Welcome Renee Vincent!
http://pasttheprint.blogspot.com/
Stripping Down Dægan Ræliksen of Ræliksen: Book One of the Emerald Isle Trilogy
When Tonya asked me to come to the Naked Hero to talk about my hero, Dægan Ræliksen, I was very honored that she would ask me in the first place. And then my excitement took over as I realized she was asking me to discuss my favorite subject: the ‘stripped’ male hero.
I have always been intrigued by the male species.
- I love the simpleness of their nature and their inherent need to be the best at almost everything.
- I love that they often welcome a challenge and frown up laziness.
- I love that even though they appear impenetrable with their hard-muscled bodies and intense steely glares, inside is a soft heart as sensitive as their female counterparts.
- I love that they would never admit to having that sensitive side.
- And, I love that they possess this deep-seated, raw need to be ‘with’ a woman.
To me, there is nothing sexier than an honorable man contending with his own nagging desires—and failing outright. My hero Dægan is no different, and today I shall strip him down, revealing the essence of his character and the attraction to which I have for the Alpha Male.
But before I begin, I thought it necessary to give you a blurb about my historical romance, Ræliksen, so you can get an idea of where our hero is in the story and his purpose within the plot.
In the turbulent times of 10th Century Ireland, Dægan Ræliksen, a proud and noble warrior from Norway’s frozen fjords, knew he had found the perfect wife the moment he came upon Mara—a beautiful Irish maiden—along the banks of the River Shannon. Unbeknownst to him, she is the daughter of the Connacht king—the very man who is hell-bent on driving the pagan foreigners out of Christian Ireland, once and for all.
Mara, who is more interested in spending her days along the awe-inspiring Shannon than in the dull, protective confines of her father’s ringfort, has no idea she has become the object of one man’s longing—at least not until a group of warring Northmen sail up the river, ambitiously prepared to take on the Irish kings and anyone else who stands in their way.
Mara must learn to trust both Dægan—a man she has been brought up to fear—and her own untried heart, even though it means being caught between a forbidden romance and her father’s own fervent hatred for the Northmen.
Well, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s strip down our brawny warrior hero, shall we?
According to Author Mary Buckham, “Alpha Male refers to a type of man who is strong, smart, and a leader. Others respect his decisions, and tend to not challenge him. An Alpha Male moves and stands in ways that show he expects to get what he wants without being questioned or challenged.” With that being said, Dægan Ræliksen is undoubtedly your classic Alpha Male.
He’s a Viking warrior and chieftain. That alone screams ALPHA. In those days, it was absolutely necessary that a man know the ways of warfare and hand-to-hand combat, lest he lose everything he owns including his wife and/or children. Nothing was sacred or held outside the rules of war. Dægan battles with this on several occasions and sometimes it’s those closest to him that he struggles against.
Dægan is also a natural leader and many rely on him to make sound decisions. He does not hesitate in his actions and stands firm upon his decisions. But remember, Dægan is still a man. Though he hardly ever allows anything to distract him or cloud his good sense, there’s still a considerable chance that his stable reasoning may falter under the weight of an alluring beautiful woman. (And that is the moment in romance books where we, the female readers, love to put ourselves in the place of the heroine—when the hero, despite his mighty efforts, is inevitably drawn to her. He puts everything else on hold, even the more urgent dilemmas, to seek out the heroine and the consequences of his blatant disregard normally fall somewhere amidst the story’s main conflict.)
But it is with this point that I bring us to another reason for why we love our Alpha Male heroes—reading about how they will contend with conflict and right the wrongs. To our enjoyment, the Alpha Male hero will always go in the honorable direction, though it means the more difficult route. And Dægan is not about to take the easy road. It’s all about winning the love and trust of a woman and saving her from those who threaten to keep them apart, while still upholding his honor in the process. And given that he is the outsider in Christian Ireland—viewed as the barbarous pagan Northman—his pursuit is nothing short of arduous.
Now, let’s not forget that the Alpha Male is undeniably charming and irresistible. Dægan is the kind of man who is bold and adventurous, even in his quest for the woman who holds his heart. His sensual words, poetically versed, can melt even the coldest of hearts, and it is those traits and talents that make Mara (and readers) hard-put to avoid his advances. I dare anyone to try.
And that, my dear Naked Hero followers, is Dægan Ræliksen—stripped and laid bare.
The Verdict:
If you like a true Alpha Male hero—the in-your-face confident, brazenly courageous male, with a rugged handsomeness to boot—then Dægan is your man.
The Herculean Task:
What are your favorite hero characteristics? Is it the unashamed forwardness he exudes in every action? Or perhaps it’s just the plain and simple attraction to the naked male body—the one that every Alpha Male knows you can’t refuse? Or do you prefer the road less traveled by favoring the Beta male hero?
Tell me what you like best about your ‘heroes’ and you’ll be eligible to win a copy of Ræliksen in your choice of formats: paperback, Sony Reader, Scribd, B&N Nook, iPhone like iPad, and Kindle.
About Tonya
Renee! Your new cover is beautiful. I am so excited for your triology. I love the male who can take over and step aside when he realizes he needs the woman to lead. I like the Beta who does the right thing and loves with all his heart.
Thanks for being here. We are really honored.
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Tonya, it is an such an honor to be a guest on your blog. And to be able to “unveil” the new cover for Ræliksen on the Naked Hero is just plain perfect. Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity to talk about my favorite subject. I had so much fun “stripping down” my hero.
And for those of you who may not know, Ræliksen (availabe right now in hardback, paperback, & e-book) is soon going to be available in the following formats: Sony Reader, Scribd, B&N Nook, iPhone like iPad, and Kindle. And with that process, Ræliksen also had the opportunity to gain a new cover, which is what you see above.
Author and Cover Designer, Dara England designed the cover, along with my sexy new bookmarks. I hope everyone likes the new stuff!
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Ehat do I like in my heroes? I like a man who is strong and courageous and will stand up against wrong even at the cost of his own life.
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Janette I love that in a hero!
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Janette:
You and I must have a lot in common then. I love the kind of heroes who are willing to give their life for honor and for what is right, not to mention the heroine as well. Great to meet you and good luck!
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I like to read books that have what I call the ‘teddy bear alpha’ in that they are complete marshmallows when it comes to the heroine but tough as nails when they have to be with anyone else. I really enjoy her heroines as well.
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Okay Renee, I knew that you had a sequel coming out for Ræliksen called MacLiam but I had no idea that there is going to be a third book. I’m so excited!
By the way, I love the new cover.
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Ah Daegan Lover! How’d I know you were going to be here? haha
I love your interpretation of the “teddy bear alpha”! Such a great description – I could so picture what you meant before you even explained it. Well done.
And yes, I have to agree. That kind of hero is so much fun to read about. I like when the heroine is able to make the (as you said) “tough as nails” hero putty in her hand.
So, how do ye like the new cover? We still have a bit more “tweaking” to do, but its nearly done. I just couldn’t wait any longer and had to show it off….plus I thought the Naked Hero was by far the best place to do it
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Daegan Lover: I thought that would catch your attention about a trilogy! And yes, I took your advice and am writing another book about Daegan. Hope it pleases you.
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Raeliksen is a fantastic book! I’m reading it right now and I’m in love with Daegan!*_* He is my ideal hero and I have to thank you, Renee, for this awesome story! I would have finished it already, if I didn’t have so much to study….sigh
(Don’t enter me in the contest.)
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Thank you Giada! You are so kind for coming here and offering your praise of the book. It is much appreciated! I am so glad you are enjoying it.
AND I am glad it is not taking your from your studies…THAT is more important than my romance novel. Remember, Daegan will always be there…he’s not going anywhere.
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Yes, I am so happy about the third book
I just can’t get enough of Dægan.
Have you finished writing MacLiam? I’m sure you will keep all of us fans up to date on it’s release date.
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Daegan Lover:
You are not the only one who wants more of Daegan. I’ve had several requests for him! haha
And Mac Liam is still a work in progress…nearly finished.
I will definitely let my fans know when it will be released. Don’t you worry!
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Ah, the wild west of Ireland, it is my favorite place on EARTH!! I can see why Mara wants to spend her time along the long shores of the Shannon. Run from those cold stone forts, Mara, and don’t look back!!!
I love the alpha male. I’m married to one, who is such a leader and take charge guy, but who is also framed in kindness and with a great sense of who he is, and is so very wise. The wisdom part is what I love best about him and what attracted me in the first place. My Poppy has a very old soul. We do butt heads, often, because after all I’m Irish!!! As far as the naked body of a man, its all in the genes. We’re imprinted to love everything about the firm body of a man, and for me, even when he’s not so firm anymore…Ya got love a em…After years of marriage, it’s the familiarity of knowing that body, that is comfort. Even in a simple hug, the scent of maleness is comfort.
It’s a interesting contrast in Ireland during the era of the Vikings. St Patrick had hit the shores and converted the Irish in one of the most peaceful conversions known in the Chritian world, and then on the frings sits the violent, powerful Vikings…Those dudes were everywhere. In the end, the Irish are very proud of their Viking genes. It’s where that famous Irish temper comes from and warrior attitude.
Great post Renee, thanks for coming to our site..I can talk history forever. If you haven’t noticed.
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Renee, what a beautiful cover. I love the Alpha male who will risk life and limb to be with his woman. He knows she is his other half and must have her. I love historicals too, so I will have to get your book for sure.
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Lee:
Believe me, the honor was all mine to be here on your site.
It was so nice to hear your take on history and that you are married to an alpha male. I, too, am married to one and he is positively amazing. My husband is a dedicated man to both his work and his family, and he is one of the most sentimental men you will ever meet. Dægan is completely based off of his personality and it was so easy to write Dægan’s character. On many occasions, I consulted my husband on how Dægan would react in certain situations – and I made sure to keep him as true to character as I possibly could. Plus, my husband and I would act out a few scenes that he didn’t think possible – proving Dægan’s strength over the heroine. That was always fun.
It’s so nice to meet someone else who is a fellow fanatic about history. I enjoyed your thoughts on the matter. Thanks for commenting.
