We have a very interesting Rec League today from Lace:
I only just discovered Olivia Waite’s Kissing Books column at the Seattle Review of Books – lots for me to read through. But my main suggestion is a Rec League topic inspired by a comment in her review of Talia Hibbert’s Mating the Huntress, from this post.
Waite’s comment: “There’s a particular type of hero I’ve come to call the Sex Puppy: hot, cheerful, usually funny but not too bright, and absolutely here for the heroine’s pleasure and happiness, exactly as she wants it, no more, no less.”
Freddie from Cotillion is an all-time favorite, and I think this could give me a lot of potential great reads.
Amanda: I can’t think of any right now, probably because my hero catnip isn’t this, haha.
Sarah: SEX PUPPY.
Amanda: Though back in my Tindering days, I’ve found that Australian men had that sex puppy personality, though they were very intelligent.
Aarya: I know exactly what Waite means, but I’m drawing a blank, too. I’m going to go through my kindle and investigate.
Sarah: Except for the “not too bright” part, I do enjoy this hero type. (I like brainy heroes and brainy people in general.) They’re often fluent or at least highly conversant in emotions, sexuality, arousal, and the sex part, too.
The hero in The Bookish Life of Nina Hill might fit this description, though he is hella-brainy.
Amanda: “Enthusiastic and eager to please” might be a better descriptor.
Sarah: It seems to me that a lot of this heroic archetype is built on a perspective that is partially or entirely divorced from repressive views on sexuality. Partner pleasure is mutual and paramount (hur, mount) and sex is something to be enthusiastically enjoyed for all parties involved, for its own sake.
Aarya: Amanda, would you say Malkolm from Immortals After Dark fits? He’s the hero from Demon from the Dark.
Amanda: Malkolm is pretty gruff, but I can see the connection.
Puppy-esque definitely.
Aarya: Yeah, not funny or cheerful.
Sarah: This archetype also tosses out a lot of heroes who are selfish in their desires: only interested in the other person as a tool for revenge (heh heh. tool. they are indeed tools) or who are determined to bang that person out of his system (which never works) or have been “too long without sex” or “too long without a woman” (I hate that phrase) like any orifice will do. For the Sex Puppy, sex is something to be enjoyed and done deliberately and thoughtfully, not something they do *to* another person.
Or *for* themselves alone.
Aarya: Everything you describe is precisely my catnip (I like a selfish hero who gets reformed, okay?), which might explain why I can’t find any sex puppies on my kindle. I’m drawing a serious blank, though I’ve read Mating the Huntress and would agree the label fits.
Sarah: LOLOL Probably! That’s very funny!
Aarya: Well, can an alpha be a sex puppy? I don’t think so. Maybe?
Sarah: Early Victoria Dahl heroes like from Talk Me Down ( A | BN | K | G | AB ) and Start Me Up ( A | BN | K | G | AB ) might work.
Depends. How are we defining alpha? For me, and this is my own weird quirk, SO MUCH of what is accepted as “alpha” reads to me like “rampant insecurity.” So I might be the wrong person to ask. 0_0
Aarya: Gabe from Dahl’s Taking the Heat is extremely enthusiastic about sex and pleasuring the heroine (the author calls him Cunnilingus Gabe!). But I wouldn’t label him puppy-like or fawning over the heroine.
This is where the definition trips me up. I can think of several heroes like Gabe, but they’re just not outwardly adoring of their partner like Luke is (Luke is the hero from Mating the Huntress). And strangely, Luke is a werewolf, but would I categorize him as an alpha? I’m not sure.
Amanda: I think Colin in A Week to be Wicked as Sex Puppy characteristics.
Definitely is invested in the heroine’s pleasure and for the most part, has a cheerful and goofy demeanor. On his road trip with Minerva, he creates these fantastical lies about who he and Minerva are and what they’re doing traveling together.
Elyse: Curveball ( A | BN | K | G | AB ) and Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein ( A | BN | K | G | AB ) apply.
Aarya: If Colin qualifies, then definitely Drew from Play of Passion by Nalini Singh ( A | BN | K | G | AB ). Intelligent, but cheerful and invested in the heroine’s pleasure.
Claudia: I think Rupert in Mr. Impossible ( A | BN | K | G | AB ) also qualifies as sex puppy — btw love it.
That’s by Loretta Chase.
Sarah: Oh that’s a great example. Totally he does.
Claudia: There’s a very memorable scene that he helps her through bad menstrual cramps. He’s smart, but no one, including Daphne at first, sees it.
Which heroes would you classify as a “sex puppy”? Tell us in the comments!
