Three Cheers for Beta Heroes

Beta heroes get lost in the shuffle when it comes to romance. But in real life, let's be honest. Who would you want to marry? A domineering jerk or a sweet, lovable teddybear. I know what my answer is.
What defines a beta hero? He usually has these traits:

• He thinks before he acts. He's a very good planner
• He is more likely to be open with his emotions
• He has a very essential core of gentleness that makes him want to care for others
• His gentleness can heal a tortured heroine's heart in a way that an alpha hero cannot reach
• He will be involved in cerebral/healing professions
• He's an excellent friend, and a loyal lover
• He's not arrogant, despite being very good at what he does
• His calm nature allows him to resolve tricky situations and to soothe a high-strung heroine
• His love for his heroine is an ardent, but steadfast flame that does not burn out
• He is often quite witty because his intelligent brain has the answers before he opens his mouth

Who are my favorite beta heroes?

• Carter McKoy from The Texan's Wager by Jodi Thomas
• Geoffrey de Burgh from the De Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
• Jake Burnett from Sweet Lullaby by Lorraine Heath
• Francis Haile, Lord Middlethorpe from Forbidden by Jo Beverley
• Avery Thorne from My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway
• Harry Braxton from As You Desire by Connie Brockway
• Justin Powell from Bridal Favors by Connie Brockway
• Robert Carroway from England's Perfect Hero by Suzanne Enoch
• Mick Tremore from The Proposition by Judith Ivory
• Nathan Senatra from American Dreamer by Theresa Weir
• Arden Mansfield, Lord Winter from The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale
• Samuel Gerard from The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale
• Houston Leigh from Texas Destiny by Lorraine Heath
• Cleavis Rhy from Garters by Pamela Morsi
• Dr. Winton Grey from A Convenient Wife by Carolyn Davidson
• Aaron Wallace from The Way Home by Megan Chance
• Dr. Caleb Chaney from The Doctor's Wife by Cheryl St. John
• Ford Colston from Forever in Texas by Jodi Thomas
• Ray Singleton from The Magic of Ordinary Days (Hallmark Movie, also a book that I haven't read)
• Noah Cutter from His Secondhand Wife by Cheryl St. John
• S.T. Maitland from The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale
• Dr. Lawrence Digby from The Enchantment by Kristin Hannah
• Will Travers from River of Eden by Glenna McReynolds

Yes, alpha heroes are very sexy. But don't discount the appeal of these wonderful beta heroes. If you want a guy to knock your socks off, and keep your feet warm, these guys will come through for you.