'Just My Type': Why Women Are Searching For 'Book Boyfriends' In Real Life

Let's be honest, we have all been there: turning the pages of a novel and weaving a fantasy world in our minds, with that secretly soft-hearted billionaire or that sweet, supportive best friend. Just like Taylor Swift in her song, “Love Story”.

Books have become a source of comfort and affection for many Gen Z individuals, especially as dating trends like "benching", “shrekking”, "ghosting," and "situationships" have become more common. 

In a world where genuine romance can feel hard to find, characters from books have become the romantic escape that people crave in real life. The rise of the new slang "book boyfriend" has transported readers into the "delulu" world of fictional romance.

Is This a Modern Want, or a Timeless One?

A recent survey conducted by the dating appTinder reveals that the mention of “book boyfriend” in the bios has skyrocketed from 58% in 2024 to a 77% surge in January 2025.

People have become extremely creative with their profiles, with some mentioning “The best way to my heart is a date at the bookstore,” or “ Books> Boys (but I’m willing to negotiate)”. 

Literati boyfriends are the new in-trend type that has left women awestruck. This “book boyfriend” trend is more than a silly crush. It's about being in a safe space and trying to find that non-existent character in your real life. 

Manifesting the kind of fairy tale love portrayed in a book, Gen Z women have been in search to find that ‘perfect’ match for them with someone who embodies the romantic qualities of fictional characters.

Discussing fictional stories can be the ultimate ice-breaker that can help you move forward past the first date. These days, people crave each other's presence and quality time over chasing that 'perfect' match.

Moreover, respecting each other’s company, emotional intelligence, intimacy, and words of affirmation are what we consider ‘green flags’ in a book, and we demand them in reality.

We've all been a 'hopeless romantic,' but should it really be hopeless? This might seem like a new Gen Z trend, but it signifies the timeless quest of people to find their mate who is genuinely kind, emotionally available and supportive. 

Views expressed are the author's own.