Oh, do I have the perfect guy: Dean, the hero of Eve Dangerfield’s OPEN HEARTS—kind, sweet, sexy, not-too-bright, and completely there for the heroine. Extra pluses: he’s Australian! And plays Australian football! His favorite role play is to pretend he’s Westley and the heroine is Princess Buttercup in their “as you wish” dynamic at the beginning of The Princess Bride. Extra-extra plus: when I took a quick peek at the book on Amazon to make sure I got the hero’s name correct, I saw the book is free in the kindle store right now:
https://www.amazon.com/Open-Hearts-Eve-Dangerfield-ebook/dp/B06Y49R751/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?keywords=eve+dangerfield+kindle+books&qid=1563461073&s=gateway&sprefix=eve+dangerfield&sr=8-11
Turnip in The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig! He’s a delight through the entire Pink Carnation series but I remember loving his own book (for full disclosure, I pretty much ignore the modern day story that goes through the books because it annoys me). He’s not very bright, knows it, doesn’t care, is an awesome friend, and is totally darling!
Re my recommendation of OPEN HEARTS: I should add that the hero & heroine first appear as secondary characters in Dangerfield’s LOCKED BOX (which, sadly, isn’t free in the kindle store right now), but I really don’t think you have to read LOCKED BOX to enjoy OPEN HEARTS.
@DiscoDollyDeb: SOLD! Just grabbed it.
Blake Riley in Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy’s GOOD BOY absolutely fits this description. He’s the most annoying/delightful oaf I’ve ever read. And he’s absolutely head over ears with Jess from the word go.
Midnight Ride from Cat Johnson I think would qualify. Tyler, the young ranch hand falls for Janie the slightly older widow. He is definitely eager to please and funny. Their meet cute involves him hiding in the bed of her truck after he gets chased by well… you should just read it because it’s pretty funny 🙂
@genie — haha this is the first one I thought of too!
I think the hero in Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase is described like a big oaf too.
Definitely The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, by Mariana Zapata. I really enjoyed that one.
as to the enthusiasm and partner-centered attention, I definitely call on Dag from the Sharing Knife series by Bujold.
he’s not cheerful, and he doesn’t bounce about–and the man is waaaaay too smart–but he’s absolutely focused on Fawn’s pleasure 🙂
Seconded on Blake Riley from GOOD BOY. Also maybe some of Helena Hunting’s hockey heroes from the Pucked series (Randy comes to mind), same goes for Elle Kennedy’s hockey guys (especially Dean from The Score). BOY TOY from Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby comes to mind, as well as Knox from Pippa Grant’s STUD IN THE STACKS, though both of those heroes are smart. Mal from Kylie Scott’s PLAY fits the sort of not too bright, playful trope.
I immediately thought of Dean from OPEN HEARTS! Loved him. I didn’t think the heroine deserved him. I think a lot of times it’s a balance with this kind of character, and I think Loretta Chase did such a wonderful job with Rupert and Daphne in MR IMPOSSIBLE. You could easily make this kind of hero a joke, and I think a lot of times the plot involves the contrast of how he’s viewed as a simple-minded man child but the heroine gets to see his inner strength and hidden depths. I also loved Turnip and Blake.
I didn’t realize that this is a personal catnip of mine but I’ve read a lot of these recs multiple times. Now I’m looking forward to more!
Maybe the hero from Scandal Wears Satin? I remember him being a sort of happy-go-lucky guy, not bothered by the fact that the heroine is “smarter” than he is.
Or what about Alexei from the new Nalini Singh, Wolf Rain? He’s pretty invested in the heroine’s happiness and pleasure, though he’s not exactly puppy-ish elsewhere.
Ooohhhh!!! What about the sa-khui from the Ice Planet Barbarian series? DEFINITELY into pleasuring their ladies, and could be naive compared to the heroines?
@DiscoDollyDeb DEAN!!!! I loved him so much. I think I sent my friend at least 12 screenshots of Dean cuteness as I read that book!!
I think Naasir from Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Enigma might fit the bill here. Instead of being a puppy he’s a little bit feral, though still kind of bouncy. He’s focused on the heroine very early on (though actual sex doesn’t happen until close to the end of the book) and he looks forward to having secret mate rules with her, which I loved.
It’s a middle book in a long-ish series. I’m not sure how much of a standalone it would be. (But it’s a great series! Read the series!)
Kamadeva from DANCING WITH CUPID and Bobbyjay from FOOLS PARADISE. Both modeled after Freddy Standen. Not the smartest knives in the drawer but smart enough not to let it get in the way of their fun. Totally heroine-centric-minded
I feel like another Tessa Dare novel also qualifies: SAY YES TO THE MARQUESS, reviewed here back in 2015. The hero, Rafe, is a prizefighter. I felt kind of lukewarm about the romance, and when I thought about it, I realized that it was because Rafe was very much the “dumb jock” stereotype in historical costuming, and that’s just not my catnip.
