Stefan vs Damon? Maxon vs Aspen? Blake vs Daemon? Jacob vs Edward? Kael vs Tristan?

We all have our favourites. Some of us choose the good guys and some of us prefer the bad boys but what makes for an utterly irresistible book boyfriend?

1. Hot

Let’s face it; in the world of fiction, average just doesn’t cut it. Whether it’s pretty or rugged, he’s got to stand out in a sexy way, and that includes his fashion sense and conscious or unconscious swagger.

2. Arrogant

That’s right, we may not be willing to admit it but nobody wants a yes-boy. Arrogance makes for good conflict and great chemistry.

3. Loyal

Whether he’s good or bad, he’s the one you want on your side. He’s willing to fight, willing to sacrifice and willing to die for his own and chances are he’ll get plenty of opportunities to show just how dedicated he is to his cause.

4. Mysterious

There’s nothing sexier than a man with secrets. They are the reason he is what he is and the harder he holds onto them, the more we want to unravel him.

5. Clever

The source could be tertiary education, experience or just plain common sense, but either way, he’s got to have a good head on his shoulders. He’s going to have to make some tough decisions and sometimes he’ll even make the wrong ones, but he’s no dumb blonde.

So whether he’s good or bad, these are the five traits a great book boyfriend must have and here are a few of my favourite books that have this ‘greatness’ in abundance:

The Vampire diaries by LJ Smith

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Five by Caroline Greyling