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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All Votes Add Books To This List

1	Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 229,968 ratings score: 11,557, and 118 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) 4.03 avg rating — 51,181 ratings score: 8,533, and 88 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 4.33 avg rating — 8,014,108 ratings score: 7,359, and 75 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) 4.05 avg rating — 36,869 ratings score: 6,209, and 65 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) 4.16 avg rating — 16,315 ratings score: 5,708, and 60 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	Texas Destiny (Texas Trilogy, #1) by Lorraine Heath 3.99 avg rating — 7,337 ratings score: 5,367, and 56 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	Married by Morning (The Hathaways, #4) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 41,621 ratings score: 5,232, and 56 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) 3.74 avg rating — 169,918 ratings score: 4,995, 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
9	Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 51,746 ratings score: 4,563, 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
10	Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer 4.27 avg rating — 14,320 ratings score: 4,498, 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
11	England's Perfect Hero (Lessons in Love, #3) by Suzanne Enoch 4.08 avg rating — 7,180 ratings score: 4,483, and 47 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	Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 9,034 ratings score: 4,425, and 47 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 — 2,808 ratings score: 4,300, 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
14	Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane, #4) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 12,446 ratings score: 3,923, and 42 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 (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 3,712 ratings score: 3,796, 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
16	Simply Love (Simply Quartet #2) by Mary Balogh 3.97 avg rating — 7,933 ratings score: 3,544, and 38 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	On the Island (On the Island, #1) by Tracey Garvis Graves (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 82,523 ratings score: 3,423, 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
18	Rio Grande Wedding by Ruth Wind 4.22 avg rating — 130 ratings score: 3,350, 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
19	The Texan's Wager (Wife Lottery, #1) by Jodi Thomas (Goodreads Author) 3.90 avg rating — 6,774 ratings score: 3,316, 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) 3.84 avg rating — 3,618 ratings score: 3,250, 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
21	Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 293,518 ratings score: 3,247, and 34 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 — 295,199 ratings score: 3,139, 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 3.86 avg rating — 2,767 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) 4.14 avg rating — 1,602,419 ratings score: 2,687, 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 — 91,437 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) 3.93 avg rating — 91,403 ratings score: 2,593, 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	Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen 3.84 avg rating — 375,241 ratings score: 2,586, 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
28	Flat-Out Love (Flat-Out Love, #1) by Jessica Park (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 58,934 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) 4.27 avg rating — 57,065 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	The Perfect Rake (The Merridew Sisters, #1) by Anne Gracie (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 11,114 ratings score: 2,483, 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
31	Bridget Jones's Diary (Bridget Jones, #1) by Helen Fielding (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 954,890 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
32	Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark, #9) by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author) 4.43 avg rating — 46,500 ratings score: 2,387, 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
33	Worth Any Price (Bow Street Runners, #3) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 20,728 ratings score: 2,332, 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 — 4,116 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	Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 719,624 ratings score: 2,241, and 23 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 — 47,091 ratings score: 2,127, and 23 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	Easy (Contours of the Heart, #1) by Tammara Webber (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 226,055 ratings score: 2,099, and 23 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	Sweet Lullaby by Lorraine Heath 3.92 avg rating — 2,028 ratings score: 2,088, and 23 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	Not Quite a Husband (The Marsdens, #2) by Sherry Thomas (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating — 9,478 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
40	A Kiss for Midwinter (Brothers Sinister, #1.5) by Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 9,880 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
41	Born in Shame (Born In Trilogy, #3) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 34,917 ratings score: 2,013, 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
42	Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 28,094 ratings score: 1,997, and 23 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	The Host - Sang Pengelana (The Host, #1) by Stephenie Meyer 3.85 avg rating — 979,704 ratings score: 1,939, 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
44	Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 193,871 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
45	Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 352,576 ratings score: 1,918, 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	Rising Tides (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #2) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.17 avg rating — 33,378 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
47	Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 471,031 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
48	The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh 3.89 avg rating — 6,842 ratings score: 1,859, 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
49	A Lady Awakened (Blackshear Family, #1) by Cecilia Grant (Goodreads Author) 3.71 avg rating — 5,784 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	Beast (Estill County Mountain Man #1) by Pepper Pace 4.14 avg rating — 4,536 ratings score: 1,761, 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
