I’ve noticed a certain trend in romance books that has been going on for quite some time. So many books are being published with these alpha, dominant, man-whore male characters. This left me wondering: Where is the love for the beta males? Some of my absolute favorite male love interests are quiet yet strong, smart but funny, have this emotional depth, and are incredibly romantic.
Please note that I am in no way bashing the alpha male characters in books. Some favorite male characters are most definitely strong and protective alpha males. I’m simply pointing out that many of the books that I see on my Facebook and Goodreads feeds contain alpha males.
So my friend Nereyda at Nick and Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist (formerly Mostly YA Book Obsessed) decided to make lists of our favorite beta male characters. Maybe you’ll find some new books that you haven’t read before. Maybe you’ll reminiscence about ones you’ve already read. Either way, enjoy!
**Check out Nereyda’s Beta Male Post**
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. Thank you! ♥
Josh Bennett, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Josh Bennett is not only one of my favorite beta males, he’s also one of my favorite characters ever. He’s not perfect. He’s made mistakes, but it’s the depth of his love for those close to him that drew me to him. After experiencing loss after loss, Josh keeps people at arm’s length. However, Josh’s force field couldn’t keep Nastya Kashnikov away. After she forced her way into his garage and into his life, Josh’s hard exterior begins to crack.
What isn’t there to like about Josh Bennett? He’s a carpenter. He can build you just about any piece of furniture you’d like. Because of his woodworking skills, he’s has strong hands. I don’t need to say more on that note. He can cook a mean meal. From scratch. Having a bad day? It’s okay. Josh will take you out for ice cream. Ice cream isn’t your thing? No problem! The man has other tricks up his sleeve. He’ll drive two hours out of his way to go on a date with you just so he could talk to you. And how can I forget, he is a massive General Hospital fan.
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | iBooks | GR | My Review
Alex Sheathes, Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Alex is one of the most romantic and captivating characters EVER! From the beginning, he was completely taken by Lena. He wanted to know her. But living in a world where love is not only forbidden, it’s eradicated and destroyed, makes falling in love difficult. Alex manages to win Lena’s heart, despite her hesitation.
Alex is incredibly sweet. He doesn’t force his way into Lena’s heart. Instead, he lets her come to him and relationship happens organically. Alex and Lena’s sweet and heart pounding romance stole my break away. Knowing Lena isn’t going to be receptive to his outright declaration of love, he quietly pursues her with…wait for it…poetry. Love poetry. The scene in the wilds where Alex takes her to his makeshift house had my heart beating so fast. Every time I read that, I can feel every emotion that was going through each of them. Gah!
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | iBooks | GR |
Matt Watkins, Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park
Matt is a geek. That in and of itself made me love him. I loved the banter and nerdy conversations that went on between Matt and Julie. In Flat-Out Love there is a sort of love triangle going on, which means there is one guy who loses in the end. I don’t want to spoil the book for you if you haven’t read it, but Matt had my heart throughout the whole book.
Who doesn’t love a guy who will rescue you when you almost froze to death doing the polar plunge? Or who will lie under the Christmas tree with you just listening to you talk. Matt is a great listener. He’s brilliant, quick witted, and has a rather quirky sense of style.
Seth Mortensen, Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead
Oh my Seth. Seth is the most recent addition to my list of favorite beta males. He and Georgina Kincaid’s relationship is put through the wringer in Richelle Mead’s epic and unforgettable series. Seth Mortensen is a best-selling author who is connected to Georgie through this mysterious bond that neither of them can figure out. They’re ripped apart only to find each other again and again throughout the series.
I love Seth. He is the epitome of the beta male. He is the smart and silent type. While he doesn’t say a whole lot, what he does say will knock you over. His sincerity and deep love for Georgie is what I love the most. No matter what happens to either of them, he is always there for Georgie. What I love the most are his t-shirts.
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | iBooks | GR | My Review (Succubus Blues Book #1)
Jack Holland, Emi Lost & Found series by Lori Otto
Jack came into Emi’s life at a very traumatic time. Though he had feelings for her, he put her first. He put her healing first before himself. What I loved about Jack is his selflessness and immense patience. Jack’s waiting for Emi to decide what she wants, was a tangible demonstration of his love for her. Jack and Emi’s relationship developed slowly and on unstable ground, but over time they build a strong foundation. This series is so touching and very emotional.
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | iBooks | GR | My Review
Adrian Ivashkov, Vampire Academy & Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead
I just got home from watching the Vampire Academy movie. Selfishly, I really want more Vampire Academy movies if only for Adrian. He is a drunk and a womanizer. Sound like something you’d be interested in? No? Well, fear not he’s much more than that. We first meet Adrian Ivashkov in the Vampire Academy series, but we really get to know him in the spin-off series, Bloodlines. His persistent pursual of Sydney Sage is hilarious and incredibly adorable. For being such a snarky and witty character, you wouldn’t expect these heart wrenching romantic phrases to come out of his mouth. After Indidgo Spell, he secured a permanent place in my heart.
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | iBooks | GR
Chase McGuire, Emancipating Andie by Priscilla Glenn
Every one of Priscilla Glenn’s books have been a favorite of mine. Chase is a free-spirited photographer who lives life without a plan. Andie, on the other hand, is controlled by structure. When these two get stuck in a car from New York to Florida, their personalities clash and feelings develop. There is just one small problem. Andie is in a relationship.
Chase respects Andie and Colin enough to let her go and decide what she wants. Like many of the guys on my list, he is patient and waits for her. When these two get together, I wanted to dance around my apartment and shout from the mountaintops. Chase really understood Andie from the beginning, he could see right through her perfectly posed life. He taught her how to live life instead of planning everything.
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | GR | My Review
Cricket Bell, Lola & the Boy Next Door
As the title suggests, Cricket Bell is the quintessential boy next door. Growing up as neighbors, Lola and Cricket talked to each other outside their bedroom windows for years. Lola had a crush on him for the longest time. And then he disappears. He moves away, leaving Lola heartbroken. Years later, he and his twin sister return and Lola’s feelings come back full force. But she’s in a relationship.
Throughout the whole book, Lola and Cricket dance around their feelings for each other. Through stolen glances and passing looks, you can tell that the feelings Lola has for Cricket are reciprocated. There is this delicious longing that I could feel in my toes as I read this book that only young adult can deliver. Even though Cricket is in college, he comes home just to spend time with Lola. When Lola’s estranged mother comes back into her life abruptly, Cricket is there for her.
Amazon: US • UK • CAN | iBooks | GR | My Review
