Favourite Fictional Couples

Valentine’s Day always makes me think about the fictional couples who have stayed with me. The ones who made me grin like an idiot, broke my heart a little, or reminded me why romance in fiction is such a joy.

So here it is, a round‑up of some of my favourite fictional couples, spanning contemporary romance, fantasy, cosy fiction and even the more literary end of the spectrum.

Whether you love slow burns, chaotic chemistry, morally grey tension or soft, healing love stories, there’s something here to swoon over.

Emily Henry Couples (always elite)

Emily Henry writes chemistry like nobody else, and her couples feel so real you could swear you’ve met them.

Harriet and Wyn — Happy Place

A second‑chance romance filled with longing and emotional honesty. They feel lived‑in, flawed and beautifully human.

Nora and Charlie — Book Lovers

Sharp, witty and perfectly matched. Their banter alone could power a small city.

Lucy and Miles — Funny Story

A gentle, tender romance that grows out of genuine friendship. Soft in all the right ways.

Poppy and Alex — People We Meet on Vacation

One of the most beloved friends‑to‑lovers arcs in modern romance. Warm, messy and heartfelt.

Alice and Hayden — Great Big Beautiful Life

A quieter connection, but deeply moving and full of emotional depth.

Beth O’Leary Couples

Beth O’Leary always gives us romance with heart and healing.

Tiffy and Leon — The Flatshare

Iconic, quirky and full of warmth. A modern classic.

Lexi and Zeke in Swept Away

A survival romance with heart, humour, and a seagull named Eugene.

Fantasy and Paranormal Couples

For readers who love their romance with magic, danger or a touch of darkness.

Violet and Xaden — Fourth Wing / Iron Flame / Oryx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Explosive chemistry and delicious tension. A fandom favourite for a reason.

Signa and Death — Belladonna / Foxglove / Wisteria by Adalyn Grace

Gothic, atmospheric and wonderfully dark.

Calista and Thorne — Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A sensual slow burn wrapped in political intrigue.

Joan and Aaron — Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

Star‑crossed and morally complex. Impossible not to root for them.

Catrin and Simon — Blood and Moonlight / Silence and Shadow by Erin Beaty

A romance built on trust, danger and slow‑growing connection.

Contemporary Romance and Women’s Fiction Couples

Chandler and Finn — Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Funny, heartfelt and full of genuine growth.

Adalyn and Cameron — The Long Game by Elena Armas

Small‑town charm with a slow burn that feels earned.

Cass and Ranulph – Island in the Sun by Katie Fforde

Sun‑soaked escapism with a sweet emotional core.

Literary and Character‑Driven Couples

Lara and Joe — Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

A mature, grounded marriage that feels incredibly real.

Sam and Sadie — Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Not a romance in the traditional sense, but one of the most iconic relationships in modern fiction. If we stretch the definition, they absolutely belong here.

Cosy Fantasy Couple

Viv and Tandri — Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Soft, queer, cosy and comforting. A romance that feels like a warm drink on a cold day.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, friends or a stack of books, these couples offer every flavour of love. From chaotic fantasy pairings to tender contemporary romances, each one brings something special to the page.

Here’s to fictional love stories that stay with us.