Book meme! Day 21

[vcmw]

Day 21 - Favorite romantic/sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)

I adore Venetia and Damerel [in Georgette Heyer's Venetia] because I adore Venetia.  I suspect that, absent Venetia, Damerel would not be anything I cared for.  His best characteristic is that he knows how awesome she is, and that's... not all that awesome, actually.  

I tend to really like Barbara Hambly's couples and believe in their romances.

I guess it's odd because I read a lot of romance and romantic fantasy, but I don't tend to believe in the happily ever after for most of those couples.  I could never see how Aragorn and Arwen were going to make a go of it living together and her being around while he had to cut his toenails.  I suppose they would have had separate suites.  I like Jennifer Crusie's romances in great part because I believe that they will make it together, but I believe in their compatibility and their commitment more than I believe in the romantic sweep of their love.

I love Richard and Alec [in Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint], but theirs strikes me as a romance made up of great moments - fabulous nights and weekends but a bit uncomfortable day to day.

Ok, here it is, actually...most of my favorite romantic relationships are in comics.  The Tulip / Jesse thing in Preacher [by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon]?  Stabs me to the heart.  I tend to think of it as pretty similar to Kit/John [in the Garth Ennis / Steve Dillon run on Hellblazer] except in a world that gives them 2nd chances until they've changed enough to make it work.  And Strangers in Paradise?  It's more of a web of relationships than a single relationship, but I believe in it.  I believe that Francine and Katchoo will figure it out eventually and make it work - and that that could happen for them only in a world filled the history and network of their friends and their friends' relationships. 

Day 01 - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just freaking end already (or both!)
Day 02 - A book or series you wish more people were reading and talking about
Day 03 - The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Day 04 - Your favorite book or series ever
Day 05 - A book or series you hate
Day 06 - Favorite book of your favorite series OR your favorite book of all time
Day 07 - Least favorite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
Day 08 - A book everyone should read at least once
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A book you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A book that disappointed you
Day 12 - A book or series of books you’ve watched more than five times
Day 13 - Favorite childhood book OR current favorite YA book (or both!)
Day 14 - Favorite character in a book (of any sex or gender)
Day 15 - Your "comfort" book
Day 16 - Favorite poem or collection of poetry
Day 17 - Favorite story or collection of stories (short stories, novellas, novelettes, etc.)
Day 18 - Favorite beginning scene in a book
Day 19 - Favorite book cover (bonus points for posting an image!)
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite romantic/sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)
Day 22 - Favorite non-sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)
Day 23 - Most annoying character ever
Day 24 - Best quote from a novel
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
Day 26 - OMG WTF? OR most irritating/awful/annoying book ending
Day 27 - If a book contains ______, you will always read it (and a book or books that contain it)!
Day 28 - First favorite book or series obsession
Day 29 - Saddest character death OR best/most satisfying character death (or both!)
Day 30 - What book are you reading right now