Twenty of the Most Romantic Novels of All Time

By Autumn Topping

When you consider the most romantic books of all time, Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice will always come up and for good reason. Jane Austen knows how to tell unforgettable love stories that stand the test of time. There is just something about Mr. Darcy that resonates with us as this timeless, romantic icon. Is it the familiar story of misguided judgments between Lizzie and Darcy? Pemberley? The way Mr. Darcy will do anything for Elizabeth, including secretly saving her family from a terrible scandal? Or perhaps, today, our love for Mr. Darcy partially stems from imagining Colin Firth or Matthew McFadyen sensually and passionately gazing at Elizabeth from across a room or even dance floor. Whatever our reasons may be for loving Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice is without a doubt one of the most romantic novels of all time, as I would argue are the entire Austen collection. From Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley, to the dashing Captain Wentworth, there are never shortages of dynamic, romantic heroes to fill the pages of an Austen love story. But aside from a Jane Austen novel, what other stories make you swoon and sigh all at the same time? What novels make you believe in love?

Originally, narrowing down to ten romantic novels became increasingly difficult, so in the end, I selected 20 of the most romantic books ever published. I say ‘of’ as choosing the most romantic books can be rather subjective and running out of space, I left some big ones off the list (honorable mention for The Notebook). Nevertheless, for this romantic month of February, let us celebrate love and romance in literature; let us celebrate some of the greatest and most romantic novels ever published, whether from classic literature, Gothic romances, to even fantasy:

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

As clearly stated above, what is a romantic novel list without Pride and Prejudice? In Austen’s most known novel, Elizabeth and Darcy must overcome prejudices to ultimately come together. I don’t know about anyone else, but if Darcy had slighted me in such a mortifying manner as he did to Elizabeth at the dance, I would have despised him equally as much. Thus, Elizabeth’s distaste for Mr. Darcy becomes particularly enjoyable to read because her ‘prejudices’ against him are so easy to identify with; the witty repartee equally engrossing. As for the rest of the love story, what could be more swoon-worthy than two proposals? Besides being purely romantic, however, Pride and Prejudice is so much more than that. Austen examines humanity in all her ironic glory and her examination of love and marriage when love IN marriage was less commonplace (think Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins) is very powerful.

2. Persuasion by Jane Austen

“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope...I have loved none but you.” ― Jane Austen, Persuasion

Okay, so I may have cheated a little and chose two of Austen’s novels (if I could I would include all six) but these two stand out as the most romantic as the two tell completely different, yet equally memorable love stories. As for Persuasion, the love story between Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliott is just as dreamy as the one between Elizabeth and Darcy. This time around, the story is about love lost and love regained when Anne reunites with the man she had once turned down (because she had been persuaded not to marry him) years later. When she crosses paths with Wentworth, she has lost her youthful bloom and perhaps even the chance for love as he seemingly wants nothing of the woman who had once rejected him. But is his love for her truly gone? What follows is surely one of the greatest love stories of all time and perhaps even Austen’s most passionate, Wentworth’s letter and intense devotion for Anne about as romantic as one could ever imagine.

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you.” ―Jane, Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre tells the story of an orphaned girl first raised by a cruel Aunt who eventually abandons her to a harsh school and environment. As she ages, she enters the adult world alone and friendless, until she becomes a governess at Thornfield and meets the moody, yet charismatic Mr. Rochester. In a house full of secrets and gothic mysteries, Jane and Rochester’s souls connect in one of the most passionate love stories in the history of literature. Can Jane find love with a man in need of redemption? Can she save him and in the process, can he save her from her own lonely fate?

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

“If he loved with all the powers of his puny being, he couldn't love as much in eighty years as I could in a day.” ―Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights

Love it or hate it, Wuthering Heights does have one of the most complicated romances ever written. Cathy and Heathcliff are unlikeable; Cathy selfish and Heathcliff a villain but their eternal love for one another redeems their love and makes for one compelling, and even supernaturally spooky read. Like Emily’s sister Charlotte, with the creation of the cruel, yet romantic Heathcliff (he has some of the best speeches in all of literature); she paved the way for all future Byronic Heroes.

5. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

“He shook hands with Margaret. He knew it was the first time their hands had met, though she was perfectly unconscious of the fact.” ― Mr. Thornton, North and South

For those who have seen the fabulously romantic 2004 BBC adaptation of North and South starring Richard Armitage, I can promise that the novel is just as good (fair warning though: no train station at the end). Part Charles Dickens (he was even the book’s editor) and part Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell weaves the love story between Margaret Hale (who just moved from the more idyllic South of England to an industrial town in the North) and Northern cotton mill manufacturer, John Thornton. Like Elizabeth and Darcy, the two clash and misjudge one another as Margaret feels compassion for Thornton’s poor labor workers she believes he mistreats. A social novel at its best, Gaskell simultaneously weaves in the romance seamlessly, some scenes so romantic and passionate, that it will literally take your breath away.

6. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Sometimes, unrequited love can be just as powerful of a love story because occasionally love really is one-sided. What happens to those characters who love someone so deeply that they can love in patient silence? What happens when that love always remains unrequited? Charles Dickens created numerous romantic stories in his social novels: Little Dorrit, Great Expectations, and Our Mutual Friend are just a few that come to mind. However, A Tale of Two Cities takes an original path. Set during the French Revolution (so it can even be considered historical fiction), Sydney’s love for another man’s wife ends in an ultimate sacrifice, one that emphasizes sacrificial and unrequited love to be just as romantic as those stories with happy ends.

7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

“Your face is my heart Sassenach, and the love of you is my soul” ― James Fraser, Drums of Autumn

Originally published in 1991, and with seven novels in total, Outlander stands apart from the other classics as a modern series of books with a historical/fantastical twist. Set in WWII, a nurse named Claire ends up time travelling to 18th century Scotland! It quickly becomes a super, entertaining romantic fest when she is forced to marry James to protect her as she had been labeled an ‘outlander,’ an outsider of the Scottish culture. Danger ensues and passions emerge in this gripping historical romance.

8. Gone with the Wind  by Margaret Mitchell

Well, my dear, take heart. Some day, I will kiss you and you will like it. But not now, so I beg you not to be too impatient.” ― Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind

Set during the American Civil War, Gone with the Wind tells the story of spoiled and selfish, Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara who overcomes every obstacle to survive, including losing what she deems the love of her life Ashley Wilkes to another woman. But like anything else, she never gives up without a fight, not realizing in time that her true love is actually the more scandalous Rhett Butler. Nevertheless, being a survivor, Scarlett realizes that “tomorrow is another day….”

9. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

“I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool.” ― Maxim de Winter, Rebecca

Greatly influenced by Gothic romances and Jane Eyre, Rebecca is more mystery than pure romance but that is what makes it so fascinating of a read. When the new Mrs. De Winter is brought back to Manderley (Maxim’s large estate), the ghost (not literal) of Maxim’s dead wife seems everywhere, but can the shy Mrs. De Winter live up to the memory of Rebecca? This is a great, atmospheric love story; Maxim particularly interesting because his love is so ambiguous and mannerisms mysterious.

10. A Room with A View by E.M. Forster

“For a moment he contemplated her, as one who had fallen out of heaven. He saw radiant joy in her face, he saw the flowers beat against her dress in blue waves. The bushes above them closed. He stepped quickly forward and kissed her.” ― E.M. Forster, A Room with A View

Published in 1908, A Room with A View follows Lucy Honeychurch, a repressed woman of Edwardian era England. While traveling in Italy, Lucy and her chaperone complain about the view in their hotel room. Overhearing their predicament, Mr. Emerson and his son George offer to trade rooms and thus begin the unlikely love story between Lucy and George, George a kind boy who reveals to Lucy a freer way of thinking and acting. When she becomes engaged to another man, Lucy must overcome Edwardian repression to escape a man, who only sees her as a possession, for the man who loves Lucy for being Lucy; a wonderful coming-of-age story about love and self-identity.

11. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

“My Westley will come for me.” ― Buttercup, The Princess Bride

While I think most of us will first think of the film, the novel shouldn’t be forgotten. For those readers who love a good pirate adventure or a romantic fairy tale, The Princess Bride by Goldman is pure magic from the first time Westley says to Buttercup, “As you wish,” to the very last line of the book. This is romantic fantasy at its finest.

12. Daniel Deronda by George Eliot

“There was not the faintest touch of coquetry in the attitude of her mind toward him: he was unique to her among men, because he had impressed her as being not her admirer but her superior.” ―Gwendolen, Daniel Deronda

Daniel Deronda, a social and Victorian novel, also contains one of the most compelling love triangles in literature between Daniel, the selfishly fascinating Gwendolen, and the suicidal Jewish girl Mirah. While many side with the Daniel/Mirah subplot about discovering one’s family roots, for me, what makes Daniel Deronda such an ingenious piece of literature is the story between Daniel and  the three-dimensional Gwendolen. Is their love unrequited on Gwendolen’s part only or something more? Can Daniel save her from a frightfully, horrible marriage? The themes are dark and compelling, and most certainly romantic at the same time.

13. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

“Whatever our fate is or may be, we have made it and do not complain of it." ― Count Vronsky, Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina is a tragic love story about Anna and the affair she has with Count Vronsky but it is so much more than that. The novel is also political and biting in commentary in Anna’s hypocritical treatment by society in comparison to her brother’s own bad behavior at the beginning of the story.  This is one brilliant work of literature that proves not all good love stories will have or even need a happy outcome; an insightful look into the world of adultery and unhappy families.

14. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

“How I wish I lived in a Jane Austen novel!” ― Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle

I first came across this book in a college bookstore. The premise intrigued me, I bought it, and from that point on I was hooked and desperately, much like the main character Cassandra, in love. Dodie Smith’s, while most known for writing 101 Dalmatians, best novel is I Capture the Castle, a story about an eccentric family (two sisters, father, and nudist stepmother) living poorly (and barely getting by as their once successful father is suffering  from a ten year writer’s block) in a rundown castle. Told from the point of view of Cassandra, life finally gets interesting for the two sisters (much like an Austen novel) when two brothers (Simon and Neil Cotton) become their new landlords. Rose (the beautiful, yet naïve sister) soon catches the eye of Simon who Cassandra begins to have her own affection for. With more than one love story and dynamic characters, this is definitely one of the best coming-of age novels ever written.

15. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

“He had known the love that is fed on caresses and feeds them; but this passion that was closer than his bones was not to be superficially satisfied.” ― Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence

The first novel written by a woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, The Age of Innocence is an ironic commentary of New York High Society but at the same time, Wharton’s masterpiece is also immensely romantic. The story follows lawyer Newland Archer, newly engaged to May Welland. Soon after his engagement, however, he meets May’s cousin, the scandalous Countess Ellen Olenska and begins to be captivated by this independent woman, falling in love. Rumors of a bad marriage surface, Ellen’s reputation ruined when whispers of divorce begin to circulate amongst society. Newland convinces her to just stay separated and she agrees, but as their passion for one another increases in the midst of societal pressures, their attraction becomes more intense and forbidden in this unforgettable tale of love.

16. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

"There is no greater glory than to die for love." ― Florentino Ariza, Love in the Time of Cholera

Originally published in Spanish, an English translation finally came out in 1988. Love in the Time of Cholera tells the story of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza and how they first fell in love when they were young only to be separated when Fermina marries another man. For fifty years, Florentino loves her (in spite of his promiscuous behavior), waiting faithfully for his professed love.  The contrast between Fermina’s husband’s rational love, in contrast to a more passionate one, makes for a captivating story of love, life, and endurance.

17. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

“Inman's only thought looking on the enemy was, "Go home.” ― Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain

Cold Mountain, set during the American Civil War, tells the story of shy Inman, a soldier for the South, and Ada Monroe who is left to fend for herself when her Reverend father dies. Disillusioned by war, Inman deserts and starts to make his way back home to Ada, the love he left behind. As both learn to survive, they finally reunite in this tragic tale of love, friendship, and loss.

18. Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

"I don't want sunbursts or marble halls, I just want you.” ― Anne Shirley, Anne of the Island

Can anyone truly despise Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe? I first fell in love with fiery, red-haired Anne and her handsome, yet childhood rival and eventual friend when I watched the Kevin Sullivan mini-series. Immensely attracted to the creation of Avonlea (Anne’s fictional town in which she gets adopted) and all the memorable characters, I turned to the books where the world became even richer and greater in detail. While not entirely a love story (this is mainly coming-of-age), those kinds of novels tend to hold the most romantic of stories. From the moment Anne first broke a slate over Gilbert’s head, Montgomery hit gold. With the slow build up between friends, the romance finally reaches a climax in the third book when Anne FINALLY realizes she loves Gilbert, the man she had once turned down, the man who gave up a school for her and the man who helped Anne overcome her imaginary ideal.

19. Possession: A Romance by A.S. Byatt

“No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed.” ― A.S. Byatt, Possession

Set during two different time periods (present day and Victorian era), Byatt tells two love stories in this literary novel that are equally as riveting as the other. When scholar Rowland Mitchell discovers romantic, handwritten drafts of a letter penned by Victorian poet Randolph Henry Ash (which would be a remarkable discovery), he sets out to prove, with the help of Dr. Maud Bailey, a connection with another Victorian poet, Christabel LaMotte. Soon the novel becomes both a historical romance and a detective novel as the two love stories parallel one another, and as Maud and Rowland race for the truth, suspense builds into a satisfying conclusion between some fabulously crafted characters.

20. Atonement by Ian McEwan

“Come back, come back to me.” ― Cecila Tallis, Atonement

In a dark tale of false accusations and misguided perspectives, the story comes to a head when 13 year old Briony’s fanciful imaginings cause her sister Cecilia to be parted from her sweetheart Robbie after she accuses him of being the one to rape her friend. Sent to prison, Robbie and Cecilia can only write through letters, until the war that is, when they reunite, if only briefly. Now older, Briony seeks redemption in the terrible part she played; but during war, was it ever possible for a happy ending? Could she ever right her wrong? This romantic, albeit heart-rending tale will pull at the heartstrings and transport you to a different time as McEwan explores innocence, jealousy, and the devastation of war.

Click here to see Reap's picks for the Top Ten Most Romantic Movies of all time. 

Priscilla: Creating a Pop-Star

By Bridget Brady

I do not believe there could have been a more perfect way to meet a new up-and-coming pop artist as the setting in which I met Priscilla. Navigating through the busy night-time Hollywood streets, I arrived at the International Dance Academy. As I walked up the flights of metal stairs, the smell of pot, sweat and young ambition filled the air.There was a dance audition at the studio that night, so the halls swarmed with hundreds of young dancers that were none too thrilled to let me pass as they waited for their chance to get in the door. It was here that I met the fresh-off-the-boat, new aspiring pop singer, Priscilla. She was tucked away in a back room, preparing for her rehearsal of a new music video. Surrounded by her Public Relations Manager, protective and loving sister, famed choreographer (Andre Fuentes) and a couple of dancers, we settled in to start the interview. Priscilla was very sweet, and complimented my hair and shoes before we started. Her evident youth made it hard to believe she was already in her 20's, and easy to believe that this was her first year in the US.

I sit down with both Priscilla and Andre Fuentes to discover the secret sauce of young pop-star dreams.

