It’s officially time for Alpha Showdown 2013! You made your nominations and we have 16 of the most badass, alpha characters from urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels locked into the bracket. Only one will be named champion and today’s first bout is sure to end in a knockout.
Round two brings two lethal badasses to the ring. Ethan may be used to being in charge, but Secret isn’t much for taking orders from anyone. Will their egos collide? Will nasty swords be involved?
Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.
New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.
You know her from:The Secret McQueen books by Sierra Dean
First appeared in: The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters (Jennifer’s review)
Supernatural status: Half Vampire, Half Werewolf
Championed by: Jennifer from The Book Nympho | @TheBookNympho
Vampires are alpha. Werewolves are alpha. So when you put the two species together you get…a gun-toting, sword-wielding Secret McQueen.
At the tender age of 16 Secret was already on her way to making a name for herself as a badass assassin for the vampire council. Taking on the hard to kill jobs handed down by the council. Now that she’s all grown up she has moved from assassin to having a seat on the vampire tribunal.
For most of her life, Secret only connected with her vampire side. Drinking blood, sleeping during the day and killing rogue vampires at night. Until two sexy werewolves walk into her life, forcing Secret to start embracing her wolf side. Where she becomes the pack protector then later the Queen of the eastern American wolf pack.
So whether you’re dealing with the fanged, ex-assassin side or the werewolf Queen side of Secret Queen, there is no doubt she THE ALPHA to end all. If you need a visual aid, look to the right.
Come on, what’s screams alpha more than a chick in a bloody wedding dress, carrying a sword?!
Ethan Sullivan may have trained some chick to be his protector but Secret IS the protector and she needs no one to do her dirty work.
You know him from: Chicagoland Vampires Series by Chloe Neill
First appeared in: Some Girls Bite (VBC review)
Supernatural status: Master vampire
Championed by: Zee the Terrible from the Saucy Wenches Book Club | @SaucyWenchesBC
Ethan Sullivan, Master of Cadogan house, Viking vampire, and force to be reckoned with. Ethan, as far as I’m concerned, has pretty much all the qualities of an unbeatable alpha. Gorgeous as hell, sexy as sin, hard working, a loyal and fierce leader, looks great in a suit (or, some might argue, even better out of one), great sense of humor, a VERY smooth operator, has a way with words that makes your knees wobbly, can seduce a nun out of her habit, and possesses the skills to back it all up (oh my… does he ever!). But that isn’t where it ends. Sure, you’re thinking, all alphas have most of those things. Big deal, right?
I’ll tell you what the big deal is: How many alphas have you come across who have GROWN right alongside the heroine? Evolved in front of your very eyes? Ethan has. Ethan OWNS his mistakes, his insecurities. He learns from his mistakes and will do anything to put them right. He apologizes in the most wonderful, heartfelt, sincere ways possible (and for as long as possible). He is willing to see your point of view and work with it, at whatever cost necessary.
And I can guarantee you, you will never get bored in your relationship with Ethan. Just when we thought we couldn’t love+lust Ethan more, he manages to take it to a WHOLE new level. He is the stuff of freaking legend (and fantasy)! I don’t know how any woman (or man) is supposed to resist him. His charm, his sexy silvered eyes, his eagerness to learn how to win Merit’s heart, his library (100 points to Sullivan for that!), not to mention his unbelievable sparring skills (poetry in motion, according to Merit), and the fact that he is DEADLY with a katana (and without!). Fighting might be his last resort, after diplomacy and political maneuvering, but you don’t get to be a 400-year-old Master vampire because you have a way with words. Enemies would do well to remember that he was a soldier when he was human. A very good one, for a very long time, until he was turned. So, rival Alphas, don’t be fooled by the urbane vampire in the impeccable Armani suits; he can wipe the floor with your ass… and look great doing it.
Where I believe most other alphas have failed, Ethan excels. Communication, perseverance, gentleness when needed, or unyielding badassness. He even handles his crazy exes in the best possible way. And did I mention, he says the most amazing things? And means them? I know words only count for so much, but damn… when you have the heart and sincerity to back them up, it makes them all the sweeter. If you haven’t gotten to know Ethan yet, I STRONGLY suggest you do; he will pass even your first “fight” with flying colors. And you will come to admire the Alpha who puts the vampires in his House, who have entrusted him with their care for hundreds of years and pledged him their undying loyalty, before ALL his own desires. The Alpha who WILL go down with his house and vampires if need be. He leads them. From behind the desk, from the front lines, from beyond the grave. There is no contest. He will always find a way (with the help of the woman he loves and respects more than any other). He will always win. He is what our wildest dreams, sweetest and most carnal fantasies are made of. He is Ethan Sullivan.
