Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Alpha Male


Darn that VampFanGirl! She's doing a week long thingie about the The Black Dagger Brotherhood over at her blog, Lovin Me Some Romance and it's got me thinking of big hunky alpha males. Rhage is front and center today at her blog and he's my favorite. I ADORE that guy!

So what is it about the WARDens brothers that gets us all shivering and tingling? What is it about all the hot alpha males that so many authors are writing?
Why do we love these over the top dudes? Even historical alphas are sought after, not just the hot paranormal leads.

To me, I think it's part and parcel with the whole escapism fantasy aspect of romance. I mean, this great big strong, hunky, don't take no shit men call to the base needs in us females. You can argue me with that us modern women who can change our own car oil, hold a job that pays ALL the bills and supports hubby as well don't need that type of 'I'll take care of it' guy around. And that's probably true. But inthe quiet of the night, with a book open on your lap there's some weird genetic prehistoric marker that kicks in when you read about these males who are strong, protective, domineering, and who fall so completely in love with the heroine. That marker is the remnants of primitative hierarchery. The need for the female to be able to rely on her male no matter what. The hunter/gatherer. The warrior. The dominant. The sexual persurer.

It's almost become a novelty in today's society, this alpha male. I know in romance it's become *the* hero archtype. I think as more and more women become self supporting, able to do whatever they want, provide for all their needs (money, food, shelter, and lets face it, sexual as well,) the urge to connect with something lost is stronger. And that lost thing is the alpha male of long ago.

Now, in real life, could I handle one of these guys? Maybe once a month. But on a daily basis? Yeah. No thanks. But in fantasy, man, is he a turn on. And in a romance? He's everything I need for a satisfying read.

There's something about a big man surrounding you, comforting and protecting you. Something about raging sexual appetites that makes you feel so womanly. The very idea of man fighting for you, giving up his life for you is so awe inspiring. Even as I'm writing this, I'm thinking about how inside I know it's really rather abhorent to be thinking of some guy dying for me, but then there's that part of me that says 'yeah, fight for me. Earn me. Show me your worth'. It's weird how we can't get rid of that little bit of cave woman in us! lol!
I think why alphas are so sought after in romance is because it's not real. It's fantasy and a fantasy can be stopped at any time without fear of retribution. You can simply put the book down and go back to your ordinary life. Or you can keep reading and live out a deep rooted desire to be utterly adored by some big strong hunk.

So, that's my take. What about you? Are you down with those over the top dominant alphas? Or do you like something in between? And if you can, name your favorite alpha hero. I myself cannot. I have waaaaay too many of them.

27 comments:

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

Okay Charlotte, I feel like I am walking down the aisle at a grocery store.. let me explain... You want me to name just one of the alpha males I sooo love... This is where the aisle comes from: Devereux from Lynda Hilburn's The Vampire Shrink,
Lucien, Maddox, Reyne (Gena Showalter's The Lord of the Underworld Series), Dante, Viper, Styx, Cezar and Jagr to come (Alexandra Ivy's The Guardians of Eternity series) Alec, Marcus, Colin, Mathias, Jason(Susan Sizemore's Primal Needs series), Rapheal & Rayne(Amanda Ashley's Night's series)... okay, I will stop for now. I have fell in love with all these men over the past few months. Each in their own way made me feel like I wanted to be protected, loved, touched by these men. That is what makes a book awesome, is when you feel the desire of the characters. And believe their desire drips off the pages like the drool at VampGirl's site these days!!! LMAO!!!!
It's their ability to make you feel like you are allll woman, but still need that fundamental caring from them. The reassurance that they can take care of everything.

Sophie Renwick said...

Cecile! Well said! I'm surprised you could get your list down to just those few! I could't! lol/1

But Reyes from Lords...oh, Lordy, he's up there. Have you seen the new cover for A Darkest Whisper? VFG sent me a little treat yesterday, and oh my, is it it HAWT!
(you'll have to excuse the sophie log in, too lazy to log out then re log in lol!)

VampFanGirl said...

I LOVE MY ALPHA HEROS!!! I want them possessive, dominant, sexual, and protective of what's theirs (which of course is me). I want the only person that can bring that splendid alpha male to his knees to be the heroine. Only she can tame him.

I also have a thing for the cruel or tortured alpha male. The one who smiles for no other. Laughs with no other. Only his heroine sees this side of him.

And you're right Charlotte, the alpha hero does call to that primative side of us females. It awakens instincts that are no longer necessary in today's modern society. We don't need the "survival of the fittest" to guide our choices. And let's face it, we all have that inner feminist inside. In real life, I don't think I could handle the quintessential alpha male. I think I'd end up clawing his eyes out. :) But in my fantasies, he's uber alpha.

My favorite alpha? OMG, I'm not even going to try to list them. Right now though, I'm all about the Brothers. :)

VampFanGirl said...

Oh, and thanks for the shout out Charlotte! Rhage is basking in the light for you right now. :)

Amanda said...

*le sigh* the alpha male!

