Top Ten Favorite Bookish Romances

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

I debated with doing another vlog, but I'm not convinced most people who actually participate in TTT have any interest. I don't want to force them on an unwilling public, so here's the more standard list-y variety.

Now, there are many ways to interpret this, but I'm going for books that feature couples that have a great romantic arc that really moves me, not my favorite authors of romantic books or even favorite romance novels. Now, this list only scratches the surface, of course, but here are ten of my very favorite bookish romances.

1. Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen

The Couple: Fitzwilliam Darcy & Elizabeth Bennet

Why? Listen, I know it's popular to love Darcy, and I do, but P&P isn't on my list because of just Darcy or just Elizabeth, but because of how they are together. They both have fabulous character arcs, and their love for one another grows slowly and believably, changing them naturally. There's this scene at the very end that just gets me every time where she makes a joke and he's not quite ready for it, but it highlights that he will be and that he has more of a sense of humor than he used to. I think these kids will fight a lot, but be seriously happy.

2. Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare (my review)

The Couple: Beatrice & Benedick

Why? These two have the best banter. I've always been a sucker for some great banter. Another awesome romance that does this well is Valkyrie Rising. Undoubtedly Beatrice and Benedick will fight constantly, but I hope their passion can pull them through, even if Branagh and Thompson couldn't make it last. *weeps* I'm not over that yet.

3. Second Helpings - Megan McCafferty (my review)

The Couple: Jessica Darling and Marcus Flutie

Why? It may seem odd that I listed the second book of the series specifically, but I wasn't totally sold on shipping them as a couple in the first book, but in Sloppy Firsts, I wanted them together so badly. They have such a great, unique connection. The make each other better people as they interact and they come of age together. It's beautiful, but also SUPER stressful, because I know they're going to mess it up in the next book, so I'm kind of afraid to read it. Ahhhh!

4. After the Golden Age - Carrie Vaughn

The Couple: Can't tell you because it's vaguely spoilery

Why? I can't really say anything, but I was swooning for them so hard. Oh, another one that had me swooning but that comes later so I can't spoil it is Love Walked In. I'm listing more than ten, you say? SHUSH.

5. Graceling; Fire - Kristin Cashore

The Couples: Katsa & Po; Fire & Brigan

Why? Kristin Cashore's romances are the kind I love. Sassy heroine with a sex drive who chooses what/who she does with those urges and feels no shame. Both of her heroes are delightful, in different ways. I really did try to choose which couple I prefer, but I love both of their romances equally.

6. Enchanted, Inc. - Shanna Swendson

The Couple: Katie & Owen

Why? OMG, Owen is the most freaking adorable and everyone who has not read this needs to go read it, at least anyone who likes urban fantasy and chick lit at all. Owen's not the typical sexy hero; he's adorable, sweet, and incredibly shy. If you do not want him when you read this, you are crazy. Also, he and Katie have great chemistry, but they do the slow burn so slowly that you are rooting for them with all of your heart.

7. Trickster's Choice - Tamora Pierce

The Couple: Nawat & Aly

Why? I know that hardcore Tamora Pierce fans generally don't like this series, but I read it first, and I like it best. The fact that Nawat is a crow (though one that can shift to human form) is a wee bit awkward, but he's great and I love these two together.

8. A Room with a View - E.M. Forster

The Couple: Lucy Honeychurch & George Emerson

Why? Again, this is a tale of a couple growing together, of finding life better together than apart. Together they can be independent spririts in love, rather than the staid couple of the age. They're quirky, passionate people and only together can they fully indulge their natures. Oh, how I love them. Of course, the movie doesn't hurt. ;)

9. Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery

The Couple: Anne and Gilbert

Why? Because they engaged in some classic awkward flirting, went through a bunch of misundersandings, and were completely perfect for one another all along. I only mean the Anne and Gilbert of the early books. I like them in the time when their constant competition to be the best encouraged them both to grow, rather than when he becomes a doctor and she a housewife, even though they're equally as smart. Hold on, ignore the rant. Focus on this: "carrots."

10. The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Elizabeth George Speare

The Couple: Kit & Nat

Why? The Witch of Blackbird Pond has long been one of my favorite books. As much as I hate American history from the Puritan era, I love this book. The ending with Nat and Kit always makes me squee, and has since I was a little kid. That's some staying power.