Often, there are obstacles in their relationship development. Since it's the dad's best friend, there's the fear of betraying the father's trust. So they might try to resist their feelings at first. But as time goes on, they find it harder to stay away from each other. They might start having secret meetings or conversations that gradually deepen their connection.
In many of these novels, the relationship develops through shared interests or common goals. Maybe they both love a certain type of art or are working towards a similar community project. This shared ground gives them a reason to be together more often and allows their relationship to grow. However, they still have to deal with the overarching issue of the relationship's propriety given their connection to the father.
Typically, it starts with some sort of innocent encounter. Maybe they share a moment while the brother is around but not really paying attention. Then there's often a period of secrecy. They don't want the brother to find out at first because they know it could cause problems.
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 relationship development is slow. The 'Beauty' character may be in a situation where she has no choice but to stay with the 'Beast'. As time passes, she discovers his hidden qualities. In 'Cruel Beauty', the heroine is forced to marry the 'Beast' - like figure. But as she gets to know him, she realizes he's not as bad as she thought. They might also share common interests or goals. For instance, in some novels, they both want to break a curse, which brings them closer together. Also, physical proximity in the isolated setting, like a castle or a strange land, forces them to interact and understand each other better.
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.
In 'forced love romance novels', often the relationship starts with one character having some sort of power or influence over the other. For example, in some historical romance novels, a nobleman might force his attention on a lower - class woman. As the story unfolds, the forced - upon character might start to see different sides of the forcing character. They might discover kindness or vulnerability beneath the initial forcefulness. This gradually changes their perception and leads to the development of real feelings.
In forced marriage romance novels, usually, at the start, there is a lot of conflict. For example, in many cases, the characters may dislike each other due to the forced nature of their union. Then, as they are forced to spend time together, they start to notice small things about each other. Like in 'The Hating Game', they work in the same office after a forced work - related union, and they begin to see each other's work ethics and quirks. This gradually builds up an understanding and a strange sort of attraction.
Some arranged marriage romance novels also use the device of self - discovery. The characters, through the relationship, learn more about themselves. In 'Arranged' by Catherine Ferguson, the main character discovers her own strength and what she really wants in life as she navigates the arranged marriage. This self - discovery then further fuels the development of the relationship as she becomes more confident and able to connect with her partner on a deeper level.
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.
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.
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.