8 Irish Book Boyfriends to Swoon Over
It’s impossible to resist an Irish male main character in a romance book. Irish heroes tend to be loyal to a fault, gentleman through and through, and, of course, they’re blessed with a brogue that might make you melt on the spot. In contemporary romance, you’ll not only find romance books set in Ireland, but also plenty of swoon-worthy stories set elsewhere that still feature some of the best romance books Irish heroes you can find. Here is a roundup of some of my favorite Irish book boyfriends. Léamh sona (aka happy reading)!
Roomies by Christina Lauren
If you love steamy romance books Irish heroes, Calvin will absolutely win you over. This marriage-of-convenience gem is packed with so much goodness: a delightful meet-cute in the NYC subway, an FMC who wholeheartedly supports her man, and that classic Christina Lauren humor. Calvin is adorable, but don’t be fooled—the spicy scenes are straight-up 🔥.
If Not for My Baby by Kate Golden
What if Hozier were the MMC of one of today’s most emotional Irish romance books? Halloran is nothing like your typical musician hero. He’s sensitive, caring, and completely down bad for our FMC.
Float Plan by Trish Doller
When Anna attempts to sail around the Caribbean solo, grieving and determined, in comes Keane—funny, capable, warm, and exactly what she needs. This is an emotional story I absolutely loved, and his Irish charm gives this story that extra swoony touch. You will 100% understand why people love reading Irish heroes when you read this one! (honorable mention for book 3 in the series, Off the Map—also amazing, but I don’t think anyone could top Keane)
The Half of It by Theresa Christine
Aidan McCarthy is pure cinnamon-roll perfection. This yearny, slow-burn sweetheart has spent years putting others first. When he meets the FMC, he wants nothing more than to savor every moment with her. If you want a tender, steamy romance book Irish hero, he’s your guy.
Unfixable by Tessa Bailey
Cocky MMCs can be hit or miss for me, but when the FMC is just as fiery and sparks start to fly, it feels more like the playing field is leveled. The banter is chef’s kiss, and because it’s Tessa Bailey, you already know the dirty talk is going to be diiiirrrrtty. This is a top pick if you’re craving steamy romance books Irish heroes who bring the heat.
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
If you prefer flawed, sympathetic MMCs who will do anything for their leading lady, this belongs on your list of best romance books Irish heroes, stat. Ollie knows what he wants—and that it’s Nina. Their love story is a beautifully messy, emotionally rich journey.
All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst
Another wounded Irish hero? Yes, please. Aidan is an animal lover with a tender heart, making him instantly endearing. I typically read vacation romances where it’s the FMC who’s running away from her problems, but it’s fun to see it reversed a little here. Watching their romance unfold makes this one of those quietly powerful Irish romance books you’ll root for until the very last page.
Chasing River by K.A. Tucker
K.A. Tucker writes nuanced characters, and I adored River. He’s such a conflicted Irish romance book hero—he wants to do right by his family, be a good brother, and maybe even settle down himself one day. The meet cute involves physical peril which amps up the stakes, and I loved every minute of River and the FMC discovering they’re the person the other one needs.