Often, it starts with a professional relationship. The nanny is hired to take care of the kids or do household work. As she spends time in the house, she and the male lead start to notice each other. Small interactions, like sharing a meal or talking about the kids, lead to a growing interest.
In nanny heroine romance novels, the relationship development is multi - faceted. At first, there may be some sort of initial attraction that they try to suppress because of the professional situation. But then, unexpected events occur. For example, they might have to work together to solve a problem in the family or deal with an emergency involving the children. This forces them to rely on each other more and brings them closer. As they get to know each other better, they start to see the good in each other beyond the employer - employee dynamic. There are also often misunderstandings that create drama and tension in the relationship, which they have to overcome to finally be together.
The relationship in these novels typically begins with a sense of formality. The nanny is there to do a job. However, as time passes, the male lead might start to admire the nanny's kindness towards the children, her work ethic, or her personality. Meanwhile, the nanny might be attracted to the male lead's charm or his role as a father figure. Shared experiences, like going on family outings or dealing with household issues together, gradually chip away at the professional barrier between them and turn into a romantic connection.
Often, at first there is a lot of animosity. The heroine is understandably angry and scared due to being kidnapped. But as the hero shows some kindness or vulnerability, the heroine begins to see him in a different light. For example, he might protect her from other threats while she is in captivity.
Most of the time, the hero/heroine is initially repelled by the villain's actions or nature. But then, the villain may show a different side, perhaps a more gentle or understanding side in private. This creates a sort of internal struggle for the hero/heroine. In 'Poison Study' by Maria V. Snyder, Valek is a rather intimidating and morally ambiguous character. Yelena has to work with him and over time, she discovers his loyalty and other positive traits, and their relationship evolves into a romantic one as she peels back the layers of his 'villainous' exterior.
One popular nanny heroine romance novel is 'The Nanny's Secret Baby' where the nanny has a complex relationship with the employer and there are secrets and a growing romance. Another could be 'Nanny for the Billionaire' which often features the typical rich man - nanny relationship with a lot of romantic tension.
Typically, in wronged heroine romance novels, the plot starts with the heroine in a difficult situation where she is wronged. For instance, she might be falsely accused or misunderstood. Then, as the story progresses, she often meets the hero. In 'Jane Eyre', Jane meets Mr. Rochester after her time at Lowood School where she was already wronged. Their relationship then develops as they get to know each other, with the wrongs she has endured shaping her character and her approach to love.
The plots of 'captive heroine romance novels' typically unfold in an interesting way. At the start, the heroine is captured, which immediately creates a sense of danger and vulnerability. The captor, who might seem cold or harsh at first, gradually reveals his own story and emotions. The heroine, on her part, tries to either escape or understand her captor. Along the way, there are often small acts of kindness or shared secrets that start to break down the barriers between them. This slow build - up of trust and understanding eventually leads to a romantic relationship.
The plot then develops as the relationship between the heroine and the hero evolves. There are often misunderstandings and external forces that create more turmoil for the heroine. In some novels, like 'Romeo and Juliet' (which can be considered in this category in a way), family feuds add to the tortured nature of the relationship.
In kidnapped romance novels, often the initial encounter of kidnapping creates a sense of forced proximity. This forced closeness makes the characters really get to know each other on a very personal level. For example, they might start by hating each other, but as they share their stories and experiences while in the captivity situation, they begin to understand each other's motives and fears. Then, small acts of kindness or protection within that captive environment can start to kindle the romantic feelings.
Typically, they start with a lot of conflict. For example, they might be rivals at work or have some sort of long - standing feud. Then, something forces them into close proximity, like a shared project or a situation where they have to live together. This proximity leads to an unexpected physical attraction. They start with this 'benefits' part while still being enemies on an emotional level. As time goes on, they gradually start to understand each other better, and the emotional walls start to come down, eventually leading to a deeper, more loving relationship.
Often, in betrothed romance novels, the relationship starts with an obligation or a family - arranged betrothal. Then, the characters start to discover each other's true selves. For example, they might start with small conversations during formal events. As time passes, they might share secrets or have small adventures together, gradually falling in love.
Typically, the marriage contract is like a starting point. It forces the characters to be in close proximity. For example, they might have to live together or attend social events as a couple. This leads to them getting to know each other better.