Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Romances

 


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature/meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is Top Ten Favorite Romances.

I couldn't tell if this week's Top Ten topic meant "romance novels" or "romantic relationships", so I decided to post top ten lists for both.  My choices are pretty arbitrary, and some very good books and relationships didn't make the cut.  I also decided to skip the obvious classics  like Pride and Prejudice, because I figured that almost everyone already knows about them. 

So here they are, in honor of Valentine's Day: my top twenty favorite romances! 
Photo: MarissaPewPew (on DeviantArt). License: CC BY-ND 3.0

My Top Ten Favorite Romance Novels (only vaguely in order):


 

Top Ten Favorite Romantic Relationships (in no particular order):





Looking at my choices in the second list (and a bunch in the first list, too), there’s definitely a common thread: All these people are strong, intelligent individuals, and the relationships they build must accommodate and respect their strengths and differences.  No one is tamed or subordinated; these couples become partners.  And above all, these pairs of lovers are also friends (even if they didn’t start out that way – about half of them are a bit prickly for a while!)  

What are your favorite romances -- novel or relationship?  What makes them special?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!


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9 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 12, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    LOVED Virgin River! Finally someone else has this listed!! :)

    New follower via GFC
    My TTT

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    1. Lark @ The Bookwyrm's HoardFebruary 12, 2013 at 3:25 PM

      Thanks for stopping by, Amanda, -- and for following! I enjoy the whole Virgin River series, but the first one is my favorite. Have you read the Grace River trilogy? I really liked those, too, and they tie in to the VR series.

      I'm headed over to check out your TTT!

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  2. Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerFebruary 13, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    I loved the Virgin River series..so sad that it ended. I would include Sarah MacLean's numbers series on my list.

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    1. Lark @ The Bookwyrm's HoardFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:13 AM

      Hi, Kimba! I haven't read any of Sarah MacLean's books -- thanks for the recommendation! As for Virgin River, I'm sad too, but I'm hoping that her new series will have some of the same flavor.

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  3. EmsFebruary 13, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    I ADORE Julia Quinn's romances. She's probably my favorite historical fiction author. Those Bridgertons... :D

    I haven't read many of the others, but I'll definitely be trying some out!

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  4. EmsFebruary 13, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    I positively ADORE Julia Quinn! Her romances are the best. I think she's probably my very most favorite historical fiction author. Those Bridgertons... :D

    Haven't read many of the others you mentioned, but I'll definitely be checking some out. :)

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    1. Lark @ The Bookwyrm's HoardFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:19 AM

      Hi, Ems! Thank you for stopping by. I have to agree with you re Julia Quinn -- or at least, she's in my top five (I have a hard time narrowing it down to just one favorite!) She manages witty humor without losing an iota of tenderness, romance, and passion.

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  5. Shelver506February 13, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    We share two couples! And wow, I really need to read Blackbird Pond again.

    My TTT: http://shelversanon.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-10-tuesday-favorite-romances.html

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  6. Lark @ The Bookwyrm's HoardFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:25 AM

    Welcome, Shelver506! We do indeed... and you have quite a few that I haven't read, which means I have new books to look forward to! I actually have Graceling on my shelves, and haven't read it yet. Ditto the Attolia books. I think I'll move them up higher on the TBR list!

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I love to hear what you have to say -- really! Unfortunately, I've been getting a lot of spam in addition to your wonderful comments, so I've had to turn on comment moderation. That means your comment may not post right away. I promise I'll post it -- and answer it -- as soon as I can!