Happy Valentine's Day!!! + Our V-Day Movie Recs

First and foremost:

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Whether you're single or coupled up this V-Day, everyone appreciates a good swoon. April and I already listed some swoony reads on Tuesday, and on Wednesday we discussed what makes a good romance. And April put together that awesome SIMS video featuring our favorite swoony couples. Oh, and of course, April's giving away a couple of her favorite swoony books in the Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop. But Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without a romantic movie or two, so we put together a list of our favorite romantic flicks in honor of the "day of love".



Jen's picks:

The Princess Bride, 1987

Why it's a fave:  Wuv...twue wuv. Cute little Fred Savage, who I had such a big crush on back in the day. Swashbuckling. Pirates. Andre the Giant. Evil Prince Humperdink -- who I only recently discovered also voices the character of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas. The best ensemble cast ever, featuring Peter Falk as the kindly grandfather and Billy Crystal as Miracle Max. Some of the best lines: "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." ROUSes, or Rodents of Unusual Size, for the layman. Plus, it is hands-down my favorite movie ever. And the book ain't bad, either. =)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004

Why it's a fave:  This couple's relationship goes south and instead of dealing with it, they try to erase each other from their memory, only to find their way back to each other. If that's not romantic, I don't know what is. Plus, it's quirky and Jim Carrey was still okay back then. Now, he's just weird. And not funny.

The Vow, 2012

Why it's a fave:  Oh, god, the sappiness of this movie. I can't believe that I finally watched it when it was showing on cable one day when I was home sick, let alone that I like this movie. But it's a story of undying love -- love that triumphs over everything -- and well, it's hard for me to resist that. Also, there's the fact that Channing Tatum is in it. I wouldn't allow myself to like him before, but after seeing him in this movie, I guess I have to admit that I'm a fan now.

Stardust, 2007

Why it's a fave:  First, I love Neil Gaiman. I love his books and his books-turned-into-movies. This story was no exception. She's a star who's fallen to Earth. He's looking for love in all the wrong places. It's a perfectly imperfect romance. :) There is much magic, humor, and love to be had in this movie. Plus, Robert DeNiro as a cross-dressing pirate is freaking priceless.

Honorable mentions: 10 Things I Hate About You ('cause of the Heath Ledger, obvs) & Wall-E ('cause even robots deserve love)

April's picks:

Sleepless in Seattle, 1993

Why it's a fave:  First romantic movie to ever make me cry.

A Lot Like Love, 2005

Why it's a fave:  There is a song that is on this soundtrack that I adore and every time I hear it, I think of this amazing movie:  Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung. I bought this movie as part of my cousin's wedding present because they used that song as their first dance but had never seen the movie!

Never Been Kissed, 1999

Why it's a fave:  Corny but adorable.

A Walk to Remember, 2002

Why it's a fave:  Brian took me to see this on one of our first dates. Second movie date actually, the first was Harry Potter. He was a keeper obviously. Lol.

Honorable mention:  How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (Brian and I both love this one and whenever it's on TV, we get sucked in)




I love all of April's picks, and I love that she mentioned that song from the A Lot Like Love soundtrack. I love when a song can instantly transport you to a moment in time or reminds you of a favorite movie. What are some of your go-to movies for V-Day? Any of our favorites make your list?

Hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day, no matter who -- or what book! -- you're spending it with! =)

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Labels: favorites, holidays, love stories, movies, romance

{DON'T} Want Your Bad Romance

Forgive the punny title, but April and I were thinking about swoonworthy boys and what makes a good romance this week while compiling our picks for Top Ten Tuesday and preparing for Valentine's Day -- which neither of us apparently celebrates because we both seem to think that romance and love are things that should be celebrated all year long and not just on the day dictated by greeting card companies and candy manufacturers. And before you start thinking we're bitter old shrews who spend the "day of love" alone, weeping over our pathetic, loveless lives, keep in mind that we're both happily married. We just know the difference between romantic gestures that are made because they are expected and true romance.

However, after picking out our top swoony books for TTT, we were discussing how a swoony couple doth not a swoony romance novel make. Some of our favorite couples and relationships are downright swoony, but the situations and books we find them in are anything but romantic. So, we thought we'd pay homage to those couples that we love to see fighting real-life, slaying vampires, or battling evil angels...as long as they're doing so together. April even made one of her awesome SIMS videos just for this occasion.

But first, a little on what each of us thinks makes a swoonworthy romance:

April:  My favorite books are those with a love story. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for me to crave a little romance. I read the swoons all year long, but since Valentine’s Day is Friday, we are discussing what we love the most about romance in books, and even talking about some of our favorite book couples.