You left Brazil at the age of 17 and moved to Portugal to get your degree in Clinical Psychology. You then moved to Los Angeles when you were 22, and have been here for just one year...Welcome to Los Angeles!  Let's start with why you do what you do, why you are passionate about music, and why you came here to pursue your dream?

I love the arts, and since I was six years old I've been dancing; it's very cultural in Brazil. Dance is more cultural than singing in Brazil. I've been doing ballet and jazz since I was little. I've always been involved in this process, and my mother said, "Oh, you're going to be a dancer!" I thought, ok, I like to dance, but I didn't know if I wanted to only be a dancer. I've always been singing at home and at school, but it wasn't taken very seriously. Brazil is more about acting, and telenovelas, and dancing samba and Carnivale, but that's it. Then you go study and get a degree. And this is what I did. It was a very good experience that I don't regret, but it wasn't my passion. THIS was my passion since I was little...dancing, singing, and being involved in performing. I've always been performing. In Brazil we do dance shows in theatres with lots of people. I was the youngest one, and everyone in Brazil, in my home town knows about me. Singing became more serious when I was a teenager, and when I was getting my psychology degree. While I was getting my degree, I was working on my songs. Europe is very quiet, especially Portugal. There weren't a lot of people around, and I didn't have a lot of friends. I just had my sister and my mother. There's a lot of trees and nature, and I'd always go there and write songs. Nature was my inspiration, and I could sing because nobody could hear it. It was very peaceful.

Do you write all your own music, or do you also have writers you work with?

I have writers, but "See You on the Dance Floor" (my first single) I wrote on my own.

Do you play any instruments?

No, but I would say that I know how to use a keyboard for the basics.

What's your primary genre? Dance music?

Pop music. It could be dance music…or even sad music. I wanted to start with more fun, and with dance music. "See You on the Dance Floor" is sexy and happy. I didn't want to start as a new artist with a sad song. I wouldn't say I'm rock 'n roll, but I like pop, dance, electronic and even ballads...all of it.

What's your dream...the big one?

Oh...my dream?? I would say my dream is happening right now. This is what I've thought about my whole life. I was not happy in Brazil; I was not doing what I loved to do. I finished my degree and said, "Mom, here's my degree, so don't worry, if anything goes wrong I can be a psychologist." In Brazil everyone wants their children to have a degree. My mother and father didn't have a degree. They wanted to make sure our future was okay.

I think that's the same in America.

But I think America is more open to the arts. In school you can have singing classes. In Brazil there's no way to have singing classes. I was going to have acting classes for very first time when I was 17.

So have you studied voice?

Just here. I'm still studying.

Is your family supportive of you being here?

Oh yes, my older sister is my manager...and assistant. She makes sure I'm doing everything correctly; she has her eyes on me.

What about your parents, are they still back in Brazil?

Yes, they are coming here this year for sure. But we are not alone; we first came to Boston where my cousins live. And my aunt and uncle have been here since I was little. My aunt made sure that we knew the basics about America, the culture and the people. I'm from a big city in Brazil where there's a lot of traffic, and a lot people, so we weren't afraid.

What's your favorite thing about being here in Los Angeles?

I feel like if you really want to pursue your dreams, I think Los Angeles will embrace you. Of course it's not that easy, but I feel like there are a lot of opportunities...for everybody, not just the music industry. You can see people from everywhere, and people aren't judged because of the country they're from. Even if your English isn't good, you can speak Spanish...there's no way to get lost here.

That's interesting...when I first moved here I felt like there were a lot of ways to get lost...Is there anything you don't like about L.A.?

The traffic...even though I'm from a place that has traffic, the traffic here is terrible! You lose so much time in traffic. And sometimes people don't drive well...it's hard to drive here. It's way different than Brazil. And, it's important to know the right people. Because this is the "land of the dreams," a lot of people can approach you and say, "I can make you a star, I am somebody" and sometimes a person is just trying to take advantage of you. Luckily this didn't happen with me, with two brains working (me and my sister) and my mom calling everyday; fortunately we didn't have a bad experience.

What are you rehearsing tonight?

Rehearsing for my next music video. It's different from my first video, but it's still sexy. The concept of the video is very different.

Is this a song you wrote?

Someone co-wrote this with me. It’s called, "Bouncing."

Do you have an album, or are you just releasing singles right now?

I'm releasing singles first. There are a lot of things going on right now; a lot of people are involved. It's better than my first music video...that was me and my sister and we had a very good choreographer, but it's getting more serious. Now we have Britney Spear's choreographer, the person who wrote the song is involved in Jay-Z and Chris Brown projects; this song is more pop and less dance.

What's it like working with Andre, Britney Spear's choreographer?

He's a very clever person. He's fun, he knows your body, and he knows what makes your body look good dancing. He makes sure that every step he does, you look good on camera. He thinks about every detail. His choreography is very sexy, but very classy at the same time. Just very clever; I really like to work with him.

Do you engage your fans via Social Media?

I love interacting with my fans on Social Media, not only from here, but from Brazil. I feel very blessed because people from Brazil and America have embraced me. They accepted me very quickly, and I feel very blessed for that. There's never been a Brazilian singer here, some have tried but they failed. They released music videos here, singles, but it never worked.

