Here at Bookstr, we’re a bunch of romantics. That’s why I asked my colleagues to share who their favorite fictional married couples are. From literature to the big and small screens, these are the pairings that have won over our hearts.
Tatsu and Miku, The Way of the Househusband
I love this couple because they are different but love each other, and their marriage is adorable. Tatsu, a former dangerous yakuza member known as the Immortal Dragon, goes far and beyond to be an excellent stay-at-home husband after giving up being a yakuza to be with his wife — that takes guts and commitment. Miku, a full-time worker, showed kindness to him when she first encountered Tatsu bloodied and injured. While most people would have feared the intimidating yakuza, Miku showed compassion and looked beyond his tough exterior, leading to the start of a beautiful relationship that readers wish for, including me.
Both are so loud and weird that they occasionally get strange looks from the crowd, but their personalities bounce off each other in a delightful way, making for an incredible read. Tatsu puts his heart into everything he does, doing housework, perfecting Miku’s bento lunches, competing with other stay-at-home wives for brand deals and discounts, and even saying embarrassing lines from Miku’s favorite magical girl anime, Policure. Tatsu does everything he can to make his wife happy, all while still having that yakuza vibe that scares everyone but Miku.
Claudia Maldonado, Editorial
Shawn and Jules, Psych (2006)
Shawn and Jules were THE couple of my childhood. I watched every single episode of this show like four times and always hoped for a relationship like theirs. Every interaction they have before they get together has such incredible chemistry, and when they finally get together, it’s clear that they were [always] going to end up married. They make mistakes and get annoyed at each other’s flaws, but in the end, it doesn’t even matter because of how devoted they are to one another. It’s one of those relationships where you are serious and committed but also incredibly silly and stupid together. It’s the classic, “We make each other better, but we also make each other worse.” Not to mention, some of the most romantic quotes I’ve ever heard come from this pairing.
“All I can tell you is that just now, in that moment… all I could think about was Jules. I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that she’s dating Declan. Actually… it’s actually killing me. I know it’s not fair. You think I don’t want her to be happy? I want her to be happy. But — serious Shawn moment here — I want to be happy too. And for some reason I can’t imagine that happening without Juliet.”
UGH.
Elizabeth Beaver, Editorial
Nick and Rachel, Crazy Rich Asians
One of my favorite fictional married couples is Nick and Rachel Young from Kevin Kwan’s novel Crazy Rich Asians. These two are so adorable! Nick and Rachel’s relationship is put to the test when Rachel, who is not from the same wealthy social circle as Nick, accompanies him to Singapore to attend his best friend’s wedding. Despite facing judgment and obstacles from Nick’s incredibly wealthy and traditional family, their love and commitment to each other ultimately prevail. I just love how they remain by each other’s side through all of the craziness of the story. Their relationship showcases the importance of communication, trust, and standing by your partner through thick and thin. Their love story felt very beautiful and believable to me. This book also became a movie, which I LOVED!
Adelina Milano, Social & Outreach
Elizabeth and Will, Pirates of the Caribbean
I love the dynamic between Elizabeth and Will throughout the movie series. They meet when they are kids and already have a bond. They work well together as a team and would do anything for each other, including sacrificing themselves for the other person. Despite all of their ups and downs and pain, they still manage to be together. Their wedding scene is one of the best moments because they are fighting against other pirates. Will asks Elizabeth to marry him, and she has Barbossa marry them in the middle of a sword fight. I love how they met when they were kids and still managed to see each other throughout the years despite the obstacles that stood in their way. Their story is engaging, emotional, and fun to watch unfold as they go through life together.
Molly Ireland, Outreach
Loid and Yor Forger, Spy X Family
Nothing beats a marriage of convenience. Loid and Yor end up stumbling upon each other and pitch getting married to one another to “avoid suspicion.” What neither of them knows is that they are both living secret lives outside of standard societal norms. Loid is an undercover spy who adopted a daughter (who’s a telepath!!) for a mission, and Yor is an assassin. Having a telepathic daughter, Anya means they also have someone to raise and protect. Anya is the only one who knows their secrets and is constantly finding ways to bring her parents together and cause mischief. While Loid claims that the family is for the good of his country and mission, throughout the show’s two seasons, he has become a BIG softy. I can’t help but giggle and appreciate the bond growing between their little family, even if they can’t see/admit it yet!
Hailey Case, Outreach
Rhysand and Feyre, A Court of Mist and Fury
These two aren’t formally married, but they are “mates,” which, in ACOTAR speak, is basically the equivalent. The fact that they have a bond where they can read one another’s minds and are still going strong is a miracle. I love how they’re such an unexpected couple that most readers wouldn’t initially think to root for since Rhysand stole Feyre from her previous fiancé, but their relationship blossoms so beautifully when they train for battle together, and Feyre becomes accepted into his family. I’m also just a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers trope, which these two definitely have based on their interactions in the previous book. Lastly, the fact that Rhysand makes Feyre High Lady of the Court (a counterpart to his own status as High Lord) shows how much he truly values and respects her as an equal.
Oona Quinn, Outreach
Kate and Anthony Bridgerton, Bridgerton
Kate and Anthony’s angst-ridden path to love in Bridgerton’s Season 2 cemented them as my favorite couple from the series thus far and one of my favorite fictional couples of all time! They were both united and driven apart by their duty to their families, and I loved seeing them end up happily together, though it took a brokenhearted sister to do so. Season 3 has already given us a glimpse into their married life at the head of the Bridgerton family, and I couldn’t enjoy getting to see their quieter, domestic moments after the tempest of last season more. Whether it’s a steamy scene or a stolen kiss, #Kanthony is definitely at the top of the list for my favorite fictional married couples.
Fiona Hansen, Editorial
Chandler and Monica, Friends
As much as I love Friends, I prefer to skip to the season when Chandler and Monica get together. How Ross and Rachel got all the fanfare above them is beyond me. Mondler is the aspirational couple; a relationship that begins as a pure, unassuming friendship but grows into more, organically. Those are the most rewarding love stories to watch — the unexpected ones.
Gabriela Collazo, Editorial
Not all of our favorite couples make it down the aisle, which is why we cherish those who do. May these fictional marriages be as eternal as our love for them.
For more couples we love, click here!
In the mood for some contemporary romance, check out our shelf on Bookshop.org!
