Kieran Kramer is one of the most fun, most funny, most fabulous women and writers I know…and I’m so thrilled that she agreed to take some time out of her exceedingly busy schedule to come share her views on rogues for Writers on Rogues! You all know Kieran from her (amazingly titled) books, When Harry Met Molly, Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right, Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage and If You Give a Girl a Viscount. I am so very excited for her latest series: The House of Brady (yes…Regency-era Brady Bunch!!), to begin! The first book, Loving Lady Marcia, is out in September and I already have it preordered!
Welcome, Kieran!
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I have so many favorite rogues! My dog Striker thinks he’s one, but he’s neutered, so that’s impossible (I’m not going to tell him—he’d be very disappointed).
Riffing about rogues with my sister and my college-age daughter yesterday, I came to the conclusion that this is an excellent topic to discuss in a bar on Girls’ Night Out. We were saying such naughty things! We got into wonderful little squabbles about whether my rogue should be redeemable or not. We simply had to pour out glasses of red wine and gulp them down to say what we really felt about rogues. If we’d had cigarettes, we would have smoked them—it doesn’t matter that none of us are smokers. We were talking about rogues. The topic got so out of control, we had to dance to Selena Gomez’s “Love You Like a Love Song” just to work off steam, and then we prank called someone. Just for kicks.
I say some of the most delicious rogues aren’t redeemable. Could I have a “Hear! Hear!” on that? Because I certainly didn’t get one from my daughter (and I love that about her). My sister, God bless her—we’ve both been happily married to two good men for over 20 years apiece–understood my point completely.
So let’s start with an irredeemable rogue: Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones’s Diary. Give me Daniel Cleaver. Please. He can invade my personal space any time he’d like. I’m bad enough that I wouldn’t care that he’s a selfish jerk; I’d enjoy his snarky company that much. I’d pull him down by the tie when he’s leaning over my desk and lay one on him. Who cares about long-term when you’re with Daniel Cleaver, right? I need more Daniel Cleaver-ish people in my life. Actually, I don’t. I tend to choose friends of both sexes with a “devil-may-care” sort of character anyway. I’m very, very attracted to Daniel Cleaver types. Is that because I grew up such a good girl? Who knows? And who cares?
Let’s simply revel in his badness, shall we? Let’s not ruin Daniel by trying to redeem him.
So be your naughty, fun self, Daniel/Hugh. Talk to Jones’s skirt. Look sexy and promise with your eyes that all sorts of scandalous things are going to happen in your company.
And before I get too enrapt in remembering that fabulous bad boy, let’s move on to my two redeemable rogues: Joe Morelli and Mr. Rochester.
Joe is going to be Stephanie’s husband someday, I have no doubt. He’ll be a great baseball dad and take Stephanie out on obligatory dates without showing a whole lot of imagination in the process. He’ll forget about her when football comes on TV. But he’ll always have some bad boy in him, and just when Stephanie thinks he’s plebian and annoying, he’ll grab her in the right places, say something wildly original and sexy, and remind her she can’t pin him down so easily.
So in my alternate universe in which I’m the Lady With Many Paramours, Joe will be my Adorable Boyish Guy Who Becomes a Demanding Italian Stud When the Mood Suits Him.
I ran out of time to discuss Mr. Rochester. Thinking and talking about rogues makes me restless. I have the urge to go to my favorite seedy bar and karaoke, even though it’s a school night. I’m even tempted to turn the volume up to 11 in my minivan on the way.
So I have to go.
But I love you, too–dear, cranky Mr. Rochester–you untamed beast with a wounded heart! Everything in me clamors to engage in sparring matches with you and win you over…
Yet I could never win you over completely, could I? Nor Joe, nor Daniel. That’s what defines a rogue. We can never have all of him. It’s what makes him most alluring.
Thank you to Sarah for creating this wonderful opportunity for me to reflect on rogues and why we love them. I got quite a night out of it. After the rogue talk with my sister and daughter, my husband got to put up with me while I imagined I was the baddest girl on the planet and he was Daniel Cleaver. He was watching ESPN, of course, so his roguish qualities were temporarily suppressed, but a girl can dream, can she not?