My favorite kind of romance is the slow burn. I liked the characters to work their way up to it. For example, Rose and Dimitri from the Vampire Academy series, the attraction is there from the very start. Things don’t fully heat up until about book 3, but the sexual tension leading up to that point... delicious.

Another kind of romance I love is the realistic one. I’m going to use the Summer Series by Jenny Han as an example here. Belly and Conrad… these two. *sigh* what got me the most about these books was how real it felt. Their relationship is not an easy one, and there are some swoony moments for sure, but there is also real life. Real disappoints, grief and obstacles. They were very realistic to me.

Foreign Romance, you know where I’m going with this? Anna and the French Kiss. It’s one thing to fall in love, but to fall in love in a foreign place with a cute foreign guy. The accents, oh the panty dropping accents. You get my point. lol.

We mustn’t forget the “Knight in Shining Armor” type of romance. While this isn’t my absolute favorite, when it’s done correctly and not creepy, it’s amazing. ♥ The Iron Fey, Ash the Winter Prince will always hold my heart. He’s so devoted to Meghan, it’s just downright beautiful. Book 3, The Iron Queen has some of the most romantic scenes ever. I love them together.

The nice guy romance, these are really great because I hate jerks in books. I like a genuine nice guy (I married one) . So when a girl falls for the nice guy, it makes me giddy. ♥

I’ll take any romance as long as it’s meaningful.

Jen:  I usually prefer my reads with at least a tiny bit of romance, though I can appreciate a book that doesn't include any. Like Vicious. I just finished reading that one, and though there was almost zero romance (read: none), I kind of swooned over Victor Vale, even though he's a morally ambiguous character. Those tend to be my favorites, though.

To me, a great romance does not necessarily need to include a swoonworthy rogue or an epic love story. I like my romances to feel genuine, to be realistic, and to burn slowly. I like when love creeps up on characters, especially if they weren't friendly with each other to begin with. But I also love when characters have known each other forever and have only just realized that there's a spark there. In real life, I prefer nice guys -- I married one, too -- but in my books, I do tend to root for the bad boy, or at least, the guy who's probably not the best match but would definitely be more fun. But that's not always the case.

In contemporary novels, I usually gravitate towards the nice guy...the one with genuine appeal, who treats a girl like she should be treated. Some of my favorite couples fitting this description are Joe and Lennie from The Sky is Everywhere, Augustus and Hazel from The Fault in Our Stars, and of course, Cricket and Lola from Lola and the Boy Next Door, which also happens to fit under that whole "friends who become more" category I mentioned. These books are all so adorable and so authentic, it's no wonder I found them listed on so many Top Ten Swoony Books lists yesterday.

With sci-fi and fantasy stories, I tend to prefer the world-weary guy who knows his way around or can show the heroine a thing or two -- the guy who happens, more often than not, to also be the bad-boy type. This is where the swoonworthy rogue comes in. Like Raffe from Angelfall and World After. I love him paired with Penryn in those books because she's all about fighting to save her fellow man, and you're never quite sure what Raffe thinks of that, but you also know he's not a truly bad guy, despite his bad-boy demeanor. There's also clearly some sexual tension between these two -- ahem, that scene in the cottage in front of the fire with the peanut butter and cereal, anyone? -- but Raffe is so far from his evil angel brethren that he won't even make a move on Penryn because it goes against all of the laws of angels consorting with humans. This kind of makes them star-crossed lovers, which endears this couple to me even more. Another couple I enjoyed watching fight their growing feelings, despite being enemies in the first book, was Warner and Juliette in the Shatter Me series. Warner isn't just a bad boy...he is truly the bad guy in the beginning, and yet, Juliette can't help falling for him anyway.

There is no such thing as a perfect romance, though, which I guess is sorta my point. My favorite romances take time to grow, they evolve and change, and sometimes, they end. As long as I can find a romance at least somewhat believable and the insta-love/lust is kept to a minimum, I'm on board.

Oh, also, I love what April said about the panty-dropping accents. Those are always welcome in my romances! =)

And now, the debut of April's SIMS video featuring our favorite swoony couples:

What's your favorite type of romance? Would any of our swoony book couples make your list?

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Labels: all the swoons, discussion, love stories, romance, sims

Summer of Love Giveaway Hop

Summer of Love Giveaway Hop

July 22nd – 29th

Hosted by Jen at YA Romantics

Welcome to the first summer-themed hop in our giveaway series, hosted by Jen at YA Romantics, Candace at Candace's Book Blog, and myself!  There's still plenty of time to sign up for the other two hops:  Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop and The Last Hurrah Hop.  This hop features novels with romance, love, and all the swoons, so I picked a few faves for the winner to choose from.  Please keep in mind that some of these are considered new adult and are only recommended for readers over the age of 18.  Also, this giveaway is international, but some of the prizes listed may not yet be available from The Book Depository.

