Friday, July 26, 2013

Heroes with Attitude

By Sharon Hamilton

If there was one thing you could point to that is different about Military Romance, what would it be? We have heroes in all fields: police, fire, para-rescue. But what differentiates a Military Hero from all others?

In my opinion, it's ATTITUDE.

I love the smart-mouthed quips and the making fun of things you can't do in polite society. Somehow, when you are putting your life on the line, it is totally appropriate to talk about jungle rot and chaffing balls, or the absence of tofu in a SEAL's diet. In one of Suzanne Brockman's books, the hero and his buddies were pinned down in the middle of a firefight, and they were discussing making offers on real estate as arms and limbs were being blown apart.

The smack talk conversations between the Teammates are my favorite pieces to write. Maybe my inner demon wants to have the gutter-talk they have. As a reader, my taste is for an abundance of four-letter words. I smile as I think about all the bleeps that would occur if they were quoted on TV. I like heroes who defy the odds, come up against higher authority, but get the job done anyway. I think that's why I love reading and writing SEAL stories so much.

Here's an excerpt from my latest book, SEAL Under Covers, which is releasing August 10th. SEAL Team 3 mates Fredo and the hero Armando are discussing Armando's wayward sister, real estate, and the condition of Fredo's truck.


            “So, ‘splain this to me. You save her life and the life of her baby. You buy her a fuckin’ great house in a good area, you buy her furniture and you help your mama too. And she disses you like this? I’m telling you, those demons is not only getting bigger, they’re having babies. What’s next?” Fredo responded.
            “What’s next is I’m gonna get her, bring her home and cook her a fuckin’ steak. And you’re gonna be a perfect gentleman, hear?”
            “Yessir. I get you.”
            After storing the perishables, Armando and Fredo stopped by Fredo’s apartment to pick up his  Parks Department four door beater truck. No sense exposing Armando’s black Hummer to the neighborhood to which they were headed.
Armando slid onto the torn leather bench seat and examined the contents of the cab behind him. The floor was nearly ankle-high with fast food wrappers and old milkshake and soda containers.
“Some super sleuth you’d make,” Armando said, holding his nose. “All anyone would have to do is sort through all your wrappers and receipts. They could re-create your whereabouts 24/7.”
Fredo shook his shoulders and jutted out his chin. “Just because you got an obsessive compulsive disorder for specks of dirt, don’t mean you have to insult a normal male with normal eating habits.” Fredo didn’t look back at him.
“That’s not normal,” Armando said with a thumb pointing over his shoulder.
They rounded a corner and the noise of displaced paper cups, balled up bags and wrappers was unmistakable.
Fredo put on the brakes and nearly was rear-ended. “You wanna walk? You’re usin’ my petrol for your own devious little plan. I’m just along to make sure you don’t get your ass busted.”
Armando started to open the door and Fredo grabbed his shoulder. “Get the fuck back in the truck, Armani. I’m just messin’ with you.”
“I’m just doin’ the same.” They rode in silence for a few minutes. Armando was twirling the comment Fredo had made over and over in his brain. “Obsessive compulsive?” he asked.
“No shit, Sherlock. Like you had to put plastic down on the couch yesterday before I could sit down.”
“That’s because you were working out before you came over. You was sweaty, man.”
“Yea, well don’t you get sweaty balling all those coeds on your couch, man? You think I mind if I sit my ass down on some teenage cum?”
“I don’t screw teenagers. You know that.”
Fredo humphed. The silence continued. Then Fredo spoke up. “I clean my truck on the first of every month, and always before deployment.”
“That’s a very good thing. No telling what could grow in the back seat in six months unattended. Might have to have a HazMat clearance.”
“That’s Coop’s problem, with all that Kambucha he drinks. I think it’s disgusting to drink something that’s living.”
“Well hells, bells. We finally agree on something.” Armando smiled at his Mexican friend and found Fredo chuckling as well.



What do you enjoy most about reading or writing military romance? One commenter today will receive a Kindle copy of my new book, SEAL Under Covers, on release day.

