Why are 'hero kidnaps heroine' plots popular in romance novels?

One example could be 'The Bride' by Julie Garwood. In this novel, the hero kind of 'kidnaps' the heroine in a rather complex situation that leads to a passionate romance.

You might want to check out 'Forbidden Love's Twist'. Here, the hero's kidnapping of the heroine sets off a chain of events that challenges their notions of love and fate. The intense plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The popularity lies in the fantasy element. People like to dream about extraordinary relationships. In a billionaire hero and poor heroine story, there are often lavish settings, like big mansions and luxury cars. This adds to the allure. For instance, in 'Crazy Rich Asians', the opulent Asian settings and the rich hero's world draw readers in. It also allows for character growth as the heroine often has to adapt to a new, wealthier world, which makes for an interesting story arc.

Sometimes, it's a plot device to create tension. A scared heroine adds an element of mystery and drama. The author might use this to gradually develop the relationship between the two characters. As the story progresses, the hero can then work to gain the heroine's trust, making the romance more interesting.

It could be because of her unique personality or charm that catches his attention and makes him unable to resist.

They offer a sense of innocence. It's like seeing love in its purest form, untainted by past experiences. For example, in many such novels, the characters are experiencing love for the very first time, and that makes their emotions more intense and relatable.

It could be that the hero is so focused on other goals, like achieving a great career or avenging a wrong, that he doesn't have time for the heroine. He might think that romance would be a distraction from what he really wants to do. For example, if he's on a mission to save his family's honor, he might see a relationship as something that could get in the way of his pursuit of justice.

Maybe she has had some bad experiences related to so - called heroes in real life, which makes her cynical about the idealized heroes in romance novels.

One common plot is the 'fish out of water' scenario. The Asian heroine might be new to a Western environment and the white hero helps her adapt, which leads to them falling in love. Another plot could be centered around a shared interest or goal that brings them together despite their cultural differences.

Often, the hero being mean at first builds up to a big transformation and a deeper connection later. It could be a plot device to make their eventual love more meaningful.