Man, I tried to keep it at just a few choices, but I kind of love all of these stories.  I do not envy the winner their choice.  :)

Rules:

• This giveaway is international.   As long as The Book Depository ships to your location, you are good to go.  (You can double-check that here.)
• One entry per household.
• Entries will be verified.  Any entry found to be falsified will result in disqualification of all entries for that participant.
• Winner will be notified via email.  Winner will then have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected.  Please check your SPAM folder!!!
• We are not responsible for lost packages.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that you've entered here, be sure to check out all of the other stops on the Summer of Love Giveaway Hop:



Thanks for entering & happy reading!

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Labels: giveaway hops, giveaways, love stories, romance, summer

Teaser Tuesday #8

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


This week's teaser comes from the following book:

Title:  My Life Next Door
Author:  Huntley Fitzpatrick
Series:  n/a
Publisher:  Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  June 14, 2012
Source:  Netgalley

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

My teaser:

"Should I be worried?"
I look up at him, my thoughts scattered.  "About what?"
"The fact that you're apparently the one girl on the planet who doesn't tell her best friend everything the moment it happens.  I have sisters, Sam.  I thought that was a rule--the best friend knows all.  Yours didn't even know I existed." -- p. 173 of galley

Ouch!  I doubt she's not telling people about their relationship because she's ashamed, though...

Leave your Tuesday Teaser in the comments so I can stop by!

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Labels: contemporary, love stories, penguin, summer, teaser tuesday

Teaser Tuesday #5

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


This week's teaser comes from the following book:


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title:  Dreamless
Author:  Josephine Angelini
Series:  2nd book in the Starcrossed series
Publisher:  Harper Teen
Publication Date:  May 29, 2012
Source:  ARC provided by publisher

Can true love be forgotten?

As the only scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.

Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out—a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies' cry for blood is growing louder.

As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen's sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos.

Josephine Angelini's compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds all expectations.

My teaser:

"Well, Orion whatever-your-last-name-is," she said to her empty room as she stepped inside, shut the door, and slipped her feet into a pair of rubber boots.  "I hope you were serious about wanting to help me because I've never needed help more than I do right now." -- p. 71 of ARC

Hmmm...I smell a love-triangle on the horizon.  o.O  It's been a year since I read Starcrossed, but I love books with a mythological-spin, so I'm willing to give this one a chance, despite the potential for one of my least-favorite plot devices.

What tantalizing teaser are you sharing today?  Leave your link in the comments so I can visit!

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Labels: beautiful covers, harper-collins, love stories, mythology, src 2012, starcrossed, teaser tuesday

TGIF #25 - Love Stories

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at GReads!  In this weekly feature, Ginger poses a question to her followers and then asks everyone to link up at the end of the post, sharing their responses.

This Friday's Question:

Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

Jace & Clary from The Mortal Instruments

Ah, the tortured, star-crossed lovers.  Even after four books, they still can't be together easily, no matter how much I want that for them.  I love that Jace's love for Clary makes him a better person and that it makes Clary stronger than she ever thought she could be.

 

Karou & Akiva from Daughter of Smoke and Bone

I love a good love story that transcends time and dimensions and anything else it encounters a long the way.  Even after everything Karou has been through, she finds her way back to Akiva.  And despite that ending, I think they will eventually find their way to each other again.

 

Kaylee & Tod from Soul Screamers

I loved Tod from the beginning.  I thought Kaylee and Nash were good together, but I always had a soft spot for Tod and could tell he had feelings for Kaylee.  It showed even through his arrogance and sarcasm.  I just knew they had to end up together eventually.  And the sacrifice he made for her!  Be still my heart!

Jay & Violet from The Body Finder

I think the sweet, nurturing relationship Jay and Violet have should be a role model for all book relationships.  Yeah, I like the drama-filled relationships, too, but every girl needs a guy who's really going to be there for her, through thick and thin.  And for Violet, that guy is Jay.  Rafe may intrigue her, but in the end, I think Jay and Violet will come out on top.  I'm hoping, anyway...

Gabry & Eli from The Forest of Hands and Teeth

This is one of my favorite series EVER.  Despite being chased by ravenous hoardes of zombies, a secret past, and being plagued by past loves, Gabry and Eli find comfort in each other.  It gives one hope that when the Zombie Apocalypse is upon us, we'll all find our own Eli's to keep us safe.

So, who are some of your favorite literary couples?  I'll be honest.  It was hard to narrow down this list...I really can't help falling for all of the couples I read about.  :)



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Labels: literary couples, love stories, tgif