This is National (Sort of) Boyfriend Day: 15 Book and Movie Favorites

ByRissi JC

Once upon a time, some three or four years ago, I created a list of (mostly) bookish boyfriends. On this day (on a whim which wrecks havoc with my editorial calendar!), October 4 aka (the day after) National Boyfriend Day (who knew??), I thought I’d go back, re-work said publication and share it again because why not? Let’s get this book and movie boyfriends list started, shall we?

LIST | 15 of the Favorite On-Screen Siblings

In fiction or the book blogging community, one of the favorite coined phrases is “book boyfriend.” It’s basically those characters you crush on and consider, well, a kind of bookish boyfriend. Or if you’re anything like me, that term is plural because let’s face it, I have a few too many book boyfriends.

When blogging and/or “work” involves picking through books and finding favored characters, I’m all for this job. After all, gushing about favorite leading men is never a hardship methinks. Though not all of these are guys I’d date… they are nonetheless, good guys (and therefore a few favorite book and movie boyfriends). Most importantly, they are exactly who their leading lady needs. (Also, yes, there’ll be a controversial one or two because, let’s be real, this just happens.) You’re about to meet a single father, military men (*swoon*), and boy(s)-next-door!

Here we go…

Favorite Book and Movie Boyfriends: ALL THE BOOKS!

1: Josh Avery from Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

Love this character so very much, not only for who he is, but also how he cares for and loves Lauren. Goodreads

2: Ben from A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay

Ben is not only a chef, he’s also an Italian who whisks his sweetheart off to Italy on a grand adventure to meet his eccentric family. Goodreads

3: Cricket Bell from Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Aww, Cricket in in a story that doesn’t have his name in it, but is 100% a story he owns nearly every corner of. He’s the cutest, best and smartest YA male character I’ve met for a while. Goodreads

4: Davis Carter from A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese

Looks like Nicole has a talent for writing amazing leading men. Davis is, flat out (no ifs about it), a fantastic character. The way he loves his sweetheart, considers what’s best for his son and lives his everyday life impresses me to no end. Goodreads

5: Olly from Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

I love Olly. At first blush, he’s kind of sporting that “bad boy” vibe (with the description of being clad in “all black”), but the guy has a heart of gold, and a backstory to go with it. Goodreads

6: Seth Nguyen from Lucky in Love by Kasie West

Seth is the latest leading guy from Kasie West’s latest, and boy is he a good ‘un. LoveLOVELOVE his character. He’s the best kind of character because he’s genuine, and understanding and perfect for Maddie! Goodreads

7: Mason Rogers from The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey

This guy is good for more reasons than one, but here are two; a: he’s a part of a noble profession (Coast Guard) and b: the way he loves and cares for the woman he’s harbors feelings for (for many years) is special. Goodreads

8: Sam Turner from Stay With Me by Becky Wade

Ok, confession time. When it comes to novels by Wade, I always want to add Ty Porter (Meant to be Mine), but since I gush about him enough, I decided to give Sam his due. Because, let’s be real, Sam, also an Australian, is a pretty great character – one I wouldn’t mind meeting. Goodreads

AT THE MOVIES (AND ON TV!)

1: Arthur Kinnaird from The English Game

Arthur is really a very interesting character because where he begins (in episode one) and the place he ends (in the finale) are two very different men. He changes, grows and learns from the people around him; the willingness to do so may be reluctant at first, but in the end, he puts in the work and it shows. Something I think is important for any character journey. Steam digitally on Netflix

2: Cal Maddox from Steel Magnolias

Technically, this is also a novel, but since I haven’t read the series, I’m placing Cal in the “TV boyfriends” portion since I don’t know what I’d think of him on a page. In this show, I quite like him. He’s good, kind and best of all, he’s considerate, but I also don’t feel like he’s ever tried to hide his own past, which makes me like him all the more. Stream digitally on Netflix

3: Danny McNamara from Blood & Treasure

Also, another characters I like. What impresses me most is how well the “love story” in this show is written. Unlike the portrayal of most guys, Danny doesn’t fall for the tricks of Lexi, and I love this. It makes everything so much stronger, and I hope this kind of writing also served the second season.

