Unputdownable Love Stories - Romance Writers Weekly - #lovechatwrite

Today on the Blog Hop, riddle me this:

What makes a love story captivating?

At first glance, the answer to this might be “I know it when I read it.” But I believe there are some things every great love story shares.

1. Relatable Characters. Notice I didn’t say likeable characters. Some of my favourite romances start with people who, at least on the outside, seem unpleasant or obnoxious. It makes their journey to redemption and happiness that much more engaging when they start from a place of anger or sorrow.
2. Unique Situations. This doesn’t have to be two scientists trapped on a polar icecap (though I’d definitely read that romance!). It just means characters living/working/dealing with circumstances that are just enough outside my frame of reference to be interesting, but not so far I can’t relate.
3. Worthy Goals. It’s plenty worthy enough to want a life that is fully realized and satisfying. But a romance that doesn’t have higher stakes (save the family business, protect a child, catch a killer) can sometimes fall flat. I want the characters to be in danger—if not physical, then mental. I want them to have to work hard for their happy ending.

What about you? What do you think makes a love story captivating? Let me know in the comments, then hop over to Leslie Hachtel to see what she has shared!

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Two women. Years apart. Linked by common experience and a cottage that has survived since the Civil War. When Rebecca reaches out from the past, Evelyn finds it life changing. And in their own times, each must discover strength and fight to find and keep true love.

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