Well! This is quite possibly the most difficult Top Ten Tuesday post I have ever had to put together, because the topic for this week from the girls at The Broke and the Bookish is Top Ten Book Boyfriends.
Now, I’m a happily married, strictly monogamous woman, but I’m sure you can all relate to having developed a little crush on (okay, maybe flat-out swooned over) characters you’ve met in books. Today is all about those characters! But there’s just one problem. Do you know how many books I’ve read in my lifetime? (Seriously, because I think it would be kind of cool—albeit scary—to know.) How am I supposed to pick just ten? I could probably fill that list just from two or three authors!
Nevertheless, I have done my best—and limited myself to ONE character per author. Apologies to the many swoon-worthy characters who I wasn’t able to squeeze into this post!
Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery)
My very first book love, who will always and forever look like Jonathan Crombie in my imagination. How can you go past a guy whose devotion spans years of being spurned (admittedly after allowing the heinous insult ‘carrots’ to pass his lips), then tentative friendship, blossoming friendship, and a proposal rejection before finally winning the girl of his heart? <3
Brice Myerston (The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White)
Brice Myerston is a Duke, so he has that going for him. He’s also charming, good looking, and a little bit of a flirt. But when he obeys the Lord’s prompting to protect Rowena Kinnaird by marrying her, he sets an inspiring example of what it means to love your wife as Christ loved the Church, and it is the way in which he makes deliberate choices to love Rowena by his actions, both small and large, that earns him a place on this list. Read my full review.
Drew Farthering (Drew Fathering Mysteries by Julianna Deering)
Despite being untitled, Drew Farthering is the quintessential English gentleman: charming, well-spoken, intelligent, and witty. And he can very politely ensure his wife is given the respect she deserves in English and French! What’s not to love? You can read my reviews for later books in the series here: Dressed for Death; Murder on the Moor.
Wes Harrison (Just The Way You Are by Pepper Basham)
Okay, Pepper Basham is one of those authors who could have half-filled my list all by herself. I’m not sure she knows how to create a hero who isn’t swoon-worthy. But there’s something about reformed bad-boy Wes Harrison that just melts a girl into the ground, you know? Perhaps it’s his clean-cut English good looks, or the smooth, velvety tones of that English accent when he says, “I want to do more than make your pulse race. I want your friendship and your confidence. I want to make you laugh and be your best secret-keeper. I want to capture your heart.” Yep. I’m a puddle right now. <3 Read my review here.
Garr Wulfrith (The Unveiling by Tamara Leigh)
If you’re in the mood for a hero who defines testosterone, it’s hard to go past a medieval warrior; particularly a man of influence, with the kind of strength and skill that has made him a renowned trainer of knights. Meet Baron Wulfrith! You can even read my review.
Dean Watters (Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig)
If you’re looking for a guy who’s got your back, look no further than the heroes Ronie creates. It has nearly killed me to pick just one of her characters to feature here, but Dean Watters is a stand-out for me, particularly when it comes to ‘having your back’. Laser-focused and highly skilled, “he isn’t big on words, but the dude can put some serious action behind the few words he utters.” He’s the most reserved of my bookish heroes, but his actions leave no doubt about how deep his love runs toward the woman who finally unlocks his heart.
Bear McKinley (All This Time by Melissa Tagg)
Bear McKinley *sigh* Ruggedly handsome in a boy-next-door kind of way, and until now, he’s also had the whole mysterious past thing going for him, too. If you were even a tiny bit in love with Bear before this book, you will be head-over-heels by the end of it. He’s a guy who’s trying to outrun his past, and constantly sacrificing himself in order to do so. He gives so much of himself, and yet still feels like he deserves so little. And he’s just . . . Bear. <3
Hunter Pearce (Written in the Dust by Christina Coryell)
This was another agonizing decision. Hunter, Gatlin, or Cole Parker (from the Camdyn Taylor series)? All three such different characters, and yet equally swoon-worthy. But there’s something about Hunter’s quiet nature, his honourableness, his loyalty, his willingness to help, and yet his insecurity when it comes to Holly’s love, that tugs at my heart. And the quiet devotion. He’s definitely a keeper!
