Best Romantic Beta Heroes (918 books)

Listopia > Best Romantic Beta Heroes

This list is for those really sweet, super nice romance heroes.

I'm starting to see some heroes on this list who are questionable as beta heroes and are probably more aptly categorized as gammas (the alpha/beta hybrid). I realize this a subjective thing though, but I've decided to expand my description to include a couple of romance author's definitions of the beta hero to help guide voters in determining whether their favorite heroes are indeed betas.

Ruthie Knox says: "...my idea of a stereotypical “beta male” is someone who’s more of a follower, who nurtures instinctively. ...beta males are less likely to impose their will on others, and particularly on the heroine."

Cynthia Eden says: " The beta, well, he’s the guy you hope to marry in real life. Dependable. Steady. You know, a Nice Guy. (The kind you looked for after you were done playing with the bad boy.)"

Other qualities of the beta male: shy, sweet, reliable, trustworthy, easygoing but not a pushover, quick to offer comfort, feels deeply, avoids confrontation.

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1	Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.87 avg rating — 441,126 ratings score: 11,652, and 119 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Scandal in Spring (Wallflowers, #4) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 62,287 ratings score: 8,426, and 87 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins 4.35 avg rating — 10,071,504 ratings score: 7,266, and 74 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1) by Jennifer Ashley (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 40,731 ratings score: 6,309, and 66 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 17,980 ratings score: 5,808, and 61 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Married by Morning (The Hathaways, #4) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 48,491 ratings score: 5,439, and 58 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Texas Destiny (Texas Trilogy, #1) by Lorraine Heath 3.98 avg rating — 8,624 ratings score: 5,263, and 55 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgertons, #5) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.69 avg rating — 318,246 ratings score: 5,088, and 54 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #1) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 67,963 ratings score: 5,023, and 53 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell (Goodreads Author) 4.27 avg rating — 12,986 ratings score: 4,710, and 50 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer 4.27 avg rating — 17,045 ratings score: 4,500, and 48 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, #3) by Suzanne Enoch 4.07 avg rating — 7,663 ratings score: 4,386, and 46 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath 4.21 avg rating — 3,197 ratings score: 4,206, and 44 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane, #4) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 14,219 ratings score: 4,141, and 45 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Simple Jess (Tales from Marrying Stone, #2) by Pamela Morsi 4.09 avg rating — 3,967 ratings score: 3,893, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Rio Grande Wedding by Ruth Wind 4.23 avg rating — 151 ratings score: 3,746, and 39 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Simply Love (Simply Quartet #2) by Mary Balogh 3.98 avg rating — 9,194 ratings score: 3,736, and 40 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	On the Island (On the Island, #1) by Tracey Garvis Graves (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 87,369 ratings score: 3,425, and 36 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 693,736 ratings score: 3,351, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	His Secondhand Wife (The Copper Creek Brides #2) by Cheryl St. John (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 4,386 ratings score: 3,334, and 36 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	The Texan's Wager (Wife Lottery, #1) by Jodi Thomas (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 7,916 ratings score: 3,323, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers (Goodreads Author) 4.51 avg rating — 379,863 ratings score: 3,140, and 33 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	Lord Carew's Bride by Mary Balogh 3.88 avg rating — 3,112 ratings score: 3,000, and 32 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	The Notebook (The Notebook, #1) by Nicholas Sparks (Goodreads Author) 4.17 avg rating — 1,855,392 ratings score: 2,689, and 29 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Fantasy Lover (Hunter Legends, #1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 95,760 ratings score: 2,653, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 95,460 ratings score: 2,595, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	The Perfect Rake (The Merridew Sisters, #1) by Anne Gracie (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 13,399 ratings score: 2,585, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	Flat-Out Love (Flat-Out Love, #1) by Jessica Park (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 60,367 ratings score: 2,546, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark, #2) by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 62,448 ratings score: 2,495, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen 3.85 avg rating — 462,028 ratings score: 2,493, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 785,012 ratings score: 2,434, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Bridget Jones’s Diary (Bridget Jones, #1) by Helen Fielding (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 1,029,109 ratings score: 2,406, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Worth Any Price (Bow Street Runners, #3) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 23,791 ratings score: 2,331, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	As You Desire (Braxton, #1) by Connie Brockway (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 4,312 ratings score: 2,326, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark, #9) by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author) 4.42 avg rating — 49,494 ratings score: 2,292, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Seize the Night (Dark-Hunter, #6) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Goodreads Author) 4.35 avg rating — 48,834 ratings score: 2,214, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	Not Quite a Husband (The Marsdens, #2) by Sherry Thomas (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 10,314 ratings score: 2,033, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Born in Shame (Born In Trilogy, #3) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 38,623 ratings score: 2,015, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	Easy (Contours of the Heart, #1) by Tammara Webber (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 229,477 ratings score: 1,999, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Sweet Lullaby by Lorraine Heath 3.92 avg rating — 2,243 ratings score: 1,990, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 210,715 ratings score: 1,924, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 689,585 ratings score: 1,919, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 32,082 ratings score: 1,913, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Rising Tides (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #2) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 36,929 ratings score: 1,912, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 498,308 ratings score: 1,886, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh 3.91 avg rating — 7,679 ratings score: 1,858, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	The Host - Sang Pengelana (The Host, #1) by Stephenie Meyer 3.86 avg rating — 1,053,416 ratings score: 1,850, and 19 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	What Happens in London (Bevelstoke, #2) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 35,478 ratings score: 1,833, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	A Lady Awakened (Blackshear Family, #1) by Cecilia Grant (Goodreads Author) 3.70 avg rating — 7,804 ratings score: 1,829, and 19 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	A Kiss for Midwinter (Brothers Sinister, #1.5) by Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 10,893 ratings score: 1,821, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Lord of Darkness (Maiden Lane, #5) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 10,642 ratings score: 1,815, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Vision in White (Bride Quartet, #1) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 144,319 ratings score: 1,754, and 19 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	An Offer From a Gentleman - Tawaran Dari Sang Gentleman (Bridgertons, #3) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 434,907 ratings score: 1,699, and 19 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney 3.83 avg rating — 1,129 ratings score: 1,695, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	Beast (Estill County Mountain Man #1) by Pepper Pace 4.11 avg rating — 4,854 ratings score: 1,665, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	The Proposition by Judith Ivory 3.89 avg rating — 4,947 ratings score: 1,639, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	Untouched by Anna Campbell (Goodreads Author) 3.74 avg rating — 3,425 ratings score: 1,580, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Heaven and Earth (Three Sisters Island, #2) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 45,309 ratings score: 1,555, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	Flat-Out Sexy (Fast Track, #1) by Erin McCarthy (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 13,177 ratings score: 1,527, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Slammed (Slammed, #1) by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 456,217 ratings score: 1,516, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Tribute by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 32,774 ratings score: 1,476, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 4,759 ratings score: 1,467, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Texas Splendor (Texas Trilogy, #3) by Lorraine Heath 3.96 avg rating — 4,264 ratings score: 1,424, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 1,712,899 ratings score: 1,327, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	The Wedding Journey by Carla Kelly 3.97 avg rating — 1,045 ratings score: 1,316, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	Married by Monday (The Weekday Brides #2) by Catherine Bybee (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 15,941 ratings score: 1,303, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Unleash the Night (Dark Hunter, #8; Were-Hunter, #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Goodreads Author) 4.32 avg rating — 44,110 ratings score: 1,300, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	Truly, Madly, Deeply by Faraaz Kazi (Goodreads Author) 3.58 avg rating — 1,554 ratings score: 1,293, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Tiger's Quest (The Tiger Saga, #2) by Colleen Houck (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 42,283 ratings score: 1,287, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid, #1) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 58,379 ratings score: 1,278, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan (Goodreads Author) 4.31 avg rating — 3,493,237 ratings score: 1,245, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, #1) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 81,799 ratings score: 1,210, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, #6) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 274,391 ratings score: 1,200, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1) by Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 465,935 ratings score: 1,196, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella 3.82 avg rating — 480,363 ratings score: 1,163, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Where's My Hero? (The Gamblers of Craven's, #2.5; Brotherhood - MacAllister's, #4.5; Splendid, #3.5) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 11,287 ratings score: 1,140, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	Unveiled (Turner, #1) by Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 9,870 ratings score: 1,137, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	Emma by Jane Austen 4.05 avg rating — 1,000,846 ratings score: 1,121, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 843,105 ratings score: 1,073, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating — 21,463 ratings score: 1,069, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel (Goodreads Author) 3.89 avg rating — 12,214 ratings score: 1,062, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	Forbidden (Company of Rogues, #4) by Jo Beverley 3.86 avg rating — 3,022 ratings score: 1,052, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	Nuts (Hudson Valley, #1) by Alice Clayton (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 19,869 ratings score: 1,012, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	The Shadow and the Star (Victorian Hearts, #2) by Laura Kinsale (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 4,013 ratings score: 1,009, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	The Rosie Project (Don Tillman, #1) by Graeme Simsion (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 600,791 ratings score: 1,008, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	The Leopard Prince (Princes Trilogy, #2) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 11,521 ratings score: 976, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	My Lady Notorious (Malloren, #1) by Jo Beverley 3.91 avg rating — 3,408 ratings score: 952, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Transcendence (Transcendence, #1) by Shay Savage (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 24,858 ratings score: 933, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	Everything and the Moon (The Lyndon Sisters, #1) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.73 avg rating — 20,043 ratings score: 904, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	By Design (Medieval #2) by Madeline Hunter (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 1,289 ratings score: 843, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	Love Comes Softly (Love Comes Softly, #1) by Janette Oke 4.26 avg rating — 45,810 ratings score: 842, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	For My Lady's Heart (Medieval Hearts, #1) by Laura Kinsale (Goodreads Author) 3.84 avg rating — 3,423 ratings score: 840, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	The Friend Zone (Game On, #2) by Kristen Callihan (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 48,059 ratings score: 822, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	Washed Up by Kandi Steiner (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 2,662 ratings score: 801, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	The Romantic (Seducers #5) by Madeline Hunter (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 1,403 ratings score: 767, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	Liberty for Paul (Scandalous Sisters #2) by Rose Gordon (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 1,629 ratings score: 767, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Nerd in Shining Armor (Nerd, #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Goodreads Author) 3.66 avg rating — 4,736 ratings score: 764, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98	The Weaver Takes a Wife (Weaver, #1) by Sheri Cobb South (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 3,449 ratings score: 746, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	The Duchess War (Brothers Sinister, #1) by Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating — 28,911 ratings score: 739, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Lead Me On (Tumble Creek, #3) by Victoria Dahl 3.89 avg rating — 6,915 ratings score: 731, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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918 books · 708 voters · list created July 18th, 2008 by Julianna (votes) .

