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The Alpha Female's Guide to Men and Marriage: How Love Works

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As seen on Fox & FriendsThe Alpha Female's Guide to Men and Marriage helps women who have a strong and domineering personality how to create and maintain lasting love.America is in love with strong and powerful women. They're assertive, razor sharp, and fully in control. Their success in the marketplace is undeniable, a downright boon to society. But what happens when the alpha woman gets married? She becomes an alpha wife, of course. An alpha wife is in charge of everything and everyone. She is, quite simply, the Boss. The problem is, no man wants a boss for a wife. That type of relationship may work for a spell, but it will eventually come crashing down. Since 1970, just as women became more and more powerful outside the home--more alpha--the divorce rate has quadrupled. And it is women who lead the charge. Today, 70% of divorce is initiated by wives.Do men just make lousy husbands? Not at that rate, says Suzanne Venker, bestselling author of The War on Men. The truth is that women don't know how to be wives. Why would they? That's not what they were raised to become.But women can learn. There's an art to loving a man, says Venker, and any woman can master it. An alpha female herself, Venker learned how to be a wife the hard way--through trial and error. Lots of error. And here's what she knows today--the set of skills a woman needs to pursue a career, or even to raise children, is the exact set of skills that will mess up her marriage but good. No man likes to be told what to do. And no woman respects the man who does.The Alpha Female's Guide to Men and Marriage gives women who are used to being in charge the tools they need to make their marriages less competitive and more complementary. Part memoir, part advice, this brave manifesto argues that while marriage is more challenging for the alpha female, it is possible to find peace in your marriage. In fact, it may be easier than you think.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2017

90 people are currently reading
368 people want to read

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Suzanne Venker

4 books15 followers

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5 stars
107 (42%)
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89 (35%)
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39 (15%)
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9 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Justin.
138 reviews35 followers
February 4, 2017
I give this a 5 not because I thought it was perfect, but because it was a boldly relevant book for women. Especially for the women who are controlling, critical, insulting, continually nagging, and harbor contempt for their husband who cannot do anything right. I think this book would be a wake up call for women like that. I was enlightened by the fact that many women like this believe they are doing something good, meaning they mean well, it's just who they are, that's a good thing in their minds and husbands should just have to deal with it. That's also what society seems to be projecting and reinforcing. And men for the most part take it from their wives until they either break in spirit or breakaway from the marriage altogether.

This book will no doubt get backlash from the PC police, which is even more of a reason to read it. I believe "alpha females" who crave control always and forever will read this and be alarmed in a good way. That if a woman reads this honestly she'll see some things she needs to change. She'll also understand the man in her life better, as well as being more understanding and appreciative of who he is. This book in no way suggest a woman turn into a door mat, with no thoughts or say in the marriage. Simply that a wife use her femininity which wields far greater influence in her marriage over being an domineering "alpha."

Boiling it down it was just refreshing to read a book that "gasp" was critical of an aspect modern womanhood. Encouraged women to better understand the men in their lives, and all the while offering hope. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️.
1,045 reviews1,535 followers
March 1, 2017
3.5 stars

I'd heard about this book from an author interview on Fox News. I must admit it piqued my interest from the start. I knew going into it that the content requires the reader to have an open mind and a certain degree of humility. It was all the (negative) buzz among more liberal, women's rights activists.

My personal opinion is 75% of this book Ms Venker was rock on in her assessment of the Alpha women's understanding how to live with and love, especially a beta man in marriage. I too am an Alpha-type female and a lot of the book she was "preaching to the choir" for me as I luckily figured this out before my marriage itself failed. Had I not figured it out, I'm sure I'd be a statistic too.

There's a few spots in the book that tended to bore me and I skimmed through those. Some points were a bit off-putting and definitely old fashioned for this era, which I can see why some readers wanted to chuck it out the window. I do, however, find it refreshingly candid and more women need to read this book than not. For sure. I thank the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this enlightening book.



Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.


Profile Image for Jeff Bobin.
928 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2017
One of my female friends had read the author's blog and ask me to consider reading this and reviewing so I pre-ordered it and read it.

If the book describes you, you probably won't like it at all, and it could change your life if you are willing to read, think about and apply it to your life.

For years I have studied relationships, marriage and family life and my research tells me there is a tremendous amount of truth to what is written here. As a pastor I find strong family foundations here. That said, this is not written from a Christian perspective but a secular one. Maybe that is why I found this a brave venture into a counter-cultural world.

The truth is that every relationship has a alph, the number one spot, and recognizing that and learning to work with it, rather than against it, means a healthier relationship.

