Hi, everyone! I recently began reading my first Kristen Ashley book (I know, I know, what took me so long?). The hero of Motorcycle Man is Tack,
and he is the alpha male to end all alphas. Super-alpha. Uber-alpha.The
Alpha-meister. He cusses, he's a biker, he's a total stud and totally HAWT. It's
his way or the highway. He pisses heroine Tyra off, but all the same she melts
for him. I've got to admit I feel a little melty just reading about him.
What is it about these "I'm the boss" guys in
romance fiction? We modern women would most likely run from them in real life
(how can you have a relationship with someone who won't compromise?) but in fiction
we salivate for them. They're the stuff of total fantasy. Today in my Five for
Friday segment, I want to explore some reasons why that may be. These are only
my opinions—yours may be different.
1. An alpha
male is awesome in bed.
Let's
not kid ourselves. This guy is sexy! He knows what he's about in the bedroom,
and he wants his partner to be just as eager as he is. With him a woman can be
just as greedy as she wants sexually and her alpha guy won't look down his nose
at her for not being "a lady".
2. An alpha
male knows what he wants.
He's
not wishy-washy and indecisive. He takes the pressure off a woman. Let's face
it, in real life we women have plenty of duties between work and home and
family responsibilities. It's fun to fantasize about letting someone else take charge
so we can just relax and let someone else worry about it all.
3. An alpha
male protects his woman.
It
can be a rough world for a woman. We're subject to insult, harassment and
assault. An alpha male doesn't let anyone hurt the woman he cares for. Oh, he
might hurt her thoughtlessly, speak to her sharply or do something she
disapproves of. But if anyone else crosses the line with her, he puts them in
their place, pronto. A woman with an alpha male at her side can feel safe.
4. An
alpha male is possessive.
When
an in-charge guy wants a woman, he doesn't vacillate. He lets her know, lets
everyone know that she belongs to him. He's not ashamed of that. What woman
doesn't dream of a man being so proud of her that he wants the whole world to
know that she's his? Talk about an ego-boost!
5. An alpha
male's woman comes first with him.
In
the real world, there are so many things that demand our time and
concentration: our jobs, families, social and civic obligations. Men and women
get busy, harried, tired. It's hard for us ordinary people to find time for
romance. In romance fiction, the details of everyday life don't exist. The
alpha male hero, whether he's a corporate CEO, a Navy SEAL, or an international spy, is never
too busy to take care of his woman. She's his priority, first, last and always.
Ah, romance!
As I said, these opinions are strictly my own. Why do you
think readers love alpha male heroes? Do you have a favorite?
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Great list, Nona! I love reading alpha males. They are just so yummy =) What I love most about an alpha is that they are so strong and dominant yet his woman can bring him to his knees with just a look or a touch. What woman wouldn't love that kind of power over her man?
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kara Leigh. It's that notion of having power over a powerful man that's so captivating. Your heroes a definitely alpha males and I enjoy reading about them! Thanks so much for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteNice write-up, Nina. I'm sometimes surprised by the number of readers (and some authors) who don't know what makes an alpha male vs., say, a beta male. Although I like romantic (usually beta) heroes, my heart and soul always seek out the power male, the alpha. Nice to see it spelled out!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Nona, those are all amazing Alpha Male qualities. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love my Alphas. I always write Alphas, even if not the rough & tumble kind.