September 1, 2006 • Print This Post
The Bad Boys are a huge part of BRAVA. Soooo, exactly what is a bad boy?
I’ve read some books where they claim their hero is a bad boy but he’s just basically a jerk in too many ways to be a hero to anyone.
To me, a bad boy is a guy who does all the wrong things for all the right reasons.
He’ll go to any length to protect those he cares about and who depend on him and he doesn’t much care how he does it.
Being a bad boy doesn’t have much to do about how macho a guy looks or acts. Ever watch Boston Legal? Bad boys in suits. They do a lot of unethical things for the right reasons and to protect those who need protection. Real hero stuff.
James Bond is a bad boy with a great accent, Indiana Jones is a bad boy with a whip and vest. Hubba hubba. 
If you watch the soaps they’re filled with bad boys and we love watching them.
Soooo, the question is, what qualities make a hero a bad boy and not just a hero? Did you ever date a bad boy and what would you do if your daughter brought one home to meet the family. That’s always fun.
Hugs, Dianne
Posted by Dianne Castell @ 12:06 am • Filed under: Dianne Castell
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A bad boy - motorcycle, leathers, previous run-in’s with the police (not bad stuff, just petty stuff, maybe while he was a minor - I think that could be constituted as young and dumb though!), the look in his eyes that says “you know you want me”
Yep, dated lots of bad boys. I drove my parents nuts! LOL Gave them all up for wanna-be bad boy (he had a Trans-Am and a motorcycle!) whom I later married.
My duaghter’s are never going to date so I don’t have to worry about that one! LOL
I love your definition of a Bad Boy, Dianne! It captures the essence of Bad Boy-ness perfectly.
I dated a guy who I thought was a Bad Boy, back in college. He looked the part, brooded quite nicely, but actually turned out to be a jerk. (It was the “I can’t stop thinking about you” speech that he used on more than one girl — me included — that tripped him up. Evidently, he thought none of us would talk to the others involved. LOL!)
As a parent, I hope that I can look at the boys my girls may someday bring home and be able to discern whether they’re Bad Boys — or just plain bad.
Dianne,
I have to agree with your description of a bad boy. My husband is a bad boy. He certainly doesn’t look macho, but the fact that he works hard to protect the ones he loves is part o the reason I married him.
I’m really looking forward to reading TBB
Betty
I wish my daughter had chosen a bad boy and not the wimp she’s been with for the last 7 years..even my 2 sons aren’t bad boys; and i’ve never actually associated with the kind you describe here..just the “i’m so baaadd” inadequates, who think they are, but are just wimps and/or jerks.
Sadly, i fit the profile way better than any man i’ve ever known…
thanks for the thought-provoking entry!
Annie
Annie, I think I’m a bad boy, too!:wink:
Never thought about that before. When it comes to my family I am so protective. Guess that makes me a bad girl.:grin:
My dh is pretty even until someone crosses him or does his kids wrong. Don’t know if this makes him a bad boy so much as a really good dad.
love them bad booys. hi dianne!
Bad boys have rules which they follow. They stand up for their own and are great providers and protectors.
Most bad boys are really loyal and devoted as well as highly principled.
I’m proud to be married to a bad boy and I think you described the “bad boy” to a T. I would only add a motorcycle or bada$$ car to make it perfect.
I’m single …so I could use a bad boy
Hello Dianne!!
Bad boys don’t follow the rules others have made for them. The follow their own rules for their own reasons.
Hi Dianne,
I have an awful baaadddd boy for a husband! He is fiercly loyal, and overly protective. He has huge muscles, a tight a…,(guess), with the attitude to match! I love him fiercly too for just being him!
Love your books!:smile:
Hey Dianne!
I married my bad boy - 27 years ago. I don’t want my girls to bring home a bad boy though - nothing but good boys for them! lol
Talking about bad boys is so much fun.
Laurie, your dh sounds terrific! Major congrats on 27 years with him!:grin:
Michele! thanks for stopping by! Your loyal and over-protective dh is a real keeper.
Maureen, I so agree with your take on BB. They live by thier own rules and have a high code of honor.
Kathleen, if I find a BB I’ll send him your way. Everyone needs a little bb in her life.
Thanks everyone for commenting!
You all are the best.
Hugs!
Thanks everyone for playing!
If any of you who posted to this blog would like a copy of Texas Bad Boys
(sept ‘06) send me your address at: DianneCastell@hotmail.com with Book in the subject line and I’ll send it to you.
I looooove this!
Hugs and hugs:mrgreen:
I think the Brava authors have redefined Bad Boys and given them a good name!
They’re determined, loyal, protective, posessive, passionate, gentle, and loving.
