“In one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.”

The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks

Every good book has a good romance. This may not be a universal truth, but I find that there is at least a happily ever after slipped into the Epilogue. We all know the feeling, you start rooting for a certain member of the love triangle or cannot stop turning the page until they finally kiss. Romance is ingrained in our human minds. It is only natural for it to capture our interest so thoroughly. I put together my top ten romances in literature. These are the ones that have so engaged me and captured my appreciation that they have changed my view on romance permanently.

1. Christy miller & todd spencer

This couple from The Christy Miller Series is the most relatable and inspiring example to me. They are modern day Christians, and therefore face many of the unique obstacles that I have. Their story of meeting years before anything romantic happens and starting out as friends is quite beautiful to me. The way Todd is such a spiritual leader to Christy and is romantic in such a simple, pure way is incredibly refreshing. And I will be honest, some of the overblown fights they have on little issues give me some encouragement. No one is perfect!

2. ginny weasley & harry potter

I know that Harry Potter is overused and you are probably tired of it. But really, there is no better masterpiece out there. In all of the excitement, however, it seems that this couple and their merits are not noticed. However, I love their story. It is just too much like what every kid couple goes through. At first, Harry barely even notices Ginny. She is just his friend’s little sister. On the other hand, she cannot do anything but blush when she is around him. Only over time do their feelings come to meet in the middle.

3. Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark

The Hunger Games is a masterpiece in and of itself and this slow-kindling romance is no exception. The fact that Katniss is pulled between a childhood friend and this new and more thoughtful character is very engaging. They go through so much shared trauma which pulls them together in beautiful ways. I also love how it is realistically portrayed. Their trauma causes them to have issues that they have to work through in a human way.

4. Anne Shirley & Gilbert Blythe

The classic Anne of Green Gables has been a childhood staple for me for a long time. I love the sweet, encouraging nature of the story and Anne’s personality. Her romance is equally delightful. The classic enemies to lovers story has its funny and sad moments, but the way Gilbert pursues Anne consistently is an amazing portrayal of how romance should always look. The way they eventually blend into a perfect marriage inspires me every day.

5. beatrice & benedict

This couple was the very reason that Much Ado About Nothing proved to be my favorite school assignment. Their banter is so fun and perfectly caters to my sense of humor. They remind me that a happy couple does not have to be overwhelmingly romantic or follow the classic trends. There is no doubt that they love each other, because they try to avoid that love as hard as possible. That idea is so fun to me and I love how they end up all the more determined to stay together at the end.

6. Jo march & Friedrich Bhaer

Throughout Little Women, I expect Jo to end up with the young and lovable Laurie. It is a real turn of events when he ends up with Amy! The way that Jo does not let this stop her or take away her chances is quite refreshing. When she ends up with Professor Bhaer, it seems to be an odd coupling. He is older and different from Jo’s other potential suitors. And yet, they end up quite the happy couple and even start their own home for boys.

7. Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam darcy

This couple is another that starts out with a bit of an enemy dynamic. They both have too much pride to express interest in each other. Despite this, their relationship slowly develops. Their stubbornness causes many obstacles that almost finish them throughout Pride and Prejudice, but they finally come to their senses by the end. It is a reminder that issues can happen and sometimes we have to make sacrifices for a relationship to succeed.

8. buttercup & westley

The Princess Bride is a classic for many reasons, but it also sports a classic romance. These two are willing to fight for each other no matter what obstacles come in their way. They have an innocent, trusting relationship. It is only fitting that they eventually ride off into the night together.

9. cosette & marius pontmercy

In a world of war and fallen soldiers, these two are the fall in love just at a glimpse through a fence. They immediately are fully committed to each other. Marius fights determined to live for Cosette. Cosette struggles to balance her love for her father with her love for Marius. Her father accepts Marius in such a beautiful way and makes their family wonderfully complete.

10. Ella & prince charmont

Ella Enchanted is such a fun twist on the classic Cinderella story. A prince with everything falling in love with a girl the world has labeled as nothing. He sees her amazing character, fun personality, and true beauty. He appreciates her in all of the important ways and she in turn gives him the grounding a prince so rarely receives.

Top Ten Tuesdays is a tradition originally started by the Broke and Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Every week a new topic is posted and any book bloggers interested are willing to share their take on that weeks topic.