As some of you may know, I write romantic suspense, which like paranormal romance, is a genre that often has alpha heroes. Today, I’d like to talk about what makes a man an alpha, and why they are sometimes perceived as being asses.
What Makes a Man an Alpha?
 |
| Rémi Whitedeer, Deadly Addiction |
There is a tendency for authors to idealize their heroes. This isn’t surprising, of course, since as women we write men the way we think we want them to be. We make them say the things we want to hear. What happens? We write heroes (and sometimes villains) who sound and act like women. We make them ultra PC, with no faults at all. The result is a man whose reactions, thoughts, language, and feelings are toned down. A man who is too perfect to be true.
An alpha is, first and foremost, a leader. He is a person who makes the decisions that no one else will make. He cannot second-guess himself because doing so might mean that someone dies. He makes mistakes, but he is brave enough to own up to them. Rémi Whitedeer, the hero of my Deadly Addiction, the second book in my Deadly Vices series, is a perfect example of this. He is a leader in his community, and he is forced to make difficult choices for himself and his people.
The alpha hero must be a match for the villain. His edges might be rough; he might be arrogant; he might be cruel; his thoughts might be extreme or black and white. He might be willing to do things that others find reprehensible in certain situations. He might be a warrior rather than a protector. He might be on the offensive rather than the defensive. Again, Rémi is definitely a match for the antagonist in Deadly Addiction. And in the end, he must act like the warrior he is and do the thing he hates the most to save those he loves.
Alphas and Ethics
Particularly in romantic suspense, the hero and heroine (who can also be an alpha) will need to deal with people (villains) who compel them to act in ways they normally wouldn’t They may need to push the boundaries of what’s ethical to succeed.
Heroes, especially military or law-enforcement type, are often trained killers. Ethics becomes a big issue for them. How far will they go in their quest to succeed in the mission or vanquish the villain? Will they kill? If so, does it have to be justified? They don’t always get to kill in self-defense. They may have to make a choice, a split-second decision. To win, they often need to embrace their darker side, even if they don’t want to.
Alphas and their Mouths
Language and cursing is another tricky issue. Many women don’t like cursing, some even abhor it. As writers, we strive to achieve a balance between being true to the character and not offending (the mostly female) readers. I don’t buy an operative in deep cover with South American drug lords who never swears. I don’t buy a gang leader villain who never swears. That’s not to say all heroes or villains need to swear, but one who doesn’t is a stand-out. Not swearing is a character trait specific to him. Not every hero or villain an author writes can have this same unusual trait.
Alphas and Sex
 |
| Nic Lamoureux, Deadly Obsession |
Just as I don’t buy alphas who never swear, I don’t buy alphas who only ever have ultra-romantic, it’s-all-about-you-baby, missionary sex. Alphas have strong emotions and even stronger desires. Every once in a while, they need to get it their way: hard and fast, up against a wall, in the car, in an alley, in a changing room at the mall. Sometimes your alpha needs it and he needs it right now.
Men, especially alphas, are visual creatures and their vocabulary with regards to sex and sexual body parts is much more graphic than womens’. No alpha will refer to a woman’s pubic area as her mound. He’ll call it a p*ssy, as will most men. I must admit that I was hesitant to use this word in my writing, because I know many women don’t like it. Still, in my sex scenes from the hero’s point of view, I try to use more direct words and avoid flowery euphemisms.
Nic Lamoureux, aka Nic The Lover, the hero of Deadly Obsession is no exception to this. Like most sexy, virile Hollywood stars, he has his choice of women, and he knows what to do with them. There’s very little he hasn’t tried in bed, and he doesn’t hesitate to call a spade a spade.
When an Oscar-winning movie star meets a department-store photographer…
Movie star Nic Lamoureux appears to have a playboy’s perfect life. But it’s a part he plays, an act designed to conceal a dark secret he carries on his shoulders. His empty days and nights are a meaningless blur until he meets the woman who fulfills all his dreams. She and her son are the family he’s always wanted—if she can forgive a horrible mistake from his past.
A Hollywood dream…
Lauren James, a widowed single mother, earns barely enough money to support herself and her son. When she wins a photography contest and meets Nic, the man who stars in all her fantasies, her dreams, both professional and personal, are on the verge of becoming real. The attraction between Lauren and Nic is instant—and mutual. Their chemistry burns out of control during a photo shoot that could put Lauren on the fast track to a lucrative career.
Becomes a Hollywood nightmare
But an ill-advised kiss makes front-page news, and the lurid headlines threaten everything Nic and Lauren have hoped for. Before they know what’s happening, their relationship is further rocked by an obsessed and cunning stalker who’ll stop at nothing—not even murder—to have Nic to herself. When Nic falls for Lauren, the stalker zeroes in on her as the competition.
And the competition must be eliminated.
Available from: Amazon ebook | Amazon print | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks | Kobo | iTunes/Apple USA | Diesel | Sony
A proud people. A nation divided.
Rémi Whitedeer, police officer turned substance-abuse counselor, dreams of restoring order to his tribe. Violence and crime are rampant throughout the unpoliced Iroquois reserve, and a civil war is brewing between the Guardians, a militant traditionalist group, and other tribal factions. As the mixed-race cousin of the Guardians’ leader, Rémi is caught in a no-man’s land—several groups lay claim to him, but all want him to deny his white blood.
