Tiara Talk: Heroines

For those of you that have been to Typing Tiara before and read my reviews you'll know that nothing pleases me more than having a strong heroine in the books I read. Unfortunately not every book that I pick up has one of these such heroines, some of them in fact are downright wimpy. If I start reading a book and the heroine is like overcooked pasta than chances are that book will be banished to the great unknown.

When I start reading a book I want to discover a heroine that can think for herself, that doesn't let anyone dictate how she should act or what she should do. I want a smart heroine who is capable of using her brains and doesn't rely on beauty to see her through life's difficulties. I don't care if she's book-smart or street-smart so long as I see that she's actually using her brain. I like my heroines to be feisty, to give the characters around her a run for their money. I don't want some delicate little darling that can't hold her own. Or who faints. I may be a fan of romance novels but I cannot abide fainting unless there is a good reason for it. And don't even get me started on the damsel in distress act. So many of the "heroines" get themselves into a mess and don't even bother to do anything about it, they just start twiddling their thumbs or are forever asking all of the other characters how they should go about getting out of the situation. I want to see my heroines taking charge. I love strong women. I come from a long line of them so I get tickled when I see them represented in the books I read.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that romance is a requirement in my books but I do like it a great deal. In fact a romantic subplot, or main plot as I read a lot of romance novels too, will entice me when I'm looking for my new read. The fault I have with this is when the heroine feels that she needs a hero to complete her. Guys are great, I have one and I love him dearly, but I didn't put my life on hold to sit around and wait for Prince Charming to come waltzing in and rescue me. I didn't need rescuing...and if I did than I was more than capable of rescuing myself. In terms of a heroine I want her to be the same way; I don't mind if the hero helps the girl out but I expect to see her giving her own rescue a shot. They are called heroines for a reason, people.

Now, since this is a discussion topic I do want to know what you guys look for in your heroines and what qualities make you want to bang your head against the wall but please don't bash any particular heroines, couples or books. Feel free to share your opinions but play nicely.