I have Opinions on the careers I love to see in my fictional heroes. Strong likes and equally strong dislikes. In some instances, a hero’s occupation can turn a book into an auto-buy OR send me running away in abject horror. 🙂 (Told you I had opinions). Let’s get the unappealing (to me) ones out of the way first.
Careers that I really don’t want to read about:
- Billionaires – I have made the occasional exception because I’m a fan of the author but lately I’ve been so turned off by real life billionaires behaving so badly that I just can’t any more. Totally unappealing.
- Politicians – Again — to0 many cases of politicians behaving badly in real life for me to be able to see a politician as a hero I could (or maybe even want to) relate to. The exception might be a small town career – like mayor or councilman.
- Trophy hunter – little ol’ vegetarian me just can’t relate to a a guy who kills animals for fun. I’m talking the kind of hunters that pay big bucks to go on a safari and leave most of the animal’s carcass behind, just taking a token trophy to display. Or they ‘hunt’ from the comfort of a helicopter and mark their success by number of animals killed. I have no problem with heroes who hunt out of necessity, for food, protection etc.though I wouldn’t sit down with them over a venison stew…bwahahaha!
- Actors/Musicians – I’ve read some books featuring heroes with these occupations (Toni Shiloh’s The Love Script, for example, is fantastic!) but they aren’t my go-to. Just not into the whole Hollywood hype and glitz and glamour scene.
Careers that have me swooning before I even start reading!
- Librarian/bookseller/author – I’d be surprised if there’s a reader alive who doesn’t love a hero with a bookish streak! I especially love finding a librarian hero because they are so rare. Nothing quite so toe-curling as a guy who has dedicated his life to serving the public one book recommendation at a time! Swoony sigh!
- Veterinarian – the animal lover in me has always had a soft spot for guys working in this career. I blame James Herriot. 🙂 Read all his book in my teens and have watched various adaptations of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ throughout the years. And really, what better profession to highlight a hero’s compassionate, gentle, caring side?!
- Firefighter – so cliche, I know, but…
- Cowboy – This one doesn’t make sense since cowboys work on ranches with cattle that are heading to slaughter eventually (remember, I’m a vegetarian) but I’m still drawn to well-written cowboy hero, contemporary or historical. I feel like cowboys represent integrity and honesty and hard work – the backbone of a pioneering spirit. And they are often portrayed in romances as kind of grumpy protective which is always fun. 🙂
- Pastor/Minister – this one is tricky to write, I think, but I’ve read some really good romances featuring a pastor hero. Love the scope for faith elements this occupation brings to the story plus, I appreciate when an author realistically showcases the unique struggles, insecurities, etc that come with this calling.
- Farmer/Gardener – no surprise that I’m attracted to these professions because I love gardening and have always yearned to live in the country. I’ve read a few farmer hero romances (there seem to be more ranchers than farmers which isn’t the same thing at all) but I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book featuring a professional gardener. I would love to though.
- Carpenter/craftsman – and really any blue collar kind of job. I’m not drawn to corporate CEO types at all. I guess I’m drawn to a simpler kind of life and am looking for something relatable for my fictional hero worshipping. 🙂
Giveaway Opportunity
Time for you to join in the chat! Share your thoughts on what makes a good fictional hero career, and what doesn’t, in a comment below and I’ll enter you in a draw for a $10 Baker Book House gift card. (or Amazon card if you’re in Canada)
Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 30 2025
Kav's Best Reads 
Cowboy or Amish themed books if they got a good storyline I’m hooked.
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Yes, there’s something about the down-home simplicity, isn’t there? Good luck, Kim!
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I agree. The movie star, billionaire, and politician heroes do ward me off. That said, I do enjoy Jen Turano’s books even though they always seem to have a very wealthy hero/heroine. It seems different during the Gilded Age though. I am drawn to heroes as teachers, farmers, doctors, or just hard working guys. I like a good work ethic!
kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom
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Ohhh, good point. Same with Regency heroes who are usually from the upper class. But, there’s something different about ‘just’ weathly versus billionaire. It’s the extreme excess that seems to chip away at their moral fibre. 🙂 Teachers a good one too. I haven’t read many romances featuring a teacher hero – and that would go for university professor too. I wonder why? And I agree, a good work ethic is definitely appealing in a fictional hero. Good luck, Kathryn!
