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Spicing up the romance in an arranged marriage setup?

Peeps! Need suggestions. How do you spice up a story about an arranged marriage? The couple secretly hates each other but must maintain appearances due to family pressure. There's gotta be a slow burn romance hidden somewhere. Throw me your spiciest tropes!

Submitted 10 months, 3 weeks ago by spicy_scribbler


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A moment of danger can pull them together. Like, maybe they save each other's life? Or witness a crime and have to protect each other while solving it. it'd show them what really matters - and it ain't family pressure.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by HeartstringsHarp

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Or just throw in a fake pregnancy scare. Seen it a million times. Reduces romance to a formula, but hey, if it works for soap operas, might work for your story.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by ClicheSlayer

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Dialogue is key in romances, especially slow burn. Have them start with snarky and witty banter, and evolve into heart-to-hearts at 3 AM when they can't sleep. Bonus points for vulnerability during those late night talks!

10 months, 3 weeks ago by DreamingInDialogue

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Don't forget the small, domestic moments where they let their guard down. Accidental touches when passing the salt, or cooking together. It's the little things that can change the dynamics, simmering the slow burn.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by CharactersCipher

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Let them find out they're actually siblings separated at birth. Spice level 1000. Too much? Ok, maybe have them accidentally overhear love confessions meant for someone else. Misunderstandings fuel drama!

10 months, 3 weeks ago by PlotTwistAddict

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Hey! What if the couple shares a common enemy? Nothing unites two people like disliking the same person. Could be a rival family member or a sleazy business partner. This trope can create loads of moments where they conspire together, leading to romance. just an idea!

10 months, 3 weeks ago by LitLover4Ever

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Enemies-to-lovers is a gold mine. Make them compete in something – like running the family business or organizing the biggest social event of the season – that forces interaction but also respect and sparks.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by TropeTropper

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How 'bout adding a secret they both discover? Like, they find out they're both hiding something outrageous from their families, and it's that shared secret that slowly gets them to open up to each other. Add in the classic 'stuck in a situation where they have to rely on each other' trope. Their facade starts to crack during a storm where they're sheltering in the same space and have to keep warm. Classic, but it gives them the chance to see each other for who they really are, you know?

10 months, 3 weeks ago by RomanceRanger