Reading Richard Branson books makes you sexier

With rockstar looks, bold ideas, and business savvy, there are plenty of reasons one could describe Richard Branson as ‘attractive’.

But today, even reading about the Virgin CEO can push up your sex appeal.

Who are you reading?

We know (mostly from our train commutes) that the humble book has the power to attract or repel – and the same it seems goes for online dating.

British men who say in their profiles that they read books by Richard Branson receive 74% more communication from women, dating goliath eHarmony reveals today.

Women can also benefit from the serial entrepreneur, with Branson books pushing interest in them up by 19%.

Sadly, not all authors have this positive impact. Top writers including Stephen Fry, James Patterson and the late Terry Pratchett appear to turn off would-be lovers.

What are you reading?

It’s not just namedropping that has a knock-on effect on your chances of finding ‘the one’. Specific book titles can also help to put people in the mood.

Women are most piqued by men who read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Male Harry Potter fans however, are better keeping their love of Hogwarts to themselves.

Men most prefer women who mentioned The Hunger Games, while passion killers include the Bible and (ironically) the kinky novel, Fifty Shades of Grey.

Be an open book?

While the new data from eHarmony will give heterosexual daters food for thought, we were sad to see no feedback on how reading shapes the LGBT community.

It is however – in an age where fake news and social media dominates – reassuring to see that lots of people, regardless of who they love, still love a good book: simply listing ‘reading’ as an interest sees both men and women receive more messages over all.

Time to rethink what book you carry on the tube?