A maverick cop on an anti-drug crusade.
When she infiltrated the Vipers to take down the leader of the outlaw biker gang responsible for her brother’s death, police sergeant Alyssa Morgan got her man. But her superiors think she went too far. Her disregard for protocol and her ends-justify-the-means ethics have branded her an unreliable maverick. To salvage her career, she accepts an assignment to set up a squad of native provincial officers on a reserve.
A radical sovereigntist bent on freeing a nation.
Decades of government oppression threaten the existence of the Iroquois Nation. But one man, Chaz Whitedeer, is determined to save his people no matter what the price, even if it means delving into the shadowy world of organized crime.
When Rémi and Alyssa uncover the Guardians’ drug-fueled scheme to fund their fight for true autonomy—a scheme involving the Vipers—Rémi must choose between loyalty to family and tribe or his growing love for Alyssa.
Can Rémi and Alyssa leave everything behind—even their very identities—for a future together?
Questions for You
As a reader, what are your expectations regarding an alpha hero? Do you like heroes who aren’t very nice? Who aren’t quite tameable? How do you feel about heroes who curse, who have rough sex? Do you like them tough and dangerous, even if you’d never want a man like that in real life?
Or do you like your heroes more sweet, more toned down? More like the men we deal with in our normal lives?
I think your answers might vary depending on the genre of book you prefer, so please include that in your responses.
Blog Hop Grand Prizes
We’ve got some great giveaways for this blog hop.
To enter: post a comment answering the question above, and include your email address. Any comments not including an email address will be discarded. Prizes are international except for the Swag Pack which is US-only due to shipping costs.
My Blog Giveaways
Don’t leave yet! Thanks to some of my fellow authors, I’ve got some great alpha heroes to giveaway. *grins* Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win one of these great books. Make sure give me your email address in a comment or I may not be able to locate you if you win.
2 e-copies My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann
Minutes ahead of inevitable assassination, Elora Laiken is forcibly transported to an alternate dimension similar, but not identical, to her own. She is stranded. Alone. Far from home. A stranger in a “strangish” land.
Of course a girl could suffer worse problems than having gorgeous suitors. Perhaps more importantly, in the midst of an epidemic of vampire related abductions, can she stay alive long enough to choose between an honor debt, true love, or the breathlessness of single-minded passion?
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B007V8RAKW
2 e-copies The Witch’s Dream by Victoria Danann
He was left behind when Elora Laiken made her choice. Now he’s had it with love, but a transplanted witch who happens to be the world’s best tracker hopes she can change his mind.
The Witch’s Dream begins with B Team on temporary assignment to Black Swan headquarters in Edinburgh where they are supposed to fill in for stretched-thin resources and assist with a werewolf issue. They’ve been given permission to stop in Ireland for a few days and help celebrate a handfasting at the palace in Derry.
When they reach Edinburgh, the afterglow of an elftale wedding quickly turns all business. A missing person report turns into a demon abduction. A simple werewolf sanction becomes a diplomatic issue requiring the one thing Elora is no longer willing to give – finesse. Amazon: http://amzn.com/B009LXOKQW
1 e-copy Redemption in Blood by Tara Wood
Murder is serious business among vampires. If you kill, so do they. They are the Penitent – a military order among vampire society charged with one task only. Execute the condemned.
Vesper Hyde is a model Penitent. Solitary. Skilled. Deadly. Only once has she ever lost a target, even though it almost cost her life. Now the one that got away is back with a vengeance, and this time he’s determined to finish the job. She needs to overcome the whispers of doubt and let her instinct and training take over to redeem her failure. But on this second time around, she doesn’t expect a sidekick. A very sexy, stubborn, human sidekick.
Homicide Detective Decker Price has seen it all, including the murder of his wife at the hands of a twisted serial killer. When another murder pitches him headfirst into a world of vampires, witches, and sorcery, he is given a chance to mend shattered parts of his soul. But Vesper’s world is as dark and alluring as the Penitent herself and he will come face to face with echoes of his past in order to help her keep a vicious enemy at bay.
If they are to succeed, they will need to push aside both their failings and work together to ensure the balance of their worlds remains unchanged. Redemption comes at a cost – is their love worth the price? Amazon: http://amzn.com/B007NZWK0S
1 e-copy of Save My Soul by K. S. Haigwood
Kendra Larkin had everything going in the right direction. Her life was seemingly perfect, and she wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. Unfortunately, the course of her life was about to be forever altered. A tragic rappelling accident lands her on Dr. Adam Chamberlain’s operating table.
She agrees to a deal proposed by a guardian angel to help save the soul of the man who is both her doctor and soulmate. If she is successful, she gets to keep her life. However, she later learns that it isn’t just her life that’s in jeopardy, but her soul as well.
Even with the help of her handsome guardian angel, Rhyan, it seems there is no happy ending in sight. Torn between her newly discovered love of Rhyan, and the undeniable attraction she has for Adam, Kendra finds herself at a crossroad. With Adam’s steadfast rejection of God, and his guardian demon conspiring against her, she fears her soul may already be lost.
Will she find a way to overcome the evil her life is suddenly burdened with? Or will Adam’s guardian demon win both their souls and make Kendra his own personal puppet in Hell?
