CThere are those who fall in love at first sight and those who, instead, fall in love between the pages of a novel. The literary crushes they have a charm all their own: they are born in silence, grow chapter after chapter and often leave a deeper mark than many real stories. They are the so-called book boyfriendcharacters capable of making the heart beat, sigh, dream.
To tell the most irresistible is Rakuten Kobo – digital book retailer that connects readers to stories through a careful and personalized selection of eBooks and audiobooks and the best eReaders and apps dedicated to reading – which has selected ten paper boyfriends who have become true romantic icons, among great classics, fantasy, contemporary romance and publishing phenomena that have also exploded on the screen. The return of the classics in 2025 has brought the timeless back into the spotlight Mr. Darcy’s Pride and prejudice: reserved, proud, but capable of total and silent love. Next to him, the very intense Heathcliff by Wuthering Heightsarchetype of the tormented lover who experiences absolute and destructive feelings.
From British mystery we move on to the contemporary charm of Archer Blackburnironic and impenetrable investigator born from the pen of Alessia Gazzola. And then there is Xaden Riorsonprotagonist of the romantasy of Rebecca Yarros: warrior marked by the past, protective and magnetic, symbol of a genre – romantic fantasy – constantly growing among readers.
It cannot be missed among the most beloved characters of recent years Benedict Bridgertonsensitive artist and dreamer, also consecrated by the series Netflix. And again Rhysandcharismatic and devoted ruler of the saga of Sarah J. Maasamong the most discussed boyfriend books in online fantasy communities.
The rebellious charm of Fiyero Tigelaartaken from Wickedconquers those who love free spirits. Conrad Fisherprotagonist of Summer in your eyesinstead embodies the poignant nostalgia of first love, between silences and unspoken promises. It stands out in the Italian panorama Hunter Hawthornepassionate anti-hero of Burning UpWhile Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanovprotagonists of Heated Rivalryhave transformed sporting tension into one of the most intense and beloved love stories of contemporary romance, now also a TV series.
Old-time gentlemen, fantasy warriors, sensitive artists or competitive athletes: literary crushes cross eras and genres, but they all have something in common. The ability to make us feel involved, understood, excited. Why sometimes you just need to open a book to find the perfect boyfriend. Even just for story time.
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