## 2024: A year of spicy audiobooks

In 2024, you turned to Dipsea for everything from [slow-burn romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/slow-burn-tag/) to irresistible Scottish accents (hello, [Lachlan](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/lachlan-category/)). Whether you were one of the night owls who made 10 PM our peak listening hour, or part of the crowd swooning over [British accents](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/british-accent-tag/), you helped make this year's spiciest stories some of the most popular in the library. Let's unwrap the chapters that had 200,000+ listeners hitting replay, the audiobooks that kept you up "just one more chapter," and the characters who lived in your head rent free. 

### By the Numbers
5 million streams. 1,100 chapters. 235 hours of audio – that’s nearly 10 full days of non-stop listening. (Though we recommend taking breaks... staying hydrated is important.)

### Peak Hours
It turns out 10 PM to midnight is the sweet spot for Dipsea listeners. Whether you're winding down solo or heating things up with a partner, the twilight hours proved to be prime time for everybodies me time. 

## The Crowd Pleasers

### Top overall audiobook: Hometown
![Year in review blog 2024-1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5W46RJ0kDZkDYDM9foCRlq/ed03f3e21894db07c8d8981d5c52e1c4/Year_in_review_blog_2024-1.png)
Our reigning champion "[Hometown](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/hometown-series/)" proved that some flames never die out, racking up over 500K streams. With 29 chapters spanning nearly 6 hours, it's our longest-audiobook and shows no signs of cooling down. New to the neighborhood? Start with chapter 1 for Jack and Gia’s electric reunion, or skip straight to fan-favorite [Chapter 6: On the Countertop](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-6-on-the-countertop/) for that infamous shower scene (IYKYK) 

### The rookie MVP: The Highlander
![Year in review blog 2024-2](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/HIztJuDsxSdVjFUC91R8f/111bff42f984ac7a7940b19fb01c1d2f/Year_in_review_blog_2024-2.png)
2024 welcomed our first [Scottish accent](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/scottish-accent-tag/) to the mix, and clearly, you were ready for it. "The Highlander" stormed onto the scene with over 200K streams across just 10 chapters. Ready to head to The Highlands? Check out Lachlan + You: Looking for Trouble or [Lachlan + You: Midnight Snack](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lachlan-you-midnight-snack/)

### The Sapphic Star: The Ticket
![Year in review blog 2024-3](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2D6lJmTns6meK5ja4hQ6eJ/419dbdafd6f01417f54eef30a8227fed/Year_in_review_blog_2024-3.png)
If you need proof that 2024 was a banner year for sapphics, you need to look no further than the meteoric rise of Chappell Roan. But it wasn’t just a big queer year on spotify, Dipsea was rolling out spicy new sapphic audiobooks at a record rate. The top new sapphic audiobook was Dipsea’s collaboration with romance author extraordinaire [Meryl Wilsner, The Detour](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/meryl-wilsner-brings-sapphic-summer-spice-to-dipsea/). But the top overall, comes from across the pond…this year [The Ticket](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-ticket-series/) earned 130k streams. 

### Favorite Slow Burn: Wings of Winter
![Year in review blog 2024-4](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2HHAxGAZeCkNbVX33OlpRV/8584ebbf7a750b483eb1d29bc57c57fa/Year_in_review_blog_2024-4.png)
This enemies-to-lovers tale about a human and their mysterious fae companion had you embracing the slow burn. Whether you started with [Chapter 1: Feast of Fae](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wings-of-winter-series/) to watch the tension build, or jumped straight to the spicy reunion scene in Rowan + You: In the Tent, this supernatural slow burn proved that crossing realms (and crossing boundaries) is even hotter when you take your time.

### Honorable Mention: Lecture Me
Almost 400K streams don't lie – apparently, everyone loves a sexy professor. "[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/lecture-me-series/)" has been teaching us all about anticipation since 2019, making it our longest-running series to crack the top 10. With 26 chapters and over 5 hours of content, it's practically a master class in tension. New student? Start with Lecture Me 1: Extra Credit to see how it all began, or skip to James + You: Your Turn if you're ready for some... extra attention.

## Top Tracks 
While our audiobooks kept you coming back for more, these standalones proved that sometimes one chapter is all you need:

- __Most Streamed Overall:__ "[Boyfriend Begs for You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/boyfriend-begs-for-you/)" (50K listens) - Who doesn’t love a little begging?
![Year in review blog 2024-6](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5sLlMkrgq477eoTmI4Rnic/7eacd52b433d8c0f15592acbcff47fc1/Year_in_review_blog_2024-6.png)
- __Top "+ You" Experience:__ "[Ronan + You: Birthday Girl](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/ronan-you-birthday-girl/)" (23K listens) - Because sometimes it feels good to be treated like a princess..
![Year in review blog 2024-7](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/43Wy31suUqjER6Ox1KHhU2/be3f7a043e1dde77573e49db3ec3eb35/Year_in_review_blog_2024-7.png)
- __Top Sapphic Scene:__ "[Charlotte + Willa Overheard: The Ball](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/charlotte-willa-overheard-the-ball/)" (29K listens) - Historical romance is so hot right now
![Year in review blog 2024-8](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/J3FwNJDGIgidFOexkypS6/adf90ea59a2137eb8a8c56e114bdfe17/Year_in_review_blog_2024-8.png)

### Global Heat Map
From coast to coast and across the pond, Dipsea's heat map got interesting this year. Our top three cities showed they each have their own taste in spicy stories:

- __New York City__ topped our city charts, with "[Hometown 2: Gone Camping](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-2-gone-camping/)" as their most-streamed chapter. Looks like New Yorkers love escaping their concrete jungle for some outdoor adventure (especially when there's a British accent involved).
- __London__ came in second, showing particular love for hometown favorite "[Leather & Lace: Joining In.](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/leather-and-lace-1-joining-in/)" No surprise our British listeners gravitated to one of our spiciest London-based series.
- __Chicago__ rounded out our top three, with "[Lecture Me 2: No Talking in Class](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lecture-me-2-no-talking-in-class/)" as their most-played chapter. The Windy City apparently has a thing for strict professors...

Speaking of accents, British voices dominated in 2024, with listeners marking almost 100K British-accented chapters as favorites. The most beloved? "Leather & Lace 1: Joining In" – proving that posh accents never go out of style.

And while cities brought the heat, California and Texas led the charge as our most active states. Guess everything really is bigger in Texas – including listening stats.

As we enter 2025, keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for rising stars like "[Dangerous Games](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/)" and "[Off the Coast.](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/off-the-coast-series/)" If this year taught us anything, it's that Dipsea listeners know what they want – and they're not afraid to press play.

## 2024: A year of spicy audiobooks

In 2024, you turned to Dipsea for everything from [slow-burn romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/slow-burn-tag/) to irresistible Scottish accents (hello, [Lachlan](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/lachlan-category/)). Whether you were one of the night owls who made 10 PM our peak listening hour, or part of the crowd swooning over [British accents](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/british-accent-tag/), you helped make this year's spiciest stories some of the most popular in the library. Let's unwrap the chapters that had 200,000+ listeners hitting replay, the audiobooks that kept you up "just one more chapter," and the characters who lived in your head rent free. 

### By the Numbers
5 million streams. 1,100 chapters. 235 hours of audio – that’s nearly 10 full days of non-stop listening. (Though we recommend taking breaks... staying hydrated is important.)

### Peak Hours
It turns out 10 PM to midnight is the sweet spot for Dipsea listeners. Whether you're winding down solo or heating things up with a partner, the twilight hours proved to be prime time for everybodies me time. 

## The Crowd Pleasers

### Top overall audiobook: Hometown
![Year in review blog 2024-1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5W46RJ0kDZkDYDM9foCRlq/ed03f3e21894db07c8d8981d5c52e1c4/Year_in_review_blog_2024-1.png)
Our reigning champion "[Hometown](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/hometown-series/)" proved that some flames never die out, racking up over 500K streams. With 29 chapters spanning nearly 6 hours, it's our longest-audiobook and shows no signs of cooling down. New to the neighborhood? Start with chapter 1 for Jack and Gia’s electric reunion, or skip straight to fan-favorite [Chapter 6: On the Countertop](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-6-on-the-countertop/) for that infamous shower scene (IYKYK) 

### The rookie MVP: The Highlander
![Year in review blog 2024-2](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/HIztJuDsxSdVjFUC91R8f/111bff42f984ac7a7940b19fb01c1d2f/Year_in_review_blog_2024-2.png)
2024 welcomed our first [Scottish accent](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/scottish-accent-tag/) to the mix, and clearly, you were ready for it. "The Highlander" stormed onto the scene with over 200K streams across just 10 chapters. Ready to head to The Highlands? Check out Lachlan + You: Looking for Trouble or [Lachlan + You: Midnight Snack](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lachlan-you-midnight-snack/)

### The Sapphic Star: The Ticket
![Year in review blog 2024-3](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2D6lJmTns6meK5ja4hQ6eJ/419dbdafd6f01417f54eef30a8227fed/Year_in_review_blog_2024-3.png)
If you need proof that 2024 was a banner year for sapphics, you need to look no further than the meteoric rise of Chappell Roan. But it wasn’t just a big queer year on spotify, Dipsea was rolling out spicy new sapphic audiobooks at a record rate. The top new sapphic audiobook was Dipsea’s collaboration with romance author extraordinaire [Meryl Wilsner, The Detour](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/meryl-wilsner-brings-sapphic-summer-spice-to-dipsea/). But the top overall, comes from across the pond…this year [The Ticket](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-ticket-series/) earned 130k streams. 

### Favorite Slow Burn: Wings of Winter
![Year in review blog 2024-4](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2HHAxGAZeCkNbVX33OlpRV/8584ebbf7a750b483eb1d29bc57c57fa/Year_in_review_blog_2024-4.png)
This enemies-to-lovers tale about a human and their mysterious fae companion had you embracing the slow burn. Whether you started with [Chapter 1: Feast of Fae](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wings-of-winter-series/) to watch the tension build, or jumped straight to the spicy reunion scene in Rowan + You: In the Tent, this supernatural slow burn proved that crossing realms (and crossing boundaries) is even hotter when you take your time.

### Honorable Mention: Lecture Me
Almost 400K streams don't lie – apparently, everyone loves a sexy professor. "[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/lecture-me-series/)" has been teaching us all about anticipation since 2019, making it our longest-running series to crack the top 10. With 26 chapters and over 5 hours of content, it's practically a master class in tension. New student? Start with Lecture Me 1: Extra Credit to see how it all began, or skip to James + You: Your Turn if you're ready for some... extra attention.

## Top Tracks 
While our audiobooks kept you coming back for more, these standalones proved that sometimes one chapter is all you need:

- __Most Streamed Overall:__ "[Boyfriend Begs for You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/boyfriend-begs-for-you/)" (50K listens) - Who doesn’t love a little begging?
![Year in review blog 2024-6](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5sLlMkrgq477eoTmI4Rnic/7eacd52b433d8c0f15592acbcff47fc1/Year_in_review_blog_2024-6.png)
- __Top "+ You" Experience:__ "[Ronan + You: Birthday Girl](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/ronan-you-birthday-girl/)" (23K listens) - Because sometimes it feels good to be treated like a princess..
![Year in review blog 2024-7](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/43Wy31suUqjER6Ox1KHhU2/be3f7a043e1dde77573e49db3ec3eb35/Year_in_review_blog_2024-7.png)
- __Top Sapphic Scene:__ "[Charlotte + Willa Overheard: The Ball](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/charlotte-willa-overheard-the-ball/)" (29K listens) - Historical romance is so hot right now
![Year in review blog 2024-8](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/J3FwNJDGIgidFOexkypS6/adf90ea59a2137eb8a8c56e114bdfe17/Year_in_review_blog_2024-8.png)

### Global Heat Map
From coast to coast and across the pond, Dipsea's heat map got interesting this year. Our top three cities showed they each have their own taste in spicy stories:

- __New York City__ topped our city charts, with "[Hometown 2: Gone Camping](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-2-gone-camping/)" as their most-streamed chapter. Looks like New Yorkers love escaping their concrete jungle for some outdoor adventure (especially when there's a British accent involved).
- __London__ came in second, showing particular love for hometown favorite "[Leather & Lace: Joining In.](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/leather-and-lace-1-joining-in/)" No surprise our British listeners gravitated to one of our spiciest London-based series.
- __Chicago__ rounded out our top three, with "[Lecture Me 2: No Talking in Class](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lecture-me-2-no-talking-in-class/)" as their most-played chapter. The Windy City apparently has a thing for strict professors...

Speaking of accents, British voices dominated in 2024, with listeners marking almost 100K British-accented chapters as favorites. The most beloved? "Leather & Lace 1: Joining In" – proving that posh accents never go out of style.

And while cities brought the heat, California and Texas led the charge as our most active states. Guess everything really is bigger in Texas – including listening stats.

As we enter 2025, keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for rising stars like "[Dangerous Games](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/)" and "[Off the Coast.](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/off-the-coast-series/)" If this year taught us anything, it's that Dipsea listeners know what they want – and they're not afraid to press play.

Dipsea Wrapped 2024: 5M streams, steamy accents, and slow burns that kept you listening. Discover this year’s top audiobooks, chapters, and crowd favorites!

Dipsea Wrapped: A year of spicy romance audio

Year in review blog 2024-cover

Ready to take your next solo sesh to a whole new level? That's what Dipsea is for.

Dipsea is an app for Sexy Stories, Sleep Scenes, and Wellness Sessions designed to turn you on and then tuck you in.