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B007LB76A8
1 e-copy of Forbidden Touch by K. S. Haigwood
Ciera has to break the ultimate vampire law to save Mitch, her mortal soulmate, from a terrible fate. Dane, the vampire who would do anything to win her affection, is responsible for Mitch being framed for murder. A fast chain of events is set in motion, which leads to the soulmates being torn apart and Ciera to lose her heart to the one person she has always despised, Dane. She finds herself completely in love with both men. But a rogue vampire puts them all in grave danger. Can she keep them both? Or will she have to accept one lover’s sacrifice, to save the other?
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B008DKORNU
What’s Next?
Click on the links below to visit other sites participating in the Alpha Male Blog Hop. At each site, you can enter for the grand prizes again, and you can win the individual blog prizes as well. Hop on, friends!
Thank you all so much for visiting my blog hop stop, today.
Happy hopping!
Kristine
MaryAnn Inabinet
In answer to your question some mix of the two. Someone who can take charge but has a sweet side as well.
micciknigh(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Great answer, MaryAnn! I like a hero who can show his sensitive side from time to time 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Kelsey Summer
I like to read about the strong, take charge, tough, and dangerous alpha males.
kesummer69 (at) gmail (dot) com
Kristine Cayne
Me too! That's what's great about books: you can read about men you might not actually want to be with in real life 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Jean MP
I like reading about the alpha males that have roughness to them, very in charge and confident.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
Ooooh, that sounds like my kind of hero, Jean! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Sherry
I like alpha hero's that are fairly nice and curses some but not to an extreme. Of course he likes rough sex but he also likes it slow with a lot of foreplay. He has to be tough with a little bit of danger.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
Kristine Cayne
Sounds very sexy, Sherry! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Wendy M.
I like them rough, talking dirty and always finding new ways to make a woman's toes curl but also under all the thick tough guy skin he's a big pussycat when it comes to his woman's feelings & heart
wlm167 (at) yahoo (dot) come
Kristine Cayne
Exactly! They need to be able to melt a little with the right woman. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Anonymous
I like to read a mix of genres, so that each Alpha male is different. I dont enjoy reading about them all being the same. I like when they have a surprising aspect about them.
thanks for the hoppin fun !
~Kym
flwrs4ever(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
That's very true, Kym. I don't want to read about the same "hero" in every book. Each one needs to have something different about him, something that makes him unique, even flawed. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
susanmp
I read a lot of BDSM so I like slightly rougher alphas who know what they want and lets nothing stop them from getting it….they are both confident and arrogant but super protective as well. They are in charge and that is that!
susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
Kristine Cayne
I love to read about men like that as well. Determined and confident. And only the right woman can make them bend. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
molly.frenzel
I read a lot of different genres, but am currently addicted to the crack known as Contemporary. I love strong, dangerous, and domineering alphas that curse and have rough sex no matter what genre.
molly dot frenzel at gmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
These heroes really are crack, Molly! I'm with you. Whatever genre I read, there has to be something alpha about the hero, at least in the right circumstances. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Jinni James
I like alphas to have the dirty mouths, the strong arms, a little hair on the chest, and who is a closeted hopeless romantic who's great in the sack!
jinni_james@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Woo-wee! Now that's my kind of alpha, Jinni! Where can I find one? LOL. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Dani
The rougher around the edges the better.
danisherrie@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
So right. There has to be something to tame, or he just isn't interesting 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
sam atkin
I like alphas that have that roughness about them who will take you up against the wall talk dirty to you so much more fun.
sams3kids@live.co.uk
Kristine Cayne
*fans self* Oh yeah. That's my kind of man 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Cindy
I am glad you added "your answers might vary depending on the genre of book you prefer" cause that really does make a difference. One of my guilty pleasures is spanking romance. And the men in those are very alpha, dominant men who dont think twice about disciplining a woman. Same with the men in BDSM books – they bow to no one. I really like to read those type of men. I also like the men in romantic suspense books they are usually alpha but also have a soft spot for the heroine but they are still come across as a strong alpha hero.
cynthia0o at hotmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
I'm glad you agree, Cindy. In romantic suspense and paranormal romance, the alphas must have some softer aspect of themselves (some save-the-cat moments) that make the reader go: awww! Also in contemporaries, you can have the sexy guy next door, the nerdy co-worker who doesn't know how fabulous he looks, etc. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Liese2
I like alphas that are full of confidence and strength.
sqwalker2@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Me too, Liese2! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Bessamy
I like an alpha that is self assured, confident, true to his word, and bad to the bone. =) The alpha has to be just on this side of good but willing to do whatever it takes.
Thanks so much for the chance! =)
Kristine Cayne
The alpha with a moral code, even if it's his own – love those bad boys! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Bessamy
My email is bessamys @ gmail . Com
Kristine Cayne
Thank you!
Lorraine
You always write such interesting posts !
I don't know if I'm old fashioned, or maybe it's just that hubby's not alpha in the least, but I think anything that's got to do with a man making a decision is sexy. Even if it's only about what to have for dinner lol !
