Book characters to fall in love with

Frankie McGrath is the kind of heroine who stays with you long after the story ends. Fiercely courageous yet deeply vulnerable, she defies expectations, stepping into the chaos of Vietnam as an Army nurse, where she learns the brutal cost of war and the strength of female friendship. Her journey, from an idealistic young woman to a battle-hardened survivor, makes her impossible not to root for. Frankie embodies resilience, love, and the power of finding one’s own voice, proving that women can be heroes too. Don't miss the novel loved by readers worldwide, from bestselling author, Kristin Hannah.

James and Huck are an unlikely pairing; an enslaved man seeking freedom and a young boy who has faked his own death to escape his abusive father. Their relationship is the beating heart of Percival Everett’s bold reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, shortlisted for 2024's Booker Prize. As they embark on a treacherous journey, they travel not only towards the elusive promise of the free states, but experience a lifechanging odyssey. James emerges to reclaim his voice, defying the conventions that have consigned him to the margins. This book will have you cheering for a character whose story of resilience has finally been told.

Bridget Jones spills all in her hilarious account of her messy thirties. From wallowing in her lack of love life to suddenly catching the eye of two suitors, Bridget tries to take the reins of her life with the invaluable help of her friends. Candid and seriously addictive, Bridget explores the everyday trials of this famous singleton are both hilariously 90s and also timeless. Lovingly brought to life on screen by Renee Zellweger, Bridget’s escapades continue to delight audiences worldwide. Catch up on her latest gossip in the new film, Mad about the Boy.

Helen Scheuerer’s highly anticipated romantasy, Iron and Embers, introduces us to the fierce and fearless Wren Embervale. Once an alchemist, now an assassin, Wren is driven by wrath and a thirst for vengeance against those who killed her friends. She refuses to be controlled – even by her assigned protector, Torj Elderbrock, who has his own reasons to seek vengeance on her. Tasked with finding a cure for a mysterious new poison, Wren is offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor. But first, she must survive the Gauntlet – a brutal series of deadly trials that could cost her sanity, or her life. Her deep loyalty and commanding nature are sure to have you hooked throughout.

Husband and wife duo, Nagare and Kei, are the owners of the Japanese coffee shop that offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time, under some strict rules. Nagare and Kei are the admirable gatekeepers of these rules; their careful supervision and heartfelt reassurance protects the lost souls journeying to the past. But you’ll be heartbroken to learn that these wonderful guardians of the magical Café Funiculi Funicula aren’t without their own struggles. The most touching story of all is Kei’s, who’s heart condition means she may not survive her pregnancy. As she travels to the future to discover her fate, you’ll be filled with adoration for the woman who has bravely devoted everything to the café, and her future daughter.

Willem, from Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life, is a character who’s left an indelible mark on our hearts. Sure, he’s handsome and talented, but his loyalty and boundless compassion for his friends is what we really cherish. The stable anchor we all need in a friendship group, we see Willem selflessly dedicate himself to his unbreakable bond with Jude, loving him and helping him live with a heartbreaking past of trauma and pain. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, as Willem's gentle nature and vulnerability helps to make A Little Life one of the most profound books you will ever read. 

One of the most-loved characters in classic literature is Elizabeth Bennet, the delightful heroine of Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice. With sharp wit and boundless charm, Elizabeth navigates the social landscape of Regency-era England, captivating readers with her fiery spirit and unyielding principles. Whether you’ve not read this timeless story before, or (like us) you find yourself returning to it over and over again, you can’t help but be captivated as both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy have their pride humbled and their prejudices dissolved. Prepare to be enchanted by Elizabeth’s integrity, her enduring love for her family, and her indomitable spirit that refuses to succumb to societal norms. You won’t just love her, you’ll want to be more like her.

Jess has never shied away from speaking her mind, fearlessly challenging her privileged, upper-class peers during her Ivy League days. Sharp and determined, she struggles to carve out her place as a Black woman in the corporate world, while others – like her former classmate Josh – seem to have success handed to them. Beneath her confident exterior, she masks her emotions with a casual 'everything’s fine', striving to meet her father’s expectations as a data analyst at a top investment bank.  But as an unexpected romance unfolds, Jess must question what she is willing to compromise for love.

B. K. Borison brings to life the heartwarming story of two people bringing the Christmas magic to the small town of Inglewood. Stella is passionate about making her childhood dreams come true with her Christmas tree farm. In an effort to save it from failure, she enters a social media contest looping in best friend Luka as her ‘boyfriend’ for a romantic appeal, unbeknownst to him. As the competition draws near and their fake relationship brews, Stella and Luka must keep up appearances to save Lovelight Farms before it's too late. With Stella's drive and loving nature, it won’t be hard for her to capture your heart right from the start with her optimism, work ethic and deep love for her friends and family.

Charlie is the epitome of a main character who has had life happen to him. He's broke, divorced, and becoming emotionally dependent on his cat. Things don't seem too bright.  Then he suddenly inherits his estranged uncle's super villain empire. Caught in a dead-end job with little direction in his life, his circumstances are dramatically changed when he discovers he’s inherited his estranged uncle’s empire as a super villain. Despite the absurd and deadly world that he finds himself in, Charlie’s good humour and gentle nature shines throughout making him an easily loveable character.