Tags: beta, beta-hero, beta-male, hero, heroes, male-character, nice-guy, romance, sweet, sweet-hero

187 likes · Like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

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Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-28 of 28 (28 new)

date

newest »

message 1: by Priyanka (new)

Jan 17, 2011 10:55PM

Rahul Kapoor of Truly Madly Deeply by Faraaz Kazi.

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message 2: by Evelyne (new)

Sep 14, 2011 04:11AM

nice list !

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message 3: by willaful (new)

Jun 13, 2013 04:09PM

What the heck are all those Lisa Kleypas Alphas doing on the list?

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message 4: by Julianna (new)

Jun 13, 2013 04:40PM

That's exactly what I was thinking when I saw the LK books on here, willaful. As the list creator I could delete them, but I'm reluctant to do so since voting on these lists is purely subjective. However, this is the reason why I added the extra definitions in the list description in hopes that voters would think twice before adding/voting for heroes who, in my estimation, are clearly alphas.

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message 5: by Lady Wesley (new)

Jun 13, 2013 08:22PM

Yes, when I think "beta," St. Vincent and Derek Craven don't leap into my mind.

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message 6: by Julianna (new)

Jun 14, 2013 09:10AM

I haven't read Derek's book yet, but I definitely agree with you on St. Vincent, Lady Wesley. No beta would do the things he did.:-)

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message 7: by Elizen (new)

Jun 28, 2013 08:08PM

St. Vincent is an ultimate Alpha.

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message 8: by Julianna (last edited Jun 29, 2013 01:40PM) (new)

Jun 29, 2013 01:39PM

Totally agree with you, Elizen!

Considering the comments I'm receiving here, I'm starting to think more seriously about deleting some of the books that clearly don't have beta heroes. I take this sort of thing seriously though and don't want to ruffle any feathers. However, I also created this list for the lovers of betas who want to read more books with this type of hero. I don't want readers who are unfamiliar with the books and their heroes to get the wrong idea and then be disappointed when reading the books. If anyone wants to weigh in on what you think I should do, please feel free. Thanks!

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message 9: by Rainbowheart (new)

Mar 16, 2014 07:52PM

Hi Julie, I totally think that books with alpha male heroes should be taken off. The list is pretty useless as a guide for people if they can't trust that the books on it actually contain a beta hero.

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message 10: by Julianna (new)

Mar 16, 2014 10:07PM

Thanks for weighing in, Rainbowheart. I've been meaning to clean up this listopia for a while now, but never seem to have the time. It looks like one of my fellow librarians and romance fans removed some of the more egregious titles from the list a couple of weeks ago. It's definitely looking more reasonable now, but if you or anyone else sees a title on the list that clearly doesn't belong, feel free to bring it to my attention, and I'll consider it for deletion.

