Book Boyfriends: 30 Fictional Men Who Are Better Than the Real Thing

by Nichole Perkins

Spanning a sizzling range from romantasy kings to classic and contemporary heartthrobs who make our hearts race and our temperatures rise, this illustrated collection features thirty of the most swoon-worthy book boyfriends from across the literary canon who have ruined real men forever.Delve into the epic world of book boyfriends with this cheeky illustrated compendium of literary hotties who feature in every book nerd’s secret fantasy. From Mr. Darcy and Heathcliff to Xaden and Rhysand, feast your eyes on a buffet of sexy men, hot nerds, dashing faeries, slow-burn first crushes, rakish heartthrobs, brooding shadow daddies, sweet cinnamon rolls, dangerous dragon riders, and more.With detailed analyses of their rock-hard abs and 100-watt smiles, their witty charm and smoldering stares, and their most soul-baring declarations of love, these irreverent and humorous profiles break down the reasons why these hunky heroes have captured our hearts and flooded our bookshelves. Flirty pin-up illustrations make this celebration of imaginary hotness a one-of-a-kind gift for the friends who skip ahead to the steamy chapters, enjoy rom-coms of all eras, and pine after fictional characters because a good book boyfriend is better than facing the perils of real-life dating.FAN-FAVORITE LITERARY This comprehensive assortment of boyfriends spans a range of literary genres. Included are iconic dreamboats from Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, The Lord of the Rings, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing, The Love Hypothesis, Red, White, and Royal Blue, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Twilight, Outlander, The Hunger Games, and more.GIFT FOR BOOK Spicy but not X-rated, this tongue-in-cheek collection is the perfect gift for the bookaholics in your life. Gift alongside the most recent bestselling romance and set up someone you love for a joyful adventure through the vast world of literary hotties. INCLUDES SEXY This luxe book package includes full-color illustrations, playful extras like Book Boyfriend Bingo and a What’s Your Type quiz, and a surprise centerfold!Perfect  Bibliophiles and followers of BookTok and BookstagramRomance readers and romantasy enthusiastsAnyone who loves a beach read or grew up reading young adult romanceGift-giving for Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, birthdays, or holidaysReaders of such popular authors as Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Emily Henry, and Jane Austen

Genres: Nonfiction, Romance, Humor

168 pages, Hardcover

Published October 27, 2026

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just a silly, fun time, and I’m glad it exists for us to all giggle over while pouring one out for all the ghosts of book boyfriends past.

I had good time reading about and being reminded of all the book boys I’ve loved before. Even better, I also got inspired to check out a few books I haven’t read yet. This is a very comprehensive list, and there is truly something for everyone: newer romances popularized by BookTok, beloved classics that have stood the test of time, contemporary, historical, fantasy, STEM, the list goes on and on. It’s also like… every book boyfriend you’ve EVER had, and in no particular order. There are some VERY spicy guys in here… and then there’s also your 15 year old YA crush from middle school. I almost wonder if an opportunity was missed to have multiple editions - the YA characters maybe could have had their own book.

I laughed so hard at the little subtitles for each new character (a stern brunch daddy with a frown and an awesome house,” “a black cat with a hint of shadow daddy that glitters in the sun”). Those were probably my favorite part. I also thought it was really clever to add the teen magazine style activities like quizzes, MASH, and book boyfriend bingo. I felt like I was back in middle school reading J-14 or Tiger Beat, not a care in the world outside of Orlando Bloom. It definitely added an extra bit of fun in between all the boyfriend synopses.

Overall, this was exactly what you would expect. It was fun, it made me laugh, and it filled me with some happy nostalgia. It would make a great gift for a romance reader, or a quirky coffee table book for yourself. Expected October 6, 2026!

Thank you so much to Nichole Perkins, Chronicle Books, and NetGalley for gifting me this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Birdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Booktrovert for this ARC giveaway copy of Book Boyfriends: 30 Fictional Men Who Are Better Than The Real Thing by Nichole Perkins and illustrated by Emma Munger.

I am not the target market for this book—which I imagine is straight married book-addicted millennials (and that’s great)—so I may not be the most reliable or enthusiastic review source, but I will share my thoughts anyway.