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Military, cop (or similar) and a doctor are ones I also like to see… I also really like your list of ones you like.
Least favorite is celebrity romances and modern royals.
Blessedmommy3x AT gmail DOT com
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Intersting. I don’t usually go for royals either but I have recently read a few really delectable royalty romances like Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell and Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard so I can see the appeal now. Military is a good one too, along with veteran heroes. Can’t believe I forgot them. Good luck, Jo Ruth!
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Celebrities don’t appeal to me – which can apply to billionaires, royalty, sports players, actors, etc. Not to say I haven’t enjoyed books starring celebrities (Toni Shiloh and Becky Wade do a good job making them palatable), but I’m pretty picky about them. I prefer historical novels, so just about any historical career is fine (though being married to a tech guy, I do absolutely enjoy geeks).
rdalquist AT gmail DOT com
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I’m surprised that I’m not the only one not into celebrity romances since there seem to be so many of them in both Christian Fiction and Closed Door Romances. I wonder what the Regency equivalent of tech geek would be? I want to read a book with that hero in it! 🙂 Good luck, Rachael!
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This is a thought-provoking question…hmm.
I seem to go for the strong protectors with the power to get the job done, private investigators, detectives, CIA, FBI, cyber intelligence, spies, ex-military, sheriffs, etc. The type of guys found in books by Irene Hannon, Susan Warren, Dani Pettrey and Lynn Blackburn.
I also enjoy cowboy, rancher, carpenter, tradesman, fireman and medical heroes.
Another favorite occupation is a chef, baker or restaurant owner. It would be easy to fall in love with someone who could cook for me, lol.
When I try to think about the types of heroes I don’t like I end up finding exceptions to the rule. Like the actors/musicians you stated and I probably would have too. Yet an example I remember is the fantastic State of Grace series by Tammy Grey. Cameron, Bryson and Dillion were great heroes.
I always said billionaires were a big no, what’s wrong with a millionaire anyway? haha. Then I read Jo Grafford’s, on KU and some were very good, so that proved me wrong. I’m not drawn to them because that’s a total reality disconnect, but it can be done well by some authors.
I guess what I’m saying is in line with the old saying, “never say never”, because I have been proved wrong quite a few times.
The one you mentioned that I’m curious about is trophy hunter. I’ve never read a book with one that I recall, so this intrepid reporter wants to investigate and see what I find. I do believe I’ve read one by Catherine Palmer with the hunter as a villain but never as a hero.
Thanks for the giveaway and interesting topic Kav. tracey14567 at gmail dot com
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I’m totally on board with your strong protector type hero in various law enforcement fields…though I’ve never been a huge fan of CIA plots. Might still give that one a wide berth no matter the author. But, as you mentioned, “never say never” is a good motto to have when it comes to reading selections! And you’re right, there always seems to be exceptions.
Re trophy hunter: I attempted to read a retro closed door romance a while back and it featured a hero who ran that kind of exclusive vanity hunting business. He jet-setted his clients to exotic locales for a ‘point and shoot’ experience and naive little me thought photography. lol Needless to say, I didn’t finish it.The book was published quite a while back…like decades…so I’m thinking it might have been a ‘thing’ back in the day. Trying to show how virile and manly the hero was, doing tough guy things in a suave ‘sophisticate’ way. Yuck.
So, my problem with billionaires, aside from all the awful examples we have in real life these days, I just can’t get over the fact that I personally think you should never reach billionaire status. Once you have accumulated that much wealth it’s time to give the lion’s share back through charitable works. By all means, keep enough to enjoy your lavish lifestyle if you are so inclined but no one needs multiple mega mansions all over the world and a fleet of private jets to travel back and forth. Such waste! Never mind what all that excess does to the environment. Gah! And yes, I think about that when I’m confronted with a billionaire hero and I start harping at him in my head, especially when he pulls stunts like flying the heroine to Paris for a dinner date. Whhhaaaattttt????? Ahem. I’ll stop now.
Thanks for the chat, Tracey. Good luck!
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I totally agree on real life billionaire status. I would start giving it away at the millionaire mark. I think of all the deserving people who would love to have a home, hundreds could be built by a billionaire. I’m totally put off by the extremely wealthy how live like queens and kings and don’t seem to care about anyone else, ugh.
