One common theme is the clash of cultures. The desert prince often represents a very traditional and sometimes exotic culture, which clashes and then blends with the more modern or Western culture of the female lead.
Themes in 'the leopard prince romance novels' can also include the allure of the unknown. The leopard prince represents something different, something that goes against the norm. This can create a sense of excitement and danger in the story. Additionally, themes of loyalty and betrayal may be present. The leopard prince may have to deal with those who are loyal or disloyal to him, and the heroine may be caught in the middle of these power dynamics.
Adventure is a common theme. The pirate prince often takes the love interest on thrilling sea voyages filled with battles, storms and treasure hunts.
A prevalent theme is the transformation of the female protagonist. In many modern prince romance novels, the girl starts as an ordinary person and then has to grow into someone who can fit into the prince's world. Also, the theme of secrecy often plays a part. The relationship might need to be kept secret at first due to various reasons, like in 'The Selection' series where the competition rules and public perception add to the secrecy aspect of the relationships. There's also the theme of sacrifice, where either the prince or the female lead may have to sacrifice something for their relationship.
Another theme is the search for power or knowledge. In many of these novels, the desert hides secrets or valuable resources. In 'The Alchemist' (which has some desert fantasy elements), the protagonist is on a journey to find a hidden treasure in the desert, which also represents his search for self - knowledge and purpose.
Power struggle is a common theme. The dark prince often has great power, and there's a struggle between his power and the psychic abilities of the other characters, which also adds to the romantic conflict.
Since I'm not overly familiar with 'desert rat 68' fanfiction, it could potentially have themes like survival in a desert environment, given the 'desert' in the name. Maybe there are themes of camaraderie among the characters, similar to how rats are often in groups.
Survival is a common theme. Desert kids often have to face harsh conditions like lack of water and extreme heat. Another theme is discovery, as they explore the unknown areas of the desert.
Isolation is also a theme. The vastness of the desert can make characters feel alone and cut off from the rest of the world. This can lead to psychological exploration, as the characters face not only the physical challenges of the desert but also their own inner demons.
A prevalent theme is also the exploration of the human psyche under extreme stress. The desert wars put a lot of pressure on the characters, and fanfictions often delve into how they deal with that. Also, the theme of strategic warfare in the unique desert terrain is quite common as well.
The beauty of Scotland is another theme. The novels usually describe the majestic Scottish landscapes, like the highlands and lochs, which serve as a backdrop to the romantic relationships. For example, characters might have a special moment by a mist - covered loch. It gives a sense of place and adds to the overall romantic atmosphere.