“I am your Master and your servant. Just tell me how to please you.” *SIGH*
Need more convincing? He didn’t hesitate for even a nano second before sacrificing his life for the woman he loves. Not.Even.A.Second. NUFF F***ING SAID!
This poll will be open for 48 hours. Alpha with the most votes will advance.
Honestly I wouldn’t care who Ethan Sullivan was up against because I am still bitter about what he did in Hard Bitten, but Secret McQueen is actually really awesome.
It’s no *secret* who I’m voting for. (See what I did there 😉 ?)
^5 I feel the same way. It’s his back and forth “we should be together, no we can’t” that drives me nuts.
Coming over to The Book Nympho to enter to win a book in the Secret McQueen series!
Have I told you how much I enjoy word play? 😉
I agree. I can stand Ethan’s back and forth with their relationship, beside Secret kicks ass.
That’s a tough one indeed, esp. as I love them both so this time I’m going with female power. Go Secret! 🙂
Girl power! LOL
Ethan! Zee the Terrible was very convincing
Thank you Sofija! 😀
And the back and forth only lasted so long guys 😉 for the last couple of books, it’s been VERY permanent! And awesome.
Ethan = waffler.
I want you.
No we can’t be together.
I’m back….
I want you.
No we can’t be together.
UGH
Move on!
😛
I think it was more like:
I don’t want to want you.
I want you.
I want you but I have 300 vampires to protect and I don’t know how to love you at the same time.
Oh, we can do this together. Game on, because you are mine!
Ethan Sullivan. Hands. down.
*high five* 🙂
I voted for Ethan..While I like Secret, she can’t compare to Ethan’s awesomeness!
hell yes! 🙂
I like both but voted for Secret!
YAY! And Secret thanks you!
Ethan all the way.
See now, this is why I love the Alpha Showdown, I now have a new awesome sounding series to check out!
Secret McQueen sounds awesome but for this I think I’ll go with Ethan…now Secret and I are going to get to know each other a little better 😉
Awe. Well maybe after you meet Secret she can get your vote another time.
Excellent! Both series are great urban fantasy.
I love Ethan 🙂
Me too Mary! 😀
I am ashamed to say I have not read any of these series. But that will be remedied immediately. Both these descriptions had me add to my list of books that I need to get into. But as for my vote I had to go with Secret. Who would want to vote against half vamp/ half werewolf? Are you kidding me… My momma did not raise a fool. But I know that once I start getting into the series I am going to want to change my vote. But for now- Secret all the way.
Both are great series and you voted wisely. 😉
Tough tough choice! I don’t really know Secret yet but Jen does make some compelling points. I know Ethan and meh…Idk. I’m gonna have to think about this one.
Think about it! You MUST vote for Secret. LOL
Ethan all the way!!!
Yes Julie! Ethan FTW!
I don’t know Secret, but she sounds awesome. I’ve read Ethan and I have never been impressed with him as a fighter, that’s what Merit’s for.
I vote for Secret!
Now that’s what I’m talking about. LOL
Thanks for the vote.
Ah Lashawn, but who trained the Sentinel? It takes the best of the best to be a great trainer, and there’s a lot to be said for a man/vamp who will stand around TRUSTING the Sentinel to protect him. There are so many wonderful layers to Ethan don’t you think? 🙂
Those that can’t ….. teach.
Those that CAN …. DO.
And those that can BOTH teach AND do …..? Hmmm.. I do believe that would make them the most Alpha 😉
Shakes head. He might have been an alpha at some point in his long life but now he’s just the dude that bangs the alpha heroine in the books.
I don’t think we’ve been reading the same series o.O nor do I think a powerful woman like Merit would EVER align her life, her loyalties and her heart with “the guy who just wants to bang” her.
But of course, your opinion 🙂
Lol! Catcher Bell trained the Sentinel! 🙂
Um, Catcher trained her until she outgrew his abilities. Then the Master stepped in to train her, not only in combat, but also in diplomacy, and maneuvering in the world of vamps. Power is more than just combat, as Ethan demonstrates SO perfectly.
I don’t know Secret, but just by looking at the cover I’m already more impressed than I ever was was with Ethan.
LOL. Secret is WAY more impressing than Ethan. At least the later Ethan.
You know what they say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover! 🙂
It’s not the cover but the douche bag behind the cover. LOL
Name calling? Well, you are of course, entitled to your opinion. And to defend your champion. So good on you 🙂
Gah! I’ve heard so much about both characters but don’t know either of them – so – I guess I have to go girl power all the way.
Both are great series but yeah Secret could kick Ethan butt!
Although Ethan can be frustrating, he is a Master Vamp who taught Merit a lot of what she knows.
I always enjoy when Ethan and Merit spar. *swoons*
And how about when Ethan and Jonah spar? *fansself*
Word Meagan. It takes a master to teach a novice to be THAT kick ass 🙂
And their sparring is…. just…. sigh.