Ever wondered what goes into creating those intimate and immersive moments on Dipsea? We sat down with the voice behind [Killian](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/killian-category/)—a fan-favorite character—to talk preparation, favorite moments, and what makes working with Dipsea so unique.

## How do you prepare for a Dipsea session? How is it different from other VO work?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/79CI57WEHDgbWpzbhnGfYq/62f75a4f2744038243da0380fdf80c70/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-1.png)
“Good question! Honestly, I always start any VO session with breathing exercises and vocal drills. Hydration is key too. But with Dipsea, I guess I focus a lot more on the breath work—it’s a big part of the performance since there’s often a lot of… breath involved.

And of course, I read through the scripts ahead of time. The preparation is similar to other VO work in some ways, but Dipsea’s focus on intimacy makes it a bit different.”

## What’s your favorite moment from a story you’ve recorded?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-2](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4CHTMPPbJZqJv3hi7XZYxJ/88575e217f28a109c7a0e749bed71cfa/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-2.png)
“Oh, that’s a tough one! I really enjoy the softer, more vulnerable moments in the stories. If I had to pick, I’d say the scenes where Killian and Sabrina reconnect after a breakup. I know it's kind of like a couple of times now but I always enjoy when they get back together and they have those sweet little moments—especially after they’ve, uh, spent some 'intimate time' together.”

## What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened during a Dipsea recording session?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-3](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/SLR769m1bi6UqY9LU3tT4/e89a795360ac2b2139a9c652daa89abd/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-3.png)
“Well, once I nearly choked on my own spit! These sessions can get pretty grunty and breathy, and sometimes, well… stuff happen. Who said voice acting wasn’t a risky business?”

## If you’ve played more than one Dipsea character, who’s your favorite and why?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-4](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1cTRUqXMmcN5N2b5HsrswR/d5b796bdca1763b2952aae9cee5974a7/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-4.png)
“Killian, hands down. He’s basically me on a page—he’s got this tough exterior but a really soft, vulnerable side underneath. I love how his relationship with Sabrina lets him drop that guard.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed playing other characters too, like Ewan, who’s a bit rougher around the edges. But Killian feels the most natural to me.”

## What excites you most about working with a platform that prioritizes women’s perspectives?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-5](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6JrZiFXWch1cyjqfSYBhqG/042e4fdbaf2377764b7e083c329de41b/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-5.png)
“I think it’s really important. Honestly, there are a lot of men out there who, for want of a better word, can be selfish—they don’t always put women’s needs ahead of their own. I’m the opposite of that. I feel like the needs of women should come first.

If Dipsea was a platform run by men, I probably wouldn’t do it. That was one of the things that drew me to it in the first place: it’s run by women, for women. A lot of content out there feels very male-driven, which isn’t great. But Dipsea hits that middle ground really well from both perspectives. 

It’s a typical “man” thing to think they know what women want and write a story based on that—but that’s ridiculous. Dipsea avoids all of that, and it’s one of the reasons I found the company so interesting when I first looked into it. They really struck a balance that works.”

---

It’s always fascinating to hear about the process behind the scenes. Our voice actors bring such dedication and authenticity to every story, and we couldn’t do it without them! 


Ever wondered what goes into creating those intimate and immersive moments on Dipsea? We sat down with the voice behind [Killian](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/killian-category/)—a fan-favorite character—to talk preparation, favorite moments, and what makes working with Dipsea so unique.

## How do you prepare for a Dipsea session? How is it different from other VO work?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/79CI57WEHDgbWpzbhnGfYq/62f75a4f2744038243da0380fdf80c70/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-1.png)
“Good question! Honestly, I always start any VO session with breathing exercises and vocal drills. Hydration is key too. But with Dipsea, I guess I focus a lot more on the breath work—it’s a big part of the performance since there’s often a lot of… breath involved.

And of course, I read through the scripts ahead of time. The preparation is similar to other VO work in some ways, but Dipsea’s focus on intimacy makes it a bit different.”

## What’s your favorite moment from a story you’ve recorded?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-2](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4CHTMPPbJZqJv3hi7XZYxJ/88575e217f28a109c7a0e749bed71cfa/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-2.png)
“Oh, that’s a tough one! I really enjoy the softer, more vulnerable moments in the stories. If I had to pick, I’d say the scenes where Killian and Sabrina reconnect after a breakup. I know it's kind of like a couple of times now but I always enjoy when they get back together and they have those sweet little moments—especially after they’ve, uh, spent some 'intimate time' together.”

## What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened during a Dipsea recording session?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-3](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/SLR769m1bi6UqY9LU3tT4/e89a795360ac2b2139a9c652daa89abd/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-3.png)
“Well, once I nearly choked on my own spit! These sessions can get pretty grunty and breathy, and sometimes, well… stuff happen. Who said voice acting wasn’t a risky business?”

## If you’ve played more than one Dipsea character, who’s your favorite and why?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-4](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1cTRUqXMmcN5N2b5HsrswR/d5b796bdca1763b2952aae9cee5974a7/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-4.png)
“Killian, hands down. He’s basically me on a page—he’s got this tough exterior but a really soft, vulnerable side underneath. I love how his relationship with Sabrina lets him drop that guard.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed playing other characters too, like Ewan, who’s a bit rougher around the edges. But Killian feels the most natural to me.”

## What excites you most about working with a platform that prioritizes women’s perspectives?
![Voice Actor-Interview-Killian-5](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6JrZiFXWch1cyjqfSYBhqG/042e4fdbaf2377764b7e083c329de41b/Voice_Actor-Interview-Killian-5.png)
“I think it’s really important. Honestly, there are a lot of men out there who, for want of a better word, can be selfish—they don’t always put women’s needs ahead of their own. I’m the opposite of that. I feel like the needs of women should come first.

If Dipsea was a platform run by men, I probably wouldn’t do it. That was one of the things that drew me to it in the first place: it’s run by women, for women. A lot of content out there feels very male-driven, which isn’t great. But Dipsea hits that middle ground really well from both perspectives. 

It’s a typical “man” thing to think they know what women want and write a story based on that—but that’s ridiculous. Dipsea avoids all of that, and it’s one of the reasons I found the company so interesting when I first looked into it. They really struck a balance that works.”

---

It’s always fascinating to hear about the process behind the scenes. Our voice actors bring such dedication and authenticity to every story, and we couldn’t do it without them! 


Step behind the mic with Killian's voice actor as he share his prep process, favorite moments, and why Dipsea’s female-focused storytelling stands out.

Meet the Voice Actor Behind Killian

Killian Voice Interview

At Dipsea, every story is crafted with care, creativity, and collaboration. From the first spark of an idea to the final audio experience, our team works behind the scenes to bring the characters and fantasies you love to life.

In this conversation between Olivia Taylor, Dipsea’s Editorial Lead, and Kara Hart, Dipsea’s Senior Audio Producer, the curtain is pulled back and listeners get to see how their process works, what inspires them, and what’s new this month. From the intricacies of directing the perfect begging scene to experimenting with new storytelling formats, they share the passion and thoughtfulness that go into every piece of content.

## More is More: Jack from Hometown
![500-Jack Pillowtalk 10](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5kLtB2DxbjNAvTCGTEARYF/5b68ca413f71236a42c3155799f6bbee/500-Jack_Pillowtalk_10.png)

__Kara Hart:__ We have so much fun stuff coming out in November. It’s a month filled with new characters and old beloved characters.

__Olivia Taylor:__ We have two very sweet Jack + You’s and a very special Jack Overheard.

__Kara Hart:__ And one of the [Jack + You’s is extra, extra long](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/jack-you-late-night-snack/)—it’s 26 minutes, which is one of our longest ones yet, right?

__Olivia Taylor:__ Yeah.

__Kara Hart:__ And it's so good. There's so much buildup and foreplay and all the things that make you love Jack are a part of this. And he's really taking care of you in both + You’s. And then we've got him begging in the Overheard.

__Olivia Taylor:__ [Jack: Begging For You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/jack-overheard-begging-for-you/), if you're a fan of Overheards.

__Kara Hart:__ Mm-hmm. It's really great. I do think Jack has this really special way of whimpering, and the actor who plays him is so good at making these really small sounds and noises that are upward inflected. They’re just really evocative of begging and whimpering. And in the Overheards, they're so good.

__Olivia Taylor:__ I need an explainer video of all the different kinds of begging.

__Kara Hart:__ Hahaha. Totally! I can tell you some of the directions I give when I'm directing male voices. Sometimes they're not begging enough, and I'll be like, no, beg like someone has just taken away your delicious treat and you really, really want it back, or beg like it's a caricature of begging. Beg like you mean it.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Like you mean it.

__Kara Hart:__ Sometimes it takes a few iterations, a few takes, but they get there, which is really fun.

## Introducing Xavier: A Familiar Voice
![500-Xavier Pillowtalk1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/uRMR4xMxodSxOGTK9vcjc/364d778de3c04c4ff85aa9d54e549227/500-Xavier_Pillowtalk1.png)

__Olivia Taylor:__ Okay, and then we have this new [Xavier series](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/). We’re releasing a few + You’s, which are also really long.

__Kara Hart:__ Right. They're around 20 to 30 minutes. And so much of the excitement around Xavier comes from wanting to take a truly beloved voice actor from the Dipseaverse, who voices Freddie in Secret Rooms, one of our much older audiobooks, and so many other characters, and create a whole new series around him. We love Freddie. We love Secret Rooms. But we wanted to take Freddie out of the dungeon. We took that series as far as we could within that Dom world we created and we wanted to try something different. And I think what makes these Xavier + You’s so effective is, well, the writing is really good and we're trying out a new word… Daddy...

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally, I feel like at Dipsea we introduce things really slowly. We’ll gradually experiment with new dirty talk, a new word, new dynamics. And we haven't really used the word “daddy” in our scripts. Until Xavier.

__Kara Hart:__ What’s the backstory of this series?

__Olivia Taylor:__ It's a + You. You, the listener, are at a party with your friend, Xavier. He's maybe kind of like not your best friend in the group, but somebody you're sort of intrigued by, curious about. He's like a nice guy, good guy. You're at his house. You go to get your coat as you're leaving. You think you’re going to the guest room, but you accidentally walk into his bedroom.

__Kara Hart:__ Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

__Olivia Taylor:__ You discover his kinky BDSM setup and you're like, I'm not going to say anything. I'm just going to go. And on the way out, he's like, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. You talk about his room and then you end up exploring together. He's like, I can show you the ropes. Which is sort of one of those things that could happen in real life.

__Kara Hart:__ Hahaha. Mm-hmm. Totally.

__Olivia Taylor:__ But circling back to daddy! He's like, I know you want to call me daddy, so you, the listener, call him daddy. And we're going to see how that does. We're going to see if people like it. I think it's fun!

__Kara Hart:__ Daddy—I think it's sexy. I think people will really like it. One of the things that's done really well is that calling Xavier daddy really turns the listener in the stories on, she’s like this is something that I really want. He's not putting that on the listener, which I think is really great. There is a fine line.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally. There's a fine line with daddy, you know, it really has to be executed properly to feel good!

__Kara Hart:__ There’s also, there’s such a good line which is probably not safe for work. But I think if you’re listening to our content, this is nothing new. Xavier says something like, “Shut up and prove to me that you know how to listen. There you go. I don’t want to hear a single word from you unless it’s ‘I’m coming.’” I mean, come on! Great writing Olivia.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Thank you! 

## New Horizons: Sage in Sapphic Saddles
![500-Sage Pillowtalk 1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/7otkzh3mDzAar2c86BDlh2/0e21e6c29c4b7992fc0a263780efc397/500-Sage_Pillowtalk_1.png)

__Olivia Taylor:__ Okay, let’s talk about [Sapphic Saddles](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/sapphic-saddles-series/). The main character, Sage, has a great voice, kind of like Kristen Stewart. Also, I just think we’ve been long overdue for a cowgirl story.

__Kara Hart:__ Great voice, great story!

__Olivia Taylor:__ Sage is like a sweet-talking, but sort of rough-around-the-edges, cowgirl. She's working with her hands.

__Kara Hart:__ I mean, you don't need anything else.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Something I really like about this one is that she’s calling the listener in the + You’s sweetheart. I think it's very sexy and fun, but it could be polarizing. We will see. I'm sure the listeners will tell us. People love to give us feedback, and we love to take it!

## A Classic Twist: Launching Carmilla
![500-CarmillaPillowtalk](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/GK2bObi93BiSAGryRKrjh/ca25f3c14693936c0862aa289cfb31f4/500-CarmillaPillowtalk.jpg)

__Olivia Taylor:__ I’m also excited about something that we just launched: [Carmilla](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/carmilla-series/). It’s an 18th-century vampire novella written prior to Dracula. Prior, obviously, to Twilight. Really one of the original vampire tales, and it’s a sort of sapphic queer tale. It’s about lust between this vampire, Carmilla, and this young woman she’s staying with, Laura.

__Kara Hart:__ And it’s not the same as a regular Dipsea audiobook or story where it’s super spicy and there’s sex. This is a regular book that we adapted into an audiobook.

__Olivia Taylor:__ But I think it’s really fun and exciting because so much of our audiobooks are really short. It’s like bingeable content. This is something that you can really listen to for a long time. And it’s spooky.

__Kara Hart:__ Yeah, the story holds up. I think it’s really good.

__Olivia Taylor:__ And it’s the first piece of content we’ve ever made, or produced, that’s been this long.

__Kara Hart:__ Yeah, and I think what’s so good about the relationship between Carmilla and Laura is that it moves from this kind of gentle interest into this obsession. I slacked you and Liz, our social media manager, and was like, it’s the gayest thing in the world to have someone crying over how much they are in love with you.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Just crying. I mean, there’s nothing more gay than yearning. It’s just yearning, maxing out.