The book design is basic and overall easy on the eyes. The text graphics, paired with the quiz/interactive sections, reminded me of teen magazines in the 2000’s. The artwork by Emma Munger was well done and almost always captured the essence of the character so I knew who it was meant to portray before even looking to confirm it. The descriptions were pretty corny, but seemed in line with the spirit of the book and the intended audience.

I finished this book over the course of an afternoon. Overall, I’m not disappointed that I requested it, because it did have fair entertainment value for what it was.

[Nicole Conner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really a “book”. When I was younger I always felt so scandalous reading the cosmopolitan magazine. This felt like that.

[Steff Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it’s fine, lol. You pick up a book like this and you get what you get, you know?

I’ll give the author credit, as I could never write a book like this—I’d be far too picky about who is deserving of being included. Truthfully, I think the author could’ve been a little choosier given that there are definitely some red flag “book boyfriends” included here, à la Heathcliffe and Pedro and, yes, Gale. I, personally, would also throw Rysand in that list—cause yuck—but given I’ve only read half of the second book in that series, I’ll concede that perhaps I don’t know enough. All I can say is, thank the stars and literally everything in existence that she didn’t include Warner from the Shatter Me series because I would have fucking rioted at having that abusive piece of shit included.

Book Boyfriends is the sort of silly coffee table book you throw out and don’t really read all too often. Maybe you’ll skim it from time to time, but the content included isn’t exactly phenomenal or party entertainment worthy. It’d be fun to have at your romance book club meetings, but you’re not going to pick it up and giggle about it being all that humorous. And there’s no denying that this book definitely caters to the author’s specific reads, so if you haven’t read all the same books you’re not likely to connect with a lot of it. All that said, there are a pretty fair amount of characters included from books that you’d have to be living under a rock to not know about at the bare minimum, but most likely you’ve picked up if you’re in the know on the popular reads these days. And the little quizzes and games were fun, even if they weren’t the best.

Also, a minor critique…but why is Prince Henry the only character included from Red, White, and Royal Blue? There are two lovely boys in that book, you know…

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Christen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review: Book Boyfriends by Nichole Perkins
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
The Premise:
Nichole Perkins dives into the fictional men who have defined "book boyfriend" culture, offering a collection of 30 profiles ranging from classic literary icons to modern romantasy favorites. The book includes playful illustrations, quizzes, and a deep dive into why these specific archetypes resonate so strongly with readers.
My Thoughts:
I was incredibly excited about the concept of this book—it’s such a fun, relatable idea for anyone who spends their time lost in a good story. However, the execution didn't quite hit the mark for me.
While the writing is witty and the layout is engaging, I found the selection of characters a bit disappointing. It highlights a significant number of "older" books and classic protagonists. While those characters are certainly foundational, I was hoping for a list that leaned more heavily into the current trending favorites and the specific tropes that are dominating the book world right now.

Fun gift idea for romance book lovers

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

This was a fun read. Great to just sit and read for fun or as you read each book based off of each book boyfriend.

Love the quizzes thrown in reminded me of those quizzes that used to be in old teen magazines.

I enjoyed this book overall even if the art style wasn’t for me (only reason for the 4 star review) but I know someone would like it more than me.

This is perfect for all the book/booktok girlies. This is more of a book you would gift to someone other than buy for yourself (or buy for yourself and can display it with your favorite book boyfriend books

[Crystal Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy of this book was provided by Chronicle Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I already know what I'm buying every single one of my romance and romantasy loving girlfriends for Galentine's Day, and my shopping is done.
Book Boyfriends: 30 Fictional Men Who Are Better Than the Real Thing by Nichole Perkins was SO much fun. I had the best time with this one, and I have a feeling you will too.

The book features 30 of our most beloved, drool-worthy book boyfriends, and the format is absolutely brilliant. Each boyfriend gets up to six pages dedicated entirely to him. First, you get a fan fiction style illustration complete with his perfect pickup line. Then comes what I can only describe as a dating profile, summing him up at a glance with details like the book he's from, his genre, age, where he lives, his physical traits, his dream date, and his most swoon-worthy boyfriend traits. From there, you get a deeper dive into his story and why he would make such a fantastic boyfriend. And then, saved for last, his most memorable quotes, laid out beautifully across one page, a two-page spread, or if you're really lucky, both.