4: Junior Raines from Hawaii Five-o

There’s just something about this character. It helps that he’s a military man (men and women I am forever grateful for) and of course, the way he lives his daily life is admirable too. He has baggage, all of which is a sad rift in his family, but when last we see him, that is slowly working to find healing.

5: Steve Rogers aka Captain America

*swoon* You know I adore Captain America. ‘Nuff said. (Though I will admit I crush on Daniel Sousa too – a lot. Peggy has excellent taste.)

6: Steve Trevor from Wonder Woman 

From Steve Rogers to Steve Trevor (I’m sensing a theme here…). The more I think about, see and get to “know” Steve, the more I like him. He’s a fantabulous character and one I’m sad we may not see more of.

7: Trace from Chesapeake Shores

Though I haven’t seen second season* Trace, I do love this character. Now if only the writer’s wouldn’t create unnecessary drama by pulling Trace and Abby apart because of exes, and new love interests.

*since this, I have, of course, seen all of the available ‘Chesapeake’ seasons; while there is ups and downs, I still quite like Trace’s character. Here’s hoping things for Abby and him smooth out – because yes, I’m still a fan.

These are some of my favorite book and movie boyfriends. Some are because of a deeper emotional connection the characters make on the planes of the pages they live on. But either way, I like them for their own merits. Who are some of your favorite fictional crushes? Who are some of the most memorable fictional characters you’ve met lately? Comment all of your favorites and thoughts down below! I’d love to chat with you.

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This is National (Sort of) Boyfriend Day: 15 Book and Movie Favorites. Sharing a book and movie boyfriends list – just because. #Fangirl #HappyNow #Happy #Fun #NationalBoyfriendDay #Bookish Share on X

Thank you for visiting ♥

This originally published October 3, 2017, it’s updated with new edits, format and photos; and yes, I’m leaving the old comments because sometimes it’s fun to read through them again.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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52 Comments

    1. I did indeed, Anne. Lots of fun book boyfriends for sure – plus LOTS I neglected to mention too. Next time!!

      Thanks for the information about my Top Ten Tuesday link. I'll definitely take a look (late though hit is now). I appreciate this – and you stopping by! :)

      Reply

    1. There's ALWAYS room for Captain American on my bookish lists. :) And yes, it is!! I guess there's rumors they *could* become a ship? I guess I'd be a fan…

      Glad you visited, Greg! :)

      Reply

    1. I like Chris Evans a lot too, Katie. But this character is also SO likeable and easily one of THE best I've "met." It's going to be really hard if ever the writer's change him so drastically (as rumors would have us believe) that we no longer recognize him.

      Have you seen Chris in Gifted?

      Thanks for visiting!

      Reply

  9. I couldn't agree more about the unnecessary drama in Chesapeake Shores! I just caught up with season two and ugh, all those exes and love interests are destroying the characters and the happy feels I'm there for. Hopefully it'll get better again. It was nice to have a TV show that focused on family and gave one cozy-cuddly feelings.

    Reply

    1. Right?? Sometimes I wish shows would put "drama" in other characters lives over our leading and favorite ship. In this case, shove all the drama in Abbi's sister's direction – or here's a thought: leave it out altogether! ;)

      I do love the cozy feeling of this show (one of my very favorites – and my favorite from Hallmark), but yes. The exes, etc. is more cliche at this point than interesting.

      Thanks so much for visiting, Julija; glad to meet another Chesapeake Shores fan. :)

      Reply

  10. Oh Matthew Carley! I just loved him. After that season finale of Downton Abbey (you know what I'm talking about), I couldn't really invest in the series anymore. I think I might rewatch the series whenever I have a big break, or just catch up on whatever I missed. I haven't heard about Chesapeake Shores, but I looked it up and the episodes are online! I might watch the first episode tonight and see if I like it. :)

    Reply

    1. I do know what you're talking of, Gennifer… and I don't blame you. Surprisingly, I was fully invested in the series even still. I felt like the season gave a wonderful character arc to those no longer present and dealt with some grief in a healing, natural way. And I really liked the last season. This really surprised me, but I am glad I had good feelings about it in the end. (Plus I'm excited about the movie reunion rumors.)

