Top Ten Tuesday, as always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish
This week’s topic: Top Ten Favorite Romances in Books
As I was going through my fave romances I’ve realized there are A LOT of romances that I love for very different reasons! Some are obvious but some might not be so check out my reasoning below!
1. Aria & Perry from Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky series: Veronica Rossi does a remarkable job, especially in the dystopian genre, of building this amazing romance without sacrificing the story and making the romance be the WHOLE story. Aria & Perry’s romance is such a slow build and grows so much and I appreciate that. They’ve got a lot against them but they are the best! (Review of Under the Never Sky )
2. Travis & Harper from Trish Doller’s Something Like Normal: Ah this one is so great! Sometimes you want to punch Travis but I love how patient Harper is but she lets him have it! I loved watching their relationship develop and how they cared so much about each other and they let each other in to the darker corners of their life. Love a relationship that starts with some substance and this one is just beautiful. (Review of Something Like Normal)
3. Elizabeth & Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice: Need I explain? One of the first books I ever read where I swooned like crazy over two fictional characters and their relationship.
4. Jessica Darling & Marcus Flutie from Megan McCafferty’s Jessica Darling series: I don’t think their relationship is super swoony from the start but I loved that spark in book one and I love that they have to really battle and fight for their love to work as they grow up and grow into their relationship. A relationship that goes from high school through college and beyond goes through so many struggles and changes and I loved this relationship at the core — though you’ll find yourself wanting to murder them both at times! (Review of Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty)
5. Eva & Sean from Sangu Mandanna’s The Lost Girl: Oh this book. My heart. Eva and Sean’s relationship is an example of one of those forbidden romances but I don’t want to say a lot about it and the outcome but OMG I LOVE THEM. (Review of The Lost Girl)
6. Clara & Tucker from Cynthia Hand’s Unearthly series: Oh how I love this relationship even though it’s involved in (the best) love triangle ever. Their relationship is just so sweet as it progresses and I loved the little moments between them. It’s heartbreaking at times though. For real. (Review of Unearthly)
7. Anna & St. Clair from Stephanie Perkins’ Anna and the French Kiss: This one is so hard because their relationship truly starts off in a way I don’t like but I couldn’t help love the two of them together before they got together. I love though the reality that sometimes you make mistakes and do stupid things but love can prevail. And I loved watching it blossom through the streets of Paris. (Review of Anna and the French Kiss)
8. Lola & Cricket from Stephanie Perkins’ Lola & the Boy Next Door: I love the whole childhood friends turned lovers thing! I do! Plus Cricket is just the sweetest. But I love how people and grow and change through the years and then find their way back to each other. (review of Lola and the Boy Next Door)
9. Mia & Adam in Gayle Forman’s If I Stay & Where She Went: OH THESE BOOKS. THIS RELATIONSHIP. Shows the beauty in how love can persevere even in the most difficult of circumstances. (Review of If I Stay)
10. Hadley & Oliver from Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight: I debated putting this on here but here it is. Really this relationship is just in that very beginning stage so you don’t get to see much progression. It was just this really cute glimpse of the first spark in a relationship. I loved that! (review of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight)
So tell me…what are some of your favorite romances in books? Do you agree with mine? Disagree with any?
marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says
Oh SO many that I haven’t gotten to yet! I think I need to get over my fear of angels and just pick up unearthly
My TTT
Kelly @ Belle of the Literati says
LOVE your list!! Mia and Adam…I die…but then I stay because of him…see what I did there… 🙂
Aria and Perry, amazing! Mr. Darcy-swoon and faint. Loooove Hadley and Oliver, too, oh your list is so great! And I’m gonna have to add a few to my list! Love your TTT as per usual! 🙂
Stormy says
I was sold on the relationship in Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight mainly because Oliver’s Brittish(what can I say, I love the Brits) but it made my list as well. I really need to read Anna and the French Kiss because it’s been on all these lists–I’ve bought but haven’t gotten around to reading yet. And Darcy and Elizabeth is just such a classic!
Cassie says
AH. SO mad at myself for forgetting Perry & Aria! But.. Well. There’s just SO MANY good ones!
Travis & Harper are the best <3
And you have included both of Stephanie Perkins' to die for couples, well. I included both of Colleen Hoovers! *fangirls* 😀
GREAT LIST. And TSPOLAFS was so cute! LOVE.
Lianne @ caffeinatedlife.net says
Great list Jamie! I’m noticing The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and Anna and the French Kiss popping up quite a bit this week, I think I’m going to have to really bump them up on my list of things to check out 😀
Anna (Big Sky, Mountains of Books) says
I think it’d be really interesting to know how many of this week’s lists will include Elizabeth & Darcy. My educated guess is it would end up being vast majority. 🙂 (Do you watch The Lizzie Bennet Diaries? If you haven’t, get on that, because they’re an increasingly great modern adaptation!)