The lineup of boyfriends is chef's kiss. We've got YA heartthrobs like Edward Cullen, Jacob Black, and Conrad Fisher. Literary classics like Mr. Darcy and Heathcliff. Romantasy shadow daddies like Xaden and Rhysand (and yes, besties, no Dain or Tamlin in sight — we only go for the crème de la crème here). Contemporary romance favorites like Noah Calhoun, Charlie Lastra, and Michael Larsen. And a few delightful surprises, including Westley from The Princess Bride, which made my whole day.

One of my favorite unexpected bonuses? This book basically built my TBR list for me. Several of these boyfriends belong to books I haven't read yet, and now I absolutely have to.

Beyond the boyfriend profiles, the book is packed with even more fun, including quizzes, MASH, boyfriend bingo, and other little extras that make it feel like the ultimate bookish sleepover with your best friends.

If you have ever found yourself completely, helplessly falling for a book boyfriend, this one is for you. It would make the most perfect addition to any BookTok or Bookstagram library, and it is genuinely the ideal gift for every book-loving girlfriend, book club friend, or yourself. No shame. I see you.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Boyfriends is THE book that should grace every romance lover's shelf. I found it brilliant in regards to rating book boyfriends, since, let's be real, that's the inside joke all lovers of the romance genre share. The sad realization that book boyfriends are not real, no matter how many books we read, or how much we really, really wish they were. 😉

The entire book's premise is written with charm, satire, and careful thought as it pulled in multiple favorite book boyfriends from generations past up to today's current favorites. Everything from Bronte's Heathcliff up to ACOTAR's Rhysand and every cinnamon roll, or shadow-daddy leading male character in between you can think of.

There are sections of the book that felt a bit tongue in cheek, and even while I was snickering, I couldn't deny that the writing is extremely witty, so I was thinking about where to start and what I wanted to talk about first, aside from the delightful writing. So let's talk about the gorgeous art that can be found on just about every page and I'm not just talking about the broody male book boyfriends which are captured beautifully. It's also everything else, as this is an illustrated guide in every sense of the word and the care that was taken to add touches throughout the entire book is felt on every page.

Along those lines - there are extra items included along with all the book boyfriend descriptions; such as...boyfriend bingo, quizzes, quotes and so much more. Each extra item was a delight, engaging, and usually made me giggle by the end. The quizzes were crafted to be fun, which this entire book is exactly that....fun.

While I did learn about multiple book boyfriends, which quickly added to my TBR pile, the best part was learning a new term, which I'm totally in love with - stern brunch daddy- basically grumpy in public, but sweet and caring in private. Oh, yeah, I'm using that one going forward. 😏

I devoured this book in one afternoon, but also enjoyed every page. Now, I can't wait to start it all over and this time read it slower and soak up even more detail on a second run through. I'm also hoping for more editions to release in the future, or perhaps even a female main character as a counterpart. I'm already so in for anything from this author.

[librariSAM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start off by saying I am not a romance reader. I've read romance in the past and will pick up one here and there, but it's mostly not my cup of tea. I picked up this book to read about some of the iconic characters I know and love (Xaden & Edward mostly) and learn about new characters that might just convince me to pick up a new book.

This book was very fun, witty and millennial-coded. (I am a millennial, so I can say that without it being an insult) I like the use of color, the illustrations of the boyfriends and the way the introduction pages look. I personally think the full pages of text are a little busy for the e-book version, but they weren't too difficult to read. I think the introduction pages are cute and quirky, but the longer explanations can be a little too long-winded for me.

I didn't look up all the boyfriends who would be included in this before reading this and was pleasantly surprised to see that I knew (and loved) more of them than I thought I would. I was so happy to see Cardan from Cruel Prince and Levi from Fangirl!

I would also like to personally thank the author for including Prince Henry from Red, White & Royal Blue.

That is unfortunately where the thank-yous end. Including Gale from The Hunger Games in this book was a crime against humanity. No way I would ever include GALE in a book full of book boyfriends. If there are no haters of Gale, I'm dead. The Gale hate is real. Heck, I even saw a man have to apologize on TikTok for saying he was "Team Gale". No one likes the Prim-killer, including our girl Katniss. I know he's iconic but ICK. (This is all in good fun - don't come at me!)

