romance week – A Fangirl's Opinion

Books for Every Type of Love | Romance Week 2021

February 14, 2021

Happy Valentines Day!

This week I’ve been celebrating all things love and have shared a few other posts to help everyone get into the romantic mood and spirit, so I thought I conclude this week with a few romantic recommendations.

I saw this trend over on Bookstagram, and knew I had to do it too! Below is a list of some of the different types of love and some romantic tropes we can’t help but love! I’ve decided to only include books I’ve read on this list, otherwise these recommendations would be as long as my TBR, but feel free to leave any other recommendations in the comments below!

Enemies to Lovers

Everyones favourite romance trope, and the start of some of my favourite fictional couples, including Feyre and Rhys, Anthony and Kate and Bryce and Hunt. What I love the most about these enemies to lovers tropes is the constant bickering and witty remarks that slowly uncover each others hidden feelings for one another and that moment of realisation where they declare their love! I just can’t get enough and I love that we know they’re going to end up together but they just don’t know it yet!

Fake Dating

Again another ‘unexpected love’ trope that pushes two people in intolerable circumstances to form a ‘fake romance’ in order to solve their problem. However, it’s not that simple, and things start to develop romantically!

Friends to Lovers

This ‘will-they-won’t-they’ trope, already has the strong foundations of friendship and sometimes things blossom into something more!

Arranged Romance/Marriage

What’s more romantic than two people being forced to fall in love with each other? This is very similar to our enemies-to-lovers trope but it’s still a classic theme in YA fiction that us readers can’t help but love. One of my favourites in this category is The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh, a beautiful reimagining of The Arabian Nights legend and series I hope to dive back into this year.

Forbidden Romance

Whether it goes against social conduct, family rules or just the universe pushing two people apart, forbidden romances prove that love can conquer anything and to find peace in those ephemeral moments of adoration. But it also teaches us the importance of communication, am I right?

I will never stop going on about how wonderful The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is, and I highly recommend that it’s on next months TBR because it is such a beautifully heartbreaking read.

Heartbreak

These books broke my heart and left me emotionally shattered, so forewarning for anyone who has these books on their TBR to make sure you have your tissues at the ready. As expected not every relationship ends with a ‘happily ever after’ but it does remind us to cherish those fleeting moments of pure happiness and blissful adoration. They remind us to reflect on them, because these are the moments that ultimately aid us in the moulding of ourselves and our future. Heartbreak is something may of us will endure, but it’s what’s waiting for us on the other side that make it all worthwhile.

Slowburn Romance

There’s nothing I hate more than an ‘insta-love’ situation, I’m much more a slow-burn and gradual romantic development kind of person, ever if the anticipation and teasing does kill me at times! With a slow-burn relationship we’re able to truly see our characters grow and develop meaningful feelings for each other resulting in a strong connection and heartwarming romance that just melts my heart. These longer relationships also allow our characters to slow identify and appreciate each others little quirks and create something beautiful.

Loving Yourself

In the wise words of RuPaul, ‘if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?’! These books embrace who we are and celebrate loving ourselves unconditionally as we follow our characters on insightful and beautiful journeys of self-discovery and worth. The reading experiences I had with all these books was unlike any other and I’m grateful to have been apart of them.

Family Love

There’s more to love than just the romantic kind, sometimes love can be found within our family, whether they are blood related or a found family, and is the type of love that has no bounds and will be there unconditionally. These books celebrate and reflect on the importance and fragility of family, so be sure to have your tissues at the ready.

And Finally,

Highlander Romance

I know that this isn’t a type of ‘love’ but it is a love of mine! I’m obsessed with these trashy romance novels and I’m making it my mission to read as many as I can. It all started in a pub in Glasgow, where my best friend and I decided to start a book club with some friends from university, and since then I’ve forced them all to experience the wonderfully cheesy romance that is these highlander adventures. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is the exception on this list, and is anything but a trashy romance, instead it’s the perfect alternative for anyone looking for a Scottish inspired historical romance.

