Top 5… romantic reads
Good morning bookworms!
Today’s Top 5 Tuesday is ‘romantic reads’. Top 5 Tuesday is hosted by the super lovely Shanah over at the Bionic Bookworm. You can visit her here, and join in for Top 5 Tuesday by checking out all the amazing topics we have coming up!
So, apparently it’s getting warmer in the northern hemisphere (which makes sense because it’s getting freaking cold here). Now is about the time when we start to get our blankets out and put the hammock away!! And if I had a roaring fire, I would be in front of it, curled up on my armchair with a hot chocolate, a blanket, and a good sob-story romance!
Just an FYI, I’m not really your traditional romance reader. I like a slow-burn romance, you know, with barely any eye contact. Or one with super broken boys. Or ones that have more heartbreak than heartwarming scenes. Basically, if there’s two people in love but destroying themselves and I’m crying tears of sadness, it’s my fave kind of love story. (Yes, I’m aware that I’m a freak.)
First up, let’s talk about Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi. This is what I lovingly refer to as ‘passive romance’. Passive romance is what happens when no one (including the characters) are paying attention or looking at each other, because their entire relationship is conducted virtually. And then they accidentally fall in love. It’s the greatest thing ever and Choi absolutely KILLS it in this book. 10/10 introverts would recommend this type of romance in real life.
Next, we have the ‘feed them until they love you’ trope. I’ve got to be honest, this is primarily used in C. G. Drews’ books. But it’s amazing. And YOU can witness the amazingness in both, A Thousand Perfect Notes and The Boy Who Steals Houses (released on 4 April). In ATPN August feeds Beck cake, and in TBWSH Sam makes pancakes for Moxie and brings her caramel (there’s also about 20kg of brownies in this book, so, be warned when you read it).
I also love books where your heart breaks into a million pieces because the ‘romance’ is so sad. In fact, I just reread one of my favourites in this category the other day. I was testing to see if it would get me out of a slump, and I devoured the book in a couple of hours, curled up on the couch, bawling my eyes out from start to finish. *so many FEELS!* It was perfect. If you want a romance story that’s super sad, but also super sweet, I highly recommend Back After the Break by Anita Notaro.
There’s also the actual romantic, slow-burn, meet-cute stories. Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera and Stephanie Perkins do them really well. I mean, Silvera’s books are sweet but they don’t usually end up very happy – so there is that to contemplate! If you’re looking for a book in this field, probably try What If It’s Us or Anna and the French Kiss.
And last, but by no means least, there’s my ultimate fave: “I hate them! Uh, oops… Actually I love them”. Yes, enemies to lovers. The romance in this field is basically non-existent, except in smirks, backhanded compliments and the occasional backhand slap, deception (sometimes treason), so many lies, and makeout sessions filled with oaths of hatred. *fans self* Sometimes it’s confusion of sexuality, sometimes it’s families at war, often it stems from stupid acts of bygone years. Whatever it is, I really, really, really love it. So here’s my top 5 in this genre (not in any particular order):
- The Cruel Prince – Holly Black
- The Foxhole Court – Nora Sakavic
- Captive Prince – C. S. Pacat
- Carry On – Rainbow Rowell
- Ilahara: The Last Myrassar – C. M. Karys
So, there you are friends. Romantic reads… *sigh*
Until next time, happy reading ??
20 Comments
may
i just finished emergency contact last night and i enjoyed it sooooo much! so happy to see it make the list. im dying to get my hands on the boy who steals houses, i heard brownies, im there lol
great post!
Meeghan reads
SO. MANY. BROWNIES. In fact, you’ll be pleased to hear there is also a lot of waffles, pancakes and caramel in this. I went through a weird caramel phase while reading it (choc, ice-cream, candy…) Cait almost sent me to the dentist.
Sofii @ A Book. A Thought.
I also prefer slow-burn romance, the anticipation is EVERYTHING ???
Meeghan reads
OMG YAAAAAAASSSS!! Every little sneaky glance sends my shriveled black heart into a sluggish beat of anticipation!! ??
TheCaffeinatedReader
I love slow burn and ultimately slow burn and enemies to lovers so, I’ll be stealing your enemies to lovers list and going to look for some of these! I’m not a huge romance reader but when I do and I enjoy it, I ship till the end lol. Great list!
Meeghan reads
Nawww, thanks!! I LIVE FOR slow-burn and enemies to lovers so I am FULL of recs for those!! I might even do a discussion post on them one day… ?
J R Lynn
Thanks about the brownie warning in TBWSH! I’m gonna have to make some brownies before I start reading it or else I’ll probably die of cravings halfway through ?? Great post Meeghan!
Meeghan reads
Hahaha, thanks JR!! My review of TBWSH will be up in about 33 hours time. You might also need brownies for it!!! ?
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Ally Writes Things
Even though it’s total trash, I have such a soft spot for Anna and the French Kiss
Meeghan reads
Saaaaaaaaaaame!! And Isla. (I just don’t love Lola as much…)
Ally Writes Things
I haven’t read the other ones, but I think I might skip Lola and just go straight to Isla
Meeghan reads
Sounds like a plan!!!! ?
Beware Of The Reader
I will say this and then run hide under a rock… I have CG A Thiusand perfect notes for months! And still not read it !!!! Wo,derful choices Meeghan!
Meeghan reads
SOPHIE!!!!! Her second book (The Boy Who Steals Houses is out TOMORROW AND I AM EXCITED!!!!) xx
jamsu
I still haven’t decided if I’m going to buy Emergency Contact some day since I’m not big fan of YA Contemporary. I loved The Cruel Prince and Carry On. I still need to read The Wicked Prince and I can’t wait to get my hands on Carry On sequel.
Meeghan reads
Yes!!!! Wayward Son is one of my most anticipated books for this year!!!! Emergency Contact has a really pretty cover (if that helps?). I just loved their relationship because it was no strings from the start because there was no awkward eye contact!! (Totally speaks to my introvert self!!)
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