__Kara Hart:__ And we also created a [Carmilla + You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/carmilla-you-candlelit-confession/), so Carmilla is focusing on the listener in this one. It’s written by one of our wonderful writers and they really capitalize on that yearning and obsession. One of the very first lines in Carmilla + You is like, “Still your beating heart.” Come on, we need that.

__Olivia Taylor:__ We need that!!

__Kara Hart:__ It’s really great. There are also spicy scenes for sure. The description of an orgasm in one of the later chapters is phenomenal. I’m excited. I hope people are quoting it.

## Looking Ahead to December

__Kara Hart:__ December is going to be really fun.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally. We’ve got some stuff people have been asking for coming up.

__Kara Hart:__ We’re excited about what’s next—lots of good surprises.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Subtle foreshadowing for making what you want.

__Kara Hart:__ Yes! December is going to be great.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally. We hope you love what’s coming!

---

[Try Dipsea for 30 days](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=inside-dipsea-november-2024) & Stay tuned for December’s surprises! We’ll keep experimenting, creating, and bringing you the stories you love!


At Dipsea, every story is crafted with care, creativity, and collaboration. From the first spark of an idea to the final audio experience, our team works behind the scenes to bring the characters and fantasies you love to life.

In this conversation between Olivia Taylor, Dipsea’s Editorial Lead, and Kara Hart, Dipsea’s Senior Audio Producer, the curtain is pulled back and listeners get to see how their process works, what inspires them, and what’s new this month. From the intricacies of directing the perfect begging scene to experimenting with new storytelling formats, they share the passion and thoughtfulness that go into every piece of content.

## More is More: Jack from Hometown
![500-Jack Pillowtalk 10](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5kLtB2DxbjNAvTCGTEARYF/5b68ca413f71236a42c3155799f6bbee/500-Jack_Pillowtalk_10.png)

__Kara Hart:__ We have so much fun stuff coming out in November. It’s a month filled with new characters and old beloved characters.

__Olivia Taylor:__ We have two very sweet Jack + You’s and a very special Jack Overheard.

__Kara Hart:__ And one of the [Jack + You’s is extra, extra long](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/jack-you-late-night-snack/)—it’s 26 minutes, which is one of our longest ones yet, right?

__Olivia Taylor:__ Yeah.

__Kara Hart:__ And it's so good. There's so much buildup and foreplay and all the things that make you love Jack are a part of this. And he's really taking care of you in both + You’s. And then we've got him begging in the Overheard.

__Olivia Taylor:__ [Jack: Begging For You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/jack-overheard-begging-for-you/), if you're a fan of Overheards.

__Kara Hart:__ Mm-hmm. It's really great. I do think Jack has this really special way of whimpering, and the actor who plays him is so good at making these really small sounds and noises that are upward inflected. They’re just really evocative of begging and whimpering. And in the Overheards, they're so good.

__Olivia Taylor:__ I need an explainer video of all the different kinds of begging.

__Kara Hart:__ Hahaha. Totally! I can tell you some of the directions I give when I'm directing male voices. Sometimes they're not begging enough, and I'll be like, no, beg like someone has just taken away your delicious treat and you really, really want it back, or beg like it's a caricature of begging. Beg like you mean it.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Like you mean it.

__Kara Hart:__ Sometimes it takes a few iterations, a few takes, but they get there, which is really fun.

## Introducing Xavier: A Familiar Voice
![500-Xavier Pillowtalk1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/uRMR4xMxodSxOGTK9vcjc/364d778de3c04c4ff85aa9d54e549227/500-Xavier_Pillowtalk1.png)

__Olivia Taylor:__ Okay, and then we have this new [Xavier series](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/). We’re releasing a few + You’s, which are also really long.

__Kara Hart:__ Right. They're around 20 to 30 minutes. And so much of the excitement around Xavier comes from wanting to take a truly beloved voice actor from the Dipseaverse, who voices Freddie in Secret Rooms, one of our much older audiobooks, and so many other characters, and create a whole new series around him. We love Freddie. We love Secret Rooms. But we wanted to take Freddie out of the dungeon. We took that series as far as we could within that Dom world we created and we wanted to try something different. And I think what makes these Xavier + You’s so effective is, well, the writing is really good and we're trying out a new word… Daddy...

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally, I feel like at Dipsea we introduce things really slowly. We’ll gradually experiment with new dirty talk, a new word, new dynamics. And we haven't really used the word “daddy” in our scripts. Until Xavier.

__Kara Hart:__ What’s the backstory of this series?

__Olivia Taylor:__ It's a + You. You, the listener, are at a party with your friend, Xavier. He's maybe kind of like not your best friend in the group, but somebody you're sort of intrigued by, curious about. He's like a nice guy, good guy. You're at his house. You go to get your coat as you're leaving. You think you’re going to the guest room, but you accidentally walk into his bedroom.

__Kara Hart:__ Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

__Olivia Taylor:__ You discover his kinky BDSM setup and you're like, I'm not going to say anything. I'm just going to go. And on the way out, he's like, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. You talk about his room and then you end up exploring together. He's like, I can show you the ropes. Which is sort of one of those things that could happen in real life.

__Kara Hart:__ Hahaha. Mm-hmm. Totally.

__Olivia Taylor:__ But circling back to daddy! He's like, I know you want to call me daddy, so you, the listener, call him daddy. And we're going to see how that does. We're going to see if people like it. I think it's fun!

__Kara Hart:__ Daddy—I think it's sexy. I think people will really like it. One of the things that's done really well is that calling Xavier daddy really turns the listener in the stories on, she’s like this is something that I really want. He's not putting that on the listener, which I think is really great. There is a fine line.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally. There's a fine line with daddy, you know, it really has to be executed properly to feel good!

__Kara Hart:__ There’s also, there’s such a good line which is probably not safe for work. But I think if you’re listening to our content, this is nothing new. Xavier says something like, “Shut up and prove to me that you know how to listen. There you go. I don’t want to hear a single word from you unless it’s ‘I’m coming.’” I mean, come on! Great writing Olivia.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Thank you! 

## New Horizons: Sage in Sapphic Saddles
![500-Sage Pillowtalk 1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/7otkzh3mDzAar2c86BDlh2/0e21e6c29c4b7992fc0a263780efc397/500-Sage_Pillowtalk_1.png)

__Olivia Taylor:__ Okay, let’s talk about [Sapphic Saddles](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/sapphic-saddles-series/). The main character, Sage, has a great voice, kind of like Kristen Stewart. Also, I just think we’ve been long overdue for a cowgirl story.

__Kara Hart:__ Great voice, great story!

__Olivia Taylor:__ Sage is like a sweet-talking, but sort of rough-around-the-edges, cowgirl. She's working with her hands.

__Kara Hart:__ I mean, you don't need anything else.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Something I really like about this one is that she’s calling the listener in the + You’s sweetheart. I think it's very sexy and fun, but it could be polarizing. We will see. I'm sure the listeners will tell us. People love to give us feedback, and we love to take it!

## A Classic Twist: Launching Carmilla
![500-CarmillaPillowtalk](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/GK2bObi93BiSAGryRKrjh/ca25f3c14693936c0862aa289cfb31f4/500-CarmillaPillowtalk.jpg)

__Olivia Taylor:__ I’m also excited about something that we just launched: [Carmilla](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/carmilla-series/). It’s an 18th-century vampire novella written prior to Dracula. Prior, obviously, to Twilight. Really one of the original vampire tales, and it’s a sort of sapphic queer tale. It’s about lust between this vampire, Carmilla, and this young woman she’s staying with, Laura.

__Kara Hart:__ And it’s not the same as a regular Dipsea audiobook or story where it’s super spicy and there’s sex. This is a regular book that we adapted into an audiobook.

__Olivia Taylor:__ But I think it’s really fun and exciting because so much of our audiobooks are really short. It’s like bingeable content. This is something that you can really listen to for a long time. And it’s spooky.

__Kara Hart:__ Yeah, the story holds up. I think it’s really good.

__Olivia Taylor:__ And it’s the first piece of content we’ve ever made, or produced, that’s been this long.

__Kara Hart:__ Yeah, and I think what’s so good about the relationship between Carmilla and Laura is that it moves from this kind of gentle interest into this obsession. I slacked you and Liz, our social media manager, and was like, it’s the gayest thing in the world to have someone crying over how much they are in love with you.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Just crying. I mean, there’s nothing more gay than yearning. It’s just yearning, maxing out.

__Kara Hart:__ And we also created a [Carmilla + You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/carmilla-you-candlelit-confession/), so Carmilla is focusing on the listener in this one. It’s written by one of our wonderful writers and they really capitalize on that yearning and obsession. One of the very first lines in Carmilla + You is like, “Still your beating heart.” Come on, we need that.

__Olivia Taylor:__ We need that!!

__Kara Hart:__ It’s really great. There are also spicy scenes for sure. The description of an orgasm in one of the later chapters is phenomenal. I’m excited. I hope people are quoting it.

## Looking Ahead to December

__Kara Hart:__ December is going to be really fun.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally. We’ve got some stuff people have been asking for coming up.

__Kara Hart:__ We’re excited about what’s next—lots of good surprises.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Subtle foreshadowing for making what you want.

__Kara Hart:__ Yes! December is going to be great.

__Olivia Taylor:__ Totally. We hope you love what’s coming!

---

[Try Dipsea for 30 days](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=inside-dipsea-november-2024) & Stay tuned for December’s surprises! We’ll keep experimenting, creating, and bringing you the stories you love!


Go behind the scenes at Dipsea! Olivia Taylor & Kara Hart share how they craft stories, what inspires them, and what’s new this month.✨

Inside Dipsea: A Peek Behind the Curtain of Content Creation

Inside-Dipsea-1

What do Luke and Lorelai from “Gilmore Girls,” Nick and Jess from “New Girl,” and Jake and Amy from “Brooklyn 99” all have in common (well, apart from being fan-favorite couples)? Yup, you guessed it: all three of these iconic relationships are slow burn romances. From the moment they stepped on our screens we knew the chemistry was there, but it took entire seasons before they got together (and sometimes even longer to get together and stay together). 

So what is it that makes us love the slow burn trope in movies, TV shows, and books? Let’s get into it!

Fair warning: With these love stories, the joy is in the journey, not the destination. While there will (eventually) be a happily ever after, it’s going to take time (not to mention a few twists and turns) to get there. But when they finally—finally!!—confess their true feelings and the sparks fly…watch out! After all that smoldering, when a slow burn romance finally catches fire, it burns hot and it burns bright. So hold on tight and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster (it’s worth it, I promise!). 

## What is a slow burn romance?
What qualifies as a slow burn is hotly debated (I’ll get into that later) but the basic premise is that the connection between the main characters builds slowly over time. There is no love at first sight or instant romance that’s sweet in books but has us rolling our eyes in real life. 

In standalone romance books or movies, this trope manifests as the characters having that “aha!” moment toward the end of the storyline. But in [book series](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-book-series/) or TV shows, the slow burn romance can smolder for ages (I mean, Luke and Lorelai didn’t even kiss until the very end of season 4!) making it that much more satisfying when the characters *finally* decide to give things a shot.

## What qualifies as a slow burn romance?
I’m so glad you asked! The answer to this is complicated and based on personal preference. The general rule of thumb for a slow burn romance is that the characters aren’t going to get together until at least 75% of the way through the plotline. That means that three-quarters of the story is dedicated to the build up alone. 

With so much time dedicated to the pining, angst, and anticipation, fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the pieces to fall into place. You may even find yourself hollering at your Kindle or shouting at your TV, urging these characters to just *figure it out already!* As the audience, we know the characters are meant to be—we just need them to hurry up and figure it out too.  

Does that seem emotionally exhausting and perhaps a touch unnecessary? Maybe. But once you’ve experienced the rush of your favorite characters finally getting together for the first time after all that build up, you’ll understand the hype!

For some, a slow burn relationship isn’t a slow burn if it’s not dragged out. Those fans would argue that it should take multiple books in a series (or seasons of a TV show) for the characters to finally find their way together. Think Ron and Hermione getting together in the final Harry Potter books/movies, or Jim and Pam finally acknowledging their feelings after three seasons of “The Office.” You can see the writing on the wall from day one but you’re going to have to wait years for the payoff. 

In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if the couple gets together at the end or somewhere in the middle. If their love story is filled with “will they or won’t they” moments that make you feel like you’re teetering on the tip of a knife, that’s a slow burn!

## Why we love a slow burn romance
What is it that makes a slow burn romance so insanely good?

### The rollercoaster of emotion
![Haley-and-Andy-from-Modern-Family](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1ZKFVuK8Lx9HVxp5R5pyRk/d8d9efabb68789423c4995fdf9e72944/Haley-and-Andy-from-Modern-Family.jpg)

One of the key elements of a good slow burn is the absolute rollercoaster of emotion these love stories take us on (just because it takes a while to get to the payoff doesn’t mean it’s boring!). Romance novel plotlines can be a touch predictable (we all know it’s going to end in a happy ending, that’s why we consume them!) but with a good slow burn romance, the real reward isn’t in the end destination but the long, winding road to get there. 

And while *most* slow burns end in a happily ever after, there’s the occasional love story that just doesn’t work out, like Haley and Andy from “Modern Family.” Even though they didn’t get together in the end, their will-they-won’t-they relationship had people tuning in week after week. Fans are still debating if they should have been endgame years after the show ended! 

