Special Guest: Carla Swafford–And Alpha Time Back to Blog
Hi, everyone! Have I mentioned how much I love romantic suspense? I mean, LOVE IT. Because I do. 🙂 And that’s why I’m thrilled to have debut author Carla Swafford joining me today. Not only is Carla one terrific lady, but she’s also a fabulous writer of romantic suspense. Carla, thanks for coming by my blog!
Why I Love Alphas, and No! My Heroine Isn’t A B*tch.
Thank goodness Cynthia doesn’t write young adult. Otherwise, I would have to change the title, and I would hate that as it clearly tells you what I’m about to post.
First, let’s talk about heroines, especially those strong willed and confident ones. In Circle of Desire, Olivia St. Vincent is logical and capable of doing the job required without allowing her emotions to interfere with the job. When I first wrote the book, my critique partners disliked her. Yet, I thought she was interesting. She was totally different than any of the tough heroines in the books I love to read.
So I had to figure out a way to get the readers to give her a chance and not throw the book against the wall. What I found is I needed to show what’s happening deep, deep inside of her in the beginning. Otherwise, she comes across cold and cardboard-like. By inserting a few physical tremors and self-deprecating humor after she completes an assignment (killing a man), readers can look into her psyche and realize she’s what she is because she’s a survivor. Life has thrown her some really hard curve balls and her skin has toughened with each hit.
I do enjoy writing women like Olivia. Resilient and self-sufficient and enjoys a sexy man on her own terms.
Now let’s talk about my favorite man to read: the Alpha male. Of course, you have to capitalize Alpha for no other reason than they’re, well, Alpha. Seems appropriate, doesn’t it? They’re larger than life. Masterful, dangerous, and downright sexy. Some are more caveman than gentleman. I lean more toward gentleman with an edge. I like them smart. They can talk you into their bed. Who am I kidding? They can look at you with one eyebrow lifted and you’re willing to crawl into their bed, but don’t we all love making them work for it?
Collin Ryker is a gentleman. In the beginning of the book ― don’t worry, I’m not giving away anything that isn’t in the blurb ― he tries to get Olivia to take the knockout drug without forcing her. That is, besides restraining her hands and feet. But when she resists and time has run out, he persuades her to swallow the pills in a unique, and dare I say it, sexy way.
My heroes know they can’t boss around their ladies without repercussions. Hey, the fellows even respect them for it. In Collin’s case, he even gets a little excited by Olivia’s way of showing her displeasure. Heehee.
Collin isn’t the only Alpha in this series. Yes. Another one is due out the first half of 2012. It’s titled Circle of Danger. And I hope to write several more. In Circle of Danger, you’ll find out what makes Collin’s brother tick. While Collin is a gentleman with an edge, Ryker’s all edge with an emphasis on intense. His heroine, Marie, is the only person who can calm his beast. Sigh.
Now, what are some of your favorite traits in the Alpha heroes you enjoy reading?
(If you leave a comment for Carla, you’ll automatically be entered in a giveaway to win a Kindle copy of CIRCLE OF DESIRE. The winner will be announced tomorrow at noon.)
Carla Swafford
CIRCLE OF DESIRE
Available in paperback and e-format on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sony, and iBooks.
http://carlaswafford.blogspot.com
Twitter: @carlaswafford
www.goodreads.com/carlaswafford
http://www.facebook.com/CarlaSwaffordAuthor
Tweet It
Thank you, Cynthia, for inviting me to your blog. By the way, commenters, the winner can chose between e-format or paperback. As today is the release date for Circle of Desire in paperback!! YAY!
I love when the big touch Alpha male, turns into a romantic fool for his lady!
Me too. And the bigger the Alpha they are, the harder they fall. Cliche but true.
Definitely going on my TBR list…. Looks like a great book. What I love about Alpha Males is that when they love, they love completely. I love watching them fumble around trying to figure out their emotions.
You’re so right. And Collin almost doesn’t recognize himself when he does things out of the norm for him. LOVE IT!
TBR: And thank you, Jahaira.
Thank you for stopping by to chat with us today! My favorite trait in an Alpha is his Dominant and protective/posessive side and when he find his mate these are not only heightened but he then becomes a softee/passionate Alpha!! Congrats on the release and I cant wait to read it!!