My Favourite Meet-Cutes in YA Fiction | Romance Week 2021

February 11, 2021

Happy Romance Week! This week my single-self is celebrating everything wonderful about love and along with some of the books and characters that prove that love is real and magical! I thought I’d manifest some of my own romance by going back to where it all started and sharing some of my favourite fictional ‘meet-cutes’!

So what is a meet-cute? It’s an amusing or charming first encounter between two characters that eventually leads to the development of a relationship between them. Eli Wallach’s character Arthur from The Holiday (2006) put it’s best, when he explains what a meet-cute is:

“It’s how two characters meet in a movie. Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in, and they both go to the same men’s pyjama department. And the man says to the salesman, ‘I just need bottoms.’ The woman says, ‘I just need a top.’ They look at each other, and that’s the meet-cute,” he says.

This initial spark between characters pave the way for different and sometimes less traditional relationships and I can’t help but squeal with excitement when this moment occurs especially when two characters who are destined to be together meet but they just don’t know it yet…

Below are 12 of my favourite unexpected moments of serendipity, all of which include swoon-worthy meetings that us readers can’t help but love, from love-at-first-sight to enemies-to-lovers, awkward encounters and heart-warming beginnings that make our hearts flutter.

*Spoiler Alert*

Sorcery of Thorns: Amazon.co.uk: Rogerson, Margaret: Books

Elisabeth and Nathaniel from Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson – I love the innocence behind this encounter and the relationship between these too. The pair meet when Elisabeth is discovered spying on the mysterious Magister Nathaniel, in an attempt to discover if he had pointy ears and cloven hooves or not. After destroying a couple of bookshelves and faking a not-so-convincing stumble, the two engage on magical adventure that strengthens the romantic bond between them.

The Sun Is Also a Star (Yoon, Nicola): Amazon.co.uk: Yoon, Nicola: Books

Natasha and Daniel from The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon – These two characters meet through a twist of fate and then, of course, fall in love. Daniel saves Natasha from being hit by a car, after briefly meeting in a record store, and continues to spend the day together and prove to her that love is real with just 36 questions. But this isn’t your typical romance, as the book tackles immigration and all types of love and expectation and if you haven’t read it yet I highly suggest that you add it to your TBR.

Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – The ultimate enemies-to-lovers duo and a classic fictional couple that I can’t help but adore. Darcy first meets Elizabeth Bennet at a ball, where he makes rather demeaning remarks about her while she is within earshot and it is in this moment that the romantic spark between them is ignited!

The Duke and I | Julia Quinn | Author of Historical Romance Novels

Daphne and Simon from The Duke and I by Julia Quinn – As much as I love Anthony and Kate, it’s Daphne and Simon’s first meeting that earns them a spot on this list. Their meeting is slightly different in the books, but it does still involve Daphne’s punching Lord Berbrooke. Simon then stumbles upon her and Berbrook’s unconscious body, and the two devise a plan to remove him before anyone sees.

Josh and Hazel from Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren – I’ve been on a Christina Lauren binge this week, and the chaos that surrounds their meet cute is brilliant. The pair originally meet at collage, after a few unsuccessful and unfortunate run in’s that include Hazel gracelessly throwing up on Josh’s shoes and a post-surgical and unintelligible email. Fast forward ten years when the pair meets again and realise that maybe (after some unsuccessful blind dates) that they’re exactly what each other needs.

The Final Empire: Mistborn Book One eBook: Sanderson, Brandon: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Vin and Elend from The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson – Now it wouldn’t be a favourites list without including Sanderson, would it? Vin (disguised as Valette) first meets Elend when she discovers his reading spot at a ball, and from then the two develop a comforting friendship that ultimately blossoms into something more.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: Amazon.co.uk: V.E. Schwab: 9781785652509: Books

Henry and Addie from The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.Schwab – He REMEMBERED her! My heart grew two sizes when Henry recognised Addie, even if he did catch her attempting to steal another book. The relationship between these two star-crossed lovers was beautifully heartbreaking and one of my favourite reads of last year.