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message 11: by Rainbowheart (new)

Mar 17, 2014 10:49PM

Thanks Julie! I'm not familiar with most of the books on this list, but if I see something, I'll let ya know.

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message 12: by Rainbowheart (last edited Mar 21, 2014 04:17PM) (new)

Mar 21, 2014 04:17PM

Any recommendations for erotic romance with beta heroes? I've asked in two different places but haven't managed to find anything yet. That genre seems to be all alpha male bad boys. I'd love a book with a beta hero where the sex was actually hot, by which I mean more on the sizzling side, no euphemisms or flowery descriptions.

By the way, does Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy really have a beta hero? I'm almost done reading another book in that series called Hard and Fast and was really put off by the hero, who is dominant and vaginally penetrates the heroine while she's asleep and anally penetrates her without asking permission, after she has explicitly told him she's not going to have anal sex with him. If this is how she writes all her heroes I can't imagine one being beta!

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message 13: by Julianna (last edited Mar 21, 2014 06:18PM) (new)

Mar 21, 2014 05:51PM

Funny you should ask this question, Rainbowheart. I just finished an erotic romance with a hero I'd definitely classify as beta. It's Charlotte Featherstone's Addicted. I absolutely love this book and can't recommend it highly enough. It's an emotional, tear-jerker of a read. Lindsay is a sweet, gentle, loving and passionate man whose emotions run deep. I will warn though that he's an opium addict, and there are some graphic scenes of his drug use, just in case that might be bothersome.

As to the Erin McCarthy book. I haven't read it yet, although I do seem to recall several of my GR friends saying the hero is beta. I've read some of her other books and while the heroes were alpha, I don't recall them being as dominant as you described. One of her novellas I read had a beta hero too, so I know she can write sweeter guys.

I thought of one more erotic romance I've read that had a beta-leaning hero. It's Zayed's Gift by Ann Jacobs.

You're right about it being hard to find betas in erotic romance. You might want to check out these books though (my reviews are linked under each one to give you an idea of what they're like):

Jane and the Sneaky Dom by Hannah Murray
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friends With Benefits by Lena Matthews and Maggie Casper
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Truth or Dare by Lori Foster
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The guys in these books aren't beta, but they're what I'd call sweet alphas, who are more seductive and less uber-dominating. I'm not big on chest-beating alphas either (which is why I started this list;-)), but all the above books were keepers for me.

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message 14: by Rainbowheart (last edited Mar 23, 2014 04:52PM) (new)

Mar 23, 2014 02:45PM

Thanks Julie! I admit I was hoping to find contemporary but since I'm not having any luck there, I'd be willing to try historical. The Charlotte Featherstone book sounds good.

I read through the reviews for Flat-Out Sexy and a lot of people do mention that the hero is beta, so I will give that one a try. If there's any non-con stuff in that book though, I'm writing off Erin McCarthy. Hard and Fast was just too creepy for me.

Thanks also for the links to those other books. I'm afraid I'm pretty vanilla, so those aren't really my style. I don't even like regular alphas that much, let alone alphas who are involved in BDSM type activities. That's just kind of a personal squick for me. I don't enjoy reading about violence (even pretend violence) in my sex scenes. The Lori Foster book sounds closer to the kind of thing I might read.

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message 15: by Julianna (last edited Mar 23, 2014 05:13PM) (new)

Mar 23, 2014 05:13PM

You're welcome, Rainbowheart! I hope you enjoy Addicted and Truth or Dare. Now that I know what you're looking for, I thought of a few more books that I'm crazy about and that might work for you too. Unfortunately though, they aren't contemporaries. If I run across any more of those I'll be sure to post them here.

On the historical side there's Emma Holly's Beyond Seduction. The hero is similar to the hero from Addicted except that instead of being an addict, he's a brooding artist with depression issues. You also might consider Elizabeth Hoyt. Her stories are always very steamy and some of them like Thief of Shadows and Lord of Darkness have beta heroes.

If you like Paranormal you might try J.R. Ward's The Story of Son (from Dead After Dark). It's a stand-alone novella in her Black Dagger Brotherhood world that is very sweet and steamy.

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message 16: by Rainbowheart (last edited Mar 27, 2014 04:45PM) (new)

Mar 27, 2014 04:45PM

Thanks Julie! I can't get into paranormal, but I'll see if I can find the Emma Holly book. It sounds interesting to me.