I’ve never read any Secret McQueen book although they are always in my recommendation list on Amazon. I’ll definitely have to give it a try. But my vote goes to Ethan.
Both series are great 🙂
I’m not a huge Ethan fan, but even I have to admit that he is pretty epic. Have to go with Ethan (especially since Jonah isn’t an option).
Anne, I could kiss you for admitting that Ethan is epic! 😀
DITTO! 😀
“Vampires can’t fly, but a grown man can if you throw him hard enough.” – Secret
“I’ll have you in my bed again, Sentinel. And at my side. That is a promise.” – Darth Sullivan
Secret is about kicking a$$. Ethan is about getting a piece of it.
No very epic in my book. 😛
Well, if you’re going to reduce him to just the part where he truly loves a woman enough to sacrifice his life for her (because you know…any other Alpha would gladly take a stake in the heart for someone…?) sure. But you’re talking one sweet talking line in an entire series. And girl, there is SO so much more to Ethan.
LOL. Did I touch a nerve?
Ethan’s ok….
But Secret is more hardcore.
I think a great fight would be between Merit and Secret.
Why didn’t she get on to the list? She does all the heavy lifting in that couple.
Oh hon, no nerves hit here believe me. I don’t know why you got that from what I said? I just meant you can’t reduce a character to one line in an entire series.
Merit is the effing bomb.
I was joking. LOL Trying to turn up the smack talk. LOL
I love Merit. Sad to see she didn’t make the list.
I am happy that more females made it to the showdown this year.
Urban Fantasy is FULL of great female alphas. I think a lot of us just remember the yummy men. LOL
JONAH!! Gasp. That’s sacrilege.
What can I say? I love me some Jonah.
I vote for Ethan, he’d totally win a showdown.
Yes he would Barbara! Glad we agree on that!
Secret is the ultimate female alpha. She puts the needs of others before her own and has the willpower to make what they need happen – come hell or high water and no matter the cost to her own well being or safety. Plus – she is freaking hilarious. She had me at the phrase “Traitorous vagina.”
YES!
I love Ethan, however… it is a compelling argument for Secret. I want to vote Ethan because he’s hot and sexy but this is an Alpha showdown. The description of him just makes him the perfect romantic figure, not a badass who sits at the top of the evolutionary food chain. As much as I hate to admit it, Secret looks better for Alpha in this round.
Aw Diana, but he’s the Alpha who can keep his spot on top through more than just brute strength. A more evolved Alpha so to speak ;)the future of Alphas!
So true. I like Ethan too but as for who’s the bigger alpha? SECRET!
Go Secret!!
Never forget that Ethan is not only almost 400 years old, but he was a soldier as a human, and continued to be after his change. He is also the Master of one of the oldest Houses in the US. You don’t get to hold that position by being weak, and while diplomacy is his first tactic, he is far more powerful than Merit realized. The most subtle, the quietest heroes are always the most powerful.
Word 🙂
Nicely put!
Also remember that Merit has never really bested Ethan in their sparring. I love an Alpha who doesn’t always have to show his strength in a purely physical manner. All Ethan has to do is quirk his eyebrow!
Sign me up for sacrilege, because I prefer Jonah over Ethan. And Jennifer is cracking me up with her comments, so I’m going to go with Secret. She’s a girl with ass kicking tendencies. What’s NOT to like about that?
Aw… boo.. Secret gets a vote because Jennifer is funnier than I am? That sucks :p
I have nothing bad to say about Secret 🙂 don’t want to put her down for any reason to get my point across, so whoever you vote for, good for you! 🙂
LOL.
I’m not funnier. I have love for both characters but because we are looking for the most ALPHA…. yeah I totally think Secret is more alpha than Ethan.
And I agree I would vote for Jonah over Ethan too.
In fact I was rooting for him in the romantic sense too.
I looooooove Secret, she’s a badass and one of the best heroines out there!
And Ethan…. he should have stayed dead, die Ethan die!
Hardcore Secret fan 😉
Oh! I’m glad you went there first. LOL
Oh my! LOL
I voted for Secret!
Whoever wins this round will most likely be up against Ryo. O.o
That’s going to be a hard round to win. So good luck to Secret and Ethan!
Yup, Ryo, one of the nine… yikes.
I have yet to read either book, but Ethan just sounded like a better alpha
He is Margarita! At least in this humble reader’s opinion. You should add both series to your TBR, but don’t be surprised when you come to love, admire and respect Ethan Sullivan 🙂
Ethan all the way!!
AMEN Jen!
Ethan all the way.Methan 4ever!!
