Top Ten Tuesday: My picks for 'Bookish Couples Awards [Part II]'.

Seeing as it's Valentines Day, the Top Ten Tuesday post was of course going to be centred on Bookish Couples, but I looked back over some old posts and came across the Bookish Couples Award post I did back in 2015! I thought it might be nice to give it an update (I've read so many more books since then) and add a couple of categories that I feel were left out!

Best Non-Romantic Duos:
Strong friendships, bromances, hilarious siblings, even rivals/frenemies. Anything goes here.

Kizzy & Jenks (WINNER)
'The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers.

I only recently read this book but I loved this relationship, which perfectly demonstrated how guys and girls can be pals without any strings attached. They reminded me a little bit of Fitz & Simmons from Agents Of Shield (though, to completely destroy my previous point, I will ship those two until the day I die) but they cared for each other without having to say it.

Theo & Nim
'Wonder Woman: Warbringer' by Leigh Bardugo.
These two spent the entire 'saving the world' road-trip arguing with each other (and being possessed by minor Gods & Goddesses) and I lived for it. Their dynamic was probably the most interesting thing about the whole book! I'd love to see a whole story dedicated to their intense dislike for each other!Regine & Tomasz
'More Than This' by Patrick Ness.

I read this book a while back, but I still remember these two! Feisty, hard-headed Regine was my favourite character of the whole book, and Tomasz, who was sweet and wonderful, accompanied her wherever she went. I really liked their dynamic and protectiveness of each other.

Fluffiest Couples:
So sticky sweet that they may rot your teeth, but I still kind of love it.

Steffi & Rhys (WINNER)
'A Quiet Kind Of Thunder' by Sara Barnard.

Sara Barnard's stories are all amazing, but 'A Quiet Kind Of Thunder' really stood out for me because of the romance! Steffi suffers from major anxiety and selective mutism, and Rhys is deaf, and it was so cute to read a book with those things in it, but also to see such an adorable pairing come out of it!

Jordan/Julian & Isaac
'Noteworthy' by Riley Redgate.

Reading this was like reading a combination of Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night' mixed with Glee or Pitch Perfect. At first, the romance felt like an unnecessary subplot, but these two characters were so adorable that it ended up being one of those rare moments that I loved it anyway!

Luke & Norah
'Under Rose-Tainted Skies' by Louise Gornall.

I'm always a little wary of romances in books that focus on mental health, because often they end up being 'the cure' which is absolute nonsense. But this book span that in a totally different direction - the romance created new obstacles for Norah to overcome and served a big purpose in this story, and Luke was so cute.

Funniest Couples:
There are always couples that, when reading them interact, make you laugh out loud.

Don & Rosie (WINNER)
'The Rosie Project' and 'The Rosie Effect' by Graeme Simsion.

Don & Rosie have been the subject of two books now, and they never fail to make me laugh. Their interactions are hilarious comprising mostly of Don totally not getting why his responses are so funny.

Cath & Levi
'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell.

I was actually expecting these two to be a little more fluffy than they were when I first started reading this. But actually, largely thanks to Levi, these two were so funny! I really need to read more books by Rainbow Rowell, her stories are a hoot!

Natasha & Daniel
'The Sun Is Also A Star' by Nicola Yoon.

I think the thing that struck me most about this book, aside from its unusual style, was how funny it was. Especially in the interaction between Natasha and Daniel! The book covers serious issues, but in a humorous way.

Most Badass Couples:
This is the spot for couples that manage to find the time for sizzling sexual tension between ass-kicking fights and thrilling escapes.

Kate & Jesse (WINNER)
'Vengeance Road' by Erin Bowman.

*Plays wild west music* This book totally revealed a new YA genre for me to love, and it was mostly down to Kate & Jesse who were badass. Especially Kate. Which made it even cooler. 

Kaz & Inej
'Six Of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo.

Kaz, the cold and quick-witted leader of a group of criminals and Inej, his best spy known as 'the Wraith' just about made me die of the feels they made me feel. I want them to be together so much and I'm waiting and hoping that my dreams will come true in 'Crooked Kingdom'.

Zelie & Inan
'Children Of Blood & Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi.

These two. I loved them so much! I especially adored Inan whom I want so badly to turn against his awful Father and accept himself. Again, I'm hoping 'Children Of Virtue & Vengeance' will bring me everything I need in that regard.