### The characters and character development
![Ben-and-Leslie-from-Parks-and-Recreation](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6GPpBPGez0ddbqCTWqpVr6/38be7cac5fa8c469b101d87185434bde/Ben-and-Leslie-from-Parks-and-Recreation.jpg)

With a slow burner, we get to *really* know the characters. As readers/viewers, we get so invested in the characters because we take the journey with them. 

We get to struggle alongside them in real time while they sort out their feelings. When they question and wonder if a romantic relationship would ever work (or ever even happen), we question and wonder along with them. When they pine, we pine. 

And with so much time spent with them, often over the course of months or years, we get a front row seat to how these characters develop and grow. I mean, when we first met Ben on “Parks and Recreation,” he was the evil guy trying to suck all the fun and joy out of Pawnee. By the end of the series, he was half of one of TV’s most beloved couples and a pillar of the show. That’s the beauty of the slow burn—it’s impossible not to fall in love with them and root for their happy endings. 

### The chemistry
![Janine-and-Gregory-from-Abbott-Elementary](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1yV95cr2T5NGjHYGPoePQs/27779536ab8c7a3a710cb84dc9f1de56/Janine-and-Gregory-from-Abbott-Elementary.jpg)

Slow burns are not for the faint of heart: They are an investment of time, love, and patience. Fans of slow burn couples are tortured and kept on edge for ages. 

So why don’t they give up and find a less [angsty romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/angsty-romance-books/)? 

Because the chemistry between the love interests is just too good to look away from. Just think—If we had given up when the going got tough, we would have missed Janine and Gregory getting together after three whole seasons of “Abbott Elementary!”

From the moment they meet, the chemistry is electric and it’s impossible to turn away. Any interaction could be *it*, the moment when they finally give in to what they’ve been fighting for so long. There’s no way fans are going to turn away from that anticipation!

Which brings us to…

### The Big Moment
![When-Harry-Met-Sally](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1KdoxzxLFec879LUUSi4Pt/66807991f96ade1d148722a5a3467520/When-Harry-Met-Sally.jpg)

This is what we’ve all been waiting for: After months or years of tension and close calls, the main characters finally, *finally* get together. Think Harry running through the streets on New Year's Eve to get to Sally in “When Harry Met Sally” or when Mr. Darcy finally confesses his love to Elizabeth in “[Pride and Prejudice](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1885.Pride_and_Prejudice).”

Sometimes this manifests as a big, elaborate speech or gesture, where one of the characters confesses to all those pent-up feelings (a personal favorite of mine!). Other times the characters just can’t take the tension anymore and snap.

No matter how it plays out, the big moment is raw, real, messy, sweet and everything we fans deserve after having silently (or not so silently…I’ve been known to yell at my Kindle at times) cheering them on from afar. Their giddiness and relief at finally getting together bleeds through the pages and you can *feel* it. There’s nothing better!

The slow burn trope also pairs incredibly well with [other tropes](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romance-tropes/), especially friends-to-lovers and [second chance romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/second-chance-romance/). This trope also works really well paired with a dual timeline format, where parts of the story are told in the present day and parts flashback to the past. This helps fans get an even deeper understanding of the characters’ relationship and is a great way to tack on a little more time for yearning and pining in a creative way.

## What to read
So now that you're invested in the slow burn, what should you read? Here are some faves to get you started! 

- “[The Wall of Winnipeg and Me](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29367958-the-wall-of-winnipeg-and-me)” by Mariana Zapata (really any book by her!)
- “[The Spanish Love Deception](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54189398-the-spanish-love-deception)” by Elena Armas
- “[The Hating Game](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27213238-the-hating-game)” by Sally Thorne
- “[Pinedale Falls](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/pinedale-falls-series/)” by Dipsea
- “[Fourth Wing](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing)” by Rebecca Yarros

If you’ve got more time on your hands, check out [this jam-packed list](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/slow-burn-romance/) of some of our fave slow burn stories.

__Looking for more [slow burn romances](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/slow-burn-tag/) or dying to find another trope you love? Check out Dispea, the app for original spicy audiobooks!__

What do Luke and Lorelai from “Gilmore Girls,” Nick and Jess from “New Girl,” and Jake and Amy from “Brooklyn 99” all have in common (well, apart from being fan-favorite couples)? Yup, you guessed it: all three of these iconic relationships are slow burn romances. From the moment they stepped on our screens we knew the chemistry was there, but it took entire seasons before they got together (and sometimes even longer to get together and stay together). 

So what is it that makes us love the slow burn trope in movies, TV shows, and books? Let’s get into it!

Fair warning: With these love stories, the joy is in the journey, not the destination. While there will (eventually) be a happily ever after, it’s going to take time (not to mention a few twists and turns) to get there. But when they finally—finally!!—confess their true feelings and the sparks fly…watch out! After all that smoldering, when a slow burn romance finally catches fire, it burns hot and it burns bright. So hold on tight and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster (it’s worth it, I promise!). 

## What is a slow burn romance?
What qualifies as a slow burn is hotly debated (I’ll get into that later) but the basic premise is that the connection between the main characters builds slowly over time. There is no love at first sight or instant romance that’s sweet in books but has us rolling our eyes in real life. 

In standalone romance books or movies, this trope manifests as the characters having that “aha!” moment toward the end of the storyline. But in [book series](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-book-series/) or TV shows, the slow burn romance can smolder for ages (I mean, Luke and Lorelai didn’t even kiss until the very end of season 4!) making it that much more satisfying when the characters *finally* decide to give things a shot.

## What qualifies as a slow burn romance?
I’m so glad you asked! The answer to this is complicated and based on personal preference. The general rule of thumb for a slow burn romance is that the characters aren’t going to get together until at least 75% of the way through the plotline. That means that three-quarters of the story is dedicated to the build up alone. 

With so much time dedicated to the pining, angst, and anticipation, fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the pieces to fall into place. You may even find yourself hollering at your Kindle or shouting at your TV, urging these characters to just *figure it out already!* As the audience, we know the characters are meant to be—we just need them to hurry up and figure it out too.  

Does that seem emotionally exhausting and perhaps a touch unnecessary? Maybe. But once you’ve experienced the rush of your favorite characters finally getting together for the first time after all that build up, you’ll understand the hype!

For some, a slow burn relationship isn’t a slow burn if it’s not dragged out. Those fans would argue that it should take multiple books in a series (or seasons of a TV show) for the characters to finally find their way together. Think Ron and Hermione getting together in the final Harry Potter books/movies, or Jim and Pam finally acknowledging their feelings after three seasons of “The Office.” You can see the writing on the wall from day one but you’re going to have to wait years for the payoff. 

In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if the couple gets together at the end or somewhere in the middle. If their love story is filled with “will they or won’t they” moments that make you feel like you’re teetering on the tip of a knife, that’s a slow burn!

## Why we love a slow burn romance
What is it that makes a slow burn romance so insanely good?

### The rollercoaster of emotion
![Haley-and-Andy-from-Modern-Family](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1ZKFVuK8Lx9HVxp5R5pyRk/d8d9efabb68789423c4995fdf9e72944/Haley-and-Andy-from-Modern-Family.jpg)

One of the key elements of a good slow burn is the absolute rollercoaster of emotion these love stories take us on (just because it takes a while to get to the payoff doesn’t mean it’s boring!). Romance novel plotlines can be a touch predictable (we all know it’s going to end in a happy ending, that’s why we consume them!) but with a good slow burn romance, the real reward isn’t in the end destination but the long, winding road to get there. 

And while *most* slow burns end in a happily ever after, there’s the occasional love story that just doesn’t work out, like Haley and Andy from “Modern Family.” Even though they didn’t get together in the end, their will-they-won’t-they relationship had people tuning in week after week. Fans are still debating if they should have been endgame years after the show ended! 

### The characters and character development
![Ben-and-Leslie-from-Parks-and-Recreation](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6GPpBPGez0ddbqCTWqpVr6/38be7cac5fa8c469b101d87185434bde/Ben-and-Leslie-from-Parks-and-Recreation.jpg)

With a slow burner, we get to *really* know the characters. As readers/viewers, we get so invested in the characters because we take the journey with them. 

We get to struggle alongside them in real time while they sort out their feelings. When they question and wonder if a romantic relationship would ever work (or ever even happen), we question and wonder along with them. When they pine, we pine. 

And with so much time spent with them, often over the course of months or years, we get a front row seat to how these characters develop and grow. I mean, when we first met Ben on “Parks and Recreation,” he was the evil guy trying to suck all the fun and joy out of Pawnee. By the end of the series, he was half of one of TV’s most beloved couples and a pillar of the show. That’s the beauty of the slow burn—it’s impossible not to fall in love with them and root for their happy endings. 

### The chemistry
![Janine-and-Gregory-from-Abbott-Elementary](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1yV95cr2T5NGjHYGPoePQs/27779536ab8c7a3a710cb84dc9f1de56/Janine-and-Gregory-from-Abbott-Elementary.jpg)

Slow burns are not for the faint of heart: They are an investment of time, love, and patience. Fans of slow burn couples are tortured and kept on edge for ages. 

So why don’t they give up and find a less [angsty romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/angsty-romance-books/)? 

Because the chemistry between the love interests is just too good to look away from. Just think—If we had given up when the going got tough, we would have missed Janine and Gregory getting together after three whole seasons of “Abbott Elementary!”

From the moment they meet, the chemistry is electric and it’s impossible to turn away. Any interaction could be *it*, the moment when they finally give in to what they’ve been fighting for so long. There’s no way fans are going to turn away from that anticipation!

Which brings us to…

### The Big Moment
![When-Harry-Met-Sally](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1KdoxzxLFec879LUUSi4Pt/66807991f96ade1d148722a5a3467520/When-Harry-Met-Sally.jpg)

This is what we’ve all been waiting for: After months or years of tension and close calls, the main characters finally, *finally* get together. Think Harry running through the streets on New Year's Eve to get to Sally in “When Harry Met Sally” or when Mr. Darcy finally confesses his love to Elizabeth in “[Pride and Prejudice](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1885.Pride_and_Prejudice).”

Sometimes this manifests as a big, elaborate speech or gesture, where one of the characters confesses to all those pent-up feelings (a personal favorite of mine!). Other times the characters just can’t take the tension anymore and snap.

No matter how it plays out, the big moment is raw, real, messy, sweet and everything we fans deserve after having silently (or not so silently…I’ve been known to yell at my Kindle at times) cheering them on from afar. Their giddiness and relief at finally getting together bleeds through the pages and you can *feel* it. There’s nothing better!

The slow burn trope also pairs incredibly well with [other tropes](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romance-tropes/), especially friends-to-lovers and [second chance romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/second-chance-romance/). This trope also works really well paired with a dual timeline format, where parts of the story are told in the present day and parts flashback to the past. This helps fans get an even deeper understanding of the characters’ relationship and is a great way to tack on a little more time for yearning and pining in a creative way.

## What to read
So now that you're invested in the slow burn, what should you read? Here are some faves to get you started! 

- “[The Wall of Winnipeg and Me](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29367958-the-wall-of-winnipeg-and-me)” by Mariana Zapata (really any book by her!)
- “[The Spanish Love Deception](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54189398-the-spanish-love-deception)” by Elena Armas
- “[The Hating Game](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27213238-the-hating-game)” by Sally Thorne
- “[Pinedale Falls](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/pinedale-falls-series/)” by Dipsea
- “[Fourth Wing](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing)” by Rebecca Yarros

If you’ve got more time on your hands, check out [this jam-packed list](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/slow-burn-romance/) of some of our fave slow burn stories.

__Looking for more [slow burn romances](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/slow-burn-tag/) or dying to find another trope you love? Check out Dispea, the app for original spicy audiobooks!__

A slow-moving, pining romance that explodes into a meaningful relationship is a fan favorite. Learn what a slow burn is and why you’re likely so into it.

What is a slow burn? Shows, movies & books that simmer slowly

close-up-shot-of-a-bonfire

In the vast world of romance fiction, few tropes have stood the test of time quite like forbidden love. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers with an ill fate, characters kept apart by social boundaries, or a coupling that could have life-or-death consequences, there’s something about the forbidden love trope that has kept romance fans rapt for generations. But, why exactly, do we keep coming back for more?

## Reasons we love it
If we’re keeping it simple, forbidden love is such a popular trope for one reason: It feels good to be bad. People love breaking the rules and defying expectations, and that’s especially true when it comes to love. But, if we want to go a little more in-depth on the forbidden love trope (and we do), there are a few traits that make romance fans keep coming back for more.

### Emotional conflict
First, there’s the emotional conflict, which is at the heart of forbidden love and creates a powerful tension that drives the narrative. 

Characters in these stories often struggle with intense feelings of desire, guilt, and fear as they wrestle with the implications of their attraction. 

The forbidden nature of the relationship—whether due to societal norms, personal boundaries, or ethical dilemmas—forces them to question their own values and make difficult choices. This internal conflict forces characters to reconcile what they want with what they believe.

### Obstacles
The opposite of internal conflict are external obstacles. These obstacles can be a number of things—societal expectations, familial disapproval, or even personal issues—that prevent the characters from fully pursuing their relationship. 

For example, a workplace romance could have real-life consequences such as being fired from a job or overlooked for a promotion. Not only do these challenges test the couple’s commitment to each other, but it forces them to confront their expectations and priorities. 

This helps them experience growth and transformation, creating the ultimate satisfying ending.

### Pining
Finally, there’s the pining! Sweet, sweet, excruciating pining. 

Due to their relationship being forbidden, characters are often unable to fully express their feelings, leading to a tumultuous internal struggle. This yearning creates an emotional tension that can be both heartbreaking and exhilarating, as they navigate their feelings in secrecy. (Is it just us, or is sneaking around extra spicy?) 

