J. Lynn | Why is the alpha male so addictive?

October 24, 2012

There's a fine line between an alpha male and a complete, controlling jerk. With the alpha male, you pretty much want to jump his bones and with the jerk, you want to throw your book in his face. There is a difference between the two and nowadays you'd be hard pressed to find an adult book that didn't feature an alpha male. Young adult is a bit different, but as one blogger coined, "baby alpha males" are started to make an appearance. So why are they so popular?

An alpha male does tend to be controlling, but usually when it comes to keeping the heroine safe or when it involves the smexy stuff. They know what they like and aren't afraid to be very descriptive about it. They tend to be dominant in the bedroom. In Tempting the Player, Chad Gamble is this kind of alpha male. He's uber protective and likes to be in control when it gets down to the fun stuff, but that's the extent of what he seeks to control. Otherwise, he's playful. He's not the brooding alpha male. He's the ‘let's have some fun' alpha male. Alpha males tend to be territorial, which Chad shows right off the bat. When they have the sights on someone, they don't think sharing is caring. Alphas can be dangerous when provoked, but never with the heroine. They'll take a bullet to protect them or risk their career. They have all the elements of the bad boy, but have a sweeter, softer side that is shown to the heroine.

But what makes the alpha male so appealing? Is it really the sexy bad boy with a heart of gold? I don't think so. Alpha males are addictive when they're paired with a female that can hold their own against them—a female that isn't so easily wooed or submits to their every whim, wish, and desire. When you see that kind of interaction in a book, you see a couple that is truly on the same level and are equally passionate in and out of the bedroom.

Do you find alpha males addictive? One commenter will win one copy of TEMPTING THE BEST MAN and TEMPTING THE PLAYER (book releases 10/23/12).

TEMPTING THE PLAYER

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with...and that's the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad's manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn't just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn't easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.

TEMPTING THE BEST MAN

Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.

Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first...

About J. Lynn

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing under the pseudonym, J. Lynn), lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories....which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult and adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance.

Comments

44 comments posted.

Re: J. Lynn | Why is the alpha male so addictive?

I think we all enjoy reading about an alpha male, but logic dictates that every woman cannot find one, or there would be no beta males....
Sure, we are going to be attracted to a strong, confident capable man, who looks like he can do some providing and protecting. That's what cave women and village women needed in order to survive. But the emotional attachment has to be present too, or you're talking about the workaholic sociopath who tramples people to get to the top of a business. Not for me thanks!
(Clare O'Beara 7:43am October 24, 2012)

I say yes and no....Depends on my mood. I think I like the idea of an Alpha male more than the actual real deal... Thanks for the giveaway!
(Sally Hannoush 8:03am October 24, 2012)

Thanks for the giveaway. How about an alpha female with a alpha male? might be an interesting situation!
(Pat Freely 8:23am October 24, 2012)

I definitely enjoy reading about alpha males, but like Sally, I agree that they're more appealing in fiction than real life, lol!
(Rebecca Whitehead-Schwarz 8:40am October 24, 2012)

Would love to read this book!!!! Thanks
(Bonnie Capuano 9:04am October 24, 2012)

Fantasizing about a true alpha male in a romance novel is great reading! I believe that if a relationship is to thrive long term, the line becomes bleary between an alpha male and a strong confident female. Complimenting traits wins in the long run.
(Beth Charette 9:24am October 24, 2012)

I LOVE Alpha males. I like how they are dominant, use their smarts, are protective, but always put thier female first. The woman in their life always feels loved, adored and safe. Great giveaway. Thank you [email protected]
(Allie Motherway 9:39am October 24, 2012)

I agree when a couple is well matched than it simply is irresistible. Alpha males know and hold their own, they aren't the "bad boywith a heart of gold" - they are the one that is the rock and the hammer when the time seems fit, they know what they want and how to get and keep it.
(Carla Carlson 9:48am October 24, 2012)

Hi
I love reading stories with alpha men. I tend to gravitate
toward these books when browsing the books stores.