I think what I liked about Jo’s series was the suspense/danger element, once again requiring help from the protector types I first mentioned as favs. I got book 2, Her Billionaire Bodyguard for free so I said why not and gave it a try. Ironically the FMC was the billionaire (family business) and he was a former Special Forces sergeant protecting her. The series is the Black Tie Billionaires, which is a philanthropic group that gives money to worthy causes. So that covers the “its my money and not your money” angle.
Anytime I pick up a book to read that’s outside what genre or character type I “think” I like I always say to the author, “okay convince me” and sometimes they do!
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Ha! I love going into an ‘iffy’ read with a ‘convince me’ attitude. 🙂 The Jo Grafford book that I just ordered is The Blind Date Rescue. It will be my first one by her. I’ll admit that I was wary of the billionaire ones but I might have to rethink that now. 🙂
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If you do decide to try the Black Tie Billionaire series start with book two, I read them all straight through before I went back to book one and was glad I did, book two was better.
Another good one to try out The Accidental Hero.
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Totally agree with your choices – both likes and dislikes.
Billionaire – most see to have it all and want to flaunt it around. Especially those that are born into it that don’t appreciate what they have because they worked for it.
Politicians – with so much cr… in real life, who needs more of it while reading.
Trophy hunter – highly dislike those that hunt for horns. There was a time we had to hunt for meat to have food on the table, but believe me we ate or used 100% of what we took. However, now things have changed with plenty for the table, so I’d much rather do my “shooting” with a camera.
Actors/Musicians – definitely not a go to read for me. It would have to be a favorite author or highly recommended to my by a friend for me to read. Now mind you, we live in the Folk Music Capital, so I’d have to say if it’s something low key – more homespun – and not the glitch of Nashville or Hollywood, I might be more inclined to read it.
Librarian/bookseller/author – well, what’s not to love! After all, that’s my thing – reading. Without authors and places to find books how could we do that?
Veterinarian – animal lover here! Animals in a book or movie automatically draw my attention. So those that take care of them with compassion is definitely an automatic read for me.
Firefighter – a man risking his life to save others – YES!
Cowboy – to me its kind of the opposite of the billionaire. They are hard working, usually honest to a fault, and while gruff on the inside paint them as a man with a tender heart – WOW!
Pastor/Minister – especially if they show that they too are human. They can make mistakes and have a heart just like everyone else.
Farmer/Gardener – well, hubby has a green thumb and he sure planted love in my heart and nurtures it every day to see that it’s well taken care of. ❤ Again, hard working folks who without them we won’t eat or have a lot of beauty in our world.
Carpenter/craftsman – another hard-working group. They prove that you can not only survive but thrive in this world without a college degree but with sweat and hard work as well as the desire to learn and share that learning in the form of building homes and objects of beauty and/or to be utilized.
To this list, I have to add:
Those in Uniform – especially military. An old Army brat here, what can I say.
K-9 Handlers – oh, I so love the K-9 stories – both those that train them and those that work alongside them.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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And the thing about excessive wealth is that there never seems to be enough.Like when ever has a billionaire said, “Right, I have enough money now I’m going to stop investing and just live on what I have.” Though, I was never good at math so maybe it’s just that my brain can’t grasp the concept of a billion! lol
I think I might actually like to read a story featuring a folk musician hero — not mainstream, just a guy who shares his gift with his community or church or something like that.
I adore this (I might have swooned) Kay says: “well, hubby has a green thumb and he sure planted love in my heart and nurtures it every day to see that it’s well taken care of.”
Ohhh, Kay, how could I have forgotten my K-9 handlers and trainers?! Definitely a profession I will never tire of reading about! Glad you mentioned that one. Good luck, Kay, have a blessed Sunday!
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Just fixed hubby pancakes & sausages, but I finally made it here. As Tracey said, I’d love to have a cook! 👩🍳 I don’t like books with:
1) Spies (I won’t read a book if it’s got spies & espionage)
2) politicians
3) billionaires
4) actors, musicians, any type of celebrity
5) lawyers (unless they’re secondary characters)
6) royalty (but I loved Toni Shiloh’s prince books!)