As they grapple with their desires, the tension of pining deepens their connection, making for an even better love story.

## Exploring the genres of forbidden love

### Historical fiction
A forbidden love story that takes place within a historical setting forces characters to face rigid societal expectations surrounding same-sex relationships, class, religion, race, and ethnicity. 

While contemporary romance explores these themes, the consequences in earlier eras were far more severe, creating intense tension and drama.

### Contemporary romance
Contemporary forbidden love usually centers on themes that are taboo in a modern setting, such as:

- Age gap romances
- Workplace romances
- Affairs
- [Student/teacher relationships](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/college-romance-books/)
- Falling for your best friend’s sibling (or parent!)

### Romantasy
While some forbidden love scenarios in other genres can feel like life or death, it’s usually more literal in [fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/). Falling for a sworn enemy during war times? Dangerous, ill-advised, and oh so juicy! 

In a world where magic, fate, and power come into play, the stakes aren’t just high, they’re astronomical.

### Paranormal romance
Paranormal romance has built-in conflict that makes forbidden love all the more alluring. Characters may belong to different worlds, such as:

- Humans and vampires
- Witches and mortals
- Shapeshifters and their prey

This creates inherent conflicts that challenge their connection. 

And when you add supernatural abilities or long-written destinies into the mix, things only get complicated further. The potential consequences create a dramatic element that makes these types of romances unputdownable.

### Young adult romance
Ah, young love. Though the real-life stakes may not feel as high in YA romance, the [emotional angst](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/angsty-romance-books/) is very, very real. 

Falling in love for the first time in high school can seem dramatic enough, but if it’s your best friend’s brother or someone in a different clique? Look out! 

The pressures of adolescence, search for identity, and thrill of first love combine to make a story that makes the characters' journeys feel authentic and relatable.

## Finding forbidden love in media
Forbidden love is such a popular trope that it’s been depicted in the media for decades, even in love songs! (“How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees and “I’d Do Anything for Love” by Meat Loaf being two prime examples.) 

But to start, let’s look at some examples from movies and TV.

Take “Romeo and Juliet” for example. The Shakespeare play was written back in the 16th century and is probably the pop culture blueprint for the forbidden love trope: star-crossed lovers from two warring families who make the ultimate sacrifice for their love. It’s tragic, it’s beautiful, and it’s iconic.

“Brokeback Mountain,” on the other hand, is a historical forbidden love story about [two men falling in love](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/gay-romance-books/). American cowboys Jack and Ennis fall for each other, but are forced to part ways and start families with women since homosexuality was illegal in the 1960s.

![Jack-and-Ennis-from-Brokeback-Mountain](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/RXIepH6JzvDLVLhjAXxoI/2f6ed2357cb2ede663122d9c1ce2c408/Jack-and-Ennis-from-Brokeback-Mountain.jpg)

Speaking of the ‘60s, the class disparity shown in “Dirty Dancing” made Johnny and Baby’s love even more taboo.

Movies like “The Idea of You” and “The Graduate” both feature the taboo trope of an age gap romance. The former follows Anne Hathaway as a mom who falls for a 20-something pop star, the latter on a 21-year-old college graduate who has an affair with his girlfriend’s mother.

![Hayes-and-Solène-from-The-Idea-of-You](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/7lnVZCyW0m4aLsR5fECU79/5bb1eb57b883d2d037ca78ba5772ccb6/Hayes-and-Sole_ne-from-The-Idea-of-You.jpg)

What about a high school setting? “The Breakfast Club” displays an athlete and a basket case, as well as a princess and a criminal, falling for each other despite being in different cliques. 

“Twilight” is a paranormal forbidden love story between a human and a vampire, while “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was a TV show that featured a vampire hunter falling for not one, but two, vampires. Drama!

Move over, “90-Day Fiancé.” There’s a new reality TV show to get obsessed with: “Forbidden Love,” a show that explores what happens when a couple face the hurdle of religion. Whether it’s converting to the Muslim faith, leaving the Amish, or navigating their families’ ultimatums, it’s clear that religion is still a real-life challenge for many couples. Ah, the things you do for love!

![Forbidden-Love](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6PjozMSEZmnoCjaw9WRaKa/8488c2ec3f5fdc13fe71ad51f70027c6/Forbidden-Love.jpg)

One of our ultimate favorite tainted love stories? The TV show “Scandal.” A show about a fixer who falls for the married President of the United States could not get any juicier. 

![Fitz-and-Olivia-from-Scandal](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6E53g2yD9cMz8xu0fgxyDr/d8e9fdee492a039b3ce55d8b89954239/Fitz-and-Olivia-from-Scandal.jpg)

The power dynamics, affair element, societal perceptions—paired with the highest possible stakes and world-ending consequences—made Fitz and Liv’s relationship the ultimate forbidden love story. (No offense to Romeo and Juliet!)

## Trying out the taboo
Ready to say “I do” to forbidden love? These original spicy romance audiobooks from Dipsea are the perfect place to start.

![Off-the-Coast](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1Xp4bzrDQRJ35t1wpt4Ert/ca16c725f1b2e85134454b42f9d1fd40/Off-the-Coast.jpg)

“[Off the Coast](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/off-the-coast-series/)” is a new series that follows Leah, an aspiring writer who moves back to her Maine hometown to work on her short story collection. While lounging on the beach one day, she’s surprised to run into June—the woman her ex-boyfriend Nate cheated on her with. 

Even more surprising is the lack of animosity between them. Instead, there’s a [sizzling chemistry](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/wlw-books/) neither of them can explain. The two hatch a plan to get revenge on Nate and—after crashing his fancy yacht party—stage a kiss that proves to be more troubling to them than Nate. The kiss unearthed a complicated desire for the last person they should want to be with: each other.

![Lecture-Me-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6qCAxInGdtSFmzr9IdT88R/0e9e0e530d749f3feb254a6e2991db22/Lecture-Me-by-Dipsea.jpg)

Nothing says taboo (and steamy!) like a teacher/student relationship. In “[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/lecture-me-series/),” Jane is a student who has just finished her final college class with Professor James. 

When she visits his office to wrap things up, their long-standing attraction bubbles to the surface and they give in to their desires. Are they willing to risk their academic reputations and everything they’ve worked for by pursuing their new forbidden love?

![Wine-Country](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4bHrIJbdGZuDoxdZdaFW6W/fe746959a549a227efd197ce2826a9d8/Wine-Country.jpg)

“[Wine Country](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wine-country-series/)” is about Florence, a vineyard owner who hires an expert to survey the land and critique the wine.

Tim, an attractive Englishman, is curt and ruthless with his assessment, putting them on a bad footing. But once they’ve both consumed too much wine, their disdain for each other goes out the window and is replaced by raw attraction. 

If she starts a relationship with an employee, things could end badly. But Florence may already be too drunk in love to care.

![Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6HHLJVLmtmTE2uzbm1MOCV/419db33d27c53afcf2f150bf674ae987/Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea.jpg)

For Greek mythology with a spicy twist, check out “[Forbidden Fruit](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/forbidden-fruit-series/).” When Persephone leaves the bacchanal in her honor and bumps into Hades, he persuades her to take a little unsanctioned vacation to the Underworld. 

There, Persephone gives into her most hedonistic desire, but when responsibility comes calling, she leaves and returns to Olympus—keeping her relationship with Hades that’s now bound by magic a secret from the other Gods. If they were to be caught, even immortality couldn’t keep them safe.

## Crossing the line for love
Forbidden love has stayed a timeless and beloved trope because it speaks to our universal desires—to love freely, to challenge boundaries, and to defy expectations. The tension between what the heart wants and what society deems acceptable creates high stakes and intense emotions that keep readers coming back to see if love will beat the odds.

Ready to explore even more popular romance tropes and what makes them hot? Dipsea has a finger on the pulse of culture, and our spicy audiobooks are the best romantic fiction brought to life. Don’t just take our word for it—sign up for a [30-day free trial](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=signup30d) and see for yourself!

In the vast world of romance fiction, few tropes have stood the test of time quite like forbidden love. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers with an ill fate, characters kept apart by social boundaries, or a coupling that could have life-or-death consequences, there’s something about the forbidden love trope that has kept romance fans rapt for generations. But, why exactly, do we keep coming back for more?

## Reasons we love it
If we’re keeping it simple, forbidden love is such a popular trope for one reason: It feels good to be bad. People love breaking the rules and defying expectations, and that’s especially true when it comes to love. But, if we want to go a little more in-depth on the forbidden love trope (and we do), there are a few traits that make romance fans keep coming back for more.

### Emotional conflict
First, there’s the emotional conflict, which is at the heart of forbidden love and creates a powerful tension that drives the narrative. 

Characters in these stories often struggle with intense feelings of desire, guilt, and fear as they wrestle with the implications of their attraction. 

The forbidden nature of the relationship—whether due to societal norms, personal boundaries, or ethical dilemmas—forces them to question their own values and make difficult choices. This internal conflict forces characters to reconcile what they want with what they believe.

### Obstacles
The opposite of internal conflict are external obstacles. These obstacles can be a number of things—societal expectations, familial disapproval, or even personal issues—that prevent the characters from fully pursuing their relationship. 

For example, a workplace romance could have real-life consequences such as being fired from a job or overlooked for a promotion. Not only do these challenges test the couple’s commitment to each other, but it forces them to confront their expectations and priorities. 

This helps them experience growth and transformation, creating the ultimate satisfying ending.

### Pining
Finally, there’s the pining! Sweet, sweet, excruciating pining. 

Due to their relationship being forbidden, characters are often unable to fully express their feelings, leading to a tumultuous internal struggle. This yearning creates an emotional tension that can be both heartbreaking and exhilarating, as they navigate their feelings in secrecy. (Is it just us, or is sneaking around extra spicy?) 

As they grapple with their desires, the tension of pining deepens their connection, making for an even better love story.

## Exploring the genres of forbidden love

### Historical fiction
A forbidden love story that takes place within a historical setting forces characters to face rigid societal expectations surrounding same-sex relationships, class, religion, race, and ethnicity. 

While contemporary romance explores these themes, the consequences in earlier eras were far more severe, creating intense tension and drama.

### Contemporary romance
Contemporary forbidden love usually centers on themes that are taboo in a modern setting, such as:

- Age gap romances
- Workplace romances
- Affairs
- [Student/teacher relationships](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/college-romance-books/)
- Falling for your best friend’s sibling (or parent!)

### Romantasy
While some forbidden love scenarios in other genres can feel like life or death, it’s usually more literal in [fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/). Falling for a sworn enemy during war times? Dangerous, ill-advised, and oh so juicy! 

In a world where magic, fate, and power come into play, the stakes aren’t just high, they’re astronomical.

### Paranormal romance
Paranormal romance has built-in conflict that makes forbidden love all the more alluring. Characters may belong to different worlds, such as:

- Humans and vampires
- Witches and mortals
- Shapeshifters and their prey

This creates inherent conflicts that challenge their connection. 

And when you add supernatural abilities or long-written destinies into the mix, things only get complicated further. The potential consequences create a dramatic element that makes these types of romances unputdownable.

### Young adult romance
Ah, young love. Though the real-life stakes may not feel as high in YA romance, the [emotional angst](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/angsty-romance-books/) is very, very real. 

Falling in love for the first time in high school can seem dramatic enough, but if it’s your best friend’s brother or someone in a different clique? Look out! 

The pressures of adolescence, search for identity, and thrill of first love combine to make a story that makes the characters' journeys feel authentic and relatable.

## Finding forbidden love in media
Forbidden love is such a popular trope that it’s been depicted in the media for decades, even in love songs! (“How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees and “I’d Do Anything for Love” by Meat Loaf being two prime examples.) 

But to start, let’s look at some examples from movies and TV.

Take “Romeo and Juliet” for example. The Shakespeare play was written back in the 16th century and is probably the pop culture blueprint for the forbidden love trope: star-crossed lovers from two warring families who make the ultimate sacrifice for their love. It’s tragic, it’s beautiful, and it’s iconic.

“Brokeback Mountain,” on the other hand, is a historical forbidden love story about [two men falling in love](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/gay-romance-books/). American cowboys Jack and Ennis fall for each other, but are forced to part ways and start families with women since homosexuality was illegal in the 1960s.

![Jack-and-Ennis-from-Brokeback-Mountain](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/RXIepH6JzvDLVLhjAXxoI/2f6ed2357cb2ede663122d9c1ce2c408/Jack-and-Ennis-from-Brokeback-Mountain.jpg)

Speaking of the ‘60s, the class disparity shown in “Dirty Dancing” made Johnny and Baby’s love even more taboo.

Movies like “The Idea of You” and “The Graduate” both feature the taboo trope of an age gap romance. The former follows Anne Hathaway as a mom who falls for a 20-something pop star, the latter on a 21-year-old college graduate who has an affair with his girlfriend’s mother.

![Hayes-and-Solène-from-The-Idea-of-You](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/7lnVZCyW0m4aLsR5fECU79/5bb1eb57b883d2d037ca78ba5772ccb6/Hayes-and-Sole_ne-from-The-Idea-of-You.jpg)

What about a high school setting? “The Breakfast Club” displays an athlete and a basket case, as well as a princess and a criminal, falling for each other despite being in different cliques. 

“Twilight” is a paranormal forbidden love story between a human and a vampire, while “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was a TV show that featured a vampire hunter falling for not one, but two, vampires. Drama!

