"Be My {Bookish} Valentine" & Giveaway!

It's that time of year again! No, I'm not talking about getting your taxes filed .. I'm talking about that time of year that we actually like. The part that's a little more... romantic. That would be, of course, Valentine's Day! I remember when I was little always worrying over who would ask me or who I would ask to be my valentine. Nowadays, it is and will forever be my husband because no man will ever live up to the high standards he lives up to ... except some fictional characters in a book. Which led me to wonder: "If fictional boys were real and I could have my choosing of one to be my valentine ... who would I choose?"

Then I realized just how difficult that was to do because I have many book crushes. There will always be a place in my heart for one Jasper Hale from the Twilight series. The old-fashioned manners and southern gentleman role always make me swoon because my husband is like that ... and I love it. Recently, I have fallen for Étienne St. Claire from Anna and the French Kiss. Not only does he have an accent, but he's the perfect gentleman and completely irresistible in every way possible. However, there's one that's completely won me over with his accent, good looks, charm and unconditional love and loyalty. That would be Benedikt Czerny from Katie MacAlister's Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend and Book 8 of her Dark Ones series, In The Company of Vampires. He's completely and utterly devoted to his Beloved Fran, doing everything in his power to give her the time and space to come around and be okay with their union - even if it hurts him in the process. That, in my eyes, makes him the perfect valentine.

So, if you had the choice ... which fictional character would you choose? I decided to do a little investigating and see who some of the girls around the blogosphere are swooning for.

I picked the wonderful and sexy Alex Fuentes from Simone Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry. The fact that he's Mexican American alone attracted me but he's also hot, protective, charming and he loves his family. What's not to love?"

- Amber, Books of Amber

My fictional Valentine? Acheron Parthenopaeus [from Dark-Hunter]. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that made me so emotional. It truly melted my soul. I would fight for that man. Plus, he’s an ancient Atlantean god, which means he has lots of…experience. I would take care of him, he would really take care of me. Win/Win, I say. :)
- Ash, Smash Attack Reads!

I would pick Rehvenge [from Black Dagger Brotherhood] to be my valentine. I thought his whole dinner date he made to seduce Ehlena was so romantic and the fact that he just relished in her the whole night never taking for himself for fear of hurting her. He would have our date set up the same in his penthouse with candles silver, and crystal. But I wouldn’t stand out on the terrace I would be more than happy to come in and join him. Who couldn’t love a strong sexy man like Rev with his amethyst eyes and sexy alpha male attitude?

Here is a very sexy quote I wanted to add from Rev to Elhena:

“I thought you agreed with me.” -Elhena
“Agreed with you?” He did “Hell, if it would make you happy, I’d say yes to anything. But what are you specifically referring to?” – Rev
“You said…. I shouldn’t date anyone.”-Elhena
Ah, right. “You shouldn’t date any one.” - Rev
“I don’t understand. “ – Elhena
“It’s simple. I don’t think you should date anyone” Rev moved in even closer, until he could see the flecks of gold in her eyes “But I’m not just anyone.”- Rev

- Athenna, Paranormal Haven

I thought of the many hot, hot boys in YA literature from Peeta, to Ren, to Varen, and yet, I felt they were lacking a lil' something. Then, I figured it out. Ladies, they're boys - not men. If I could have one single Valentine of my dreams, hands down, it's Sirius Black from Harry Potter. He's a little bit kooky (Azkaban will do that to you), but he's got a heart of gold, and let's be honest, he's a fighter...just my type. I like a good challenge, and he's actually a manly-man, not some sissy that whines around like a blathering idiot *cough* Edward *cough*. Plus, I could totally see Sirius being a hopeless romantic!
- Melissa, i swim for oceans

I really would like to have Po from Graceling (by Kristin Cashore) as my valentine. He's funny, adventurous, charming, and cuuuuute. Heck, I would want him even if it's not Valentine's. The mere thought of him makes me swoon. He's really one of a kind.

Here's a quote from the book:

He laughed. "I know you're teasing me. And you should know I'm not easily humiliated. You may hunt for my food, and pound me every time we fight, and protect me when we're attacked, if you like. I'll thank you for it."

- Len, Musings of a Reader Happy

I also picked a character from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood as my Valentine. For me it would be Rhage. In the insider's guide, Rhage wrote on himself with icing and laid naked on the bed as his Valentine's gift to Mary. Sweets + Naked Rhage = Perfect Gift
- Stephanie, Paranormal Haven

Seth from Danann Frost Falls From Grace by Joanne Valiukas would definitely be my pick for a valentine. So strong, yet loves Danann so completely! Every time he calls her "My Goddess", I melt!
- Theresa, Fade Into Fantasy

So who would be your bookish valentine if you got to choose? Leave your answer with a way to contact you by this Sunday (2/20), and I'll put your name in a drawing for a valentine surprise! FYI - Contest is international.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!