A Hero Who’ll Steal Your Heart
If you’ve read my books, you’ve probably realized that all heroes are NOT cut from the same bolt of cloth. Yes, they may all be Navy SEALs or government special agents, but that doesn’t mean they all have to be terse, deadly, and brooding. Occasionally, they can be exactly that. But because I’m an amateur psychologist, I give a lot of thought to personality types and how my characters express their unique traits. As a result, I strive to make sure no two of my heroes are alike. And that’s how ATF Special Agent Tobias Burke, hero of THE ENFORCER, came to be.
“Toby” is an Artisan Performer, according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. That makes him warm, enthusiastic, dynamic, humorous, upbeat, and willing to put on a show, while still being very manly and potentially deadly. He’s the perfect antidote to THE ENFORCER’s wary, vulnerable, suspicious, and cynical heroine. And Toby can sing! He also wears humorous T-shirts with messages on them that seem perfect for every occasion. Here are some examples:
Readers are first introduced to Toby in THE GUARDIAN, in which he wears this shirt that pretty much sums up not only his occupation with the ATF but also his philosophy on life:
At the end of THE GUARDIAN, Toby has the guts to stand next to the Attorney General of the US Justice Dept. during a live news broadcast, wearing this shirt:
In his own book, THE ENFORCER (buy yours now!), Toby infiltrates a militia in West Virginia to inform against a beautiful, dangerous, and very high-strung woman named Dylan. In order to prove her a killer, first Toby has to worm his way into her heart and starts by wearing this shirt:
But after he gets to know her better, he finds himself just wanting to get Dylan to relax and enjoy life…life with him, and his shirts become a little more personal in their message to her:
The test of a good hero is this: Did you fall in love with him over the course of the book? I certainly fell in love with Toby, and I trust that you will, too. Get your copy of THE ENFORCER today! (paperback release Sept 2, 2013). Kindle, Nook, Kobo, other.
Visit www.marlissmelton.com for more information.
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You had me at the t-shirts. I’m a t-shirt gal. The one I’m wearing today (which I already received two comments on in public) says: “Dear Karma, I have a list of people you have missed.” Thanks for the heads-up on the series – will go check it out now!
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I must confess I haven’t read any of your books yet, Marliss, but after this post, I’ll be adding the series to my TBR list. The first two t-shirts were hysterical! Especially the second one because I feel the same way about lawyers. It’s almost like Toby wears them as a sort of “mood ring”. He gets to express his opinion at the time without having to say anything. I love heroes with a sense of humor. Thank you for sharing this
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oh I want those shirts!!!
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I Have one shirt
I’m the evil genius
You’re the village idiot
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Fall in love with Toby? Hell, yeah! Who wouldn’t love a guy who can be funny, sexy and dangerous (in all the right ways) all at the same time? I’m on my second read through this book and loving it as much the second time as the first. I’ve already dusted off a spot on the ‘keeper’ shelf for when the paperback comes out.
Now the question is, what’s next? Another in the Taskforce series or a return to Team 12? Hmmm….?
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Love the shirts….Can’t wait to read the book!!! 😉
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Well, you got me hooked with the first paragraph. If I were to begin reading your books, which would you suggest I start with? I am a rabid reader, (I’m in too deep to just go with avid) and I’m looking for something new. Where should I start on Delilah’s books?
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Wow Jenna–you’ve really nailed those of us who are insatiable readers! I like it! Rabid reader…I, of course, am going to swipe it!
Thanks for being today’s guest blogger, and giving me a heads up to this great series. I haven’t read any of you books, but I’ll add these to my wish list.
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Love Toby’s sense of humor and his t-shirts!