And as for rude words, I'm totally in favour of their use, when it's in the right place. I've always thought, and it's probably important when writing because the words need to convey the mood, that if something p*sses you off, then it's not annoying you. So yea, if you're in trouble or something and you say that or other equivalent rude word (maybe with an F) then that's okay. But if you're just using Fs for the sake of it, like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay and all the chavs around here, then no, it's a no-no.
ptitpupuk at sky dot com 🙂
Enjoying the first story from the anthology by the way 🙂
Kristine Cayne
Isn't it great that we can love reading about one type of man and find happiness IRL with another type? It's one of the things I love best about books. And I agree with the swearing – to be used when circumstances warrant it. I must admit though that sometimes my mood when I'm writing impacts the number of F-bombs in my hero's speech. LOL! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Sebrina
There's absolutely nothing wrong with an Alpha having a cocky, confident attitude bordering on controlling. I mean, what gal doesn't want to be controlled just a lil bit? LOL Whether it's cowboys, business men, police, firemen, military…..that list is long, but either way; control me! Just a little!
Thanks so much for the chance at your giveaway,
Sebrina_Cassity at yahoo dot com
Kristine Cayne
Sabrina 🙂 Control when it's judiciously applied can be very sexy. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Steph C. Brentson
I love my alpha's tough and dangerous,cocky, confident attitude!
Thank you!
s.c.brentson@gmail(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Oh yeah. That list of characteristics is perfect 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Jyl22075
I'm all for alphas swearing and the more rough sex the better! As for the nice part, I don't mind if they aren't nice in the beginning, but by the end of the book I want to get to that place where you can see some good in them. Even if that good is only directed at the heroine.
Jyl22075 at gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
I agree. There needs to be some character growth and development as the story progresses. If he's not even nice to the heroine, then I'm not going to like him. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Jo
I like alphas who are take charge in all parts of their lives – although the 'not being nice' is a bit of a drawback. There is a difference between being an ass and being stoic/matter-of-fact.
jochibi AT yahoo DOT com
Kristine Cayne
There definitely is a difference between being an ass and being stoic. Although, I think that before the reader understands the hero, he actions can make him look like an ass 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Ashley Applebee
I love Alpha Heroes! I like em rough, growly and down right ornery most of the time! I like tough and dangerous and curing doesnt bother me at all…the rougher the sex the better in my opinion!
The genres I like and read most are paranormal and M/M (love em most when they have an element of BDSM in 'em!)
Thanks for joining the hop!!
Ashley A
ash_app@hotmail.com
Kristine Cayne
I totally get why the paranormal and M/M books would appeal to you, Ashley 😉 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
bloodrebel333
I love Alpha men, because I need someone as confident and Dominant as me to have an equal, loving relationship. oceanrebel333@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Haha! Love that answer. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
BLHmistress
I love tough and dangerous, mixed with sarcasm though I wouldn't want them in real life love reading about them.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Absolutely! I guy like that could be tough to deal with on a daily basis. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Barbara B.
I am not a fan of rough sex unless it is a BDSM novel, and then, am not crazy about an Alpha who is too rough or mean. Dominant is alright, but angry, and dangerous to those he loves, no. Dangerous and tough when dealing with those who threaten his female and those he cares about, yes. I want a strong, sexy, protective, possessive Alpha male. But, he needs a sensitive, caring side, too.
Barbara
bbsbooknook@aol.com
Kristine Cayne
A guy with a sensitive, caring side is my kind of guy, Barbara! One who lashes out in anger on the person he's supposed to love, isn't sexy. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Dariel Raye
Hey, Kristine! I like strong, dangerous men who'll kill without a thought if it means saving someone they love. Your books look great, BTW 😉
darielraye@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Tough men who can make tough decisions! Thank you, Dariel – I hope you get a chance to read on of them 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Cassandra
It usually depends on the circumstances of the book but I normally like them rough, tough, and crude 🙂
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
The story and the personality of the alpha do have to match. I also like them with a bit of snark. Larissa Ione's Wraith comes to mind 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Christine
With me, it really all depends on the mood I'm in as to how I like my Alpha Heroes. If I want sweet with a peck of a kiss then suddenly they're snuggled in the aftermath I will stick to the Harlequin type books (which I read VERY rarely). Sometimes I like an alpha who comes off as cruel that needs redeeming. Mostly though I want them Large and in charge with a takes no prisoners kind of mindset. A bit dangerous. I expect heavier, harder scenes and language in the BDSM genre It's the same with the sex.. sometimes I might want slow and passionate makes your toes curl… other times I want it hot and nasty, rough. Swearing well it has it's place in the different genres and different scenes.. Lots of time I like "nasty" talk during sex scenes.. I don't want nor do I want to see it every other word. I can get that from my brother :/
Thanks for being part of the blog hop and for your giveaway
Best wishes and continued success
Christine S
cms72023 at gmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
Isn't that the great thing about book boyfriends, Chrisitne? We can change them with our moods 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Rhonda D
He has to be rough and tough and have an attitude, but when it comes to the woman he loves, he needs to be different, softer with her. Not a marshmallow mind you, but not an ass either. 🙂
slinkydennis@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Right on! For me an alpha has to be able to let his guard down with that special woman. If he can't – she not that special, then, is she? Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Yvette
I love a possessive yet tender alpha male.
