When I was in my late teens I was given a book called The Bronze Horseman, a piece of historical fiction written by Paullina Simons. It was the first in a trilogy, all three of which I absolutely devoured.
Having been an avid reader since a young age, seeing me nose-deep in a book was nothing new. And while I loved this book enough to have read it multiple times, this was the first time I decided a book's male protagonist was, in fact, the man of my dreams.
His name was Alexander. He was strong, tall, determined, passionate, romantic, and beyond dedicated to the book's lead character Tatiana. Did I mention strong?
I could literally see and hear him in my mind. I still can. And you know what? He'll always be there. No matter what. No matter when.
Watch: The trailer for the TV adaptation of Trent Dalton's book, Boy Swallows Universe. Post continues below.
That's the thing about books, (and their attractive male characters), they aren't going anywhere. We asked 14 women who their 'book boyfriend' is, and here's what they said.
Our favourite literary book boyfriends.
"Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. He was sweet and romantic and he just loved all her quirks. Also in my mind he was very handsome." — Jodie.
"When I first read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott at a young age, Laurie instantly captured my heart. Laurie's character, with his humour, generosity, and his unwavering support for the March sisters was it for me." — Alicia.
"Fitzwilliam Darcy, aka Mr Darcy, from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, because he loved Elizabeth Bennet for her complicated, complex, charismatic, clever self." — Ali.
"Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas will always have my heart. Morally grey, self-sacrificing, puts Feyre first. Also a sucker for dark hair and light eyes." — Taylor.
"Nick Nelson from Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is the sweetest human known to man." — Kristy.
"Cillian from The Villain, part of the Boston Belles series by L. J. Shen. He's everything I'd never go for in real life but in a book. Perfection." — Phoenix.
"Johnny in Duck a l'Orange for Breakfast by Karina May. A hottie who can cook? Yes please." — Candice.
"Hunter from the Wicca series by Cate Tiernan. Sexy, respectful, caring, patient, vulnerable. Not perfect but working on things. Sexy." — Taylor.
"My first was Ponyboy from The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. What can I say? I was thirteen and into sensitive guys with long hair." — Tristan.
"Edward Cullen from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I was sixteen once I really got into it so we were all swooning and I was totally Team Edward. He was all about her and was so charming, romantic and mysterious." — Blair.
"Julian Haites from the Magnolia Parks books by Jessa Hastings. He was just the perfect knight in shining armour, rough around the edges, with a heart of gold underneath for his family. Morally grey, but forgivable." — Sarah.
"Matthew and/or Gallowglass from the A Discovery of Witches series by Deborah Harkness. Matthew is so protective, and he just dotes on Diana. Gallowglass is similar in ways but much rougher around the edges in comparison." — Blair.
"Bob, Will, Bill and Howard (all spaceships run by the brain scan of Robert Johannson who died in the 2030s) from the Bobiverse series. Their characters are so clever, loyal and reasonably pure." —Petra.
"Jacob from Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta was an early book crush. Such a babe in my mind. I was mildly disappointed with the movie casting because Kick Gurry didn't fulfil my Jacob Coote mind's eye fantasy." —Pip.
Who is your favourite book boyfriend? Share with us in the comments below!
Feature Image: Amazon.
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