We all remember our first fictional love. For me, it was Stone Cold Steve Austin of the WWF variety. When he came down into the ring and shot-gunned a beer while wearing his tiny little shorts, my nine-year-old heart went pitter-patter. As a result, many years later, grumpy dudes are my catnip. I just want to cuddle up and read books featuring snarly characters—shot-gunning beer not required.
Right around the same time I fell for Steve Austin, I found The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith. We could get into a bickerment about whether the books or the show are superior, but the truth is that Damon Salvatore is one of the best things to come out of that world. And he’s a straight up villain, angst about his murderous tendencies or no. Damon is the sole reason why I fall in love with every charming bad guy I’ve ever read. I love me some sexy sociopath.
Those years with early crushes are so instrumental in influencing the kind of thing we’re attracted to, and while that doesn’t always pan out in real life (take it from me—dating sociopaths will only end in disaster), it’s a great way to find books you are guaranteed to enjoy!
Most of said crushes can be boiled down to four categories – Icy Jerk With a Heart of Gold, Boy/Girl Next Door, Grumpy McCrankypants and Villain/Sociopath.
And I have book recommendations for all!
Icy Jerk With a Heart of Gold