What are the common themes in best friends become lovers romance novels?

You might enjoy 'Love's Hidden Path.' In this story, the protagonists' friendship undergoes a transformation as they navigate life's challenges and discover love in each other.

One common theme is the deep - rooted familiarity. Since they've known each other for a long time, they have a shared history, like inside jokes and memories. Another is the growth and change. They often grow up and see each other in new lights. For example, a once - scrawny childhood friend might become very attractive as they get older. Also, there's usually some sort of conflict that comes from their long - standing relationship, like family expectations getting in the way of their new - found romantic feelings.

One common theme is the slow - burn. Since they start as friends, the transition to lovers doesn't happen overnight. There's often a lot of hesitation and 'will they or won't they' moments. Another theme is the discovery of new aspects of the friend. When the relationship shifts, they start to see each other in a different light, like noticing physical or emotional qualities they overlooked before. And there's also the theme of the fear of ruining the friendship. They worry that if the romantic relationship doesn't work out, they'll lose the precious friendship they had.

Often, there's the theme of growth. They grow up together, and as they change over the years, their relationship also evolves. There's also the idea of loyalty. Their long - standing friendship means there's a certain loyalty that can translate into a strong romantic bond. In books like 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship develops as they both grow and their loyalty to their initial impressions slowly changes. And there's usually a moment of realization, where they suddenly see their childhood friend in a new, romantic light.

One great example is 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion. It tells the story of a genetics professor who sets out on a quest to find a wife but ends up falling for his best friend, Rosie. The characters are endearing and the journey from friendship to love is both funny and heartwarming.

One common trope is the 'realization moment'. It's when one of the friends suddenly sees the other in a new, romantic light. Maybe it's during a special event like a wedding or a trip. Another is the 'jealousy factor'. When one friend starts dating someone else, the other realizes their true feelings because of the jealousy they feel. And then there's the 'near - miss kiss'. They get close to kissing but are interrupted, which builds up the sexual tension.

One common theme is the slow realization of deeper feelings. They start as friends, so they don't notice the romantic feelings growing right away. Another theme is the element of trust. Since they were friends first, there's already a strong foundation of trust, which is important for a romantic relationship. For example, in many such stories, the characters can be completely honest with each other even when they start to have romantic feelings.

Well, proximity is often a factor. When friends are always close by, it's easier for feelings to develop. Also, a change in perspective can be crucial. Maybe one day, one friend sees the other in a new, more attractive light. And of course, having similar values. If two friends have always agreed on important things like family, career goals, etc., it can lead to a romantic connection as they realize how compatible they are not just as friends but also as potential lovers.

'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters is a classic. It's a complex and rich story that involves a relationship between two women that evolves from a more practical arrangement to deep love. It's set in Victorian England which adds an interesting historical backdrop to the love story.

One characteristic is the slow - burn aspect. Since they start as friends, the transition to lovers often takes time, with small moments of realization and growing attraction. For example, in 'Love and Other Words', there are years of shared memories that gradually shift into romantic feelings. Another characteristic is the deep emotional connection. Because they were friends first, they already have a strong bond based on trust, understanding, and shared experiences, like in 'The Hating Game' where the characters know each other so well before love blooms. And often, there's a sense of familiarity and comfort that adds to the charm of the relationship.