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We've got another author with multiple identities! Today's guest writes numerous genres including paranormal and historical romances. Just recently, under the alias of Allyson James, the wonderful new series Stormwalker was released. Firewalker will be coming out later this fall.
"USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley has lived and traveled all over the world, and now lives in the Southwest. She writes historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance, historical mystery, and historical mainstream fiction. She writes as Jennifer Ashley and also under the pen names Ashley Gardner (mysteries) and Allyson James (paranormal romance).
Jennifer's novels have won RWA's RITA for Best Novel with Romantic Elements (A Lady Raised High), the Golden Quill, RT Reviewer's Choice awards, the Prism award, among others. Jennifer's novels have been also been translated into several European and Asian languages.
Jennifer enjoys writing and reading above all else, but her hobbies include cooking, hiking, playing flute and guitar, painting, and building miniature rooms and dollhouses."
Bio courtesy of Jennifer's website.
Bio courtesy of Jennifer's website.
Connect with Jennifer:
What does it take to create and write about alpha males?
I think any writer writing an alpha male needs to understand their appeal to readers—even those of use who don’t necessarily want to live with an alpha male in real life need to love them in fiction.
I grew up in a family in which most of the men are alpha. They love to control all situations at all times and want to take care of all problems to the point of driving the rest of us crazy. I married into a family of charmers: gentlemen who open doors and carry heavy bags and make certain that the ladies are taken care of first. They’re not as obviously alpha, but at the same time, they’re protectors.
Personal experience has given me an insight into how maddening alpha males can be, and at the same time how wonderful they can be. As a writer I have to get inside the alpha male’s head, and show that control-need for what it really is—the desire to protect those he loves from danger. It’s an animal instinct, a pride leader keeping its cubs safe from predators.
That doesn’t mean the cubs won’t crawl all over the male lion and lick his face. (I’ve seen this in pictures and always melt.) An alpha can be very loving and tender at the same time he’s the big, dangerous warrior.
Some alpha heroes can be bad-ass, and don’t we love them? These are the fun-loving guys who charm the socks off you but at the same time have that protective instinct for their ladies and family.
I love writing alphas, love getting inside the heads of these guys, love to see things from their points of view. I write what is appealing to me about them (the protectiveness, the way they can go from dangerous to incredibly gentle in a heartbeat, their wicked senses of humor, their need for the love of a special woman). I send this out to readers in hopes that they too like these kinds of alpha males.
I think you can’t write alphas without giving them a good heroine. The lady the alpha falls for needs to be strong enough to take his bad-assness without being too abrasive and unlikable herself. I love a heroine who lets the alpha know that he’s not going to walk all over her—while at the same time she’s falling madly in love with him (and he with her).
So, that’s what it takes to write an alpha—understanding what makes a controlling, dominating guy so lovable and pairing him with a heroine who both adores him and brings out his caring side. Sometimes she has to dig deep for it, but when she finds his tenderness, he’s worth all the trouble.
Readers, feel free to disagree! Why do you like (or not like) alpha males in fiction? What about real life?
Jennifer Ashley / Allyson James
Current Releases:
Current Releases:
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
Stormwalker, by Allyson James
See my review
See my review
Jennifer is kindly offering one lucky winner a copy of Stormwalker or any title on her backlist.
Giveaway Guidelines:
- Open to everyone!
- Leave a comment answering Jennifer's question in order to be entered.
- Leave your email in the comment.
- Giveaway ends 9/4. Be sure to check back after that and see if you've won! I will not be emailing winners after they are announced on the blog. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is picked.
- [+1] Tweeting about this giveaway
Being a blog follower is not required, yet is extremely appreciated!
About the Author
I love alpha males in both fiction and real life because they're protective and it's great to see someone who is all masculine and tough be able to soften around those they love. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletelilazncutie1215{at]yahoo[dot]com
I like alpha males because they are strong, willing to work hard and caring about those they love. They are capable of handling just about any situation but will drop or change course to save a loved one.
