What are the characteristics of romance books with unique story?

One characteristic is the unexpected plot twists. For example, in 'Fight Club' by Chuck Palahniuk, the big reveal at the end completely changes the reader's perspective on the whole story. Another characteristic is the creation of a unique world. Like in 'The Lord of the Rings' series by J.R.R. Tolkien, Middle - earth is a fully - fledged, detailed and unique world with its own races, languages and histories. And finally, unique characters also play a big role. In 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, the Buendía family members are all so complex and unique that their stories are like no other.

One such book is 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. It has a truly unique story as it involves a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time - travel involuntarily. His relationship with his wife, who has to deal with his sudden disappearances and reappearances at different ages, is both heart - wrenching and beautifully romantic.

Mafia romance books often have a sense of danger. The male lead is usually a powerful and often dangerous mafia figure. There's a lot of secrecy and mystery in these stories. For example, in many of them, the heroine may not initially know the true identity of the hero. Also, there's intense passion. The forbidden nature of the relationship between a normal person and a mafia member adds to the allure and the heat of the romance.

Some of the books in this list may have strong character development. In a romance novel, the characters need to be relatable and their growth throughout the story, especially in relation to their love interests, is important. For instance, a character might start off as shy and reserved in love but grow to be more confident and assertive.

Most of them are likely to focus on the relationship between the main characters. They often explore different aspects of love like first love, unrequited love or long - lasting love.

The books in the list usually have strong emotions. Take 'Gone with the Wind' for instance. Scarlett O'Hara's love for Ashley and Rhett Butler is full of passion, jealousy, and longing. Also, many of them are set in different time periods and locations, which add to the richness of the love stories. In 'Doctor Zhivago', the love story unfolds against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.

They could often feature well - developed characters. In a good romance novel, the characters need to be relatable so that readers can feel the emotions they go through. So, the books in the list might have characters with their own flaws and virtues, and their growth throughout the story is part of the charm. Also, the settings in these books can play an important role. Whether it's a small town or a big city, the backdrop can enhance the mood of the romance. For instance, a story set in a charming European village can add a touch of magic to the love story.

The books in this list may also play with different tropes. There could be the 'forbidden love' trope, where the couple faces obstacles like different social classes or family feuds. Or the 'love at first sight' trope which sets the stage for a passionate and quick - developing romance.

The unique feature is the fae themselves. They often have otherworldly powers and appearances. For example, they might be able to control nature or have an ethereal beauty. This adds an element of mystery and magic to the romance.

Many of the 1980s romance novels often had strong female protagonists. For example, in 'Whitney, My Love', Whitney is a feisty character who doesn't easily submit to the hero's will at first. This was different from earlier romance novels where the female characters were sometimes more passive.