Fun Fundraiser and Contest

Folks who study romance are just more fun. The International Association for the Study of Popular Romance is running one of the most creative fundraisers I’ve seen yet. Called “It Takes Two”, they’re asking people to pitch in a two dollar donation in honor of (here’s the good bit) their favorite romance novel couples. Tres cool, no? You submit your two dollars via the donation button on IASPR’s website, and then pop by Teach Me Tonight and leave a comment. For the official rules, click here.

In honor of IASPR’s efforts and all our favorite romance novel heroes and heroines, near and far, I’m running an impromptu contest.

The question is: who is YOUR favorite fictional couple?

Once all the answers are in, I’ll pick ten posts and make donations to IASPR’s It Takes Two fund in honor of those characters. Currently, I’m planning to pick posts at random, but if I find that certain sets of characters are getting lots more votes than others, they may have to jump to the top of the donation queue….

I’ve already made a donation on behalf of Charlotte and Robert from Night Jasmine. (I have a feeling that Lord Vaughn and Mary are probably indignant about this. I’m sure Henrietta and Miles are taking it in stride). The rest of the winning couples will be announced here on Friday. So pick your pairings and stay tuned!

50 Comments

  1. Tara Johnson on May 12, 2009 at 11:57 am

    Oh gosh…so hard to pick. I’m gonna have to go with Ramses and Nefret Emerson from any Amelia Peabody post-Falcon at the Portal….reading about them before they get together is sheer torture! 🙂

  2. Stephanie Stoddard on May 12, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    hmm.. Amy and Richard I love that she figures out who he is and wants to torture him and yet they will obviously do anything for each other. and i love how in other books Amy just kind of is a buffer for him and other people. LOL such a prefect funny relationship.

  3. Natalie on May 12, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    I think I’ll have to put in my vote for good ol Letty and Geoffrey! I just think they’re fantastic! I loved them from the very begining, even when they hadn’t realized that THEY even loved eachother! Lol

    Letty & Geoffrey for the win!

  4. RosieO on May 12, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    Gotta go with Letty & Geoffrey. They’re both so dense;;;BUT when they get it, they’re HOT.

  5. Elizabeth aka Miss Eliza on May 12, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Vaughn and Mary would be indignant! I’m putting my vote behind them! But then I’m also adding Westley and Buttercup – they are the best couple ever.

  6. Sarah on May 12, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    Letty and Geoffrey get my vote! They’re just so great for each other. . . once they finally figured that out for themselves! 🙂

  7. Chartreuse on May 12, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    I think that I’m still under the spell of Tracy Grant’s “You must allow me to tell you how ardently …”, so Harriet and Lord Peter closely beat out Elizabeth and Darcy. Among your couples please put me down for Mary and Vaughn.

  8. Cho on May 12, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Hmm…my favorite fictional couple of all time is definitely Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Our of your couples, Lauren, it would have to be Mary and Vaughn. Vaughn is also my favorite out of your male characters.

  9. Gina on May 12, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Let’s see…
    thanks to Elizabeth up above for contributing Wesley and Buttercup! You rock at life!
    Out of yours, Lauren, I like Mary and Vaughn. And in others….I like Beka and Rosto in Tamora Pierce’s Terrier. They’re not together yet…but they willl be soon (I hope!). A bit silly, maybe…but I’ve loved those books since I was 9.

  10. Stephanie Stoddard on May 12, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    Gina.. me too i read the book the day it came out i have been waiting for them to get together. but i have to say i also really like

    Alanna and George – Song of the lioness by tamora Pierce.. its hard to beat a lady Knight and King of thieves. hence my adoration for Beka and Rosto. king of thieves are just hot!

    oh and i adore Letty and Geoffrey too..
    Way to many good ones to decide

  11. Carolyn on May 12, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    I have to join all who are saying Letty and Geoff; they’re not my favorite individual characters from the books (that would be Henrietta, Charlotte, and Vaughn), but they definitely are my favorite couple!

  12. Amanda on May 12, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Letty and Geoffrey are a lovely couple. I think they will be hard to beat. Not only are their characters adorably matched, but the chemistry between the two is palpable.

  13. Brittany on May 12, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    i will have to say either Letty and Geoff or Charlotte and Robert. letty and geoff’s are perfectly fit for each other and Charlotte and Robert are more of a happy ever after type of couple but both could work.

  14. Rebecca C. on May 12, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    Diana Gabaldon’s Jamie and Claire Fraser are by far my favorite fictional couple. Anyone who is unfamiliar with them is SERIOUSLY missing out!

    As far as Lauren’s couples, Henrietta and Miles are my favorite. They crack me up!

  15. Ryanne on May 12, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Honoria and Devil Cynster from “Devils Bride” by Stephanie Laurens.

    From Lauren’s couples…..I’m going to have to say Eloise and Colin!!

  16. Gina on May 12, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    How could I forget Eloise and Colin?!?!?! *head/desk* They’re lovely too.

