7 Swoonworthy Beta Heroes

Scandal in Spring, by Lisa Kleypas
Meet Daisy Bowman, the last of the Wallflowers—aka, the last of her group of friends to marry. If she doesn’t find a man, and soon, her father will hand her off to his business partner, Matthew Swift. Matthew toes the line between an alpha and a beta—his cold, logical exterior gives him that stony appeal that alphas often have, but he’s a total brainiac with a sensitive side that puts him firmly in beta territory. Daisy is shocked to witness this side of Matthew, and before she knows it, love finds a way into her heart.

The Duchess War, by Courtney Milan
The first book in the Brothers Sinister series introduces Robert, a beta hero worthy of praise, who falls in love with Minerva Lane, a quiet and innocent girl who is nursing the wounds of a scandalous past. Robert himself knows what it’s like to keep secrets, since he had an abusive childhood…and is a virgin. The resulting romance is warm and tender as Minnie and Robert soothe one another’s wounds and find love together.

The Witness, by Nora Roberts
Moving from historical romance to contemporary suspense: meet Liz Fitch, who witnesses a murder one night when she’s sixteen and spends every year since trying to move on—and to not get taken out by the Russian mob, who knows she saw one of their own get murdered. One new career, identity, and location later, she’s trying to build a new life for herself…and meets chief of police Brooks Gleason. Brooks is loyal, tender, and sweet, with a protective instinct to boot—and while the suspense in this story is heart-pounding, so is the romance.

The Angel, by Tiffany Reisz
The second book in Tiffany Reisz’ Original Sinners series tells the story of Griffin and Michael, two secondary characters from the first novel that finally get some time in the erotic spotlight.  Griffin and Michael meet when infamous dominatrix Nora Sutherlin takes refuge in Griffin’s home—and Michael becomes Nora’s submissive for the summer. But when Griffin—impulsive, dangerous, and disarmingly handsome—meets Michael, an innocent, sensitive, and slightly age-inappropriate angel, he decides he has to have him. If you’re an m/m romance lover, definitely give this one a try!

Emma, by Jane Austen
Even classic novels have beta heros! Emma Woodhouse decides that she has a gift for matchmaking, and despite advice from her friend (the reliable guy-next-door, George Knightley), she decides to pursue this hobby more vigorously. Knightley is the only one brave enough to actually call Emma out on the failings of her attempts at matchmaking, but not brave enough to confess his feelings for her. Kind, thoughtful, and always willing to listen, Knightley is a hero for the history books.

Last Will and Testament, by Dahlia Adler
When smart but romantically dysfunctional Lizzie’s parents die unexpectedly, she is stuck between a rock and three hard places. She can leave college completely, go back to college and let her younger brothers go to foster care, or manage becoming a single eighteen-year-old parent while going to school. She chooses the latter, but managing her grief, her siblings’ loss, and her homework is a lot to bear. Enter Connor, her history TA, a beta hero who has stolen my heart! He’s an intelligent, loyal, but stoic man with a difficult family history of is own—and yet, when he and Lizzie are together, they find much needed comfort and happiness.

The Romantic, by Madeline Hunter
Julian Hampton has been in love with Penelope for what feels like his entire life. The problem? She’s already married. But her husband is vicious and abusive—and when Penelope turns to Julian for help getting a divorce, he jumps at the chance to valiantly save her. Julian is introverted, sweet, and extremely caring—and the passion that grows between him and Penelope is worth waiting for.
Who are your favorite beta heroes of romance?