ReplyDeletetweet - http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/statuses/21805723282
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I love alpha men in fiction (although not in real life, hehe, we'd probably be at each other's throats 99.99% of the time, much like Mac and Barrons in KMM's Fever series :P) because My God you can rely on them! Yes, they have bad attitudes, no manners, they glare and snarl, half the time you don't know where you stand with them or even whether you can trust them ... but when all hell breaks loose, they're the ones who always have your back and have it WELL ... they're like an indestructible force of nature, all finely controlled fury one moment, then a raging menace by your side the next ... I love that!
ReplyDeleteAlso, when you finally manage to crack through the seemingly impenetrable defenses and melt their hearts ... wow ... they're just incredible! :)
bella-on-toast@hotmail.com
I actually haven't noticed Alpha Males in any novels I've read but I'm sure there will be some in books I plan to read in the future. I'm not always observant and easily distracted, so maybe there was some in the past.
ReplyDeleteAre alpha males genre/subgenre specific? I'd imagine they work in most genres but might be more prominent in certain ones.
DawnEmbers(at)ymail(dot)com
I like alpha males in fiction because they're one of the most interesting characters to read. I love the fact that they're strong-willed and tough, yet capable of loving and caring at the same time. c:
ReplyDeletevesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com
I love alpha males in fiction because they are protective, strong, confident and caring. On the other hand, they can be real jerks sometimes, which is why I would avoid them in real life..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
musmekipi at gmail dot com
I like them in fiction, because they usually have a little bit of a softer side. But in real life, not so much. I have found the ones I have met, don't really have that softer side. Of course, they were often extremely wealthy, so they were used to getting their way. They were also older, alpha males don't improve with age.
ReplyDeletetwoofakind12@yahoo.com
I love the alpha male - he's a take charge guy and he loves to rescue the heroine - that's one of my favourite kind of storylines.
ReplyDeletePlease count me in for the giveaway.
I am a strong female but also like a strong male who can make decisions easily and take control of situation like an alpha male yet caring
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
I LOVE Alpha males in fiction. Generally, they are beautiful, loyal and trustworthy men who would protect their wives and loved ones to obsessions. Unfortunately, they are just that...fiction. While I am certain there are some amazing men out there (heck, I married one) a true alpha male is the stuff of fantasy!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day every one!
Kate (aka YzhaBella's BookShelf)
mleger0546(@)rogers(.)com
Why do you like (or not like) alpha males in fiction? What about real life?
ReplyDeleteI like alpha males in fiction. I love that they are overprotective and like to take control of the situation. They can be tough when they want to be but underneath all that toughness is a softer side. You can rely on them to protect you and keep you safe. They are loving and carining individuals under that tough exterior. I would not mind have an alpha male in real life as long as they were very romantic. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Fictional alpha males are great! Real life ones...*eh* they can be good or bad. If my hubby was like some of the fictional characters I read about I would have to kick his butt. LOL! Fictional ones can tell me what to do all day long if they want. *smile*
ReplyDeletetweet: http://twitter.com/KrisLovesBooks/status/21834040245
ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com
I love Alpha males, that's why I married one. He is very hard to live with sometimes but I love that protected feeling. Nobody could get through him =) He's a beast! We have a little boy and we're his world. Almost every book I read there is an Alpha male in it and I enjoy it tremendously.
ReplyDeleteTanyah1224@yahoo.com
Alpha males are good characters because they are strong and brave and take care of their "pack". However, they can get too controlling and become a menace.
ReplyDeletejuliecookies(at)gmail.com
I love alpha males in books - love to see them turned into piles of mush over their women :)
ReplyDeleteIn real life, I prefer a balance rather than a true alpha - I've got a strong personality and don't take controlling men too well lol.
malleybean at gmail
Why do you like (or not like) alpha males in fiction? What about real life?
ReplyDeleteI tend to be so/so about alpha males in fiction. It really depends on how pushy and dominate they are. I don't mind them if they're respectful to the girl. I hate them if they're so controlling that the girl can't do anything without the guy approving.
In real life i'm not a fan. I prefer to have an equal rather than a dominate male. I don't take well to being told what i can or cannot do.
Melissa
i love alpha males because, they're very protective of family/people they care about.
ReplyDeleteLittopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks everyone for stopping by! I appreciate Tori for asking me here.
ReplyDeleteIn response to a question above, you mostly see fictional alphas in romance (they tend to dominate there, pardon the pun). I see them in urban fantasy as well (e.g., Curran in Ilona Andrews' Magic series; Eric in Charlaine Harris's series), though I consider UF a romance/fantasy crossover anyway.
