I've been writing romance for a while now and reading it even longer. After hundreds of books — the ones that stick with me always nail these three things:

1. Tension that isn't just "will they or won't they"

The best romance builds tension through stakes, not just attraction. What does the character lose if they fall? What are they protecting? The pull between two people only matters if giving in costs something real.

2. A moment of genuine vulnerability

Not a grand gesture. Not a love confession in the rain. I'm talking about the quiet scene where someone says the thing they've never said out loud. The moment where the armor comes off. Most authors rush past this — but it's the scene readers remember forever.

3. An ending that feels earned

Happily ever after is the promise of romance. But it shouldn't feel easy. The characters need to have genuinely changed, chosen each other with full awareness of the cost. That's what makes the ending hit.

I write contemporary romance about love, second chances, and the choices that change everything. If that's your vibe, come check out Of Choices & Chances.