Overall this was a fun read and I had some giggles and smiles in there (besides me screaming about Gale). I think this book will shine more once it is released in print, as I feel like it can be a little difficult to read in e-book form. If this sounds fun to you and you are a big romance reader, I recommend checking this out for the inside jokes and witty humor.

[WSY · Rating 4 out of 5]

=> Book boyfriend anthology
=> Multimedia / magazine-style storytelling
=> Interactive elements (quizzes, profiles, visuals)
=> Pop culture + romance commentary
=> Reader-insert emotional chaos

💘 This isn’t a traditional “read-it-and-forget-it” book. It feels like stepping into a glossy, slightly unhinged magazine dedicated entirely to fictional men and the way readers obsess over them. Each “profile” is crafted like an exhibit: personality breakdowns, aesthetic framing, quotes that hit way too precisely, and interactive elements that make it feel like you’re part of the obsession rather than just observing it.

📚 The structure is what makes it stand out. Instead of a linear narrative, it leans into fragments, visuals, and curated sections that mimic scrolling through a perfectly designed fan space. It captures bookstagram/booktok culture without mocking it, just… holding it up like, “yes, this is what you’ve become.”

💔 And then there are the character appearances. When familiar literary figures show up, especially emotionally loaded ones like Connell from *Normal People*, it hits differently. Not because it’s shocking, but because it reframes them as “book boyfriends” while you still remember exactly how much emotional damage they came with. That contrast is kind of the point.

🧠 What works best is how self-aware the book is. It understands the way readers attach meaning, attraction, and identity to fictional characters, and it plays with that seriously but playfully. It’s not shallow fanservice — it’s commentary wrapped in aesthetic obsession.

✨ If anything, the experience is less about reading and more about participation. You’re not just consuming it; you’re reacting, remembering, comparing, laughing at yourself mid-page because you recognize your own taste in fictional men too well.

📌 Final verdict:
A clever, stylish, slightly chaotic celebration of book obsession culture. It’s fun, self-aware, and weirdly reflective in the way it makes you question why you know so much about fictional men’s emotional availability.

[EM R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a free ARC copy of this book from Booktrovert, so thanks to them and the author for the opportunity to read this before its release date.

When I saw Nichole Perkins was coming out with a book about popular book boyfriends, I was eager to see what it’s all about. Although I’m not super well-versed in the romance book genre like the intended target audience would be, I used to listen to the podcast Perkins co-hosted, Thirst Aid Kit, and got some good laughs and entertainment from it. So, why not check this book out to enjoy more of the same?

Book Boyfriends: 30 Fictional Men Who Are Better Than the Real Thing is an interactive book (complete with quizzes and games like M.A.S.H.) that covers well-known boyfriends across the literary canon in individual profiles. If you’re unaware, the term “book boyfriend” essentially describes a male fictional character, usually the leading man, that readers find attractive and desirable, turning him into the subject of many a fantasy. It’s a simple but modern term for what people have been doing for centuries—imagining themselves in romantic scenarios with the male characters they crush on.

A range of male characters represents different eras for readers of diverse age groups; we have classics such as Pride and Prejudice alongside contemporary books like The Love Hypothesis.

I like the tone of this book; its language is conversational like how a best friend would sound when you’re gossiping about guys, and every profile offers clever remarks that relate to the specific book boyfriend. At the same time, this isn’t necessarily a laugh-out-loud type of read. The profile of each man provides a pretty straightforward summary of the book’s plot and the leading man’s actions and doesn’t lean as hard into the chaos and humor that this book’s concept entails, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.

full review on my blog

[I live in your walls (real) (go check) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up Book Boyfriends expecting a silly, self-aware love letter to the men who have ruined our expectations of real-life dating. I wanted dramatic declarations, ridiculous thirst, unnecessary rankings of fictional men based on their ability to brood in a doorway, and a healthy amount of “we know this is absurd and we’re having fun with it.”

Instead, I got the literary equivalent of a baseball statistics book.

Rather than feeling like a chaotic celebration of fictional crushes, each entry reads like a character profile sheet: height, build, personality traits, romantic credentials, defining moments, and a breakdown of why this particular man deserves his place in the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. There is nothing inherently wrong with that approach, but after thirty entries it becomes repetitive and strangely clinical. The joke starts to wear thin because the book spends so much time cataloging these men that it forgets to actually have much fun with them.

