Here at Fangirlish, OTPs are our thing. We’re always on the hunt for more, especially ones that are similar to some of our favorites. Previously in our OTP series “Ships That Are Two of a Kind” we talked about the comparisons between Pride and Prejudice and North and South. This time around we’ve got another one for you.
If you love…
Tessa Young and Hardin Scott – After by Anna Todd
Who they are: Tessa young is an only child, with an overly protective mother and an estranged father who was an abusive alcoholic. She has just started her first year of college with the goal of becoming an English Major and is looking forward to independence. Tessa has always lived her life the way her mom wanted her to so this is a new experience for her. Being able to make her own decisions is a big deal. Her life is very structured, that is until she meets Hardin Scott, a guy who makes her question everything she thought she knew. They start off as complete opposites but as time goes on, they realize they have more in common than they thought.
Hardin Scott is a rebel with a chip on his shoulder. He has tattoos, piercings, and is seen as an all around bad boy. Originally from London, he is now living in the states after his Mum sent him to live with his father, who he has a very strained relationship with. Hardin’s past with his father is a dark one; like Tessa’s dad, Hardin’s was an alcoholic only he has recovered and is now living a new life with his wife and her son Landon. Hardin and Tessa initially cannot stand each other and try as he might to stay away from her, there is just something about her that brings things out of him that he never thought he would feel.
Why you’ll love them:
It’s a modern day version of Pride and Prejudice because it has that whole enemies to lovers start. It’s opposites attract, but most importantly, it’s about acceptance and finding common ground. Tessa and Hardin were able to relate to each other over their familial struggles, and also their love of literature. They both reveal sides of themselves to each other that nobody else gets to see. When they fight they fight HARD but, they love even harder. They are perfectly imperfect, and that’s okay because no relationship is perfect.
Moment That Will Make You Swoon:
“I don’t think we can ever be ‘just friends’.” – Hardin Scott
Moment That Will Break Your Heart:
“You said nothing could ever change the way you felt about me.” -Hardin Scott
“Then I guess we’re both liars.” – Tessa Young
Then You’ll Love…
Bliss and Dusty – Dusty Innocents by Mary Elizabeth
Who They Are: I have been waiting for a reason to be able to talk about Bliss and Dusty from Mary Elizabeth’s Dusty book series, so writing this is giving me that chance. Bliss and Dusty are two kids who have literally known each other since they were kids. Dusty is the brother of Bliss’s best friend and she fell in love with him the moment she saw him. Bliss is a naïve young girl experiencing her first love and Dusty is the bad boy she knows she shouldn’t be with. Like Hardin Scott, Dusty has some major demons and he doesn’t always make the best choices in his life. The one thing Bliss and Dusty do know is how much they love each other.
Why You’ll Love Them:
If you enjoyed the After series by Anna Todd, I recommend these books. I actually read the Dusty series a long time ago before After, and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. Like Tessa and Hardin, Bliss and Dusty are not perfect. They have a rough relationship but the two of them would do anything for the other. There are so many moments that gave me all the feels and after typing this up, I want to do a re-read because it’s been a long time.
Moment That Will Make You Swoon:
All the cute nicknames Dusty calls Bliss but also the fact that she loves to wear his hoodies so much. When I read the After books, specifically the moments when Tessa wore Hardin’s shirts, it made me think of Bliss with Dusty’s hoodies. She wanted them to always smell like him and if they didn’t, she would tell him to wear it before her so she could be wrapped in his scent when they weren’t together.
“We’re attached in ways I can’t comprehend. While everyone else expects me to fuck up … she just loves me. And I’m reckless enough to let her.” – Dusty
Moment That Will Break Your Heart:
All of Dusty’s battles with addiction. It takes him to a dark place and it’s heartbreaking. Bliss does everything she can to be there for him, but at times it’s too painful for her. The moments when he disappears for days at a time and she doesn’t hear from him or know where he is, will bring you to tears. Bliss is faced with so many difficult decisions and this series will split your heart in two.
There you have it, two more OTPS from a book series that you must read if you haven’t already. Both of these authors know how to write angst and their love stories are real and raw but even more than that, they are so relatable. If you want to read books that are not fluffy love stories, I highly recommend Anna Todd’s After series and Mary Elizabeth’s Dusty series.
