What are the characteristics of best friends to lovers novels?

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.

One popular 'best friends to lovers' romance novel is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It tells the story of two coworkers who start as rivals but are actually best friends in a way, and then their relationship turns into love. Another is 'Friend Zone' by Abby Jimenez, which beautifully portrays the journey from friendship to love.

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 great 'best friends turned lovers' novel is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It's a really fun read with two coworkers who start as rivals but were actually friends in a way before, and then their relationship evolves into love. Another is 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell. The main character has a best friend, and their relationship gradually shifts towards a more romantic one. It also deals with themes of growing up and finding your place in the world.

'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.

Character development is a big part. The characters have to change their initial negative views of each other. In a good 'enemies to lovers' BL novel, you'll see how they gradually start to understand and care for one another. For instance, they might discover shared traumas or interests that bridge the gap between them.

One common theme is the element of surprise. Often, the characters themselves are shocked when they start to feel romantic feelings for their friend. For example, in many novels, they might be in denial at first, thinking it's just a passing phase.

One popular one is 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han. It beautifully portrays the transition from childhood friendship to a deeper romantic relationship set against the backdrop of beach summers.

Well, trust is really important. In a best friends to lovers story, they've built trust over time as friends. This makes the transition smoother in some ways. Shared memories also matter a great deal. Those memories create a bond that can be the foundation for a romantic relationship. And often there's a period of confusion where they're not sure if they should cross that line from friendship to love.

One challenge is the fear of losing the friendship. If the romantic relationship doesn't work out, they might be worried that they can't go back to being just friends. Another problem could be that they have different expectations. As friends, they might be used to a certain level of independence, but in a romantic relationship, they may need more closeness and commitment, which can cause conflicts.