It seems romance readers (and writers) never tire of discussing the big, bad, alpha male. Last week's discussion at Romancing The Blog is worth a read. Warning: strong opinions abound and varied definitions of "alpha" abound. Read through to the end of the comments to get the full scope.

As for myself: I define "alpha" as first and foremost, the leader, the one other men want to be, the one women simply want...because of his charisma and larger-than-life presence and dynamic get-things-done attitude. Sure, there's an element of arrogance in this, but it's well-earned. He knows he's the best at whatever he does, but he doesn't have to advertise the fact. In a classic case of show, don't tell, it's there for all to see in his actions.

And, yeah, I don't normally attach "big and bad" to my vision of the alpha hero, but then I'm not writing the warrior alpha or the rakehell hero or even the bad boy alpha. They do come in so many different flavours, praise the Lord.

In a similar vein, Yvonne Lindsay talks about the eye-catching "bearing" that draws eyes whenever this man enters a room. That's what I'm currently trying to get across with Ric Perrini, take-charge hero in Vows and a Vengeful Groom. He doesn't see himself as vengeful, by the way (and nor do I.) Kimberley Blackstone, however, does not agree.

Best get back to my sparring soon-to-be lovers. They have a looonnngggg way to go before reaching a lasting agreement.

Labels: romance heroes, Vows and a Vengeful Groom

This post is thanks to Keziah Hill who blogged her top 13 romance heroes last week. This got me thinking about my favourites and sent me browsing through my keeper shelf. A week later and I've managed to whittle my intial list down to a tidy twelve. I'd aimed for ten, but I just can't scythe off any more.

So, in alphabetical order I bring you...

1. Cameron Quinn
2. Elvis Donnelly
3. Jamie Fraser
4. Lazlo Henriques
5. Mick Tremore
6. Roarke
7. Rupert Carsington
8. Sam Stark
9. The Marquis of Vidal
10. Tynan Spenser
11. Wolf McKenzie
12. Wyatt Bloodworth

How many do you recognise? (Not from the picture, that's just for decoration.) And who is missing from my list? Who is your favourite romance hero.

Labels: romance heroes