Move over, “90-Day Fiancé.” There’s a new reality TV show to get obsessed with: “Forbidden Love,” a show that explores what happens when a couple face the hurdle of religion. Whether it’s converting to the Muslim faith, leaving the Amish, or navigating their families’ ultimatums, it’s clear that religion is still a real-life challenge for many couples. Ah, the things you do for love!

![Forbidden-Love](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6PjozMSEZmnoCjaw9WRaKa/8488c2ec3f5fdc13fe71ad51f70027c6/Forbidden-Love.jpg)

One of our ultimate favorite tainted love stories? The TV show “Scandal.” A show about a fixer who falls for the married President of the United States could not get any juicier. 

![Fitz-and-Olivia-from-Scandal](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6E53g2yD9cMz8xu0fgxyDr/d8e9fdee492a039b3ce55d8b89954239/Fitz-and-Olivia-from-Scandal.jpg)

The power dynamics, affair element, societal perceptions—paired with the highest possible stakes and world-ending consequences—made Fitz and Liv’s relationship the ultimate forbidden love story. (No offense to Romeo and Juliet!)

## Trying out the taboo
Ready to say “I do” to forbidden love? These original spicy romance audiobooks from Dipsea are the perfect place to start.

![Off-the-Coast](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1Xp4bzrDQRJ35t1wpt4Ert/ca16c725f1b2e85134454b42f9d1fd40/Off-the-Coast.jpg)

“[Off the Coast](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/off-the-coast-series/)” is a new series that follows Leah, an aspiring writer who moves back to her Maine hometown to work on her short story collection. While lounging on the beach one day, she’s surprised to run into June—the woman her ex-boyfriend Nate cheated on her with. 

Even more surprising is the lack of animosity between them. Instead, there’s a [sizzling chemistry](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/wlw-books/) neither of them can explain. The two hatch a plan to get revenge on Nate and—after crashing his fancy yacht party—stage a kiss that proves to be more troubling to them than Nate. The kiss unearthed a complicated desire for the last person they should want to be with: each other.

![Lecture-Me-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6qCAxInGdtSFmzr9IdT88R/0e9e0e530d749f3feb254a6e2991db22/Lecture-Me-by-Dipsea.jpg)

Nothing says taboo (and steamy!) like a teacher/student relationship. In “[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/lecture-me-series/),” Jane is a student who has just finished her final college class with Professor James. 

When she visits his office to wrap things up, their long-standing attraction bubbles to the surface and they give in to their desires. Are they willing to risk their academic reputations and everything they’ve worked for by pursuing their new forbidden love?

![Wine-Country](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4bHrIJbdGZuDoxdZdaFW6W/fe746959a549a227efd197ce2826a9d8/Wine-Country.jpg)

“[Wine Country](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wine-country-series/)” is about Florence, a vineyard owner who hires an expert to survey the land and critique the wine.

Tim, an attractive Englishman, is curt and ruthless with his assessment, putting them on a bad footing. But once they’ve both consumed too much wine, their disdain for each other goes out the window and is replaced by raw attraction. 

If she starts a relationship with an employee, things could end badly. But Florence may already be too drunk in love to care.

![Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6HHLJVLmtmTE2uzbm1MOCV/419db33d27c53afcf2f150bf674ae987/Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea.jpg)

For Greek mythology with a spicy twist, check out “[Forbidden Fruit](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/forbidden-fruit-series/).” When Persephone leaves the bacchanal in her honor and bumps into Hades, he persuades her to take a little unsanctioned vacation to the Underworld. 

There, Persephone gives into her most hedonistic desire, but when responsibility comes calling, she leaves and returns to Olympus—keeping her relationship with Hades that’s now bound by magic a secret from the other Gods. If they were to be caught, even immortality couldn’t keep them safe.

## Crossing the line for love
Forbidden love has stayed a timeless and beloved trope because it speaks to our universal desires—to love freely, to challenge boundaries, and to defy expectations. The tension between what the heart wants and what society deems acceptable creates high stakes and intense emotions that keep readers coming back to see if love will beat the odds.

Ready to explore even more popular romance tropes and what makes them hot? Dipsea has a finger on the pulse of culture, and our spicy audiobooks are the best romantic fiction brought to life. Don’t just take our word for it—sign up for a [30-day free trial](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=signup30d) and see for yourself!

If you love when love breaks the rules, this in-depth exploration of the forbidden love trope in movies, shows, and books will be right up your alley.

Breaking down forbidden love: tropes, genres, and examples

Romeo-and-Juliet

Ever read or listened to a romance story and thought to yourself, “Haven’t I encountered this storyline before?” The reason for that familiarity is because the writer is using a trope. Romance tropes are the heartbeat of the genre, shaping plots and allowing writers to explore endless variations of universal themes, like attraction, passion, and most of all, love. 

Beloved by millions, romance stories rely on familiar tropes to captivate readers and tell compelling love stories. Recurring themes and plot devices, from the classic enemies-to-lovers to the heartwarming second chance romance, create a framework that readers and listeners can rely on. It promises an engaging, comforting narrative structure while leaving room for creativity and surprise.

The enduring appeal of the most popular romance tropes lies in their consistent ability to delight their audience, and ohhh, are they delightful. If you don’t already happen to have a favorite (or 12), you will by the time we’re done sharing ours.

## 12 of the most popular romance tropes

The romance readers of BookTok, Reddit, and beyond are obsessed with these tropes, and so are we!

### 1. Enemies-to-lovers

Enemies-to-lovers sets two people on opposing sides of a conflict until they realize they don’t have to be enemies after all. Having enough passion to hate each other has got to lead somewhere, right? Tons of beloved romance novels feature some seriously heart-tugging tension coupled with (pun intended) witty banter as the opposing pair trades barbs. 

The stages of this trope start with hatred and typically journey through some level of begrudging admiration before climbing the ranks to true love. Sometimes, it’s enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, while other times, it’s enemies forced into proximity to lovers. 

This is a popular office romance trope, like in “[The Hating Game](https://www.amazon.com/Hating-Game-Novel-Sally-Thorne/dp/0062439596/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)” (Sally Thorne) or “[Beautiful Bastard](https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Bastard-Book-1-ebook/dp/B009UVCYLS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17E6UMVNBHJOZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K9qHI7jdJw8CyZEdEs3ywfxZti-_w8PfrrPMeLB-lnZHbCByEXx3EQRkCPfPGisdsCbFz8rLBnXs1bve5-V6C6E24dGVylrX9D-pSWlHubgUTK0OqmXKyIYllHUvzAaKyX-e1porLDONrNDaU9Y6zBNupbhRfyShjGNXgKmZYTZNFOgbMg-7Qs-PrPvwo6QnjZeRYPxpKJyJCCMftZErl48TtMBe0JT7DEKlwfh6AOI.ihYV3Yqs25ySgPcZUZ2REXQNnEI8gmv1jykmRQhX4ww&dib_tag=se&keywords=beautiful+bastard+christina+lauren&qid=1716420794&s=books&sprefix=Beautiful+Bastard%2Cstripbooks%2C350&sr=1-1)” (Christina Lauren). It also works well in romantasies, as any of us “[Fourth Wing](https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Wing-Empyrean-Rebecca-Yarros/dp/1649374046)” (Rebecca Yarros) devotees will tell you. Dipsea’s "[Wings of Winter](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/wings-of-winter-series/)" series is where we’ve been getting our fix lately.

### 2. Forbidden love

Star-crossed lovers is as wildly popular as it is because it *works*. (Romeo and Juliet, anyone?) Sometimes, knowing something is forbidden only serves to make it that much more enticing. 

The forbidden love trope evokes conflicting (and therefore powerful) emotions, with stories featuring protagonists whose love is doomed by external forces, such as family feuds or societal expectations. These characters highlight the pain of unattainable desires, and eventually, love's resilience. Despite a couple’s deep connection, fate conspires to keep them apart, sometimes leading to tragic or bittersweet moments throughout the story—and ultra-satisfying happily ever afters. 

A personal favorite? “[Forbidden Fruit](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/forbidden-fruit-series/).” Hades and Persephone’s story has been retold in all kinds of delicious and swoon-worthy ways because having the King of the Underworld whisk away the Goddess of Spring *never* gets old. Take me away, Your Majesty. 

### 3. Friends-to-lovers

From the other end of the spectrum comes friends-to-lovers, which puts any two buds together, from mildly friendly to attached at the hip since birth. Cherished for its authentic development and the heartwarming journey from friendship to lasting love, this romance trope is an affectionate reminder that love’s strongest foundation is friendship. 

Sibling’s best friend, best friend’s sibling, childhood friends, BFFs, and close coworkers are all common examples of the friends-to-lovers trope. This trope will often start out as a one-sided, seemingly unrequited love, then typically involves an outside catalyst or influence that propels both sides to romance. Think: hidden diary entry confessing a crush, meddling family members pushing them together, etc. 

The shift from a platonic bond to a romantic one gets tested by things like inner personal fears and “should we risk losing our friendship” anxieties. Examples from “When Harry Met Sally” to “[People We Meet on Vacation](https://www.amazon.com/People-Meet-Vacation-Emily-Henry/dp/1984806750)” by Emily Henry to season three of “Bridgerton” apply! 

### 4. Love triangle

The love triangle is eternally satisfying because what better conflict could you hope for? Who will they choose?! 

A love triangle often pits two love interests against each other for the main character’s affection, but this can also transform into a “why choose?”/polyamory situation. From Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, Camelot’s infamous trio, to Peeta, Katniss, and Gale from “The Hunger Games,” many of these setups overlap with friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, and forced proximity. Katniss and Gale, for example, are friends to lovers but she’s in a forced proximity scenario with Peeta. Guinevere and Arthur are an arranged marriage trope, while she and Lancelot are a forbidden romance. 

“[Pinedale Falls](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/pinedale-falls-series/),” an audiobook on the Dipsea app, has got a lock on a love triangle trope. Crush on the two werewolves pining for you and get ready for goosebumps. * puts on headphones *

### 5. Second chance

The [second chance romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/past-love-tag/) trope is when former partners get another shot at love with each other. But let’s be clear—that’s not an encouragement for you to text your ex. Second chance romance can also include the one who got away: When a character always had a crush on someone, but they never made a move. Now they get another shot to profess their love.

A common use of this trope is in small town romances where an old high school flame is reignited, but exes come in all forms! Often the reason for the first breakup is outside of a character’s control and leads to a misunderstanding by their partner. This is usually unresolved by the time they reconnect, then resolved by the end of the story to strengthen their bond. “[Before I Let Go](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Let-Go-Kennedy-Ryan/dp/1538706792/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TSAF0X3F5EXC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qY2BBCDdI5FIDyqn8G7JYfqpiIAPMqBROTuT3Zg9mYKqLSY9akE1VlsGgockCbXNfuRxiJDOxfrx0bn4e0S3jL5sIKriWL8KfFqUorLfXCy-vaA5GFZZGE9IntmlrrWF-zbi38wwL3KaQSDAkf7O0ti6AGaMmeeSNIy8db0QR5TW2p5d1s_HdR6lUMjOlbmIG4eJzUqskSnFUzNiB477RLsaxcX8ZsCNhgayPua8k54.B3HiNtOuT1Oc4uZiobs2UBvsopYeYhpHaWXwx4N9hNU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Before+I+Let+Go&qid=1716420857&s=books&sprefix=beautiful+bastard+christina+lauren%2Cstripbooks%2C472&sr=1-1)” by Kennedy Ryan and “[The Ex Hex](https://www.amazon.com/Ex-Hex-Novel-Erin-Sterling/dp/006302747X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JIVN7V147VJU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PJIBOdpjR57cZBhUa16uUgj2WCWNGIulejIEMPSWN_zm6w6rt55v1LevtPYDW2U81yCnkEMiQ4vZTwiqTmbfON8iTAIp2-ZEl5VuaAc4w_PSpjgivO4uSapSkPkBeKVciaWgz6Mo8LhXHsa5XYyZJQq6J8c00_Ks73PflMukTkddpurAcwLui3yfWgxrX1nohQB0H6rywFOedsOfBYl_HrZxXMYeAwgjFZKCNtLzQE4.Kzwbh5013SYmYgTqY7F_WQBZLg9elGxNuSbTWSWqXRg&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Ex+Hex&qid=1716420887&s=books&sprefix=the+ex+hex%2Cstripbooks%2C268&sr=1-1)” by Erin Stirling do this beautifully. Who doesn’t love a years-old misunderstanding leading to a heated argument that winds up in a spicy scene? 

### 6. Forced proximity

Forced proximity is a romance novel trope that repeatedly puts the main characters in each other’s path until those gorgeous sparks finally ignite. This can take many forms, such as a bodyguard and their charge (“[From Blood and Ash](https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Ash-Jennifer-L-Armentrout/dp/1952457009)” by Jennifer L. Armentrout!), coworkers assigned to the same project, or even arranged marriage. 

This is also where we get the immensely popular and all-too-delectable “only one bed” scene, where two characters have to stay in a room that only has one measly bed to share. Whatever will they do?! 

“[The Unhoneymooners](https://www.amazon.com/Unhoneymooners-Christina-Lauren/dp/1501128035)” by Christina Lauren and “[Moonshadowe Chronicles](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/moonshadowe-chronicles-series/)” by Dipsea both do this exceptionally well. 

### 7. Fake dating

“Let’s pretend to be together to make him jealous!” 
“Convince my parents you’re my longtime girlfriend this Christmas—you owe me.”
“I need to help my friends see I’m not a lost cause. Say you’re my boyfriend, and make sure you sell it.”