Methan forever! Yes! 😀
Ethan, baby!! I was annoyed with his waffling for a while, his delay in figuring out how to rule Cadogan House with Merit in his bed as well as by his side, but now that he has moved forward from that I’m LOVING him!!!
I need to read House Rules. I’m missing the “new” Ethan apparently. LOL
Oh, Jennifer, do yourself a favor and read House Rules! The always amazing Chloe Neill gave us, not only exactly what we wanted in this book, but also everything we had no idea we wanted. Dominant.Ethan. ‘Nuff said! 😉
Jennifer, definitely read House Rules! The amazing Chloe Neill, a master of giving readers what we want, gave us something this time that we had no idea we wanted–dominant.Ethan! Uh muh guh! Ridiculous good!
Oh yeah.. BAD ASS MF.
Yes Jennifer, you need to read House Rules!
I have it on my shelf. Just after the last two I’ve been dragging my feet to start it.
I can’t tell you my anwser. It’s a Secret
Lol good one 🙂
I haven’t read both of these series but from the description I have to say i vote for Ethan.
Yay Esyra! 😀
And I would definitely recommend adding the series to your list. Wait till you get a load of Merit! 🙂
Ethan is the most Alpha, seriously House Rules was AWESOME(I can’t wait for Biting Bad)! Chloe Neill gave us exactly what we the readers wanted! I will say I am intrigued by Secret & will add her to my ever increasing TBR list but my vote has to go with Ethan! 🙂
Oh yeah Emma! Me and the rest of the gals at the Saucy Wenches Book Club are counting down the days to Biting Bad! 🙂
Chloe is giving us Chapter 1 tomorrow! 😀
yesss!! can not wait!!
ETHAN. Absolutely no question or doubt. LOVE him.
Yes Krista! 😀
Secret all the way!
Ethan! Ethan! Ethan! He is my alpha, I flove him and that’s NO secret!
E = Epic
T = Trustworthy
H = Heroic
A = ALPHA
N = Noble
YESSS Beta!
Ethan’s got my vote. I haven’t read Secret McQueen – but I’ll add her to my reading list. 🙂
Love Ethan! He’s the best.
Love Ethan. He is effing close to perfection.
Ethan Sullivan! 🙂
Oh Ethan! <3
I vote for Ethan Sullivan
Ethan for sure
Haven’t read SECRET. But I can honestly say Chicagoland Vampires is my all time favourite series. I am totally in love with it. Whilst I was on Team Jonah, even after Ethan’s epic return, House Rules restored my faith in him. I wasn’t keen on his waffling, though I understood it. That aside, he is DAMN sexy and despite how he feels, he puts his house first, always. This is the stuff of TOP ALPHA’s. IMHO.
Agreed Maddie!! LOUDLY and enthusiastically 😀
I voted for Ethan – he had me at:
“You can run. You can keep running to the ends of the earth. But I won’t be far behind you.”
“Ethan—”
“No. I will never be far behind you.” He tipped up my chin so that I could do nothing else but look back into his eyes. “Do the things you need to do. Learn to be a vampire, to be a warrior, to be the soldier you are capable of being. But consider the possibility that I made a mistake I regret—and that I’ll continue to regret that mistake and try to convince you to give me another chance until the earth stops turning.”
Any guy who can admit they made a mistake and ask for another chance is Alpha in my book 🙂
Stacey I sooo agree! Like I said before, this is the evolved Alpha. The future of Alphas! (I kinda wish I had said that in the blurb lol!) If you love Ethan you should so come check out the Saucy Wenches Book Club 🙂
I will definitely check it out. I <3 Saucy Wenches 😉
Another tuff one!!! But my vote goes with Secret on this one!!
I like Secret, but I LOVE Ethan. Has he waffled back and forth with Merit…yes, but never without What he percieved to be a good reason. Being perfect in a relationship is not part of the description in what makes an Alpha anyway. Not to mention I think he’s finally learned his lesson. It’s the fact he makes mistakes and has the brains to learn from them (even if it takes a while) that makes him amazing. At the same time, he can kick some serious ass. I can’t imagine him not winning this fight.
Totally agree Susan! I love the evolution of his character. So often we read about just one main character’s evolution and growth. But here, Ethan grew and learned right alongside Merit! And by the time we get to House Rules… UH-MUH-GUH!
Oh, yeah. House Rules made up for a lot of the bad stuff in the last couple of books. I knew Chloe would pull through. If anything, I suspect the next book may end up being the best yet based on where things are heading.
I gave up on Chicagoland in the last book but one somewhere in a corn field (I could be wrong I gave up caring). Secret all the way, especially after the last book which resolved a situation which was really hacking me off!
Ethan all the FREAKING WAY!!!!
zee is right. He really does grow throughout the series. And it’s amazing the way merit and Ethan work together as a team