      I'd really like to re-watch Downton Abbey too!

      Ooo! Did you watch Chesapeake Shores?? If so, what'd you think?

      Glad you visited!

      Reply

    1. *high five* That's what I love too, Brittaney. I do love guys that I good such as these men. (Even though I know I neglected some too!)

      Thanks, as always, for visiting!! Always glad to chat with you. :)

      Reply

    1. Whaat!! This is too cool, Carmen. I didn't know Dan narrated 'Orient.' Funny thing is I've been thinking maybe I'd like to try and read this one prior to the big-screen film adaptation, so perhaps I should opt for giving the audio a chance. At least I'd be a fan of the narrator. :)

      Glad you visited! Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Aren't they?? Two of my favorite boys next door. :)

      Hope you like Seth. He's a wonderful character.

      Thanks, as always, for being a reader and visitor, Lindsey. :)

      Reply

    1. They are, aren't they?? So cute!! I like to think, they're equally as caring, considerate and great as adults, too.

      Glad, as always, to have you stop by, Alicia! Thank you. :)

      Reply

  17. Love all the Steves! Steve Rogers is high on my list of favorites, and I think Steve Trevor is continually growing on me. And Olly from Everything Everything is precious. This is a cool list! :)

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Jaime! Me too. Both Rogers and Trevor are two of my favorites – and forever the good guys. :)

      Olly is great, too. He's one of the best boy-next-door characters I've met, and I like how much care he puts into seeing Maddie is well, and happy. So sweet.

      Thanks for visiting!

      Reply

  19. PHEW, everyone's fantastic choices for book boyfriends are on fire. I am all swooned out. I'm disappointed in myself for not adding Cricket (or any of the three boys from the series) to my list. Have a good week!

    Reply

    1. I know the feeling, Jessica. I've discovered LOTS of great characters on other's list this week too – and it's made me question why I didn't add some of them to mine. Oh, well. I sense there'll be a "part 2" list eventually. :)

      Loved Cricket! He's great.

      Thanks for visiting.

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Tracy. I do love this character, and appreciate he was even more "humanized" (in terms of getting some backstory and focus) in this live-action adaptation. :)

      Glad you visited!!

      Reply

  21. YAY I am so glad you finally met Cricket, isn't he dreamy??
    Oh I love the beast I didn't even think to put him.
    Capetian America is so yummy, I am pretty jealous he's your boyfriend. When you get tired of him pass him my way haha!
    Love your list as always =)
    Ashley @ Books To The Tea
    http://bookstothetea.blogspot.com/

    Reply

    1. He is dreamy, Ashley. I love his boy-next-door cuteness.

      In particular, I think this new Beast is a great character; he's given a more "human" approach because he and Belle have more one-on-one time and I love it.

      Captain America is a favorite for sure… :)

      Thanks so much, as always, for visiting, Ashley. :)

      Reply

    1. He sure is! And I agree. I liked him even MORE in the film. It was such fun to see their story come alive on screen. :)

      Thanks for visiting, Adri!

      Reply

  26. Olly, Steve Rogers, John, Steve Trevor, oh my!!! Let the swooning begin. ;) This list is SO MUCH FUN Rissi!!

    Girl, I know I say this every time but OH MY. Your new logo is ah-maz-ING. #talent

    Reply

    1. YES! I love that: "Let the swooning begin." *thumbs up*

      Thanks so much, Bekah. I had fun putting together this list though am sure I missed some amazing dudes. Thanks for the kind words re: the blog. It's yet another way I have fun with the creative side of blogging. :D

      Reply
  27. Pingback: All of the Pretty Book Covers that is Autumn’s Splendor | Culture Characteristics

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