The book has a 13 question test to determine if you are a alpha female, also available on the author's website. It is a good place to start. I should warn you it may make you uncomfortable even to take the test.

While I don't by any means agree with everything the author writes I believe it will give many woman food for thought on how to improve their marriage to be what they want it to be and it will cost them far less than they will gain from the effort.

The question is, Are you willing to take the risk to do it differently?
Profile Image for Ketutar Jensen.
1,084 reviews23 followers
July 13, 2020
It's very hard to rate...

Her advice is very good, it's easy to read, she writes well, BUT

her description of an alpha female reminds me of the dogs Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) is called to help. Not alphas, but people who desperately want to have an alpha in their lives, but don't have one, and therefore are doing their very best to be that, and fail miserable, are miserable doing it, and make everyone else miserable as well. Being bossy, dominant and dictatorial aren't the same as being a born leader.

Feminism isn't what she thinks it is, and she can't stop herself from jabbing at it. It's exhausting and irritating.

If you are a Conservative, read this book. It will make your life and marriage a lot better.
If you aren't... read it anyway, and try to find the core of what she says, and ignore all the BS she sprinkles over it. The core is sound and wise. It's just the wrapping that stinks. And it's really short, so you'll read it very quickly.

My advice for a happy marriage (and I have been happily married for over 20 years)
- Marry your best friend, or the person who would be your best friend if you weren't sexually attracted to him/her. The lust phase will pass, but friendship never ends. A good marriage is basically two best friends sharing a home.
- Divorce is not an option. Agree on this before you get married. If you think you can always divorce if it doesn't work out, don't get married. Work out all the wrinkles. Talk.
- Respect each other. Listen to each other.
- Express your love to each other as often as possible. Be starry-eyed and silly. Kiss, hug, cuddle often. Sex is not necessary, TLC, kindness and intimacy is.
- It's ok to argue, quarrel, fight, get mad at each other, but talk it over until you understand each other and where you come from. It's ok to disagree, but you need to understand each other.
- Marriage is not "happily ever after". You will be quite unhappy every now and then. Every now and then you will be sick and tired of your marriage. It doesn't matter. You will be sick and tired of your hair, eye color, clothes, work and everything else in your life as well. It's still good enough.
- Don't think you'll change him/her. The only person you can change is yourself.
Profile Image for LaBibliodeCaro.
619 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2017
I don’t usually read many self-help books, but at times it’s quite interesting. You can always get some things out of them. I believe the important thing is to always exercise your critical thinking and not take every single thing at face value. Take what you feel applies to you and leave the rest. They offer one truth, not a universal truth, just “a” viewpoint.

When I discovered this book in the NetGalley catalogue, I felt intrigued and as I’ve always considered myself relatively “alpha” (because of my entrepreneurial spirit and need for independence), I thought I might learn a thing or two about improving relationships dynamics. However, granted that the book is filled with valid points and interesting tips, there were some things that didn’t quite sit well with me. I believed it lacked a bit of perspective when it comes to “temperaments” (I’m referring to extrovert people vs. introvert ones). The Alpha women described in the book often come across as loud, somewhat bossy personalities, which is what led me to try the Alpha/beta test the author mentioned was available online. And apparently I’m a “purple” (low Alpha/mid-beta), basically an emotional person (a spot-on result). It made sense that I didn’t necessarily recognize myself in this self-help book. So, now that this matter was clearly established, I can say that I might not have been the main target audience.

But, again, it is always enlightening to learn about others’ experiences and this guide fulfills its mission. I recommend it because it’s important to form your own opinions based on a wide range of facts. Read it, pick what you deem necessary and leave what felt at odds with your own life. I think that, in the end, it is the purpose of a “self-help” book.
Profile Image for Francesca.
450 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2017
I think I liked this particular book because it gave me a new way to view my hubs and my marriage. We get along for the most part but I find that I am very alpha and he is also very alpha and we clash heads a lot. I don't want to argue as much as he doesn't but I have no idea what to do to fix it. Some of the ideas are crazy and some are the opposite of what I've been taught but it makes me question what was taught and by whom? If they aren't happily married what makes me think their advice is worth? I can't say for certain I will take everything this book said and make it my new way of life but it won't hurt to try a thing or two. It sure as hell cant hurt.
Profile Image for Kirsten Lost 2022.
239 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2017
This book begins with the disclaimer that this is difficult and you need to fully buy in for it to work. This is my pet hate in a self-help book - it lets the author say that if it didn't work, it's just because you weren't trying hard enough! Obviously you have to make an effort but the disclaimer just gets my back up.

