My Top 10 Love Interests

Romance is the spice of novels. And so next in the series of My Top 10, I present my favorite love interests (not necessarily ranked).

1. Peeta Mellark, The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
You know how I've made it clear that in these, I just can't bear ranking these people? Not so with Peeta. He is my number one. I love this boy to death, and not just for the surface layer of his character. I love his contradictions, how he is the most moral character and yet the best liar, how he can be so in love with Katniss but strong enough to put her in her place. I love him for his own special strength and his tender heart And I love his character arc. Yes, I mean all of it, even in Mockingjay. I simply can't put it down how much this character amazes me to no end.

2. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Quick funny bit about this picture: when we watched this part of the movie in my lit class in high school as we studied the book, my teacher paused it and told us, "If anyone ever looks at you like this, either get really excited, or run, because this is the look and means they're in love with you!" Anyway, so Mr. Darcy. I love his aloofness and how he's brought down by Lizzy, but you find out that he's actually a sweetheart and a good person, just shy/proud (depending on how you read him) on the outside (I can relate to him there).

3. Char (Prince Charmont), Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
My first book crush. I think for him, it's his connection with Ella that makes him so great (as the only time he's in the book is when Ella is, as well). He definitely has his flaws as he points out, but his willingness to love and just be what a prince ought to be makes him a memorable love interest.

4. Captain Frederick Wentworth, Persuasion by Jane Austen
He is the most human of all of the Austen men, in my opinion. He is hurt from Anne's breaking off the engagement and acts just as a snubbed man would, but his feelings run deeper than that, and his undeniable love for Anne make him stand out. And who doesn't love a guy in a uniform?

5. Tamani, Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike
Tamani isn't usually the type of love interest that catches me, but ultimately, his loyalty is what drives me in. His duty to Avalon, his loyalty to Laurel, the fact that he waited so long for her and is willing to do anything for her is astounding. He's tough and sly, but also caring when you get to his core.

6. Mr. George Knightley, Emma by Jane Austen

Mr. Knightley is the perfect gentleman. But more than that, he's willing to scold Emma for what she does. I love that he's not afraid to remind her of her folly. He's a kind man, and so mature (then again, he is about sixteen years older than her...)

7. Almanzo Wilder, Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Am I allowed to have real-life guys on my top ten love interests? Well, if not, I don't care! More props to him because he was real. Kind and brave, he was a man to be admired because of how much he respected Laura. He loved her for her strength and didn't disagree when she said that in their vows, she could not say that she would obey him. He's the kind of man we all hope to marry.

8. Westley, The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Most people have only seen the movie, but the movie does a good job of adapting into the book. Now, I don't know why he loves a empty-headed girl like Buttercup (you know what I mean if you've read this book) but that doesn't stop him from making my list. I mean, everything he does for her, plus the fact that he's cunning and a great fighter, as well as hilarious? Totally deserving of my top ten.

9. Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
It is the sweetest thing watching Gilbert trying in his boyish ways to win Anne over, and then maturing into a young man. You can't help but cheer him on as he tries to make Anne realize how they're meant to be together. He's smart and good, with a wonderful story arc to him through the series.

10. William, No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull
William makes it in it not just because of how much he loves Susanna, but because the growth he experiences in this book is very admirable. He is able to go from being a wealthy merchant to listening to his heart and coming to a religion which was widely persecuted and still stays strong.

Well, I certainly learned something through all of this. I like the old-fashioned boys. This is just my personal preference, but I think that there is still something underlining all of these heroes which is the fact that when it comes to love interests, he needs more dimensions than just the girl. Of course, I think that the stronger the love for the girl the better (not sappy, just strong), but he needs to be able to stand on his own as a character as well.

Who are some of your favorite love interests? What about them draws you in?