Favorite Couples Week: #7

Couple #7: Evelyn and Nathan Grey.

The entire story of these two characters is one of the reasons why I love Julia London's books so much. Even if everything in the beginning seems broken and hopeless in many ways, by the end of the story, everything will be righted and happy as it should be.
I remember not being able to see a way for these two to be happy at all at first. Not even really nearer to the end of the story it looked like it might not go so well, but it did of course. Nathan and Evelyn's story just seemed so sad and dreadful with everything that had happened in their past, and how badly the present seemed to be going, I could not imagine how they could move forward as they did.
They quickly became two of my favorite characters from Julia London. I loved their personalities, and I was so glad that even though Evelyn was afraid to return home to face the past, she did. And I found how Nathan did his best to protect her, even if it was originally more for his own sake at first, was so touching and showed that he still cared for her enough to at least begin to try to rebuild their tattered relationship. I just love how in her books love always comes out on top. Nathan and Evelyn are the perfect example of that.

Favorite Couples Week: #6

Couple #6: Lady Chatterley and Oliver Mellors.

These two make up my classically doomed couple. I love them because, of all they went through in the entire book, in the end, they are not quite together. I loved and hated both of them. Her, for being what seemed overly sensitive at times. Him, for not being quite sensitive enough. I fear I may not completely understand them though, in the sense of the time they were set in, and what exactly the author was trying to say. I just really don't understand why he wrote them through so much, only for it to be horrifyingly bitter-sweet at the end. I felt there was only a slight possibility that they ever saw each other again. I didn't like that.

And so once again, why are they on this list? Because I found their love and situation so dramatic. Even though their story confused me a little, I still somehow liked their journey. The writing was beautiful, and even with their flaws as any normal person would have, so were they. Despite some major obstacles in their path, they still found little ways to be together, even though I didn't find it quite comforting or certain in the end.

Favorite Couples Week: #5

Couple #5: Sookie Stackhouse and Eric Northman.

Okay, so Sookie and Eric have never officially been a couple, but come on, we all know they should be. Right? :) Right.
I will never forget the first time I read Eric Northman. I instantly adored his snarky dead-vampire behind. (Strike 1 against Bill.) I never understood Bill in that first book. Not even really after finally giving in and watching the TV show - which only heightened my beliefs that Sookie should be with Eric, not Bill.
Here's why I think this: in the books (#4 to be exact), Sookie and Eric do get together. But, only because Eric is not himself and Sookie is more attracted to him that way. Now, I don't know what kind of image anyone else has of Eric in their minds, but I have a very decided one on book Eric. And it definitely came completely to definition when I read the fourth book. I found him to seem to be less guarded, less of a smart ass, and even more lovable, more of what could have been his true self. The only thing there that bothered me was that he seemed to think Sookie needed taken care of. I came to this conclusion when he asked why Jason didn't look after her; him being the male. That's the only thing I didn't like, because I am positive that Sookie can take care of herself, despite the supernatural help she has had in the past. But still, one must keep in mind how old Eric is, literally.
Now, here is the thing, I truly think Eric would take care of Sookie. Why would he spend so much time....chasing her and not take care of her? I would like to think that he would open up and show his true self, but I can't even imagine Eric doing that. Perhaps, in his own little Eric way, he would somehow let her in, but I don't think he would do this completely. I can't really explain why I think that, either. Probably because my image of Eric does begin to mingle with the TV show version of him at some point in my "this is how I see Eric Northman..." But, anyway, in the book, it has happened. Therefore, somehow, I think it is possible for Sookie and Eric to be together. And it doesn't have to be awkward or forced, but I do think that someone has to let their guard(s) down for it to be able to work even just a little.
It has occurred to me that I have gone off course a little bit here, but they land in the fifth spot because in the fourth book, they are as together as it seems they ever will be. It was something I had been rooting for as and Eric fan, and I loved it.

Favorite Couples Week: #4

Couple #4: Mared Lockhart and Payton Douglas.

I'll never forget how much I actually disliked these two when I first started reading their book. The last book in the trilogy that really started my love of romance novels.

