Countdown: Romance Anyone?

It's no secret here on the blog that I'm a sucker for all things romantic. It probably started from the moment I was born and I'm hoping to never grow out of it. Whether it's a sweet Disney movie where the prince and princess defeat the odds and all evil beings trying to keep them apart, just so they can be together in the end, or something more realistic. I love it all. So when I get wind of titles that are soon to hit the shelves and there's even a hint of a romance within those pages, you better believe that there's a very good chance I'll be adding that book to my TBR list.

Recently I found some great new reads that are coming out in the near future and they've got romance written all over them. Some are sounding slightly more subtle than others, but I'm already over the moon excited to check each and every one of them out. Chivalry, manners, courting a lady, cherishing one another and never wanting to be apart from your soul mate, all of these traits and elements are very much alive and well within the pages of books. Though the majority might be on the fiction shelves, I like my little trips and breaks from reality while I take some time to immerse myself in these titles all the same.

Countdown Pick #1: Illuminated by Erica Orloff (12/8/2011)

An epic romance full of mysteries that transcend time—fans of Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler’s Wife will rejoice!

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story—and hers—takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary—and that of Heloise and Abelard’s ancient romance—their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can’t last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?

An epic romance is the description that stood out the most for me. There was no way this title wasn't going to make my TBR list, not a chance. It does worry me that it's being compared to Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler's Wife, because readers all know that nothing ended well for those characters. But I'm going to cross my fingers that comparisons only refer to the unstoppable force and love that brought the characters together.

Countdown Pick #2: Fateful by Claudia Gray (9/13/2011)

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets....

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

A romance on the Titanic is a story we're all familiar with, but I'm thinking with Gray throwing in a werewolf twist that it'll be hard for readers not to be a little curious at the very least. I know I am. And since I love a good romance as well as any kind of paranormal element thrown in and is going to be a title I have to check out. I'm just going to hope that Tess and Alec have luck on their sides, because if you're on the Titanic, you're going to need it and then some.

Countdown Pick #3: A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2) by Beth Revis (1/10/2012)
Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

While Revis' characters aren't your typical lovey dovey duo, love is definitely in the air. But there was so much working against them in the first installment that I can only imagine this second book will be no different. But who doesn't root for the couple that's either torn apart or are constantly trying to stay together, right? I'll always be that kind of cheerleader for Elder and Amy. Let's see what obstacles are put in front of them next.

Countdown Pick #4: Wherever You Go by Heather Davis (11/14/2011)

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend?

As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side?

Told from the perspectives of Holly, Jason, and Rob,Wherever You Gois is a poignant story about making peace with the past, opening your heart to love, and finding the courage to move forward into the light.

This one may require tissues to be on hand throughout reading. It's bad enough to imagine two people in love being separated by death, but the fact that the deceased loved one has to watch everyone move on with their lives...cruel. I was getting sad just reading the synopsis. Davis will hopefully be able to deliver some hope and optimism in this story of love and hardship. Otherwise, I won't make it to the final pages. Cross your fingers with me for a somewhat happy ending.


Countdown Pick #5: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (5/8/2012)

Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then Taylor's dad gets devastating news that changes everything. Her parents decide that the family will spend the summer together at their old vacation home in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them are very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

While this one might not be your typical romance, I do see hints at summer love and teenage crushes. It obviously revolves around a family that has grown apart and are trying to fix and change their current situations. Either way, love seems to be the key element in this story and hopefully these characters find a way to get to know the real people in their lives and find a way to be a part of those people's lives before it's too late.