Thanks for the responses--interesting! Keep 'em coming, and have a great rest of the weekend!
I love alpha males. I think its romantic when they take the lead. They Lure us into the story so deep.
ReplyDeletechaarmedone1512@aol.com
I love alpha males in fiction and in real life because I love that there emotions can be very passionate and explosive. That may not always be a good thing, but it takes the right kind of woman to get her hands on an alpha male and tame him (somewhat, of course:).
ReplyDeleteyadkny@hotmail.com
Compelling characters really make the book for me. And there's so much to cover with an alpha hero (or heroine,) especially when compared to other characters. It adds a lot to the book. Thanks for visiting today. Love your MacKenzies!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy alpha males in fiction, because they give the strong heroine someone to fight/argue with, learn to trust and rely on, and to have a passionate, and equal relationship with.
ReplyDeleteAs far as alpha males in real life, I like them for the same reasons, and as a strong woman, I can handle them.
I'm looking forward to reading Stormwalker, and I love the cover!
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
I love Alpha males in fiction. I think she said it best for me "An alpha can be very loving and tender at the same time he’s the big, dangerous warrior." This is the kind of man I want to read about and the one I want next to me.
ReplyDeleteTori - You got an award http://paperbackdolls.blogspot.com/2010/08/we-gots-awards_22.html
I love me some alpha males! I love how protective and cavemanish they get. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteminnchica(dot)bookpusher(at)gmail.com
http://twitter.com/MinnChica/status/21850781838
I like all kinds of alpha males, depending on where they fit into the story. Sometimes a raging super alpha, or charming/sleazy womanizing alpha can make a good character, as long as he's not the female leads's interest. And I like your description of 'the fun-loving guys who charm the socks off you but at the same time have that protective instinct for their ladies and family. '
ReplyDeleteb(dot)cardone(at)hotmail
tweeted- http://twitter.com/bcardoo79/status/21856963531
I love alpha males in fiction. I really love how in fiction they take care of the woman but also show his emotions for the woman. The alpha is alway big and strong and protective but also show his deep emotions
ReplyDeleteI love the alpha male both in fiction and in real life. I love how they are the big tough protector of women and little kids who will fight to the death for what they know is right and melt at the sight of a woman's or child's tears, putty in their hands.
ReplyDeleteI follow on GFC
http://twitter.com/alterlisa/status/21872341518
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
Hrm, well, considering the dearth of alpha males in my RL, I love getting them in my fiction. Someone strong, smart, tough. It's okay for them to have a soft side, but it needs to be well hidden and private. No one needs some girly man crying in it wheaty-o's. : P
ReplyDeleteEllaanabeth@yahoo.com
I like alpha males because they are responsible, protective and caring.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/aikchien/status/21911574062
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I definitely like alpha males in fiction. I can't stand to read 300-500 pages about a 'weak' character. What keeps me captivated and turning pages is the need to find out what the seemingly 'tough guy' with a (sometimes) hidden heart of gold is going to do next! In real life, I must admit that I do sometimes appreciate a man that is willing to take action rather than sit on the sidelines of life!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/AmysSimpleLove/status/21912036984
astewart305(at)rogers.com
I like alpha males in fiction but in real life I like someone who is less domineering and aggresive.
ReplyDeleteI love alpha males in fiction and in real life I like the softer qualities of the alpha male like the protectiveness and the "you are mine!" :)
ReplyDeletebaychriz(at)gmail(dot)com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn books I am all for them cos they are so manly, strong and rough, and protective.
ReplyDeleteIn RL, well I am sure they are good there too, but I do love a beta
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I like alpha men but sometimes they grate on my nerves, especially when they come across as one-dimensional. There's a fine line between controlling and dominant and I don't like my heroes to cross or straddle it.
ReplyDeletejax1204[at]gmail[dot]com
It often get irritated at alpha males in books because they seem to assume that women cannot take care of themselves. Alas, they often make the same mistake in real life. Very annoying.
ReplyDeletestephaniesuesansmith@gmail.com
http://blog.stephaniesuesansmith.com
I like reading about alpha males but they can get a little irritating especially in real life.
