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As a reader, I know where I stand on the scale of a bibliophile. I’m not what anyone would call a classic literature reader, which I understand to many readers is almost a form of blasphemy. Don’t misunderstand, I love the ideas presented and the eras brought to life in the classics as well as their many epic romances between their primary literary couples, but no matter how many times I attempt to storm their pages, the result is always the same: failure. I’m unable to get past the vastly different language and style than that of the books I grew up with. Because of this, I don’t force myself to read something I’m not retaining anything of and instead relive the masterful stories of Charles Dickens or Alexandre Dumas through the magnificent miniseries’ adaptations.
For these reasons, I read modern literature. No matter what I walk away with following the final flip of a page, anything can be forgiven if a strong couple is present. Or nearly anything can. A mediocre plot certainly can be in my book. If a strong sense of romance is developed on the pages (because, yes, I am copping to being something of a romantic), I walk away with a smile. Fortunately, all of my favorite literary couples I will be talking about down below also came from novels that were equally strong which make these books must reads in my rankings.
Below is a list of favorite literary couples who were pleasant to meet – couples from the worlds of inspirational and suspense to YA fiction.
10 Favorite Literary Couples I Read in 2015
(Listed from A-Z)
#1. Amy Wilde and Leo
Runaway Princess by Hester Browne
The awkward moments of endearment between these two made for a really sweet relationship not to mention, easy to relate to both characters. Plus the fact that the story is a contemporary fairy tale doesn’t harm matters.
#2. Anna and Etienne St. Clair
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
‘Tis true this novel is several years old, however, I only just discovered it this year. This couple is amazing together. Anna and Etienne share many snags along their path to happy-ever-after (and I know some are bothered by their origins given Etienne’s girlfriend), but the charm and wit with which the author brightens the story is priceless.
#3. Devin Bressard and Grace Evangeline
Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann
This is Heitzmann’s first novel independently published. After reading it, no one would guess this. The brilliantly funny wit between the couple (done up Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet style) and the messy complications that arise from that attraction are written to page to romantic-comedy perfection.
#4. Edith Adelon and James Percy
The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott
Due to her inexperience as an author and a short length, the romance between the kind-hearted Edith and brokenhearted James is not nearly as impressive in Louisa May Alcott’s manuscript as it is in the 90s television film. However, I still respected this couple, the story and enjoyed finally reading the book that inspired the film.
RELATED | The Inheritance (1997) – Adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s First Novel
#5. Jim Avery and Mary Stirling
Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
This is one of the sweetest couples I’ve encountered in the inspirational fiction scene. It tiptoes around the idea of unrequited love, but what neither Jim nor Mary realize, is they both harbor feelings for each other. The pair of them are too polite to do much about it yet are wonderfully well matched.
#6. Luke Callahan and Anna O’Brien
Beyond all Dreams by Elizabeth Camden
I’m not a reader someone would describe as an avid historical fiction aficionado. In fact, it’s rare when I gravitate towards the genre. But when I discover an author I enjoy, usually that typical pattern goes by the wayside. From her debut (Lady of Bolton Hill, which has reflections of North and South), Elizabeth Camden commanded each of her elegant novels. Various settings and wonderful characters continue to set her works apart, and this couple is no exception.
#7. Luke Collins and Sophia Danko
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Having only just read The Longest Ride prior to seeing the film, I will admit I was bored during portions of this perspective switch back and forth story. There were three perspectives, and one was too “cluttered” for me to really buy into. Beyond that, I adored the portions of this book that told the contemporary counterparts Luke and Sophia romance. In the film adaptation, it was the opposite and I actually enjoyed the 40s story between Ira and Ruth best.
RELATED | The Longest Ride Film Review – A Nicholas Sparks Adaptation for Period Drama Lovers
#8. Max and Paige
The Start of You and Me by Emery Lord
This was my first read by popular YA novelist Emery Lord, and what a contemporary treat it is. The literary references and boy-meets-girl friendship coexists in a kind of “happy place” bubble. Yet even at that, this book isn’t without its deeper troubles when it comes to the topics and issues the characters must confront.
#9. Peeta and Katniss
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
True, Mockingjay is yet another novel that didn’t enjoy a 2015 release, however, I only just read the book in anticipation of its “part two” film counterpart. Because of this, I had to add this couple to the list, though ironically, I actually do like this pair as a couple (and Katniss as an individual) best on screen. They are more fleshed out and “happy” somehow. Given all that they go through in this final story, giving them a peaceful kind of ending was much needed.
RELATED | The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 – Katniss Everdeen’s Final Battle
#10. Seamus Ogilvy and Sophie Menzies
The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Stories that feature couples falling in love after marriage is sort of a weakness for me when it comes to fictional ploys. This is only one of the reason’s I so adored this couple together. Aside from their well-developed and perfectly romantic relationship, the entire novel is gorgeously done up in some small tradition of a kind of American Revolution era Jane Eyre.
Which are your favorite literary couples that captured your heart in 2015? Share your favorites down below and let me know what you thought of these couples.
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Just discovered the Poldark books after watching the BBC series – not sure if I recommend reading the books first or not… the adaptation is pretty close but there are of course changes, and the story/romance is nicely fleshed out in the books.
Cool. I love TV Ross and Demelza together, and would like to read the books someday. It’s always nice to know the show is close to the original source. Thanks so much for sharing, Darcie. 🙂
❤❤Devin and Grace❤❤. And I also LOVE Sophie and Seamus.
Side note: I didn’t know Lady of Bolton Hill is reminiscent of North And South… it just jumped higher on my TBR!
Devin and Grace are amazing! Kristen was at the top of her game with that beautiful couple and story. Same can be said for Sophie and Seamus. They’re amazing. 🙂
As I remember, I kept thinking of N&S while reading ‘Lady.’ But who knows what I’d think today. Happy reading, Courtney. 🙂
Thank you, Rissi! I loved writing Jim & Mary’s romance 🙂
It was a delight to read as well, Sarah. THANK YOU. 🙂