There is good advice in here, but it's hard to recommend as it's surrounded by a lot of 'gender war' stuff.

Thanks to Netgalley for the read
Profile Image for Andy.
80 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
The author’s definition of alpha female reads more like “extreme extrovert with bad people skills” than “alpha”, but I guess it matches reader expectations.

If you feel you need this book, you probably need it.
Profile Image for Yycdaisy.
414 reviews
November 27, 2019
Dr. Stagg, a naturopathic physician and expert in 'precision' medicine, explains how certain SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) affect things like your weight or how you respond to exercise. If you have not had your DNA analyzed, all this is rather abstract. If you have had your DNA done, it would be possible to go to SNPedia and use their resource to find out if you have any troublesome SNPs. Then you may be able to try to do as the author suggests, although the information is vague. Otherwise you would need to go to someone like the author for help. The rest of the book is the standard talk about how to improve the diet, the microbiome, how to deal with stress and toxins, etc.
Profile Image for Heather Marsh.
79 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2023
LOVE THIS BOOK!
This was recommended to me during a relationship prep class by a Catholic priest. It has been incredibly helpful. Growing up in a house with an alpha female and watching my parents’ marriage deteriorate, I can personally see the truth behind all that is written.
I’m truly grateful I read this before getting married because now I can go into marriage with the tools I didn’t know I needed and stop toxic traits before they start (hopefully). I will definitely be re-reading this book.
I also have to say that many of the things in these pages can help with any male-female relationship. Putting things into practice has helped both at work and in my friendships. I don’t go to the extent I would with my husband, but who doesn’t want the men around them to be more apt to help you than to grumble against you?
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s not what our culture wants to hear, but it’s true. It’s through ignoring the proper dynamics of the male-female relationship that we’ve created an atmosphere fraught with divorce and unhappy marriages.
Profile Image for fantasy princess.
3 reviews
October 3, 2024
As a feminist, I enjoy this book. She brings an important message to women in marriage that has been lost through the modern years.

I’m not offended whatsoever by this book, and I want to be an OBGYN, so please read even if you have a progressive mindset.
I relate because my parents are immigrants and marriage culture is more similar to this book around the world. Straight marriage has a culture, and it’s not spoken of anymore.

Not 5 stars because her writing, grammar, and overall literature of this book is not by a prestigious or well educated individual. Being in medical school, I prefer reading books by PHDs or MDs. I suppose that’s what you expect when you read a more traditional novel. Pro: it’s EASY to understand. She’s blunt and to the point. She wrote the book like a conversation.

Overall: refreshing, funny, relatable, fun, and deeply insightful book. She helped me navigate a relationship in really easy ways. She gives you tips and breaks everything down easily. Thank you for teaching me how to be a wife🩵
Profile Image for Lori Tummonds.
22 reviews
April 14, 2019
The truth hurts. Haha! This book is about how to have success in marriage with the opposite sex. Woman are naturally smarter than men, so of course we are tasked. (Just kidding). Seriously, this book takes nothing away from all the success women have achieved in the work world, and all that they will continue to achieve in the world. This is the book I wish I would’ve read as a newlywed. If you don’t like the content of the book and don’t agree at least a little, maybe marriage just isn’t for you. There’s nothing wrong with that. Reconsider marriage. However, there is a lot of wisdom contained within the book for those that wish to have a long, happy, healthy marriage. In any relationship, there can’t be two alphas, two leaders. Two people trying to steer a ship doesn’t work well. Don’t ask, why do women have to make changes, ask why not women. Great book. Give it to people as gifts.
Profile Image for LadyS  .
571 reviews
March 30, 2021
A daring book that boldly challenges the modern and often sugar-coated messages that women receive. Suzanne Venker argues that submission and femininity are key ingredients to a successful marriage. Herself an alpha female, she merged both research and her personal experience to demonstrate how the relationship dogma of pop culture and 3rd wave feminism usually spells disaster in relationships.

This is a book that confronts female entitlement and encourages humility. For instance, she explains how the man of a woman's imagination is always better than the reality available to her. She also decodes the needs and behavior of men (men's needs are a tale as old as time).

Overall, this is a down to earth approach for women who are truly interested in building a successful marriage.
103 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2023
A refreshing reminder in a culture which seems to hate men and teach women everything antithetical to being good wives. I think I’m already pretty much a beta wife - I say yes often, don’t expect him to make me happy and definitely do not nag. One thing that I do wish to work on however is speaking less, especially when I’m tired / hungry.