7) artists & poetry writers (I do admire their work just don’t like them as my MCs)
I do like books with:
1) detectives, FBI agents, police officers/firefighters
2) ranchers
3) teachers/professors
4) veterinarians or animal caretakers such as the hero in Ambush
5) Drs or nurses
6) chefs or restaurateurs
7) pastors
8) farmers
9) Military books are somewhat out of my comfort zone, but I do highly respect (& swoon over) the brave military heroes in the books I have read!
10) Blue collar workers (hubby is one & also runs his own business so maybe he’s a CEO, too! LOL)
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Oops–dianalflowers at aol dot com
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I had pancakes this morning too! 🙂 But I had to make them myself. 😦
Looks like we are aligned on a lot of dislikes. Lawyer is an interesting one. I’ll admit I don’t gravitate to legal thrillers but I wouldn’t bypass a lawyer hero…as long as he was fighting for the underdog, not working in some smarmy high priced law firm. I’m such a snob I think one of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor heroes is a lawyer, but it’s very low key – the story isn’t about his profession. Now I have to hunt that book down and am reminded that I’m supposed to be rereading the entire series this year. Best put the next one on my TBR. Can’t remember if I’m on #2 or #3. No matter, I’m due for a Hope Harbor fix so thanks for the nudge.
Very interesting that you don’t like artists as a main character. An artist hero would be a huge draw for me. There aren’t a lot of them out there. The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers comes to mind — I really liked that one and the hero is famous artist.
We pretty much jive on our likes too. Doctor/nurse isn’t one I even thought about but yes, I could totally swoon over a hero in a health care profession. Brings out their compassionate, caring side. 🙂
I’m sort of the same way as you about military heroes. I don’t want the story with over the top war scenes but I don’t mind some. Sarah Sundin’s WWII books come to mind. Especially her earlier series which had some gripping battle scenes that I didn’t mind at all. And Hallie Bridgeman’s Love and Honor series surprised me with how much I loved those stories and they got pretty gritty at times. So, like Tracey wisely said ‘never say never.’
I love that you are living out your very own blue collar worker romance! Honestly, those types of careers make my favourite heroes. You can tell your hubby that. Bwahahaha! Good luck, Diane!
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Sounds like you & I both need a cook! Surprisingly hubby likes turkey sausages with his pancakes & they are good. More healthy than the beef. Neither of us likes turkey bacon, however. I know you don’t eat meat though. I told him what you said & he said, “Awesome.” He’s the strong, silent type of blue collar worker. Especially when he’s watching baseball. 😉
Love me some Irene Hannon books, too. I can tolerate a lawyer hero as long as there isn’t a bunch of legal jargon involved that I can’t understand. I don’t swoon over artists. At least not so far. There’s always a 1st time for everything! 😜 Hallee’s war series were great & so are Ronie’s with the K-9 military dogs!
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I just checked and the lawyer Hope Harbor one is the one I need to read next — book 2, Sea Rose Lane. Eric is the attorney rethinking his life and Lexie is the architect/constructionworker which is a nice switch up as far as careers for heroines go.
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I don’t even remember Sea Rose Lane. 🤔 I’ll have to check it out. See. From what you described, Eric is a lawyer & he doesn’t like himself being one either. hahaha
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I just checked out Sea Rose Lane on Amazon & I remember the cover but not the plot! 😯 I may need to reread it with you. Ok, he is a lawyer & it’s not his fault he got laid off. At least I don’t think so. Methinks he’s a hunky lawyer or Irene Hannon wouldn’t be writing about him! LOL!
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My favorite career is a doctor, but I also enjoy a sailor or sea captain (someone with ties to the ocean), cowboys, lumberjacks, and even aristocrats in regency settings. Anything unique, especially careers that don’t appear often in stories, seem to catch my eye. 🙂 As far as my least favorite goes, I’m apparently more picky about the heroines profession than the hero since that’s all I can negativity think of… 🙂
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Ooooohhh, a sea captain! In a Regency romance! I’m so there for that. Ohhhhh, how about a pirate? Never thought of that one…if you consider pirating a profession? lol Or a Coast Guard Captain for a contemporary romance. Now I’m craving nautical stories. Thanks, Sabrina. Now I’m interested in your heroine occupation ideas. Guess we’ll have to do this again only with heroine’s, eh? Good luck!