And there are always commercial interruptions.
***
HA!
I love love love Kieran. She is so incredibly funny…and I 66% agree with her. Pro Daniel and Joe…decidedly anti Rochester, who is a whiny, horrible baby. There. I said it. So, that’s always a fun topic…are you pro Rochester? Or against? Share in comments for a chance to win a copy of Kieran’s If You Give a Girl a Viscount (US only).
March 20th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Sarah, it’s such a pleasure to be here! And I’m thrilled I can have Mr. Rochester all to myself , although I agree with you, he can be quite the baby. I might need several glasses of wine to see his alluring qualities on his really bad nights. :>)
March 20th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
So happy to have you, K!
March 20th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Interesting. As much as I love Jane Eyre, I hadn’t really thought about Rochester much. For me the story is all about Jane and I love that when she does get Rochester, it’s on HER terms.
As teh sexy as Hugh Grant is, Daniel Cleaver is a lowlife, which nullifies all sexiness to me.
The book looks fun, can’t wait to read it!
March 20th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Hi Kieran. Now I have to see this movie-yes, I have to admit that I’ve never seen this movie. But I’ve always loved Rochester mostly because I loved Jane so much and wanted her to be happy. But my all-time favorite rogue is JR Wards’ Zsadist. I do love those vampires!
March 20th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Girl, go stream Bridget Jones! It’s worth it not only for Daniel and Colin separately but for when they’re together and have a street brawl! You’ll laugh so hard throughout the whole movie!!!
I love J.R. Ward. She’s such a “rogue” herself, as a writer and person. Bold and funny yet so aware of nuance–so sensitive. No wonder her heroes are beloved. They’re just as three-dimensional, don’t you think?
March 20th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
JR Ward as rogue! Love it!
I’m with you on the JR heroes, Sharon…my favorite is Rhage, actually…talk about a rogue!!
March 20th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Ahhh. I’ve known and loved a rogue or two. I think I’m drawn to their meet-me-in-the-elevator smiles and the way they throw back their heads as they slam a shot of Jack. I’ll even take a little bruising of the heart along the way. Let’s me know my senses are on fire and I’m still in the game. So write away, ladies. I’ll love them all.
March 20th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
…ooops……..Lets me know (not Let’s)…….duh.
March 20th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Charmaine, you hit the nail on the head…your senses have to be on fire. That’s why I’ll take those bad boys who can’t be redeemed, like Daniel in Bridget Jones’s Diary. If I just want a temporary sensory hit, he’ll do just fine!
March 20th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
I’m Rochester-apathetic, which is slightly bizarre, because I LOVE my rogues! I don’t know, he just doesn’t do it for me, but I don’t want to see him fall into the moors, either. ;)
Two of my favorite rogues right now are actually on TV. (I’m sure I’ve professed my obsession enough with Lord Dain and Lord. St.Ives that we don’t need to get into that again!) I watch The Vampire Diaries, and am completely in love with Damon and Klaus. Damon is the good guy turned bad guy, trying to redeem, gets rejected by the woman he loves, who loves his brother, who he has issues with, then he falls back into his bad boy ways! Whew. And Klaus has Mommy issues. (Who wouldn’t, when their mom turns them into a vampire, then come back from the dead to kill you?!) But he is so sexy, troubled, selfish and can’t understand why he drives everyone away from him…even though he keeps killing off their lovers/friends.
If you don’t watch TVD, I highly recommend it, just for the “heroes” alone!
March 20th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Oh! And I have Kieran’s book on pre-order, so count me out for the drawing. XO
March 20th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Olivia, if you win, I’ll send you a Woozie instead! In fact, whoever wins, I’m sending them a Woozie!!! My daughter loves that vampire show. I’ll have to add it to my list of shows to catch on Netflix! :>)
March 20th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
I always thought Rochester wad the bad guy, lol! I mean, he locked his wife in the attic! Sure, he said she was nuts, but what proof do we have? Maybe she went crazy from being locked up!
