A strong emotional connection is key. In 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry, the two main characters share a deep emotional bond that develops over time. They start off as rivals but gradually open up to each other. Also, modern - day issues are often incorporated. 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' deals with themes like chronic illness and self - discovery while also having a great romance at its core. It shows that recent romantic novels are not just about love but also about the characters' personal growth in the context of modern life.
Recent romantic novels also tend to break traditional romance tropes. 'The Kiss Quotient' features a main character on the autism spectrum, which is a refreshing take on the genre. It shows that love can be found in different ways and by different kinds of people. The writing style in these novels is also important. Vivid descriptions, like in 'The Giver of Stars' where the Kentucky landscape is beautifully depicted, draw readers in and make the romantic journey more immersive.
The best recent romantic novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo', Evelyn is a multi - faceted character with a rich backstory that greatly influences her romantic relationships. Another characteristic is unique settings. 'The Star - Crossed Sisters of Tuscany' is set in the beautiful backdrop of Tuscany, which adds to the allure of the love stories within.
A characteristic is the diverse settings. In 'The Hating Game', the office setting is used in a really interesting way to build the romantic tension between the two main characters. It shows that these novels can create great romances not just in the typical 'romantic' locations like Paris or Venice.
One characteristic is that they often have relatable themes. For example, many recent ones deal with modern relationships like in 'Normal People'. Another is the engaging writing style. 'Where the Crawdads Sing' has a very descriptive and immersive writing that makes you feel like you're in the marsh with the characters.
Well, one characteristic is a strong sense of place. For example, in 'Where the Crawdads Sing', the North Carolina marshlands are almost a character themselves. The description of the landscape is vivid. Another is complex characters. In 'The Overstory', the various characters each have their own unique backstories and motivations related to the western nature - centric theme.
Many of the best recent English novels are very diverse in terms of themes and voices. Some novels, like 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates, blend historical settings with elements of magic realism. And in terms of style, recent novels can be highly experimental. 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders has a unique narrative structure that plays with different voices and perspectives.
The best recent Indian novels are also known for their beautiful prose. Writers like Kiran Desai use language in a very evocative way. In 'The Inheritance of Loss', the descriptions of the Himalayan landscapes and the shabby apartments in New York are so vivid that they transport the reader to those places. Moreover, these novels are not afraid to tackle difficult social and political issues, making them both thought - provoking and relevant.
Many of the best recent YA novels often have strong and relatable characters. For example, in 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han, Lara Jean is a character that many young girls can identify with as she navigates love and growing up.
The use of different settings is also a characteristic. Recent romantic short stories are not just set in the typical big cities or small towns. They can be set in unique places like on a spaceship in a science - fiction context, or in a post - apocalyptic world, adding an interesting twist to the love stories.
'People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry is also a best - selling romantic novel recently. It tells the story of two friends who go on vacations together over the years and the love that slowly blossoms between them. It has great character development and a very engaging plot.
One characteristic of the best recent science fiction novels is their ability to create immersive future worlds. 'A Memory Called Empire' does this with its detailed description of a galactic empire. Another is the use of technology as a driving force for the story. In 'The City in the Middle of the Night', the unique technology on the planet shapes the lives of the characters. Moreover, recent novels often have a sense of urgency. In 'Project Hail Mary', the protagonist has to race against time to save Earth. And they can also have strong emotional cores, like the relationships in 'Ancillary Justice'.
The plot is crucial. It usually involves some sort of conflict or obstacle that the lovers must overcome. In 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, the social class differences and Heathcliff's revenge - driven actions create huge barriers for Catherine and Heathcliff's love.