I would add Jay from MQ Barber’s Neighborly Affection Series ( Playing the Game, Crossing the Line, Healing the Wounds, Becoming His Master, Finding Their Balance). Jay is literally described as puppy- like. He is one third of the MMF triad of Henry, Jay and Alice. The series is best read in order and involves BDSM that is safe, and consensual for all involved. Jay has a trauma in his backstory, but there is a happy ending in each book.
( I have referenced these books before in comments on this site.I’m a huge fan, but not in any way connected to the author personally)
This trope is MY JAM, you guys. RIP to my TBR pile after reading through all these rec’s.
My first thoughts are “The Last Hellion” by Loretta Chase (who is masterful with this trope), and “In a Badger Way” by Shelly Laurenston, where the hero is an uncomplicated Panda shifter.
Also, everything by Eve Dangerfield is amazing, but Dean is one of my favorite of her heroes. The big lunk.
Ivan from Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance? Another from Lois McMaster Bujold and a book from the middle of the long but excellent Vorkosigan series.
I feel like there can be different breeds of the Sex Puppy. Like Golden Retrievers vs Basset Hounds vs Doberman. I am cracking myself up right now . BRB while I sort some of my favorite heroes into different dog breeds . This is my new fave post after sorting out characters into Harry Potter houses
Holy shit Mara that’s brilliant I think it should be a book series!
I was thinking of Bujold’s Ivan … only he turns out to be brighter than he let on. And Rupert from Mr. Impossible. It seems these “dumb” puppies often seem to have a reasonably good grasp of the practicalities.
I recently watched my DVD of the remake of Ghostbusters – would Kevin qualify? I think definitely Brendan Fraser’s Rick from the Mummy movies.
So Glitter’s male friend Bow but as adults. Shrug, I am an adult who loves the new She-Ra on Netflix.
Oh praise be, this is something I had no idea that I needed desperately in my TBR!!! Please send ALL the books bitchery!
(I think Colin from Week to be Wicked def qualifies, btw)
OK, these are my recs:
Rex from “The Trouble with Lady Truelove” by Laura Lee Guhrke
Gwenvael from “About a Dragon” by G.A. Aiken
Hawk’s book from Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series
Does Nick Hammer from Lauren Blakely’s Mr. O qualify? He’s irreverent, funny and obsessed with giving his partner orgasms, so I’m including it! Enjoy!
“Sex puppy” immediately made me think of Chris Evans!
He is, however, quite intelligent and a real person, not to mention good actor, so no book recommendation here. *runs off to write fan fic*
I feel like a lot of Shelly Laurenston/ GA Aiken’s heros fall into this category. Shen from In a Badger Way for sure. He’s maybe more of the laid back greyhound type, I guess – most of her heros aren’t dumb but they’re aware of who the terrifying brilliant one is in the relationship and they know it’s not them.
@Nerdalisque: I believe Suleikha Snyder said she was inspired by a photo of Chris Evans when she created the hero of TIKKA CHANCE ON ME—but I could not call the hero of that book a sex puppy. Way too alpha!
I also discovered in a previous WAYR that Rachel Reid’s m/m hockey romance, GAME CHANGER, started out as Captain America/Bucky Barnes fanfic. So you’re not the only one “inspired” by Chris Evans.
I agree with Mara, there definitely need to be breed characteristics for these sex puppies. Naasir would totally be a jindo or shiba inu sex puppy, one of the ‘primitive’ breeds that specialize in only listening when they agree with what you’re saying. Whereas I’d say Shelly and Jennifer Ashley’s shifters often are more ‘working dog’ sex puppy types–deliberative and problem solving. (Shen would totally be an old english mastiff sex puppy–willing enough to solve problems when necessary, sure, but slow and calm the rest of the time.)
Wouldn’t Theo from Cecilia Grant’s A Lady Awakened qualify?
The hero from Bad Boys Do definitely qualifies (another Dahl). Oh and perhaps also Jennifer Crusie’s Anyone But You; that one also features an actual puppy.
Rupert from Mr. Impossible for sure. He was my first thought. I love Rupert.
@JoS Agree with Anyone But You, from what I remember of it.