The biggest disappointment is that the marketing promises something cheeky, irreverent, and over-the-top. I was expecting a parody of BookTok obsession—a book willing to say, “Yes, it is ridiculous that we are all collectively losing our minds over a fictional man with a tragic backstory and a questionable amount of leather armor, and isn’t that wonderful?” Instead, it often feels like a very earnest encyclopedia of attractive male characters.

The illustrations and extras like the quizzes and bingo are charming, and I can see this making a cute gift for someone who just wants a coffee-table collection of their favorite literary heartthrobs. But as someone hoping for a sharp, witty satire of the whole “book boyfriend” phenomenon, I came away feeling like I had read a scouting report on thirty very handsome athletes.

Turns out my ideal book boyfriend was actually a sense of humor.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, so honestly, Nichole Perkins - you are brilliant. What a perfect time to capitalize on the romantasy / shadow-daddy obsession with a book that focuses on the literary loves so many of us are smitten over. Book Boyfriends is a great, fun read, featuring 30 fictional men from favorite authors like Ali Hazelwood, Holly Black, Jasmine Guillory, Sarah J. Maas, Jane Austen. Each book boyfriend gets his own spread including fun facts and full double-page quotes are included between each character. Also throughout the book are fun games / quizzes. I don’t want to give anything away because it was so fun and surprising to see all of the different ways to engage with the book. It reminded me a bit of when I used to read Seventeen or Tiger Beat growing up. Of course I always stopped to respond to the quick quiz about how much future husband would be! And now as a full grown married adult, I still paused my reading to participate in all of the fun, silly interruptions. This is full illustrated and colorful, with lots of different things to draw you in. But the most important part is it is careful about spoiling too much. Book Boyfriends refers readers to the chapters and page numbers in the men’s books of origin. So not only are we getting extra details about these literary cuties, we’re referred back to some of their best scenes from their books. Great way to create a full reading experience!
This is a must-read book for anyone who likes a happily-ever-after. Book boyfriends are included from fantasy, romantasy, contemporary, same-sex romances, classics, YA, and mature reads.The only thing missing for me is horror/sci-fi representation. But perhaps we’ll be treated to a Book Boyfriends part 2!

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun and unserious in the best way. I downloaded it on a whim, and had a fun time breezing through it. Each book boyfriend gets an illustration, a summary and a quotation. The layout is very graphic and aesthetically pleasing. While not a deep dive, it is a self aware and meaningful look at how and why we get attached to characters. It is definitely target towards a specific reader (that I fit to a tee), an unapologetic millennial Swiftie romance reader. You don't have to be a Swiftie to understand this but I appreciated the subtle references. It definitely uses a heterosexual female gaze but that is the point. It does include at least one LGBTQ character and strives for inclusivity.

The illustrations were great and very fun. This was book is probably best read as a physical book but is okay on a tablet. It's not a great read on a phone or e-reader. It requires color and seeing a full page spread is helpful. There are slight spoilers for the books included in this, but they are mostly older releases that have been greatly dissected in traditional and social media. This book is not picking characters who would be good boyfriends. These men are ones who people have been obsessed with, even if they are unhealthily morally grey. If your first crush was Dmitri from Anastasia (or a different animated character of that generation), you have come to the right place. If you completed quizzes in Teen Beat or Seventeen, this is for you. The men are mostly ones that were popular from the late 90's through the mid 2010's, and still remain popular today. This would be a fun gift for a romance obsessed friend. I have a few new books on my TBR after reading this.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Jennifer L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect gift for the romance lover in your life! An adorably fun book that profiles male main characters from both classic and contemporary novels. I loved all the illustrations, quotes and graphics too! 💕

Perkins starts off by explaining her motivations for the book and defining some of the popular male character types (e.g. golden retrievers and shadow daddies). I appreciated this because I learned a new one and, as a former teacher, I’m always a fan of first defining terms.✓ 

Even though I hadn’t read all the books the “book boyfriends” came from, I had read most of them and I still enjoyed learning about the ones I hadn’t already known. I can add a few books to my reading list! 📚

I loved all the illustrations, quotes, quizzes and games, but my favorites were the Jamie Fraser illustration with the “Dinna Fash, Sassenach” on it and the Romance Bingo Card. 

