I began my writing journey while I was stranded at the airport waiting for my delayed flight. I browsed the Border’s kiosk and grew frustrated that I couldn’t find the “it factor” — the perfect combination of alpha male-ness, ass-kickery, strong females, magic, and sex.So I spent the next four hours on an airplane writing my first book on scraps of paper and an airsick bag (which thankfully I didn't need to use).
Now I spend too much time in my head, plotting evil villains and the hot men (and women) who ruthlessly kill them. I think far too much about fae politics, dragon power games, and how fast werewolves can change forms. But writing my paranormal romance series has given me a productive place to express those dark places in my mind.
I live in New England with my husband and two kids. Though I will go to my grave denying it, my husband insists I would be thrilled if he suddenly sprouted fangs.
Places to find Leia:
The Quintessential Alpha Male
Women love a hot, alpha male in their fantasy stories (me included), am I right? So I've been thinking...what defines an alpha hero?
Common qualities I've seen in romance novels are; arrogant, dominating, overbearing, overprotective, and possessive.
Some good things, some not-so-good.
My first two book heroes fit this stereotypical "alpha male" to a T (whatever that means. Seriously, is it tee, or T, or "t" or what?). Especially my second book, Destiny United. Marcelo is alpha to the core, complete with giant ego and giant...well...other things.
But in my third book, I shook things up a bit.
Cristian is an alpha - literally, the alpha of a werewolf pack. And he's got that strong, masculine vibe but....
it's just a little different from most heroes. He's not arrogant, he's confident. He recognizes his weaknesses and wishes others would too. He doesn't like being put on a pedestal, even though it comes with the job.
He isn't controlling. He isn't overbearing or bossy. He can take control if he needs to - handy around groups of sometimes unruly werewolves. But he governs with fairness and compassion even when he has to be harsh.
But the biggest difference is that he trusts the heroine, Natalia, to make her own decisions. He is willing to share the leading role and recognizes when she might know more than him about a particular topic. And she recognizes the same in him. They are truly a partnership. And all fantasy aside, that's what a good marriage is built on, right? Give and take. Balance. Leaning on one another when the need arises.
Okay, I won't try to play therapist anymore.
So what ultimately makes an alpha?
Self-confidence is important. Knowing who he is, strengths and weaknesses, and having a healthy view of them. And it comes down to leadership. A good leader uplifts those around him. He earns their respect and trust instead of demanding it. He rallies supporters, he doesn't bully them. He takes care of those under his care, putting their welfare above his own. He can mete out judgment and swift punishment ruthlessly as well as gentle kisses to those he loves.
So what part of original alpha list did I keep in Cristian?
The possessiveness and protectiveness of course! That's the good part of an alpha, right ladies? You want your man to want you, and only you! You want him to stand up for you at any cost. And even if you're capable of kicking some ass on your own, you still want your man to want to kick some ass for you!
Now your turn. What makes a good alpha hero for you? Would you like to see some qualities redefined? Are there any alpha traits you truly hate? Which ones do you love?
Places to Purchase:
Check out the other books in Leia's Shadow's of Destiny series:
Click on cover for more info.
Want to win a copy of this book? 1 lucky commenter will win themselves an eBook copy.
To Enter:
- Leave a comment answering one of Leia's question: What makes a good alpha hero for you? Would you like to see some qualities redefined? Are there any alpha traits you truly hate? Which ones do you love?
- Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please answer the question below or leave a meaningful comment.
Good Luck =)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To me a good Alpha knows the difference between being possessive and just being crazy possessed. I like them to be dominant of course, but not too bossy, so that there is still that balance of control. Sometimes I've read Alpha's where their self-confidence comes across rather cocky instead of sexy, so maybe that should be redefined.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me today Dani! I LOVE alpha males - so fun to read and write them. Hope readers enjoy the post!
ReplyDeleteI like alphas who are focused, dedicated, and protective, not just of themselves or their mates but everyone they feel a connection with. Someone who can make the hard decisions and stick with them even when unpopular. I don't like insensitive, and I don't like misogynists in any form. A real man isn't threatened by a real woman, even if she's smarter than him, or sexier, than him, or whatever more than him. And he's not threatened easily by other men either, i.e. no unnecessary aggression.
ReplyDeleteI have read some romance that the alpha was so horribly mean, so much so that I felt they (yes, they - this seems to happen in a lot of romance books) were too cruel to even like or care about. I hate that in the alpha character.
ReplyDeleteI like alphas that aren't so arrogant. Strong, smart, determined, someone who takes charge when necessary...that's great. Just not someone who is so incredibly conceited that he can't see when he needs to back down a bit.
ReplyDeleteKelli
krolvaag@gmail.com
He's strong, decisive, smart. He isn't arrogant.
ReplyDeleteRobin D
robindpdx(at)yahoo(dot)com
Strong, tall, broad and protective to his female.
ReplyDeleteStrong, smart, sexy, sense of humor, protective, possessive. I could go on and on. I don't want the Alpha stalker possessive. That's just wrong.
ReplyDeleteJoanne B
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Alpha males are great unless they have the Neanderthal mentality where they take what they want, females are property and do not know what they are talking about, and are major jerks. Alphas can be strong and do what needs to be done, without the attitude !
ReplyDeleteThank you for the blog and giveaway!
Phoenix
PhoenixCarvelli at gmail dot com
I love how alphas are so strong and loyal and total mush in their females hands. They should and most often do act with chauvinistic traits but she will always lead him where she wants him to go and he won't even know it ;).
ReplyDeleteWhat I hate is when they are portrayed as clueless idiots.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I like alphas that are protective, funny, and caring. I don't hate any alpha traits.
ReplyDelete