Heroines in charge in romances: A new trend?

You can pretty much tell by the cover who's in charge in C.J. Ellisson's new release, Vanilla on Top. Here, she explores the dynamics of women taking charge in romance — and in the bedroom …

C.J.: Do you know what you want in the bedroom? Do you read about the ever-popular sexy alpha male and dream of having a man like that for your very own?

I've noticed a trend in romance novels for well over a decade — strong men who take charge, know what they want and aren't afraid to go after it, insist their women stay out of harm's way when danger hits, and often control every aspect of lovemaking in the bedroom. I understand the baser needs of my fellow reader, because I have the same fantasies myself. Who wouldn't want a man who knows his own mind and can provide for his lover, protect her, and ravish her senseless when the sun goes down?

But where is this elusive alpha male in reality? Are they only in books, portrayed by professional athletes, musicians, billionaire businessmen and cowboys or could I find one wandering the streets downtown?

Will a drop-dead-handsome man approach me for an arranged marriage? Will a jaded publicist ask me to be the wholesome cover story his bad-boy client needs to clean up his act? Will a mysterious stranger waltz into my life and quietly take control of all life's problems? Probably not. My existing husband makes any of those dream scenarios impossible (damn him! LOL!).

But what if I don't require saving? What if I want something different to read for a change? Where are the strong women in today's romances? Are they just a bunch of witty, sharp-tongued characters who back-talk the hero but still, deep down, really need him?

I like to read about women who take charge of their own lives and problems and still want the man, but don't need him. And there is a difference, trust me. Would you rather be with a man who needs you to care for his home, meals, finances, or children, or would you like one who wants you because you set his soul on fire with passion?

I've really enjoyed some great stories recently — books that combined a strong, independent woman with a hero who holds his alpha-male tendencies firmly in check. Cari Quinn's No Flowers Required contained a hot and steamy ride to love between a woman who owned a business and a man eager to support her dreams of financial independence. Alice Clayton's Wallbanger was a delightful friends-to-lovers tale between neighbors — a successful woman who is sexually frustrated and the reformed womanizing stud next door who sets out to rock her world.

Both authors created strong, believable heroes who didn't need to overshadow the woman or take control of her life for her. Can authors take it one step further? Can they create a strong female character who leads in the bedroom but doesn't overshadow the man? Can a story show more of the romance equality we all have in our own lives?

Some days I initiate the bedroom adventure, some days my husband does. In no way does this emasculate him, nor does it make me a femdomme. I think partners in books can reflect real life as well — where we play at switching roles and venture into shared intimacy with an open heart.

Love is love, in all its flavors. Whether that's reading about a super macho alpha man you'd probably never date in real life, or the easygoing guy who loves you with all of his soul and would support you through anything life throws your way.

If this type of writing — where the woman knows what she wants and asks for it — is becoming a new trend, then I say, "It's about time."

What about you? Are you ready for a new trend where women take the romantic lead, without emasculating the hero?

To find out more about C.J. and her books, you can visit her website, www.cjellisson.com.