Wow...is that true? Are there no big Brazilian pop-stars??

No...

Andre: I was thinking that too, I actually looked and she's right...it seems impossible...

Right?! It does seem impossible...

Pop music in Brazil is not very cultural; we have other styles there. It's hard for them to sing in English. I'm still learning, but I'm getting better. It's hard with the accent.

What other fun secrets would you like our readers to know?

Pop music is my style and I will always be dancing. My inspirations are Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna (of course) and Shakira (because she's from another country, and she's rocking). I know that Marilyn Monroe is more of an actress, but I love her style; I think she's perfect. And Britney Spears as well. I love artists that dance and sing, like Michael Jackson…My mother is a crazy fan of Michael Jackson, since I was born she had me sit and watch Michael Jackson music videos. Every day I would watch since I was little.

Did your parents want you to be a pop-star? Was this their dream first, before it was your dream?

I don't know...my mother always wanted me to be involved in the arts, but she never thought I could go further. Especially at that time, being from a country that wasn't very good, at the time it was a third-world country; it was impossible to think that this could be possible. [Laughing] If I'm pursuing this career, that's my mother's fault. Always since I was little, she was shoo-ing me towards performing.

This is a hard dream to pursue no matter what country you're from.

But I believe in destiny as well, and in God. I know that everybody here has a path and a destiny. If it's your destiny and if God approves, it's going to happen. But it's not for everybody.

As I witness a new pop-star being created before my eyes, I thought it important to check in with renowned choreographer, Andre Fuentes. Fuentes has worked with some of the biggest names in the pop world, including Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Prince. I sat down with Andre to learn more about him, and get his take on working with Priscilla.

You're a choreographer that's worked with big stars, tell me more about that.

I've been pretty blessed with everyone I've worked with in the past 20 years. I'm an MTV award winner, and now I'm at this point in my career where I find myself wanting to create something new, something fresh. There are a lot of great acts, but the great ones are the ones who are trained and have done their homework. I feel like I have a lot of knowledge with what I've been through that I can share with new artists like Priscilla. Lately I've been finding myself working with a lot of new acts and I'm enjoying it. It's something different when you work with someone in the business that might not have the work ethic they had when they were young and fresh. I'm finding it very fulfilling for myself to see the light in their eyes. When I see someone like Priscilla get the move right, and all of a sudden that spark in her eye just shines, I'm like, "Ah, that's great!" It's really enjoyable to watch. And the process is what I always keep with me, and it's why I'm still doing it. Right now it's like having a new puppy. Honestly it's one of those times when I'm really thankful. You get so much out of watching someone become "that."  I've had it happen before with Britney, and it's a process that you can't make up, it just happens. Having this chance again is great.

How did you get introduced to Priscilla?

Her sister/manager/assistant...

[Priscilla's sister is yelling over to us, "I'm not a manager!!"]

Well you managed to track me down!! I have been approached before, and sometimes I'm a little wary, but her first approach was so heart-felt and I could tell that she had done her homework. We started with a meeting, and here we are now. We definitely connected, that was the thing. She really let me know what this was gonna be, and I believed in it. Once I saw the footage of Priscilla, I saw right there...the little gleam in her eye. And the thing I enjoy the most is that she wants this SO bad. You think everyone has that dream, but there's some that you know, no matter what, they're gonna' make it. There's nothing that's going to stop her so I thought, "let me get up on this band-wagon now." And here we are. I'm really glad I made the connection.

You've worked with some big stars...and you've worked with some up-and-coming stars...What's the difference between working with a big star, and someone who's not famous yet? (Other than the money.)

Less press. [Laughing]. There is no difference. I think the difference is when people keep that gleam in their eye, that spark…If they can keep around the people that helped them through that process. That's the difference for me. There aren’t that many people here now, but there's going to be a lot of people around later, and that's where it starts getting difficult. I think that's the thing that's different. I like the fact that I don’t have so many bugs in my ear from the labels telling me what they want and what I have to do; I'm just listening to Priscilla. The artist kind of knows what they want, and it's us helping their vision. I'm doing my job. It's so easy to do my job when I'm not being told what to do from a lot of different heads. One day and someday it's gonna' happen, that's what we want, but at this point it's still coming from her.

How many dancers are in this new video?

The one and only Priscilla. It's about her and her music, and we're keeping it that way. We all decided that there's the image of the iconic video...if you can hold the stage on your own, that defines you. We've all seen those images of stars that don't need anything but a floor and a mic. It's about stamina right now for her, keeping the vibe of capturing the audience throughout the entire video. It's cool because we're discovering her, and she's discovering herself at the same time, which is really fun to watch. She's being surprised looking at herself, and I'm just watching her develop. The whole nature of her being and her aura is unmasking. We're getting something really special out of this, and I think everyone's going to enjoy it.

After our interviews, I got the honor of watching the rehearsal for her new video. I was there from the warm up, to hearing Andre cajole, carefully scold, and then praise Priscilla’s work on his choreography. She was a willing student, and I personally look forward to seeing the finished product. Are stars born? Are stars created? I think it’s a bit of both. It will be interesting to see where the journey and the dreams of this young Brazilian girl take her.

