We’ve made it to the semi-finals in the sixth annual Alpha Showdown. We’ve had some intense battles, and some big surprises already. Want to know the current wins/losses? Take a look at the bracket!
Both the alphas in Round 11 are powerful. There’s no doubt. They also both have defeated vampires in this year’s Showdown. Adam bested Ethan Sullivan, and Barrons took out Slade. Who will win this match, though?
Your votes will decide!
We’ve lined up excellent bloggers to fill you in on why each alpha deserves to advance. Read the pitches, and then make the call.
You know him from: The Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs
First appeared in: Moon Called (VBC Review | Amazon)
Supernatural status: Werewolf, Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack
Championed by: Suzanne from Under the Covers Book Blog
In the world of romance you can’t swing a cat (shifter or otherwise) without knocking down a few ‘alphas’, they are created and stuffed into almost every book in the genre. You read one…you forget about him…you read another, yep he’s disappeared from memory as well. Then you come across the Mercy Thompson series and Adam Hauptman…and you remember.
So, what makes Adam so different from all those cookie cutter, chest pounding, over bearing alphas that romance readers and authors love so much? Adam is one of the most powerful alphas in that world, he controls a large pack of half tamed, dangerous werewolves with the sheer power of his will alone. He talks, they shut the hell up and listen. And it isn’t just because he could wipe the floor with them in a fight, which, make no mistake he could, would and has. The man is intelligent and protective, aggressive but with an iron control. He also rocks a suit…or wearing nothing at all.
So, if you want a male that truly manages to encompass all the best aspects of an alpha; strong, loyal, smart and sexy…as well as that chest pounding arrogance, of just knowing he’s the strongest male in the room. Well then, pick someone you will remember, pick Adam Hauptman Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack.
You know him from: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
First appeared in: Darkfever (VBC Review | Amazon)
Supernatural status: Immortal. Beyond that we don’t know and we don’t really care.
Championed by: Zee at The Saucy Wenches Book Club
Jericho Barrons. He’d laugh one of his very sexy laughs if he ever found out he was being pitted against these “alphas.” Sure, they’re great fighters, immortals who’ve been around for centuries, some longer, some not so long—vampires, werewolves, shifters, demons, charming talkers, talented lovers, and other fierce competitors I’m sure. But the plain, hard truth is, none of them are even in the same league as Barrons.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with loving all of them, as long as you can admit one fact. Absolutely none of them will ever stand a chance against this vital, ferocious, compelling, virile, deadly, almost omniscient creature who you will never be able to fit neatly into a category. His sheer presence on page is enough to wipe every other so-called alpha from your mind.
The others might moonlight as gallant knights in shining arming, especially for the ladies, but Barrons will do no such thing. He will help the most distressed of damsels grow into their own heroes if they so choose. And that is the mark of a true alpha. He can kick ass with one hand tied behind his back, he can kill within seconds, it doesn’t matter how powerful his opponent is, and he can do all this without breaking a sweat. And when every soldier on the battlefield has fallen, Barrons will still be standing. I mean, even death cannot defeat him.
What you end up feeling for Barrons during the course of the series isn’t some light romantic feeling that randomly makes you swoon when he says something pretty. The fact is, he rarely says pretty things, actions speak so much louder than words, one of the most amazing lessons Barrons teaches us. And when he does speak, his words are chock full of meaning.
What you feel for him is a living, breathing, pulsating, writhing thing with a life of it’s own. Almost as real as the beast he turns into. You can tell me you didn’t fall in love with him at first sight, and sure, I’ll believe you, but I won’t believe that you didn’t feel that surge of electricity, that spike of adrenaline, every single time he was on page. And it’s a feeling that never went away, it only got stronger with each book. And that’s the point isn’t it? If you’re totally honest with yourself, you realize that this beautiful, intense, life changing force of nature makes you feel things on levels that you can’t even begin to understand. And the beauty of it is, it’s something you don’t need all the answers to. It’s liberating. It’s unique. Barrons just IS. And you will always hunger for more when it comes to him. There will never be enough.
If you want an alpha to challenge you, invigorate you, dare you, scandalize you, and make every cell in your body feel more alive than it’s ever been, Barrons is the one you’re looking for. If the thought of that scares you… it should. You’ll never be the same once you’ve bumped into Barrons in Dublin. But oh, you’ll be so much more alive.
“He’s disturbing. Carnal. Base. Forbidding. Big and powerful, radiating primal hunger. His eyes are blades, slicing into you: dark, ancient, glittering with predatory intensity. He moves like a beast even in his human skin. A woman takes one look at him, her stomach drops like a stone and she runs like hell.
