The Language Of Love

I’m not here to tell you it’s unhealthy. I’m not here to tell you to go outside and get a hobby (because, quite frankly, that would be a little hypocritical of me considering the 66 books I’ve read so far this year have all been romance). Instead here are a few recommendations to fuel that passion of yours for the romantic things. I’ve gathered my favourite books, shows and movies I’ve watched and read recently that were worth all the time I put into them — with tons of different tropes and clichés I’m sure you’ll find at least one that suits you. If I’ve missed anything good out, be sure to let me know!

Movie: After (2019)

Newly added to Netflix, you may know this film due to the attractive main character that girls all over the UK were posting about on their Snapchat and Instagram stories. If you’re looking for a cute and cliché film, then this one is the one for you.

AFTER follows Tessa Young (our good girl, played by Josephine Langford) who is the perfect student, daughter and girlfriend to her boyfriend Noah, as she embarks on a new chapter in her life – going to college. Her life and future plans are turned upside down when she meets mysterious and brooding Hardin Scott (our bad boy, played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin) who takes a strong liking to her from the second they meet. However, not everything is smooth sailing for the pair that find a strong attraction to one another. Firstly, Tessa still has a boyfriend. Secondly, Hardin is rude and closed off all the time. Thirdly, not everything is as it seems when it comes to their relationship.

I won’t lie, when watching this I was hesitant because from the very start it was so different to one of my favourite books, in which the film was based on — which you should definitely read if you have the time to sit through four books of ups and downs without tearing the

book in half — but the difference in plot kept me captivated throughout and the ending…. all I’m going to say is good luck if you’re planning on watching this one.

A fun fact: this film is inspired by a book, which is inspired by a fanfiction on Wattpad, which is inspired by the boyband One Direction – with our main man Hardin Scott originally named Harry Styles.

Book: It Only Happens In The Movies by Holly Bourne (2017)

This book (which I noticed is available in our college library) is one of my favourite young adult romance books, with a storyline that feels relatable and not too unreal. It’s so realistic and raw; not only is the protagonist Audrey of a similar age to the majority of you reading this, but it also portrays themes that could happen in any of our relationships as we mature and head into our near futures.

Featuring humour, a wannabe filmmaker and a different approach at romantic fiction for a young adult audience, you’ll regret not reading this sooner. I would recommend any of Holly Bourne’s books as they all feature much more than just romance. They highlight issues in the real world, whilst still having those aspects of love that we’re all after.

Film: Love Simon (2018)

A coming-of-age, coming out story that is bigger than just the romance arc. You may or may not know this as ‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda’, because like all great movies this was also based off a book. This humorous yet heart-warming drama will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

We go on a wild and rocky ride with Simon (which can only be described as a rollercoaster of emotions) when the anonymous and very private emails between him and another student, under the code name of ‘Blue’, get leaked to the rest of the school. We watch Simon fall in love with someone, without really knowing who they are, all whilst having to be true about who he is with his family and friends. This film gave me teary eyes and a heart of happiness, as I followed Simon every step of the way in discovering himself and who ‘Blue’ was.

Book: Did I Mention I Love You by Estelle Maskame (2015)

A forbidden romance book that follows sixteen-year-old Eden as she spends the summer with her father and meets the popular, handsome and charming Tyler. Why is this romance forbidden, you ask? Because Tyler is the eldest of her three stepbrothers from her dad’s latest marriage. Tyler is troubled with a short temper, the complete opposite to Eden, but opposites attract, and they find themselves much closer than step siblings should be.

This book and the relationship that occurs is a bit… taboo, so to speak. Yet, it’s highly captivating and the slow burn full of angst between Tyler and Eden is what kept me and many others turning the pages, all waiting for the tension to ignite. We watch Eden experience first love and everything that comes with it. We watch Tyler come to terms with the fact that he isn’t broken, that he is capable of feeling emotions other than anger and pain.

If you need a series to binge read, then this is the one. The romance that occurs over the three books is so action packed that when you finish you’ll find yourself wanting to start all over again. The author, Estelle Maskame, really knows how to captivate you with her characters and plots to the point you’ll be begging her for another story, then another and then another.

I could go on and on and on with recommendations, this year has been a good one for the romance storylines in books, movies and tv shows. Who knows, maybe if you found this somewhat interesting or helpful, I’ll do another one soon! However, for now that’s it from me. I’ll be back in the new year with another article on what’s to come in 2020 from the world of fiction. See you all then.