Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's theme is just in time for Valentine's Day. I read a lot of books that have romance in them, but not a lot of true romance novels, so I'm going to stick with just my top five today.
1. Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon -- I seriously could fill this list up with the other books in this series, but I'm going to restrain myself. Jamie & Claire are one of my favorite book couples of all time. Sorry YA leading men (and all other leading men everywhere) -- you ain't got nothin' on Jamie Fraser.
2. Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen -- This is one of my favorite stand-alone novels. It's much more than just a romance, but the romance is so darn good. Jacob & Marlena are probably my second favorite book couple of all time. And yes, I know they get together while Marlena is married, but I really don't care. Come to think of it, Claire is technically married in Outlander when she meets Jamie, too. Oh what the hell, they're BOOKS people, not real life.
3. Before I Die, by Jenny Downham -- This is another one that is much, much more than just a romance -- it's a truly heart-wrenching, beautifully written novel. Don't think this book won't make you cry buckets, 'cause it most certainly will. Tessa's first and only relationship is tender and sweet and as unforgettable as it is heartbreaking.
4. Alphabet Weekends, by Elizabeth Noble -- Girl wants to marry guy she's in a so-so relationship with. Guy breaks it off and girl is devastated. Girl's best friend who's secretly in love with her proposes they go on a date for each letter of the alphabet to prove they belong together. It might seem a little silly, but it's such a lovely, light romantic novel. I really must remember to read the rest of this author's books.
5. Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer -- I honestly don't care how messed up or lame or terrible people think this book is, I like it. I like it a lot and that's just the way it is. I also like a lot of other "better" books, so I can have this guilty pleasure if I want to! (I also think the movies were a big contributor to the escalating Twilight-hate, but that's a whole other discussion.)
What books make your heart go pitter patter?
I LOVED Water for Elephants. Great choices!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Top Ten: www.best-of-ya.blogspot.com
So glad to find another fan! I'll have to go check out your picks :)
DeleteI'm totally with you with twilight it's fun, makes me swoon everyone else can deal
ReplyDeleteMy TTT
Haha I love how many people have put Twilight on their lists today, but we're all saying basically saying that others can just deal with it -- I think more people really do like the series than really want to admit to it :)
DeleteI'm with you on Twilight. Bella and Jacob made my list as opposed to the 'real' couple of Bella and Edward.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to read Water for Elephant!
O you HAVE to read Water for Elephants, it's such a great book. As soon as I finished it, I just wanted to start reading it again!
DeleteLOVED Water for Elephants and totally agree!! Why didn't I think of that?? Hey, I'll be honest, I was totally Miss Swoonypants when I devoured the whole series before they were SUPER popular and all the hatas were vocal. I guess I kind of just thought about it after my book hangover and didn't love aspects of their relationship but I can't deny my initial swoonfest. HATERS GON HATE. WHATEVER. :P
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all the love for Water for Elephants!
DeleteOpinions about books can totally change over time, but sometimes that first read is still something special :)
Great choices!!! New follower ;) I have to say though, I've been afraid to read Before I die, for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteBeth @ YA Vixens
Vixen's Top Ten!
It's really sad, but such a good read. Thanks for the follow :)
DeleteWater for Elephants! Forgot about that one!
ReplyDeletelove that one so much :)
Delete1 and 2 were on my list as well.
ReplyDeletethat makes me happy :) They are my top 2 and I haven't seen them on too many lists.
DeleteI almost put Jacob and Marlena on my list! I "rented" that as my free book from Amazon Prime last month and thoroughly enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteLots of love for Water for Elephants today, I love it :)
DeleteOooo yes, you really should read the Outlander books -- they are SO good :)
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't love Jamie Fraser?! Great picks!
ReplyDeleteThat man is the DEFINITION of swoonworthy :)
DeleteAmen! i love twilight and i don't care who knows it! I give it credit as the book that got me hooked on reading YA , Its gotten cliche or corny to like it now because its been over hyped... but its a great book and i love the romance and the story! great picks Christine! and water for elephants AMAZING LOVE STORY! thanks for checking out my list too! - Katie @ Inkk
ReplyDeleteI think it's so funny that all the Twilight fans are coming out of the woodworks today! I think there's a lot more love for that series than people think. I still blame it on the movies!
DeleteHey Christine! Thanks for the follow. Following you back via Twitter, Goodreads and Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteI loved Water for Elephants. It was the first audiobook I reviewed on my blog.
Thanks for following me back Alysia! I'll have to go back and read your review :)
DeleteGreat choices. I read Outlander so long ago. I think I was at the RWA conference the year they gave that massive book to all the attendees.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Water for Elephants yet but I continue to hear good things.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
My memorable characters.
Water for Elephants is SO good -- I highly recommend it :)
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