Let's Talk: Swoon-Worthy Literary Romances

Friday, September 7, 2012




Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!
Question: What are your favourite swoon-worthy literary romances?


First off, please allow me to clarify the term "romances." I am by no means talking some 50 Shades of Grey garbage - although, heck, if that floats your boat, be my guest. I'm talking those romances that leave you breathless, teary-eyed and wishing that you could have a romance just like it. You know, a love that defies obstacles, means something true and has a pure, unadulterated worth? You don't know? Let me show you what I mean.

Take, for example, the love of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. (Hold please, I'm hung up on Mr. Darcy again.) Moving on. When we meet the two of them, they seem as different as can be. Elizabeth is carefree and exuberant with a love of writing and a free, unhindered spirit. Mr. Darcy is chained to his old-world values, straight-faced and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

And yet, despite their initial reservations (read: anger/animosity), the two begin to have feelings for one another, which they must consistently battle. Morals, virtues, personalities, families, worlds and classes combine and intertwine to make their love come together, and holy hell...it is beautiful.

There is nothing quite as beautiful and painstakingly torturous than a star-crossed love. Jamie is dying of Leukemia when, unbeknownst to her, Landon is spiraling out of control. The preacher's daughter takes him under her wing despite his initial resistance, and she makes a place in her heart for him. 

His careful facade of toughness and badassery was designed to protect him though, and her purity put a chink in his armour, complicating things when she relapses. Their love blossoms from a mutual respect, and she transforms him, just as he transforms her. Honest and true, I cry every time I read this.





Guys, the point is, there are hundreds of swoon-worthy romances out there. Other ones right up there for me? Susan and Timothy from The Last Silk Dress, Carly and Ryan from Raw Blue, Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games (I know, seems like an odd choice), Maggie and Caleb from Leaving Paradise, Arwen and Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings...yeah, the list goes on, and on and on.

12 comments:

  1. DARCY SWOON! xoxoxo k that's all byeeee busy swoonin'...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh I totally agree with this! Most of mine are fairly restrained by today's standards as well. But I agree, sometimes the subtler, or the more the relationship builds slowly, makes me melt more and the romance mean a greater deal. And I LOVE when it's all about what they do for each other. Like Darcy rescuing Ly

    ReplyDelete
  3. oops. I accidentally submitted early. That last word is "Lydia."

    ReplyDelete
  4. I adore the tension that comes from restraint. Even though in real life, I'm so the jump in type.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi there, couldn't find your FF but I love your blog. Great review too :).
    New follower. My FF :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmm, off the top of my head, and from something I've read pretty recently I'd go with Anna and Etienne St Claire. I thought their romance was believable and a perfect fit.


    Next, I think of the book Water for Elephants. Don't remember who the characters were just remember they made a big splash for me, tugging at my heartstrings for sure.


    Lastly, my all time FAV -- Bridges of Madison County Nicholas Sparks - oh the romance to give it all up for!!! Yeah baby!


    There is one more -- The NOTEBOOK!!! Yes, that couple was awesomely swoon worthy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I completely agree with you. A walk to remember is one of my favorite books and it never fails to make me cry and swoon at the same time :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh yes! Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Completely swoon-worthy! Have you see The Lizzie Bennet Diaries on Youtube? If not, do check it out!


    This year I read Pushing the Limits. This was probably the swoon worthiest book I've read this year. Loved it!!!!!


    Fun post! Thanks for sharing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I LOVE this post Melissa! I still remain a faithful Hunger Games reader, I love the Katniss and Peeta love affair. I reread the second and third books recently and the ending lines: "You love me, real or not real?" "real", pulls at ALL of my heartstrings. And of course A Walk to Remember makes me cry every time haha :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi,
    I'm a new follower, via Feature and Follow. My FF post can be found here: http://rinnreads.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/feature-follow-1.html =)
    I love the colours of your site <3
    Rinn

    ReplyDelete
  11. No list is complete without Pride and Prejudice!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh! I love the two romances you spotlighted so very much. There's just something universally appealing about them both, and I LOVE that you chose them!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I always do my very best to return the favour :)

Please note that this blog is an award-free zone!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Pin It button on image hover