Let's Talk: Favorite Literary Romances

Let's Talk Friday is a weekly feature hosted by Melissa at i swim for oceans

What are your favorite literary swoon-worthy romances?

Sean and Puck 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Sometimes my favorite love stories are the subtle ones. They're not about how much kissing happens or in loud declarations love. But they're made up of small moments and actions that say big things about how the characters feel about each other. Sean and Puck are that kind of romance. Sean shows it in how much he wants Puck to like his horse Corr. Puck declares it when she confronts Malvern. Everything they thought they wanted changes when they meet each other and that speaks loudest of all.  

Diana and Matthew 
A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

What isn't swoon-worthy about a couple that does yoga together? Yes, Matthew Clairmont is a possessive vampire. And Diana Bishop, although intelligent, starts off a bit naive and stubborn (not a happy combination for her). But what I love about their romance, is the way it grows through both A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night. Although they are a fantasy couple, their relationship is tested in real human ways. And don't worry, there are plenty of sweet and blush-worthy moments between them as well. 

Margaret Hale and John Thornton 
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell 

What happens when an intelligent parson's daughter from the green south of England moves to the north and has to endure life in an industrial town, including the company of self-made mill owner Mr. Thornton? Besides discovering a passion for social justice, she finds love of course. I love the way that Margaret and Mr. Thornton's relationship develops throughout the story, because they really do seem to clash about everything. But underneath all those arguments a strong attraction is building, and it develops into a sweet romance. BONUS: If Victorian literature isn't your thing, watch the BBC production staring Richard Armitage. It's an excellent adaptation. And one of the few times I'll say that the film is (nearly) as good.   

Celia and Marco
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Okay clearly I can't get away from these "subtle" romances. Although Celia and Marco are another couple that seem to only share small moments together, when you pay attention to the details, you realize that their relationship is in fact grand and complex. (This part gets spoilery, sorry:) I love that Celia and Marco don’t meet for years, and yet they are bound to each other from when they are children. I love that each magician creates for the other, Celia making tents for Marco before she even knows who he is. Marco says to his instructor, “Everything I have done, every change I have made to that circus, every impossible feat and astounding sight, I have done for her.” I’m just happy that they’re together now, traveling with the circus of dreams. 

Although I have tons more picks, I'm going to stop there. But I'd love to hear from you. What couples in literature make your heart swoon? Do you prefer a quiet romance or do you say the more kissing the better?