Thursday, 25 March 2010

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Sex and the Style Editor

Alison Tay

Want your own R-Pattz?

Holding out for a hero? Ruth Saberton, author of Katy Carter Wants A Hero, points us in the right direction

Your 10 point plan to finding your very own R-Pattz by Ruth Saberton, author of Katy Carter Wants A Hero

It seems everyone's looking for a romantic hero. But what's a girl to do if her Mr. Right is more Mr. he'll kinda do? In Ruth Saberton's novel Katy Carter Wants a Hero the heroine leaves her useless fiancé and goes on a search to find a real romantic hero.  It isn't all plain sailing though! To spare you the traumas Katy experiences, Ruth reveals some of the tips she learns along the way!

1. Before you even think of being with someone else learn to like yourself. If you don't think you're worth spending time with nobody else will.  There's nothing more attractive than confidence.  Most guys won't give a monkey's about cellulite or bad hair days - they're just grateful you've decided to talk to them in the first place!

2. Get a life!  Don't hang around hoping Mr. Wonderful will happen to pass by.  As a general rule men don't tend to turn up when you're watching your Sex and the City box set.  (The only guys you'll meet doing that are called Ben and Jerry!)  Instead hook up with your friends and do things you enjoy.  It's when life's full and you're having a great time that you're suddenly irresistible.

3. Don't be afraid to be bit fussy.  Settling for second best just because you think that's all you deserve is a big no no!  If he doesn't treat you right then he can shape up or ship out!  All romantic heroines follow this rule.  Be the leading lady in your own life and make sure your leading man is up to the job.  If not it's time to audition somebody else for the role!

4. Your average romantic heroine just happens to bump into a hunky doctor/rock star/millionaire but those of us who live in the real world have to be a bit more creative.  Have a go at speed dating - it's a fun night out - or check out internet dating.  It's just a high tech way of doing exactly the same as Jane Austen's heroines but without the bonnets and interfering mothers!

5. If your BFF suggests setting you up with her brother/colleague/old school pal why not give it a try? After all you've probably moaned long and hard about what you don't want in a guy, which makes her an expert in what you dowant! There's nothing to lose. (Except maybe your dignity and that's a small price to pay for potentially meeting your very own romantic hero, isn't it?)

6. Don't turn somebody down just because he doesn't meet criteria you dreamed up when you were thirteen. If all the dark haired poetic guys have turned out to be as much use as chocolate hair straighteners then maybe it's time for a
change?  Give a blonde a chance.Or a guy with ginger hair... (a plea from my brother!

7. Although you're entitled to be choosy accept that everyone has flaws. Even Robert Pattinson. Real people do make mistakes - that's what makes being in a relationship so much fun as well as so flipping infuriating. Edward Cullen isn't exactly perfect anyway, is he? Would your folks really jump for joy if you brought a vampire home?

8. Look beyond the obvious.  Your perfect romantic hero could be a lot closer than you think! A colleague you've overlooked or even your best male friend. This idea is a staple of Hollywood rom coms as well as romantic fiction and writers love to exploit it from Jane Austen to....well me!

9. When Chris Evans first met Billie Piper he sent her a Ferrari filled with red roses. All very well, except that she couldn't drive! Still as romantic gestures go that one's pretty impressive. But it's not just the big gestures that are romantic and if your man's budget is more stretched than Nelly the Elephant's knicker elastic there are other ways he'll show he cares. Small things like giving you all the purple Quality Streets or making you a hot water bottle when you've got period pains are just as romantic. And besides - where on earth would you put a car load of roses?

10. Finally, he might not be the tallest, the buffest, richest, or the most handsome of the bunch but if he's honest and kind and makes you feel like a princess even when you're dressed in Primark then you've struck gold.  If he still adores you when you've not got your makeup on or has sat by you as you hug the loo after a few too many the I'm going to let you in on a secret.  Forget your Heathcliffs, Darcys and Edwards - you've found a true romantic hero!

 Katy Carter Wants A Hero by Ruth Saberton is published on 1 April 2010 by Orion Books