For me, Beta Heroes are just more interesting. They have facets that will take a lifetime to explore. As a cat, I am infinitely curious so I find this depth of character, this nuance, hot. 

Here are some great Beta Heroes from Contemporary Romance. In not particular order because who can expect that of me? 

1. Friends Without Benefits  by Penny Reid Nico Ex Model/Comedian/Actor

2. Geek with the Cat Tattoo  by Theresa Weir Emerson Foshay Guitar Maker 

3. CRASH by Pepper Pace Lucas, a young homeless man

4. Control by Charlotte Stein Gabriel Bookshop Assistant 

5.  Unscripted by Jayne Denker  Professor Mason Mitchell

6. Love Kinection by Jennifer James  Tom Walker  Tech God 

7. Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame Jensen Walker, College Student 

8.  Hard Rock Remix  by Ava Lore Carter Hudson Rock Star 

9. Vision In White  by Nora Roberts Carter Maguire English Teacher

10. The Rebound Girl by Tamara Morgan  Matt Fuller Grade School Teacher

Okay, so I think teachers and professors are sexy. Sue me.

Favorite Contemporary Beta Heroes that you think I missed? 

Vote for the best of the best Contemporary Romance Novel Beta Heroes on the Goodreads list: Best Beta Heroes in Contemporary Romance.

To get even more recommendations, see my Pinterest Board: King of the Betas: Best Beta Heroes in Romance. 

Category Romance Beta Heroes have their own list:  Best Beta Hero of Category Romance.

 For me, Beta Heroes are the guys you would actually marry in real life. They are my favorite heroes. 

Strong but not dominating--they pay attention and understand their feelings and their partner's as well.

Lauren Dane's eloquently states that "a beta hero is a strong, smart man who would do anything to help his woman. But he’s more easygoing and laid back. He’s the good guy. The guy who handles problems calmly. He’s often very smart and prefers to use that intelligence and his personality to make things happen. He’s also a champion at the woo..."

Sarah Wendell says of Betas "I love beta heroes because, when they are deployed by a talented author, they explore alternate methods of heroism and dominance. They aren't going to force everyone to their will just by showing up and demanding it, but they are going to demonstrate their worth as the hero—often in subtle and endearing ways. You have to watch, er, read closely. More often than not, beta heroes, especially the fiercely intelligence ones ones, are the heroes who surprise me as I read."

I say-- I like Alphas plenty. They are fantasy fun but when I when I want to fall in love--it is Beta all the way.

In no particular order, here are some of my favorite Beta Heroes...

1. The Mane Squeeze (The Pride Series) by Shelly Laurenston Okay, so Lock is my favorite hero of all time. Sue me. He is the closest to the actual love of my life of any hero I have ever read (Goofy and Hot)--if my husband could shape shift into a bear, he would. lol

2. Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi Althea is one smart woman to choose Jess.

3. A Brother's Price by Wen Spencer In this gender reversed world, Jerin shows the fierceness of paternity.

4.  Friends Without Benefits (Knitting in the City) by Penny Reid  Nico The Face has charm to spare.

5. The Story Guy (Novella) by Mary Ann Rivers Oh the kissing! Devoted and smart Brian. 

6. Lord Carew's Bride by Mary Balogh Lord Carew can kick some ass too and in this book you will find one of the best duels ever.

7. Lady Sophia's Lover (Bow Street, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas The Monk of Bow Street is so smart and so sexy.

8. Parting Gifts by Lorraine Heath  Two heroes. Amazing read every time. 

9. Shelter Mountain  by Robyn Carr Go head and mess with the Preacher Man 

10. One Christmas Knight by  Kathleen Creighton Trucker with dimples who delivers babies when need be. 

I feel lucky to have read so many great Beta Heroes. I put many more of them on theis Goodreads list: King of The Betas: Best Beta Romance Hero (MF). Check it out and vote your favorites and add some. This list attempts to crown the King of the Betas.

Let know who you love!

Some great reading on Beta Heroes for your pleasure: 

The Sneaky Appeal of the Beta Hero by Sarah Wendell

Alpha, Beta, Gamma: The ABG's of Romance by Jane from Dear Author

What Makes a Hero Heroic? Alpha and Beta Heroes by Lauren Dane