Okay, I went to the mean streets of Facebook for the latest and most accurate data on what makes a great book boyfriend and who our favorites are. Here are the requirements:
- He makes me laugh.
- Follows through on his promises.
- Has my back and knows I have his.
- Takes care of me, but has faith I can take care of myself.
- Romantic
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Levelheaded
- Confident
- Respects you.
Let’s look at the list. Do you notice what’s missing? Nowhere does it say he has to be drop-dead-gorgeous. Nor does it say he has to have a six-pack. Nope, those traits were not even listed, which makes sense, as no one looks the same at fifty as they did at twenty. Not to mention, how do you define good looks? What appeals to one person doesn’t necessarily appeal to the next (although I’m sure we can all agree Hugh Jackman is practically perfect in every way).
We want laughter. Life is stressful, we need someone who makes us smile and lifts our spirits. The second requirement is extremely important. If he’s going to say, “hey, honey I’ll pick up dinner tonight,” then he better follow through (because if can’t here, then you can’t depend on him when things are really tough, like say when the bad guys are after you). I love when my husband does things for me “just because”, but I also need to know he has total confidence in me to take care of my own stuff.
Who doesn’t want romance? ‘Nuff said.
Intelligent and loyal – yes, we want someone we can talk to about more than sports and the weather and we need to know their eyes aren’t looking for the next best thing. Levelheaded? Yep, Neanderthals need not apply. Confidence? Yes. Arrogance? No thanks. And above all, he needs to respect us.
I have to agree with the experts (romance readers and writers) on the list, because these are all traits that don’t fade over the years and will get you through the tough and lean times.
Now, who are our favorite book boyfriends?
Roarke (JD Robb)
Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
The men of Dare Island (Virginia Kantra)
The Troubleshoot series men (Suzanne Brockman)
Luke “Doc Holiday” Colter (With No Remorse, Cindy Gerard)
Johnny Duane Reed (Whisper No Lies, Cindy Gerard)
Reid Knowles (Once Tasted, Laura Moore)
Sam Lang (Take No Prisoners, Cindy Gerard)
Jamie Fraiser (Outlander, Diana Gabaldon)
Gabe Nelson (Triple Time, Regina Kyle)
The list goes on, because with a few exceptions (like those boys with the Irish and Scottish accents), everyone had their own unique favorite. I would like to throw my own hero up on that list. Jason Valentine (BACHELORETTE FOR SALE), who I feel has most of the traits on our list.
So tell me. Did I miss any of your requirements and who’s your favorite book boyfriend?
Bachelorette For Sale
This sparkling debut dives right in to everything funny, flirty, and fiery about modern dating with the tale of a sexy singles auction that comes with the prize of a lifetime…
As far as Cherry Ryan is concerned, the bright lights of Hollywood are nothing but glare after her heart is broken on a reality show for millions to see. Instead she’s throwing herself into fundraising for the local community center that was a priceless lifeline to her as a kid. But when a volunteer for the singles auction bails at the last minute, Cherry finds herself on the block—and sold to Jason Valentine, a handsome contractor with a gorgeous body—and a really bad attitude about her days in the limelight…
Cherry soon finds that Jason’s more than eye candy, and not entirely sweet—especially his quest to win the bid for the center’s renovation. Mixing business with pleasure doesn’t seem like such a good idea—until Jason has a chance to reveal the big heart beneath his surly exterior. Cherry’s falling for him hard, but trust isn’t easy when you’ve been burned. To conquer her fears will take a giant leap of faith—straight into the spotlight again…
About the Author
Gail Chianese’s love of reading began at the tender age of three, when she’d make her grandpa read Fourteen Country Rabbits over and over and over again (and correct him when he skipped parts). While she’s branched out over the years by reading mystery, women’s fiction, and urban fantasy, she always circles back to romance in the end. That’s probably because she’s married to her real life hero. Her wonderful hubby has served in the US Navy for the past twenty two years and he’s done things he can’t tell her about. But it doesn’t stop her from being extremely proud of him and the sacrifices he makes for her, his family, and his country. He’s also uber-supportive of her dreams and of their three children. Living in Mystic, CT and a member of Connecticut Romance Writers of America, Gail loves to hear from readers. Visit her online at GailChianese.com, follow her on Twitter @Gail_Chianese, or send her an e mail at gail.chianese@yahoo.com.
Shelley, thank you so very much for having me today. I can’t wait to see who your readers add to this list.
Oh, it’s definitely Roarke.
Gail,
Thanks so much for your lovely post. Bachelorette for Sale sounds terrific. Your list was great and made me do a mental check of my own characters! I am going to check some of these reads out too. Have a great week!