51	Vision in White (Bride Quartet, #1) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 136,152 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
52	What Happens in London (Bevelstoke, #2) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 28,106 ratings score: 1,747, 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
53	An Offer From a Gentleman - Tawaran Dari Sang Gentleman (Bridgertons, #3) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 3.95 avg rating — 231,123 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	The Proposition by Judith Ivory 3.88 avg rating — 4,316 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
54	Lord of Darkness (Maiden Lane, #5) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 9,361 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
56	Flat-Out Sexy (Fast Track, #1) by Erin McCarthy (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 13,025 ratings score: 1,627, and 17 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	Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney 3.83 avg rating — 1,036 ratings score: 1,599, and 17 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	Untouched by Anna Campbell (Goodreads Author) 3.75 avg rating — 3,252 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
59	My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 4,494 ratings score: 1,560, and 17 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	Heaven and Earth (Three Sisters Island, #2) by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 41,272 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
61	Slammed (Slammed, #1) by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 300,457 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
62	Tribute by Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 28,496 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
63	Texas Splendor (Texas Trilogy, #3) by Lorraine Heath 3.99 avg rating — 3,666 ratings score: 1,427, 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) 4.10 avg rating — 1,561,274 ratings score: 1,419, 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
65	The Wedding Journey by Carla Kelly 3.93 avg rating — 936 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) 4.06 avg rating — 14,118 ratings score: 1,301, 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) 4.33 avg rating — 42,417 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 — 1,533 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) 4.31 avg rating — 39,466 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 — 56,221 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) 4.29 avg rating — 2,714,481 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	Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1) by Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 440,620 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
73	Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella (Goodreads Author) 3.84 avg rating — 426,413 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
74	Where's My Hero? (The Gamblers of Craven's, #2.5; Brotherhood - MacAllister's, #4.5; Splendid, #3.5) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 10,272 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
75	Unveiled (Turner, #1) by Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 9,270 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
76	The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 627,751 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
77	Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 20,383 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
78	The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel (Goodreads Author) 3.90 avg rating — 8,849 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
79	Forbidden (Company of Rogues, #4) by Jo Beverley 3.85 avg rating — 2,658 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
80	Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, #1) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 72,208 ratings score: 1,036, 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	Emma by Jane Austen 4.04 avg rating — 828,098 ratings score: 1,021, 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	When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, #6) by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 149,193 ratings score: 1,012, 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) 4.01 avg rating — 19,255 ratings score: 1,010, 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) 3.99 avg rating — 3,735 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 Leopard Prince (Princes Trilogy, #2) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) 3.87 avg rating — 10,615 ratings score: 987, 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
86	My Lady Notorious (Malloren, #1) by Jo Beverley 3.90 avg rating — 3,200 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
87	Transcendence (Transcendence, #1) by Shay Savage (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 21,930 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
88	The Rosie Project (Don Tillman, #1) by Graeme Simsion (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 533,736 ratings score: 921, 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) 3.76 avg rating — 15,661 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	Love Comes Softly (Love Comes Softly, #1) by Janette Oke 4.25 avg rating — 41,073 ratings score: 845, 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	By Design (Medieval #2) by Madeline Hunter (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 1,183 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
92	For My Lady's Heart (Medieval Hearts, #1) by Laura Kinsale (Goodreads Author) 3.87 avg rating — 2,669 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) 4.13 avg rating — 42,031 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	The Highlander's Touch (Highlander, #3) by Karen Marie Moning (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 32,231 ratings score: 816, 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) 3.95 avg rating — 1,292 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 — 1,593 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 (Nerds, #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Goodreads Author) 3.65 avg rating — 4,505 ratings score: 762, 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) 4.13 avg rating — 2,373 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 Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, #2) by Gena Showalter (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 54,529 ratings score: 741, 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	The Duchess War (Brothers Sinister, #1) by Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating — 26,860 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

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872 books · 755 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

181 likes · Like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

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Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-27 of 27 (27 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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