I think Perkins did a good job with her selections for the most part, but I think I would have added Cassion from ACOTAR way before having two from Twilight or two from Hunger Games. I also really liked Rory from The Knight and the Moth. And Xavier from Abby Jimenez’ Say You’ll Remember Me was literally perfect. Also, if we’re reaching into the archives for book boyfriends, I think Rhett Butler needs a nod. 😉

Thank you to Nichole Perkins, Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I will always provide an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Boyfriends is a fun, quick book that reads like a starting point for book club conversations. Its format reminds me of my favorite astrology books and teen magazines.

This book includes profiles on dozens of swoon-worthy men from literature (from Pride and Prejudice to The Love Hypothesis), complete with full-page artwork, a page of fast stats (name, age, build, dream date, key characteristics), and then two pages diving into what makes them so lovable. The writing style is very modern and humorous. Be careful which profiles you read if you don’t want spoilers!

There are also several quizzes geared around discovering your best Book Boyfriend match. These would make for some lively discussions with friends.

Not all the men included would necessarily make for an ideal boyfriend (I love Wuthering Heights, but Heathcliff, my dude, you’re a little toxic!), and plenty of them could learn a thing or two about trust and enduring relationships. But for the most part, these fictional men are beloved for a reason. I really enjoyed reading about the characters from the books I’ve read and found the descriptions short but totally accurate.

If you’re looking for something fun to liven up a romance-focused book club meeting, Book Boyfriends makes for a conversation starter.

Special thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

[Yvette Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I am not this book's intended audience. I don't particularly enjoy the romance genre.

And yet, here I am, fully charmed and entertained.

This book rounds up 30 of fiction's most iconic "book boyfriends" from Shakespeare's Romeo to Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy, all the way to modern obsessions like Edward Cullen (Twilight), Rhysand (ACOTAR), and Xaden (Fourth Wing). As a cultural artifact alone, it's genuinely fascinating to trace the evolution of the literary heartthrob. The book contains characters from a variety of genres, including: contemporary romance, fantasy romance, historical romance, gothic fiction, dystopian fiction, and more.

The book clearly has a sharp self-awareness of its subject matter, leaning into the absurdity with affection and pride. I cringed a lot, but romance fans will likely enjoy the unashamed full embrace of the genre.

This is the kind of gift you'd deliver into the hands of a BookTok-obsessed friend. For the outsider like me, it's an unexpectedly entertaining crash course in the history of romantic hero archetypes, pop culture, and why these characters have endured in the sea of love interests.

I'm glad I read it.

(Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated 3.5 out of 5.

This was a fun read. Perkins clearly has enthusiasm for both writing and reading, which shines through on every page. The illustrations and a quippy commentary were also fun additions to the text. All that being said, this book was just alright. Perkins seemed focused on fictional men who were well-known due to being part of popular television shows or movies. I also wasn't a fan of how the male leads involved in love triangles were both included, like including both Gale Hawthorne and Peeta Mellark. While both characters have strengths, I found it odd that Perkins would double-dip from the same book series, given that she was only presenting 30 book boyfriends.

I think this ties into my biggest struggle with the book, because I didn't understand what exactly the criteria for selection were for these men, beyond the popularity of the text from which they originate. This is highlighted by the section where Heathcliff is included and described as a walking red flag.

Overall, a funny read, but not exploring the depths of potential book boyfriends.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, Murder

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is any romance girlie's dream, but especially us Millennials who grew up playing M.A.S.H. and lived through the Twilight phenomenon! It has pretty much all the faves! Jacob and Edward, Cardan Greenbriar, Jamie Fraser, Rhysand, Simon Basset (The Duke! Swoons), Xaden, etc. I loved reading the little blurbs about my faves, plus it also introduced me to some new hotties that I officially want to check out! This is definitely a great method to introduce people to new book boyfriends. I loved the little games and quizzes throughout too. Honestly, I'd buy this in a heartbeat, not only for myself but for my bookish friends too! I just know it would be even cooler in print because the illustrations and everything are so wonderful and I'd love to have a print copy to display! My only complaint was the copyright watermark throughout making it a little hard to read some parts, but I know that just comes with getting an ARC like this. Another reason to go for the print version!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me a chance to check this out! I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be on the lookout for it in stores!

