I’ve gotten a bit of a reputation amongst my friends. They know that if they ask for book recommendations, a large percentage of my answers will be genre fiction/romance. Some have gotten into the habit of qualifying the question with—“no romance”. Finding answers tends to be difficult. Not because I only read romance novels (not to mention, I’ve edited several books that have little to no romance in them at all!). Rather, I find it difficult because so many books will have elements of romance in them, regardless of what section of the bookstore they’re placed in.
So now I’d like to play a game. In part, because I always love finding new books to read. For another, I really, really like games. For anyone who ends up playing monopoly with me in the future, I’ll add a warning though—I cheat. 
So here goes: Who is your most swoon-worthy NON-romance hero/heroine? And why?
Here’s the only rule. There can’t be romance in the book.
Mine would be a toss-up between two (see, I’m cheating already…) heroes.
The first is Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mocking Bird. I would marry that man in a heartbeat. He’s so wise. So eloquent. He’s the type of man who would inspire me to be better, to be stronger. Plus, I can’t hear that name without thinking of Gregory Peck. Definitely swoon-worthy.
And the second is Dr. Laszlo Kreizler from The Alienist by Caleb Carr. This psychologist (referred to as an Alienist before psychology was a recognized science) is patient. He takes care of the children society would want pushed aside. He’s patient. And smart—oh man, he is smart! He’s also willing to fade into the background, letting the police take credit for his actions, to make sure that justice is served. And there’s a darkness in his past, hurts that lay deeply under the surface… He’s not perfect, but he tries to be a good man. A righteous man. And I find that so swoon-worthy.
Now it’s your turn!
Hmm. I was going to say Aragorn, because I had a crush on him forever, but I suppose–although the love affair is pre-book and culminates at the end of the book, it can’t count. Not really a romance, per se, but a HEA…
*thinks*
It will have to be Eddard Stark then, from A Game of Thrones, first book in the Ice and Fire saga by George R R Martin. I fell hard for Stark the first time I read it (years before the series was made) and I felt every noble bone in his stupid loyal body and just KNEW that it couldn’t end well for him because he couldn’t bend, he would only break.
Getting Sean Bean playing him was a fabulous bonus.
OK this might be cheating a little because there is some romance-ish elements in the book, but not with this character. It’d be Haymitch from the Hunger Games series.
He just begs for a good love story, what with the gruffness and redemption and the tortured by his past but with a good heart under it all. Yeah. Instead of the swooning over Peeta I was supposed to be doing, I was wanting to climb into those books and love all over Haymitch.
@Erastes : Ooh I love Eddard Stark! I’m ashamed to say this but I haven’t read the books yet. They’re so huge, and I get so obsessed with series, that I’m super intimidated. But I’ve been watching the show and he’s by far my favorite! So swoonworthy!!
@Fae : Haymitch–so awesome! His protectiveness that comes through is so well paced. I remember thinking I’d hate him, then loving him by the end of the book. Definitely swoonworthy!!
Jack Bauer from the 24: Declassified series. An anti-hero in many ways, to be sure. But then I’ve always had a thing for bad boys who are fallible, flawed heroes.
There is only one for me. All the others spring from him.
Francis Crawford of Lymond, the central character in Dorothy Dunnett’s “Lymond Chronicles” series.
If you haven’t read the series, I am so jealous because I’d love to have them to read over again!
This is a bit of a cheat, but I’d say Albert Campion (Margery Allingham’s 20′s-40s detective)–from any of the early books before he meets the woman who will one day be his wife.
I admit I am in love with Harry Dresden, the wizard from Jim Butcher’s amazing series The Dresden Files. It’s not completely an unromantic story as there’s a love affair (that doesn’t end well) and an ever-present mutual attraction with one of the main female characters.
But Harry will do anything to protect those he loves — sometimes to very dramatic ends. He’s also got a great sense of humor and is an all-around Good Guy.
