Men with Golden Retriever Energy vs The World š
Tall, dark and morally ambiguous has its time and place okay? But sometimes we just need the love of a sweet, sweet man who would never harm us š
Edited to add: do you KNOW how hard it was to find even five books?? I had to scroll back through my finished reads all the way to 2021! š either I have Tall, dark and morally ambiguous taste, or itās a rare trope. Either way, now starts my mission to seek them out. This will be a mix of genres, m/f m/m and possibly trigger warnings.
created by thehobbit
last updated October, 2025
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Are you looking for any particular genre for this list? I love a golden retriever man, and I've read a lot of them, but they're mostly contemporary romance with a few romantasy sprinkled in.
Off the top of my head:
Any of the Saints of Steel by T Kingfisher, honestly, but especially Paladin's Grace and Paladin's Hope - I feel like the kindness comes with the territory of paladins in general (I guess depending on what gods they serve)
That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming - more or less a literal golden retriever. He's lactose intolerant, but eats grilled cheese for her.
The House Witch by Delemhach - his power is to make whatever place he considers his home, cozy. He becomes head cook in the castle and there's so much food.
Dealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte Stein - the most adorable demon trying to learn how to human
Odd Blood by Azaela Crowley - himbo vampire hires struggling baker to care for his vampire grandmother
A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley - he owns a plant shop and knits his own sweater vests
My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein - this guy is based on Ted Lasso, so, the most wholesome man alive
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen - second chance love in a world where demigods are real and also there's glitter-breathing dragons. They've been sherrifs guarding against zombies together and next door neighbors for 20 years. He bakes cakes for her kids.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert - he reads romance novels, brings her coffee every morning and coaches little league football.
Claws and Contrivances by Stephanie Burgis - he's a nerdy dragonologist who just wants to be left to his research.
Demon World Boba Shop by RC Joshua - he literally introduced boba tea to a world full of demons (though to be fair, they're the kindest demons you'll ever meet)
Oh my god what a beautiful long list š„¹ and no Iām not restricting by genre at all, so Iāll have a look through these thank you so much!
Wearing the Lion, I think. That Hercules (while going through tragic things) is the sweetest version of the character ever.
Oooooh thank you Iāll take a look!
Also... Sunbearer Trials? I loved it for the friendly and empathic and caring MC. It was like they made the token supportive friend character the main hero.
That sounds wonderful - I read cemetery boys but I havenāt got around to the sun bearer trials yet even though I own a copy - maybe I should slide it higher up the tbr š
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