Here are just seven fictional couples that have not only won each other's hearts, but also those of the readers.

Adam and Eve (all illustrations by Didi Beck/Neon Tommy).

As the first couple to walk the earth, Adam and Eve set the precedent of sticking it out “for better or for worse.” They lived in paradise with the world at their feet until one encounter with the Devil himself led to their fall from grace. Rather than break up, Adam and Eve left Eden together and, oh, did a little something like start the human race.

Memorable quote:

“The World was all before them, where to choose / Thir place of rest, and Providence thir guide: / They hand in hand with wandring steps and slow, / Through “Eden” took thir solitaire way.”

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”

Elizabeth Bennet never thought she would ever find Mr. Darcy – the proud man who had snubbed her at a party and prevented her sister from becoming engaged to his friend – attractive let alone did she think she could marry him. But after all the misunderstandings cleared up and both folks put their pride aside, they realized how perfect they were for each other. And props to Mr. Darcy because asking a girl to marry you twice deserves a fist bump of respect.

Memorable quote: 

“But above all, above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of good will which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude. -- Gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive all the petulance and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection.”

Jane Eyre and Rochester

No one does dark Victorian romance like the Bronte sisters. Orphan Jane Eyre is sent away to be educated and eventually emerges ready to be a governess. She finds work at Thornfield Hall, an estate owned by the mysterious, enigmatic and brooding Edward Rochester. Strange occurrences, a demented wife locked in the attic and a fire among other dark secrets cannot even keep Jane and Rochester from loving each other. Though their relationship seemed to be irreparable after their disastrous wedding day, Jane goes on a search for herself and turns down another proposal. Hearing Rochester’s voice calling out for her in her sleep, she finds him yet again—blinded by the fire set by his manic ex-wife—and they finally get their happily ever after. Bronte’s core message of the book is learning to love yourself before loving another person and being with that person. 

Memorable quote:

“I know what it is to live entirely for and with what I love best on earth. I hold myself supremely blest—blest beyond what language can express; because I am my husband’s life as fully as he is mine. No woman was ever nearer to her mate than I am: ever more absolutely bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh.” –Jane 

Kitty and Levin, Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" 

Despite the title of the book, "Anna Karenina" is as much about Anna's affair with Vronksy and her subsequent shunning by Russian high society as it is about Levin's love-and-soul-searching in the country. Kitty and Levin serve as Anna and Vronksy's counterpoint in the novel. Minus the adultery and suicide, Kitty and Levin's relationship is one of true love and respect--and more real in a way. Levin gathers the courage to propose to Kitty in Moscow, but she turns him down. Nursing his wounded pride, he takes refuge in his country estate and ponders the philosophical questions of existence and purpose. When they see each other for the first time since Kitty's refusal, they have a cute scene where they play a word game at a party where they apologize for their past mistakes and say they still care for each other. They are reconciled, Levin proposes again, Kitty accepts and they marry and start a new, happy life in the country. 

Memorable quote:

"He could not be mistaken. There were no other eyes like those in the world. There was only one creature in the world who could concentrate for him all the brightness and meaning of life. It was she. It was Kitty." -Levin 

Ron and Hermoine

Ron and Hermione grew up in completely different worlds – he was one of eight children living a secret magical existence, while she was the only child of a Muggle (non-magical) dentist. They met when they were only 11-years-old on a train ride to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They didn’t seem to like each other at first: Ron’s laidback, goofy personality clashed with Hermione’s serious, know-it-all attitude. All they really had in common was having Harry Potter for a friend, but over the years readers watched their childhood friendship beautifully blossom into a magical love. When finally, finally after seven long years, Ron and Hermione kissed, it was celebrated from the wizarding to the Muggle world. All definitely is well with this spellbinding love story in one of the greatest series ever written. 

Memorable quote:

“There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione’s arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet.” – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”

R and Julie

R and Julie are the Romeo and Juliet for “The Walking Dead”/”Zombieland” crowd. But really, Montague and Capulet look like hopscotch compared to the epic divide between this couple – he’s a zombie, and she’s zombies’ favorite food! R doesn’t fall for Julie simply for her tasty flesh and warm blood. In Marion’s post-apocalyptic world, zombies can see and feel memories of people when they eat their brains. When R eats Julie’s boyfriend’s brain, he is captivated by her passion and spirit. Julie treats him like a human being, rekindling the humanity R has buried deep within his dead body. The couple must battle both humans and zombies to keep each other safe, and, in the end, their forbidden relationship changes the fate of the living and dead world for the better. 

Memorable quote:

“We smile, because this is how we save the world. “ – R 

Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter, Nicholas Sparks’ “A Walk To Remember” 

No list about romance and novels would be complete without some Nicholas Sparks, and the best couple in any of his novels has to be Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter from his 1999 tearjerker “A Walk to Remember.” Popular high schoolers bully Jamie because she’s quiet and religious, and cool kid Landon slowly finds himself falling in love with Jamie for all of the reasons he used to make fun of her. Forget about “A Walk to Remember’s” cheesy film adaptation, because the novel has romantic and soul-stirring moments that the movie completely left out. Jamie and Landon really are just love struck teenagers following their hearts, damning the consequences and the little time they have left together. Sparks successfully writes for this kind of fearless love to be inspirational, not annoying. Even though the ending almost makes you want to throw the book across the room, this emotional walk ultimately ends up being one worth remembering.  

Memorable quote:

“It wasn't that long, and it certainly wasn't the kind of kiss you see in movies these days, but it was wonderful in its own way, and all I can remember about the moment is that when our lips touched, I knew the memory would last forever.” – Landon Carter

Reach Staff Reporter Laura here, Associate Arts Editor Melissah here and Senior Arts Editor Kristin here.