Every year brings its share of romantic books, movies, and shows, and this year is no exception. Here’s what’s got me loving 2014 with respect to romance in the book world and beyond, from the beginning of the year to the end:
1.) The Book Vixen Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
Between two book clubs, a sturdy pile on my nightstand, and several books piled up on my iPad, I never want for books to read. But when I came across this Book Vixen challenge, I knew I was going to squeeze it in, as it coincided perfectly with my resolution to read more romance in 2014. I’m looking forward to diving into a selection of romances, both traditionally-published and indie, sweet and steamy, and quirky to a re-imagined classic or two.
2.) The current season of Girls
Funny sex. Lena Dunham. Awkward sex. Zosia Mamet. Realistic bodies. Adam Driver. If Girls isn’t the perfect show for me, I don’t know what is. I’m looking forward to seeing where the show goes this season and beyond.
3.) Anna Quindlen’s Still Life with Bread Crumbs
I grew up reading Anna Quindlen’s books, so when I learned about this just-released novel I jumped on the library wait list. Still Life with Bread Crumbs centers on a sixty-year-old photographer who moves to a country cabin and, amidst dealing with financial woes and aging parents, falls for a much younger man.
4.) The Film Winter’s Tale
This film set to release on Valentine’s Day is about a burglar (Colin Farrell) who falls in love with a dying woman (Jessica Brown Findlay from Downtown Abbey) when he tries to rob her house. From the preview, what follows is a beautiful story of dying, reincarnation, love, and people twirling in the snow at dark. What could be more perfect for mid-February, especially when paired with a pack or three of Junior Mints?
5.) Belle Aurora’s Raw
I know little about this book or the author, but what I do know–that it has a controversial premise about a woman falling in love with her stalker and a funny tagline (“Don’t trust your heart/ Your heart is a moron”)–has my curiosity piqued. And over 900 five-star reviews on Amazon doesn’t do much to tame that curiosity.
6.) The Veronica Mars Movie
Though this Kickstarter-funded film continues the storyline of a 2004-07 television show that is technically classified as a crime drama, I know I’m not alone in wanting to watch the film not only to discover all the whodunits but to see the reignited chemistry between Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) and tormented rich boy Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring). And, hey, all the witty rejoinders don’t hurt.
7.) The return of The Mindy Project
The winter finale of The Mindy Project ended with one squeal-inducing cliffhanger, and I can’t wait till new episodes of the show return April 1st. I’ve been a fan of the show since the beginning. It’s not only a romantic comedy with a great supporting cast, it’s got a fantastic, hilarious lead in Mindy Kaling–not to mention the smooth moves of leading guy Chris Messina. Come back and stay back, Mindy.
8.) Penny Reid’s Neanderthal Marries Human
I recently discovered indie author Penny Reid’s quirky and hilarious Neanderthal Seeks Human and though I’m still in the middle of reading it, I’m already knowing I’ll want more when I’m done. I knew I was going to love it by the third paragraph, just like you know when you try on a pair of jeans that conforms perfectly to your butt that they’re meant to be yours. Billed as a “smart romance,” these books follow Janie, a woman whose personality around men causes her to launch into monologues on things like collective nouns. Bring on the nerd love!
9.) The Film The Fault in our Stars
June brings sunshine (I hope) and the film version of John Green’s much-adored YA novel. This was one my favorite reads of the past year, and I only hope the movie manages the incredible feat that Green accomplished: to make a story of two teen cancer survivors not only sensitive and sweet, but hilarious and sexy at the same time.
10.) Curtis Sittenfeld’s Pride & Prejudice
I’ve been anticipating the release of this fall book ever since my friend Jen told me about The Austen Project, which is bringing all of Jane’s books to us again in modernizations penned by bestselling contemporary authors. Sense & Sensibility has already been released and Northanger Abbey will be soon, but of course P&P looms largest in many readers’ minds. I’ve been wanting to read more Curtis Sittenfeld since I read her fictionalized account of Laura Bush’s life in American Wife, which I dug (although I haven’t been able to get certain images of George W. out of my mind since).
What romantic reads and releases are you looking forward to this year?