Happy Valentine’s Day!
It’s the day of roses, chocolates and all the stuff…
For someone who loves romance novels, I’m not actually that romantic in my real life. I find big declarations of love a little cringe-worthy for both the ‘declarer’ and the ‘declaree’. I prefer the every day companionship of sharing a life – slow mornings over coffee, reading side by side in bed, watching trash TV together, sending each other videos of cute farm animals living in houses.
So, while I’m not all that romantic and I don’t really participate in this holiday, I thought today would be a great day to share what is that makes me fall for a book boyfriend. Because…. I do love a good book boyfriend.
I’m happy to read about the FMC being swept of her feet with a grand romantic gesture. I long for her to slowly fall for the man she was always supposed to be with. I love the grump who meets his sunshine and all the other romance tropes. I love to read romance…on paper, screen and audio.
Must-have bookish boyfriend traits:
Banter: For me, banter is the number one trait of a book boyfriend. If an MMC is playful, witty and good with words, I’ll be hooked from the first gentle teasing or easy comeback.
Ruggedness: I am attracted to bookish men who are employed in a physically demanding job – rancher, cowboy, mechanic… Beards are great and so are tattoos.
Squishiness: I like my book boyfriends to have a squishy side, to be deeper than they at first seem. Sometimes this looks like working through trauma; letting down their guard and letting someone in; and showing who they really are on the inside. I love to see character growth and development from an MMC.
Brain: When I am introduced to an MMC, I like to know that they have interests and are interesting. They don’t need high IQs but they need to be more than just their ‘looks’. I like them to have knowledge, interests and hobbies, and it’s a bonus if they like to read.
Heart: An MMC with heart is perfect. If he has an affinity for animals, children or the elderly, that’s wonderful. If he has strong family ties…YES!! If he is protective, kind, respectful…he can have my bookish heart. SWOON!
Some of the best bookish boyfriends I’ve read:
All the Rebel Blue Ranch boys – Luke Brooks, Weston Ryder, Gus Ryder, and Dusty Tucker.
Each of the Winston Brothers, particularly Cletus Winston.
Beckett Porter in In the Weeds by B K Borison
Shep from Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
Christian Griffith in Dust Storm by Maggie Gates
What are you looking for in a bookish boyfriend? Who are your favourites?
#bookish #bookishboyfriend #romance #romancereads #valentinesday #reading #readingromance
Bookish Me 