Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Reading Cherise Sinclair has created in me an intense itch in need of scratching.

Cherise has basically mature, decent characters. who happen to engage in BDSM. The thing is, Cherise double loads her kinks-- so most all of her books have things like exhibitionism and menage, which are turn offs for me, only I like her characters and how they handle honesty and basic decency in a relationship so much I can't really resist. (Plus, cuddling. *melts*)

The thing is, though, that having had my appetite for alpha-male-ness fanned by her books, I've discovered that the main usage of that tag is for alpha jerks.

So I'm curious. Does anyone have books to recommend in which very alpha, very dominating-but-not-domineering males do so without being jerks, for example by maintaining open communication with their romantic interests, backing off when it's appropriate, not engaging in pissing contests, not being totally immature, etc?

Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle writes intelligent characters who have respect for one another and actually conduct conversations. No big misunderstandings, thank heaven. Her heroes are definitely "caring" alphas who are protective but not overbearing. However, she writes what I would consider "light" romantic suspense whether it's contemporary, historical, or futuristic-no graphic violence and little graphic sex. If you like BDSM or erotica, she wouldn't be to your taste, I'm afraid. She's a very popular writer whose books can easily be found at the library if you want to take a look at one.

Sandra J wrote: "Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle writes intelligent characters who have respect for one another and actually conduct conversations. No big misunderstandings, thank heaven. Her heroes are..."

light romance is also fabulous. (I *cough* read erotica for the characters)(and frankly end up skimming/skipping large parts)

thanks for the rec!

Sandra J wrote: "Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle writes intelligent characters who have respect for one another and actually conduct conversations. No big misunderstandings, thank heaven. Her heroes are..."

re-adding another thank you now that I got a chance to get my hands on some of her books. she was great.

There's certainly a huge backlist to keep you satisfied ;) JAK is a bit of a favourite of mine.

...Just trying to think of other strong alphas who aren't BDSM/jerks...

I'll throw out a few suggestions:

* Thea Harrison may be worthwhile checking out, but I've only read Dragon Bound.
* Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series?
* Nalini Singh's psy series?
* Linnea Sinclair?

I think Thea Harrison is a good choice, I've read all but the most recent in the Elder Races series and I think all the heroes fit the description. And KMM's heroes are to die for!! I think Kiss of the Highlander is the most romantic book ever! What he does to be with her... ~sigh~

I think JAK is awesome, too!!
~ Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series and the Alpha & Omega series.
~ Eileen Wilks - World of Lupi series

Definitely Thea Harrison. I just finished . Xavier is definitely alpha, but he isn't a jerk. In fact, I don't think he's as overtly alpha as Kahlil or as Dragos. I liked the way he and Tess interacted. I haven't read all of the Psy-Changling series yet. I love the first three I've read, and the heroes are most certainly alpha and skate the line between caring alpha and alphole; and I love them anyway.

Unbearable Passion

Curvy girl Sofia Herrera’s fall from grace is threatening to cause her to lose everything she owns—including her dignity.

After getting fired from a waitressing job because a drunken patron groped her and she responded by slamming a tray on his head, she has no other choice but to consider the unthinkable—a new career as a high-priced escort.

On a warm summer night in Midtown Manhattan, Sofia meets the dangerously sexy and filthy rich Billionaire Bryce Van Der Liden.

A formal and slightly boring gala turns into a passionate erotic romance that shakes Sofia’s world to the core.

Bryce Van Der Liden can have any woman he wants, but he chooses Sofia and he ignites a naughty romance that takes Sofia’s body and senses to unprecedented levels.

She willingly gives in to sexy Bryce’s fantasies and he responds passionately to the fact that Sofia is ready to satisfy all of his sexual desires.

Happy Ever After Ending Billionaire Erotic Romance Series

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