Thanks
(Pam Brewer 9:58am October 24, 2012)

Confidence is very attractive and alpha males have that quality in spades. I enjoy stories of alpha males more that beta males.
(Monica Vargo 10:14am October 24, 2012)

Alpha males are nice to read. They definitely add twists to the stories.
(Pam Howell 10:54am October 24, 2012)

I think I like their confidence mostly. :)
(May Pau 11:05am October 24, 2012)

Oh, I definitely like Alpha males. thanks for the giveaway!
(Jane Limback 11:20am October 24, 2012)

I love Alpha men WITHIN REASON! They are nice to read but tough to really live
with!
(Sandra Spilecki 11:49am October 24, 2012)

Oh I definitely enjoy those Alphas in my reading! ;) Sexy confident men...
(Colleen Conklin 1:05pm October 24, 2012)

I love reading books that Alpha males in them. They tend to be the hottest ones.
(Larena Hubble 1:56pm October 24, 2012)

Confident Alpha males are very sexy.
(Kimberly Fravel 1:56pm October 24, 2012)

Hello, this sounds great..
(Holly Vanderhule 1:59pm October 24, 2012)

Confident men are very sexy, you know that you will be safe.
(Cynthia St. Germain 2:07pm October 24, 2012)

thanks for the chance to win
(Debbi Shaw 3:00pm October 24, 2012)

I think alpha males are so "tempting" because women, in a sense, like to be bossed around. They lik when their men are commanding and dominant, self-assured and sexy. I like alpha males, but I'm not sure how I'd react to actually dating one. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Alyssa Sooklal 4:44pm October 24, 2012)

When JLA is writing about them, YES!
(Eva Segerblom 4:50pm October 24, 2012)

I FIND ALPHA MALES VERY ADDICTIVE. I LOVE READING ABOUT ALPHA
MALES THEY ARE VERY VERY FASCINATING AND INTERESTING.
(Shelly Caggiano 5:00pm October 24, 2012)

Alpha males are very addictive. I love how much they care for
their women. JLA rocks! :)
(Amy K 6:09pm October 24, 2012)

i love the cover!!!look like a great read can't wait!!!
(Jennifer Beck 7:49pm October 24, 2012)

Can't wait to read this
(Nancy Gallagher 8:11pm October 24, 2012)

I love reading about alpha males. These tend to make my tbr shelf. Totally sexy and addictive. These two books sounds like a great read.
(Emily Bowes 8:28pm October 24, 2012)

Too much of a controlling jerk tends to be boring after a while, so I suppose that I would have to be more for the alpha male. If an Author doesn't overdo it, he can actually be an enjoyable character to read. I am looking forward to reading your book, since I enjoyed reading your posting so much!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:39pm October 24, 2012)

I love reading about alpha males as long as the heroine knows when to stand her ground, compromise or let him take the lead.
(Mary C 8:57pm October 24, 2012)

i have found that in most books the Alpha males are over bearing and arrogant
but only with other people. As long as they are good to the woman its fine.
What women wouldn't want someone that adores them and only them. it goes
back to the cave man dragging his women back to the cave. i think all women
on some level crave that from their men. just my opinion
(Leanne Jacobson 11:04pm October 24, 2012)

There is nothing sexier than an alpha male. I have always said that I want a man that knows what to do with control once he has it Control me, baby!

Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 11:23pm October 24, 2012)

I definitely like Alpha males. They're hot.
(Kathy Fowler 11:36pm October 24, 2012)

I love a strong male hero in my romance novels. I like how alfa males
always know what they want and get it.
(Ann Sheiring 11:38pm October 24, 2012)

Book sounds great . Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 11:53pm October 24, 2012)

I love me an alpha male and do find them addicting! Thanks so much for the chance to win your book!
(Christine Mead 6:49am October 25, 2012)

I like reading and wish I had an alpha male in my life. I'd love to read your books,your a nes author to add to my list. Thanks, for the contest.
(Carole Fiore 7:55am October 25, 2012)

I find alpha males like Chad Gamble in "Tempting the Player" very attractive & addicting - in books, as well as in life. I can't wait to read your books; I've added them to my TBR list.
(QuenKne M 1:39pm October 25, 2012)

I find myself quite agreeing with Carla (above). My only question is: Do you know of any single alpha males in my city?

Later,

Lynn, dreaming away!
(Lynn Rettig 3:48pm October 25, 2012)

I love alpha males! I have one in real life too! But nothing
better than reading about a hot, sexy alpha male.....
Looking forward to both of these books!!!
Cheryl
(Cheryl Beal 5:00pm October 25, 2012)

Love, love alpha males. Their confidence and in-control attitude is attractive - he's not a wimp. He takes charge, but isn't threatened by a woman who expresses her opinion or disagrees.
(Damaris Sanchez 8:42pm October 25, 2012)

Oh, yes please, the alpha male is strong, sexy and appealing.
(Alyson Widen 9:48pm October 25, 2012)

Alpha males have that confidence and take-charge attitude that makes us female swoon. They are protective and know know to take care of their women. We, women, really want to be that woman.
(Kai Wong 9:55pm October 25, 2012)

It's the confidence that an alpha male exudes that isso enticing.
(Mary Preston 7:42am October 26, 2012)

Alpha males are hott i like that they are dominant and take action
(Danielle McDonald 5:37pm November 3, 2012)

Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!