes mine.So There.OK Got over sticking my tongue out a the computer.
Well I forgot to add my E-mail two my blog.so here it is in case i win
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Love shifters even after all these years and it does not matter the predator wolf, big cat or dragon.
My favourite romance hero is Gage Guthrie or “Nemesis” in “Night Shadow” by Nora Roberts. I just love a hero who fights for justice. :o)
my favorite is also a dragon 😉 drake from the you slay me series by katie macalister.
I have too many to name too. I love the vampire bad bad heroes too. The ones whom are a bit mysterious too.
Dragons are SO cool! And HOT! there are too many heroes to choose from.
Love the G.A. Aiken dragon series! Yummy!
Love the Deborah Cooke’s Pyr series!
Need I say more?