Ashley says
I’ve been reading the lists and loving how many include Elizabeth and Darcy. It might be a cliche at this point, but they are my all time favourite fictional couple. And The Lizzie Bennet Diaries are fantastic!
Swooning pretty much describes me every time I pick this one up.
Anna (Big Sky, Mountains of Books) says
It took me a little while to get up to speed with TheLBD, since I only got into it around Thanksgiving, but now I’m pretty much obsessed. My favorite thing is what they’re doing with Lydia’s character. I wasn’t sure how they’d update that storyline, and they’ve done an amazing job.
Nicole @ WCW says
I love your list! It looks like we have quite a few in common…plus a a few that I really, really need to read! I’m not a huge fan of Lola and Cricket, but there’s also something about ending up with someone you’ve known forever that I really like. And Cricket really is sweet.
Christine @ BookishlyB says
I think Austen is a definite heavy hitters in the romance department. While I love modern society I would definitely appreciate it if my husband tried to be a little more of a “dapper gentleman” occasionally!
Ula @ Blog of Erised says
I haven’t read any of these yet but I plan to soon 🙂 Great picks. 😉
My TTT
Jade says
Elizabeth and Mr Darcy made it on to my list this week.
I haven’t read any of the other books mentioned here, although a couple of them I’ve heard great things about and hope to read.
Kristin says
Mia and Adam’s relationship in Where She Went is so wonderful and full of emotion. I can’t believe I forgot them on my list!
Judith says
Adam and Mia are one of my favorites. Their relationship is so real, so complete, so utterly gorgeous. I also thought about putting Hadley and Oliver on my list, but decided not to for exactly the reason you mentioned: their relationship is just in the first phase, and though it’s so sweet, there were others I wanted to write about instead 🙂 And I can’t believe I forgot about Aria and Perry!!! I love them oh so much. *sneakily adds them to honorable mentions*
Jessie Marie says
SO many goodies and so many I haven’t read yet. It’s not a crime that I’ve not read the Stephanie Perkins books yet… right? Regardless, I’ll have to check those out.
I LOVE Darcy and Elizabeth. Quintessential romance right there and so swoony. Love your list and that you included Aria + Perry. : )
Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor says
Aw, I really need to start reading Sloppy Firsts and Statistical. I totally agree with Anna and Etienne! Love those too! It’s sad that I havent Lola, though 🙁
My Top Ten Favorite Romances
The Watcher Giveaway
The Boys of Summer Giveaway
Beth says
I don’t know if you ever watched One Tree Hill, but Travis and Harper in Something Like Normal reminded me so much of Nathan and Haley from OTH.
Anna says
The Lost Girl? Oooh I don’t know that one!
Christina says
Fantastic list, Jamie! I also have Darcy and Elizabeth as well as Anna and St. Clair. I just finished Hallowed and I should have added Clara and Tucker!
Alwyn says
So glad to see Cricket and Lola on there! Have seen a lot of Anna in other people’s stuff but I think the Lola swoon far exceeds it!
bookrockbetty says
Umm…. I think you spelled CHRISTIAN wrong in #6. 😉
Also, I swear to you…… you WILL edit this list after you finally give in and read VA. hahaha
Something must be great about Anna and the French Kiss! I’ve seen it on soooo many lists!!
Jess @ Gone with the Words says
I agree with so many of these and a lot almost made my own list! I do have Travis and Harper on mine, as well as Adam and Mia because duh. 🙂 And I MUST read the Jessica Darling series this year!!
Michelle says
I can’t believe I forgot about Perry and Aria on my list! Another reminder that I need to get to reading TTEN!
You’ve made a great list, I agree with both Anna and St. Clair (they made my list too!) and Lola and Cricket 🙂
Aki says
I love how you presented your top ten. :)) So pretty :”> Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned. :'(
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies says
I just discovered Stephanie Perkins in the last month, so it makes me really happy to see a shout-out to Anna & St. Clair and Lola & Cricket! Great list!
Becca @ Lost in Thought says
Great choices. I need to read alot of the books listed here so then maybe I can make my mind up about the romances in them! I’m glad Under the Never Sky isn’t just centred around romance as I’m really looking forward to reading it and I hate when romance is the only thing going on and of any importance. I put down a book last night because of that reason!
I have Elizabeth and Darcy on my list too. I love their relationship! Great list 🙂
Becca @ Lost in Thought
http://lostinthought-becca.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/top-ten-favourite-romances.html
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says
Surprised you didn’t include Allyson and Willem – but I guess Just One Day was more about Allyson, wasn’t it? =)
I’ve got quite a few of yours on my list as well. And I REALLY have to read Under the Never Sky!
Here’s my TTT!
Rachel says
Perry and Aria. *Sigh*. I wish there was a book dedicated solely to their romance. I’d probably read it a million times. I love Hadley and Oliver as well. Not only are their names super cute, but the way they met and their story has swoon written all over it.
Sara says
Clara and Tucker- sigh. Love them.
