Tips for Writing Swoon-worthy Book Boyfriends

The term "book boyfriend" has been all the rage on social media. In simple terms, it refers to a fictional crush. So, whether he’s a brooding loner with a hidden soft side or someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, a swoon-worthy love interest feels real, layered, and unforgettable. But writing a character who genuinely charms readers (without feeling cliché or forced) takes more than just good looks and witty banter. It’s about emotional depth, connection, and the little things that make someone fictional feel like the one. Below are five key tips to help you create love interests that readers will fall for!

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Ensure They Really Listen

It's crucial that your love interest really listens to their partner. Now, listening is more than just simply hearing words; it is also about being attentive and present. A swoon-worthy male love interest should pick up on the unsaid things and respond in small, thoughtful ways. Maybe she mentioned once that she always hated her birthday growing up, so instead of a party, he takes her on a quiet walk. Having your love interest take the time to listen to their partner demonstrates to readers just how connected they are and how much one means to the other.

Incorporate Inside Jokes

Everyone loves inside jokes! Not only will inside jokes illustrate the bond and connection between your love interests, but they will also add some realism to your story. In general, shared looks, secret languages, personal jokes, and nicknames build intimacy, and they make the relationship feel lived-in and personal. Maybe he calls her “Ms. Chaos” because she always forgets her phone, her bag, or her keys. Or maybe they joke about a disastrous first date where he tripped over a candle at the restaurant, and so she'll whisper, “Watch out for open flames.” These moments feel like secrets only the couple—and the reader—are in on, making their relationship more intimate and believable.

Make Them Respectful

It is undeniably important that he needs to respect his partner. However, this doesn't need to always be in grand gestures, it can also include small, everyday ways. of appreciation. Respect can show up when he is listening to her, supporting her ambitions, or stepping back instead of pushing. In general, a respectful love interest shouldn't try to control or overshadow; rather, he lifts his partner up. For tips on writing emotionally rich characters, click on the button below.

How to Write Emotionally Rich Characters

Include Soft Moments/Vulnerability

You need to include some moments of vulnerability and softness. While your characters can be presented as strong and independent, there should be instances where they let their guard down. Vulnerability creates a type of realism and intimacy, showing readers that this character is more than just a slick romantic. Maybe he quietly admits he still writes letters to his late father. Or maybe he confesses that he’s scared of not being good enough. These small, honest moments allow your heroine (and your reader) to truly see him.

Don't Make Them Perfect

After all the above, you may feel naturally inclined to make your male love interest perfect—perfect looks, perfect hair, perfect charm, and perfect personality traits. But they shouldn't be perfect; rather, they should be flawed, layered, and human. A character who’s always smooth and polished might make for a great first impression, but they shouldn't be like that for the entire novel. After all, what will really make readers root and swoon for your characters is their realism. Remember, it's about balancing traits and flaws. So, let your love interest make mistakes, say the wrong thing, or even get jealous. It is through these moments that your book boyfriend will actually become lovable.

The most memorable love interests are the ones with believable backstories, vulnerability, inside jokes, and depth. So as you write, don’t focus on making him perfect; rather, your story's book boyfriend should be realistic and lovable.