I did just read a good contemporary romance with a hero that might fit the list, Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis. I guess these things are subjective. Some people have it shelved as alpha-hero, but some others as beta-hero. I'm not sure I'm totally clear on the difference, but since I think of alpha males as controlling, dominant, demanding, and jealous, any hero who doesn't fit those qualities seems more beta to me. Haven't got to the third book yet, but the second book in the series, Instant Gratification, has a hero who's even more beta than the first one. Definitely a good choice for people looking for sweeter guys.

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message 17: by Julianna (last edited Mar 27, 2014 05:46PM) (new)

Mar 27, 2014 05:45PM

You're welcome, Rainbowheart! Hope you enjoy it. I have the Jill Shalvis books you mentioned on my TBR list and seem to recall hearing that one or both have beta heroes.

As to the differences between alphas and betas. I view true alphas as pretty much what you described, while betas are the super sweet guys who are more in touch with their emotions. They may also be on the shy, vulnerable side, and embody most of the characteristics in my list description. Then there are gammas who are a mixture of both. They may have the more confident swagger of a alpha but can still be sweet and caring. It can be kind of confusing, I know, but I think it's usually pretty obvious when a hero is clearly one or the other. If not, I chalk them up to being gamma.:-)

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message 18: by Anna (new)

Dec 04, 2014 07:43PM

thats interesting i always thought a Gamma is Anti-hero a hero with questionanle behaviur who could be a rapis murderer and treat heroin less than good

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message 19: by Julianna (last edited Dec 05, 2014 09:54AM) (new)

Dec 05, 2014 09:54AM

I've heard that definition of gammas too, Lian, but so far, only from readers. I'm not sure where they came up with that one though, because romance author sites and more authoritative romance websites (like All About Romance) have the gamma defined just like I did, the alpha/beta hybrid.

Here are a few links to articles that define the gamma hero:
All About Romance - http://www.likesbooks.com/21.html

GR Discussion (scroll down to message 6 for gamma def.) - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Cynthia Eden - http://www.cynthiaeden.com/romance/he...

Heroes and Heartbreakers - http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...

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message 20: by Anna (new)

Dec 06, 2014 01:42AM

thank you for the links

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message 21: by Julianna (new)

Dec 06, 2014 08:36AM

You're welcome!:-)

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message 22: by Dalia (new)

Oct 27, 2015 07:14PM

What about Mr Darcy?

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message 23: by Julianna (new)

Oct 27, 2015 08:03PM

Dalia, I haven't personally read, Pride and Prejudice, but if you feel he meets the qualifications in the list description, you're more than welcome to add the book.

Would anyone else like to weigh in on whether Mr. Darcy is a good fit for this list?

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message 24: by ~☆~Autumn (new)

Jul 26, 2017 03:59PM

Well, I think Mr. Darcy is an alpha but then I am sure not the best on defining him as I don't care for him much. Would a beta ever cheat?
I was thinking of adding This Glittering World but he does cheat and I don't think is ever really faithful in his mind! He does marry his fiancee when it turns out she is pregnant.

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message 25: by Julianna (last edited Jul 26, 2017 04:55PM) (new)

Jul 26, 2017 04:54PM

Hmmm... interesting question, Autumn. In my mind, the beta male is usually pretty loyal, dependable, and trustworthy, so I would probably say no on the cheating. However, others may disagree with me.

I took a look at the book you mentioned. Even if the main male character does have beta qualities, I'd hesitate to approve of the book for the list, because it doesn't sound like a straight-up romance to me. It looks more like general or literary type fiction with a romantic subplot, so unless the romance is the main focus of the book, it doesn't really qualify for the list.

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message 26: by Sophie (last edited Jan 25, 2018 03:10PM) (new)

Jan 25, 2018 03:10PM

Edward Cullen? Really?

Peeta is absolutely a beta though and I love him

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message 27: by Julianna (new)

Jan 25, 2018 03:31PM

I suppose it's a matter of perception, but I've always considered Edward to be more beta-leaning, especially when compared to Jacob, who's definitely an alpha.

And yes, I agree that Peeta is unquestionably a beta.:-)

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message 28: by Joanna (new)

Oct 02, 2024 08:23PM

Can you downvote books? Or is there a similar list where people have managed to keep it accurate?

I've enjoyed several of the books on here, but they are definitely big macho man alpha males and people have voted for them just because they are generally good books.

I'd love to read a good historical romance with a male lead that isn't described as having the biggest muscles in the universe. Maybe he's on the slimmer side and has glasses? That would be amazing.

Do publishers still just think there's no audience for maybe a tragic starving artist type?

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