What makes a romance novel considered cruel?

Their vulnerability. A scarred hero, whether it's physical or emotional scars, has a hidden vulnerability. In a romance novel, as the story unfolds, the heroine might be the only one who can reach that part of him. This makes the relationship deeper and more interesting. Take Mr. Rochester in 'Jane Eyre'. He has his own dark secrets and a somewhat cruel exterior at times, but Jane is able to see past that and connect with his true self.

It often has unique and complex characters with intense emotional conflicts. The plot is usually full of twists and turns that keep you hooked.

The use of bold and risqué language also contributes. If the characters use suggestive or naughty words in their dialogues, it adds to the naughtiness. For instance, when they flirt using double - entendres or dirty talk. Moreover, the exploration of taboo topics like extramarital affairs or kinky sexual preferences can make a romance novel naughty.

Well, a romance novel could be seen as trashy if the relationship between the characters feels forced or unrealistic. Also, if the story lacks depth and just focuses on clich茅s, that can contribute to it being called trashy. Sometimes, the language and dialogue might be overly simplistic or cheesy too.

Maybe it has a weak plot or unconvincing character development. Poor writing style could also be a factor.

A trashy romance novel might have poor writing, lack of depth in the relationship development, and maybe even unrealistic scenarios. It could just be all about surface-level passion without any real emotional connection.

Well, trashy romance novels might have excessive clich茅s, like insta-love or predictable conflicts. They might also have weak writing and little character development.

In a cruel romance novel, the plot is often full of twists and turns. The cruelty can manifest in various ways. Sometimes, one of the lovers may be betrayed by the other, either intentionally or due to misunderstandings. This betrayal can lead to a downward spiral of the relationship. There might also be elements of power imbalance, where one character holds more power over the other, which can lead to a very difficult and often cruel dynamic in the relationship.

Well, one big spoiler could be that the main characters don't end up together like you might expect. It's a shocker!

Yes, it is. 'The Cruel Prince' has elements of romance within its story.