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Kav, you and I think identically haha. I would love to see more construction worker heros (especially since I’m married to one). I enjoy a hero who struggles financially and has to depend on God, so billionaires are not appealing to me either, but blue collar workers definitely fit that bill. My favorite series, The Secret of the Rose Series, by Michael Phillips, features a farmer/gardener. Reading about the “modern” (1940s) equipment that he uses was an aspect that I really enjoyed. Plus the spiritual lessons that are gained through husbandry were profound. I also like that you included pastor. I would like to read more literature featuring pastors and their families. I can only think of one that I’ve read, and he definitely should not have been in that position! I would add teacher, detective, and marshal to the list of careers I enjoy reading about.
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Yes, construction workers are waaaayyy high on my list. One of my favourite construction heroes is Adam Stone in Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon – third Hope Harbor book. Happy sigh. You’ve intrigued me with that Michael Phillips series — I’m going to have to check it out. My church library has a lot of his books, hopefully that includes The Secret of the Rose series.
Pastor heroes tend to crop up more in the Love Inspired line. And there’s an occasional good one in Regency Romances too. But they’re not that common. I agree with adding teacher to my list. Another profession that’s not hugely common in romances, but not as rare as pastors. 🙂 Good luck, Rebecca!
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I’m with you on the billionaire and politician heroes. But it seems like that’s super popular of late. I do love a good cowboy hero though!
readreviewrejoiceATgmailDOTcom
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I know, right? What’s with the billionaire explosion in our fiction? And it seems like cowboys are on the way out. 😦 Good luck, Abigail!
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I agree that military/commanders/etc, make excellent additions 🙂 Also thinking historical here -Lords/landowners and homesteaders, woodsmen, guides, etc. You get the idea 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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For some reason I enjoyr reading about nobility in a Regency Romance — like a duke or an earl — which is actually kind of the equivalent of a modern day billionaire. Hmmm, I’ll have to think on that a bit. lol Homesteaders are another great job for a historical hero. There’s something about working and taming the land that puts thoughts of romance in my head! 🙂 Good luck, Cheryl!
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Forensic expert, secret service and special forces have me swooning.
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Ooooohhhh, forensic experts. Yesssss. That’s a nice little side to law enforcements types. Often, I find, it seems to be a heroine occupation, with the hero the detective but I love when that’s reversed. Or two forensic expert love interests — just imagine the romantic banter. bwahahaha! Good luck, Caryl!
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Interesting topic and very complex. There are typically two sides or aspects to many presentations/people/events, and so it is difficult to have hard and fast rules that always apply. I enjoy history and historical fiction along with some contemporary and light mystery. Down to earth cowboys, explorers, trappers, etc. typically fit into that historical scenario. I guess it depends on the country and popular fiction published there, but since I reside in a basically capitalist country, I think that there are a wide range of financial scenarios that could be used in a hero. Thinking of real people, there are those who legitimately garner significant wealth through hard work, ingenuity, scientific brilliance, risk-taking, etc. Good for them. Many/most tend to be charitable, but it is theirs to do as they wish. There are some who are absolute jerks, but there are jerks in any financial strata. Jen Turano has interesting fiction books with more than a few characters who are quite wealthy.
People or fictional characters such as firefighters, vets, doctors, special ops military, etc. are typically very respected and interesting. Thinking of Hollywood and stars or using such as characters presents a mixed bag. There seems to be quite more than a little superficiality, but on the other side are those who are strong, moral artists who give much of themselves to charitable endeavors, entertaining our troops, helping veterans, etc. I live in the Southwest and many people I grew up knowing and some today still hunt and have venison in their freezer to eat frequently. One I think of in particular is a cousin’s husband who also is a respected deacon in their church. He just happens to like venison, and he then donates some of it to needy folks through his church. I don’t mind reading about a similar type of hunter.
I guess it really just depends on the specific book and the storyline.
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Favorite heroes? Cowboys, for sure, because I was introduced to them by watching TV Westerns with my first hero, my Daddy!
Farmers, because I’ve been married to one for over 50 years. I enjoy these heroes who are hardworking, God-loving, & loyal men who still can turn a woman’s head and make her go weak in the knees!