A couple of other Jennifer Crusie category romances might qualify, too – Zach from Getting Rid Of Bradley and Charlie from Charlie All Night. I remember Charlie being pretty laid back. Zach was more like one of those puppies that loves chasing things more than anything (he’s a cop). Also, since it’s Crusie, both books have dogs. The one from Charlie All Night is a tiny puppy they have to bottle feed and he’ll only eat when he hears a particular song. Neither of these guys is dumb, but they don’t have much in the way of baggage or complications.
Seconding (thirding?) Blake Riley from Good Boy! I thought of him immediately.
I wouldn’t say Colin from A Week to be Wicked fits the description though. Definitely cheerful and funny but more in a self-deprecating, cynical way. Kind of dandyish and completely uninterested in alpha behavior. And yes this happens to be my favorite type of hero so I’ve given it some thought.
Chiming in with my love of Dean from Open Hearts!! As soon as I read the beginning of this post, he was the first one to come to my mind. I adore his character!
While the angsty heroes can be fun, I find it refreshing to read about cheerful, sexy men. Of course, besides Dean from Open Hearts, I am drawing an absolute blank on other books that fit the bill. I’ll have to dig into my Kindle…
Great topic and I will be adding to my TBR list after reading all the comments!
This is absolutely my catnip, so I am very here for this. I feel like Talia Hibbert (especially Luke, Ruben from Princess Trap, and Evan from A Girl Like Her) and Charlotte Stein both do this trope super well. Give me a besotted cinnamon roll of a hero over an angsty brooding grump any day.
Also, I instantly bought Open Hearts on seeing these comments and it was a very good choice.
This is so fun!
What I loved about Colin from A Week to be Wicked was that he thought of HIMSELF as a Sex Puppy: Glib and charming and only good for pleasing women. But what the heroine showed him was that he had DEPTHS. He was more than his looks and charm. (And I’m with Frida — I loved him and was so happy when he came to value himself more.)
Arguably Sebastian in Courtney Milan’s Countess Conspiracy is of the same stripe — seemingly relaxed and funny and charming and giving and CERTAINLY putting the heroine first…but with a core of yearning for more and thinking himself not worthy of it. His acceptance of his intrinsic value was part of the weepy joy of the book.
I think Stone in Jill Shalvis’s Instant Gratification is a full-on Golden Retriever.
How about Cash Carmichael in “The Girl Next Door” by Amy Jo Cousins? He’d be the first to admit he’s not the most intellectual of men, but he has so much heart and is totally open to listening to and learning from others and to new experiences. Especially when Steph, the heroine, is involved.
Ben from Charlotte Stein’s “Power Play” would definitely work. An American surfer BDSM bottom. He even moves like an overgrown puppy.
@marjorie – Yes this exactly! Sebastian absolutely belongs in the same category. Another favorite.
(And sorry for going completely off topic here but have you noticed how many Colins and Sebastians there are in this category? There’s Colin Bridgerton, but also Colin Eversea in the Pennyroyal Green series. And Julia Quinn has a Sebastian too, in Ten Things I Love About You. And finally there’s Sebastian from Devil in Winter – a bit of a stretch since he’s perhaps a little too villainy but still, I’d say he fits.)
Liz Carlyle has one – Tristan from Tempted All Night is all about pleasing the ladies, and once he meets Phaedra he’s completely invested in her safety and happiness. He’s not dumb, though he does a good job of acting it. He’s just not invested in politics like his father and so he’s gone to the other extreme of being a frivolous scandal.
I do love me a puppy. My favourite kind are the ones with Depths. When their loved ones are threatened they go into protective mode, and it’s not always with their fists. Sometimes they get cunning, and that’s even better.
There’s another hero tickling the edges of my mind. I’ll have to let it percolate and come back.
OK, he’s not the primary hero, but how about Riley from Jennifer Crusie’s “Fast Women”? He’s there for Nell and Suze, but not in any kind of icky way at all.
Oh, and another thought! There’s Theo Mirkwood in “A Lady Awakened” by Cecilia Grant. At least, he’d like to be a sex puppy, but is stymied by the fact that Martha wants him only so she conceive an heir that she can pass off as her late, unlamented husband’s, and who just wants the sex over as quickly as possible.
I’ll second Knox from Pippa Grant’s Stud in the stacks and Shelly Laurenston/G.A Aiken, and every Talia Hibbert book.
And add The Troll Bridge by Jenny Schwartz
Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh
All Bernadette Franklin books to date (incredibly funny, but don’t try if you insist on plot integrity)
Mid-Winter mail order bride by Kati Wilde (and other Wilde books)
Obviously I like this trope – although I never knew what to call it. My one beef with this trope, is that I sometimes end the book feeling like it was super sweet how the hero loved the heroine, but his feelings just grew out of nothing and you never see why.