Lottie Spurgin
Valentine’s day is a divided time for all of poor humankind. Some of us spend it happily with people we love, and some of us are horrifically reminded of our lonesome. For that reason, I try not to push romance too hard on anyone until March comes around– and it’s March now! Is the jaded feeling wearing off, or do you miss the lovey dovey atmosphere of the 14th of February? Either way, now is a GREAT time to pick up some romance, and I’m happy to be your personal cupid and guide you to some of my favorite romance books.
Snotgirl by Bryan Lee O’Malley and Leslie Hung
My all-time favorite comic series, and an excellent unorthodox love story. The romance in this book follows Lottie and Caroline. Lottie just got out of a long term relationship with a boy she seems to have liked a lot, and deals with a general contempt and complacency with the people around her. She gives them silly little nicknames to boil them down to their key characteristics, since that’s really all they are to her. When she meets Caroline, who she immediately deems Coolgirl, she feels like she finally found someone interesting or worth pursuing. Caroline leads her on, and plays with her emotions, pulling her into a hallucinogenic murder mystery in the process!
Scott Pilgrim vs the World by Bryan Lee O’Malley
At its core, Scott Pilgrim is about love. Scott is currently 23, dating a HIGH SCHOOLER just to feel like he belongs after exiting, you guessed it, a long term relationship that was very serious. While dating his high school aged sweetheart, he meets Ramona Flowers, the girl of his dreams. After trying to juggle them both, he decides Ramona is worth the commitment. The series follows Scott as he wins her heart by defeating her legion of 7 evil exes, with assorted superpowers and odd video-game inspired fighting tactics.
Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Saga has it all. Not only is it one of the realest, sweetest love stories I’ve ever read, but it’s also a SPACE OPERA! You follow Marcos and Alana, two aliens belonging to separate races that have been at war for millennia. You heard me right, their love is forbidden… And things escalate when miraculously, they’re able to conceive and have a beautiful baby girl! Saga is a story about partnership through parenthood, and it’s beautiful, outrageous, and downright insane. It’s a must read for anyone who’s been on the earth a little longer–Anyone who has tried the whole marriage or kids thing.
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
Pumpkinheads is an adorable standalone light read that is perfect for more sweet, sappy romance fans. It follows two highschoolers, Josiah and Deja, who work an autumn shift at an AWESOME pumpkin patch. They only see each other in the fall when they work their shifts, and have to say goodbye for the year every Halloween night. This year, they’ve both become seniors, and it’s their last year to ever see each other again. Instead of spending it gloomy and melancholy, the two decide to make their final shift together an adventure– and come to terms with their big feelings.
the Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
It’s Paris, from a pretty long time ago. Prince Sebastian’s parents are trying to arrange a marriage for him to carry on the monarchy, and he’s uninterested. Sebastian is secretly a fashion icon, going out at night in beautiful dresses as Lady Crystallia. His best friend and confidant is Frances, the dressmaker that makes his dreams of expressing his identity come true. Still, Frances feels disheartened supporting him from the shadows. She wants to mean more to him, and to Lady Crystallia.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
It’s a classic for a reason. Heartstopper follows Charlie Spring, a new student at an all boy’s academy. He’s shy and sweet and nervous about his newfound enrollment, but things start to feel a lot easier when he sits next to a rugby player named Nick Nelson in class. They have major chemistry, and end up developing a warm friendship together. Over time, that friendship deepens into something more- and Charlie and Nick have to face not only their feelings for one another, but the very core of their identities. They haven’t come of age yet, and their newfound love forces them into a new world very quickly.
I hope you enjoy these lovey recommendations, from the co-dependent and hard to watch, to the tooth-rotting cutie fest. Remember to celebrate love year round, and when romance isn’t a part of your life, always love yourself like a lover.
XOXO,Lottie!