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
Kristine Cayne
They are the best, Yvette! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
scott wilcox
I like mysteries and thrillers so for me the alpha's must curse, have rough sex, and be a bad boy. Although in real life, I think I would need a mixture of both. Although I do tend to have a dark, sarcastic sense of humor with a soft side inside. Maybe I need my alpha to be the same? In real life, I prefer the beta's. 🙂
charmedpoms(at)yahoo(dot)com
scott wilcox
Also, a huge thank you for being a part of the blog hop. I am really enjoying it!
Kristine Cayne
Scott, I suspect you like betas in RL because you're an alpha yourself 🙂 But I have to agree with your regarding the alphas in suspense and thrillers. If they're going to be any sort of match for the villain, they need to be bad boys, a little selfish, a lot determined. I'm so happy you're enjoy the hop. I am too! The answers so far have been great. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Michelle Bledsoe
I like the strong,silent hero. He is smart, but doesn't broadcast it. Strong, but not in your face with it.
All in all I love Alphas…LOL
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
Kristine Cayne
Michelle, the strong, silent types are interesting heroes. They can be mistaken for betas, but we know that when it counts, these guys come out fighting. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Clare Tisdale
Great post, Kristine! I like the take-charge, rough, tough and dangerous alpha males as well, as long as they stay on the page! clare.tisdale at gmail dot com.
Kristine Cayne
Thank you so much, Clare! I'm really glad you could stop by and tell us about your favorite alpha type 🙂 And yes. While I like the idea of a touch and dangerous man, I'm not at all sure I'd like one in real life 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
rfg72
Since it's just a book — rough, hard, dominant Alphas, yeah, the bad boy that curses and drinks and the morning after has you looking for a hot bath and tylenol cause it just aches that good!
rfg dot wwe at gmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
LMAO – what a great description: "the morning after has you looking for a hot bath and tylenol cause it just aches that good!" That's an alpha for you 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
laura thomas
I read a lot of supernatural stories so I like my alpha rough and untamed. I like to let my inner beast out now and then!
laurathomas61@att.net
Kristine Cayne
Three cheers for the inner beast, Laura! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Tamara Hoffa
I don'tt mind a hero who swears when warranted, and sex against the wall is AOK. Rough edges are good as long as he isn't all rough with no glimpse of heart.
sugerlady@aol.com
Kristine Cayne
Totally, Tamara! There has to be something about him that gets me in the gut. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Belinda
Greetings,
Doing the Alpha Male blog hop….oh yeah! I‘m excited to be a part of this hop! Wow, 200+ authors—a perfect opportunity to meet new authors! It’s always fun trying to visit as many sites as possible.
I love alpha heroes who are take charge men! They are loyal, loving and caring men. They usually have sexy looks, brains, money and a commanding presence that draws people. When they find their mates and fall in love they will move heaven and earth to stake their claim. This is exciting to watch even when they are not sure why they have to have or be with this particular person. An awesome love dance! It’s definitely addicting to read.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some great prizes.
Belinda G
belgre@comcast.net
Kristine Cayne
"An awesome love dance!" What a wonderful way to put it, Belinda 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Lona
I love the wild ones that are rude and sarcastic, there is nothing better than watching them be brought to their knees by their female. Thx for the hop stop.
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
Kristine Cayne
Oh yeah! A rough and tumble guy brought to his knees by a woman–love it. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Vanessa N.
I love alphas that are strong, intimidating, sexy, and would do anything and be gentle with the woman he loves.
mythic021@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
And that's the key – "with the woman he loves." For me, he can be as badass as necessary, but with that one special woman, he has to be able to bend. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
latishajean
I love alpha males who are strong and protective!
Thank you for the great giveaway!
tishajean@ charter.net
Kristine Cayne
The protective alpha – so sexy, Latisha! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Renald
My Alpha male,
Tameable ,yes.
Curse, alittle is OK.
Rough sex, once in a while.
Tough, Yes
Dangerous, in times of War , yes
Faithful and Loving ,a Big Yes.
r.d1@myfairpoint.net
Kristine Cayne
Your alpha male sounds uber sexy, Renald! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
JanD
I expect alpha heroes in romantic suspense or paranormal to be domineering, curse, imaginative during sex (as long as the heroine enjoys it too), and generally have rough edges.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com
Kristine Cayne
All of the above, Jan! What a perfect description. And yes, I agree. It is genre driven. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
DeAnna Felthauser
I like an Alpha to be the perfect combination of sweet and nice along with rough and tough, but are tameable. Add in cursing, rough sex, cocky attitude, dangerous and over-protective.
felthauserdeanna AT yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Mix it all together and you have a super sexy alpha hero – hot damn! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Delphina
I love my shifters furry. Ok, not really furry, but I love them to be shifters. I am kind of a shifter addict ;).
Kristine Cayne
Shifters are on my list of favorites too. I love the whole destined mate thing, where they are inexplicably drawn to someone. It's a bit of a twist on the normal progression of a relationship, but oh-so-fun to watch. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Molly
Alpha males are the best….strong, independent, fiercely protective, but on the inside they are nothing but a big ol’ teddy bear! I love the way their mouths talk filthy, but their eyes portray their sensitive sweet. They can be rough and tough in the bedroom, but still have the gentle caress of an attentive and protective lover. It's all in the heart…..alpha males are the best!
Thanks for participating in the hop!
molly at reviewsbymolly dot com
Kristine Cayne
The contradictions between their words and their actions really does make these alpha males incomparable to other men. I love it too, Molly. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Alicia
Excessive cursing bothers me because it makes the guy come off as immature or just incapable of expressing himself – and I know this is old fashioned but I like it when a guy will resist cursing (too much) in front of a woman.