Librarians. I love any book that has a librarian character and a male librarian is a special perk!
Service heroes, such as firefighters, law enforcement, or EMTs. I admire them but it seems like they are the heroes both featured!
Connie Saunders
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
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All this talk about cowboys is giving me an urge to hunt down a cowboy book to read. 🙂 I wish there were more farmer heroes in our contemporary fiction. Tends to be more ranchers which, I guess fits in with cowboys but I love a good farm setting. I usually find it in Amish fiction and, oddly enough, have read more heroine farmers than hero farmers in contemporary romances. Good luck, Connie!
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Explorer would be an interesting angle for a hero in fiction. Not sure if I’ve read any. And you know what’s funny? I don’t have issues with wealthy heroes in historical romance. Jen Turnano is a great example. And another reminder that I haven’t read her most recent book yet. Mustn’t get behind! I think the whole billionaire (celebrities too) thing in contemporary novels has been made had been amplified through social media so we get all the behaving badly stuff all the time and none of the quietly going about doing discreet good works billionaires who aren’t seeking any fanfare. And the billionaire books reflect that latter attitude but I still balk every time. Maybe I need to read a bunch of billionaire books and see how I feel afterwards. 🙂 And yes, while this vegetarian city slicker will never partake of venison, I totally get that responsible hunting is a perfectly acceptable activity for any hero. Good luck, CC!
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I can’t really think of any hero occupations that I’ve read and didn’t like or wouldn’t read about again. I’m not really drawn to billionaire characters but have read some great ones (Sons of Scandal series, several Susan May Warren books).
Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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I like how easy going you are, Sandy! And yes, Sons of Scandal is an excellent example of wealth done well. Good luck, Sandy!
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I could be drawn to or turned off from most careers, depending on how they’re presented in the story. I do agree that I’m not typically big on stories centered on main characters who are in stardom of whatever sort (though yes! Toni Shiloh’s were fantastic!) I also have to give you a book recommendation that you may find an exception to with your political aversion👀 I’m reading A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch right now and the hero has a position in parliament (though it IS as a cover to root out corruption from the inside…) But this book is really good! Maybe you just don’t like politics in contemporary fiction though, and have no problems with historical, as this is a regency novel. Either way, I’m loving it!
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Totally valid point, Elly. I actually have enjoyed Erica Vetch’s books which do feature the politics of the time. Lots of Regencies do. Thinking Sarah M. Eden’s heroes are involved in fighting for good in parliament as well. I guess because back then it was one of the roles of a titled gentlemen. They made up parliament. Don’t know when regular blokes were allowed. Haven’t read A Scheming in Parliament yet but it’s on my wishlist. Good luck, Elly!
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If a hero is well written so he’s likeable, I don’t care what profession he has. I don’t think I’ve even ever thought about this before.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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Intersting, Pam. Maybe I overthink things too much. I definitely have a recoil impulse for certain occupations though. But you make a good point, I need to trust the author to highlight the good in the hero. Good luck, Pam!
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We pretty much agree on this except the venison stew. We eat a lot of venison and trout. There would have been times we would have went hungry without it. So come visit and I’ll make you venison something. Baahaahaa 😂
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And that’s the kind of hunting that makes sense to me. If you’re going to use the animal or your protecting livestock, crops etc. That’s necessary and even if a hero goes hunting for sport, as long as he’s doing it with purpose, I’m on board. I’ll come and visit, Lucy, but I’ll bring a salad and leave you your venison stew. Bwahahaha! Good luck, Lucy!
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I tend to enjoy professions where the hero is shown as being strong, masculine, and a capable protector. Professions like doctors, cowboys, ranchers, sheriffs/law enforcement, or military (preferably WWII or older). Overall, I guess their professions aren’t deal breakers so long as their personalities don’t lean toward arrogant. 🙂
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Oh yes, arrogant is a good descriptive word and definitely not what we want in a hero…unless it’s a redemptive arc and the hero changes by the end of the story. 🙂 Good luck, Bridget!
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I tend to agree with you on the hero categories. I have yet to read a book that has “billionaire” in the title. There are more billionaire books than there are billionaires in the world! It seems like everyone has jumped on that trope, and it definitely turns my brain against it. I agree on the politicians, too. The billionaires and politicians in the news today have me soured against them. I enjoy down-to-earth kind and compassionate heroes.