We’re already giggling and kicking our feet. The reasons to be in a fake relationship are endless, which is what makes them so fun. The twist always comes when one or both parties inevitably confuse fictional feelings with real ones. Check out “[The Spanish Love Deception](https://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Love-Deception-Novel/dp/1668002523)” by Elena Armas or listen to “[Plus One](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/plus-one-series/)” starring and co-produced by E.R. Fightmaster on Dipsea. You’ll get it. 

### 8. Fated love

The fated lovers trope involves characters whose partnership is destined, typically foretold by a prophecy or supernatural forces. Their bond feels inevitable and highlights the power of destiny in bringing two people together with the eternal message that soul mates are meant to be, regardless of the challenges. 

This is a common plot device used in [romantasy stories](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-romantasy/), especially any involving * ahem * primal instincts. No werewolf/shifter romance is complete without a little “you’re mine”/alpha territorialism, right? The real excitement enters the chat when one or both resist the pull toward each other—even better when the resistance is steeped in a protective instinct that transforms into “I want you to *choose* me.” OMG. 

### 9. Fairytale retellings

Tale as old as time? Some tropes really are too magical not to be reimagined in unique ways. “Beauty and the Beast” is a particularly popular starting point that inspired “[A Court of Thorns and Roses](https://www.amazon.com/Court-Thorns-Roses-Sarah-Maas/dp/1635575567)” by Sarah J. Maas as well as “[Cruel Beauty](https://www.amazon.com/Cruel-Beauty-Rosamund-Hodge/dp/0062224735)” by Rosamund Hodge, but “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty” retellings have undoubtedly made their mark on romance writers as well.

### 10. Marriage of convenience 

Of all the reasons to get hitched quickly and all-too-conveniently, romance authors find dozens of them: political alliances, financial stability, avoiding a social scandal. These tales nearly always start off by treating a couple’s nuptials purely as business arrangements, but once a pair is married, well, it can make for some amorous entanglements, can’t it? 

### 11. Opposites attract

Sometimes, you just can’t fight the chemistry. The grumpy/sunshine pairing, recently rebranded on BookTok and social media as black cat/golden retriever energy, is a classic case of opposites attract, but they come in many forms. “Pride & Prejudice,” “[It Happened One Summer](https://www.amazon.com/Happened-One-Summer-Novel/dp/0063045656)” by Tessa Bailey, and “[Boyfriend Material](https://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-Material-Alexis-Hall/dp/1728206146)” by Alexis Hall all nail this trope exceptionally well with their variations on what makes a couple an unlikely match. 

While plenty of these stories deal with the push and pull of a personality clash, more often than not, it’s outlying forces like family expectations and societal pressures that are the real problem, making for exquisite conflicts and passionate resolutions. Ever read a billionaire romance or even an age gap tale? That’ll do it. 

### 12. One night stand

A brief, impulsive encounter between a couple meeting for the first time. No expectations of catching feelings. A couple of drinks later, and… 

The one night stand trope introduces a couple initially interested in a no-strings-attached arrangement, but when unexpected circumstances bring them back together, it reveals deeper feelings and the potential for a lasting relationship. This trope explores themes of unexpected romance, personal growth, and the transformative power of initial attraction and love at first sight. Chemistry works its magic in mysterious ways, after all.

## Listen to spicy audiobooks with your fave tropes

Do one or more of the above pique your interest? Take a deep dive into tons of juicy tropes with [Dipsea’s collection of stories](https://www.dipseastories.com/), where you can search by your trope of choice or discover new favorites.

Ever read or listened to a romance story and thought to yourself, “Haven’t I encountered this storyline before?” The reason for that familiarity is because the writer is using a trope. Romance tropes are the heartbeat of the genre, shaping plots and allowing writers to explore endless variations of universal themes, like attraction, passion, and most of all, love. 

Beloved by millions, romance stories rely on familiar tropes to captivate readers and tell compelling love stories. Recurring themes and plot devices, from the classic enemies-to-lovers to the heartwarming second chance romance, create a framework that readers and listeners can rely on. It promises an engaging, comforting narrative structure while leaving room for creativity and surprise.

The enduring appeal of the most popular romance tropes lies in their consistent ability to delight their audience, and ohhh, are they delightful. If you don’t already happen to have a favorite (or 12), you will by the time we’re done sharing ours.

## 12 of the most popular romance tropes

The romance readers of BookTok, Reddit, and beyond are obsessed with these tropes, and so are we!

### 1. Enemies-to-lovers

Enemies-to-lovers sets two people on opposing sides of a conflict until they realize they don’t have to be enemies after all. Having enough passion to hate each other has got to lead somewhere, right? Tons of beloved romance novels feature some seriously heart-tugging tension coupled with (pun intended) witty banter as the opposing pair trades barbs. 

The stages of this trope start with hatred and typically journey through some level of begrudging admiration before climbing the ranks to true love. Sometimes, it’s enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, while other times, it’s enemies forced into proximity to lovers. 

This is a popular office romance trope, like in “[The Hating Game](https://www.amazon.com/Hating-Game-Novel-Sally-Thorne/dp/0062439596/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)” (Sally Thorne) or “[Beautiful Bastard](https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Bastard-Book-1-ebook/dp/B009UVCYLS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17E6UMVNBHJOZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K9qHI7jdJw8CyZEdEs3ywfxZti-_w8PfrrPMeLB-lnZHbCByEXx3EQRkCPfPGisdsCbFz8rLBnXs1bve5-V6C6E24dGVylrX9D-pSWlHubgUTK0OqmXKyIYllHUvzAaKyX-e1porLDONrNDaU9Y6zBNupbhRfyShjGNXgKmZYTZNFOgbMg-7Qs-PrPvwo6QnjZeRYPxpKJyJCCMftZErl48TtMBe0JT7DEKlwfh6AOI.ihYV3Yqs25ySgPcZUZ2REXQNnEI8gmv1jykmRQhX4ww&dib_tag=se&keywords=beautiful+bastard+christina+lauren&qid=1716420794&s=books&sprefix=Beautiful+Bastard%2Cstripbooks%2C350&sr=1-1)” (Christina Lauren). It also works well in romantasies, as any of us “[Fourth Wing](https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Wing-Empyrean-Rebecca-Yarros/dp/1649374046)” (Rebecca Yarros) devotees will tell you. Dipsea’s "[Wings of Winter](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/wings-of-winter-series/)" series is where we’ve been getting our fix lately.

### 2. Forbidden love

Star-crossed lovers is as wildly popular as it is because it *works*. (Romeo and Juliet, anyone?) Sometimes, knowing something is forbidden only serves to make it that much more enticing. 

The forbidden love trope evokes conflicting (and therefore powerful) emotions, with stories featuring protagonists whose love is doomed by external forces, such as family feuds or societal expectations. These characters highlight the pain of unattainable desires, and eventually, love's resilience. Despite a couple’s deep connection, fate conspires to keep them apart, sometimes leading to tragic or bittersweet moments throughout the story—and ultra-satisfying happily ever afters. 

A personal favorite? “[Forbidden Fruit](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/forbidden-fruit-series/).” Hades and Persephone’s story has been retold in all kinds of delicious and swoon-worthy ways because having the King of the Underworld whisk away the Goddess of Spring *never* gets old. Take me away, Your Majesty. 

### 3. Friends-to-lovers

From the other end of the spectrum comes friends-to-lovers, which puts any two buds together, from mildly friendly to attached at the hip since birth. Cherished for its authentic development and the heartwarming journey from friendship to lasting love, this romance trope is an affectionate reminder that love’s strongest foundation is friendship. 

Sibling’s best friend, best friend’s sibling, childhood friends, BFFs, and close coworkers are all common examples of the friends-to-lovers trope. This trope will often start out as a one-sided, seemingly unrequited love, then typically involves an outside catalyst or influence that propels both sides to romance. Think: hidden diary entry confessing a crush, meddling family members pushing them together, etc. 

The shift from a platonic bond to a romantic one gets tested by things like inner personal fears and “should we risk losing our friendship” anxieties. Examples from “When Harry Met Sally” to “[People We Meet on Vacation](https://www.amazon.com/People-Meet-Vacation-Emily-Henry/dp/1984806750)” by Emily Henry to season three of “Bridgerton” apply! 

### 4. Love triangle

The love triangle is eternally satisfying because what better conflict could you hope for? Who will they choose?! 

A love triangle often pits two love interests against each other for the main character’s affection, but this can also transform into a “why choose?”/polyamory situation. From Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, Camelot’s infamous trio, to Peeta, Katniss, and Gale from “The Hunger Games,” many of these setups overlap with friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, and forced proximity. Katniss and Gale, for example, are friends to lovers but she’s in a forced proximity scenario with Peeta. Guinevere and Arthur are an arranged marriage trope, while she and Lancelot are a forbidden romance. 

“[Pinedale Falls](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/pinedale-falls-series/),” an audiobook on the Dipsea app, has got a lock on a love triangle trope. Crush on the two werewolves pining for you and get ready for goosebumps. * puts on headphones *

### 5. Second chance

The [second chance romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/past-love-tag/) trope is when former partners get another shot at love with each other. But let’s be clear—that’s not an encouragement for you to text your ex. Second chance romance can also include the one who got away: When a character always had a crush on someone, but they never made a move. Now they get another shot to profess their love.

A common use of this trope is in small town romances where an old high school flame is reignited, but exes come in all forms! Often the reason for the first breakup is outside of a character’s control and leads to a misunderstanding by their partner. This is usually unresolved by the time they reconnect, then resolved by the end of the story to strengthen their bond. “[Before I Let Go](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Let-Go-Kennedy-Ryan/dp/1538706792/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TSAF0X3F5EXC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qY2BBCDdI5FIDyqn8G7JYfqpiIAPMqBROTuT3Zg9mYKqLSY9akE1VlsGgockCbXNfuRxiJDOxfrx0bn4e0S3jL5sIKriWL8KfFqUorLfXCy-vaA5GFZZGE9IntmlrrWF-zbi38wwL3KaQSDAkf7O0ti6AGaMmeeSNIy8db0QR5TW2p5d1s_HdR6lUMjOlbmIG4eJzUqskSnFUzNiB477RLsaxcX8ZsCNhgayPua8k54.B3HiNtOuT1Oc4uZiobs2UBvsopYeYhpHaWXwx4N9hNU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Before+I+Let+Go&qid=1716420857&s=books&sprefix=beautiful+bastard+christina+lauren%2Cstripbooks%2C472&sr=1-1)” by Kennedy Ryan and “[The Ex Hex](https://www.amazon.com/Ex-Hex-Novel-Erin-Sterling/dp/006302747X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JIVN7V147VJU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PJIBOdpjR57cZBhUa16uUgj2WCWNGIulejIEMPSWN_zm6w6rt55v1LevtPYDW2U81yCnkEMiQ4vZTwiqTmbfON8iTAIp2-ZEl5VuaAc4w_PSpjgivO4uSapSkPkBeKVciaWgz6Mo8LhXHsa5XYyZJQq6J8c00_Ks73PflMukTkddpurAcwLui3yfWgxrX1nohQB0H6rywFOedsOfBYl_HrZxXMYeAwgjFZKCNtLzQE4.Kzwbh5013SYmYgTqY7F_WQBZLg9elGxNuSbTWSWqXRg&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Ex+Hex&qid=1716420887&s=books&sprefix=the+ex+hex%2Cstripbooks%2C268&sr=1-1)” by Erin Stirling do this beautifully. Who doesn’t love a years-old misunderstanding leading to a heated argument that winds up in a spicy scene? 

### 6. Forced proximity

Forced proximity is a romance novel trope that repeatedly puts the main characters in each other’s path until those gorgeous sparks finally ignite. This can take many forms, such as a bodyguard and their charge (“[From Blood and Ash](https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Ash-Jennifer-L-Armentrout/dp/1952457009)” by Jennifer L. Armentrout!), coworkers assigned to the same project, or even arranged marriage. 

This is also where we get the immensely popular and all-too-delectable “only one bed” scene, where two characters have to stay in a room that only has one measly bed to share. Whatever will they do?! 

“[The Unhoneymooners](https://www.amazon.com/Unhoneymooners-Christina-Lauren/dp/1501128035)” by Christina Lauren and “[Moonshadowe Chronicles](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/moonshadowe-chronicles-series/)” by Dipsea both do this exceptionally well. 

### 7. Fake dating

“Let’s pretend to be together to make him jealous!” 
“Convince my parents you’re my longtime girlfriend this Christmas—you owe me.”
“I need to help my friends see I’m not a lost cause. Say you’re my boyfriend, and make sure you sell it.”

We’re already giggling and kicking our feet. The reasons to be in a fake relationship are endless, which is what makes them so fun. The twist always comes when one or both parties inevitably confuse fictional feelings with real ones. Check out “[The Spanish Love Deception](https://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Love-Deception-Novel/dp/1668002523)” by Elena Armas or listen to “[Plus One](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/plus-one-series/)” starring and co-produced by E.R. Fightmaster on Dipsea. You’ll get it. 

### 8. Fated love

The fated lovers trope involves characters whose partnership is destined, typically foretold by a prophecy or supernatural forces. Their bond feels inevitable and highlights the power of destiny in bringing two people together with the eternal message that soul mates are meant to be, regardless of the challenges. 

This is a common plot device used in [romantasy stories](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-romantasy/), especially any involving * ahem * primal instincts. No werewolf/shifter romance is complete without a little “you’re mine”/alpha territorialism, right? The real excitement enters the chat when one or both resist the pull toward each other—even better when the resistance is steeped in a protective instinct that transforms into “I want you to *choose* me.” OMG. 