Thanks for having the giveaway!
dmr8888 at yahoo dot com
Kristine Cayne
Alicia – that's a good point. I try to have rein it in when women are present, and when they slip up, the women remind them. On the other hand, in their heads or with other guys, I let them have a little more freedom 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Lisa
I like a man who is rough around the edges. Cursing & directness (even if some find it offensive) are musts. Anything goes with sex as long as it's consensual.
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Kristine Cayne
The consensual bit is key for me as well, Lisa. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Heather Coulter
An Alpha Male radiates confidence, is passionate, ambitious, self- driven and very self-disciplined. He should be dominant but not aggressive. He must also embrace both his sexual and emotional sides; when it comes to his heroine nothing stands between him claiming her heart. I don’t mind dominant-rough sex and the occasional expletive – as long as it fits with his character. I also love to witness him melt only for her – goes out of his way to show her, even if he can’t tell her, how much he loves her.
heather[dot]coulter[2]gmail[dot]com
Kristine Cayne
I think I just melted reading this, Heather! The passion is so important, especially in romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Otherwise, the external conflict just isn't believable to me. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Bren's Stitches
I like them tough and dangerous. 🙂 xstitchdiva at att dot net
Kristine Cayne
100% yes! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
clivingston
I love the fiercely protective, strong, sexy, rough around the edges, but still has a soft side Alpha Male!
mygirls01@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Completely! This must harken back to the caveman days when we needed that type of male to keep us safe. Whatever the reason, there's something so sexy about it. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Nay Nay
Do you like heroes who aren't very nice? YES Who aren't quite tameable? YES How do you feel about heroes who curse, who have rough sex? YES YES YES Do you like them tough and dangerous, even if you’d never want a man like that in real life? YES YES YES!
But I like for them to have their tender moments too.
I love my Alpha Males. They keep me coming back for more.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win. <^_^>
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Perfect answer. Alphas who can never show their softer side really are just asses. Being able to show their vulnerability–to the woman they love–is what makes them alpha heroes. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Joy
I like my alpha males strong and loyal but not unkind.
magic5905 at embarqmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
I think they need to be no unkind to the people they love. To the rest? It depends on the story line. Of course, if he's mean to people weaker than him, I probably won't like him. Hopefully, he has his comeuppance and reforms before the end of the book. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
June M.
I like a Alpha man because they are strong, protective, defend others, are faithful, and so much more. I don't mind them to be a little rough around the edges, like a little rough lovin (Love BDSM books) as long as he is good at heart 🙂
June
manning_J2004 at yahoo dot com
Kristine Cayne
I guess that's why we love the tortured hero so much. He may be hard as stone on the outside, but inside he's a hurt little boy. And we want to make him all better 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
JessS
Thanks for the giveaway!!
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(Dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Ann Q
I like my hero to be tough in the beginning (due to bad past experiences),but, to realize that it is ok to show his softer side. Of course it is the heroine who is going to show him this. annpa@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Oh yes, the tortured hero. Love them. They appeal to our maternal side, which wants to kiss the boo-boo and make everything better. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Katie
I like my hero soft and sweet thanks for the awesome giveaway katieshelby19@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
A lot of heroes in romantic suspense are soft and sweet, when the time is right. And when it's time to protect their woman, they are the fiercest of warriors. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Charity Stafford
I guess I'm weird. I like my males somewhere in the middle rough but yet has that sweet side they only show you and you only, lol. I like…wait, rephrase; LOVE sex scenes in my story, if the chemistry is right that is. My expectations? Hmmm,well, I guess the norm ya know, whoops arse, doesn't bother with the taking of names and gets the gal. But I'm not gonna lie, I like the drama part aswell. Especially when it has something to do with the "alpha" male and his sweetheart 😉 some reason past lives come to mind, ya know…exes, lol. I like all genre but I prefer my PR. Oh boy, I'm ranting aren't I? Oh well, even if I don't win, I still love and will continue to love your books oh, and your posts on FB 😀 <3
Charity Stafford
crap, my e-mail
charitystafford51@gmail.com
to busy oogling the pictures and forgot, my bad haha.
Kristine Cayne
Hey Charity! I don't think you're weird at all. I love the heroes you described. And I'm so happy you love my books. I guess that means you love my heroes too 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Sheri
My like my hero tall, dark, and sexy 🙂
Sheri – feike@juno.com
Kristine Cayne
Just my type, Sheri! Although Kaden (the hero of Deadly Betrayal) is blond. That's going to be a switch for me. But since he looks suspiciously like Chris Hemsworth, I think I'll survive 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
baglady
I read alot of genre but prefer the strong, domineering type that won't hestitate to take you up against the wall but then he will make you breakfast or give you a massage. I agree with you Kristine that he doesn't use the flowery talk and is graphic, the more ~ the better! I seem to be reading alot more where they both are pretty graphic in the sex scenes which make the story alot hotter!
baglady
ha ~ sorry I forgot the email
Missy
misbaglady@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Hey baglady! (love the name LOL) I love that too. The sex can be a bit rough with him in control, but then he has to follow it up with cuddling or something to show us he's not trying to make her miserable. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Patches
My Alpha 's are Type A Personalities. No matter the cost they will do what needs to be done. The Alpha does have a sense of honor, a strict code that he himself lives by. No harming of Children Or Women.