Harry Dresden is my choice, too. Love that he’s a wizard and isn’t afraid to use his abiities for the greater good. While there was a small romantic interest, as Kris said, and they ever presnt attraction, these are not what I’d normally consider a “romance”. Loved all the books and even the short-lived TV series that was on SyFy Channel several years ago.
I’ve had a long-standing crush on John Watson from the Sherlock Holmes stories. And I suppose he gets married, but the stories are pretty thin on the romance, so hopefully that counts!
The Alienist is one of my all-time favourites. Must read it again.
Okay, I’m cheating a bit on my fav swoon-worthy hero because the book does involve love although it’s not a romance. The character is Lewis from Susan Howatch’s “A Question of Integrity” (also released as “The Wonder Worker”).
Lewis is in love with Venetia, who, because of her past relationships, is a very damaged woman. Lewis knows that if he hits on her she’ll probably make love with him, but that she’ll end up more emotionally damaged. He chooses not to hit on her, denying his own feelings but ensuring that Venetia will be emotionally healed and become the best woman she can be.
Now that’s real love. Chokes me up every time.
@Roxy: Jack Bauer is a great one–you said it perfectly with the anti-hero aspect!
@Lynne and @Cindy: These are all such awesome recommendations! I haven’t read “Lymond Chronicles” series, or the books with Albert Champion! But I’m definitely going to be checking them out now!
@Michelle and @Kathy:I loved the Dresden Files series. I made it I think 7 books in, then took a break from reading them. When I was ready to start up again, I’d moved and now can’t find the books I had. So I’m waiting to catch up until I can re-read those. :/ But I wholeheartedly agree. He’s super swoonworthy!
@Janni: Aww! Isn’t it the sweet guys who end up being the most swoonworthy of all? And re: The Alienist, I’m right there with you. While I was writing this I had such an urge to go reread the book!
I have to jump in … and shout snap! I was going to say Margaret Allingham’s books, too, like Cindy, but not the hero Albert but his friend Inspector Luke. Oh wow. I still remember reading the thriller, Tiger in the Smoke. What a fantastic book and Luke is just a force of nature. He is like London in a person.
You know, Mallory, I cannot think of a single book I’ve adored without some element of romance. I loved the Alienist but I read it so long ago that I don’t remember the hero.
How about Robert Langdon from Dan Brown’s novels? He’s like a modern day Indiana Jones.
It’s a toss-up!
Japhrimel (Jaf) in Lilith Saintcrow’s “Working for the Devil”
Why: As a demon, Jaf’s awkwardness when it comes to human socialization is downright adorable. Also, there’s just something so yummy about a hyper-protectiveness.
Archie Goodwin in Rex Stout’s “Nero Wolfe” series
Why: There’s NOTHING I don’t adore about Archie! He’s always there with a snappy answer or, when necessary, a right hook and THEN a snappy answer. Archie makes me laugh, and as Joanne Woodward said about funny men, “Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades. But to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that’s a real treat.”
Jack Reacher! So absolutely Jack Reacher. He’s so great that when he leaves the girl behind at the end of each book, she ain’t even mad.
@Mallory_Braus, I realize the 24 books came after the tv series, and it’s impossible to read one of the books and not picture Sutherland as Jack. So for those of us who were fans long before 24 especially, that may be going outside the parameters of the original intent of the question here. ::swoon anyway::
Just thought of another one… James Asher!…from Barbara Hambly’s vampire book series. There’s hardly a hint of romance since Asher is married, but besides his strength and intelligence, he values and admires his wife–they have a true partnership. That makes his character very swoon-worthy.
oh baby, Reacher all the way.
and Lucas Davenport. that there’s a sexy good bad man. and a cop to boot. youch.
and, of course, Philip Marlowe.
Late to the party! And I can’t think of anyone on my own. You got me with Atticus Finch. And–harking more to the movies than the actual book–Matthew from ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. He was just so sweet and Richard Farnsworth nailed his character.