Oh, yeah, Nikki. And when his woman has a mind of her own, it drives him crazy, but, hey, he appreciates it too. That’s a man who is confident enough not to be threatened by that. SIGH.
“…and I cant wait to read it!!” Thank you, Nikki.
Hi Carla, thanks for stopping by to talk about CIRCLE OF DESIRE. This book is definitely being added to my TBR list, love strong heroines 🙂
Traits of an Alpha that I love are: protective, strong, intense, posessive, tall, built… I could go on but I will stop.
Congrats on your release!!!!
You’re making me drool, Michele. Oh, yes. Collin is also a soft spoken man. You know the type. He knows he doesn’t have to raise his voice to be heard. Everyone pays attention because the man knows his stuff. So when he captures Olivia and she’s nothing like what he expects, it throws him for a loop. He’s fascinated with her. Of course, she feels the same about him. She’s use to manipulating men and Collin is on to her (figuratively and literally). Yum, yum, yum.
TBR: Thank you, Michele!
My favorite Alphas are those who are confident enough and smart enough to let their heroine be her own person. They let her take chances and do what she needs to do, trusting her to make her own decisions.
Olivia sounds like my favorite kind of heroine. I like a strong heroine!
You’ve got that right, Sharon! Olivia certainly is that and the same for Collin. He knows she would never be considered the best at what she did if she wasn’t smart too. It’s amazing to watch those two Alpha characters together. Very hot clashes!
I love reading Alpha men, but if I ever met one in real life, I’d be terrified! 🙂
I know what you mean, JoAnn. They’re so much better on paper. LOL!
Hi Cythia! Hi Carla!
Thanks for sharing insight into your heroine…getting readers to give a character a chance is key.
Don’t include me in the giveaway since I already have my copy…looking forward to read it this week 🙂
Just wanted to drop by and wish you luck with Circle of Desire!
Thanks, Mina! And Congratulations to you. Everyone needs to check out Mina’s The Djinn’s Dilemma! Just came out on the 1st.
Great post, Carla! I love me some Alpha males. Congrats on your release. May it be the first of many!!!
Thanks, Lexi! From your lips to Avon’s ears. LOL!
If you’re interested in Paranormal sexy fun, you need to check out Lexi’s Demon Hunting in Dixie and I Married A Demon Slayer (anthology). FUNNY!
Congrats on your release Carla! The book sounds very interesting. I, as most women, love the Alpha male! Yummy! Good luck!
Also, Cynthia, thanks for interviewing different authors. It’s a great way to learn about ones that we haven’t had the pleasure of reading yet. 😉
Thanks, Tina. They are delicious, aren’t they?
She’s a sweetheart for sure!
I usually read paranormal & am looking for something different. I think I found it. —Rachel
Awesome, Rachel! I love paranormal too and sometimes having a guy that makes love like an animal in bed is as good as one who’s really one. LOL!
I like them dark, brooding but with a sense of humor and a huge heart underneath it all. He is loyal, strong and protective as well.
Na, that sense of humor always gets to me too.
I love my alpha males. You mention trait that I love in my guys too. I’ve said this many times but I love when they have a tortured past and are rather mean aloof and grumpy because of this. When they find their female they melt – just love that. Thank you.
Me too. My husband’s nickname at work is Evil. I have so to say he’s not a pill at home (most times). Of course, I remind him often I knew him when he was 16. It helps to have something extra to hang over their heads. LOL!
Thanks, Viki!
Sounds like an awesome book!! Definitely going on my TBR list!! My favorite traits in an Alpha hero is the “I know what’s best and you’ll deal with it” attitude. I love that Alpha males take care of their women, but are big marshmallows around them!! I just love Alpha males in general!!!
Ashley A
ash_app@hotmail.com
Thanks, Ashley. What I like about them knowing what’s best is when the heroine knows what’s best for him too. LOL!
I am so excited about this book!! 🙂 Thanks for visiting today, Carla!
Thank you, Cynthia. I had a lot of fun. In a few minutes I’ll draw the winner’s name and send it to you.
Thanks, everyone!
Congrats again on your first book Carla! 😀
Okay hopefully I am not too late here. This looks like an excellent book. I like it when they take responsibility for there actions, they are not whinny, and if they can save themselves from most things.
I agree, Hilleary! Thanks!
Thanks, Beth!!!