Book Boyfriends
Maybe it’s because I got engaged in January or maybe I’m just a sucker for romance, but I am 100% still feeling the hearts-and-roses vibe around here. I thought I’d sneak in another Valentine’s Day themed post before the season is completely behind me, and I couldn’t help but just die over the “Book Boyfriends” posts I spotted while hunting around for book blog inspiration. These are a few of my literary crushes (which, after reading through my picks, I realize are all moody, relatively unpleasant, and not from this time/world. Excellent.)
Sarkan/“The Dragon” from Niomi Novik’s Uprooted
Niomi Novik has perfected the art of retelling fairy tales. For the purposes of this post, I’ll speak specifically to her rendition of “the Beast” in Uprooted, a fantasy novel inspired by Polish folklore and loosely based on Beauty & the Beast. The Dragon is absolutely not someone with whom one should pursue a healthy relationship, but I’d question any reader who didn’t agree he’s super hunky in an authoritative, broody sort of way. (On a related note, Ellen DeGeneres is producing an Uprooted film. I’m so excited to see who’s cast!)
Robb Stark & Jon Snow from George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones
Suffice it to say I wouldn’t care if winter was coming if I had one of these handsome Northern guys around. As a Midwestern lady, I was always going to be partial to the Starks. Honestly, you put that much fur, leather, and well-trimmed facial hair on anyone under 40, and they’ll look good. The flowy hair and integrity make for a pretty attractive combination, and the swords are a nice touch.
Sherlock Holmes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes Stories
I have to disclose that I have a massive crush on Benedict Cumberbatch -- star of the BBC series Sherlock -- which I acknowledge has increased my interest in cape-wearing detective types dramatically. That said, intelligence is sexy, and Sherlock’s brimming with it. I could do without the cocaine usage and sexism, but I’m totally here for the accent and adventurous lifestyle.
Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice
Before you hurl rotten fruit at me for being cliche, is there anyone who doesn’t think Mr. Darcy saying “I love you most ardently” in the rain isn’t crazy romantic? I know he’s a jerk for a lot of the book, but I just can’t help loving him by the end. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read the book, then plop yourself down in front of a TV, watch the 6-hour BBC rendition, and be on alert for Colin Firth in a wet puffy shirt.)