Unique storylines. Award - winning contemporary romance novels often avoid clichés. Take 'Beach Read' which has a very different take on the enemies - to - lovers trope, set in an interesting location by the beach.
Award - winning romance novels often have well - developed characters. The main characters are complex, with their own personalities, dreams, and flaws. For example, in 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, Jane is a strong - willed and independent woman, which makes her relationship with Mr. Rochester more interesting.
One factor is the emotional depth. These novels don't just skim the surface of love. They dig deep into the feelings of the characters. Take 'Red, White & Royal Blue' for instance. It shows not only the love between the two main characters but also their insecurities and how they deal with family and public expectations. Another appealing aspect is the diversity of stories. There are different kinds of love stories, from enemies - to - lovers like in 'The Hating Game' to more slow - burn romances.
They often have unique settings. Take 'Outlander' for instance. The setting of 18th - century Scottish Highlands adds a lot of charm and authenticity to the love story between Claire and Jamie. It's not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story.
Award - winning Christian romance novels usually feature chaste relationships. The love stories are built on mutual respect, shared values, and spiritual connection. They also tend to have positive messages about forgiveness, grace, and the power of love in a Christian context. For instance, in many of these novels, the characters might struggle with past sins or mistakes, but through their faith and the love they find, they are able to overcome and grow closer to God.
Often, award - winning novels have strong and unique themes. For example, they might explore deep human emotions like love, loss, or identity. They also tend to have well - developed characters. Take 'Jane Eyre' as an example. The character of Jane is complex and multi - dimensional. The writing style is usually of high quality, with engaging prose.
One great award - winning contemporary romance novel is 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. It features a unique story about an autistic woman seeking to improve her skills in romance and love. Another is 'Red, White & Royal Blue' which won many fans. It tells a charming love story between the son of the U.S. president and a British prince. And 'The Hating Game' is also very popular. It's about two coworkers who seem to hate each other at first but then fall in love.
'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston is also highly regarded. It combines contemporary politics and a charming romance between two very different characters, winning many awards for its fresh take on the genre.
They usually have engaging characters. In 'All the Light We Cannot See', the two main characters are so well - developed that readers can't help but be drawn into their individual plights and the overarching story of the war. The characters feel real and their emotions are palpable.
Well, most award - winning YA novels have relatable characters. Teens can see themselves or someone they know in the protagonists. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', the characters deal with real - life issues like illness and mortality. Another characteristic is engaging storylines. They often have elements of adventure, mystery, or romance to keep readers hooked. Like in 'The Hunger Games', the high - stakes battle royale is very exciting.
Well - developed characters are also important. In 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, the characters of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter are so vivid. Their interactions and their own internal struggles add depth to the mystery. Usually, award winning mystery novels also have a great sense of suspense. They keep the reader on the edge of their seat, like in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories. Doyle was a master at creating suspenseful situations that make the reader eager to find out how Holmes will solve the mystery.