Historical Romance Heros Can Get It
There are many, MANY benefits of reading romance (more on that later) one of which is just falling head over heels in love with one or both of the love interests. Book boyfriends are a plenty in romancelandia, and folks will shout from the virtual rooftops who owns their whole-ass hearts.
I should also state, emphatically, that I have zero scientific method for what makes a good book boyfriend, you just know it when you find it. So don’t read too much into what the heart wants, just enjoy it and hopefully you’ll find a great read and add a book boyfriend to your heart.
Look, I am a softie and will fall in love with a lead pretty quickly. There are FAR too many BB’s (book boyfriends) that live rent free in my head, so instead of putting you to sleep, I figure I would start with some of my ABSOLUTE favourite BB’s: the cravat wearing, breeches donning historical homies.
Rhys Winterbourne
Y’all, I wont even lie, Rhys is one of my all time, any genre favourite book boyfriend. He’s soulful and smart. He’s hard working and loyal, and cares to make the lives of his staff better. He’s a feminist. He goes for what he wants. Oh and he will say stuff to you that is so romantically poetic you might pass out on the spot. You’ll get a Welsh endearment. I think Rhys is a mix of love languages, showing his love for you in gifts and words of affirmation. But if you have a favourite hobby, rest assured he is going to learn everything about it to understand you and your heart better.
Find and fall in love (in NOT FIVE FUCKING MINUTES) with Rhys in Marrying Winterbourne
Christopher Phelan
Oh Christopher. Our words of affirmation love language man that loves so fiercely and fully. Why he makes a good BB you ask? Well he’s going to tell you a lot how much he loves you, in ALL kinds of swoony language. He also will let you have the space to live your authentic life, without trying to change you. You’ll talk and share your hopes, dreams and fears with him and would never feel silly for anything you told him. He views you as foundational to his whole being and would lay down his life to ensure you were happy and safe.
Find and fall in love with Christopher in Love in the Afternoon
Dougan MacKenzie
Dougan or Dorian (your pick) is the tortured soul that just wants to be loved and supported and have his heart safely held in your hands. He’s done literally everything in his life to ensure your safety and happiness. While he might not be the most warm and fuzzy BB (he’s been through a lot y’all), he does love the ever loving sh*t out of you and will devote himself fully to being your partner and best friend in all things, forever.
Find and fall in love with Dougan in The Highwayman
Duncan, Baron of Wexton
Duncan is a great BB because of how he enables (and pushes) Madelyne to find her authentic self. He’s the BB that is going to do everything in his power to help you grow, without enforcing his own agenda into it. He’s also not afraid to tell you how crazy he is about you. He’s honourable, protective and fiercely loyal, and would be the first person to defend you both in words or actions.
Find and fall in love with Duncan in Honor’s Splendour
Logan Mackenzie
Ah Captain Logan MacKenzie. My fascination with kilted babes continues with our man Logan. Okay what makes him a great BB? Well, there are a few things that sets him apart from the crowd. First is how much he cares for his men, especially ones still struggling after the war. We love a man that is loyal and protective. Next we have how clearly he understands and makes space for Maddie’s anxiety. And finally how he cares about the things she cares for (e.g. the damn lobsters). We stan a supportive, nurturing king.
Find and fall in love with Logan in When a Scot Ties the Knot
Rafe Brandon
What’s not to love about a man that will fill a room with cake for you to taste? Rafe is clearly an acts-of-service-love-language kind of guy and you know what we LOVE him for it. Watching him try to put the wedding together, care for the dog, and pine after Clio was truly something else and easily gains him access to the BB HoF.
Find and fall in love with Rafe in Say Yes to the Marquess