I love alpha heroes, but unlike some ‘common wisdom’ I disagree about what they are. I say they can be jerks, but they aren’t full time jerks. Can be control freaks, but know when to back down to greater knowledge or experience. Can be dominant, but know sometimes compromise is the best way.

So what do I think an alpha male and hero is? Down to the basics…a natural leader. I like to use my husband as an example. He’s a reserve soldier and a civilian cop. He also might (occasionally) think he’s smarter and knows better than everyone else lol. But he’s also smart enough to know he can’t bulldoze over everyone around him. Instead he draws them in. He’s sarcastic and witty and really good at what he does. Even the people that think he’s a jerk? Like him. It’s the damnedest thing.

Given my background I figure it’s not odd I’ve met a few guys over the years I’d describe in really similar ways. Some are colder and more reserved and some are more outgoing and affable. The thing they all share in common is people are not only drawn to them, but want to stick with them. These are the things I think about as I write my heroes.

Dupree Jackson from Kiss of Twilight is not one of those approachable alpha males. He’s lost almost everyone he’s ever loved and he’s determined to protect the ones who are left. Even if that means from himself. It makes his romance with Kara problematic. He knows he doesn’t want to bring her into his world. He also knows he can’t live without her. And he has no idea how to compromise. Men are so cute. This one? He’s going to learn the hard way. And I think that is what is so appealing about alpha males.

Think of it as watching the fall. Take a strong, independent guy and make him bend in ways you know he’d never find acceptable, because he loves a woman he is forced to accept can handle the situation. That is what I call an alpha male.

What do y’all think? Love alphas or hate them? Give them some leeway or not?

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Loribelle is a former Army MP who traded in her combat boots for motherhood, flip flops, and all the Diet Coke she can drink. (She almost misses the combat boots.) She’s the author of more than 20 books, herder of three energetic children, and an occasional sun worshipper.

Loribelle can be found at her website, Twitter, Facebook, or the eHarlequin community.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 11:15 am and is filed under Carina Press. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.