Chatting with Three Bad Boys of Romance with Kelli A. Wilkins

Today we’re chatting with three of my “bad boy” heroes and finding out what makes them tick. Say hello and give a warm welcome to: Ashton Bailey from Dangerous Indenture, Deke from Killer in Wolf’s Clothing, and Rothgar from The Viking’s Witch.

Hi guys! It’s good to meet you all. Let’s start with a simple question: What makes you a “bad boy” hero?

Ashton: Am I bad? Well…I suppose so. Compared to other young men in Pennsylvania Colony, I am rather naughty. I do all the things “respectable” heroes of my time period shouldn’t: get drunk, gamble, fight, curse, and go to bed with loose women.

Deke: I’m right there with ya, except for that “woman” part. I’m an Alpha male, the alternate personality of Greg, who’s a lameass loser. I drink, curse like a sailor, eat whatever I want, and have one goal in life—to get laid. I don’t care where I find a guy, as long as he’s ready and willing to be dominated.

Rothgar: Like Deke and Ashton, I’m also a fighter. I have a solid reputation as a fierce Viking leader and have been in many battles. I don’t suffer fools lightly and I’m not afraid to take charge of a situation. I expect to be obeyed, not challenged.

When Kelli wrote your stories she had to make sure you weren’t “too” bad, otherwise you wouldn’t be heroes. We know how tough you are, so tell us about your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Ashton: I have the need to defend anyone who is having a rough time. Shauna left Ireland with nothing and came here to start over. I helped her adjust and protected her at Stewart House. I try to do the right thing where people are concerned and help out if I can. Once, I had to choose between paying a girl for her services and getting a meal. I felt sorry for her and gave her the money she deserved.

Deke: My soft spot is buried pretty deep. Years ago, I lost most of my friends in a fire. My need for revenge is fueled by the fact that they deserve justice, and I also feel responsible because I wasn’t there to help them. That makes me protective of Larry (Greg’s boyfriend), too.

Rothgar: I can relate to that. My wife and son died in a fire while I was out raiding. I never really forgave myself until I talked it through with Odaria. After the fire, I stopped raiding because I didn’t want to cause other people heartache and grief. Seeing Odaria in danger brought out my protective nature. I wouldn’t know how to go on without her, and I would fight to the death to keep her safe.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome? What lessons did Kelli make you learn while telling your story?

Ashton: I learned many lessons… one of which was how to grow up and be responsible, and not to stay out all night drinking and gambling. I think my biggest obstacle was my lack of self-respect. I had to prove to myself and my father that I’m not the failure he always considered me to be. With Shauna’s (and Kelli’s) help, I changed dramatically over the course of the book and I’m much happier for it.

Deke: Learn my lessons? Obstacles? Please. (Rolls his eyes.) Kelli gave me nothing but hardship and obstacles from the minute I woke up on the page. I was kept prisoner in a basement and then when I was finally freed, I had to follow Larry around like a puppy while looking for a killer. I’ve never liked restrictions or being told what to do, and I resented the fact that Kelli made life very hard for me. But when Larry went missing I realized that I cared for him and it was my fault he got captured. I learned that life isn’t just about me. I had a duty to rescue him and make things right.

Rothgar: I had to overcome many obstacles in my life—a major one was learning to carry on after my first wife died. For a few years after that terrible tragedy, I gave up raiding and traveling and was considered “soft” by many warriors. (Laughs). I’ve certainly overcome any reluctance to show them my stronger side—and many of them still have the bruises and scars to prove it! Sailing to Scotland and meeting Odaria renewed my strength and self-confidence and gave me a second chance at a happy life. Kelli taught me many lessons, but the most important one was have to love and trust again.

How does your partner handle your “bad boy” attitude? Some people might consider it a turn-off.

Ashton: Shauna understood my drinking and womanizing… but she didn’t approve. With her help and support, I turned myself around. However, I’m not entirely reformed. I’m still notoriously improper when it comes to certain activities in the bedchamber. Shauna has confessed that she likes it when I take charge and get a little forceful between the sheets.

Deke: Welcome to my world! Larry is the same way—now. At first, my gruff attitude and demands turned him off. Or maybe he was just surprised because I’m so different from Greg. After a few hours with me, he learned how much fun it was to be dominated. He doesn’t complain.

Rothgar: Odaria never tolerated my attitude for a second. When we met, we fought like cats and dogs. She was my “prisoner” for a while (I kept her with me to keep her safe) and argued with me every minute of the day. She’s a strong-willed, confounding woman who insisted I was a brute and said she hated me. But I knew from the way she kissed me, that deep down she was glad I was there.

Why do you think “bad boy” heroes are appealing to readers?

Ashton: I think readers are attracted to heroes who have faults, bad habits, and don’t always make the right choices. And despite all this, their women love them anyway. Outside of romance novels, real men aren’t perfect. Everyone has flaws or something in their past to overcome. Perhaps readers find these heroes appealing because there’s always a happy-ever-after ending, no matter what.

Deke: People want to read about “bad boys” who do, say, and think what’s not considered “polite” or “right” and still come out of the book a hero. Readers can lose themselves in a down-and-dirty fantasy about a bad boy who just might come home horny and bend their lover over the dining room table. Think about it. On “Happy Days” who was considered cool? Drippy Richie Cunningham or the Fonz? “Bad boy” heroes have an extra sharp edge to them, and they don’t care what other people think. They stand outside what’s considered “acceptable”—maybe that’s why they’re appealing.