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce and Hunt from Crescent City by Sarah J Maas – As soon as these two met, I knew I was in for a wildly intense relationship that I was going to fall utterly in love with. The banter and attitude between the two instantly establishes that enemies-to-lovers dynamic that us readers can’t get enough of and leaves us wanting more.

The Night Circus: Amazon.co.uk: Morgenstern, Erin: 9780099554790: Books

Celia and Marco from The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – One of my favourite fictional couples ever! Marco meets his opponent Celia initially when she auditions for the circus, but it’s not until 1894 that Celia learns the identity of her opponent when she mistakenly takes Marco’s enchanted umbrella from a cafe in Prague and he chases her down for its return. The two then embark on a magical whirlwind and heartbreaking romance that truly defines the power and wonder of love.

The Raven Boys: Amazon.co.uk: Stiefvater, Maggie: Books

Blue and Gansey from The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater – I know this one isn’t particularly romantic or charming but this moment is the beginning of everything. Blue meets Gansey soon-to-be dead spirit in a graveyard and is drawn to him, in a way she can’t entirely explain. The two then officially meet a Nino’s, which ends in a disaster and Blue walking away Gansey’s journal with his notes on Glendower. The relationship isn’t instant and is ladened with all sorts of problems (Blue’s prophecy in particular) but they soon became one of my favourite fictional couples.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before: Amazon.co.uk: Han, Jenny: Books

Lara Jean and Peter from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – The ultimate meet-cute and another one of my favourite contemporary moments. Many of you probably know how these two meet, but for those who don’t know it all starts with a secret letter that was never meant to be sent and from there the rest is history.

A Court of Mist and Fury A Court of Thorns and Roses: Amazon.co.uk: Maas, Sarah J.: Books

Nesta and Cassian from A Court of Mist and Fury – The two meet when Feyre and the Inner Circle visit her family’s estate and it’s clear that Nesta is an equal match to Cassian’s quarrelling and taunting. It’s only a couple of days now until the release of A Court of Silver Flames and I can’t contain my excitement for much longer!

Romance Books On My TBR | Romance Week 2021

February 8, 2021

Happy Romance Week! As many of you know Sunday is Valentine’s Day so in celebration I’ll be posting a couple of romance themed posts. One of my reading goals for 2021 was to branch out with my reading habits and read something each month that’s not sci-fi or fantasy, and so far I’ve managed to stick to this. Last month I fell completely and utterly in love with the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn, and it’s put me in a really romantic reading mood so my aim for February is to try and tick a few off my romance TBR!

The Unhoneymooners by Christian Lauren – Last year I fell head over heels for Christina Lauren’s book The Holidaze, and now I need more! This light-hearted and cute read was exactly what I needed for the festive season, and I’m ready for more unique romantic encounters and grin-inducing flirtation.

The Hating Game: A Novel: Amazon.co.uk: Thorne, Sally: 9780062439598: Books

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – This book is the ultimate enemies-to-lovers romance and I can’t wait for it’s adaptation, starring Lucy Hale and Robbie Amell. Lucy is charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely – I relate to this book SO MUCH! Every year my family gathers for an annual reunion and each year I have to endure the endless questioning about my career and love life, both of which are non existent! There’s only two of us singletons left and we’ve both made a pack to not let the other become the only single grandchild! I’ve yet to reach the stage in which I invite a total stranger to play ‘my date’ so things are looking hopeful! Anyway this book sounds exactly what I need and I can’t wait to dive into it!

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary | Waterstones

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary – This has been on my bookshelf for almost a year now! I bought it during the first lockdown but surprise, surprise I got distracted and never started it! I’m currently on a book buying ban, and I’m trying to read the majority of books on my shelf before ordering anymore so this is 100% on my TBR for February.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters, #1) by Talia Hibbert

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert – I’ve seen this book all over my socials and it looks adorable and something I know I’m going to love. This mission of rebellion is guaranteed to make me smile and I’m looking forward to witnessing the developing relationship between Chloe and Red!

Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel: Amazon.co.uk: McQuiston, Casey: 9781250316776: Books

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – This book blew up a couple of years ago and as always I’m last to the party when it comes to reading it! I’m all for royalty and romance, so I’m sure that I’m going to love this book as much as everyone else!

The Wedding Date: Amazon.co.uk: 9780593098394: Books

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory – I love weddings and I especially love the ‘fake dating’ trope, so this combination is right up my street. Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn’t normally do. But there’s something about Drew Nichols that’s too hard to resist…

It Ends with Us: Amazon.co.uk: Hoover, Colleen: 9781982143657: Books

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – When Googling ‘best romance’ novels, this one always appears in the top ten! I’ve never read anything by Colleen Hoover, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book and I’ve yet to read a bad review.

Call Me by Your Name (Movie Tie-In) by André Aciman, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman – Another book that has sat sadly unread on my bookshelf for too long! I fell absolutely in love with the film adaptation, and knew I had to read the book too. Fast forward a couple of years later and I still haven’t read it, so I’m going to make it my mission to read it soon.

P.S I Still Love You Film Review – Romance Week 2020

February 17, 2020

Lara Jean is back with the second instalment in Jenny Han’s most beloved series, and after the huge success and positive response of the first film it was fair to said that I had high expectations! I will admit I didn’t love this film as much, as I felt it lacked the light-hearted fun and feel-good elements of the first film, but nevertheless it was an enjoyable watch and the perfect film for a cosy night in.

What I loved the most about this film was the addition of all the new relationships, we of course have Lara Jean and John Ambrose but we also have Chris and Trevor and Trina and Dr. Covey. There’s just something about a blossoming romance that warms your heart and the snippets we saw of them both together were adorable. As always the on screen chemistry between Lana Condor and Noah Centineo is simply natural and both perfectly embody young love. In the first half of the film we get to witness the beginning of their real relationship and a few of their fairy-tale first dates and its not until the second half of the film when doubt creeps in and causes cracks to form. It’s only right that I talk about John Ambrose! Jordan Fisher played him so well, he was charming, kind, adorable and was a suitable rival for Peter.

Family is another thing that is hugely important in these films and learning about Lara Jean’s Korean heritage and mother was just so lovely, I particularly enjoyed the whole story about the green beans! Another thing they included from the book was the whole storyline around Genevieve’s parent divorce and her past close friendship with Lara Jean, and hopefully we get to see this develop in the next film. Stormy will always be one of my favourite characters from this series, she’s so fabulous and Holland Taylor played her perfectly.

As I mentioned earlier, I felt like this film was missing some light-hearted fun moments that the first film had, I wish they had included the game of Assassins and extended the treehouse scenes as I really wanted to see more character interactions within the group. So far this series still remains one of my favourite and most accurate adaptations, both films are fun, light-hearted and romantically enchanting adventures that everyone can’t help but love.

Valentine’s Day Book Tag – Romance Week 2020

February 14, 2020

1. What book(s) have you been given as a gift that you loved?

Last year my sister gifted me The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, as she kept seeing people rave about it on social media and knew instantly that it was going to be a book we’d both love, and look how right she was! I’ve absolutely devoured this series and I can recommend it enough, it’s a magically unexpected and thrilling adventure that takes place in such beautifully unique and enchanting world.

2. What book(s) would you like to give as a gift to someone else?

The Night Circus or Little Women. Two of my favourite books and I’d want to share them so that other people could enjoy their magic and beautiful craftsmanship.

3. If you could gift a random person any bookish item, what would it be?

A bookish subscription box, as some of them are incredible and it would a nice surprise for them every month!

4. If you could gift a random person any non-bookish item, what would it be?

A weekend away from the hustle and bustle of life so they could finally have the opportunity to take some time for themselves and hunker down with a good book.

5. What do you say when a person gives you a gift you don’t like?

That’s one of my biggest fears when giving gifts so I’m really conscious of my reaction when I receive something I don’t like. I’ll never let them know and I’ll play it like I loved it.

