My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. I decided the Book Boyfriend format was the perfect opportunity to tell you about a recent rural fantasy I’ve fallen head over heels for. The best part is that my love of this book caught me completely by surprise. I’d avoided the author’s first series because it didn’t really interest me. When I received a copy of Cryer’s Cross for review from Simon and Schuster, I didn’t exactly squeal with joy. However, I’m not stupid. I thought a review of it would go well with the events of Rural Fantasy Week–because, duhr, it’s Rural Fantasy. Imagine my surprise–nay, my pleasure–at discovering that Cryer’s Cross was not only a gem of a book I read in under 24 hours, but also the source of my latest fictional crush.
Jacián first got my attention with his unusual name. I love unusual names. I mean, I love the Ethan’s, the Damien’s, the Damon’s, etc., but hit me with a name I’ve never heard before that doesn’t sound like you’re trying to make him sound badass, and I’ll swoon a little for you. And because I know you’re curious, it’s pronounced “Hah-see-ahn”. Notice there’s a little accent over the second a? It took me forever to figure out how to it get there.
Aside from his name, Jacián is notable by his very surliness. When I was sixteen, my parents made me move across the valley in the town where I grew up. I was an uber-bitch about it, so I can understand that moving several states away makes Jacián a tad unpleasant to be around for a while. He’s been uprooted from his home in Arizona, separated from his girlfriend and plunked in some podunk town where he hardly has any chance of catching the eye of a scout that just might draft him to play college soccer. But you know pretty early on that there’s more to Jacián than a moping, bad attitude and just plain rudeness. He is, after all, a teenager. But his good side is especially clear when you see how he accommodates Kendall’s OCD once he knows about it and the incredible way that he comforts her over the disappearance of her best friend (and boyfriend?) Nico.
Also, Jacián is a soccer player, which is my favorite kind of athlete. Basketball players are too tall, and football players tend to be too muscle-y. I’m just telling you this to help explain why Jacián’s sport makes him so appealing. Also, there’s a delightful scene in the book where Jacián goes shirtless. Here, I’ll transcribe it for you. I think you’ll be able to figure out who’s saying what by the dialog.
”So, ah, I’m not sure if you know this, but you’re not wearing a shirt.”
“Distracting, isn’t it?”
“You’re pretty sure you’re hot, aren’t you?” It feels more comfortable when they are at odds, somehow.
“You said it.”
“And I’m sure I’ll regret it. Do you always walk around like that?”
“Yeah, always. You mean this is the first time you’ve noticed?”
Now, I know that many of you turn in for the My Book Boyfriend features for the eye candy, and I didn’t want to disappoint you, so I got on the horn and looked for Latin soccer players. It didn’t take long. There are a lot of them. At any rate, I’m very happy with the result. We’re given a general description of Jacián’s looks. He’s “tough-looking and muscular. Medium-brown skin, his hair black and wavy.” I don’t really need much else to make my eyes glaze over. At least, not beyond shirtless scenes like those above. But, here’s the picture that best shows what I think Jacian looks like. It’s the soccer player Miguel Torres Gómez. Yeah, I don’t know who he is, either, and I think he might be a little too pretty to be exactly what I imagine Jacián looks like, but I think he evokes the appropriate feeling of swooniness.
When you’ve finished wiping the drool off the your chin, you can tell me: Whose your book boyfriend?
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I think Miguel Torres Gómez is an excellent choice for the way you describe Jacián–and now I’ll be looking out for Miguel in case he ends up playing for Spain in the next World Cup–although I root for the U.S. and Uruguay.
I like the way you describe Jacián as sullen and mopey and yet something more, and I smiled at the excerpt you provided. And I agree with you about soccer players!
I have this book on my TBR list but haven’t got round to reading it yet, it is now much further up my list. He sounds fab. I also haven’t heard of Miguel but I want to know more! New follower.
My book boyfriend
I cannot wait to read this book now! It’s on my TBR pile…I think I’ll have to move it up!
New follower. I love your blog and what a great pick! You totally sold me on this book as well as your book boyfriend.
My Book Boyfriend
I loved Jacien. Great choice! I love the quote you picked too. His cocky attitude is what originally drew me to him.
Not gonna lie, I am jealous of your book boyfriend! Love your blog, just started following it. I am putting this book on my TBR list! yum
Ahh! I love him. I agree, Jacian is such a cool name!
My boyfriend:http://audreyreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-book-boyfriend-ww-hale-fifth.html
Audrey
Ruby… I don’t just do come for the eye candy… *blushes*
But since you mentioned it… That is yummy candy you go there. I love soccer players too. And Jacián is a great name. From the quote, he seems very charming.
I love unique names too. It makes it more interesting to read a unique name over and over – as long as I can pronounce it.