He knows a woman's body and can fine tune it!! Let him talk dirty, dirtier the better in the bedroom. Talk like a male outside of bedroom yet not derogatory or over use of profane language.
Let him remain the same Alpha that he was before falling for the woman.
I do not want to read about everyday guys we see or meet in today's world.
** Boring**
staci1964@hotmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Patches, it sounds like you and I are in complete sync! "He knows a woman's body and can find tune it!!" Awesome 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Allyson
I like more of a mix between the too! I enjoy them being strong and tough but also I love to see when the sweet side goes out! Enjoy your weekend! Thanks for being a part of the hop!
allysonbrann06@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Exactly – the tougher they are before striking the match with the heroine, the more impact it has on the reader when their soft side is revealed. Love that. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Anonymous
The edges you put on the alphas make them more realistic. People that may actually exist out there.
debby.fender@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
Yes. Without that, they are too perfect and unbelievable. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Adria
You totally nailed it (no pun intended) on what I personally like in an Alpha male, especially with "Alphas and Sex." I mean, that's part of the allure right? A man who just can't get enough of his woman that he can't wait to get his hands on her again and again and he gets creative in terms of where and how. He has to have a side of him that's reserved for that special woman only but also an untamed edge to him that keeps a woman on her toes.
Adria
adria(.)rose_03(at)yahoo(.)com
Kristine Cayne
So glad that resonated with you, Adria! It's that little bit of mystery, of the unknown that keeps the woman wanting more. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Angels Cove
i like alpha males who have a soft and sweet side and a biy of swag and edge wouldnt hurt in the mix but also a man who can make you think angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com
Veronika
Thank you for participating in the giveaway hop!
verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
K. April Holgate
Loving the awesome blog hop!
So many new books I want to read!
Alpha Males are my fav! So, dominate and fun to tease. And when they talk feelings they mean every word!
grapeapril75 at gmail dot com
Kristine Cayne
They are fun to tease, aren't they, April? Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
miki
a bit of mix i think: i like alpha who are in charge but not too violent either i love they loyal and protective
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Miki – I'm with you there. I don't like if they take pleasure from violence. It may be something they must do, but they don't enjoy it. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
wanda f
Tough and dangerous, tameable but very wild.
flanagan@mebtel.net
Kristine Cayne
You got it, Wanda! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Terry Dubbs
As a reader, what are your expectations regarding an alpha hero?
I expect him to be take charge, but not discount the heroine's feelings.
Do you like heroes who aren't very nice? Who aren't quite tameable?
I like them to know their own selves and have a good heart.
How do you feel about heroes who curse, who have rough sex?
Cursing is fine, as long as it's passionate and warranted. Situational. Rough sex is good at least half the time. 😀
Do you like them tough and dangerous, even if you’d never want a man like that in real life?
Why wouldn't I want an Alpha in real life?!?!?!
Or do you like your heroes more sweet, more toned down?
Nah, that's for heroines. LOL
More like the men we deal with in our normal lives?
Mine is a perfect mix of both!
unicornspice67@yahoo.com
Terry Dubbs
Kristine Cayne
LOL, Terry! – "Rough sex is good at least half the time." Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
PT Macias
Hi Kristine,
I love hot, passionate, confident, and dominate alpha males. These males heart only beats for one women, their women.
Patricia ♥
Kristine Cayne
I love seeing these warriors fall for the right woman, Patricia 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Janiera
I love Alpha heroes as long as their not a jerk!
prettyhaydengurl at yahoo dot com
Kristine Cayne
At least not to their woman 😉 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Deb
For me, the perfect alpha male is strong, intelligent, and flawed. He must love animals, respect women for their brains before their looks, and when he finds the right woman he says – 'Mine'. deblebakken at yahoo dot com
Kristine Cayne
That sounds very yummy, Deb! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Ipro55
I love the bad boy alphas. The bad boys with a soft side for that one extraordinary woman. They're usually the big, strong, dominant type who is not afraid to curse when warranted or even just for the hell of it. lol
purple975@msn.com
Kristine Cayne
"or even just for the hell of it" ~ Right on, lpro55! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Ryu Desol
Just found your page and books. Happy to find you and am excited to start reading! Love what I see so far! 🙂
Kristine Cayne
That's wonderful, Ryu! I love how blog hops bring readers and authors together 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Stephanie Myers
When I think of an Alpha, I think of a man who oozes sensuality and capability. He is the man who we want to take care of us. Typically, we women like to be independent but there are those moments that we crave to be "rescued." That is an alpha.
Kristine Cayne
There are definitely moments when we want to let go and let him be in-charge 😉 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
donnas
Great hop!
Thanks for the chance!
