We all know that book boyfriends are the best, but sometimes they can be too good. Sensitive and thoughtful, steamy and passionate, or somewhere in between, there is a perfect fictional man for everyone. The only problem: sometimes real life guys just can’t compare to the fictional hunks we love. Here are 5 book boyfriends who are ruining romance for the rest of us.

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz

Having a book boyfriend that’s one of the founders of the American revolution pretty much makes it so no other book boyfriend stands a chance. Young, scrappy, and hungry, Alex is an overachiever to say the least!

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

We loved sweet and sensitive and supportive Adam in If I Stay, and we love him even more in Where She Went. Since the story is told from his point of view, Adam really shines in this tale of love, heartbreak, and closure.

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Khalid’s gruff and angry exterior hides a steamy passion that we can’t get enough of. Who in real life can beat a strong and complicated king who supports and empowers the woman he loves?

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Jase is everything the boy-next-door should be: so smart and sweet and romantic that he makes your heart skip a beat. He’s there for his family and for his girlfriend, and on top of that he’s funny? Our neighbor boys have some catching up to do.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

First things first: romances in Paris have an unfair advantage. And add in a boy with a crush-worthy name like Etienne St. Clair and we can’t help but fall in love. Etienne is funny and charming and he has a British accent! And did we mention this is set in Paris? Nothing on this side of the Atlantic can compare.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Not just one but two sweet and swoon worthy romances. One twin gets the tough but sensitive bad boy and learns to love again, and the other gets a gentle and heartbreaking first love. They are both beautiful and touching and make us wish we had more art and romance in our own lives.

If you prefer the bad boys, check out these 7 YA bad boys we can’t resist!