ReplyDeletelinaramz at yahoo dot com
I love alphas in fiction and in real life, because they are protective and loyal. They can, however, be a little annoying.
ReplyDeleteforgot e-mail
ReplyDeletemarlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
i love alpha males in fiction. I don't know that I could handle an alpha man in real life.
ReplyDeleteTweeted:
http://twitter.com/beckerjo/status/21960890379
beckerjo(at)verizon(dot)net
I love a alpha male in fiction! A lot of woman want a man to take charge :) But not in real life though! Lol aren't we strange :)
ReplyDeletechidoryx AT hotmail DOT com
My fave alpha male is Adam from Mercy Thompson. He is strong, loving, protective yet understands that Mercy likes to be independent and strong. He doesn't stifle her power. I also like that he is secure enough to lead his pack and not afraid of showing raw emotion.
ReplyDeletekennifernjennyatgmaildotcom
I love Alpha males in fiction. Men like Jamie Fraser,and just about every Highlander I've ever read. They can be overbearing and know it all but they would never harm women or child. They are natural born protectors. And the HEA always happens when the two characters come together on equal terms knowing it's the Alpha's duty to protect, with love.In real life ? Find me an Alpha like in Fiction and I'd grab him. :)
ReplyDeleteCarol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
I love alpha males in my fiction! Especially for "the way they can go from dangerous to incredibly gentle in a heartbeat", and how the right woman can bring them to their knees with nothing but being herself. But in real life, I don't think I really no any guys like that,lol
ReplyDeletebells(DOT)franco(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I really love Alpha males in fiction but I also love a strong female character who can fight the Alpha a little (or much) I love those encounters.
ReplyDeleteIm not that kind of person myself, I have yet to meet the right person but I don't think it will be an Alpha male (but you never know).
forceofstars(at)yahoo(dot)dk
I love alpha males in books. In real life I like alpha males with beta tendencies. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely an alpha-male fan.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/22134925197
i actually don't like alpha males!! I know i'm in the minority, but I just don't care for the dominating male personality. A strong and caring guy is the one for me!!
ReplyDeletethank you for the contest!!
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
I like alpha males in fiction because they are protective and usually care deeply for the female. I think in real life I would like them for the same reasons as in fiction but I would dislike it if it felt like they were controlling.
ReplyDeletethrouthehaze at gmail dot com
I like Alpha males because they are strong and willing to go to the wall for those they care about. I really don't know any in real life, sad to say.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
in fiction, i love their honor and willingness to do what needs to be done to protect the ones they love - don't like the bossiness, however....
ReplyDeletein real life, well....let's just say that my honey is beta with a few alpha traits....and that's just fine by me!
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
I think both in real life and fiction, we all dream of growing up and finding our alpha, and it's the dream that makes them so attractive.
ReplyDeletemeredithfl at gmail dot com
Alpha's in real life are SOB's!
ReplyDeletelovemybabysquid@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/greatmasteryoda/status/22490427024
I LOVE alpha heroes both in fiction and in real life! I want strong, confident, brave men who take charge yet take into consideration a woman's opinion and respect women. But of course they still have to have a generous, warm heart and a great sense of humour :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
+1 tweeted: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/22624616980
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
I love alpha males, because the are hard on the outside but so soft and lovely on the inside!
ReplyDeletelucybeugelingramos@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/Lucy73/statuses/22631478904
I would love to follow your blog, but Google Friends is acting crazy lately.
I love alpha males. But, the only place you can find them is in fiction. They are usually handsome, strong and honorable...Do you know how hard it is to find a good man, let alone an alpha male with all the above qualities, especially nowadays? Don't tell my husband! :P
ReplyDeleteladyrogue(at)ymail(dot)com
I like alpha males because I'm an alpha female.
ReplyDeletethejoyofthejoyofcooking at hotmail dot com
I love reading about alpha males! There's something about them that is so.... let's just say sizzlingly hot! But in reality, no. Thank you very much. I don't want an alpha male breathing down my neck all the time. In real life, we call them... Let's see... Ah, we call them compulsive obsessive control freak. (That's really a mouthful.) Ok, that probably sounds bad. But really, that's just my view only. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me at luvpinkpanther@gmail.com