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Phaedra Seabolt
I like them to have something going on from their past that drives them. I don't mind cursing at all or rough sex as long as the enjoyment is mutual. I like to see the softer side on occasion though.
phaedracamille@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
I like them to be somewhat tortured as well 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Shadow
I love alpha heros. So hot! 🙂 I love how dominant, possessive, loyal and protective they are. Thank you for the awesome hop and giveaway! This is so much fun!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
bn100
I like alphas and their protectiveness.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Ramblings of a Part time Druid
Thanks for being a part of the blog hop. i love how powerful, fierce and passionate alpha males can be.
i totally want to read your books
raynekitten@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Thank you so much! I hope you get the chance to read them. My heroes are, in my opinion, all that you described: powerful, fierce, and passionate 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
LadyVampire2u
I like my alpha male to be dangerous and appear to be untamable. Gruff and tough at first until you've proven worthy of seeing beyond. Then you glimpse the big heart hidden under it all. BTW, I like paranormal books best. Thanks for the giveaway.
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
Kristine Cayne
I love that too – discovering the tender heart inside the steel warrior 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Beckey
As a reader, what are your expectations regarding an alpha hero?
Love a creative determined alpha who is willing to go the extra distance to get what he wants
Do you like heroes who aren't very nice?
No
Who aren't quite tameable?
Depends on the heroine if she is up for the challenge…
How do you feel about heroes who curse, who have rough sex?
Depends if the heroine is being claimed or its a part of the taming process
Do you like them tough and dangerous, even if you’d never want a man like that in real life?
Yeah even the stronger one do fall (it all on how it is written and why they are …)
Or do you like your heroes more sweet, more toned down? More like the men we deal with in our normal lives
Not sure …
Great Questions and thanks for being a part of the hop
BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for your awesome answers, Beckey! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Natasha Allie
Great blog, I do love an alpha male x
Natasha Allie
tash188@sky.com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Natasha Allie
As a reader I like my hero/ main male character to be abit of a bad boy. All good alpha's are bad boys!
Kristine Cayne
Oh yeah! We love our bad boys 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Julianna Doerres
I like Alpha heros to be real. They have strength but understanding.
belladoerres@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
"strength but understanding" – Yes! I love that. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Michelle Hughes
I expect an Alpha male to be in complete control, and no I don't want him nice! I want him willing to do whatever is needed to get to the end result which is ultimately whatever he wants the end result to be. Tame? Um nope, that to me is not an Alpha Male, but that's my personal opinion. Dangerous, and just one step away from being a complete jerk with charming, redeemable qualities, that can't be denied.
authormichellehughes@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Exactly – they do need to have some redeemable qualities to be a hero in a romance. I can picture exactly the type of hero you're talking about 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Miriam Whitewolf
I love a confident sexy alpha male. who takes what he wants. thank you for joining the hop! miriam.whitewolf@gmail.com
Kristine Cayne
Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Conny T.
I would like my alpha hero to be tall with long hair, well build and tough on the outside but a softy on the inside. He is able to handle any situation and I don't mind if he has a potty mouth. And once he finds the right women he is not afraid to commit to her, they make a great team, that compliments each other. He also should have a sense of humor and is no stranger in the kitchen.
conny.toste (at) facebook (dot) com
Kristine Cayne
Hey Conny – that sounds like my hero Remi! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Marlene Breakfield
I like my hero to be strong, intelligent, and protective, but I don't want a bully.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kristine Cayne
You're right – no bullies. A warrior doesn't take advantage of those who are smaller or weaker than him. Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Jolene and Family
I like my alpha males to be more on the bad side. Mean, hard around the edges…yes please 🙂
Jolene A
june111(at)att(dot)net
Kristine Cayne
LMAO "yes please" 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
J.L. Spelbring
I like my alpha male to be a little bad, a little mischievous, a lot dangerous, very intelligent, and I could care less how he treats others, as long as he treats me like a queen.
Oh and damn well on the hot side with well defined inhibition killerz! 😉
j.lspelbring@yahoo.com
Kristine Cayne
"inhibition killerz" ~ awesome! LOL Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Lindsay Avalon
I like my alphas to be untamable, a bit dangerous, but treats me like a queen. And dominates me in bed 🙂
lindsayavalon (at) gmail (dot) com
Kristine Cayne
Ooohhh! I think you'll like my next firefighter book. Just sayin' 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
Danita Minnis
Love a strong yet gentle Alpha!
Kristine Cayne
Nice! Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
jessica
I like ones that are rough and tough on the outside but loving and sweet on the inside. I'm not much into cursing but can deal with a little and I like sex that isn't vanilla but has a little bit excitement. I do like them tough and a little bit dangerous. Thanks for being a part of the hop.
jessangil (at) gmail (dot) com
Kristine Cayne
I like for them to be creative in the sex department as well. Missionary is okay once in a while, but definitely not all the time 🙂 Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!
J Lenni Dorner
Great to see you in this hop! 🙂
j.lennidorner AT facebook DOT com
As a reader, what are your expectations regarding an alpha hero?
— Intelligence, confidence, a bit of arrogance.
Do you like heroes who aren't very nice?
— Sometimes.
Who aren't quite tameable?
— Indeed.
How do you feel about heroes who curse, who have rough sex?
— They tend to be interesting.
Do you like them tough and dangerous, even if you’d never want a man like that in real life?
— Yes.
Or do you like your heroes more sweet, more toned down? More like the men we deal with in our normal lives?
— That can be just as fun when written well.
Kristine Cayne
You're right! The "every day" man can be very interesting if he's well written. Because I write romantic suspense, I also like the everyday man thrust into an extra-ordinary situation that forces him to be more… Thanks for hopping and good luck with the giveaways!