Let’s face it. Alpha Male Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the broad-shouldered athlete with the tight buns, jogging past your favorite coffee spot because he knows you will be watching him. There’s the muscular cop with the chiseled jaw who knocks on your door late one night because he has to investigate a crime—you stealing his heart. And then there’s the tall, dark and brooding vampire who insists upon kicking every human male’s ass simply because he looks at you—yes, you smelled simply divine to him one day and life hasn’t been the same since, has it?
Sure, we love to read all about those great alpha male heroes, whisking us away from danger and death right at the last possible second, or backing us up against the wall in a passionately heated kiss. But what about the heroes who are hardly written about? The men who are often overlooked but no doubt furnish us with so much more than just a warm body?
Yes, I’m talking about the loyal husbands (or boyfriends) and dedicated fathers in our bona fide, everyday lives. Let’s look at what a good husband / father / boyfriend contributes to the “hero Richter scale”:
- He brings stability when everything around us is changing or moving too fast
- He is the person you can lean on when everyone else is too busy
- He knows by the look on your face that you want to be left alone and you don’t have to exert a lot of effort to explain, nor will he take offense to it
- He’s one person who will encourage you to read romance, cause let’s face it ladies…he benefits from it too
- He is strong enough to throw your kids up over his shoulders and sensitive enough to enjoy the sound of the laughter that follows
- He is the only person you can argue with, yell and scream at, and give the bird to, and still know he’ll forgive you and want to have make-up sex with you by the time the night is over
- He is the one person who can make heads or tales out of your kid’s trigonometry assignment.
- He gives the perfect, most sincere hug to the daughter who just got her heart broken for the first time.
- He knows how to split wood for those cool nights you need a campfire (Ok this was just my fetish haha)
- He can open the hood of your broken-down car without his eyes glazing over at all the similar mechanical parts, hoses, and bolts therein—and fix the issue.
- He is the man who, every once in a while, will surprise you with a great romantic evening because it is NOT a Hallmark holiday and he wants to.
- He is man who would truly push you out of the way of moving vehicle or pull you from a burning building because he would rather die than face one moment without you
If you can envision your man in at least half of these scenarios, then you’ve scored yourself one of the best kind of romance heroes – A real one.
Long live THE NAKED “real” HERO!
Herculean Task: Tell me about your real hero and I’ll pick a winner!! Prizes will be a Naked Hero T-Shirt and goodies!
Check out Renee on the web:
http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com/
About Tonya
Hi Renee! We are so glad you are back. Congrats on your new release! I can’t wait for the second book in your triology.
I have to say that my DH is definitely my hero. He knows me so much better than I know myself. He’s the one who told me that I needed to write a book!
[Reply]
Thank you for a wonderful post, Renee! You have wonderfully illuminated the combination of “real life love” and “fictional romance” that most of us would be very lucky to obtain. Very few of us have all of the physical and emotional attributes of our favorite romantic fiction characters. We might as well face it, we read romantic fiction to escape, but our “everyday heroes” allow us to really live! They are the ones who are beside us in the front car of our roller coaster lives, and who wants to be alone on that ride? A man who takes care of his family with his wealth is a provider. A hero is a man who takes care of his family in all circumstances, especially when wealth is unavailable or unattainable. A man with a compassionate heart, strong principles, honor and humor will always be heroic to those who love him. Money cannot buy those qualities. What makes a man most attractive is a quiet confidence, a definite masculinity, that shows itself in thought and action. Handsome men are sometimes merely “pretty”, nice to look at, but not always substantial in personality. When you find a man who is strong, smart and sensitive, sweet and sensual, you don’t want to look at anyone else.
[Reply]
Hi Virginia! Thanks for hanging out with the Goddesses today and awesome author Renee Vincent!
I totally agree that money can NOT by those hero qualities that we love and crave. I love confidence in a man, but not a cocky confidence. The quiet confidence says so much about a man!
[Reply]
Welcome Renee!
I would have to say that my sweet husband (ssshhh! don’t tell him) is the best kind of hero. He loves me unconditionally (thank God!), he loves our kids and he loves my family (a big Herculean task – just ask Tonya)! I have known him for over half my life at this point and he is still hanging around. In the words of Tom Cruise’s character – He “completes me”! That about sums it up and encompasses all things that he is – my everyday loving hero.
Congrats on new book release!!
