In times of social distancing and never-ending virus-related news, a good book can be a perfect refuge, especially if it has a swoony hero, a strong heroine, and ends in a perfect happily-ever-after.
Because sharing is caring, I decided to share my top-four swoony heroes. I'm leaving Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Jamie Frasier out of the list, because they are 'hors concours'. Use without moderation! Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get cozy and leave behind this crazy world we are trapped in.
#1 - Mr. John Thornton
Book: North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell The book is in the public domain and can be found on the Project Gutenberg website (https://www.gutenberg.org). Series: North and South - BBC (available on Netflix till March, 31st) In my humble opinion, this is one of those very rare instances in which the movie is better than the book. Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe are superb as John and Margareth. The end scene is one of the most romantic ever filmed!
#2 - His Grace the Duke of Bewcastle
About: Wulfric Bedwyn is the cold and distant Duke of Bewcastle. As the head of his family, he is responsible for five trouble-seeking siblings, numerous tenants, and estates. He never raises his voice or gets openly angry. A paragon of English aristocracy. The thing is, behind his aristocratic mask, Wulfric is a real man, a caring brother, a good friend, a passionate lover, someone to trust. His prominent and slightly hooked nose only serves to enhance his charms.
This is my favorite historical romance series and I cannot recommend it enough. Mary Balogh manages to engage the reader's emotions on a deep level and, by the end, you feel like you are part of the family.
#3 - Sheriff Ignatius Burke
About: Sheriff Ignatius Burke, aka Nate, is a traumatized cop from Baltimore who decides to hide from the world by transferring to Lunacy, Alaska. What a wonderful hero: hurt, confused, loyal, brave, persistent and competent. He also happens to be extremely sexy. The book is full of adventure and the heroine is a fearless bush pilot. Where to find him: Sheriff Burke comes in two wonderful packages: Book: Northern Lights, by Nora Roberts The book is long but wonderful. Worth every page. There is also an audiobook version that I have listened to several times. Movie: Northern Lights, 2009, Directed by Mike Robe The movie is not as good as the book as lots of information and subplots are excluded, but I recommend watching it after reading or if you are more into movies than books. Eddie Cibrian as Sheriff Burke is very easy on the eyes.
#4 - Rhys Winterborne
About: Rhys Winterborne is a magnate and the owner of a huge Department Store in Victorian London. He is a self-made and ambitious man who believes himself incapable of deep feelings and love. It is beautiful to see what happens when, against his will, he falls head over heels in love with the aristocratic Lady Helen. Rhys is powerful and intense but vulnerable at the same time. Where to find him: Book: Rhys Winterborne makes a few appearances in other books of the Ravenel's Series, by Lisa Kleypas, but his HEA can be found in Marrying Winterborne. Audiobook: The book is also available in audio.
Who are your top-four swoony heroes? Share them with us in the comments!
17 Comments
3/19/2020 05:47:46 am
This is the post I needed to read and didn't even know it:) I love your choices - and YES ! North and South the book is great, but the BBC production is perfection. My favorite will always be Mr. Darcy of course and then any and all of Judith Mcnaught and Julie Garwood's Heroes.
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3/19/2020 06:52:13 am
Thanks for your comment! I love Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood's heroes too.
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3/19/2020 06:32:34 am
What a fun idea for a post! Great hero choices! I recently read Flatshare and definitely feel like I could spend some time with Leon! Thanks for the post!
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3/19/2020 06:53:26 am
Thanks! I haven't read Flatshare yet, but I will check it out.
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3/19/2020 07:49:37 am
What a lovely post! John Thornton is the best! Might I suggest A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James? Prince Gabriel is real, flawed, and wonderful.
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3/20/2020 08:02:24 am
John Thornton is everything a good man should be. I love him to pieces. I have 'A Kiss at Midnight' in my TBR, and I'm bumping it up. I love a flawed hero. Thanks for your comment!
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3/19/2020 06:24:47 pm
Lovely list Lu, especially John Thornton. But...no Austen hero?
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3/20/2020 08:06:30 am
Hi Laurel, thanks for stopping by.
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3/20/2020 08:30:31 pm
What a lovely idea! This is a cute list and I may have to check some of these out!
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3/23/2020 05:20:49 am
Ah, fun post!! I haven't read any of these. lol
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3/23/2020 10:21:21 am
Thank you! Let me know what you think if you decide to give them a try. ;)
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3/23/2020 10:22:15 am
You are going to love it! Thanks for stopping by ;)
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4/3/2020 07:55:20 am
Thank you! Hope you enjoy these books as much as I did.
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4/13/2020 01:50:21 pm
I haven't read any of these! I think my top swoony hero is Jace in the Shifters series and both boys in Red, White and Royal Blue. I'm just completely blanking on all other romantic interests right now.
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