29 comments:

  1. I really enjoy the comraderie that I see, the back and forth banter. I think the essence of courage and living to serve and to help protect is so seductive.

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    1. I agree, Cherie. That Brotherhood, shared between heroes who have shed blood together is key, especially on the Teams.

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  2. The strength of character. Yes, they may be strong in other ways, but at their very heart they are loyal and just and true.

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    1. Absolutely, Mary. Hearts of gold. Hard bodies, but hearts "as big as the ocean."

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  3. Their sense of loyalty, which is nonexistent in the "business" world. Not only do they take care of each other, they look after each other's families and significant others.
    ~Michelle
    mmmazuros at yahoo dot com

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    1. So true, Michelle. When one falls, others, including wives and families, make sure the family is adopted and always stays part of the community.

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  4. i love reading everything from the interaction between the SEALs the immediate attraction to their heroines, the sensual lovescenes to the happy ever after. I love all the SEALs, because they are all different in appearance and personalitly, yet are united in their courage and their quest for justice

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    1. Yes, Julie, the community is made up of men who share different backgrounds but can come together in a laser-like focus to accomplish the mission. I think that's why the smacktalk is so important because it brings out their individual side in a way that keeps them still part of the brotherhood.

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  5. I enjoy how they all work together you get a group of guys (mostly) from all different backgrounds and it turns them into a family

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    1. You are so right, Angela. They are a family in every sense of the word. It is drummed into them in their training.

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  6. Wow. Awesome. I can't wait to read this book. I loved how they each banter with each other and also how they work together to get the job done.

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    1. Thanks, Millie. The banter is such a key element in their community.

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  7. There is something about the unity and brotherhood/ sisterhood of the military. The compelling "never leave a soldier behind" just stirs things in me. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to be a woman in the military. First day of boot camp I'd be crying!! There is something very special about someone who would offer his/her all for her country.

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    1. Pat, I'm with you. I'd be scared to death. That said, there are women now who might be able to try out for the Teams. Can you imagine that? Women do serve with distinction in many levels of the military. It's only time.

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  8. I am getting so impatient waiting for the next book in this awesome series "SEAL Brotherhood"

    The camaraderie of all these brave men and women in the terrible situations they are in just amaze me. I bow my head to them all. God bless them all and keep them safe.

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    1. LOL Gayle. I know. Believe me, it's just as frustrating to get all the finishing touches done to get it to you guys. Thanks for your eagerness. We like that!

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  9. It's the smart-mouthed quips, like you said, and their loyalty to each other. The way they have each others backs no matter what the situation.
    suz2(at)cox(dot)net

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    1. Susan, I too love that smart-mouth stuff. Nothing is sacred and everything is fair play. So politically incorrect, but so delicious!

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  10. I think the loyalty that carries over from military to civilian life is one of the best things. That and the sexy guys!

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    1. Agree totally with you. The guys are great, but the loyalty to family and country is awesome.

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  11. It's the 'I've got your back' mentality, which I guess is loyalty. And the smart mouth.

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    1. Karen, hard to say for me which one I like best!

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  12. I so enjoy the sense of being "one" ~ it's not just the men in the unit, it's the wives and children that are part of that as well.

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    1. So true, Shirley. The families are part of the unit, not just the soldier. Everyone sacrifices.

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  13. I have loved this series from the very beginning and can’t wait for SEAL Under Covers to hit the stores.
    Honour, loyalty and mateship are the foundation that binds these extraordinary men, and when they fine that special woman, it’s the icing on the cake.
    Sharon, you got me hooked from the very first book and will always have a steadfast fan from down under!

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    1. Thank you so much!! I aim to keep you pleased until my fingers fall off.

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  14. At last--Armando's story!

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  15. Thank all of you for your great responses. Michelle at nursewanabeinfl is the winner. I will get you the book the day it releases.

    Thanks again everyone!! Love those men in uniform. You'll want to look for my piece in High Octane Heroes, which releases August 13th. Preorder available now.

    http://www.amazon.com/High-Octane-Heroes-Romance-ebook/dp/B00E257VE2?tag=sharohamil-20

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