Now Joe Morelli is a bad boy I like…
March 20th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Rebe, Rochester is a rogue, in my view. He’s dark… with secrets. And tormented. I like the idea of soothing a tormented beast of a guy. I guess it’s why the old Beauty and the Beast myth is so popular, huh?
Ah, Joe Morelli. I love him SO much I have a bumper sticker on my bulletin board that I got from a booksigning–it says, “I Heart Joe Morelli.”
Ladies, notice I never mentioned Ranger. I don’t know why, but he doesn’t appeal to me the way Joe does. What about you?
March 20th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
This, Rebe. THIS EXACTLY.
HE LOCKS HIS WIFE IN THE ATTIC.
Horrible.
March 20th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Something which was discussed in college, at length during Friday tea; pro Rochester or pro Darcy. And it seemed to be a very polarized decision, rare was the person who liked (or loathed) both. I am decidedly Team Darcy. I cannot stand Rochester! Isn’t it great though how people get worked up over characters written over a century ago?
March 20th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Oh, I love Darcy the best of all romantic heroes. I thought about him for this post, but then I thought, I don’t know if he meets my personal definition of a rogue, LOL! It’s a good question for debate, don’t you think? I was thinking he’s too civilized to be a rogue–although he certainly is rude the way he offers to marry Elizabeth when he makes that first grand speech to her!!! But maybe that makes him a rogue right there. He deserved the comeuppance she gave him!!! :>)
March 20th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Those sound like my kind of teas, M!
Are there people who like both? Oh…wait! Kieran likes both!
March 20th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
LOL That was the first thing I thought when I saw Loving Lady Marcia!! I thought well, maybe she means, marseeah. haha But I would only ever think marsha. haha What a clever terrific idea for a series. You are so smart!! Cant wait to read them!!
March 20th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Thank you, Lisa!!! I hope you like the book, too. :>)
Marcia wasn’t a popular girl’s name during the Regency, but it existed as a name–in fact, in the book I reference the fact that it comes from the god’s name Mars…he’s the god of war, which I thought suited her character well. She has a lot of spirit and has a lot to fight for! :>)
March 20th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Isn’t that the best idea, ever, Lisa? I wish I’d had it!
March 20th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Oh, what great rogues you’ve mentioned, Kieran. I forgot all about Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver. He really was bad, wasn’t he? Rogues are fun in movies but not so much in real life. You’ve got it right that Joe is the man for Stephanie. When she gets serious, she’ll settle down. Until then…there’s always that rogue Ranger.
March 20th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Shana, you’re so right about fantasy versus reality when it comes to rogues! That’s why I’m perfectly happy with my very sweet husband, who allows me to attach a few roguish qualities to him when it suits my mood! :>) And then he’ll surprise me every once in a while with his own take on what it means to be a rogue–hey, a long marriage needs the occasional surprise, don’tcha think? The spice keeps it going! So hurrah for rogues and for our very active imaginations about them, LOL!!!
March 20th, 2012 at 7:23 pm
When he laughs at the granny panties and keeps on for the sexitime, he had me. Forever. I love me some Cleaver.
March 20th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Oh. OH. I am head-over-heels, in-so-far-I-can’t-get-out in love with Joe Morelli. What a perfect example of the irredeemable rogue! And Stephanie is the perfect complement to him because she still stands her ground when he gets too rakish. If he walked all over her, he’d be a jerk, but because he doesn’t…
He’s a rogue!
That bad-boy appeal is bar none. Love it!
March 20th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Love it, Kimberly!! Joe is HAWT!! Thanks for stopping by!
:>)
My definition of a rogue is that he can be a good guy OR a bad guy. But he’s sexy and charming. My Rogue Strategy Guide (which I bought for a dime in the back of a comic book) says we need to beat the bad ones at their own game–take advantage of them (yeah, buddy!) and then don’t answer their calls! Hah!! Right back in their smug, handsome faces!!!
(grin)
March 20th, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Are y’all excited about the movie??
March 20th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Oh, I love a good rogue! And I love Daniel Cleaver, I recently reread both the books and rewatched both the movies … ah, that’s good stuff. Hard to believe Bridget’s a decade old now!
I’m with Sarah though. I don’t like Mr. Rochester.