Learn more and follow Priscilla at http://PriscillaMusic.com

Top 10 Romantic Movies For Valentine’s Day

By Erica Lopez

Valentine’s Day only lasts for twenty-four hours and for some, even that might be too much time. But regardless of your personal feelings toward the holiday about feelings, no one can resist a good romantic movie now and again. I have collected my personal top ten favorite romances for the viewing pleasure of the Valentine’s enthusiast. I recommend that you curl up with the one you love, even (especially) if that one is a bowl of ice cream, and watch to your hearts content these ten romantic movies.

(500) Days of Summer is a quirky, romantic comedy that is everything you would expect of a love story except that it is indeed not a love story at all- at least, not in the traditional sense. (500) Days of Summer tells the story of a romance that was meant to end as so many tales of love do and that is why it is makes the top ten for me. In any great romantic tale, only one will triumph as the “happily ever after,” but what of all the meaningful loves one had to lose in order to get there? Admittedly, I can’t help but adore a good romantic flick set in my neighborhood to remind me how much I love Los Angeles. I live a couple of blocks away from “Summer’s apartment” and something about that makes me absolutely giddy.

About Time is my most recent discovery in the romantic movie genre and it has quickly scored at the top of my list. About Time touches on fantasy as Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he has the genetic ability to travel through time and rewrite his past. He falls in love with Mary (Rachel McAdams) and together they build a life that he ultimately learns is worth every present moment. This movie reaches further than romantic love and really punches the emotional gut with the unconditional familial love and the very special relationship between father and son. It is a smart and beautiful tale of enjoying life and all of its precious moments, giving us ordinary non-time-travelling-types some profound perspective: our happiness is our most important choice. And if for no other reason, watch this movie to listen to the soundtrack; it is a masterpiece of the most subtly genius love songs and sounds as lovely as it is to watch.

Only You’ve Got Mail can make me nostalgic for the days of dial-up internet. The spellbinding excellence that is a Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks duo manifests in the loveliest tale of romance between internet pen-pals who are unknowingly real-life enemies. That is until they determine that they are actually perfect for each other. It is the sweetest of my favorite romances and so special for the amount of times I have enjoyed watching (and quoting) it with my mom and sister over the years. You’ve Got Mail is romantic comedy gold that will have you longing for bouquets of sharpened pencils or daisies, I suppose. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower?

I am powerless against musicals and gaudy theatrics and that is undoubtedly why Moulin Rouge is one of my favorite romances, besides the obvious fact that it is terribly romantic. Nothing makes my heart throb like being serenaded by the penniless writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor) as he falls for young cortisone, Satine (Nicole Kidman). The tragic love story can be summed up in one power ballad, and the only original song sung in the modern musical, “Come What May”- a song designed to make even the most cynical believe that the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.

They don’t make them like Mr.Darcy! The agonizing romance novel that is Pride and Prejudice has been adapted as one of the most aesthetically beautiful period films and the very definition of classic romance. Pride and Prejudice is a movie that I can watch over and over again without it ever losing its magic. Beyond the building love story between Elizabeth (Kiera Knightly) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), the lush landscapes, the rich dialogue and the intrigue of England in the early 1800’s are all of the elements that make this movie so romantic and truly irreplaceable.

Disney is wonderful at disguising adult romance and humor as a children’s movie, but UP is not just for kids. Of course, the talking dogs and chocolate-eating, giant birds appeal to younger audiences, but just fifteen minutes into the film, Disney get us with the beautiful and emotional love story of Carl and Ellie using hardly any dialogue. After the passing of his wife, Carl keeps Ellie alive throughout the movie by talking to her and living his life as if she were there beside him. He even fulfills their life’s dream and goes on an unforgettable adventure to Paradise Falls. I love this animated love story for being the most honest example of a life-long love that is itself the most valuable of adventures.

When Harry Met Sally is perfection in a romantic comedy with everything from sarcastically delivered life lessons to a fake orgasm in a diner. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal’s performances are remarkable and their on-screen chemistry makes this romantic comedy truly legendary and something that everyone will enjoy. This is the wittiest romance on my list and has me in stiches from beginning to end. It is the quintessential story of a friendship turned romance in one charming package, wrapped up in some positively fabulous 80’s wardrobe with ice cream on the side.

To exclude The Notebook from this list would be to blaspheme the romantic movie gods. Rachel McAdams sealed her fate as a romance genre professional with this one as Allie to Ryan Gosling’s, Noah, in the love story to end all love stories. This tale of young and genuine love, set in the early 1950’s (swoon), touches everyone who has ever experienced the excitement of a first love. The bond between Allie and Noah stands the test of time and the challenges that come with it, giving viewers something to aspire to and adore. Nicholas Sparks sure knows what he is doing.

Moonrise Kingdom sets itself apart among the many Wes Anderson films with a warmth and charm that is unlike any of his collection and that is why I love this whimsical romantic comedy. The story of adolescent love is as precious as it can be slightly awkward, but that is what makes this film so delightful. The simplicity of the storyline coupled with the perfectly timed humor and unexpected irony is a stellar combination for a romantic story that is fun to watch.

Rounding out my list of ten favorite romances is Roman Holiday, the romantic whirlwind that we all wish we could have. In her Oscar winning role, Audrey Hepburn is runaway princess, Anna, in search of a normal life who finds herself running around Rome with the oh so handsome, Gregory Peck as Joe. This is the most romantic adventure to ever last twenty-four hours. What is more romantic than Rome in black and white? The answer is Gregory Peck’s deep voice.

Click here to see Reap's pick of The Twenty Most Romantic Novels Of All Time.

It's In The Air (Or Not?)
An Interview With Ed Begley Jr.

By Marina Anderson

Funny as all get-out, a very tall, lanky, towheaded blonde guy didn’t seem to be all that different from the rest of us kids, even when he served up raw nuts as party snacks and other organic foods at his place in the ‘70s. I was 16 when we met and used to being around innovators and people who were ahead of their time. My uncle was a health food enthusiast and my dad was an aerospace design engineer and inventor. Ed was just my friend, Ed from Valley College, a regular guy with uh…not so “regular” lifestyle. He was (and is) always someone, who no matter how successful he got climbing up that ladder of success, kept in touch with his friends. He’s referred to affectionately by some as “Mr. Green of Hollywood.” Down-to-earth (literally grows a lot of his own food), and loyal, he is also an inspirational, leading environmental activist and established actor. Always walking (or bicycling or public transportation-ing) his talk, he is ED BEGLEY, JR.

You and I growing up as kids in the San Fernando Valley, I remember my eyes used to burn, but you couldn’t see the smog. Then time went by and you could definitely see the brown hanging over the valley from the top of Mulholland Dr. Is our air quality getting better or not?

It’s better. Much, much better. Extraordinarily better. Especially when you consider some important factors like we have 4 times the cars since 1970, millions more people…if we had just kept it the same…if it didn’t grow, we’d go “Damn we’re good!” But that’s not what happened. It went the other way!

We have a fraction of the smog because of all the stuff we did that worked like smog control devices on cars, catalytic converters on cars, combine cycle gas turbines, instead of the dirtier power plants and a million other little things like spray paint booths. They used to do spray paint operations out in the open like a parking lot or in factories or a building and open the doors and all that stuff called VOCs [volatile organic compounds], they go up and make more smog. Clean air is one of the things we did best in LA. It’s not 100 percent clean now, but it’s much, much better.

What about other cities across the US? Are they just as good as LA? Better?

They got better because of us. Again, places with really bad air like San Joaquin Valley have pretty bad air for a number of reasons. There’s a lot of agriculture there that makes dust. The pollution moves through San Francisco and moves to Merced and places like that because the wind blows it in that direction. There’s refinery operations and other drilling operations… Houston has a lot of refineries. …Bakersfield …We’ve recently cleaned up the ports of LA and Long Beach where all this shipping comes in. We’re the shipping entry point for much of the United States.

I had no idea!

Sixty percent of goods that come in to the United States [come] through LA or Long Beach. Some come through Seattle, Tacoma; some come through the East Coast, but the most direct route is here: our entry through rail systems to the US…trucking and rail, so they bring it in through here.

This is a total eye-opener for me.

That makes a lot of smog.

NO KIDDING!

They used to just idle [he does a funny character voice to demonstrate an example of dialogue that may have taken place] “OK…download this stuff; we gotta get back out to sea…” [He imitates an idling fuel guzzling boat engine that makes me laugh]. Dirty diesel generators. NO! You can’t do that anymore! You want to come to our country and sit in our port of LA or Long Beach; you’ve got to plug in. We’ll have a big ol’ cable for you…you’re going to plug in. You’re going to use electricity that we’re going to hook you up to and turn off your damn dirty diesel generator! [Another character voice] “OK.” They kicked and screamed, but went for it and guess what? It worked. All the trucking operations, the equipment that unloads, sitting there idling the way they used to, they don’t do that anymore. They have hybrid trucks; they have cleaner trucks so all that stuff works. Because of that, we have cleaner air.

Is that largely because of the Coalition for Clean Air or was it the reason why the Coalition was formed?

It was formed back in I think 1970 or 71 because of the horrible smog we knew as kids and what we knew at Valley College. It was like “what are you doing?” Some mothers, some scientists, business people said, “This is not right, you gotta do something.” There was a smog control board back then, but they didn’t have a lot of power. So the Coalition for Clean Air and American Lung Association and other people fought for cleaner air. It was a many year, several decade long battle, but it finally started to work in a meaningful way in the ‘90s “We’re really doin’ it!” They started to make some big meaningful changes in transportation. We used to have a lot of diesel buses. Remember all those buses with the exhaust? 

I sure do. Big clouds of thick black exhaust. You didn’t want to sit in your car behind one of those!

They were all diesel buses. Antonio Villaraigosa, before he was mayor he was on the board of the MTA [Metropolitan Transportation Authority], he opened his ears and he opened his mind to what we were telling him. [Another voice again] “No. They’re going to replace these buses with what, more diesel? No. We’re going to convert to natural gas buses.” That was a big one too. That helped clean up the air. “Then we’re going to work on the port of Los Angeles.” As Mayor, he helped initiate that.

