What is Your Favorite Type of Romantic Hero to Read or Write About?

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy…an Internet poll says these are the most popular professions of romantic heroes: (not in any particular order)

1. Doctor
2. Cowboy
3. Boss
4. Prince
5. Rancher
6. Knight
7. Surgeon
8. King
9. Bodyguard
10. Sheriff
11. Police Officer
12. Detective
13. Spy
14. Pirate

So how many have they left off the list? Vampire and shapeshifter comes to mind. How about a soldier? Another heroic possibility. Are there any others you can think of? And what’s your favorite type of romantic hero? Since I’m also fascinated with anything mysterious, I vote for spy. You never know what the guy is up to or what side he’s on. Sounds appealing. Keeps me guessing and turning the pages. James Bond…Jason Bourne, especially Jason Bourne because he doesn’t really know who he is and why everybody is chasing after him. The amnesiac spy. Even better. Bodyguard is another one of my favorites. Creates all kinds of romantic possibilities. He’s got a reason to hang around and he can’t leave the heroine’s side and when he does, all kinds of trouble follow him.

Detective also ranks high with me. Another mysterious brooding guy with a lot of psychological problems that usually get peeled off layer by layer within the book. Makes for an interesting character study. They haven’t included FBI/government official which I suppose sort of goes hand in glove with the spy category. Another they haven’t included is politician—traditionally the handsome senator or Presidential candidate in trouble, being stalked by some crazed supporter. How about reporter? A guy digging for the truth can get my vote for best hero too. Anyway, it sets your mind spinning when you start to write, which exciting romantic type to choose. That’s half the fun. But I’m sure every writer has their favorite.

What’s yours?

Next Week: What sells books?