6. Mention a book based around Valentine’s Day.

I’d have to pick P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han as Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship is just goals!

7. Mention a film you love to watch on Valentine’s Day.

It sounds really cliche but I love to watch the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day (2010) which follows lots of different couples and their lives on the most romantic day of the year!

8. Mention a few of your favourite OTP’s.

There’s too many! I love Lila and Kell from A Darker Shade of Magic, all the couples from A Court of Thorns and Roses series and Vin and Elend from the Mistborn trilogy!

9. Which fictional character would you like to see at your door with a bouquet of roses?

I’ve just finished reading Little Women, so I’d love to see Laurie or Mr Brookes standing at my door with their declarations of love! Or I love Mr Darcy to walk through a misty field in the early morning to come and ask for my hand in marriage, if you’ve seen the 2005 Pride and Prejudice adaptation then you know exactly which scene I’m on about!

10. Mention any two tips for blogging as a gift to other bloggers and to those who may want to start a blog.

Do it! I started my blog four years ago and I absolutely love it. I’ve met so many wonderful people who the share the same passion for books and it has provided me with the opportunity and platform to share and discuss my opinions. Recently I hit 500 followers which is mad so a huge thank you every one of my followers for constantly supporting me and my varying content.

My biggest advice for bloggers is to keep on writing, you’re not going to gain hundreds of followers overnight but if you keep writing about what you love and engaging with this incredible community then you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful blogging experience. Also my writing has improved massively since starting my blog, I occasionally look back at old posts and cringe, but I am grateful for them as it is all apart of my learning process and development, so take that into consideration too!

Top Romance Books On My TBR – Romance Week 2020

February 11, 2020

Happy Romance Week! As many of you know Friday is Valentine’s Day so in celebration I’ll be posting a couple of romance themed posts. I have to thank Goodreads for the inspiration behind this weeks posts and I highly recommend that you’ve check out their list of best romance novels here! I haven’t read a contemporary romance book since last summer when I read If You Could Go Anywhere by Paige Toon, which was adorable, and since Valentine’s Day is only round the corner I thought I’d share a few of the romance books that are on my TBR for 2020! I’m sucker for all the tropes especially unique meet-cutes, love-hate relationships and a good-old fashioned slow burning romance, for me there’s nothing worse than an insta-love storyline; I need details and development! Anyway, I’d love to know what some of your favourite romance reads are in comments or if any of these books are also on your TBR!

Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella – Everyone raves about Sophie Kinsella but I am ashamed to admit that I’ve never read one of her books, so it’s about time that I changed that. I remember seeing the trailer for this adaptation and it looked so good, so I’m sure that I’m going love this story, as its fair to say that the books are always better than the film.

Emma by Jane Austen – The ultimate romance novel about matchmaking, finding your equal and earning your happy ending!

One Day in December by Josie Silver – This book is more of a wintery read so I might save it for those cold December nights, but still I wait to read this one. Just from the synopsis I know that this book will touch my heart and reaffirm my faith in love. Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn’t exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic… and then her bus drives away.

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – This book blew up last year and as always I’m last to the party when it comes to reading it! I’m all for royalty and romance, so I’m sure that I’m going to love this book as much as everyone else!

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – Another book that is soon to be adapted into a film starring Lucy Hale and Robbie Amell. Like I mentioned earlier I’m a sucker for a love-hate romance, this book is all about that. Lucy Hutton is charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual. Trapped in a shared office together hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez – I will admit that I fell utterly in love with this cover and knew I had to find out more about it. Woven in Moonlight is an enchanting tale about magic and romance, that draws heavily from Bolivian politics and history to create a mesmerising literary tapestry. I know this isn’t a contemporary romance but I couldn’t resit including it on this list!

Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins – I remember falling utterly in love with Anna and the French Kiss, so I’ve got no idea why I stopped reading this series. I ready for some more light-hearted and adorable moments as well as a guaranteed unique meet-cute.

Summer Days and Summer Nights by Various Authors – A diverse collection of heart-warming stories by various authors including Stephanie Perkins, Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare and more!