[Reply]
That’s sweet Tracy. I do love a man that outwardly love his family and isn’t too macho to show it. That is another great quiet quality!
[Reply]
Renee, hello!
My real-life hero is probably the most challenging man I know. He is constantly learning and seeking out new experiences, and pushing me to be the best person I can be. He’s funny and sweet and thoughtful–but can also be shrewd and incisive and demanding. He works with children and teens every day to help them grow into capable young adults, and he accepts nothing “just because” it’s always been done that way. He cries at beautiful works of humanity: the perfect song, the most moving scene in a movie, a gorgeous passage in a book. He is a Romantic, sensual and all of those other heroic qualities that we find in books
. He’s not everyone’s idea of the perfect man–but he’s mine. 
Thanks for your post!
Jenn
[Reply]
Hey Renee!
My real life hero is my high school sweetheart. We’ve been together 9 years and have three girls and he takes care of us all. I am so totally blessed to have him in my life.
Great post by the way
~~*Drea*~~
[Reply]
When my husband was in the hospital recently I realized how much he filled my life, even when he’s a pain in the ass. On one day, he had complications, was cranky, and we got bad news, so he got testy. I just told him he was being nasty and I went home. At that moment, I didn’t care if he was stuck in a hospital bed, I was exhausted, just as upset, and was in no mood for anything! He called me when I got home, and said, “When you walked out the door and said you’d be back tomorrow, I realized how much pain you were in and that this is your battle too. For a second I forgot..I don’t need you to be strong, I just plan need you.” It was an emotional moment. I need him too, as does our family. I think it was the turning point for him, and he actually started to get better.
[Reply]
I love a hero who doesn’t realize he’s a hero. My real life hero is completely clueless, no matter how many times I tell him how great he is. He’s the consummate dad, a wonderful husband, and so perfectly flawed that he makes me belly laugh at least once a day!
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and flavors! Great post!
Margaret
[Reply]
I really enjoyed the pictures!
I haven’t found my real-life hero yet, but all of those qualities you mentioned ARE on my list. This was a wonderful post.
[Reply]
Tonya: Thanks dear, and yes, I agree. I think you and I have the best husband, ahem, I mean hero, around!
Virginia: You have such a way with words. What can I say but “FINISH THAT BOOK!”
Tracy: Thanks so much! And I have to say that is one of my favorite lines. “You complete me.” You are right…it sums it up perfectly when I think of my husband.
Jenn: Sounds like you have a keeper! Nothing wrong with a man being a hopeless romantic…I think it’s downright awesome!
Drea: That is wonderful! I love when high school sweethearts can make it through.
Lee: What a great story. And it’s doubly nice that he also realized how much he needed you. That is a man when they can admit they NEED you. I do hope he is all right now…
Margaret: A man with a sense of humor is a great find! Nothing heals the troubled heart and soul like a little bit of laughter.
Danica: Thanks for commenting and I hope one day you will find that hero. He is out there somewhere….I do believe that. He will come when you least expect it. They always do.
Love these comments ladies! Keep ‘em coming…tell your friends we are giving away some free stuff!
[Reply]
Danica, put the list away. Brenda had a list for 30 years. When she threw the list away she found me and now says I’m everything that was on the list and more. Even her mother agrees. I’ve known Brenda since 1974 but we didn’t connect until 2008 when the list stopped walling her in.
Renee, The list is a good reminder for all of us guys to be a better heros.
[Reply]
Nice post and worthy of all our words. My favorite time is when my husband of almost 40 years thinks it’s funny I get sawdust in my hair when I’m feeding the chickens and collecting eggs, and kisses me anyway.
[Reply]
My ‘real’ hero is my husband who bought me my first computer, “so I could stop complaining and write the damn book already.” It wasn’t how he said it, it was that he bought the computer, in 1991. I don’t think either one of us thought it would take this long to write the ‘damn’ book and get published. LOL
[Reply]
Steve: Wow, what a surprise to see a male commenting here. And your little story was both entertaining and touching. You are too cute!
Sharon: Good man! Nice to meet a fellow farmer! Where do you live, Sharon?
Jill: How funny! So, what is the title of your damn book? *wink*
[Reply]
Renee, SO great to have you back and what a great post!
My real-life hero is my best friend, true love, and all-around good guy. He’s honorable and full of integrity, but can be a hard-ass when the mood strikes! He makes me laugh [almost] everyday, and you just can’t beat that.