Ty Porter (Meant To Be Mine by Becky Wade)
Ty Porter is one of a kind. And that kind would be MAJOR FLIRT. “He looked like living, breathing temptation, like a red-blooded male who drove a truck, had a strong appreciation for women, and drank testosterone for breakfast.” And he’s utterly incorrigible. I defy any woman not to turn to mush once he set his sights on her. Celia sure put up a good fight, but beneath all that charm and impulsiveness lies a generous guy who’s been brought up right. And once he works himself out, he loves deep and long. And he’s not afraid to show it!
Paul Rustin (Reclaimed by Jennifer Rodewald)
Paul Rustin makes my heart ache, he’s so sweet. And I mean that in a totally masculine way! He’s hardworking, honest, sincere, and determined to be a friend to the ‘pickle’ who lives down the road, even if she can be a bit sour. You can read my review here.
“I want to do more than make your pulse race. I want your friendship and your confidence. I want to make you laugh and be your best secret-keeper. I want to capture your heart.” (heart-eyes)
Fantastic list!!
Thanks so much for naming Ty Porter as one of your book boyfriends! One of the joys of writing romance is the chance to fall for a new book boyfriend with every novel. How lucky am I? 🙂
I love the Gilbert and Garr characters. I have been a fan of Tamara Leigh for years. My favorite is Maxem Pendery. I recently found two more characters I admired when I read Liz Galvano’s Casa Bella Chronicles. If you haven’t met Giovanni and Vincenzo, you might want to check them out. Psst…they both use swords!
I’m sooo happy to see a Garr Wulfrith on your list. I’m also a fan of Becky Wade’s heroes and I don’t know how you were able to pick just one. And Gilbert…sigh.
Gasp! Aww… Paul. 🙂 He is a good man. And YES to Gilbert. Also to Hunter… <3 And I would have to add Christian from Tamara Leigh's The Redeeming, because that book… *swoon* 🙂
Yes, Christian is another one. I tell you, narrowing down this list was H.A.R.D! And if you’re swooning about Hunter now, wait until you’ve read Written in the Dust! 😍
Gilbert Blythe!!! One of my very first book boyfriends EVER.
Katie, I’m so tickled that Wes made your list!! He’s so swoony! I wonder if you’re going to enjoy my three new fellas.
It’s hard not to be smitten with Garr! And I’m itching to find time to reread Raptor 6 now. Which of course, would have to be followed by Hawk, and Falcon, and then Titanis… 😁
Gilbert! Dean! Drew! Bear! *Swoon* So many favorites. Oh, and I *almost* added Ty to my list… but instead picked John from “True to You” since I’ve talked about Ty (too much??) quite a lot. Love that you feature him today. He IS a one-of-a-kind memorable hero for sure. 🙂
John from True to You was one of the heroes I was soooo wanting to include. But I think I would have been still putting the list together NEXT Tuesday if I didn’t limit myself!
I think my list would be filled with Tamara Leigh and Melanie Dickerson heroes. Haha. I love Garr but I think my favorite Wulfrith brother was Abel. If I had to pick only one from her though I think it would be Fulke, “Are you a dream of mine? Of yours?…..And now I have loved and know the burning, the yearning. All I would have done for you, no matter the cost. Even I would have killed for you. And now I shall die for you.”
Ah, such swoon-worthy heroes. Sigh.
Ahhh, Gilbert Blythe. Very swoon worthy. Glad Anne finally stopped running and opened her eyes!
So am I!
I’m so honored. Ant that Garr is in such amazing company! Thank you, thank you
You’re very welcome!