You want to love them you want to find one...... but at the root of it all you still want your independence, well maybe that is me, I want all the alpha male has to give but I want to be my own person too, sometimes in stories I find that the women can be a little too fragile and the alpha male is all they have been looking for.
I love a story with an alpha male, combined with a spunky intelligent woman, who didin't really need him before he came but whose character is enhanced by him.
One that springs to mind is Drustan MacKeltar in Kiss of the Highlander, He is a definitive alpha male but Gwen is all the more the match for him and I love how they bounce off each other.

But there is no denying it I love a good alpha male to cherish care for satisfy and protect me! There is something so alluring about them.

Cecile which grocery store do you shop at for alpha males LOL

Amanda said...

Woo Vampfangirl! *os off to read Rhage!*

VampFanGirl said...

Wait, there's a grocery store where I can shop for alphas??? Cecile hook us up!!

Sophie Renwick said...

You know what else i think it is, the need to find someone stronger than me. Weird isn't it? But really, I don't need a man for support. And emotionally I'm very strong. I've been through a bit in my life and I have only grown. I'm always strong and never allow myself that weakness. I think that's why I like to explore that side of humanity in my books. It gives me an outlet. I also like to have that in my reading because inside there's time that I'm weak, but I just hate showing it....

And that's probably TMI! lol!

VFG, you know it. I'm off to chat about Rhage...sigh...oh, can't forget those chair protectors! lol!

Amanda, you're right about the vulnerable heroine, but still, (whispering here) they're my fav! lol!

Amanda said...

LOL Sophie I know I still do like the vunerable heroines, but sometimes I want to shake some of them LOL.

Think its that I find that some/alot men are intimidated by me and what I do, so I like the idea that an alpha male can like a strong intelligent woman, and not feel that because of that they are not worth it

Amanda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charlotte Featherstone said...

Hmmm, wonder if the Deli guy at the local grocery store is Alpha? He's cute, will a killer smile. As as my husband likes to tease, 'bet he knows how to handle a kielbossa'....

Um yeah, my husband is pretty sick at times. Plus he thinks its hysterical that I check out the deli guy. He takes perverse pleasure in lett ing me know, 'your meat man made my lunch today'....

VampFanGirl said...

LMAO Charlotte!!! "Your meat man"!! Classic!

Anonymous said...

Although I loved Rhage, Vishous was my favorite vamp of that series. I love the whole "MINE" bit...sigh...

A favorite Alpha hero? That's tough.

Amanda said...

Barbara did you LOVE hte sink scene then? LOL

Sophie Renwick said...

OH, I like V, too! And Phury, except for when he was getting all freaky with drawing Bella and stuff. I didn't care for that.

VFG...my meat man...yeah, my hubby is the king of the one liners!

Amanda said...

Oh Sophie I know what you mean about the Phury and Bella obsession. Started to grate a little on me that he was doing it so much and toturing himself over it!

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

There is a grocery store ladies, but the only downfall is it is loceated in my bedroom closet!!! They all come out to play with me!!! **I am killing myself laughin... at myself!!!*** But it true... I do share, just ask Charlotte (she has Reyne)! I love my grocery store! And believe me, there are more than I named there. I will be adding more, now that Vamp gave me a whole new series to read!

Amanda said...

Uh Oh.... ok while we're on the subject then Rhage is firmly located in my closet so HANDS OFF!!!!!

LOL

Sophie Renwick said...

Oooh, there's gonna be a fight 'cause me an Rhagie are a thing!

A Rhage-Reyes combo...that's Heaven!

VampFanGirl said...

Uh oh, Amanda's laying claim on Charlotte's main man...

Phury was never a fave. He's too metro for me. The clothes, the hair...No thanks.

Oh man the sink scene with V and Jane. He is so HOT!! And my fave too. Well he might be trumped by Rehv...we'll have to see.

Sophie Renwick said...

yeah, I was going to start the debate of 'Is Phury an Alpha'? I just don't know. But I think it was the whole drug thing, which you know, totally intrigues me, and the tormented aspect of his character, which always lures me.

The sink scene with Jane and V...Hmmmm. I can't recall. So, I'll make a coffee and find that little scene before I start back into writing. I'll let you know if an ice bucket is required! lol!

Amanda said...

LMAO I'm up for fighting for him!

VampFanGirl said...

Ah yes, the Wizard.... You know I guess I just never really understood Phury's motivations....But there will plenty of discussion on that for Day 6 *wink*.

Mari said...

I love Alpha heroes. I love them all the more because they seem to be becoming an endangered species in romance. There seems to be a trend in casting the hero as a "beta", something I don't really care for. But sometimes it has been done in a tasteful, it dpends on the author. But top wolf is my favorite!

Charlotte Featherstone said...

Hi Mari! Welcome! You've wandered into a den of top wolf lovers!

Do you find the paranormal genre has lot of alpha heroes? That's the genre where I seem to get my fix!

Elizabeth Amber said...

Great post, Charlotte. I think you nailed one of the main reasons we like to read about alphas. I know I do, as long as he's a decent guy inside.

Charlotte Featherstone said...

HI Elizabeth! I just saw your comment. Sorry!!!

Thanks for stopping by. Can't wait to have you at LIT. LOVE your books