The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday! Top Ten Tuesday is run by Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl and this week’s theme is a love freebie.

I struggle with regular romance books, so I often read romantasy books, but I do have some contemporary romance books I love, as well as some books with some amazing friend/family relationships.

Here’s my Top Ten:

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

I am finishing up this trilogy and I love it! I was super hesitant to read these books because I loved Caraval so much and this series got a lot of attention online, so I didn’t think it could live up to the hype. I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are wonderful, and I am rooting for Evangeline and Jacks so hard!

Legend by Marie Lu

I love this dystopian book. There is a steady romance throughout the series, and while the ending of the third book is everything I still needed more. However, some of the romance is remedied by the end of the fourth book, Rebel.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater

There are two great romances in this series: Blue and Gansey, and Adam and Ronan. I will say this book also has a wonderful frienship love that I almost like more then the romances. This series is the perfect example of found family.

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Speaking of familial love, may I present the Wingfeather Saga. It has the most wonderful family in it, and they love each other so much. I don’t typically see books with such a strong family unit as this book, so I had to add it.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

I loved these books. It has been a few years since I have read them, but this duology was so great. I was enraptured and I loved the main characters romance, as well as the side characters romance. The family/friend bonds were also lovely. I am hoping to reread these books soon!

Lovely War by Julie Berry

I have read this book a few times and it still gets me. The story is from the perspective of Aphrodite, with the assistance of Ares, Apollo, and Hades as she tells two love stories that take place during WWI to Hephaestus and Ares. It is such a moving story of war, love, and friendship. I highly recommend it!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

I have loved this series for years and I finished rereading it last week. It is such a good series, and the romances are some of my favorites. I love Scarlett and Julian, as well as Tella and Legend.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

I love the Bachelor (and am currently watching the newest season) and royalty. So, when I found a YA series that is essentially royalty Bachelor, I was hooked. It doesn’t hurt that one of the best love interests is in this book!

The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

This series isn’t necessarily focused on the romance and the parts that are romantic are mild because it’s a middle grade book. I don’t like explicit novels, so that is fine with me. Despite the fact that this series isn’t overly romantic, I love the relationship between Miri and Peder and am constantly disappointed we didn’t get their wedding in the final book.

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

This book was hard to get through. It was definitely a tragedy, and I knew this going into it, but still. There was this one part that through me completely off guard and I got a little teary eyed, which is super unusual for me. The romance was secondary to the story but still had an impact.

This month’s theme for Saturday Spotlight is romance. So far, I have discussed This Time it’s Real and Opposite of Always. You can find those posts here and here if you’re interested.

Happy reading and happy Valentines Day!