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was fun! While I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting into at first (--maybe 30 short stories?) it was interesting to read through. While I was reading I thought Perkins was around my age as she picked a loooot of YA bookish characters that were relevant to me growing up (turns out she's 20 years older than me, and that's okay! lol)

Each of the 30 book boyfriends she has selected gets a character page followed by a write-up of why they are an ideal book boyfriend. Mixed in are some quizzes (think teen magazines) and other games.

I have to deduct some points for GALE (THG) being included as a book boyfriend and calling Conrad a "budding brunch daddy" ...

I think Perkins does a good job of balancing the old and the new -- with a lot more NEW book boyfriends. I think with the way some of these YA characters are talked about, more adult aged-characters might have been beneficial (see above about Conrad), but overall this was a good time!

The illustrator Emma Munger also did a GREAT job I loved her artwork throughout!

[Jami Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I need to start off by saying that I have not read all of the books that these book boyfriends belong to as I was primarily a suspense/thriller reader up until recently where I discovered my love for romantasy and romance.

This is a fun read, but not necessarily something I would go back to time and time again. I do think I would enjoy this book more in physical form as the layout can be difficult to read on screen on some pages.

This list of fictional boyfriends includes characters from young adult, romantasy, as well as some classics. This book helped me build my never-ending TBR even more as a good chunk of these guys belong to books that I've not yet read.

Some of the best parts of this read are the bonus additions throughout the book, including little quizzes, MASH, boyfriend bingo, as well as some other things. It gives the feel of a girl's night with my bestie in my younger years.

[Minna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Ms. Perkins for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

There's nothing in here you don't already know, if you've read the books in which the "fictional boyfriends" appear. I was pleased to see a few favorites of my own (HI CARDAN!) and mildly amused to see a few that I would not have considered fictional boyfriends in a million years. But, to each their own, as they say. Honestly, this sort of book could go on forever, because in every book is a character that is the *perfect* book boyfriend to some very happy reader, so I was ok with the author limiting the pool to 30. (I did enjoy picturing who I would add, and whom I would subtract, as I'm sure most readers would.)

Honestly, it's a silly, fluffy book, but it's exactly what I expected and I was enormously entertained. And a little nostalgic, as some of these gentlemen haven't been on my radar in quite some time.

3 stars

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC!

As I was browsing through Netgalley’s Read Now category, I stumbled across this gem and felt compelled to read it (with some encouragement from a friend). I read a fair amount of romance, so I was curious which 30 men made the list. Some I agreed with, some I had no idea who they were and a few were on the Hard Pass list. But I still had some fun reading it and actually laughed quite a few times. I was reading it with a friend, so that definitely made it even funnier and it really made our day.

I recommend giving this one a go if you're a fan of book boyfriends and looking for a bit of fun. There’s even some quizzes and mini-games to entertain you as you read through. Also, I liked the art as well as the witty writing. This book was a love letter to romance while also acknowledging some of the silliness (no shade, romance will forever be my #1) of the genre

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This illustrated book is a fabulous addition to any book babe's library. I appreciated Perkins' insight and humor as she describes each book boyfriend, from Jane Austen and Emily Bronte's heroes of centuries ago, all the way to current favorites written by Emily Henry and Rebecca Yarros.

The full page spread giving a brief overview of each boyfriend is helpful if you already know your tropes and types, or if you want a couple jokes about a well known character. Then the full description on the following page is incredible to think more deeply about what makes that book boyfriend so alluring, and might shed some light on the dynamics in the book.

Interspersed there are little quizzes to take yourself or discuss with a friend. These are lighthearted and cheesy, and made me want to keep going to find more.

I enjoyed how colorful and detailed the pages were, and I found a couple books to add to my TBR that hadn't been on my radar.

I received the ARC from Netgalley.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A humorous look at 30 fictional men and how they're prime boyfriend material.

The layout of this book is good: each man gets an illustration, a character description, one page on why they're worth swooning over, and a quotation from their book. A couple of quizzes are included, giving the book a fun, magazine-like feel.