Rothgar: A “bad boy” or not, who wouldn’t like to read about a hero who is brave, loyal, and can take charge of any situation? When readers lose themselves in a book, all their real life problems fade away. They become involved in the story, and even though things might seem bleak for the characters, they know that by the end of the book, the hero will rise to the occasion and everything will be fine. Heroes have to jump off the page, carry the book, and face down their nemesis; otherwise they’re not doing their jobs.

If your mate could describe you in one word what would it be?

Ashton: Sensitive. Caring. And sometimes a bit naughty!

Deke: Strong. No doubt. And intense, very intense.

Rothgar: Sexy? Strong? Virile? Brave? Bold? (Laughs.) Although all of those are true, knowing Odaria the way I do, if you asked her the question, she’d tell you: “Mine.”

Thanks for sharing your insights. We appreciate first-hand opinions and insights from our heroes!

Readers, what are your thoughts on the subject? Do “bad boys” appeal to you more than other types of heroes? Or can they be a turnoff? Does it matter if they’re staring in historical romances or contemporaries? Please share your thoughts with Kelli.

Happy Reading!

Readers and other authors can get in touch with Kelli via these social media links:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.

Her trilogy of erotic romance novellas, Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights was released in spring 2017.

Loving a Wild Stranger was published in January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.

Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.

Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.

She also writes a weekly blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/.

Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.

Welcome back author Sean MIchael

The Merry Month of May

Thanks, Dawn, for hosting me at the Reading Nook this month.

In keeping with all “m”s I’m going to share my first book published directly by All Romance Ebooks – The Millionaire’s Mistake.

I was asked to participate in ARE’s Bad Boys series, which were all featured this past month. I jumped at the chance. I mean, bad boys, right?

My pair are former lovers and it ended badly. AW, bad boy millionaire, who is really a spoiled brat, and even more so five years ago, dumped Reid because Reid had the audacity to say no to something AW had asked him to do. Yeah, AW was that spoiled!

Of course, Now AW is older and not quite as spoiled and most definitely alone. Oh, he can pick up twinks for one night stands any time he wants. Problems is, he doesn’t really want that anymore. He wants someone he can love, be partners with. It’s just too bad he threw away the guy he had that with!

This one was a lot of fun to write, and because they were former lovers, I was able to jump right in with the kink. And you know me, I kind of like my kink.

 

Is it too late to win back the heart of the man he loves?
When Reid Allen said no to spoiled millionaire Ambrose Walter Simpson five years ago, AW kicked him out on his ass. Now AW is ready to admit he’s thrown away the only man he ever truly loved.
The rich bad boy has learned the value of sticking around when the going gets tough. But is it too late to make amends and win Reid back?

You can pick it up at All Romance Ebooks, where it’s currently #1 on their bestseller list!

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-themillionaire039smistake-1485471-147.html

Excerpt:

“Two cappuccinos, an Americano, and two drips, Reid!”


“You got it, honey.” Reid pulled coffee, humming under his breath as they worked through the morning rush. There’d be another one at lunch and a tiny one around four. It was perfect.

“Reid, I’m going to grab the cranberry muffins. We’re down to only blueberry and one lemon.” Barb, his other employee rushed by from where she’d been bussing tables.

“Run a load of cups, huh?” He needed to pick up more; they were starting to run low. It never failed to amaze him how he had to buy another couple dozen every few months, like clockwork.


David nodded from the register. “Cups good. Muffins good. Customers like wild, slavering beasts.”

“Are you allowed to say that where we can hear?” asked the next customer, the man’s voice like liquid fucking velvet.

“Oh, yeah. You guys are sharks. What can I get you, man?” The grin in David’s voice was audible.


Reid didn’t look, even though his cock jerked at the husky tone—the customer’s, not David’s.

“I’ll have a double espresso.” God, that voice was beginning to settle in his balls.

“You got it. Muffin?”


Reid went still, halfway through pulling the Americano. He knew that voice. He did.

“No, I want something…sweeter.” The customer was looking at Reid; he could feel it. Especially now that he knew who it was.

“There’s muffins and raspberry scones. Those are your options, Walt.” He didn’t meet his ex’s eyes. Fucker.

“So you do remember me.” That husky voice went even deeper over the words. “And I’ll have the raspberry scone.”


Reid plated up the scone, pulled the espressos, put them on the counter. “Double espresso, scone.”

“Thank you. Will you join me?”

“Will I what?” He did look that time, right into Walt’s eyes. The dark blue was as intense as ever and Walt didn’t flinch for a second.

“I said, ‘Will you join me?’”

“I’m working. Rush. Sorry.” No. No, he wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

“When the rush is over then. Excellent.” Walt walked away like it hadn’t been five fucking years.

Reid stood there staring. No. No. Working, then he’d go to the back. No way he was fucking talking to Mr. Playboy Everybody Loves Me.


Walt glanced back and gave him a smug little smile.


Christ.


They’d been together for three years, right after university. Three years of wild kinky sex and one night Walt had said “get out.”


One fight about time and work and the club and shit and Walt threw him out with his wallet, his backpack, and his laptop. Fuck him. The man had been painting the town red with some baby twink the next Friday night too. Asshole. Waltzing back in like he owned the place. God damn spoiled millionaire bastard.


Reid made the next order, reminding himself that he’d done fine. He had a life, a good life. He’d built a strong business. He had friends, lovers. A cat.


All the while he worked, he could feel Walt’s eyes on him. It was like a fucking touch. How could that still be possible after five fucking years?

Sean Michael

Smut fixes everything

www.seanmichaelwrites.com