Most Tragic Love Stories:
Not all couples get a happy ending. It hurts, but they deserve their own category at least.

Catherine & Jest (WINNER)
'Heartless' by Marissa Meyer.

This whole story absolutely broke me. I mean, I knew it was coming, because it was the origin story of the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice In Wonderland', so it was never going to end well. But my heart was still broken into a million pieces.

Sabine & Ethan
'Between The Lives' by Jessica Shirvington.

I remember finishing the end of this book and crying my eyes out. Seriously. Sabine and Ethan's relationship developed so naturally and I loved watching them fall for each other so much, that even though the signs were there, I was devastated when that plot twist dropped.

Yael & Luka
'Wolf By Wolf' & 'Blood For Blood' by Ryan Graudin.

Their love story starts in 'Wolf By Wolf', an alternate history novel in which Hitler won, but it really blossoms in the second book of the duology, 'Blood For Blood'. It's also here where their story becomes super tragic and I shed a few tears, I'll be honest!

Best Non-Lead Couples:
Those couples that you are sort of rooting for more than the 'main' couple of the series? They go here.

Despina & Jalal (WINNER)
'The Wrath & The Dawn' & 'The Crown & The Arrow' by Renée Ahdieh.

I wouldn't say I liked it more than the main couple necessarily, but as soon as I learnt that Despina & Jalal were even considering being a thing, I was 100% on board. They were the funniest characters in the book and I loved the idea of them being together!

Josef & Francois
'Wintersong' by S. Jae-Jones

There really isn't enough of these two in this book but I really adored Josef & Francois. Their love of music and how that developed into something between them was super cute, and they were a nice side note from the main plot which I think will ne explored even more in 'Shadowsong'.

Alec Lightwood & Magnus Bane
'City Of Bones' by Cassandra Clare.

I had trouble with various areas of this book, but while I really didn't care for the MC's main love triangle, I really cared about the growing attraction between ancient warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood, a closeted shadow-hunter. They might be one of the few reasons I'd consider picking this series up again!

LGBT+ Pairings:
I added this couple, but it's important. I've read so many great LGBT+ romances that I wanted to show them off!

Nick & Charlie (WINNER)
'Solitaire' & 'Heartstopper Vol.1' by Alice Oseman.

These two almost ended up in the previous category because I adored them so much in 'Solitaire', even though they didn't make much of an appearance. But when they got their own comic and I read 'Heartstopper', I realised that they were pretty much my favourite LGBT+ pairing of all time. So here they are!
Sarah & Linda
'Lies We Tell Ourselves' by Robin Talley.

This book was so much more than just an LGBT+ romance, and the first few chapters from Sarah's POV of just arriving in school were absolutely terrifying to read. But I loved the f/f pairing here too and the way that they both began to choose tolerance as a result.
Ash & Kaisa
'Ash' by Malinda Lo.

This fantasy f/f retelling of Cinderella was absolutely perfect and I adored it! No more helpless maid and Prince Charming. Instead, Ash meets the King's huntress in a world where no one bats an eyelid at an LGBT+ relationship. There's also a great 'fairy godmother' twist!

Paranormal Pairings:
Vampires, spirits, aliens, fae. Just because I didn't like the 'Twilight' series doesn't mean I don't like the odd 'otherworldly' romance!

Vasya & Morozko (WINNER)
'The Bear & The Nightingale' & 'The Girl In The Tower' by Katherine Arden.

Who doesn't love an attraction between a magical girl who sees spirits, and a gorgeous frost demon who is trying really hard not to fall for her. I loved them in 'The Bear & The Nightingale', and loved them even more in 'The Girl In The Tower'.

Eli & Oskar
'Let The Right One In' by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

An odd choice, but something about Eli & Oskar's relationship really struck me in this book. It might be because Eli is a genderless vampire? Or perhaps because they were young?

Jude & Prince Cardan
'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black.

Oh my, the tension between these two is just ridiculous. I think human/fae is probably my favourite paranormal pairings and this is a wonderful example of one! I can't wait to read 'The Wicked King' and read more of these two!

The Interfering Third Parties Award:
Almost every book I know has one of these, but these examples particularly stood out for me.

The Duke Of Selburn (WINNER)
'The Dark Days Club' & 'The Dark Days Pact' by Alison Goodman.

