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.