They are the ultimate fantasy romance hero. All powerful, rich beyond imagining, men who control kingdoms with the click of a finger, can sweep a woman away not just on a horse, but in his private jet and make her feel like a queen. Men who cannot show the slightest hint of weakness and for whom falling in love is the hardest thing in the world.
Where does a man, who spends his entire life in the spotlight of the public gaze, whose every move is recorded by the paparazzi - or even the man in the street with a mobile phone - get to meet the special one, whether she's princess or PA, showgirl or shop girl? And when he's struck by cupid's dart, how will he know that the woman of his dreams is marrying him rather than his rank, status, wealth?In such circumstances, the arranged marriage must seem a very attractive option. No doubt about it. Everyone knows what they're getting.
It's easy to see why the sheikh/prince hero makes the romance writer's mouth water. Putting an ordinary girl in his path, challenging everything he believes and watch him lose his heart is irresistible.
My question is this. In this modern day and age does the sheikh/prince hero still appeal? Do younger readers enjoy them? Would they rather have a billionaire tycoon? Or just an ordinary guy - with none of the hassle that a public marriage involves?
4 comments:
If I never saw another billionaire tycoon I wouldn't worry at all. I hate to think how many billionaire tycoons I've read over the past few decades. And before that there were the millionaire tycoons. Inflation being what it is.
And if I didn't write one, ditto! Love my sheikhs, though. Not sure they're a fit for KISS, sadly.
I think the Sheik and Prince will continue to make readers swoon, no matter what age they are. Romance novels are mostly about fantasy and they are the ultimate fantasy. Of course, it is usually the historical romances that still are able to entice readers ... despite the modern age and jaded appetites. The contemporary Sheiks and Princes aren't nearly as swoon-worthy...and a lot of Americans tend to think of them as terrorists. jdh2690@gmail.com
Hi Janice - have to say I thought the day of the sheikh was over but there seems to be more and more of them published. I think fantasy cancels out reality. :)
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