Guest post written by Friends Don’t Fall In Love author Erin Hahn
Erin Hahn is the author of the young adult novels You’d Be Mine, More Than Maybe, and Never Saw You Coming as well as the adult romance Built to Last. Romance is her vibe, grunge is her soundtrack and fall is her signature color. She fell for her flannel-clad college sweetheart the very first day of school and together, they have two hilarious kids who keep her humble. She lives outside Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has a cat named Gus who plays fetch and a dog named June who doesn’t.
Friends Don’t Fall In Love is about long-time friends, taking chances, and finding out that, sometimes, your perfect person was right there in your corner all along.
A year or so back, I was texting in my favorite group chat about, what else, romance novels, and I asked my best friends what they wanted in their love interests? We’re a diverse group of 40-year old women with complex backgrounds and preferences, but the feedback was unanimous: they wanted, no needed, regular guys. We all love an alpha billionaire with cut abs and a growly bedroom voice, but none of us have ever met one of those in real life. They wanted someone they could actually see themselves encountering at the grocery store, or who might pack their lunch with a note about kicking ass in their board meetings… and not only that, they wanted that to feel just as hot as the (oft toxic) alpha stories they were reading.
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever written an alpha male in my life, so this was good news for me. I married my college sweetheart who is the most secure beta male you’ve ever met. He’s my partner, my best friend, and my biggest fan… and he’s inspired every love interest I’ve ever penned.
Out of this conversation, Craig “Huckleberry” Boseman was born. I’d initially planned for Lorelai’s love interest to be her superstar alpha ex Drake Colter, but… I couldn’t stand the guy. Certainly not enough to put Lorelai through the task of falling for him. Craig had just the tiniest cameo in my debut Built to Last. A paragraph or two, tops. He was just some guy I threw in there as a space holder.
And hold space he did. Craig writes erotic poetry, wears reading glasses, has a motorcycle, and likes to hang out with his 12-year-old nephew. He owns his own indie record company, has a soft middle, and loves to give over receive in the bedroom. He drinks good wine, takes care of Lorelai when she’s sick, and wants nothing more than for her to realize her worth. He thinks she hangs the moon and loves her for exactly who she is, and isn’t threatened by her potential.
If you know me, you know I’m a reader first, writer second. So I asked Craig to help me put together a list of our Top 10 “Secure AF Beta Love Interests” for all of you. Mind, these are in no particular order because, obviously, it’s not a competition for these fellas (unless we were comparing how their ladies rank… then they might, I don’t know, raise their voices or write a strongly worded email, I guess).
West Ravenel in “The Devil’s Daughter” by Lisa Kleypas
Ah, West. Ruggedly handsome, utterly masculine, with a voracious appetite for food, life, and sex. Former childhood bully and wastrel, West doesn’t think he could possibly deserve Lady Phoebe even though he’s built his own small empire, complete with a glowing reputation as a fair and honorable man of the people. Despite his self-deprecating ways, he’ll stop at nothing to give Lady Phoebe everything he has if only to make her smile.
Beck Ryder in “America’s Geekheart” by Pippa Grant
Former boyband member and current underwear model and fashion mogul, Beck Ryder has it all. Except for the ability to impress the smart and beautiful girl next door, especially after he accidentally insults her in front of his millions of social media followers. You’ll fall in love with Beck’s heart, unwavering goodness, sense of humor, and appetite as he convinces Sarah to take a chance on him.
Sebastian Malheur in “The Countess Conspiracy” by Courtney Milan
Notable rake Sebastian has been best friends with the Countess, Violet Waterfield, since they were children and he’s probably been in love with her just as long (though he’d never admit it). After becoming a widow, she wants to publish her scientific research, but, of course, times being what they were, she couldn’t. Sebastian and Victoria concoct a plan, and for five years, Sebastian puts his name on Violet’s work, sharing it widely, speaking about it and often taking the heat for her controversial findings. Until one day, Sebastian is forced to quit and the two friends must discover who they are, really, when they aren’t hiding behind their separate masks and Sebastian takes on the daunting task of helping Violet discover her worth within the safe confines of his big love.
Malkom Slaine in “Demon from the Dark” by Kresley Cole
Is it strange to have a demon on this list? Maybe. But Malkom Slaine defies reason. He’s massive, fearless, and loyal. He’s hidden away for centuries, ashamed of who he’s been turned into until it turns out exactly who he is, is exactly who Carrow needs. He’s protective, which maybe some might call an alpha trait, but I don’t see it that way. Protective is fine as long as he sees her value and what she brings to the table, and boy does he! Also, a half demon, half vampire, and his fated witch mate? Sheesh. *fans self*
Meyer Harrington in “Funny Feelings” by Tarah DeWitt
Meyer is a former superstar comedian who stopped touring in order to raise his deaf daughter (DILF alert!) and manage the younger, prettier, up and coming comedic genious Farley Jones. His admiration and respect for Fee, letting her be exactly who she is and pushing her to challenge herself… while clearly pining for her, well. The result is both hilarious and bittersweet. Just like the best comedies.
Rhys, High Lord of the Night Court in “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas
“High Lord” doesn’t exactly say “beta” but hear me out. Rhys is secure A.F. He would do anything for his friends (including giving himself up for fifty years of torture to hide his kingdom). He would do anything for Feyre (including watch her marry his enemy). The pride Rhys displays at Feyre’s growth and ascension into power is unmatched and sexy as hell.
Noah Barden in “In a Jam” by Kate Canterbary
Childhood friends to (modern day) marriage of convenience? Yes please. But the real highlight for me is that Noah has been in love with Shay for most of their lives, so much so, that he’ll put himself through the sheer torture of “fake marrying” her just so she can gain possession of her late grandmother’s tulip farm. Oh, and did I mention he’s a dirty talking beta, who makes jam and is ALSO raising his niece as his own?
Jamie Fraser in “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon
Jamie Fraser has position and power, but not when we first meet him and never when it comes to his relationship with the headstrong and brilliant Claire. It’s not only their age difference, or even the jumping back and forth through the centuries, it’s his straight up loyalty to Claire and his self-assuredness when it comes to handling everything that comes the pair’s way. There’s is a true partnership grown out of respect, adversity, and love.
Josh Im in “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” by Christina Lauren
Hazel is the perfect characterization of “if I’m too much, go find less” and Josh Im doesn’t want to. They become best friends on a mission to help each other find love, but as Josh watches time and again as different men fail to understand the brilliance of Hazel, he realizes their mistake is his gain. She’s not too much for him, she’s exactly who he needs and he’s secure enough to love her out loud.
Jason Orson “The Line Up” by Meghan Quinn
It was hard to wrap up this list, but if any one of these characters would be comfortable being last, it would be Jason Orson. Major League baseball player, loyal brother, amateur chef and owner of the “best ass” in baseball (at least according to him). Jason’s undeniable sincerity and unwavering self-confidence hold up to and eventually melt Ice Queen Dottie’s chilly façade. He wears down her rough edges and convinces her to take a chance on him.