This has been a fun discussion, Kav! It’s great to see the different perspectives on heroes.
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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I kinda wince when I see ‘billionaire’ in the title too, and as you say, so many. And why on earth do they have to be billionaires? Couldn’t they just be plain old wealthy? Bwahahaha! Hooray for down to earth heroes, I’ll keep on swooning for them. Good luck, Winnie!
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I don’t think I have ever picked up one of those billionaire books! Just so unrelatable to the common person.
On the other hand I normally do like the books about professional athletes=) maybe because if someone works really hard that might actually happen to them.
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I dithered over putting professional sports in my dislike list because I’m not a sports fan at all and, again, the lifestyle can be controversial BUT I’ve read some really good sport themed contemporary romances so I can’t really say I’m not a fan anymore. Annah Conwell and Carolyn Miller and a few other authors have changed my mind. Good luck, Patty!
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I agree! I am not into reading about politicians of trophy hunters. I do really enjoy it when I find a book with a hero with an unusual occupation.
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I enjoy unusual occupations too or ones that are a kind of gender swap. Like a male kindergarten teacher or, my favourite, librarian. You know, the jobs that were typically reserved for females. Good luck, Jolene!
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If you haven’t read it yet, you should check out Stealing Magnolias by Leslie Kirby DeVooght. Author hero. 😀
This is not an entry.
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Ooooh, thanks for the suggestion, Marian. Taking note. I checked it out on Good Reads and it sounds like a story I’d like plus it has great reviews. Happy Reading!
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Careers that I don’t want to read about:
Pastor/Minister – Nope, bad experience with a former pastor.
Politicians – no thanks!
Trophy Hunter – nope
Actors/Musicians – not really
Veterinarian – I’m allergic to dogs and cats. No thanks
Cowboy – I live in Texas, I’m done with that
Military – not really
Amish – I lost interest there
Careers that I want to read about:
Librarian/Bookseller – yes, please. I’ve been on a bookshop novel reading binge lately
Firefighter. Maybe if it’s a Susan May Warren novel.
Farmer/Gardener – Yes, if no one minds that I have a black thumb.
Carpenter/Craftsman – yes, please. I used to love HGTV.
Billionaires – honestly they intrigue me a bit because what if you never had to worry about money? I’ve only read a couple, so I suppose I could be on the fence about this.
So that gives me about four different types of heroes. I think maybe I need to include a nerd, too. Yeah, Hubby’s a nerd.
I also have a strange aversion to male authors except for maybe Charles Martin who is pretty intense.
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Re. #1. You bring up a good point here — our personal histories definitely influence our likes and dislikes when it comes to the kind of heroes we want to meet in fiction. Our feelings and reactions run deep and that’s why it’s so important to have lots of variety for readers to choose from. And that goes for a veterinarian not holding any appeal for you. I might have gasped out loud at that. Totally understand allergies though. I have an allergy to cats now so I can’t even pet sit my grand kitty anymore but I do like getting my kitty-fix through my fiction.
Bwahahaha! You’re so over cowboys. Bwahahahaha!
Is it just me or are we really seeing more bookish themed romances out in the wild? I think the authors and publishers are catching on to the fact that it’s a natural fit for their readers.
I just finished reading a Susan May Warren book — SARS not firefighting, but whoa – she knows how to write hair-raising action that includes technical details without bogging down the story.
I’m with you on male authors. I don’t gravitate to them at all but I have enjoyed some. Maybe because I mainly read romance? I dunno. Thanks for chiming in, Perrianne! Good luck!
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You phrased it better than I did because life experiences do matter.
And as for the cowboy, my son tromped through my kitchen yesterday in his steel toed work boots (not his typical western ones). What a mess! And no, he is not a cowboy! 🤣🤣🤣
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Good line up. I like stories about Librarian/author stories, I’m a fan that talk about book clubs, I do like stories about animals like All Creatures great and small.
I’m fond of Firefighters read a good one by Ryan Steck called Gone Dark.
I enjoy stories about food, food competitions, baking etc.
HGTV books, historical where I can learn something. I read The Oakridge women by Michelle Shocklee.
Thank you for this discussion. It’s very insightful.
Nora finding hope at yahoo
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