Melissa asked me to talk a little bit about a favorite romantic relationship I’d read lately because, well, she knows me and understands my love of all things romance. Her suggestion got me thinking though, and instead of talking about a specific romantic couple, I thought I’d talk about a particular type of romantic character. I am always in favor of a bad boy. Who isn’t? But bad boys, while often beautifully complex and unique in their own ways, are a dime a dozen in young adult, new adult, and urban fantasy/romance. The men I want to talk about today are far more elusive; rare personalities who openly defy label and convention and then take their rebellion one step further by laughing in the face of any who dare try to pigeonhole them. For the purpose of this post, I’m going to refer to them as Romantic Outliers (though they would threaten bodily harm for calling them such).

Upon first glance, one might mistakenly try to assign the Bad Boy label to a Romantic Outlier. It’s a common error as they are both often dark and brooding characters; their thoughts and motivations kept close to their chests as the air of power emanating from them ensures they cut an easy swath through those clamoring to be around them. There are several important key differences that mark a man as a Romantic Outlier rather than just a Bad Boy, however. Where Bad Boys are dangerous, Romantic Outliers are downright lethal. Where Bad Boys aim to wound emotionally or physically, Romantic Outliers aim to scar permanently, and whether that scar is left on someone close to them or the enemy is entirely irrelevant. Bad Boys are memorable, but Romantic Outliers erase the memory of every other person who came before them so they alone exist, unable to accept anything less than the totality of being the one and only.

Bad Boys often push our capacity for forgiveness to its very limit, using cruel words to keep those who would accept the risk of an emotional beating by trying to navigate their rocky shores away, but deep in the heart of their blackness lies vulnerability and a willingness (however small) to stray from the path they’re on if given a good enough reason. Over the course of a Bad Boy’s story, we often see them change; our innate desire to be the one person who knocks a Bad Boy off his axis and acts as a balm to soothe his damaged soul fully realized, if vicariously, through the character who steals his heart.

With a Romantic Outlier, it’s we who do the changing. They remain immovable, completely unapologetic and absolutely uncaring what we think of them because it frankly makes no difference in the grand scheme of their lives. They force us to alter our perception of them–to dig deeper and see what’s there, not simply what we want or hope to see in them–rather than rising to meet our lofty expectations, and we can practically feel their smugness as we struggle with the challenge. We read their stories with a magnifying glass attached to our faces, looking closely for even the barest of hint that they are the men we so desperately want them to be, and when they prove to us again and again that our romantic ideals have no business trying to adhere themselves to their person, we can’t help but find ourselves equal parts dismayed and perversely pleased that they’ve burst our bubble once more.

The Romantic Outlier might not sound romantic in the least for some; after all, who wants to love someone who for the most part couldn’t care less whether or not they have our love? But therein lies the attraction. We all want what we can’t have. Hope is a force to be reckoned with and can be a cruel mistress, keeping us flipping pages out of the sheer desire to prove that these men are more than what we’ve uncovered so far; that if we just keep digging we’ll find the evidence that our hope has not been grossly misplaced. It’s part of the fun. There’s an undoubtedly dark appeal in wondering if it’s the next chapter that will see them do the irredeemable; to cross a line that can’t be uncrossed. Or can it? Our ability to rationalize their actions–to excuse what they say or do in a way we might never have before them–can be startling yet oh-so fascinating, a testament to how much they’ve changed us, and just maybe, how much we craved change and simply needed a Romantic Outlier to show us the way.

If you’re curious about the Romantic Outlier, check out the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning and The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. Barrons, Ryodan (Fever series) and Warden (The Bone Season) are all such stunning emotional and romantic challenges, and I can guarantee that love them or hate them, you will remember them forever.

Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard (Twitter)
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: April 28, 2013
Genre: NA, Paranormal
Pages: 197
Source: Author

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

As most of you know, I've avoided the new adult genre like the plague, simply for the innate fear that it will become host to a bevy of novels that are trite, cliche and altogether meaningless. I am, however, a sucker for a gorgeous cover and a unique premise, so I was instantly sold on the premise of The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard. The author presents readers with a rich and imaginative world, all the while grounding us in reality with characters readers will relate to and situations that feel all too real at times.

It must be said though, that I was expecting much more new adult content from The Forgotten Ones. With Alison being 21 and Ethan being 23, it's completely acceptable to class the novel as such based on that alone. However, I found that the budding romance had a much more YA feel to it, as it was sweet and, if I'm entirely honest, innocent. The beauty of NA is that readers can expect more sexual tension without blurring the lines of age-appropriate material. It felt as though The Forgotten Ones teetered somewhere along the middle of these genres though, blurring the lines.

Ms. Howard gives readers a completely exciting paranormal premise in which we follow Allison to Tir Na Nog, uncovering the truth behind the myths of the fairies, and the truth behind Allison's own nature, as well. The story is rich and intriguing, and we're offered careful subtle glimpses into an amazing magical realm complete with spells, paranormal creatures and a backstory that is, for all intents and purposes, to die for. 

The main problem that I had with The Forgotten Ones was simply that it was so short. Had we been offered another hundred pages or so, we might be able to fully envelop ourselves in the world. As it is though, The Forgotten Ones teases us with tempting details, but it never fully absorbs us into its magical escapism. I also felt that, at times, the novel warred between a contemporary romance and a paranormal tale. Both elements were prominent and strong, but I think the emphasis on romance might have taken away from the actual paranormal offering in the end. 

Overall though, I'm intrigued by the premise of The Forgotten Ones. The pronunciation of a multitude of names was tricky to grapple with at times, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment. It's a solid series opener, and I'll definitely be looking to see if the series improves as it progresses. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of both NA and YA, especially those who enjoy romance and paranormal.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

I was going to post my regular top ten post this week, but I realized I've actually posted on the same prompt multiple times. So, what to do? Another review, or...and then I remembered. There is something I just had to post about because it really inspired me.

About a week ago, I was approached by the lovely folks over at Macmillan to explore their new site, Swoon Reads, which was touted as the perfect place for aspiring writers to pitch their finished manuscripts, as well as for readers to fall in love with and decide what the next big thing in literature really is. Being book bloggers, I'm sure you're all squeeing about as much as I did when I discovered just what Swoon Reads has to offer. 

So, what's all the fuss about, you ask? Well, I think it's pretty obvious to the bookish world that books, literature and reading is constantly shifting towards bigger and brighter things. As social media takes a hold on our generation, it seems as though the possibilities are fairly limitless for the world of published, so enter Swoon Reads. What is it? It's simple...

"Swoon Reads is dedicated to publishing books that capture the intensity of teen love. More than an imprint, Swoon Reads is a community – one whose members are included in every step of the publishing process. We open the doors for writers and readers to discover the best, most Swoon-worthy teen romance novels and make their voices heard. Together, we publish love stories you will want to read over and over again." (quote via)

This means that we, the readers, have the opportunity to read unpublished talent, vote on what we believe is the most swoon-worthy and, essentially, decide the next big thing to be published! Even better, for authors out there, this is a golden opportunity. Those authors who score the most votes in both the community and the publishing board will land a coveted contract with Macmillan, a hefty advance and the chance to be published in both print and e-book formats. I can tell you this: when I finally grow a backbone, I'll be submitting my labour of love, RACE, to Swoon Reads, and I sure hope it hits the jackpot! 

Have any of you visited Swoon yet, and if you have, what are your thoughts on this fantastic new site (and imprint)? Writers...do you think you'll try your hand at submitting via Swoon Reads? Why or why not? 

If you haven't visited Swoon Reads yet, what are you waiting for?! Check it out today! 

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.