It was because of Mared's resistance to him, I guess I could understand why she didn't want him, at first. But as I got to know Payton better, I began to wonder if Mared was just plain addle-brained. I'll never forget the very scene in which I found Payton to be a rather...lonely seeming character. It was when Mared walked past and noticed him in his dining room, eating completely alone. While she was on her way to dine with the other household servants, all together. That was just so sad to me. I can't even remember why I didn't like Payton at first, but I do remember thinking how stubborn a woman Mared was turning out to be. (And as I'm sitting here typing that last sentence, I put my finger on why I didn't like Payton so much.) He wasn't aggressive enough. In the previous books in the trilogy, the other two heroes (Mared's brothers) went for what they wanted. Payton just...didn't really. Not enough.

(Then why are they on my favorite couple's list?) Here's why: They finally saw the light. Well, Mared finally did, anyway. Payton never quite gave up wanting her, and he didn't go off and act like a jerk when she kept up her resistance, he pretty much just waited for her. And I loved that.

Favorite Couples Week: #3

Couple #3: Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser.

I cannot even really begin to explain how much I love them. Jamie really. He just seems so perfect and dedicated to Claire, or should I say, his Sassenach. I have to admit though, I'm not really a fan of Claire, and not just because she travelled back in time and fell in love with a handsome highlander that I daresay any woman in her right mind would leave her husband for, a highlander I would give my right arm for, it was just something about her I can't exactly put my finger on. Her personality I guess. She just wasn't all that an appealing heroine to me. I didn't hate her though, I can't imagine anyone else but her with Jamie, because she definitely had what it took to suit him, maybe it was just the author's writing..I don't know.

Anyway, they had so many...obstacles to overcome, especially who she was and where she really came from. I felt so afraid for Jamie when he pulled her back and he knew then that what she had told him was real. It would have been so heartbreaking for him to lose her at that moment. They definitely get my vote for one of the strongest and bravest couples I've ever read. Not to mention one of the most touching heroes I've ever come across.

Favorite Couples Week: #2

Couple #2: Lady Charlotte Wilmont and Viscount (Sebastian) Trent.

They are another pair that I loved via the "she swoons for him but he has no idea she exists" path. Quite literally. I remember the first time I really felt bad for Charlotte. She watched Sebastian sorting through the post he'd received for a good ten minutes or so, and his sister (her best friend) returns downstairs wildly talking about something and he asks who his sister is speaking to. She of course, answers Charlotte. He looks around baffled and finally spots her near the drapes. I was so mortified for poor Charlotte.
But once everything started happening much to Charlotte's shocked surprise, I was ecstatic for her. Very much wanting her to embrace the situation right away, because after all it was what she had been wanting, and Sebastian was finally looking at her the way she wanted him to. But when things changed after Charlotte could no longer stand it, I became very worried. (This is why Elizabeth Boyle has become one of my favorite authors.) Somehow she makes everything turn out alright. There is no more heartbreak, only love coming through at the end of the day, the kind one (me) dreams about. And for me that is the best thing about romance novels, when everything rightly comes together after everything the hero and heroine have been through to be together.

Favorite Couples Week: #1

Welcome to Favorite Couples week; in trying to keep with my Romance theme: I share one of my favorite literary couples every day this week. Hope you enjoy, and share one of yours with me! :)

Couple #1: Lady Hermione Marlowe and Lord Rockhurst.

I love them because of the way they were with one another as a couple. Definitely not the traditional romance couple. That is why I chose them as my first to share. In one way Lady Hermione noticed Lord Rockhurst and longed for him along with the rest of the other young ladies of the ton, while he basically ignored her. But once it was nightfall, every single thing changed and all (well, almost all) of her dreams came true. Not only did she find out Lord Rockhurst's stunning secrets, her whole life changed, for the better. Even so at one point where it seemed that everything was ruined and she would never see Lord Rockhurst in that way again, everything just worked out for them. That's what I love about romances so much, everything is (usually) always okay in the end.