There is a specific kind of magic in a romance where the hero is the first to fall, and falls the hardest. In the world of contemporary romance, they call this being “down bad,” and it is one of my absolute favorite tropes to write and read. I’m still trying to find a good historically appropriate term. Besotted? Does that fully capture the spirit of “down bad”? Also, I would like to find more inclusive terms than He Falls First, so if you have any ideas, let to know!
The Gold Standard of Pining
When I think of the “He Falls First” trope, two masterpieces immediately come to mind: Julia Quinn’s “When He Was Wicked” and Courtney Milan’s “The Countess Conspiracy.” In Quinn’s world, Michael Stirling’s years of secret longing for Francesca set the bar for the “pining hero”. I’m excited for Michaela and Fran on the show, but I also have a Michael in my head. It’s complicated).
In Milan’s work, Sebastian Malheur isn’t just a charming rake; he is a man deeply devoted to a brilliant woman, willing to stay in her shadow just to be near her. When he gives a speech about the different kind of violets at the end, and Violet finally fully realizes the depths of his devotion, especially when so many other people who were supposed to love her made her feel like nothing…it gives me chills.
That specific blend of devotion and intellectual respect is exactly what I wanted to capture in my upcoming Victorian release, “When Jack Fell”.
The “Hot Nerd” Scientist
My hero, Jack (John Longley), is somewhat in the Sebastian Malheur mold (honestly, if you combine Jack and his best friend, Wolf, then you would probably have Sebastian?). He is a man of science, a “hot nerd” who thinks in terms of physics and fireworks, but he has been utterly undone by Jillian for six long years.
I love “blocking” scenes where a hero’s stoic, scientific exterior is constantly cracked by the sheer force of his feelings. Jack doesn’t just like Jillian; he is cognitively and emotionally obsessed with her, and watching that composure crumble is the emotional heartbeat of the book.
If you crave intense, years-long pining or supportive, “nerdy” devotion, you will find your next favorite book boyfriend in Jack Longley.
Check out the tropes and pre-order When Jack Fell on my book page here