Gimme a Scarred Hero by Katie Porter
Note: I had to double check that the title was “scarred” rather than “scared,” because I can’t imagine wanting a scared hero.
Capt. Eric “Kisser” Donaghue survived a fighter jet plane crash at the end of book four of our “Vegas Top Guns” series, Hard Way. Now, in Bare Knuckle [http://katieporterbooks.com/books/vegas-top-guns/bare-knuckle/] he’s back to deal with the repercussions of facing death—and walking away with intimidating scars. Because his heroine, showgirl Trish Monroe, is phenomenally pretty, there’s definitely a Beauty and the Beast vibe.
But why the lingering appeal of scarred heroes?
The analogy is pretty obvious, I think. External scars represent the internal scars a hero can’t ditch in order to live a normal, even happy life. The heroine is his key to looking past defenses and fears in order to free a fettered man.
In Bare Knuckle, the freeing goes both ways. Trish and Eric both hide—Eric behind his history and its near-death outcome, and Trish behind lacquer-thick makeup, platinum wigs, and a pageant queen smile. Neither of them even uses their real names when they meet. They’re that hidden from each other and, more tellingly, from themselves.
He’s a voyeur and she’s an exhibitionist, which helps set them free. He’s a gifted photographer who uses his skills to capture women at their most beautiful, and their most vulnerable—in his bed. He wants to see the real behind the fake, the genuine behind the glitter. Every time Trish reveals a little something new about herself, Eric is tempted to do the same. Here, their dovetailed kink breaks down walls. Secretly, she wants to show him who she really is, and he wants to come out from behind the camera and be seen as a virile, admirable man.
(These were some smoking hot scenes to write, y’all.)
Women in romance novels, especially, tend to nurture when they fall in love. And who better to nurture than a man who bears the scars of a heroic near-death escape? But I love that in Bare Knuckle, the heroine is equally scarred—on the inside, doubting her self-worth—and both are healed in time for a happy ending. “Vegas Top Guns” has been a fantastic series for us, and we’ve always tried to balance male and female power in the romances. No different here. Beauty and the Beast goes both ways!
We’d like to give away a copy of BARE KNUCKLE in any digital format. Just answer the question: Do scarred heroes have any appeal for you, and why?
Giveaway open to all through October 23.
What the critics are saying:
“The duo behind Katie Porter goes out with a bang in the last of their phenomenal ‘Vegas Top Guns’ series.” ~ RT Book Reviews 4½ Stars
“It’s deliciously explicit details is guaranteed to ignite the fire within readers.” ~ Fresh Fiction
“These characters have depth, the sex scenes are hot, and the reader will root for this pair.” – Library Journal
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For more about Katie Porter, the co-writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown, visit their website at KatiePorterBooks.com!
Thanks again to Smexy Books for featuring Katie Porter and Bare Knuckle!
I like reading stories about scarred hero’s. I like to see how they over come everything.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
Then you’ll love Eric!
I love reading books with scarred heroes because they hit home a little bit. They make you cheer and root for the heroes to find happiness and to realize that those scars are a part of them and that they should never be ashamed of them. Everyone has scars, different sizes and degrees but that doesn’t mean happiness is ever out of reach. So, um, yeah, sorry I almost wrote an essay and had to hold myself back a bit :) I love this book premise so here’s my entry!
An essay is just fine! I think everyone deserves happiness too, no matter what.
Yes. It shows they’ve gone through something and gotten through it.
Wonderful!
Yes, scarred heroes do hold appeal. Physical scars usually are accompanied by emotional ones, which adds psychological complexity to the story. A person who has survived great trauma clearly has the fortitude to overcome obstacles, though he or she may need help in facing the new ones resulting from said trauma. Plumbing those depths is an interesting journey for readers like myself, especially as we all may be better able to relate to a flawed character not leading the oft-times charmed life of a perfect physical specimen.
Oh yeah, Eric totally has flaws. And Trish totally calls him on them…
I can only remember reading one book where the hero’s scars played a major part and that was Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan and that series is book crack to me.
I’ll have to check that out!
I’ll have to find that book, for sure.
A scarred hero is much more interesting. He shows courage that he has come through and survived , a strong heroine makes for a perfect book for me.
Courage is a pretty much mandatory character strength for heroes. Not that they’re crazy about it, but real courage is in overcoming what’s hard.
Like others have said, I like stories about heroes (and heroines) who have gone through difficult things and come out the other side. Scarred heroes fit that bill so yes, I like reading about them. I’ve enjoyed the other books in the Vegas Top Guns series and I’m looking forward to this one. I would look forward to a free copy even more :)
I’d also love to read more scared heroes. There are times were being scared is the only smart response to the situation. Sometimes what looks like bravery is just being ill-informed or too stupid to know better.
I’m so glad you’ve liked the other books in the VTG series!
I like scarred heroes because I believe their concerns are real. We live in a world that puts a big emphasis on physical appearances so it would be tough for any person to come to terms with a scarred appearance.
You’re very right. As a culture, we’re inundated with society’s view of perfection in a visual means all the freaking time. It’s so hard to get away from.
Scarred Heroes are kinda like the scars are “Metals of Honor”, badges you can see for the scars inside. It can be a spin of Beauty and the Beast or “looking for the beauty on the inside”. I love healing stories and anyone who has scars on the outside that can be observed has scars on the inside that need healing.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hee! I’ve totally described Bare Knuckle as a beauty and the beast story. :)
Yes- scarred heroes come across as tough, as survivors. I find that appealing.
Tough is sexy! ;)
Yes. I think what they have been through makes them stronger and better.
Man, this is turning out into a complete consensus! I thought there’d be at least some dissent, but this is awesome!
Yes scarred heroes are the best, i like a man with flaws
<3 flaws. ;)
Yes I like to read about scarred heroes. It shows they went through a rough time at some point in their life and they survived. I will love the book especially if after surviving they thought it would never be the same and would not have a HEA. When in a book the H finds his HEA through emotional vulnerability it is even better.
Yeah, that sounds a lot like Eric. I think you’ll enjoy it if you get a chance to read! :)
Hi Katie, Yes I love the inner strength that many scarred heroes command. Thank you for the giveaway:)