My TTT
Christina (A Reader of Fictions) says
So, I definitely liked Perry & Aria, but they are not at the top of my list yet, BUT I still haven’t read book two, so that could totally change.
Travis and Harper I ought to hate, because of their past (I’m not a forgiving person), but she just sold Travis’ voice and I totally hope for the best for them.
3&4 are on my list too. 🙂
Clara and TUCKER. That’s right. None of this Christian business!
Agree with 9 & 10 as well, though I’m not sure that I see Hadley and Oliver working long term or not. Would be awesome if she did a book about them a couple years later or something.
Still need to read the other three!
Leah says
Awww some really great choices here!
My TTT 🙂
Christa says
I love Hadley and Oliver! They’re so sweet and cute. And I really need to read Anna and the French Kiss because it’s on EVERYONE’s list
Molli says
I did my TTT before I read both IIS and SLN, or Travis/Harper would SO BE on my list. And oh man, Adam/Mia. I have a feeling when I read WSW, that they’ll rocket up my list of fave couples/romances.
I didn’t even think of P&P! I read that book in 12th grade and really loved it. I’ve been wanting to re-read buuuut I’m afraid of re-reads.
Anna/Etienne made my list as well!
http://www.onceuponaprologue.net/2013/02/top-ten-tuesday-47-my-top-ten-couples/
Lauren @ Love is not a triangle says
YES YES YES to all of these, except Jessica and Marcus whom I have yet to meet, but will be doing so this year for sure!
Karis (YA Litwit) says
Great list! We share a few, and there are some on your list that I totally forgot about, but really love! I’ve yet to read Jessica Darling of Unearthl, but both are on my TBR.
Check out my TOP TEN! Also, I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY, so check it out too!
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook says
Ooooh, Hadley and Oliver are a good choice. I didn’t think of them. Like you said, they are in the beginnings of their relationship. But hey, that’s a pretty awesome way to begin a relationship, right?
elena says
Ugh, I agree with you about not liking the way Anna & St. Clair’s relationship starts. To be honest, I have my issues with certain parts of the book but I still love it. Perhaps one day I will make a post with it. Cricket really IS the sweetest! Love him.
Rachel says
I love all the couples you mentioned! Except I’m Team Christian (I know!) and I haven’t read Lost Girl yet. But seeing that you mentioned it on your favorite romances list.. makes me want to check it out ASAP. Great list!
Halee says
LOVE Darcy and Elizabeth. Probably one of my favorites. And I definitely agree with Etienne and Anna. They’re just one of those couples you can’t help but love.
Halee @ Confessions of a Book Addict
My Top Ten
Rachael @ Rachael Turns Pages says
I haven’t read any of those, but I hope to read quite a few of them.
BookCupid says
Anna and the French Kiss is also a favorite of mine. Great list 🙂
Jenni Elyse says
I always love how you present your lists. They’re always so graphically pleasing and fun! And, I love the couples you chose. Anna & Etienne and Darcy & Elizabeth made my list too.
My Top Ten Tuesday Post
Rebecca says
I loved Sean and Eva’s relationship in the Lost Girl! One of my favorite books from last year. I love the little hearts you have next to the book covers.
Lily says
MIA AND ADAM <3 they would defintely top my list! Honestly I just loved everything about them and oh Adam just made me swoon so much. I remember BALLING when I read If I Stay and then Where She Went! Clara and Tucker… they were adorable and I loved them but i was set on Clara and Christian 😉
Stephanie Allen says
I absolutely love Perry and Aria! I will ship them forever.
Nancy @ Tumbling Books says
I had Perry and Aria on my list too! I love them! 🙂
Christine @Buckling Bookshelves says
I did love Something Like Normal. even though I didn’t put it on my list today. Lots of others on your list I haven’t read yet, but really want to 🙂
Hannah @ So Obsessed With says
The only couple we had in common on our lists was Darcy and Elizabeth, but I could have included Lola/Cricket, Anna/Etienne, Hadley/Oliver and Adam/Mia on my lists as honorable mentions. I considered including them in my top ten but they just barely didn’t make the cut 🙂
And no, you don’t need to explain the Darcy and Elizabeth love <3
Danielle @ Bookish Notions says
Wow we don’t share any choices on this week’s top ten. I did love Aria and Perry though, even though they didn’t make my list.
Rissi says
Really should read your number 2 pick. It sure intrigues me. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Jamie. I appreciate your comment.
Margot says
This is a fantastic list and after your amazing review of Something Like Normal, I am now adding this one to the top of my list!
Shelver506 says
Great list! I haven’t read Unearthly (I’m not an angel fan), but it’s been on so many lists that I think I probably should. I also love your graphics!
My TTT: http://shelversanon.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-10-tuesday-favorite-romances.html
Alexa Y. says
I’m thrilled that there are only four couples that I’m not quite familiar with yet on your list, and that I loved the rest. I think my favorite couple among the ones you mentioned is Lola and Cricket! I love that they have a history, and I also love that they live next door to each other – it’s a set-up for one awesome romance to me 😉