Happy Valentine’s Day and welcome Themis, Goddess of Justice! Who better to decide the 13 hottest pairs of lovers? Now Themis needs an ice cold martini. 

Guthrum the Dane & Aehlswith (Michael York and Prunella Ransome) in the movie Alfred the Great: 5 out of 5 flames of hotness for the scene where he cuts their arms for the blood bond.

Abelard & Heloise: Despite the vile attack on him by her family that ended their physical love affair, they maintained a lifelong connection. Joseph Campbell said Abelard transferred his passion for Heloise to religious agape’, while she maintained hers, even as a nun, until her death. 

Yuri & Lara (in the book Doctor Zhivago and the movie with Omar Sharif and Julie Christie): This movie broke my heart, and he wrote poetry for her in an ice laden room!

Rhett & Scarlett (in Gone With the Wind): After the end of the book and movie (with Clark Cable and Vivian Leigh), I’m sure there is another chapter, stolen away by the fairies, where they GET BACK TOGETHER. Yes, I read the sequel and mini series and loved them for this reason.

Spock & Uhura in the newest Star Trek movie: So cute and such a twist for Spock to get the girl instead of hunky ladies man Kirk.

Meritaten & Smenkhkare (the brother or son of Pharaoh Akhenaton, whose wife was Nefertiti): I am so drawn to this couple and wish I knew more about them. I know he was murdered and she outlived him. Although she wrote to the Hittites for help, they provided no aid.

Theseus &  Hippolyta from the Mary Renault book, The Bull from the Sea: They loved and fought side by side (as do Kelly & Ingvar in Wytchfae Runes), and it is so sorrowful when he returns to where she lies wounded, but she’s cold and already gone.

Barnabas & Josette from Dark Shadows (Jonathan Frid and Kathryn Leigh Scott): Although I adored Angelique (Lara Parker) and Quentin (David Selby), Barnabas and Josette were meant to be. Just to hear the tune of Josette’s music box brings it all back. I loved the Johnny Depp movie for its homage to the tv show.

Bogie & Bacall: Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall overcame an age difference and marital track records. Their chemistry sizzled.

Liz & Dick (AKA Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor): They were the epitome of golden glamour.

Antony & Cleopatra: Their love affair flamed high, despite the high profile visibility of the couple, a fame reminiscent of celebrities of today.

Zee & Robert (Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Caine) in the movie X, Y, & Zee. To end his affair with another woman, harridan wild woman Zee takes — let us say — unusual and dramatic measures. If you haven’t seen this one, you simply must.

Luke & Laura: (General Hospital’s Anthony Geary & Genie Francis): Luke and Laura touched a generation, and now she’s back! (along with vampires Caleb & Livvie no less!) Let’s just see what happens next…

I hope you’ve enjoyed Themis’ sojourn of the heart. See you next month for 13 more faves!