Silk & Shadows

Currently working on: Book 2
Mood: Contemplative

Mmmm. Dark heroes. I love ‘em.

Jessa’s description of them—compelling, aloof, dangerous, potent, enigmatic, guarded, fierce, deep, passionate—really resonated. Just reading those words make me shiver.

I confess, though, I don’t start off with a description in mind when I write a book and I don’t go looking for certain words in the blurbs on the back of the books I pick up at the store. But I do seek out dark heroes. All the time.

So, what am I looking for? How do my dark heroes evolve?

For me, there are three common elements: a troubled past that lingers in the back of his mind, an unshakable competency gained the hard way, and a willingness to do whatever must be done, even if it’s very unpleasant. These are not guys to whom life has been kind. They’ve seen hardship—plenty of it—and they’ve not only endured, they’ve thrived. You can see it in those compelling eyes, sense it behind that guarded expression, and witness it in their passionate defense of the people they care about.

For me a prime example of what makes a dark hero dark has recently played out in the character James Bond. Jessa had a great reference to him in her comments yesterday. I was never a fan of the old James Bond movies—yes, there were elements I liked—his savoir faire, his skills, and his darkly charming looks. But in my opinion the movies were very forgettable. That changed when I went to see Casino Royale. I LOVED the new Bond, even though I wasn’t excited about the blond hair. Why? Because up there on the screen was my beloved dark hero.

This Bond has secrets behind those baby blues. Those lines on his face were carved by bitter experience. He could have ended up on the wrong side of the law—indeed he dances along that line when circumstances demand it—but he stands for justice. With everything he’s got. He kicks ass, makes no apology for doing it, and sometimes things get messy and ugly. Yet, he has a soft spot for women. No, wait. I loved Jessa’s description of a quiet hole inside him that can only be filled by a woman. It’s perfect. You just have to look at him to know that hole is there, and you desperately want to be the woman who can fill it.

That scene when he gets in the shower fully clothed to hold the shaken and shivering heroine melts my heart every time.

Have you seen the movie? What do you think? Based on what attracts you to a dark hero, does Bond have the right stuff? If you haven’t seen the movie, how do you know a dark hero when you see one?