My Literary Boyfriends

Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!

I will admit that I do not have a Valentine this year. Well, scratch that. I don’t have a date. I was part of a gift exchange in one of my fandoms, so I technically had a Valentine.

Anyway, since this is a blog dedicated to books, I thought I would talk about some of my favorite male characters—or my literary boyfriends, as it were.

1. Fitzwilliam Darcy: I don’t think there’s an Austenite who doesn’t wish Mr. Darcy was real. There are many who misinterpret why Mr. Darcy is so generally well liked—it’s because he’s rich! It’s because he’s good looking! It’s because he’s an ass and women just really like assholes instead of nice guys! And it’s really none of those. It’s because Mr. Darcy respected Elizabeth and changed how he treated her, especially once she called him on his behavior. He didn’t try to defend himself, though he did offer his side of the story in some cases while owning his own behaviors in others. He didn’t demand she give him a second chance. He respected her wishes to stay away. That’s what women want—not for someone to change for them, but for someone to respect them.

2. Nathaniel Bonner: For those unfamiliar with this name, I would encourage you to read Sara Donati’s Wilderness series. She was inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, so he is basically her Jamie Fraser. He is a passionate and loyal man, ready to do anything he needs to do to protect those he loves. He’s also not threatened by strong women and is attracted to them. He’s also a loving and amazing father, even raising his daughter as a single father for a few years.

3. James: He’s from the next book I will be reviewing, Wives of War. A bit arrogant and something of a flirt when we first meet him, he proves to be a kind and loyal man. Even though he loves Scarlet, he stands down when he finds out she’s engaged to his brother. He supports her, though, when she needs it and treats her like an equal person, not some possession.

4. Remus Lupin: He’s my favorite Harry Potter character and I threw the seventh book across the room when I realized he didn’t survive the Battle of Hogwarts. (Though I figured none of the Marauders were getting out of the series alive after Sirius died). He’s a gentle soul, smart, and he really cares about Harry as well as his students. Remus can be serious but enjoys himself as well, enjoys spending time with family and friends.

5. Faramir: While he’s a Ranger, Faramir is more of a scholar than a soldier. It’s even noted that Denethor didn’t understand why his youngest son spent more time with books and learning from Gandalf rather than practicing. Faramir is wise and noble, a good man who wants to do what is right for his people and for Middle-earth. He’s also gentle but definitely strong, which made him a good match for my favorite character, Eowyn (in my opinion. I know others disagree and I respect their reasons). I definitely wouldn’t mind finding my Faramir one day.

Those are my literary boyfriends. I hope everyone has a great Valentine’s Day or at least enjoys all the discounted candy!

Moonlight Musing

Who are your literary boyfriends/girlfriends?

The End of Temperance Dare by Wendy Webb

Title: The End of Temperance Dare
Author: Wendy Webb
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Year: 2017
Genre(s):historical fiction, suspense, mystery, some romance
Part of a Series: No
Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club selection

Summary: After suffering a setback in her career as a journalist, Eleanor Harper agrees to become the new director at Cliffside Manor, a renowned retreat for artists. Its previous director, Penelope Dare, greets Eleanor and prepares her for the incoming artists chosen to spend a couple weeks at Cliffside Manor. Eleanor looks forward to what she expects to be a stress-free job…until Penelope Dare commits suicide hours after Norrie’s arrival, leaving behind an ominous note.

Though shaken, Norrie pushes ahead and welcomes the next group of artists, including dashing British photographer Richard Banks. Weird things begin to happen around Cliffside and Norrie soon realizes that everyone gathered at Cliffside has a connection to it. Its past as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients has dark secrets and Norrie needs to solve the mystery of Temperance Dare if she and the artists want to survive their time together.

“The Lost for Words Bookshop” by Stephanie Butland

Title: The Lost for Words Bookshop
Author: Stephanie Butland
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2018
Genre(s): contemporary fiction, drama, romance
Part of a Series: No
Rating: 


Why I read it: A book club selection

Summary: Lovejoy’s whole life revolves around the bookstore where she works. She doesn’t have family except for Archie, the shop’s eccentric owner, and prefers books to people. Poet Nathan brings a change to her life in more ways than one—besides bringing the possibility of romance, Lovejoy’s past starts to come back to haunt her. Will she finally be able to make peace with it in order to move forward or will it be too much for her to face, forcing her further into isolation?