The theme of self - discovery is also prevalent. As the characters move from hating each other to loving each other, they also learn more about themselves. Their feelings of hatred force them to confront their own biases and insecurities. This journey of self - exploration is an important part of the 'bound by hatred' romance genre.
One common theme is redemption. In these novels, the characters often have to overcome their hatred and past mistakes to find love. For example, a character who has been wronged may initially hate the person they later fall in love with, but through a series of events, they learn to forgive and see the good in the other.
Power dynamics also play a big role. Often, the hatred is rooted in differences in power, like social status or wealth. In 'bound by hatred' romances, the characters have to navigate these power imbalances as their relationship evolves from hatred to love. For instance, a poor girl might hate a wealthy man who she thinks looks down on her, but then discovers his true nature.
One common theme is the transformation of negative feelings. The hatred at the start slowly gives way to love as the characters get to know each other better. For example, in many novels, they might be forced to live together or work together due to some external circumstances like family obligations or business deals.
One common theme is sacrifice. Characters often have to sacrifice their personal desires for the sake of their duty, and this creates a lot of internal conflict when it comes to their romantic relationships.
Another theme is sacrifice. A character may sacrifice their own desires for the sake of honor. For instance, a man might sacrifice his freedom to marry a woman to uphold family honor, but then find love in the process. In these novels, the idea of honor often forces the characters to make difficult choices that ultimately lead to their romantic development. It's a complex interplay between duty and passion.
The 'Vampire Diaries' series also has elements of this. Damon and Elena start off with a relationship filled with animosity. Damon, being a vampire with a somewhat dark past, and Elena, a human girl, are at odds in the beginning. But as the story progresses, their hatred gives way to a passionate love, with many twists and turns along the way.
One popular novel in this genre is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It features two co - workers who seem to hate each other at first but are forced into a situation that leads to unexpected romance.
One common theme is the struggle between duty and personal desires. The characters are often bound by the honor of the arranged marriage but also have their own wants. For example, they might have dreams of love that don't initially align with the arranged union.
Power struggles are also common. In the world of the Russian mafia in these novels, there are always power plays within the family or against rival groups. This power dynamic affects the romantic relationships as the characters have to navigate through it while protecting their loved ones.
Power is a common theme. The bond between a human and a dragon often gives the character special powers. For example, in 'Eragon', the main character gains the ability to fight powerful enemies and access magic through his dragon. Another theme is loyalty. The dragon and its rider usually have a deep loyalty to each other. They depend on each other in battles and in their adventures.
Romance is a major theme, obviously. Usually, it involves a relationship that overcomes various obstacles, like differences in species or the threat of war in the fantasy world. For instance, in some novels, the human has to prove themselves worthy of the dragon's love and loyalty.
Psychological torment is also a major theme. The male character in these novels usually endures a great deal of mental distress as a result of their submissive state. They might be constantly in fear, or have their identity and self - worth eroded by the situation they are in. For example, they could be in a situation where they are constantly being manipulated or degraded. This is often used to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the human psyche.