Possibly one of the most annoying book characters in history, the Duke Of Selburn's very name on a page is enough to make me feel irritated. He is in love with the MC, Lady Helen and absolutely hates Lord Carlston and his role in The Dark Days Deceit left me absolutely fuming!

The Summer King
'Hidden Huntress' & 'Warrior Witch by Danielle L. Jensen.

Okay, the audacity of this character. I had no idea when he first popped up in book two, 'Hidden Huntress', just how much I'd hate him by the end of the trilogy.He absolutely ruined the ending. Ruined it.

Jules
'Three Dark Crowns' by Kendare Blake.

Does poor Jules really count for this? I felt sorry for her throughout most of the book because she was the betrayed victim of the relationship that Blake is obviously trying to push, but towards the end of the book her jealousy got a bit out of control and I didn't appreciate that. It's a shame because she's such a strong character otherwise!

Favourite Couples Overall:
*Drum Roll* and the winner is...

Captain Thorne & Cress (WINNER)
'Cress', 'Winter', 'Wires & Nerve' & 'Stars Above' by Marissa Meyer.

My love for these two will never die. They've withstood so many other close contenders since reading 'Cress' all that time ago and I loved reading them again in the other books that Meyer wrote from that world. 

Mitch & Jonas
'Long Exposure' by Kam 'Mars' Heyward.

I mean, I love these two. I was a little concerned about the bully/victim dynamic incase anything turned out to be non-con, but Mars has done wonders with plot, character development, and the nature of the relationship here.

Amar & Maya
'The Star-Touched Queen' by Roshani Chokshi.

I really liked this relationship a lot! It reminded me of the Hades & Persephone dynamic but drawing its inspiration from Indian and Hindu folklore and culture instead! 

The 'Bookish Couples' Awards, In Celebration Of Valentines Day!

Seeing as it's Valentines Day, and I spent my last Top Ten Tuesday post dissing Romance as a genre, I thought I would take some time to celebrate things that I do enjoy about romance and it's sub-plots in fiction. So I've compiled a list of categories and chosen winners (as well as notable mentions) for each one.

Best Non-Romantic Duo:

Sam & Patrick (WINNER)
'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower'; Stephen Chbosky.

These two were my absolute favourites from the moment I met them as characters in the book. They were so funny and instantly accepting, and I would love them to be my best friends! Of course they were my winners, no one could ever beat them.

Cinder & Captain Thorne
'Scarlet'; Marissa Meyer.

I picked these two because they managed to be really funny and good together, but without making me want them to be together. Not once did I get annoyed at their developing relationship or think "What about Kai?" because I knew they were just going to be friends!

Bronn & Tyrion 
'A Game Of Thrones'; George R.R. Martin.

I just had to with these guys. They are SO funny! I love their constant banter throughout the entire book, and I always smiled when I read their conversations. They are an amazing duo in the books (and they are really good in the TV Series too).

Funniest Couple:

Cecile & Tristan (WINNER)
'Stolen Songbird'; Danielle L. Jensen.

These two win hands down. Their constant banter is some of the funniest I have ever read, and it was really endearing to read their constant hateful and sarcastic comments towards each other, and know that they are totally falling in love.

Howl & Sophie
'Howl's Moving Castle'; Diana Wynne Jones.

There isn't a huge amount of romance between these two until right at the very end, but before that they are hilarious! Howl is such a dramatic, selfish, insulting man and Sophie's constant remarks and comments on his awful behaviour are really funny.

Irene & Andras
'Thereafter'; Terri Bruce.

I was rooting for these two for the entirety of this book but it was so funny to see their conversations. Andras is a God-fearing, chivalrous, Spanish knight and Irene is a sassy, modern, stubborn woman who has an argument for everything. I enjoyed watching these two develop.

Most Badass Couple:

Katniss & Peeta (WINNER)
'The Hunger Games'; Suzanne Collins.

I just love these two! They are such a good team when they join together in order to win the Games, and I love the bond that they develop. They both have really cool skills that means that both contribute to their survival.

Tris & Four
'Divergent'; Veronica Roth.

Similarly, Tris & Four are an awesome couple. They definitely come under the badass section during the final section of the book, when the two of them work together to foil Erudite's plans. I loved reading about them fighting and dealing with the problem and they both displayed some pretty impressive skills along the way!

Scarlet & Wolf
'Scarlet'; Marissa Meyer.