Somewhere in the mid ‘90s, we really started to see the effects and by the late ‘90s, even more so. “Oh my God! It’s much cleaner! Look at the numbers.” Look at the ozone, it’s way down. Look at the PM 2.5, way down [particulate matter – little tiny particles of dust that get in your lungs and hurt them]. Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide – all this down! [He switches to a character voice again] “Oh my God, it worked!”

The Coalition for Clean Air is nationwide. Which other states followed suit immediately … say New York to clean up, since that has a very dense population, to compare with LA?

They did a lot of things there too. They converted over to... I think all new taxi cabs had to be hybrids. They did a lot of things there with clean fuel…buses, trash trucks and other forms of emissions… Let me [be] crystal clear, the rest of the country benefited the California clean air rules. Detroit fought us. [He uses yet a different voice to act out the character] “No you can’t do that. We won’t be able to make a car.” Same thing they said about seat belts and air bags. [Back in character] “[You] can’t possibly…we can’t possibly afford seat belts in cars! It’ll make the car out of range for the average citizen. Stop it. Don’t do that! We can’t put in smog control devices. It’s not technically possible and will cost too much!”

They were wrong, of course. The first smog control devices were problematic, I admit that, the ones in the mid ‘70s, but in the late ‘70s they came up with something called catalytic converter that really worked and was not that expensive. Something like $75 their cost, but they didn’t absorb the cost, they charged the customer. It was worth it to help clean up the air.

This is most informative, Ed. Thank you. To switch to another problem, our water drought… what’s the best advice to give people?

Start with the simple stuff. Take shorter showers. Don’t leave the sink running when you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes or shaving or anything like that. Find every way you can to save water.

It’s the little things, but multiply that times all the millions of people, it adds up to a huge amount that can be saved. Now you have your own rainwater catch, but what other things that can help others to further save on the water?

Low flow shower water heads will save you a lot of water. They used to be kind of … not enjoyable, but now they’ve got ones that make it feel fairly luxurious.

OK… back tracking to growing up again…knowing you from high school. I remember when you’d have get togethers at your apartment, you were really into the health food and conservation…you were so far ahead of the curve…We all thought you were just great. You were unique. Did you ever feel like you were out of place and tempted to just “join the masses” and ignore saving energy and the healthy organic diet? Organic in those days was for the most part, considered “out there.” Were you tempted to give in and “go to the darker side?” LOL.

No I was stubborn. I would never quit recycling; never quit riding my bike and doing all that stuff. I really stayed with it from 1970 to date. And one of the main reasons I stayed with it [is] cause so much of it saved me money. In 1970, I couldn’t afford solar panels so I did the cheap and easy stuff -- recycling, composting, riding the bike, taking public transportation, eating low in the food chain, turning the lights off, turn the water off when I wasn’t using it and I went, “Wait a minute. Look at all this. My bills went down. I’ve got extra money in my pocket! What am I going to do with that money? I’m going to save some of it, but with the rest I’ll buy a little solar oven so I could cook some meals.” When I had a yard that was available, I bought a little rainwater tank. I put some extra insulation in the attic when I had a place that allowed me to do so, and on and on. I just kept doing everything I could with the money I was saving starting with the cheapest stuff and kept moving up the ladder.

Were you ever bullied for doing what you were doing at that time?

I don’t remember being bullied. I remember being ridiculed.

To me, that’s a form of bullying. That’s harsh.

I guess so. Yeah.

Did that bother you at all?

It might bother somebody, but I would not be deterred. I had my resolve. I was not going to change.

Who was a big inspiration in your life? Was there someone who helped point the way to what you’re doing?

There was a couple that wrote a book, Living The Good Life. Helen and Scott Nearing. It was about going back to nature, growing food and I thought, “I want to do that.” I thought I was going to do that in the country for a while, so I moved to Colorado. Boulder, Colorado. I thought I’d buy some land and live off the land and saw how hard it was to live in a remote area. It was a hard life…”Oh my God, I didn’t realize it was so hard.” So I thought maybe I’ll live in the city and be sustainable in the city.

Chopping your own wood to have the fuel so you can cook an egg…geezz. I give kudos to the pioneers of this country!  If you could have a second home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Ojai.

I remember you lived there for a long time and then when you moved to Studio City, rode your bicycle to and from all the time. That’s like 60 miles!

I love Ojai.

You have so much going on. You’re an actor, a director, author, your various web series -- Living with Ed, On Begley Street…your fabulous soda, Begley’s & Bills cleaning products…What’s next on your agenda you want to tackle?

I’ve got to finish this house [he refers to the one being built and documented in their web series On Begley Street launched now on Evox]. My big project for the next year or close to it is finishing this Leed Platinum home that I’m building a mile east of me. That’s my number 1 project.

It is quite a project. I think history making actually. You’ve been asked to speak around the world including recently in Japan, right?

I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. I went there to see their solar operations, energy efficiency…I went there with Panasonic. I work with them on their energy efficiency. They are doing incredible things in Japan. They are very careful with electricity, natural gas and whatever they use. [Especially in view of what happened regarding Fukushima].

Wish we had more time. Thanks so much, Ed. We can all breathe better now thanks to people like you!

For more on Ed Begley visit his website: www.EdBegley.com or watch him On Begley Street www.OnBegleyStreet.com or click on his books to purchase

To know more about Marina visit her website: www.MarinaAnderson.net