Men can understand non verbal cues, even more than women. They appreciate quiet. For me, being quiet would help me to avoid saying hurtful things, as well as create a culture of peace and calm in my marriage. I’m going to try bring in a rule where I quiten down in the evenings, as this is when I’m most prone to speak without thinking, and cause arguments. I’ll have to get the duck tape out once it hits 8pm😅
Profile Image for Josie.
12 reviews
January 7, 2018
This is the non-politically correct (and therefore controversial) advice that every woman who loves a man or wants to, needs to hear. I believe that to enjoy this book and learn anything from its contents you must begin by not taking yourself too seriously.

I found myself laughing out loud when I recognized myself in some of the author’s descriptions. This book has taught me how to show love in a way that invites harmony. I highly recommend for women who enjoy self-evaluation and growth. This book will invite you to question your usual actions and words and provide new helpful perspectives in how to approach your relationship.
Profile Image for Faheem Lea.
59 reviews24 followers
May 18, 2020
Excellent!

I have NEVER highlighted a book as much as I have highlighted passages in the treasure chest of jewels that are contained in this book! Husbands, fathers, brothers, fellas, my guys: don't let the title of this book being directed to alpha females fool you: YOU MUST READ THIS! Suzanne Venker does a wonderful job in keeping the perspective of how men and women are inherently different, and how society has done a great disservice to the "dance" of men and women by trying to make them equal. Coming from a female author makes this book just that much more palatable for alpha females. A fantastic read!
Profile Image for Sara Beth.
194 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2022
There’s nothing wrong with being an alpha female. Today’s society almost encourages it in every way. However if you want to have a great relationship you have to know when to lead and when to follow. This book explains how sometimes being alpha in the relationship may not be what you really want. Sometimes to get the most out of your relationship and be the happiest you really need to take a step back and let your man lead. It doesn’t mean giving up who you are, it just allows you to be all that you can be.
Profile Image for valeriya.
11 reviews
May 4, 2021
Thank you Suzanne for saying what mainstream media won't say in the 20th century. This was a nice dose of red pill theory for women -- not too harsh, not too sweet, but juuusssttttt rriiigghhtttt!!

Personal biggest takeaway: women wear many different hats, and a woman's ability to know when to take one off and put the other on is key, including the attitude change that comes with each different role.
46 reviews
Read
November 13, 2025
I thought it was going to be good until it went against all my instincts. The answer is not for a woman to do something different at home. Its for a man and a woman to have the same view of marriage, and to negotiate how that happens. The bull about not being the boss at home is nonsense. Its not about being the boss. If that's how you interpret an alpha female, then are ALL men alpha?
17 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2020
Great books as a guide for alpha girls to treat the men in the future. I found some tips, and the perspective about marriage base the expert opinion. The most value that I accept are "no more expectation" and" green grass syndrome"
37 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2023
Given that she is giving the same exact advice another well-known author & psychologist has given down the 70% divorce rate statistic, I say "Ladies, take heed." No one can have it all- life is about tradeoffs & sacrifices. Also, Good luck finding 5 male friends who disagree with her analysis.
Profile Image for Brian Weisz.
334 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2017
Great marriage book. Venker is correct about nearly everything. But it's not a politically correct book, so I expect it will be publicly pilloried.
Profile Image for Leanne.
226 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2017
A quick read with a few interesting ideas and a few things that I would call passive-aggressive. The writing was ok, but not great.
2 reviews
August 12, 2017
Good

As a high alpha with too many unsuccessful relationships I look forward to piloting these principles to use!!! Get the book!
13 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2020
Her second book is definitively better, but still some great advice in here.
Profile Image for Cady Owen.
20 reviews
July 1, 2020
I have read and reread this book. It's a good reality check with quality content that was applicable to many situations I encounter with my future husband.
3 reviews
May 19, 2023
Very insightful book. I will definitely be re-reading this in the future.
Profile Image for Michal Crum.
49 reviews9 followers
Read
November 7, 2025
Not sure what to say. I’m on a quest to find good marriage books to recommend, and while this has some solid (and counter-cultural) advice, I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet.
Profile Image for Rob.
155 reviews
October 7, 2025
This book contains some observations and suggestions that might be seen as controversial to a modern reader, however, I think there is some truth to them. I think many of the suggestions for alpha females can be helpful, but alpha females are unlikely to try out the recommendations. The author and some of her acquaintances seem to have had great success in their relationships by embracing the principles in this book, but I'm not sure it will be something everyone can do.
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