When you pick up a rom-com novel, you generally know what you are getting into. Two characters will fall in love, they will make it through the up and the downs, resolve some conflict or problem to be together, and end with a happily ever after. But what makes people want read rom coms is the in between of all of those stops: the tension, banter, and spice that make these stories great. Bonus points for the ones that have us laughing all the way through!
What Defines A Rom Com?
Being light, witty, and full of fun are some of the main staples of a rom-com novel. Having a perfect balance between the three is key to captivating and entertaining readers. They need to be able to balance the humor with the romance, and the romance with a certain amount of realism. We don’t want the story to fall flat due to lack of an engaging plot, but we also don’t want the reader so caught up in anything convoluted that the romance takes a back! Balancing these is a bit harder than you would expect, and definitely makes or breaks rom com books.
As a general rule the basic plot outline is as follows: two characters meet, some romantic tension is created (enemies-to-lovers anyone?) as they get to know one another, then some obstacle(s) will arise in order to prevent the characters from accepting/admitting their feelings for each other. A big fight or some other major event will drive a wedge between them, they’ll spend time apart and realize their true feelings, and generally some form of grand gesture brings the couple back together for good.
Rom Com Books: Popular Sub Genres
Big stakes, big conflicts, big humor. This combo is magic for creating a captivating plot for the readers. With these three working cohesively, the rom com is a story that’s hard to put down! Rom Com books are numerous, and fall into various sub genres:
Enemies to Lovers: It’s the most popular for a reason. Maybe the leads meet and rub each other the wrong way. Maybe they’re rivals in a work or educational setting. Either way, their seeming animosity gives way to sexual tension bubbling below the surface (looking at you, The Hating Game). These stories are so fun because the conflict is woven directly into the characters and their relationship from the first page. The perfect recipe for big blunders and spicy moments.
Opposites Attract: This genre can also easily be lumped in with enemies to lovers, but it stands on its own as a trope that lands time and time again. Featuring two characters with completely different personalities, this is also often referred to as Grumpy & Sunshine. Think It Happened One Summer or The Spanish Love Deception.
Friends to Lovers: The slightly less appreciated cousin to enemies to lovers, this trope generally revolves around friends who either have secret feelings for one another, or catch feelings due to time or a specific set of circumstances. While note always incredibly conflict heavy, these stories make for lots of laughs and the most heartfelt stories in rom com books-titles like Love and Other Words come to mind.
Forced Proximity: It could be argued that this one is woven into all rom com books in some way shape or form, but it’s a trope that basically works in any context. Whether they’re roommates, colleagues, pretending to date to avoid intrusive relatives, forced proximity builds tension between the leads, and helps them to develop feelings that they otherwise wouldn’t have. Great examples include The Unhoneymooners or Icebreaker.
…And the list goes on. Second chance romance, forbidden love, secret identity. There are so many different ways to weave them together, and it’s there combination that makes for a strong story that keeps the pages turning.
Rom Com Books: Standing The Test Of Time
The laughs and the love are at the core of any great rom com. Some are better than others, but these stories provide a sweet-and often hilarious-escape from the humdrum reality of everyday life. I for one am looking forward to more love, laughter and great reads.
