All About Alphas 13 - Louise Allen

I'm hearing from lots of you about how helpful you're finding this survey and discussion. I must admit that I'm enjoying it too. I'm loving reading everyone's contributions and delighted to see the way that there is no one strict and narrow definition of an alpha hero but a range of attributes and characteristics that fit into every line but are more emphasised more in certain ones than in others.


And I sincerely hope that we're erasing the image of an alpha only as a domineering bully as more layers are added to the image. This should help those writers who felt that they wanted to make sure their characters weren't too alpha, or too horrid. And that the discussion on the way that alpha traits come to the surface most when the circumstances demand it has already given Monique a moment of clarity and hopefully helped those of you who feel they don't how to write alphas because they don't know any guys like that.


I particularly like Donna Alward's comment on her own post yesterday that:

most heroes are alpha in one way or another. It is how they rise to the
challenge, and it is the balance of how beta or gamma qualities mix with the alpha qualities.

Today we move on to another line, another approach as we look at the way that some authors of Historical romances create their own particular alpha heroes. And perhaps at this stage, it's a good time to remind you that the editors' views on what makes an alpha for each line is in the checklist that I posted back on April 18th so that you can refresh your memory on those details.



Today's Historical author is Louise Allen whose series Those Scandalous Ravenhursts features a wonderful set of intense and absorbing alpha heroes. Here's what Louise has to say - and it goes without saying that a lot of this is important and relevant to the contemporary alpha hero too. Particularly that code of honour.

For me, the Historical Alpha hero is a man with a strong code of
personal honour, and I think that works across all periods and for the out and
out rake as much as for the most respectable nobleman. That sense of honour goes
with pride - and maybe arrogance - but then these men have a lot to be proud
about and they will fight to the death to defend it. Their attraction for the
heroine may often seem to threaten that honour - but the good news for the
heroine is that he'll fight to the death for her too.





I like heroes who have a sense of humour and who show grace under
pressure and my latest hero - Theo Ravenhurst - is an example of that type of
man. Intelligent, tough and resourceful, he is also strong enough to learn to
accept the heroine, Elinor, as an equal partner in some fairly hair-raising
adventures.

The Disgraceful Mr Ravenhurst, the fourth in the Those Scandalous Ravenhursts series, is out now in the UK and in July in the US.










Those Scandalous Ravenhursts, Book 4



Stumbling upon his bluestocking cousin Elinor in France, Theo Ravenhurst can hardly believe his luck. His dangerous lifestyle has finally caught up with him and her family connexions could be put to excellent use.



Theo is convinced Elinor’s dowdy exterior disguises a fiery, passionate nature. He gives her the adventure she’s been yearning for - and along the way discovers his new-found accomplice has talents beyond his wildest dreams.