My Favorite Things with Barb Han

They might not be raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but that doesn’t mean that we love them any less. Welcome back to My Favorite Things, the weekly column where we grab someone in speculative circles to gab about the greatest in geek. This week, we sit down with Barb Han, whose new novel, Selected, came out on February 3rd from Entangled Teen!

What does Barb love when she’s not writing about a future where our current states are individual countries? Spoiler alert: catching up on the joys of coverage, an Avenger that stands above all the rest, and a particularly irresistible archetype. Intrigued? Read on to learn more!

Favorite Makeup

I’ve recently discovered contouring, highlighting, and lashes (believe me, I know I’m a little late but, hey, I got there eventually so that counts for something, right?). Oh-My-Gawd. With my sun-averse skin (read: redheaded and freckled) I have to say Wet n Wild Megaglo is my favorite palette. I’m using 749A Dulce De Leche, but I splurged on Dior for my highlighter.

I use Dior Skin Nude Luminizer and the extra money is definitely worth it. I went all-in on the brand I like the most. I’m using natural-looking Sephora for lashes and those have been pretty great.

And since I’m feeling totally random today (and I clearly need more caffeine), I’m going to hop into a different lane for my next favorite…

Favorite Avenger

I have a serious crush on Tony Stark/Iron Man (cue the tears, because Iron Man in Endgame, like, I’m still crying over that one). I’m a pretty hardcore Thor fan and Hulk is one of my all-time faves, but I’m super into the cool rich-guy nerd hero right now and Stark’s snarky sense of humor pushes him over the edge for me. Hulk is amazing cuz, hello, Mark Ruffalo. I can’t think of a better fit for that character. And Chris Hemsworth as Thor is casting at the top of its game. But, Robert Downy Jr as Stark wins hands down for me. That crooked smile and serious charm…plus there’s something about the depth to his eyes.

He’s had some personal battles have made the front page but, you know, there’s something about a man who challenges his demons that makes him irresistible. Through all the ups and downs, he’s maintained his sense of humor. And he brings all that to the character.

Which brings me to my favorite archetype…

Favorite Archetype:  Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warriors are dark and dangerous, a lethal combination. They walk so close to the edge that they risk stumbling over. They tiptoe the line of being irredeemable and yet find enough good to keep themselves grounded, which is, I think, a huge part of the reason that I can’t get enough of them. The stakes are, like, crazy high. The risk is high. But the payoff makes it all worth it — you know?

This is especially my favorite archetype when I’m reading romance. The fact that a hero can be brought back from the brink because of that one person who makes him crave redemption makes him worthy to be my next book boyfriend. On just a basic biology, primal level, he knows that he has to be a better version of himself to deserve the heroine. He wants to be good enough for her but never feels he can live up to the goodness in her (my heart!).

Done well, a wounded warrior hero makes me very sympathetic to his internal conflict, his imperfections. I want to feel the pain, angst, and suspense. When it comes to a wounded warrior, I seriously know that I’m going to have a front-row seat to an intense amount of pain. A dark hero leaves me wondering which side of him will win…good or evil?

He’s the jerk (on the outside at least) who pushes everyone away. Again, because ultimately, deep down, he’s fighting a war with himself that he rarely lets anyone in on.

Which isn’t to say he isn’t afraid, too. His ultimate, bone-deep fear is that he’s not worthy of others. Watching someone who seems so irredeemable fight, little by little, to overcome his demons (to eventually allow himself to be loved) is the ultimate pay off. Because the darker the hero, the more difficult his redemption becomes.

I especially like that he’s so imperfect and flawed (because that makes him like us in so many ways — like, who is actually perfect? No one!) I’m on that roller coaster right along with him. I’m rooting him on as he makes mistakes and then recovers a little bit — and I love that about him.

He represents the dark side of all of us that I hope is ultimately redeemable. And, let’s face it, how boring would it be to watch and entire movie or read a whole book about a guy who always makes the ‘right’ choices. He’s nice. He eats his veggies. He cuts the neighbor’s grass. He…yawn…hold on because I just fell asleep. *laughs*

I could see some of the Avengers doing that last one but then he’d go kick butt later. I’d rather be with the guy who doesn’t fall for someone easily because that guy falls for everyone easily. When a wounded warrior falls in love, he goes all-in. He’s extreme like that.

Barb Han is a USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books “heartfelt” and “exciting.” She lives in Texas — her true north — with her adventurous family, a poodle mix and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.

Author Photo by Katey Finn Photography

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