Swoon-Worthy Book Beaus
The month of love shines all its light on the romantic, lovey-dovey things, and the Best Book Beaus deserve their moment in the sun. If you’re expecting to read about Mr. Darcy here or anyone from a Sarah J. Maas series, I hate to disappoint you but you won’t find them here. You will, however, find four worth your while!
Rhett Butler (Gone With the Wind)
Rhett Butler is the whole reason I had the idea to write about this as a good Valentine’s Day theme because he was the best part of my recent viewing of the film adaptation of Gone With the Wind. He was also the best part of the reading experience. He’s handsome, witty, and a scoundrel with a heart of gold. If you don’t find him dashing and delightful, we need to talk.
In the story, he’s seen, time and time again, as a person of romantic interest to MC Scarlett O’Hara, but what makes me love Rhett the most is that he, time and time again, is the person who calls Scarlett out on her bratty, selfish ways. That, of course, infuriates Scarlett, but I relished those moments as a reader. She needed someone to hold her accountable and see her for who she was. You can’t pull one over on Rhett, and that’s refreshing. A good Book Boyfriend can’t be a dunce, which Rhett isn’t at risk of.
He also serves the purpose of, in a pinch, being helpful and reliable. On more than one occasion does he come through for Scarlett and Melanie, proving himself to be thoughtful and protective. I loved his admiration and respect for Melanie, especially. Then, when we get to see him step into fatherhood, a whole other lovable side of Rhett is revealed, and it’s crushing to watch that plot thread play out.
Do I think Scarlett and Rhett were a good couple? No, but, in my opinion, that’s mostly a Scarlett issue. If you read their story, you won’t find a perfect plot—in fact, there are a few problematic pieces—but you may just be won over by the one-and-only Rhett Butler.
2. Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables)
Ah, the first literary crush of my life: Gilbert Blythe from Avonlea. His contribution to the Anne of Green Gables saga is a little bit enemies-to-lovers, a little boy-next-door, and a dash of puppy-love.
One of the delights of Anne’s story is that we get to grow up with her. All her girlhood mischief and mayhem is there for us to have fun with, and we see her mature into a spunky, wonderful young woman. That being said, Anne ages alongside a wide cast of secondary characters, and one of them is Gilbert, which means we get to see him grow up, too. So, though he starts out as that pesky boy teasing her at school, he develops into still a fun-loving guy but one who’s intelligent and caring. In other words, a charming young man.
Gilbert’s a great Book Boyfriend, too, because he’s so pure of heart. That may seem too tame for the field of romance these days, but I find it refreshing and endearing. I also find it necessary. There’s nothing risqué about his and Anne’s dynamic. There’s nothing spicy. And that’s absolutely okay and good. With Gilbert, we get to enjoy Anne’s unwilling crush and his efforts to be a good friend while admiring her and pining for her. He’s a steady companion.
Don’t get me started on how, at the end of book two (Anne of Avonlea), he utters the sweetest speech, trying to give Anne a nudge out of the friend-zone, but it’s one of my very most favorite scenes out of everything I’ve ever read. Gets me in the honey-nut-feelios every time. If you haven’t read it for yourself, this your sign to pick up this series and enjoy falling in love with Gilbert for yourself.
3. John Thornton (North and South)
In my humble opinion, it’s about time Mr. Darcy stepped aside so Mr. John Thornton can receive the adoration he’s due. North and South shares many similarities with Pride and Prejudice but tells a much more engaging and satisfying story.
When Margaret and her family relocate to the industrial town of Milton in the north of England, she’s sorely missing where she grew up in the south—and she’s quickly getting off on the wrong foot with Mr. Thornton, a mill owner and pupil of her father’s. Margaret and John have different perspectives on life given their upbringings and how they perceive treatment of the mill workers. Their dynamic is excellent enemies-to-lovers, if that’s your thing.
I think it’s fair to speculate that Mr. Thornton is an early example of the broody, moody man being a bit of a secret cinnamon roll, too. Because Mr. Thornton is more reserved and severe yet works hard and is so disciplined all in the name of family. You learn how important it is that he care for his mother and sister, that he build up his mill and see it flourish to provide for them. And he’s not unwilling to bend a little, as the master. At a certain point in the story, you see him collaborating with a few of his employees to create better working conditions. What’s not to love about that?
My hot take is that North and South is doing everything Pride and Prejudice is so loved for—and doing it better. So, if you adore Austen’s work (and a one Mr. Darcy, in particular) you’ll easily find yourself invested in Margaret and John, as they dance around a dynamic of romance and matters of social justice.
A bonus, should you enjoy this reading experience: the 2004 BBC mini-series with Daniela Denby-Ashe as Margaret and Richard Armitage as John is one of the most faithful book-to-screen adaptations I’ve encountered thus far. I dare you to watch it and not find Mr. Thornton the perfect love interest of your historical romance dreams.
4. Will Herondale (Clockwork Angel)
The Infernal Devices trilogy was a staple to my high school reading experience, and Will Herondale, that rascal of a Shadowhunter, was a character (and love interest!) I couldn’t get enough of.
To start, the premise of Clockwork Angel is an excellent mash-up of genres: historical, steampunk, and fantasy. We’re dropped into the world of late-19th century London where reality is more sinister and magical and dangerous than may be supposed—and Will, with his best friend, Jem, is wrapped up in the thick of things. He’s the first one to dash in to try and save the day, and, while he might make a mess as he does so, he’s quite skilled with the weapons he handles.
He would have you believe he’s a rascal, up to no good, flirting with whomever may cross his path, and well on his way to dying young. It’s all a front, of course, but we wouldn’t love him so much if he wasn’t a complex character. Will’s far from boring; he’ll entertain you with his sense of humor or keep you on your toes because he absolutely will do that reckless thing wiser characters advise against. And maybe that makes him sound like an idiot, but he’s not that, either. Everything he does and how he presents himself is very strategic, so rest assured that he is in possession of his brain.
He’s also deeply loyal, to the other Shadowhunters at the London Institute where he lives and, especially, to Jem. The depth of his brotherly affection for his best friend is endearing and compelling—and revealing of his true nature. Will’s a softie, at heart. He doesn’t want anyone to see that or know it, but, trust me, you’ll catch onto it quick and will have no choice but to adore him, too.
I know there are lots of Book Boyfriends out there, and you may be reading this and believe I’ve left an important one out. Well, these are mine! While I won’t be changing my mind about them, I’d be delighted to hear about who might be on your list, so let me know in the comments. If you agree with me on these selections, I’d love to know that, too.
Otherwise, that’s all I’ve got for ya, and I’ll catch ya back here next week!