Typically, in 'friends with benefits' romance novels, the relationship often begins out of convenience or a shared moment of attraction. Let's take 'Roomies' for instance. The two main characters have their own reasons for starting this kind of relationship. One might need some physical intimacy without the commitment, and the other might be curious. But as they spend more time together, they start sharing deeper parts of themselves. They might talk about their dreams at night or their fears. This sharing of emotions, on top of the physical relationship, slowly changes the nature of their relationship from just friends with benefits to something more meaningful and loving.
In these novels, usually, the relationship starts casually. For example, in 'The Unhoneymooners', the two characters start as people who don't really like each other much but are forced into a situation. They decide to make the best of it and have a no - strings - attached physical relationship. As time goes on, they start to notice little things about each other that they like, like how one character always makes coffee in a certain way. These small details make them see each other in a different light, and feelings begin to grow.
Typically, they start with a lot of conflict. For example, they might be rivals at work or have some sort of long - standing feud. Then, something forces them into close proximity, like a shared project or a situation where they have to live together. This proximity leads to an unexpected physical attraction. They start with this 'benefits' part while still being enemies on an emotional level. As time goes on, they gradually start to understand each other better, and the emotional walls start to come down, eventually leading to a deeper, more loving relationship.
Most arrange marriage romance novels develop the relationship by having the characters slowly open up to one another. They may start with formal conversations but as time passes, they become more vulnerable. In 'An Arranged Marriage' by Katie Fforde, the female lead begins to share her dreams and fears with her husband - to - be, and he does the same. This mutual sharing is a key step in developing a loving relationship in these types of novels.
Often, they start with a sense of fear and confusion on the human's part when abducted. Then, through shared experiences, like escaping danger together or learning about each other's cultures, they start to bond. For example, in some novels, the alien may show the human parts of their world that are beautiful and fascinating, which draws the human closer.
They tend to be possessive to some extent. In a friends - with - benefits relationship in these novels, they may not like it when their partner shows interest in other people, even though it's not a committed relationship. They also are likely to be very decisive. If they want to see the other person, they'll make it happen without hesitation.
In grumpy sunshine romance novels, the grumpy character often has some past experiences that made them closed - off, like a bad relationship or family issues. The sunshine character, on the other hand, might have had a more positive upbringing. As the story progresses, the sunshine character's optimism starts to break down the grumpy character's walls. For example, in 'The Hating Game', the female lead's cheerfulness gradually makes the male lead less grumpy.
In kidnapped romance novels, often the initial encounter of kidnapping creates a sense of forced proximity. This forced closeness makes the characters really get to know each other on a very personal level. For example, they might start by hating each other, but as they share their stories and experiences while in the captivity situation, they begin to understand each other's motives and fears. Then, small acts of kindness or protection within that captive environment can start to kindle the romantic feelings.
Often, in betrothed romance novels, the relationship starts with an obligation or a family - arranged betrothal. Then, the characters start to discover each other's true selves. For example, they might start with small conversations during formal events. As time passes, they might share secrets or have small adventures together, gradually falling in love.
Typically, the marriage contract is like a starting point. It forces the characters to be in close proximity. For example, they might have to live together or attend social events as a couple. This leads to them getting to know each other better.
Often, it starts with some sort of attraction at first sight or a chance encounter on campus. For example, in many novels, the bad boy might save the girl from an embarrassing situation or vice versa, which sparks the initial interest.
Often, they start with a mutual need. For example, one might need financial support and the other needs a social status boost. Then, as they spend time together, they start to notice little things about each other. They might share common interests or have similar values that they didn't expect. This gradually makes them more attracted to each other.