Samhain Publishing Ltd Weblog

Alpha Males - What is it about them?

Romance writers and readers are always talking about alpha males. Some women are drawn to alphas and some women are drawn to betas. I tend to be drawn to alphas and that’s the kind of hero I like to read about. But I find it frustrating when all alpha males are lumped into one category, because there is more than one kind of alpha male.

The alpha male is always the one who will draw my attention in any crowd. But there are good alphas and bad alphas. I think women need to be careful because bad alpha’s can be very dangerous. An alpha bully will draw my attention, in a be careful and stay away from him sort of way. There’s a big difference between an alpha bully and a secure alpha male who exudes confidence.

Alpha males are dominant and protective. They are the men who will take charge. I like a man who takes charge, because it makes me feel more feminine. Perhaps it’s biology, that longing to be cared for by the strongest leader. Someone you can look up to, respect, and admire. Someone who will fight for me. The alpha male will do what it takes to get the job done, and usually he does it well.

But here’s the thing. I don’t want just any alpha male to be in charge. He’s got to be an alpha I can trust.

Can an alpha be brutal? Of course. Alpha’s can also be arrogant and self-centered. Some are bullies, using brute strength to exert their dominance. These kinds of alpha males can be dangerous.

Alpha males will always capture my attention. Whether I cast him as the hero or the villain depends upon what sort of alpha he is.

An alpha hero has strength of character. He is loyal and brave. He is a leader, even when he doesn’t want to be. He is the leader because he is the best man available and deep down he likes to call the shots, to be in charge. He is trustworthy and he listens. He can laugh at himself and he can admit when he’s made a mistake. He is assertive rather than aggressive, because he is intelligent enough to know that working with people, making suggestions and giving guidance is better than brute force. An alpha hero is supportive and secure enough in himself to allow someone else, perhaps his heroine to take the helm, to be in charge at times. In fact he wants her to be strong, he wants her to be his partner.

An alpha hero is never brutal unless he has to be. He will do whatever it takes to protect the women and children. He is honorable and will do the right thing, even at a cost to himself. And when he does that for the heroine, that is true love.

Are you drawn to alpha males, like I am? Or are you drawn to beta males? What do you think makes a good alpha hero? What do you think makes a bad one?

I’m writing this blog from sunny Las Vegas, where I plan to hit the pool, always on the lookout for alpha males. ;-)