If I were to list out my favourite parts of a book, romance would be unfortunately low on the list. Not that I don’t appreciate a good romantic subplot every now and then. I have been known to feel the warm fuzzies over a good love story every now and then. But, as a general rule I like questing and fighting and magic more than I like kissing. Apparently my little bookish heart is filled with more murder than anything else. However, there are some romances in books that are so good they have actually convinced me to admit to liking them. In honour of today being Valentine’s Day, I thought that I would share five of the sweet bookish romances that I actually secretly adore.
Tarver and Lilac
These Broken Stars
Amie Kaufman/Meagan Spooner
Hate-to-love isn’t usually my favourite trope, but These Broken Stars does it so well. Miscommunication that is for more than just plot tension, two characters who don’t get on being shipwrecked on a remote planet together, working together and leaning on each other as they fall in love. I’m in my happy place with all of this. Plus it’s all in space, which is a huge draw for me as well. It’s so sweet, and I get fully invested in their romantic journey the whole way, which is such a pleasant surprise for me, who prefers adventure over almost anything.
Beck and August
A Thousand Perfect Notes
C. G. Drews
A Thousand Perfect Notes plays havoc with my emotions in general, but the romance between Beck and August is oh so good. He suffers so much and is so grouchy and awkward the whole time, and she’s such a sweet ray of sunshine with a thousand dogs and a crazy family, and isn’t afraid to kick people she doesn’t like. It’s practically a match made in heaven. Plus it’s a romance built on a friendship and it’s soft and sweet and tugs at my heartstrings so much because I just want them to both be happy.
Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte
I’ve been rereading Jane Eyre recently and have been reminded of just how much I love this book, and the romance between Jane and Mr Rochester. I love the old house with all its secrets, and how Mr Rochester is so peculiar and sharp, and how Jane is his equal in every way that matters. I love her integrity as well,. This book is just so full of secrets and sacrifices and true love and goodness and honestly, I get so invested in this story. I just want everything to turn out well for them, and I am here for all the drama.
Scarlet and Wolf
Scarlet
Marissa Meyer
I know Cinder and Kai are the main couple of the Lunar Chronicles, but to be honest, it was Scarlet and Wolf who really stole my heart. I think partly it’s because I have such a soft spot for characters who have a tragic backstory and are a little bit broken. Wolf is definitely my favourite out of this pair. He’s so sweet and soft and deadly. But Scarlet makes such a nice pairing with him and just in general, having them together makes my unromantic little heart become just a touch softer and wamer.
Briar and Kade
The Crystal Tree
Imogen Elvis (Me!)
I feel like I can’t leave this list off without mentioning my all-time favourite couple, Briar and Kade from my own books, The Crystal Tree and The Shattering Song. As an unromantic, stony little writer, their little subplot was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever written. But I love how supportive they are, how much they trust each other, and support each other, even when things are at their most dire. I love how they’re happy to just sit and listen when the other one needs to get something off their chest, and how they believe in each other wholeheartedly. Writing their little love story reminded me that romance in books can be a sweet and exciting thing sometimes.
These are some of the romances that make my little book dragon heart feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But I’d love to hear from you. Which bookish romances do you love the most?
I’m not much for romance either, but I am fond of Lia and Colvin from The Legends of Muirwood trilogy.