What an awesome pairing! He's strong, tough and a good fighter, while she's intelligent, quick thinking and stubborn. Together they were totally badass! I loved the way that they changed each other too, it made for really cool reading.

Most Tragic Love Story:

Severus & Lily (WINNER)
'Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows'; J.K. Rowling.

Unrequited love is one of the sweetest things to read in a book, and this was one of the most poignant and unexpected plot twists that I have ever read. But above all, it was so sad. 

Hazel & Gus
'The Fault In Our Stars'; John Green.

Everyone who has read the book or seen the movie (and most that haven't too) know why this couple are worth a mention. We all knew it would be a sad ending, and yet when it is, it still made me cry!

Rudy & Liesel
'The Book Thief'; Markus Zusak.

For similar reasons (though rather different in context) this romance was absolutely heart-breaking. It was so innocent and sweet, and then the end just shattered my heart into a million pieces and tore my soul up.

Best Non-Lead Couple:

Zuzana & Mik (WINNER)
'Daughter Of Smoke & Bone'; Laini Taylor.

These two are the cutest. From the moment they got together I was a huge fan and even shipped them a little bit more than Karou and Akiva, the main love plot! Their relationship only gets cuter as the books go on and is one of the few redeeming features of the last in the series, for me.

Radar & Angela
'Paper Towns'; John Green.

These two seemed pretty cool when I read them, and I would love to read more about them. I was a bit upset that there wasn't more of them in the book, not even when the gang went on their road trip! What little amount that I got, I liked though!

Will & Christina
'Divergent'; Veronica Roth.

I totally didn't see these two coming. But when they did get together I was pretty happy! Things were left a little unclear about what will happen next but I'm intrigued to see how this will go.

Paranormal Pairing:

Helen & James (WINNER)
'A Certain Slant Of Light'; Laura Whitcomb.

These two ghosts are my favourite Paranormal couple of the books that I have read so far. Their story was original and an interesting outlook on the afterlife. I loved their relationship too, it was so well-written and I loved them as a couple!

Matthew & Diana
'A Discovery Of Witches'; Deborah Harkness.

I have to admit, Diana was not my favourite romantic lead to begin with. But I did really like Matthew, and when they became a couple, they were so cool to read! They definitely fit under the Paranormal category too because Diana is a witch and Matthew is a vampire! 

Shannon & Gnaw
'Dragon's Curse'; H.L. Burke.

I read this book quite a while back and it had a really nice Beauty & The Beast feel to it that I really enjoyed. Gnaw the Dragon and Shannon the Witch had a really nice, complex relationship that was sweet to read as it developed. I can't wait to finally get round to the next book in the series!

The Interfering Third Party Award:

Lucia (WINNER)
'Deep Blue'; Jennifer Donnelly.

This woman. Seriously she was the obvious choice for this category, I got so angry every time she spoke and I loved the way Serafina handled her. Having just read the second book of the series, her recent actions definitely place her firmly at the top of this category.

Anaïs
'Stolen Songbird'; Danielle L. Jensen.

I hated this character so much at first for being the obvious jealous third party in the love aspect of the story. I was pleased to see her character improve by the end, but she still falls into the category. 

Mary Elizabeth
'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower'; Stephen Chbosky.

This one doesn't fully count because Mary Elizabeth was actually an unwitting, unknowing interfering third party. She didn't go out of her way to be like the two previous candidates. However, her constant chasing of Charlie coupled with her annoying personality earned her a place.

Favourite Couple Overall:

Aristotle & Dante (WINNER)
'Aristotle & Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe'; Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

I adored this book and completely loved this couple. It was so beautifully written and the characters (and their relationship) were ultra complex and interesting! I loved watching them develop individually and together and I would love to reread this one.

Yelena & Valek
'Poison Study'; Maria V. Snyder.

This is one of my favourite couples, a very close second. Their relationship is of a very different nature, but it was so satisfying to see the tension between them simmer before they finally got together! I want to read more of them!

Nicholas & Clara
'Winterspell'; Claire Legrand.

So many people didn't enjoy this book, but I thought it was great! The relationship between these two started off a little dark and twisted sounding, but I've definitely read weirder and I found him to be a very respectful, sweet romantic lead. Clara was likeable too so they just had to be on this list!

Well that was a lot of fun, and all that's left to say is: