I can’t believe it’s been three months since I released my debut novel No Place to Hide. I also can’t believe I had started writing this story all the way back in the summer of 2017. It’s been a wild ride but I’m glad I saw this story through and my readers could finally meet the lovely characters I had spent more than a year dreaming up. I’ve introduced my heroine, Emily, already. Now, it’s time to meet the stud muffin Detective Ben Hunter.
So, I love me a good alpha male. They’re tough and sexy, and sometimes I wouldn’t mind being told what to do if the situation was right ;) Buuuuut, I’m also defiant, and most of the time I don’t like being bossed around. For me, there’s a fine line between hunky alpha male and pissing me off. Seeing that most of the heroines I’ve written have a similar independent streak, I knew I needed to ensure Ben was right for Emily.
When Emily and Ben first meet, they get off on the wrong foot. I mean, what girl wouldn’t be a little annoyed if the other person basically treated them like a murderer? Ben is highly suspicious of Emily, and with how the evidence stacks up, who can blame him? He’s rough, broody, and jaded from his life as an undercover cop (and how his former line of work had caused his home life to implode). Needless to say, Emily’s not the most cooperative whenever he’s around because of this friction.
The thing about Ben, though, is he’s good at his job. If he’s wrong, he’ll admit it. If someone’s in trouble—even if he doesn’t fully trust that someone yet—he’ll do what he can to protect them. After all, protect and serve was the oath he took when he joined the force, even if it frustrates the hell out of him.
...or she frustrates the hell out of him. *cough*
When Ben and Emily are forced to partner, he opens up more throughout the story. He might act rough around the edges and works hard to keep his emotions in check (because being emotional can compromise a whole operation and the safety of others) but we see he’s a nice guy with a big heart underneath it all. As we learn more about why he ended up in Portland and the reason for his initial distrust of Emily, we come to realize he’s only human like the rest of us.
He plays the role of a protector. Yet, I appreciate Ben’s ability to understand Emily’s need to be involved, even if some of her actions aren’t the safest. Rather than keeping her in the dark, he’s honest and open to hearing her ideas, no matter how far-fetched.
Dark scruff, a dimpled cheek (one!), a deep voice, and his built body aside, my favorite aspect of Ben are those quieter moments between him and Emily. Sure, he’s her unofficial bodyguard and will kick some ass when needed, but the tender moments are really what make me love him. He still has the alpha moments, but he’s also the kinda guy a girl knows will be in her corner, championing and cherishing her.
Have you met Ben Hunter yet? If not, be sure to read all about him in my romantic suspense No Place to Hide!
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