“I want to do more than make your pulse race. I want your friendship and your confidence. I want to make you laugh and be your best secret-keeper. I want to capture your heart.” (heart-eyes)
Fantastic list!!
Thank you. Isn’t that the BEST quote?!
Agreed ❤️
Thanks so much for naming Ty Porter as one of your book boyfriends! One of the joys of writing romance is the chance to fall for a new book boyfriend with every novel. How lucky am I? 🙂
You’re definitely lucky! Thanks for being kind enough to share them with us all! 😊
Ahhhh so. Many good ones!!!!! Why limit ourselves to 10??? Hehe
I know!!!!!! If I hadn’t been pressed for time, I probably would have gone on! Loved your list, too!
I love the Gilbert and Garr characters. I have been a fan of Tamara Leigh for years. My favorite is Maxem Pendery. I recently found two more characters I admired when I read Liz Galvano’s Casa Bella Chronicles. If you haven’t met Giovanni and Vincenzo, you might want to check them out. Psst…they both use swords!
I’m hoping to check out the Casa Bella Chronicles very soon! And I’d forgotten about Maxen. Must read that one again…
I’m sooo happy to see a Garr Wulfrith on your list. I’m also a fan of Becky Wade’s heroes and I don’t know how you were able to pick just one. And Gilbert…sigh.
Merci beaucoup, Jen!
Picking just one was excruciating!
Gasp! Aww… Paul. 🙂 He is a good man. And YES to Gilbert. Also to Hunter… <3 And I would have to add Christian from Tamara Leigh's The Redeeming, because that book… *swoon* 🙂
I’m thrilled you like Christian. I rather like him myself 🙂
Yes, Christian is another one. I tell you, narrowing down this list was H.A.R.D! And if you’re swooning about Hunter now, wait until you’ve read Written in the Dust! 😍
Gilbert Blythe!!! One of my very first book boyfriends EVER.
Katie, I’m so tickled that Wes made your list!! He’s so swoony! I wonder if you’re going to enjoy my three new fellas.
I’m pretty sure I’m guaranteed to enjoy your three new fellas! #AdorkableAlex is calling my name as I type this… 😉
OH I need to meet some of these guys! haha! I wholeheartedly agree about Wes, Bear, and Paul. *sigh*
*dreamy sigh* just about says it all, doesn’t it? 😊
Oh, I just love this. Thank you so much for including Dean!! I am totally with you and smitten with Sir Garr, too!! <3
So honored to have Garr keep company with your Dean, dear Ronie!
It’s hard not to be smitten with Garr! And I’m itching to find time to reread Raptor 6 now. Which of course, would have to be followed by Hawk, and Falcon, and then Titanis… 😁
Ah yes– definitely Gilbert Blythe! 🙂
I enjoyed reading your list, and have a few more books that must be read. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the list!
Gilbert! Dean! Drew! Bear! *Swoon* So many favorites. Oh, and I *almost* added Ty to my list… but instead picked John from “True to You” since I’ve talked about Ty (too much??) quite a lot. Love that you feature him today. He IS a one-of-a-kind memorable hero for sure. 🙂
John from True to You was one of the heroes I was soooo wanting to include. But I think I would have been still putting the list together NEXT Tuesday if I didn’t limit myself!
I think my list would be filled with Tamara Leigh and Melanie Dickerson heroes. Haha. I love Garr but I think my favorite Wulfrith brother was Abel. If I had to pick only one from her though I think it would be Fulke, “Are you a dream of mine? Of yours?…..And now I have loved and know the burning, the yearning. All I would have done for you, no matter the cost. Even I would have killed for you. And now I shall die for you.”
Oh boy, how can you resist a speech like that! I seriously need to go and reread more of Tamara’s books! It’s been too long 😩
Thank you, thank you, Shish! You bless me so much. And if I may say so, Fulke is…well, special.
oh blissful sigh! These are all just swoonliciously perfect choices 😀
So glad you approve! 😁