Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Romances

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish.  This feature was created because they're particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish (and who isn't?). They're all about creating new lists including a little bit of everything and I've been meaning to participate for so long but always seemed to get behind.  So here we are and hopefully you'll head over to their page and check out what everyone else put up for this week's Top Ten.

Who doesn't love a good romance right?  Whether its innocent first love, passionate and mature, unrequited and full of angst, or any other kind for that matter I'm almost always going to be engrossed and ready for more.  I know that makes me a cliche, but I'm OK with it because this girl (points to self) loves to swoon over a good love story!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #1:  Nina & Jared - Jamie McGuire's Providence series

He loved her before they even met!  Creepy if it was anyone else but Jared, but his job was to watch and protect her, not to interfere.  And hey, the guy took a bullet for her!  But as soon as the rules changed and he was given the opportunity he jumped in and never looked back.  Its unconditional and all encompassing, selfless and consuming.  Basically its impossible not to swoon!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #2:  Pigeon & Travis - Jamie McGuire's Beautiful series

McGuire knows her romance and I hope she keeps it going in the future.  This was one of those fiery, passionate, no-holds barred kind of relationships.  Lots of fighting, bickering, tensions flaring, breaking up, and then of course making up.  Travis' nickname for Abby had me melting, and the fact that while they constantly had to work at their relationship, the fact that they were willing to do the work and put in the time had me rooting for them all the way.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #3:  Tris & Four - Veronica Roth's Divergent series

The circumstances that brought these two together were not ideal in any way, shape, or form.  Their faction brings out the polar opposite of romantic feelings when surviving day to day is your priority.  But somehow against all the odds and dangers that were working to keep them apart, they somehow managed to come together.  Due to their long and hard road I think they appreciate what they have all the more.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #4:  Alexis & Tristan - Kristie Cook's Soul Savers series

He was a character that was impossible not to root for simply because you knew he had no one else.  He went and defied the odds of nature and fought the evil that wanted to create and use him for their own purposes.  And when he found Alexis he found his other half.  They have had an uphill battle from the start but they're doing what it takes to make it work.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #5:  Nora & Gavin - Elizabeth Isaacs' Kailmeyra series  

While they might be perfect for one another they literally come from different worlds.  Once again I got wrapped up in cheerleader mode as I crossed my fingers repeatedly that good would prevail and the old cliche of true love conquering all would come true.  Isaacs has a way of writing that is both gripping and engrossing and nearly impossible to break away from.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #6:  Zoe & Jared - Deborah Cook's The Dragon Diaries series

OK so this might not be a quote un-quote traditional romance, but the level of flirtation and feelings involved was high so I wanted to include them on my list.  Zoe has always had another leading man in mind, one that I don't think is really right for her, and then in walks Jared....or rides in on his....motorcycle!  I think Jared and his motorcycle might be exactly what she needs to bring her back to reality and the potential romance waiting for her.  Not to mention that this guy is totally swoon worthy with his band boy vibes and protective nature.  A winning combination to be sure!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #7:  Sophie & Cal -Rachel Hawkins' Hex Hall series

OK so again I think I'm projecting my hopefulness with these two but I love them together.  Or at least the idea of them together.  Is is mainly one sided on Cal's part?  Maybe, but I see the potential for these two and I'm hoping that comes to fruition, and sooner rather than later would be nice.  I guess I'm going to have to pick up the finally series installment to find out if I get my wish.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #8:  Rose & Dimitri - Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series

I don't think its possible for two fictional characters to have gone through more in order to be with each other than these two did.  It was a long and hard road and honestly I wasn't sure Mead was going to give them their happy ending after broke my heart before and more than once.  I just can't say enough about these two...I just loved them together!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #9:   Penny & Ryan - Elizabeth Eulberg's The Lonely Hearts Club

Now this might not be one of the greatest romances of all times, but it is one of my favorites.  Penny starts out afraid to be hurt and a major man hater.  It's not until Ryan takes the time to gain her trust and wear down her emotional walls that things start to come into clarity.  It was a sweet relationship (albeit a short one) and I couldn't help but fall in love with both of them.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #10:  Elizabeth and Darcy - Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice

Obviously!  This is the real deal you guys!  It's always been my all time favorite read and I don't think anything will ever top it.  But the two of these characters had me at hello and each year when I reread this novel and go through their story with them is like it's the first time all over again.  You can't say that about many books or about many romances.  They went from despising each other to truly loving and understanding one another.  It went through the full spectrum and really hit home for me and I think a great deal of people as well.  There's a reason this one is a classic and referenced as often as it is and I think Elizabeth and Darcy will be at the top of any discussion or list revolving around romance for me now and always.