These books typically blend different genres. They have elements of adventure, mystery, and of course romance. This combination makes the story more dynamic. For example, in a book like 'Red Queen', there is the political intrigue of the different classes (the Silvers and the Reds) and also the mystery of Mare's powers, all while she has a romantic relationship with Cal. The character development is also closely tied to the romance. As the characters get to know each other better, they also grow as individuals. And there is often a sense of hope in these books, that love can conquer all, even in the face of great adversity like in a post - apocalyptic or a highly stratified society.
One characteristic is the exploration of identity within the context of romance. In these books, the characters are often growing and changing, and their relationships are affected by this. For instance, a character might discover new powers or a new role in society, and this impacts how they interact with their love interest. Another is the high - stakes nature of the relationships. It's not just about a casual fling. The future of a kingdom or the survival of a group might depend on the success or failure of the relationship. Also, the emotional intensity is usually high. The characters experience a wide range of emotions from love to betrayal, which makes the story engaging.