Hi Dianne,
Bad Boys are real rebels. They follow their own rules and pure Alphas. They are also very loyal and protective.
Hi, Amy and Danny,
I totally agree that BRAVA has redefined the bad boy image…and in a very good way. Loooove those alpha males, the guys who live by their own rules, protest others and take no grief from anyone.
I think that’s why I always wanted to be an attorney.
I did want to be an attorney, back in the dark ages lol; i’ve had this lifelong very strong conception of equity and inequity, which i think may actually be my foundational principle. That’s why i appreciate this new version of Bad Boys, they listen to the light in their own heart, not to society’s mores.
YAY the site looks great! Much better than the old one, thanks!
I love your explanation of bad boys Dianne, and I never realized that I sort of gravitated to bad boys now that I look back on things.
There is something so appealing about a bb. Wouldnt want my daughter to bring one home tho’. She got married almost a year ago, so dont have to worry about that.
BBs follow their own drummer and have their own rules and were probably cut ups in school. It is so nice in fiction to see the sexy bbs turn out so well and loving.
I have been trying to leave a post here for the past 30 minutes. I couldn’t get through.
Just wanted to say I love all you Brava authors. You are all very talented and provide very entertaining reading. Thank you for hard work. I also like this page.
:grin:I love the site, all the authors here are wonderful and not too hard to take all the great giveaways.
My mom and I swap books and re bb - they are a woncerful storyline for books; even tho I would always shy away from them.
Jeans, maybe an earring, boots and a harley and a hero with an attitude and who is comfortable with himself make for a bb.
Hey Dianne! I love your definition of bb’s. To me the ultimate bad boy is tough on the outside, protective and loving to his family, especially his lady love.
Keep up the great work!
Deb
Hey, Deb, I like the way you put it. Perfect!
Karen, the jeans, Harley and boots and earring gives a definite picture. I’m writing a BB now who ownes a hotel and wears a suit but has a definite other side.
Not always the polished guy.
Cynthia, thanks for getting through to the blog. I really appreciate it.
Pat, lucky you that you don’t have to worry abour your daughter bringing home a bb. I have three unattached daughers and wonder what’s in our future.
Thanks, everyone, for posting. I really appreciate it.
Hugs!
PS–if you’ve posted and want a copy of Texas BB email me at DianneCastell@hotmail.com with you addy and I’ll send you a copy. Put Book in the subject line.
I think pretty much everyone nailed down the bb. Dont think anyone wants their daughter to bring home one - indicates trouble. But boy are they sexy in books anyway.
And since we like heas, he has to have a kind, caring heart.
Good luck with your 3 daughters - and 3 wow! How old are they if I may ask?
A bad boy to me is someone who is tough on the outside but warm on the inside. He could have done some bad things in the past but realizes he’s made some mistakes. I don’t like the jerky type with a condescending tone.
I dated a bad boy when I was younger. Good thing he dumped me. lol It was the best thing that could have happened. I then met up with my husband and we’ve been married for 21 years. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. He’s the best!
One who is tough enough to be protective but gentle enough to be loving.
Don’t have any daughters.
Dated some bad boys(or so I thought) but they turned out to be ‘throw outs’; they were loving but where was the protectiveness?
I completely agree with everyones ideas of a bad boy. I could really use one of my own.
Cant say I have dated any bbs but my husband and I like to take rides on his motorcycle. Does that count?:wink:
A bb is someone who is not straitlaced, a little over the edge but in the books I read they are sexy, kind and caring. Dont know how true that is in real life but from what I see here in these posts it is true. And congrats to you ladies who have the wonderful bb in your life.
I love all the descriptions of bad boys! I’m afraid I’m with Robyn. Dated a few bad boys but they turned out to be just bad and bad for me. Maybe I’m a bad girl, too, like Diane and Annie.
I am very protective of family and very loyal to my friends.
Marlon Brando defined it for my teenage self in THE WILD ONES, a classic biker movie of a gazillion years ago. “Watcha rebelling against, Johnny?” a girl asks. “Watcha got?” he replies.
BB - ooh so bad and we love to read about them. Read about them; that is the clue. Dont know if they really work out in the real world. But to those of you who it has, that is wonderful.
Pretty much what others here have said, the motorcyle, truck, casual dress and has his own set of rules. They really do make for some good reading.
When I first heard about The Bad Boy theme for the Brava’s I so loved that they were Anthologies (most are) and that I got to read so many new to me authors that are now autobuys!! To me, they just mean those that need a nudge to express their love in words and committment. I just love reading them! I don’t think I missed any yet eventhough I’m a few behind but I’ll get there!