Sci-Fi Romance discussion

Hi!

So, are you all about the Alphas? Batty for Betas? Crazy for kick-ass women? Or dizzy for the demure?

I know most of us read a variety, but what are your favorite types? What works and what doesn't?

I don't mind an Alpha hero if he's like...oh, Vin Diesal or The Rock--in their movies. I can't handle them cruel or mean and unrepentant about it. But they don't have to be built like a bodybuilder, since I find smaller, sometimes even a little poochy guys handsome. It's more about how they act.

For the heroines, I like the smart and able to overcome, be self-sufficient, even if they don't start that way. But I cannot handle them constantly whiney or unrepentantly cruel.

My favorite type of hero is the Gamma. Strong and smart, often quieter, content to let the heroine lead but able to stand up and do what's necessary when necessary. Hmm, like Sam Beckett in Quantum Leap.

So, do you all think there's room for a shy, quiet, compassionate hero or an introverted mousy heroine? Or do readers need more escapism and fantasy than that? I admit I usually daydream of being prettier and taller because I'm so short. LOL.

I vote for well-written and consistently behaving heroes and heroines. I want the MCs to draw me in so that I have an emotional connection. They can be alpha, beta, gamma or zeta, handsome or ugly, feisty or intelligent. I don't care as long as they aren't overly cruel, stupid or boring. I don't want a single TSTL moment and I don't want them so horny for each other that it derails the plot.

I think I am so relaxed about specific characteristics of heroes and heroines because I have a really, really big immediate and extended family. You gotta love 'em for who they are, and then get mad at them when they act stupid.

Have you read the Daughter of the Empire and the othwr books in the series?
Yes?
Well that's my favorit kind of heroine! :)

I can't stand TSTL moments.

I haven't read Daughter of the Empire. I'll add that to my wishlist. Thanks!

I don't like TSTL in any of my sci-fi either. I can take a small amount in other books but it seems to go against sci-fi for some reason.

OK, I give up. What's TSTL?

I like my heroes alpha and smart and maybe a bit tortured. I like a hero who can take charge and be a leader, but still be considerate and compassionate. I like my heroines smart, brave and strong-willed. A character's (and a real person's) personality and actions make them attractive to me, so they do not have to be particularly physically beautiful or handsome.

TSTL = Too Stupid Too Live

Oops, maybe I am TSTL. I meant Too Stupid To Live. Too many O's....

Celestine, thanks for the definition of TSTL. I've been out of the States for so long, I'm having to relearn the newest generation of the language. I was thinking it meant Too Stupid To Love (not live). Big difference.

Back to the question at hand: I like my heroes and heroines to have heart. I don't care what they look like. In fact, I sometimes get tired of the beautiful and buffed type of character that relies on looks and action.

I want to know what's going on behind the scenes in their head. How do they process and handle their emotions? That's what makes the character relatable to me.

I like characters, especially heroes, that are kind or principled with good heads on their shoulders and lots of fighting skill or an equally impressive talent.