(A Very Serious Ranking)
This book boyfriend leaderboard is updated regularly as new fictional men enter the chat. 👀 Last updated: February 2026
Let’s get one thing straight:
This is not about vibes.
This is not about looks.
It’s not about whether he “technically committed crimes.”
This is about dateability.
I’m talking:
- Would I survive being emotionally attached to this man?
- Would he ruin my life on purpose or by accident?
- Would I willingly sign up for this fictional nonsense again?
After extensive research (aka years of reading fantasy romance and developing unrealistic standards), here is my official, extremely serious Book Boyfriend Leaderboard™.
Bookmark this page. Follow my reviews to catch the latest contenders. Enjoy the menu… er, leaderboard.
🏆 THE TOP TEN: BOOK BOYFRIENDS WORTH DATING
1. Rhysand (A Court of Thorns and Roses)
The blueprint of tall, dark and handsome. He is the High Lord who listens, supports autonomy, and is the gold standard for book boyfriend material.
✔ Respects boundaries
✔ Emotionally intelligent
✔ Self-sacrificing
If Rhysand has no defenders, I am dead.
2. Fanfiction Draco Malfoy
Important distinction:
📌 Canon Draco? Jail.
📌 Fanfiction Draco? Husband (in every universe)
This is the Draco who:
- grovels properly in a redemption arc
- conversely; is deliciously dark and dangerous in AUs
- but secretly a simpy cinnamon roll only for her
I don’t make the rules. Fanfic writers did.
3. King Cyrus (This Woven Kingdom)
Ok we have our first ginger MC, but hear me out. He’s quiet. Controlled. Devastatingly competent.
Cyrus is the man who says very little, means everything, and is the definition of a man who yearns!
✔ Loyal and true to his word
✔ Magical and powerful
✔ Rules a kingdom but puts her first
Elite tier.
4. Prince Caspian (Bonded by Thorns)
Listen.
If he’s morally gray and unreasonably devoted, I’m listening.
Caspian gives:
- dangerous competence
- emotional restraint until he absolutely snaps
- “touch her and you die” energy without the cringe
Highly dateable. Proceed with caution. (throw caution to the wind)
5. Aaron Warner (Shatter Me)
Yes, he’s intense.
And he’s terrifying.
Yes, I would still risk it.
Warner is what happens when obsession meets vulnerability and somehow turns into ride-or-die loyalty.
✔ Soft for exactly one person
✔ Would annihilate your enemies
✔ Needs therapy but is self-aware
Our second blondie in this leader board… we can work with this.
6. Blake (The Wolf King)
Ok this man is a one of those book boyfriends who sneaks up on you.
Blake knows when to lead and when to step back, which automatically puts him ahead of 70% of fantasy men.
✔ Protective without being suffocating
✔ Knows what he wants
✔ Wolf. (This matters)
He may be competing with another wolf, but there’s really no competition here.
7. Jacks (Once Upon a Broken Heart)
Problematic fave. Do not argue with me.
Jacks is chaos, heartbreak, and bad decisions wrapped in pretty words and tragedy. Would dating him ruin your life? Possibly. Would it be unforgettable? Absolutely.
✔ Devastating charm
✔ Cursed but committed
✔ Emotionally dangerous, proceed knowingly
I said what I said.
8. Toven Hearst (Rose in Chains)
I can have fanfic Draco AND Draco-coded book boyfriends taking the leaderboard, thank you very much.
Toven lives in that space between “menace” and “quietly obsessed,” which is a powerful place to be if you’re fictional.
✔ Sharp edges
✔ Slow-burn devotion
✔ Would absolutely fall harder than intended
Solid contender.
9. Captain Hook (Lost Girl series)
Let’s get one thing straight here. I’m not talking about that Disney dude. (Gross) I’m talking about a man with confidence. Flair. Trauma. A man who knows exactly who he is and leans into it.
Hook will literally destroy anyone who gets in the way of his wife. (Including his fated mate 👀)
If you haven’t read the Lost Girl series, you are missing an incredible book boyfriend.
✔ Loyal to a fault
✔ Morally flexible but emotionally sincere
✔ Would make dating fun and dangerous
Respect.
10. Kaan Vaegor (When the Moon Hatched)
Reserved. Intimidating. Surprisingly gentle.
Kaan is not here to charm you—he’s here to protect, endure, and stay.
✔ Strong silent type
✔ Actions over words
✔ Earned loyalty hits harder
Low drama. High payoff. There’s a reason When the Moon Hatched lives rent-free in my head.
🌒 HONORABLE MENTIONS
These men didn’t crack the top ten, but I would still absolutely hear them out:
- Luka (Legacy series) – Emotional depth, solid heart, underrated.
- Rorrik (We Who Will Die) – Grim, loyal, and quietly devastating.
- Patrick (A Forbidden Alchemy) – Soft intelligence + devotion = dangerous combo.
- Samkiel (Gods and Monsters series) – Powerful, tortured, and trying his best.
- Death (Souls in Ruin) – Existential dread but make it romantic. Somehow works.
📊 The Book Boyfriend Leaderboard (Official Rules)
This book boyfriend leaderboard is alive.
Rankings are based on:
- Emotional intelligence
- Loyalty under pressure
- Respect (non-negotiable)
- Willingness to grow
- Overall “would I recommend dating him to a friend” factor
New contenders will be added. Rankings may change.
This is a democracy (run by me).
Think someone deserves a spot? I’m always watching the shelves.