by Sandra Baird: A contemporary romance featuring a research zoologist and wildlife artist forced together in the wilderness. The One and Only Ivan

We cry at The Lion King when Simba climbs Pride Rock not just because he is king, but because Nala is in the crowd, watching the scrawny cub she once tackled become the leader she always knew he could be. That is a high-quality romance storyline. It is earned through dirt, rain, roaring, and blood.

Two parents are better than one when it comes to defending against predators and finding food.