Why is it that romance heroes and heroines (paranormal or otherwise) are bound by a different set of behavioral standards and expectations . . . both within the context of the pages and by the readers? I’ve found this to be particularly true with the heroine in PRINCE OF POWER. Mia Guedry is one tough, focused and determined female. Because of her gender, she’s been overlooked as successor of her shapeshifter clan, first in favor of her younger, totally unqualified brother then, upon his untimely death, by a male cousin who doesn’t want the job. In order to prove herself worthy, Mia is willing to tackle any obstacle a male would overcome, beginning with Colin Terriot, the negotiator from a rival clan. Unfortunately, they have a . . . history that keeps getting in the way.
She hadn’t made a sound but suddenly he tensed, aware of her, turning, fists raised and ready as if expecting a fight she’d happily provide, as she asked, “What’d that bag ever do to you?”
His reply drawled low and gruff, “It got in my way.”
Her gaze stroked down from an exertion-dappled brow lowered like storm clouds over a threatening horizon to those luscious lips parted slightly by labored breaths, dipping down into the cradle of his clavicle, flirting with the bold wolf’s head tattoo adorning delicious pecs before taking a thrill ride down the moguls of his abs to play in the tempting whorls of hair rising above the waistband of his shorts . . . Oh, yum!
“What are you doing here, Mia?” he demanded, question curt and to the irritated point.
“I came to get in a work out if you feel like obliging me.”
Disapproval may have narrowed his lips, but his stare glittered with possibilities as he suggested, “Maybe you should go to the girly spa down the street.”
She couldn’t wait to knock that smug look off his face, drawling, “Afraid I’ll hurt you?”
His mouth twitching at her sassy taunt, he replied, “In ways you wouldn’t imagine.”
“You have no idea what I’m imagining.”
Colin weighed the sultry innuendo as her lips pursed with the snap of challenge, and slowly he smiled, asking, “Ring or mats?”
Making the hard choices, going hand-to-hand, and even wooing enemies from another clan to pit them against one another, such behavior would be considered loyal and shrewd – from a righteous male. But from a female? Hardly admirable! Thankfully, Mia isn’t bothered by the opinions of others . . . except for one wary, once-burned prince who views her as a threatening equal and annoyingly teethes on her heart, endangering her plans. You know what they say about those best laid plans . . .
After a day off work to visit with Grandguy and a trip to my hometown stylist the next morning to get my spring cut and color, I’m all ready to hit the keyboard after I make my WeWriWa rounds. I’m starting the month of April with visits from PRINCE OF DREAMS, the final “House of Terriot” book and then, after a two week break to feature a couple of deals, I’ll start on new material from RISE BY MOONLIGHT . . . so I’d better get typing!!
Happy Spring at Last, Fellow Warriors!
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She's willing to take chances and act in a very alpha way, isn't she? Then again, he seems like he might be the type whose respect is hard to earn.
ReplyDeleteTrust more than respect. He respects her, admires her but doesn't believe in her motives. Smart guy!
DeleteI'm rooting for her! And wondering which diretion the fight is going to take, heh.
ReplyDeleteHorizontal would be my guess!
DeleteI love her feistiness! She sounds like a perfect match for him.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is!
DeleteSome great verbal sparring here. Wonder how the physical variety will go.
ReplyDeleteTKO!
Delete(Fans self) Quite the hot and vivid description there....ummm, yes, they should...spar. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteYes . . . they should!!
DeleteI'm with Veronica. I've never needed to fan myself from dialogue when no actual sexy times are happening... until now!
ReplyDeleteThe only kind of sparring I enjoy!
DeleteShe's not the demure type, is she? I think he's in for a big surprise.
ReplyDeleteQuite a few of them, actually!
DeleteAlways amusing plus delicious. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Charmaine!!
DeleteI love her guts and determination. She deserves her place in the clan. Too bad she has to fight for the right to lead.
ReplyDeleteOr to know when to surrender. Hey, nothing wrong with a tie!
DeleteThese two are going to be fun to watch--on the mats/ring or off. They have a history, but they also have chemistry for days. Oooh la la! Can't wait for more! Fantastic snippet!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenna!!
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