Comments on: You tell us: Who is your most swoon-worthy NON-romance hero/heroine?

By: Liz Flaherty

Liz Flaherty — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:59:21 +0000

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.

By: SG Wong

SG Wong — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:51:16 +0000

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.

By: Roxy

Roxy — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:10:02 +0000

@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.

By: emptycalories

emptycalories — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:52:53 +0000

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.

By: Stacy Gail

Stacy Gail — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:43:42 +0000

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.”

By: dani

dani — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:36:12 +0000

How about Robert Langdon from Dan Brown’s novels? He’s like a modern day Indiana Jones.

By: SabrinaD

SabrinaD — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:19:45 +0000

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.

By: Jenny Schwartz

Jenny Schwartz — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:06:04 +0000

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.

By: Mallory_Braus

Mallory_Braus — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:31:43 +0000

@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!

By: Janni Nell

Janni Nell — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:19:17 +0000

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.