Being a passionate reader, I am often asked how I manage to read all these books. My answer – where else could I find the men who make your heart beat faster, are deliciously handsome, make you weak in the knees, and have an absolutely charming way of making you fall in love with them? All the women in the world wish these heroes were real and could run away on a date with them. So, here is a list of the ten best heroes who take me back to the books in search of more like them.

10. Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby): Where do I even start with this gentleman? He is young and mysterious, handsome and rich, and to top it all, he knows how to give a girl a good time and make her feel like the world revolves around her. Every time he says ‘Old Sport’, you see the free-willy side of him, which is simply adorable.

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You feel sorry for him when his dedicated love for Daisy is met by her subsequent betrayal, and you just want to take his head in your lap and sooth your way into his heart. Did I mention he is well-groomed and well-dressed too?

9. Christian Grey (50 shades of Grey trilogy): He is smoking hot! He is also a lot to handle (given his affection to BDSM), but if you are willing to take a step ahead, he will take two for you. At times he can be rude and arrogant, but that is mostly driven by his love and care for you.

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If you are a foodie, he is the perfect match for you because he will take you to the most exotic locations to try out new delicacies. Like our Gatsby, he is ‘filthy’ rich, and will take you on great adventures and vacations all over the world. Well, with his dreamy eyes and sexy voice, a trip to his home in Charlie Tango might be enough!

8. Edward Fairfax Rochester (Jane Eyre): Let me tell you a secret. Women like men who need saving. And that is one of the reasons why Rochester is on this list. He is driven by his passion rather than rational thinking. He is moody, high-handed, and sometimes very brutal.

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He toys with people and has a certain disdain towards his own child. But under all those flaws, is a man who is in need of deep and tender love. Through all his heated passions and games, he can definitely change for you, if you are willing to wait for him. And when he asks in that harsh sad voice, “You will not be my comforter, my rescuer?” you can hardly look the other way.

7. Will Herondale (The Infernal Devices): Let’s see. Blue eyes. Check. Muscular and tall. Check. Supernatural powers. Check, check, and check!! Will is a dream come true. He is mysterious and actually belongs to a secret group of supernatural beings. If he cares for you, he will do anything to make you happy, including sacrificing himself.

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He is funny and has a quote for every situation, and also writes poetry (a very bad attempt at it though). If you want to date him, you will need to accept all that he is, including his unswerving love and attachment for his family. But he reads, and that solves all, doesn’t it.

6. Dorian Gray (The Picture of Dorian Gray): He looks fabulous and can even make men want him. He is known to charm the pants off of absolutely anyone, and does so without thinking about moral implications. Getting him into a relationship can be hard, unless he is absolutely tired of everything and wants to have some stability.

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He has a painting of himself that ages and rots for every bad deed he has done. He definitely is bad news. But, on further thinking, have you seen that enchanting smile of his?

5. Ron Weasley (Harry Potter Series): We practically grew up with this goofy kid. He is loyal, true and very caring. He is a bit slow when it comes to romance, and had Hermione at her wits end with his cluelessness.

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But again, if he is into you, he will stand up against You-Know-Who and his entire army. Best part about being in a relationship with him would be the never ending adventure and his great friendship.

4. Gabriel Oak (Far from the Madding Crowd): That first paragraph Thomas hardy wrote describing Oak’s smile had me hooked. He is strong and stoic, and has the most unglamorous nature for a romantic hero (honesty, integrity, and patience). But his enduring wait for the love of his life is something you do not see anymore.

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He has a blunt way of expressing his feelings, and the capability to say his mind perfectly is what makes him all the more fascinating. To understand him is rather difficult. So are you up for the challenge?

3. Tobias Eaton/Four (Divergent): We love him for not what he already is, but what he wants to be. He is the perfect imaginary boyfriend with his blue eyes, and all those tattoos giving him an air of mystery. Oh, he can also throw knives with utmost precision.

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But at the same time, he can also whisper the sweetest things into your ear. He can be a bit overprotective, but I am sure we can get used to it.

2. Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games Series): He bakes! That should be enough to make your head swoon. But no, he takes it further by being smart, real, kind, brave, and everything you want in your man.

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He can make you laugh with his witty remarks. He isn’t afraid to take responsibilities and will let you take point if you are more capable. He is good with kids. God, do I need to continue??

1. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride & Prejudice): His brooding has made women all through two centuries to fall irrevocably in love with him. Till today, women want a bit of him in their man. On first meeting, he might seem proud, snobbish, and as someone you wouldn’t want to be associated with. But if he falls for you, he will take care of you, your family, including extended relatives and friends.

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He can have a great conversation and will never cease to amaze you with his attentive listening. He is also rich, unconventionally handsome, and tall. He is the reason why we can never get enough of Pride & Prejudice. Women will never overcome the Darcy Effect!

Adrian Ivashkov (Bloodlines Series): And how can this list be complete without a vampire on the list? Although there are many a vampire in the literary world, Adrian stands out because of two reasons: a) he is a vampire who possesses a rare magical ability, which makes him vulnerable to mood disorders, and b) he is in love with an alchemist, who is part of a fanatical group of humans who work to conceal the presence of vampires in the world, and also think that all vampires are dark creatures who need to keep to themselves.

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Apart from being vulnerable, Adrian is a royal, he is handsome and charming to boot. Oh, and he is a skilled artist, and can make ridiculous yet adorable paintings on T-shirts for his lady love. And when he loves someone, he gives them his all – the good, the bad, and the ugly. When he makes a mistake, he doesn’t hesitate to apologize, and he takes extra care to appreciate his girlfriend. He is the perfect boyfriend to have, if you’re into someone who broods as much as haves fun.

Which one of these 11 handsome, troubled, chivalrous literary gentlemen would you like to go out on a date with? Tell us in the comments.

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