One of my biggest peeves with modern romance novels is the handsome cad who inevitably stumbles his way into them. He can act like a total backside, with or without regret, and still find someone head over heels in love (or lust) with you him.
I offer in example a recent time-travel romance, in which a college hard ass with a drug problem winds up in 1835. 1835 called to complain, by the way. He meets a girl who is at least part Native American. He proceeds, fairly rapidly, to make his shallow jerkiness evident. He manhandles the girl, makes crass jokes about her appearance (Pocahontas, really?), and attempts to kick her dog. Though she pulls a knife on him more than once, Sarah still can’t resist those smoldering eyes and that smoking hot ass.
Is the reading public really this shallow? I hope not!
Every romance writer needs to know one thing about romance–and one thing only. You don’t have to convince your characters they are in love. You have to convince your readers that your characters are CAPABLE of loving each other. No self-respecting woman would ever love a man who mistreats her, makes derogatory cracks at her expense, or attempts to hurt an animal she loves.
Johnny College needs to prove he’s worthy, before we, the readers, learn that Sarah is growing fond of him. And you, the writer, can’t do that by simply tacking in the obligatory “rescue” scene. Johnny College has to do more than simply reach out a hand to the heroine (or hero) in a time of need. He needs to be there for her (or him) time and time again. Johnny College needs to exhibit desirable traits that will last long after his looks fade.
Let’s face it. people. Hot asses and handsome faces inevitably sag. Only loving hearts are for forever!
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