Jill:
Thank you for coming to the Naked Hero today and I’m so glad you like the new cover. Historicals are where the action and true sensuality are – not to mention the great Alpha Males who carry a swift sword and ride a spirited steed. Long live the Alpha Male!
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Great interview – and, you’re right, Tonya – Renee is a goddess!
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I love Alpha men in books. I like their take charge attitude, their dominance, and yes, sometimes even their arrogance, but I love how they learn that it’s okay to be more sensitive (while still maintaining their masculinity) to be with the women they love. I like a hero who doesn’t mind catering to his woman, doesn’t pretend to be anything but loving towards her because he’s comfortable in himself and his feelings.
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I am so honored that Renee unveiled her new cover today. She did have a different, but now that she’s got a series the new covers are going to look good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Daekin Lover~ GUESS WHAT???? I am reading Mac Liam as we speak! (errr….typing) Renee and I are critique partners and I have to say I might be on Team Mac Liam!
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Ah Becke you’re so sweet! She is a true Goddess.
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Danica your last Friday Man Candy is definitely an alpha hero! I can’t get that out of my mind. My DH’s birthday is coming up and I’m thinking LIME GREEN!
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Jill you WILL NOT be disappointed!
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Renee also brings some lovely artists and magnificent models to her blog. When I need an endorphin rush, I just mosey over and scroll down, down, down…
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Becke:
Awww…a goddess? Really? You are too sweet.
Danica:
I agree. In fact, one trait that I find very sexy on a man is confidence. And another is their dominance. Don’t get me wrong…I am a go-getter, but sometimes it’s just nice when a man takes charge and gets things done. And Alphas certainly do that!
Thanks for coming to the Naked Hero and good luck to you in the drawing.
Tonya:
Oh boy……you better hope Daegan Lover is still in Minneapolis. Because once she hears that you are reading Mac Liam and SHE isn’t…..all I can say is OOOOH Boy!
And what is this I hear about Danic and some Man Candy? I think I’m going to have to make a trip over to Danica’s site…
Thank you Tonya for everything!
Keri:
haha So glad my blog has made an impression on you! Thanks for coming here tonight. Love my fellow OVRWA girls!
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Hi, Renee, Tonya!
I love the new cover Renee! It’s Jaw-Chest-Arms Man as I’ve dubbed him. Very dreamy. And I’ve been totally distracted by alphas in romance for years. I love a story driven by characters and when an alpha meets his match in his “one,” the woman who has the power to bring him to his knees, all the better. YUM!
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Thanks Rosie! I like the cover a lot too!
Distracted huh? I think in some romances I’ve read, that is putting it lightly. hee hee
But oh, the power of a good heroine is incredible…and like you said, the power to bring him to his knees is all the better.
BTW, one of these days I want to read that historical you wrote *wink,wink*
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There are two qualities that I look for in a “hero”: courage and passion. Bravery as a wholesome characteristic comes to mind very quickly; everyone wants a man who not only is fearless about standing up for himself, but who also is unafraid with fast actions and clever words. Spontaneity is so unbelievably sexy, and remember what they say: confidence is key. A man needs to be a MAN in order to be a man (hahah does that make sense?). Passion on the other hand, isn’t as obvious, but it is definitely what attracts a girl. Us women are delicate, like the petals of a soft flower, and we need to feel desire…we need to feel hope. A girl can’t just only love a man; she needs to love the WAY he loves her.
Renee, I canNOT wait to read MacLiam!! EEK
♥Stephanie
Oh, and it helps if the guy is eye-candy too
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Renee, the cover is stunning, but the man… ooolala!!! A good alpha male in a romance is usually more appealing than a beta guy–sometimes in real life, too, though the beta qualities create a good balance.
Thank you for being here! You rock!
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Renee! A huge thank you for being a Guest Goddess! You are welcome here anytime, especially bringing those Hotties with you!!!
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Stephanie:
I love the characteristics you listed. Those things – courage, passion, bravery, spontaneity, confidence – are sometimes hard to find these days. Lucky for me, I have a husband who is all that and more. But I will say this…I write about historical hereos for the very reason that back then, men were men. It was either be a real man, or die a coward. And to bring those kinds of men to life through my words is a great feeling. What is even better, is when someone else likes what you wrote as well. I hope that I can continue to write about these great Alpha Male heroes for a very long time.
Lord knows I’m not ready to give it up yet.
Misa:
Thank you for allowing me to come here. The hospitality has been wonderful.
Tonya:
I cannot thank you enough for having me here today. I would be so honored to return to the Naked Hero again sometime in the future.
*A big thank you to everyone who came here to see me. I’ll let you all know tomorrow who the winner of Ræliksen (with the new cover) will be! Happy Reading and best wishes to all!
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Tonya Kappes how can you say that? Team Mac Liam…shame on you. I will ALWAYS be on Team Dægan
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See Tonya! I told you that you’d be in trouble once Daegan Lover hears of your “team” choice. hahah
She is undoubtedly Daegan’s biggest fan
Now if someone would just make a movie of it so we can really play up that whole Team Daegan / Team Breandán thing.
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