Which direction she goes in is the defining point: she’ll run away—or toward him—depending on her ability to be honest with herself, her hunger for life and willingness to pay any price at all to feel so damned alive.”
I know which way I’m running. Hard. Without looking back. What about you?
Who are you putting your money on: Adam or Barrons?
At the request of Alpha Showdown voters, we’re leveraging traditional polls for the voting, but also keeping reading for your chance to win awesome books. Your to-be-read pile could always use more. Trust us. Each poll will be open for 48 hours.
Participating in the Alpha Showdown is all about fun, and free books equal fun, right? We hope you’ll find lots of great new reads during this year’s Alpha Showdown, and to help that along, we’re giving away some stellar reads.
For Round 11, we have one copy of Faith Hunter’s Skinwalker, the first Jane Yellowrock novel.
Barrons All The Way!!!
Team Adam here…forever.
Adam is barely in the lead! Team Mercy! 😉
Vote Barrons!! Adam is a good alpha but I’m still pissed at how long it took for him to stick up for Mercy.
Team Adam always. From first I read of his character, he was trying to protect Mercy even when she hated him. He protects humanity even when they hate him and do things to his pack that make use readers cry. He protects other species even when he has nothing to do with them. He’s just this side of human to have flaws and be relatable, but enough of a beast to give and allow vengeance when it’s well overdue. I would allow him to be my alpha anyday.
ADAM!!!!
Team Adam!
Adam, hands down!
Hmm,… don’t know Barrons, but ‘m not a fan of all powerful heroes. Where is the interesting struggle if you are sure to be the last man standing?!?…
Standing up to those who are (or seem to be) more powerful to protect others,… that’s what makes the actual hero.
Adam is quite powerful. But he often meets opponents much more so.
It is qualities like wit, discipline, loyalty, self-sacrifice and cooperation (Pack! Love the pack!) that let Adam shine. And his big heart for outsiders and outcasts… ;o)
Barrons. Could read about him all day!
Barrons. Could read about him all day! He’s big, strong, moody but reliable.
Adam without hesitation
Barrons!
Adam!
Barrons all the way – he is the very definition of bad ass.
Barons is so much Hotter than any other, because he doesn’t say much, it is all about the Actions he speaks! Barons’ presence is so huge you can FEEL his vibrations in the wake of air when he moves through the pages. He only says what is needed to make a point, and never just fluff.
Gotta Love a big strong silent “Man” that would do ANYTHING for his woman!
love them both but if i have to choose i’d pick Adam
Team Adam!!
Barrons all the way, every day!!!!!
Definitely Adam and the reason why is Patricia Briggs takes you into the mind of Adam. I feel more of a connection with Adam because we know where he came from and why he does what he does. With Barrons, he’s an arrogant ass all the time and there is little info given about him. He also plays games with Mac’s life and emotions. I’ve followed the series all the way through Iced and still don’t feel like I can respect Barrons. I just can’t get behind Barrons on this one. Sorry Karen!
I love Adam, but against Barrons? No contest. Barrons is in a whole other league.
Barrons will always win!♡
Barrons
Barrons all the way
Go Adam!
I’d have to say Barrons, because Adam has a heart. If choosing which one I would want, Adam wins hands down. But if it’s a question of who is the biggest badass, Barrons beats everyone. I can’t think of any supernatural hero who could best him, except perhaps Harry Dresden, because Harry is just that SMART.
Barrons! Sexy, intimidating and tottally Bad to the bone!
This round was HARD!! I picked Barrons, only because I read his story first.
Wow…this is so tough!
Barron’s forever!!
ADAM! Come on people, only 3 hours left to vote!
Go Barrons. Amazing!
Ahhhh, Barrons
I’m a total priya for Barrons. No contest here.
Barrons
Ya’ll know it’s BARRONS!!! /)
Barrons
Barrons 4ever
Barrons
Barrons
Wow I would say I love mystery alot , I Dont like the predictable stuff, that’s why I wud choose Barron’s all the way.
Like dah!!!!
Who wants to know what he is, were is came from, what he eats, NO ONE
As long as he’s always had yo back and he makes u priya
The intensity is enough
TEAM BARRONS
I am so glad Adam lost this.
After I read Night Broken, I just saw Adam as weak. I hated him .
Barrons, I never saw him as weak. Yeah he might have played with Mac’s emotions every now and then, but they weren’t married like Adam and Mercy were when he let his exwife take control of their home.
Plus…Barrons would crush Adam. Hes just too strong.
Barrons…… Adam seems kinda like a pushover…….