[Reply]
Renee,
My husband of 28 years is the most wonderful man I know. He’s funny, silly, and loving. And I don’t know of very many men who would have loved me, and stayed with me when I was going through a severe life-altering bout of OCD. He’s the best!
Best wishes for your book!
Ruth
[Reply]
Hi Renee just coming by to say “hi.” Great post. Got to love the alpha male heroes.
[Reply]
My Hero’s for today are my step children that when they are not with us, can still put on a happy face to the best of their little abilities. Even though when they are gone they live in a world of constant chaos. I am so proud of them. One day they will be free of it with the help of our wonderful (fingers crossed) court system.
[Reply]
Renne, Tempting Adam is coming out from The Wild Rose Press, release date: TBA
[Reply]
Well, since Steve broke the ice here, I guess I can jump in.
First of all, the word ‘hero’ has been used so heavily in the past 10 years that I barely recognize it anymore. People of both genders do some notable things out of duty, some out of love, and some because they’re paid (salary) to. Among those un-numbered events are some truly ‘heroic’ stories.
But, like many on these posts, I note there are people (of both genders) whose regular day-to-day efforts and contributions are so selfless and so considerate that they inspire me. Are they “heroes”? Probably not, in a strict sense. But anyone who inspires me is definitely someone who makes sacrifices, honors commitments, expresses love, and seeks opportunities to help others.
For the men: do they all have spectacular shoulders, pecs and abs? Nope. Some are frumpy and lumpy and wear clothes that went out of style a few decades ago.
For the women: do they all have figures like a movie star, look delicious in a bikini, and always appear like a make-up team just finished with them? Uh … no. Some are doing well to drag the kids to school, go to work, and try to contain chaos at home.
What am I saying? Not sure, really. People are human, with flaws. When we love them, their flaws don’t disappear … we just don’t focus on them so much. The characters we create as we write should have — in my opinion — a blend of the fantasy appearance and the real-life foibles.
Humans. They ain’t perfect — we love them in spite of the fact they aren’t [ or ... because they aren't].
And I think that’s what Renee Vincent was saying in her original post … though she said it better.
Jeff
[Reply]
Very well said, Jeff. I love your clarity and conviction. And I hope that really dedicated heroes and heroines you describe are loved just a little bit more. Makes them rare, and oh so valuable. Meant to be cherished. Thank you.
[Reply]
Misa: So glad to be here…and as always, it was such a pleasure!
Ruth: Wow, so great to see you! Thank you for stopping by and telling us your story of your hero husband of 28 years! That is incredible!
Sue: Hey! Great to have you here! Alpha heroes rock!
Julia: Awww…..that is so sweet! Thank you for coming by and sharing that with me.
Jill: Oh, cool! Congrats on your upcoming release and please get a hold of me for some free promo on my blog! http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com
Jeff: I must say, your post was great! Well said! Plus, I got the opportunity to meet two gentlemen posters…not often do I get to interact with males on the subject of romance. It was so nice to meet you!
Sharon: My sentiments exactly!
TO EVERYONE: Great chatting with you all and good luck in the drawing!
[Reply]
Tonya Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 5:15 am
Thanks everyone for stopping by and hanging out with Renee! She’s an amazing women! I’m honored to know her. Also Thanks to Jeff and Steve for hanging out. We Goddesses love when you guys stop by.
Don’t forget to visit Renee and buy her new book Raelikson!! It’s great!! Plus MacLiam, the second in the trilogy is SUPER great!! I’m on Team MacLiam!!!
[Reply]
Thanks Tonya! You are a great friend and CP!
[Reply]
I’m late to the party, but I just wanted to say–what a fun post, Renee! Really enjoyed your list of what makes a great hero. (Even without those fabulous abs!) Happy weekend, everyone.
[Reply]
Marilyn: So glad you came…nothing wrong with being fashionably late.
I am glad you enjoyed my list. Hope you have a great weekend too!
[Reply]
My “real hero” treats me like a Princess! He does things for me all the time and is a real Mr. Fix-it. Whenever I have something broken, he says, “I’ll fix it.”
He knows practically Everything about cars and can always answer my questions. Doors are always opened for me and he usually seats me in restaurants. (OK He’s NOT perfect!) LOL! And we Always have FUN together!
I’m probably too late with this post but I just had to say!
Great article!!
[Reply]