    Stephanie – Maybe you’re right. I’d like to be a thief in the Court of the Rogue…if only so I could fall in love with the King. 🙂

  17. Rachel on May 12, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    Of the Pinks it would have to be Mary and Vaughn …

    Of all romantic couples … Anne and Gilbert. I was a sucker for a sweet “boy meets girl, boy doesn’t know how to act around girl, girl decides he’s the worst boy ever … then boy gets sick … and thankfully better” story – even when I was younger. I’ve always been a fan of LMM’s Anne books.

  18. Teje on May 12, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    I’d have to say Elizabeth and Darcy, but the Scarlet Pimpernel and his wife are a close second.

  19. AngelB on May 12, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Currently, Henrietta and Miles just crack me up.

    Overall, though, Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester are on top, with Kathy and Heathcliff at 2nd.

    I’m pretty sure Jane & Rochester are at the top of the list because of when I read the book. I read it before I saw it. Couldn’t put it down. Snuck reading it at work, and even in the middle of a softball game, reading on the bench. Right at the wedding scene, it was my turn to bat. I was going crazy and purposely struck out just so I could finish reading the chapter. 🙂

    Kathy & Heathcliff were my first venture into romance, via the movie with Timothy Dalton (and yes, I know he played Rochester, too – he). And then, soon afterwards, Pat Benatar’s Crimes of Passion album also had the Wuthering Heights song. Until Jane Eyre, they were by far, my favorite. The whole ghost/haunting side of thing really appeals to me.

  20. Diane K. on May 12, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    I totally agree w/ Rebecca (#14). Jamie and Claire from the Outlander series are awesome and from the PINK series Miles and Henrietta are definetely my favorites. I love their delicious humor!

  21. Catherine on May 12, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    I would like to add a vote for Mary & Vaughn! LOVE, love, love them!

    Others that are also amazing together are Benadick (sp?) & Beatrice (“Much Ado About Nothing”), the Scarlett Pimpernel & wife, Shirley & Mr. Moore (C. Bronte’s “Shirley”), and Vanessa & Eliott (“First Comes Marriage)”.

  22. P on May 13, 2009 at 12:08 am

    I’m going to say John Thornton and Margaret Hale (“North and South”) or Penelope and Colin (“Romancing Mr. Bridgerton”).

  23. Lucy on May 13, 2009 at 12:39 am

    Adding by support for John and Margaret from North and South. I love any antagonist – learning to love relationship.

    Another great couple is Mara and Sheftu from Mara Daughter of the Nile. A wonderfully funny and sweet yet passionate relationship.

    From the PINK books it has to be Henrietta and Miles

  24. Katelin on May 13, 2009 at 1:55 am

    I have to agree with the two above posts saying Jamie and Claire. And as far as pink goes I have to go Henrietta and Miles.

  25. Stephanie Stoddard on May 13, 2009 at 3:35 am

    Gina, I met Tamora tonight at a book signing. She is so great if you get the chance to meet her do! She also says Beka said she would never go with a runner so i am guessing rosto (who also makes a big mistake in the next book) is not going to happen. I wonder who she will end up with then?

  26. Yvonne on May 13, 2009 at 3:46 am

    I love Geoffrey & Letty, along with Wesly & Buttercup! Yeah those are probably my favorites!

  27. Nikki M on May 13, 2009 at 6:19 am

    Letty and Geoff

    And

    Hen and Miles.

    😀

  28. Allison on May 13, 2009 at 9:16 am

    Henrietta and Miles from the Pinks…

    otherwise, I can’t narrow it down better than 3:
    -Jamie and Claire from the Outlander series
    -Margaret and Mr. Thornton from North and South
    -Anne and Gilbert from the Anne of Green Gables series

  29. Georgia on May 13, 2009 at 10:22 am

    In the Pink series I have to go with Hen and Miles. Overall, I think I would have to go with Jamie and Claire from Outlander. Although I do have a soft spot for Frederick Wentworth and Ms. Anne also.

  30. Jane F on May 13, 2009 at 11:09 am

    Good call Stephanie,

    Alanna and George!!

    My first and favorite couple.

    As for Pink, I’ve got to go with Mary and Vaughn.

  31. Jacqueline Baker on May 13, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    Captain Wentworth and Anne from “Persuasion.

    Harriet and Peter Wimsey by Dorthy Sayers

    Sebastian and Mary (of course)

  32. Sue on May 13, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    I can’t believe no one’s mentioned Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara. Headstrong, stubborn – so much in love and so unable to get out of their own way.

  33. Anne on May 13, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    What great responses!
    My own favorite Pink couple is Hen and Miles. Their book was the first Pink I’d read…actually, we were listening to it in the car on a long road trip. Hen and Miles were so much like my husband and me. Incidentally, the “we” happened to be my husband and me. We found ourselves taking the longest routes and sitting in the driveway, just to hear “what happens next”. heehee.

    Because they are my favorite, I was totally sympathetic to Eloise when she blurted out to Colin, “you’re descended from Miles!”. It was my exact thought while reading that line. hahaha.

    Other favorite, fictional non-Pink couples are Tracy Lord and CK Dexter Haven (Philadelphia Story), Marguerite and Percy (Scarlet Pimpernel), and Julia and Brisbane (Lady Julia Gray novels).