But, oh man, I love Joe Morelli! Yum yum yummy yum yum.
Hmm … other favorite rogues? Anybody else read Maria V. Synder’s Poison series? I love Valek! A charming spy and master assassin? I’m all over that!
March 20th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Emily, I’ll have to read the Poison series! That sounds fabulous! Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh, poor Mr. Rochester. No one likes him, LOL!!!! I have to admit, my favorite rogues are lighter ones–super charming ones with a twinkle in their eyes.
March 20th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Emily…I miss great chick lit…those BJD books are just FABULOUS. Why do you think publishers have taken away our first-person whacko heroines?
March 20th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
I don’t know, Sarah, but I miss them! What about Becky Bloomwood from Shopaholic? She was such an endearing goofball!!
March 20th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Hi Kieran!
Not entirely sure about Rochester, but I do love me some Daniel and Joe. Of course, if we are talking Stephanie Plum, we simply must at least mention the incredibly sexy Ranger *Sigh* You know, it’s been a while since I’ve watched Bridget Jones… if you’ll excuse me, I have some video to stream!
March 20th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Erin, of course Ranger is a rogue extraordinaire. Cuffing Stephanie to the shower?!? He’s the baddest of the bad boys, no doubt.
Hey, did you see the movie? I never did. I don’t want to ruin my idea of what Ranger and Joe look like!
:>)
March 20th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Yeah, I saw it… it was okay, but I think you are better off with the books for sure! Although, the guy who played Ranger was pretty darn spot on if you ask me *fans self*
March 20th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Cuffed in the shower is the BEST kind of shower.
A-hem.
Too much?
March 20th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Ha! Erin, I did the same thing after reading Kieran’s post…I went right to Netflix!
March 20th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
I fell in love with Kieran too with her very first book. I’ve bought all of the rest and given them away as presents. I can’t wait to read the next series!!!!
March 20th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
MaryAnne, you’re a sweetheart. Thanks for all your support! :>)
And thanks to Sarah for a wonderful day here!
Reader friends, Sarah has all those qualities I love…she’s breezy, brilliant, and utterly charming while at the same time, deeply sensitive and committed to speaking truths without flinching. I see all those compelling qualities in her writing–and she is the same way when you meet her at a conference! Truly a marvelous lady, so thank you again, Sarah, and hugs to you and yours from me and mine (including Striker, who STILL thinks he’s a rogue, especially since he got a bright new red collar last week!)
XOXO to everyone kind enough to visit me on MacLeanSpace.com today!!!
Kieran
March 20th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Very fun post! Rochester is interesting. Rogues make very good heroes.
March 20th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
I agree, BN, that rogues make great heroes, as we know from reading Sarah’s latest, A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME!
March 20th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
interesting points (must remember this as future discussion topic when hanging out w/ sisters/nieces/friends) ;) while I like to think that all rogues can be redeemable for the right women, there’s always the 2 catches — 1) you have to be the right woman for reforming that particular rogue & 2) there are always exceptions to every rule. :)
March 20th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Donna Ann, that’s a wise assessment–there are always exceptions. What I think is so fascinating about rogues is that yes–it takes a special woman to redeem him. I think about how long it took Warren Beatty to find the right woman.
Tell you what–when George Clooney gets married (he claims he never will), THAT will be a special woman, LOL!!!
March 21st, 2012 at 11:00 am
I’m a day late to the party, but the first rogue that jumped to mind is Captain Sheridan Drake from Laura Kinsale’s Sieze the Fire. OMG, Yum!
March 21st, 2012 at 11:54 am
I have to vote against Rochester. I never liked him. As others have said, he locked his wife in the closet and lied to Jane. Both Bronte sisters wrote brooding heroes with no sense of humor.
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
I’ve always been attracted to the wounded “Beast” hero. I’m so glad we have so many different types to choose from!!!
April 3rd, 2012 at 5:40 pm
This was such a wonderfully fun post!
And I’m pro :-)
July 23rd, 2012 at 12:03 am
I’m in the Anti-Rochester category. Never saw why that book was so popular. Give me a Jane Austen novel instead any day!