Where the book fails for me is in the selection of characters. Westley from The Princess Bride? Sure. Aragorn from Lord of the Rings? Why not? But Wuthering Heights's Heathcliff, the poster child for abusive stalkers? Or Pedro Muzquiz from Like Water for Chocolate, whose idea of romance is to marry a woman he doesn't love so he can have unfettered access to her sister? I get that this book is supposed to be about fantasy rather than reality, but maybe don't romanticize characters who are really abusive jerks?

Two and a half stars.

Received via NetGalley.

[Heather Connolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Nichole Perkins for the opportunity to ARC read this book!

The concept of this book is unique, and I appreciated the wide range of fictional “boyfriends” included throughout. The artwork is well done and gives the book a fun comic-book style, while the quizzes and mini-games add an interactive element that feels very reminiscent of teen magazines.

While I could see what the book was aiming for, the writing style didn’t fully work for me. Despite covering more mature topics (including sexual desires) and quoting adult language, much of the tone and phrasing felt geared toward a younger audience. Because of that, the balance between the adult themes and the presentation (like the repeated stickers throughout) felt a little inconsistent at times.

Overall, I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it, especially for the artwork and nostalgic magazine-style format, but it ultimately wasn’t something I would personally purchase or revisit.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun full color collection of some of the most memorable romantic men in fiction. While it’s mainly romance, no genre is safe. Perkins features love interests from fantasy, YA, and classic literature.
With illustrations, quotes, and quippy essays about each choice, your TBR will be wrecked and you will say thank you. She also fun games like Match the Book to the Trope, Romance Book Bingo, and Romance M.A.S.H.
I very much enjoyed Perkins wit. Describing Heathcliff as “the gothic patron saint of pettiness” sent me. Why say ‘the bar is in hell’ when “Sometimes it feels like the bar for guys is under the bottom of Satan’s big toe,” is an option? She also articulates why we love some of these love stories: “Fated mates and insta-love can be wonderful, but making the choice to love all of someone is electrifying.”
If you have a bookish lady who loves love, she might enjoy with this. I look forward to more from Nicole Perkins in the future. 4/5

[Diana Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know this book was coming out! Just found it randomly at Target, even though it doesn’t come out in like 20 days.

But anyway, this is perfect! It has a bunch of our favorites in a different art style with some fun pages and little games. It’s honestly really cute. This would honestly make a great gift. It’s super funny. 🤣
Very glad that my favs (Cardan, Jacks, Darcy) are in it. Kinda sad and a little disappointed that some of the really popular ones aren’t in it. Like they didn’t have so many of them! There was some I would have DEFINITELY taken out. That being said, it’s still really cute and fun.
However, since they missed of few… guess that means we need a book two? I think so!😆
I’d have a few suggestions:
-Grayson Hawthorne.
-Jameson Hawthorne.
-Legend.
-Julian Santos.
-Thomas Cresswell.
-Rayvn Yew.
-Wendell Bramely.
-Oak Greenbriar.

That’s all. Hoping for a second one. 🤣❤️

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read that’s absolutely going to stir up the romance crowd. There’s plenty here to debate: the characters, the choices, the messy dynamics which and I’m sure will spark more than a few lively conversations. Besides, there’s no universe where my book boyfriends are limited to only thirty. 🤪

And speaking of book boyfriends, this story pulls from the lineage of the greats. You’ve got Heathcliff and Fitzwilliam Darcy the OG broody romantic heartthrobs who set the standard for every single tortured love interest that followed.

If you love stories that spark debate, stir emotions, and give you at least three new fictional men to add to your ever‑growing roster, this one delivers. It’s fun, dramatic, and just self‑aware enough to keep you grinning. And 30 book boyfriends? I’m going to need a much bigger list or a Part two of this book.

[Chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! All of the best book boyfriends rounded up into one book with illustrations, descriptions & the best quotes! I have added so many new romance books to my list to read after seeing the book boyfriends and hearing about them 😍

This had such a good selection too, like Edward, Rhys, Charlie Lastra, Adam Carlsen, Cardan… so many good ones! 🔥

It was so fun going down memory lane with some of these books I haven’t read in years but also to get fun new books to add to my list just based on the MMC. This was the coolest idea & I highly recommend checking it out. I can’t wait to see it in print and flip through it again!

Thank you NetGalley, Nichole Perkins & the publisher Chronicle Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased feedback.

This book will be released on October 5, 2026!