  34. Kate on May 13, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    My favorite flower couple is also Hen and Miles. I love that Hen is a logical thinker!
    Non flower — I would love to say Elinor and Edward from Sense and Sensibility, but my real favorite have to be Jamie and Claire from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series.

  35. Doreen on May 13, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    This is difficult!
    If I can only cite one couple, it is Elizabeth and Darcy.
    My favorite couple from the Pinks is Mary and Vaughn.
    If I HAD to choose from among Georgette Heyer couples, I guess it would be Leonie and Avon…

  36. am7 on May 14, 2009 at 12:22 am

    Strange choice on my part, but my favorite couple might be
    Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger (Harry Potter’s best friends).I can’t help it. (I don’t like the way the movies portray my favorite couple).
    I also love Anne & Gilbert, Amy & Laurie (Little Women)
    I don’t why all children’s books. I love Montgomery’s couples period. (Emily & Teddy, Ilse & Perry etc.)
    I also love Rhett and Scarlett, Elizabeth and Darcy, Anne and Wentworth, Cathy and Heathcliff.
    Of Lauren’s books I haven’t read ’em all, (I will soon I have more time this summer) I love all of her historical couples very much. Amy and Richard, Miles and Henrietta, etc.

  37. Josie on May 14, 2009 at 12:44 am

    Of the Pink series, I have to say I love Eloise and Colin. I was super duper happy when they finally got together!!

    As for a couple outside of the Pink series…My favorite is Nicolas Bribane and Lady Julia Grey from the Silent in the Grave series (by Deanna Raybourn). If you haven’t read this series, run to the nearest bookstore now!

  38. Kristen on May 14, 2009 at 8:16 am

    Sue- I’m so in agreement with you. Scarlett & Rhett are just too wonderful for words. 🙂

    Ann Shirley & Gilbert Blyth also make me very very happy.

    I’d have to say that Vaughn & Mary would be my solid third choice.

  39. Kristen on May 14, 2009 at 8:23 am

    How could I forget about Benedick & Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing!?! Thank you Catherine for reminding me. They seriously have to have some of the best banter ever written!

  40. Sheila on May 14, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    My favorite Pink couple is whoever I am reading at the time. From a book not really thought of a romance, but still a fabulous couple…Jo March and Professor Baer from Little Women and Little Men

  41. Nancy on May 14, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Pink Couple- Miles and Hen!!! The grandest and truest passion to ever grace the pages of modern literature!!! Why have sauve and debonair when you can have AWESOME?!!!? Miles is simple, happy, good-hearted, and hilarious- you can’t get better than that! And Hen is so wordy and out going (freaking awesome)! They’re so perfect, its outrageous!!!

    Non-pink- Buttercup and Wesley, what says “I love you” better than a door in slamed in your face?

  42. Ashlee on May 14, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    Pink- Miss Gwen and her parasole!!! Who wants silly boys when you can have protection, something to lean on (literally), the loyalest of companions, and a gauranteed dry enviornment- all with out those coplicated, mushy emotions that are always muddeling things up

  43. Tammy on May 14, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Letty & Geoffrey. I love Amy & Richard, but I think Letty & Geoffrey overcame so much… and the bedroom scene where he has to show her how beautiful she is, is just beautiful.

  44. Melissa on May 14, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    Letty & Geoffrey!!!!!!!! OMG I loved them so much, still do in fact! Lol They’re so fantastic, and the fact that they were able to love and take care of each other after all their unfortunate events.

  45. Kit on May 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Letty and Geoff! duh! Obviously the most realistic couple also. They’re the most grounded, and the progress of their love is a pretty solid base for years of marital bliss…

    other than that, I’d have to say either Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy or Tridtan and Iseult

  46. Kit on May 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Letty and Geoff! duh! Obviously the most realistic couple also. They’re the most grounded, and the progress of their love is a pretty solid base for years of marital bliss…

    other than that, I’d have to say either Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy or Tristan and Iseult

  47. Gina on May 14, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    Stephanie – you met her?? I’m so jealous. But I was wondering…

    “so i am guessing rosto (who also makes a big mistake in the next book) is not going to happen. I wonder who she will end up with then?”

    By the “next book” do you mean the 3rd?
    How do you know? And I don’t care what happens, I’ll hold out hope for Beka and Rosto. I can always dream…

    Sorry Lauren for spamming your post…I think this might be my 3rd response…

  48. Sarah on May 14, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    I have to say Francie and Ben from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn–who can forget the last scene, when she is getting ready to go out with him like she always watched the older girls do, and looks over and sees a younger girl looking up at her.

  49. Joanna on May 15, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Well, my mother’s pick is easy. It’s Eve Dallas and Roark from any of the J.D. Robb books (aka Nora Roberts).

    My pick would have to be Clayton and Whitney from Judith McNaught’s “Whitney My Love”

  50. Kimmie on May 15, 2009 at 10:14 am

    I would have to say Edward Cullen and Bella Swan from the Twilight Saga. I absolutely love their chemistry together. So hot. “And so the lion fell in love with the lamb.” – quote from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Leave a Comment