A comprehensive study analyzing social media trends and search data over 11 months has officially crowned Rhysand from Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses as the most popular book boyfriend, with Xaden Riorson and literary classic Gilbert Blythe rounding out the top three in a ranking that reveals reader preferences across generations.
The Rise of the Book Boyfriend Phenomenon
The concept of the “book boyfriend” has evolved from a niche fandom term to a mainstream cultural phenomenon, driven largely by the explosive growth of the romance and fantasy genres, particularly romantasy. According to a study conducted by Monsta Toys, researchers analyzed data from November 2024 through October 2025 to assign popularity scores to 25 male love interests from both contemporary and classic literature.
The methodology was comprehensive, beginning with character selection based on discussions in Reddit communities like r/YAlit and r/fantasyromance. Researchers then measured each character’s search volume data and tracked their mentions through Instagram hashtags to calculate a final “popularity score.” This data-driven approach provides a unique snapshot of what qualities modern readers find most appealing in fictional partners.
And the Winner Is… Rhysand from ACOTAR
Topping the list is Rhysand, the powerful High Lord of the Night Court from Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Rhysand’s victory underscores the dominant position of fantasy romance in today’s literary landscape. Jenna Brightwell, a dating and relationship expert at Monsta Toys, analyzed his appeal: “Rhysand represents the fantasy of someone who is powerful in the world but soft with you. He’s the character who respects boundaries, communicates openly and puts his partner first. That’s incredibly appealing in a genre where emotional connection matters as much as the fantasy elements.”
Following closely behind in second place is Xaden Riorson from Rebecca Yarros’s viral The Empyrean Series, which began with the phenomenon Fourth Wing. Xaden’s combination of dangerous allure and hidden vulnerability has captured the imagination of a massive reader base, proving that the dark, morally complex hero remains a potent archetype.
Classic Characters Hold Their Ground
Perhaps the most surprising result of the study is the strong showing of Gilbert Blythe from L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, who secured the third position. Gilbert’s enduring popularity demonstrates that timeless qualities—intelligence, kindness, and unwavering support—continue to resonate strongly with readers across generations.
The study’s runners-up showcase the diversity of reader preferences, including characters from across the literary spectrum:
- Rowan Whitethorn and Dorian Havilliard from Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series
- Aaron Warner from Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series
- Kaz Brekker from Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows
- Howl Pendragon from Diana Wynne Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle
- Cardan Greenbriar from Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series
- Wesley from William Goldman’s The Princess Bride
The Fastest-Rising Book Boyfriends
Beyond identifying the most popular characters overall, the study also tracked which book boyfriends are gaining traction most rapidly among readers. Leading this category is Bastian Marwood from Clare Sager’s romantasy novel A Kiss of Iron, who saw an astonishing 350% increase in reader interest over the 11-month study period.
The ranking of fastest-rising characters includes:
- Bastian Marwood (A Kiss of Iron) – 350% increase
- Jacks (The Hollow)
- Luther Corbois (The Cursed Kindred Saga)
- Keris Veliant (The Bridge Kingdom)
- Richard Gansey III (The Raven Cycle)
- Wendell Bambleby (Emily Wilde)
Notably, several characters appeared on both the “most popular” and “fastest-rising” lists, including Wesley, Gilbert Blythe, Rowan Whitethorn, and Xaden Riorson, indicating their sustained and growing appeal.
Contextualizing the Trends
These findings align perfectly with broader reading trends identified by industry leaders. Spotify’s inaugural Audiobooks Wrapped report and the State of Reading Report from Everand and Fable consistently place romance and fantasy among the top five most-consumed genres. The book boyfriend phenomenon reflects readers’ desire for emotional connection and escapism through literature.
The study’s results demonstrate that while dark, complex fantasy heroes dominate the current landscape, classic literary figures maintain significant staying power. The blend of old and new favorites suggests that reader preferences are both evolving and honoring tradition, creating a rich ecosystem where characters from different eras can coexist and find new audiences.
What This Means for the Publishing Industry
The identification of specific characters driving reader engagement provides valuable insights for publishers and authors. The data confirms that well-developed romantic arcs significantly impact a book’s commercial success and cultural longevity. Characters who balance power with vulnerability, like Rhysand and Xaden, particularly resonate with contemporary readers seeking both escapism and emotional depth.
Furthermore, the strong performance of characters from ongoing series indicates that readers invest deeply in long-term character development, creating opportunities for expanded universes and spin-off projects. The crossover appeal of characters like Wesley and Gilbert Blythe, who originated in non-romance focused stories, highlights the universal appeal of a well-crafted love interest.
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