The Bookish Ashley

Conrad Fisher is the quintessential brooding heartthrob—complex, emotionally guarded, and quietly yearning beneath that tough exterior. His story is threaded with longing, tension, and the weight of grief and responsibility. The books he’d pick would reflect those depths: intense romances, slow-burning passions, and characters wrestling with their inner demons.

1. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

A dark, romantic fantasy where magic is dangerous and love is forbidden. Conrad would connect with the simmering tension between the characters, reflecting his own battles with vulnerability and desire.

“Sometimes the greatest power lies in restraint.”

2. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A poignant exploration of grief, second chances, and the messy nature of love. Like Conrad, the protagonist struggles with letting go and embracing new beginnings, making this a perfect emotional mirror.

“Love is messy, and sometimes it’s the hardest thing to hold onto.”

3. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

Set against a sun-soaked beach backdrop, this story captures tradition, grief, and reluctant attraction. Its mix of warmth and emotional complexity would resonate deeply with Conrad’s character.

“You don’t have to be perfect to be enough.”

4. Normal People by Sally Rooney

A subtle, intricate exploration of a complicated relationship full of misunderstandings, desire, and emotional push-pull. Conrad’s emotional complexity aligns well with the protagonists’ nuanced connection.

“What a luxury it is to feel understood.”

5. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

An evocative coming-of-age romance that captures the ache of first love and the bittersweet nature of fleeting connection. Conrad’s guarded heart would be drawn to the book’s raw emotional honesty.

“We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new.”