My sister Katie and I, spurred on by the inspiration of our better half—or third—Elizabeth, decided to create a list of our all-time favorite fiction couples in books. We promised not to cheat and look at each other’s’ lists until after we both posted, but I have a feeling that our fictional taste will be fairly similar. After you read this, be sure to check out Katie’s blog www.booksandwonderfulthings.wordpress.com to see if we see eye-to-eye, or not, when it comes to books. Though I have a feeling that she’ll have Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester on there, whereas I went with Robin Hood and Maid Marian. We don’t always agree, which will probably be a good thing when fictional men start entering the world. I’m still waiting on that, though…..
Michael Hosea and Angel/Sarah from Francine Rivers’ “Redeeming Love.”
As most of you know, this is why of my favorite novels of all time, and the fact that it holds one of my favorite romance stories doesn’t hurt. Firstly, I love the contrast between the two characters: Michael gives the relationship his all and is very open with his heart, whereas Angel has been hardened by life and always seems to pull back, even after she realizes she has feelings for him. The story is amazing and heart-warming, and the slowly developed romance between the characters is absolutely beautiful.
Wanda and Ian from “The Host” by Stephenie Meyer.
Ah. Their romance is just so delightful and pure. I went into the book wanting to hate it and ended up loving it, mostly because of these two. I liked their budding romance so much because after the selfish and obsessive romance from Twilight, it was really refreshing and endearing to have two characters that started out as friends and moved into something more. And they actually TALK about things and don’t just stare into each other’s souls.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian from anything and everything Robin Hood related.
Loved them in the books, loved the modern remakes, the BBC shows, the re-envisioned novels, and especially the Disney cartoon version. Who doesn’t love foxes?! I especially loved these characters in A.C. Gaughen’s “Scarlet.” The author really played with the idea while also staying true to the original story and characters, and I really enjoyed what she did with it. Scarlet is a little standoffish at the start of the novel, but as a reader you get a better feel for her towards the end and get endeared to her. And Robin was amazing, as always. ^__^
Marcus Valerian and Hadassah from “A Voice in the Wind” and “An Echo in the Darkness.” Yes, Francine Rivers again. While not always as sweet as some of the afore mentioned romances, the progression of it is delightful and slow. And for some reason, even when Marcus is being a Roman bad boy, you still love him! I think it has to do with the fact that you can see his attraction to Hadassah and the way that it turns into a sort of friendship for him, even though he sometimes has a difficult time with it.
Jane Bennett and Mr. Bingly. I don’t think I really have to mention that they’re from “Pride and Prejudice,” but just in case you’ve been living under a rock or don’t understand the beauty of literature—or watching the remakes—they’re two of my favorite characters in Austen’s novel. It’s very subtle and, yes, not quite as tortured or up-and-down romance as Darcy and Lizzy, but I love the subtle story behind their love. I like the fact that it’s sometimes more implied for them than all out there, because sometimes I like to take some creative license in my mind and write a little more back story for them. And both characters are just so sweet and endearing!
Jack and Nikki from “Everbound.” This was also one of my favorite new finds of the year, although I’m not so sure about “Everneath.” Anyway, it took me a little while to warm up to Jack, but once I did, I really loved him. Nikki is great throughout the book and is very unselfish, which is unusual for any YA female character. The fact that they had a back story, even before they rekindle their romance, was also very intriguing and added to my affection for the characters.
Kyle and Mackenzie from “Hemlock” by Kathleen Peacock.
There really wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. Kyle was not only an amazing friend to Mac, but he was also a great and unselfish character. I enjoyed their relationship and banter, and they really leaned on each other. And, of course, readers always love a tenuous romance between a tough girl and a boy with Lupine Syndrome who’s being tracked by a secret agency that hunts down and kills werewolves. Yeah, just your average day in Hemlock.
Smith and Tessa from Kristen Heitzmann’s “The Edge of Recall.” My favorite novel of hers and by far my favorite two characters. Smith was clever and endearing, and while Tessa was somewhat damaged and overreacted, I really liked and understood her. I don’t know what else to say except READ THE BOOK!!!
Scott and Jennie McGrady. I used to read Patricia Rushford’s Jennie McGrady series as a kid, which is what got me started on my mystery novel kick. Scott wasn’t so impressive in Book II, but you love, LOVE him as the series progresses. He was a little snarky, but that’s kind of what I liked the most about him—that and the fact that he really was a fantastic guy and honestly loves Jennie. And I’ve always loved her as a main character. She stayed consistently smart, endearing, and realistic for 15 books, which is the mark of a great character.
Murphy and Elissa from Body and Brock Theone’s series. I loved them instantly in “Vienna Prelude” and continued on with the series only for a hopeful glimpse of them. John Murphy (*sigh*) is just plain wonderful, and while I didn’t always love or agree with Elissa, I did love them together. For some reason, I love stories where two characters are madly in love and are forced together by circumstances, but neither is willing to admit it. Ah, fictional romance is sweet, is it not?