Well, one characteristic is the strong presence of action. The heroes and heroines are often in the middle of battles or dangerous situations. For example, they might be fighting against a powerful enemy to save their kingdom or loved ones. Another characteristic is the development of the romantic relationship within the context of these fights. The shared experiences of combat can bring them closer together. Also, the characters are usually very independent and capable. They don't rely solely on each other for survival in the fight but their relationship adds an extra dimension to the story.
One great example is 'A Kingdom of Exiles' where there is a strong heroine who engages in fierce battles and has a romantic relationship with the hero. The fight scenes are intense and the chemistry between them sizzles.
One such novel could be 'The Fiery Love Struggle'. In this book, the hero and heroine have intense conflicts due to their stubborn personalities and different life goals.
Sometimes, it's a plot device to create tension. A scared heroine adds an element of mystery and drama. The author might use this to gradually develop the relationship between the two characters. As the story progresses, the hero can then work to gain the heroine's trust, making the romance more interesting.
These novels often explore the cultural clashes and fusions. The Asian heroine may bring in elements like Asian values, family concepts and traditions. For example, in some stories, her respect for elders and family loyalty add depth to the plot. The white hero might represent different Western ideals. Together, they create interesting dynamics as they fall in love, facing challenges from both cultures and society at large.
They offer a sense of innocence. It's like seeing love in its purest form, untainted by past experiences. For example, in many such novels, the characters are experiencing love for the very first time, and that makes their emotions more intense and relatable.
It could be that the hero is so focused on other goals, like achieving a great career or avenging a wrong, that he doesn't have time for the heroine. He might think that romance would be a distraction from what he really wants to do. For example, if he's on a mission to save his family's honor, he might see a relationship as something that could get in the way of his pursuit of justice.
Maybe she has had some bad experiences related to so - called heroes in real life, which makes her cynical about the idealized heroes in romance novels.