### 9. Fairytale retellings

Tale as old as time? Some tropes really are too magical not to be reimagined in unique ways. “Beauty and the Beast” is a particularly popular starting point that inspired “[A Court of Thorns and Roses](https://www.amazon.com/Court-Thorns-Roses-Sarah-Maas/dp/1635575567)” by Sarah J. Maas as well as “[Cruel Beauty](https://www.amazon.com/Cruel-Beauty-Rosamund-Hodge/dp/0062224735)” by Rosamund Hodge, but “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty” retellings have undoubtedly made their mark on romance writers as well.

### 10. Marriage of convenience 

Of all the reasons to get hitched quickly and all-too-conveniently, romance authors find dozens of them: political alliances, financial stability, avoiding a social scandal. These tales nearly always start off by treating a couple’s nuptials purely as business arrangements, but once a pair is married, well, it can make for some amorous entanglements, can’t it? 

### 11. Opposites attract

Sometimes, you just can’t fight the chemistry. The grumpy/sunshine pairing, recently rebranded on BookTok and social media as black cat/golden retriever energy, is a classic case of opposites attract, but they come in many forms. “Pride & Prejudice,” “[It Happened One Summer](https://www.amazon.com/Happened-One-Summer-Novel/dp/0063045656)” by Tessa Bailey, and “[Boyfriend Material](https://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-Material-Alexis-Hall/dp/1728206146)” by Alexis Hall all nail this trope exceptionally well with their variations on what makes a couple an unlikely match. 

While plenty of these stories deal with the push and pull of a personality clash, more often than not, it’s outlying forces like family expectations and societal pressures that are the real problem, making for exquisite conflicts and passionate resolutions. Ever read a billionaire romance or even an age gap tale? That’ll do it. 

### 12. One night stand

A brief, impulsive encounter between a couple meeting for the first time. No expectations of catching feelings. A couple of drinks later, and… 

The one night stand trope introduces a couple initially interested in a no-strings-attached arrangement, but when unexpected circumstances bring them back together, it reveals deeper feelings and the potential for a lasting relationship. This trope explores themes of unexpected romance, personal growth, and the transformative power of initial attraction and love at first sight. Chemistry works its magic in mysterious ways, after all.

## Listen to spicy audiobooks with your fave tropes

Do one or more of the above pique your interest? Take a deep dive into tons of juicy tropes with [Dipsea’s collection of stories](https://www.dipseastories.com/), where you can search by your trope of choice or discover new favorites.

We are obsessed with these romance tropes, so you probably will be too. From fated love to one night stands, these will have you giggling and kicking your feet.

12 romance tropes that will make you swoon

12RomanceTropes

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Get the story behind the spicy story, and meet the team building the next-gen of romance.

Dipsea | Blog

*Header artwork by [Sampai Arts](https://www.instagram.com/sampaiarts/p/C40bGMKrjVM/)*

Tamlin, a major figure in [Sarah J. Maas’s](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/sarah-j-maas/) “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR) series, is one of the most complicated and debated characters on [#BookTok](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-booktok/).

And here, dear reader, is where I must immediately warn you of spoilers. If you have not read these books (or if the internet hasn’t already spoiled a thing or two), this is as far as you should go...

While Tamlin starts out as the main love interest (I did warn you), his arc takes a handful of unexpected and controversial turns as the series progresses. Tamlin’s journey is one of struggle and loss, though there’s a great deal of controversy as to whether or not he’s owed any sympathy.

## Who is Tamlin?
Introduced as the High Lord of the Spring Court, one of the seven courts in the magical land of Prythian, Tamlin is described as tall and golden-haired with a commanding presence that draws Feyre, the series' protagonist, into his orbit. At first glance, Tamlin embodies all the classic hallmarks of a fairytale hero: strong, protective, powerful, sexy. 

Beneath the polished exterior, though, lies a character battling bone-deep guilt and the heavy weight of responsibility for his people.

Tamlin’s sense of duty is both a blessing and a burden. His desire to shield his court from harm often pushes him to take extreme measures, which makes him a divisive figure within the fandom. It has even given him an incredibly [unattractive nickname](https://www.tiktok.com/@theunsolicited_podcast/video/7344770393732910379) on social media...

## So what makes Tamlin tick?

![Tamlin-and-Feyre-hugging](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4X1qW2qAYJtzIMEqoyCtmq/958292ea5ef1b095666090ebb9d11b05/Tamlin-and-Feyre-hugging.jpg)
*Art by [Sampai Arts](https://www.instagram.com/sampaiarts/p/C38MWW-PFKv/)*

Tamlin’s instinct to protect is central to his character, whether it’s safeguarding Feyre or the Spring Court as a whole. However, this trait is also his downfall. His fierce protectiveness often borders on control issues, especially when it comes to Feyre, and this trait begins to unravel his character in later books. His immense power and strength is a big part of what makes him believe that he can (or *should*) protect anything, regardless of the circumstances.

Tamlin also carries an overwhelming sense of guilt from past decisions and the events that have harmed his court. His failure to prevent a 50-year curse on the Spring Court deeply impacts his behavior throughout the series. This means his relationship with power is complicated. While he wields it with confidence, he struggles with how to balance that power with compassion and empathy. (Kind of necessary qualities for a leader, you know?)

## Tamlin in “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

![Tamlin-and-Feyre](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/7LcInR6chWVzl8iUdHSU1n/d139cfd6f5125b52baefe9f8836f1896/Tamlin-and-Feyre.jpg)
*Art by [Sampai Arts](https://www.instagram.com/sampaiarts/p/C38MWW-PFKv/)*

In the [first book](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659467-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses), abbreviated by fans as ACOTAR, Tamlin appears as the classic fairytale prince in disguise. [Feyre Archeron](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/feyre-archeron/), a human huntress, kills a faerie wolf while hunting in the woods to care for her impoverished family. In retaliation, Tamlin, in his beast form, comes to claim payment for the life she took. Feyre surrenders herself to protect her father and her sisters, Nesta and Elain.

Despite the rough start, Tamlin soon begins to reveal his softer side, and he opens up his home to Feyre, protecting her from Prythian’s dangers and eventually falling in love with her.

Much of ACOTAR is about Feyre’s growing affection for Tamlin as she learns more about the curse placed on him and his court by Amarantha, a powerful villainess who keeps a terrifying grip on Prythian from her court Under the Mountain. 

Tamlin tries to send Feyre away in a last ditch effort to protect her, but Feyre returns to rescue him only to be trapped in a series of challenges while Tamlin is forced to spectate. It’s during this gauntlet that Feyre makes a deal with [Rhysand](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/rhysand-acotar/), the enigmatic and mysterious High Lord of the Night Court and Tamlin’s sworn enemy.

When Feyre defeats Amarantha’s trials, she is turned into a faerie herself, but things between her and Tamlin have irrevocably changed. __Tamlin’s love for Feyre in ACOTAR seems genuine, but it is also a love tainted by fear and control__. By the end of the first book, Tamlin is free from Amarantha’s grip, but his emotional scars are far from healed.

## Tamlin in “A Court of Mist and Fury” (ACOMAF)

![Tamlin-looking-down](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/PsGT6FNDY2MPmT5cgEnJn/80add8bfcab97e2c8c9b0a9535073230/Tamlin-looking-down.jpg)
*Art by [Buy the Books](https://www.instagram.com/buy.the.books/p/Czyo-EnLk4s/)*

This is where things get more complicated—and controversial. 

In “[A Court of Mist and Fury](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659468-a-court-of-mist-and-fury),” Tamlin’s protective nature becomes more stifling and controlling. After the traumatic events Under the Mountain, Feyre suffers from severe PTSD, but instead of helping her heal, Tamlin’s response is to lock her away. Literally. 

He keeps Feyre confined in his estate, trying to shield her from any harm but suffocating her in the process. And don’t even get me started on Ianthe, the manipulative high priestess pulling puppet strings on Tamlin’s behalf.

The second book is a critical turning point in Tamlin’s arc. __His good intentions to protect Feyre morph into something toxic and even abusive__. In trying to control every aspect of her life, he believes he can shield her from every harm, but what Tamlin fails to understand is that Feyre needs freedom and agency to heal. 

His refusal to let her make her own choices only pushes Feyre away. It doesn’t help that the bond she made with a certain High Lord of the Night Court pulls her out of Tamlin’s clutches for a week every month...

Eventually, Feyre escapes to Velaris, the Night Court’s hidden city, with Rhysand’s help (further solidifying my love for his cousin/third-in-command Mor), creating an intense rift between her and Tamlin. Devastated, Tamlin allows his anger at Feyre’s departure to fuel a poisonous urgency to get her back. Enlisting Lucien to capture her back and ignoring her pleas to leave her be, Tamlin only loses his grip on what’s left of his control.

After allying with the King of Hybern, the Big Bad who ranks even higher than Amarantha, in a misguided attempt to "rescue" Feyre, Tamlin unwittingly sets Feyre loose to spy inside of the Spring Court. Aligning himself with a force that wants to destroy everything Feyre holds dear is disastrous and further alienates him from Feyre and readers alike.

## Tamlin in “A Court of Wings and Ruin” (ACOWAR)
In “[A Court of Wings and Ruin](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659472-a-court-of-wings-and-ruin),” Tamlin has fully convinced himself that he is acting in Feyre’s best interest, and although he appears to have resolved to do better by her, he again fails to understand who she truly is. 

Not only have her allegiances shifted to Rhys and the Night Court, she has fully embraced her power as a High Fae (not to mention her secret position as High Lady). Still blinded by his need to possess her rather than partner with her, Tamlin falls further and further into a mania that only strengthens Feyre’s resolve to betray him (to be honest, he totally deserves it).

There’s a pretty tense meeting between the High Lords that’s both alarmingly frustrating and oh-so-very satisfying. Tamlin behaves like a spoiled child slinging insults, but we do get a delicious moment of Azriel’s protective side. IYKYK.

Toward the end of ACOWAR, Tamlin shows a few lingering signs of redemption, though. During the final battle against Hybern, Tamlin puts aside his personal grievances for the sake of the larger cause. 

__While he doesn’t win Feyre back, Tamlin’s willingness to save Rhys’s life demonstrates that he still has a sense of honor and a desire to protect__, even if he has lost sight of how to properly channel those instincts.

## Tamlin in “A Court of Frost and Starlight” (ACOFAS)

![Tamlin](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6fcRfgANYu3QjVhaF2nSzN/8b769c0c59efe5a372e6ce23bb75a3db/Tamlin.jpg)
*Art by [Rokii](https://www.instagram.com/artworks_by_rokii/p/CsWFnRmLrDj/)*

Tamlin’s role in “[A Court of Frost and Starlight](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659471-a-court-of-frost-and-starlight)” is so small, you’d almost miss it if you weren’t paying attention, but his cameo is significant.

We see him as a broken man, isolated and alone in the ruins of his once beautiful estate. The Spring Court has fallen into disrepair, and Tamlin’s emotional state mirrors the decay of his surroundings. He’s bitter and regretful, grappling with the consequences of his actions.

__This is where readers get a more sympathetic look at Tamlin__. He’s a character who has lost everything—his love, his power, his purpose. While his actions in previous books were harmful, this quieter portrayal shows a man who is coming to terms with his failures. 

And no, I’m not trying to sway you in any direction. Personally, I think he needs to suffer a lot longer before he gets anything resembling a redemption arc, but that’s up to our girl SJM.

## What could be next for Tamlin?
Tamlin’s arc is one of the most tragic in the ACOTAR series. He starts out as a hero and protector, but his inability to cope with his trauma and fear leads him down a path of control and desperation. 

__By the end of the series, he is a broken character who has lost almost everything.__ 

While there’s almost no mention at all of him in the fifth ACOTAR book “[A Court of Silver Flames” (ACOSF)](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138095-a-court-of-silver-flames), the specter of him remains, leaving fans to wonder if there’s more to his story than we’ve gotten so far.

What makes Tamlin compelling is that he’s not a one-dimensional "bad guy." His journey is complex, and while plenty of readers may be disappointed in him, there’s also an undercurrent of pity. He’s a character who wanted to do the right thing but consistently made the wrong choices. (Again, not defending the guy. He hasn’t been my fave since midway through book one.)

__Ultimately, though, Tamlin represents the dangers of unchecked power and the toll of emotional scars__. He might not have ended up as the series’ hero, but his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of healing from deep emotional wounds and the consequences of not facing one’s demons, an element I don’t think Sarah J. Maas is quite done exploring yet. 

Love him or hate him, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tamlin popped up again in books to come.

If you’ve finished the series and want to cure your ACOTAR hangover, we’ve got [11 books you should read next](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/books-like-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/).

*Header artwork by [Sampai Arts](https://www.instagram.com/sampaiarts/p/C40bGMKrjVM/)*

Tamlin, a major figure in [Sarah J. Maas’s](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/sarah-j-maas/) “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR) series, is one of the most complicated and debated characters on [#BookTok](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-booktok/).

And here, dear reader, is where I must immediately warn you of spoilers. If you have not read these books (or if the internet hasn’t already spoiled a thing or two), this is as far as you should go...

While Tamlin starts out as the main love interest (I did warn you), his arc takes a handful of unexpected and controversial turns as the series progresses. Tamlin’s journey is one of struggle and loss, though there’s a great deal of controversy as to whether or not he’s owed any sympathy.

## Who is Tamlin?
Introduced as the High Lord of the Spring Court, one of the seven courts in the magical land of Prythian, Tamlin is described as tall and golden-haired with a commanding presence that draws Feyre, the series' protagonist, into his orbit. At first glance, Tamlin embodies all the classic hallmarks of a fairytale hero: strong, protective, powerful, sexy. 

Beneath the polished exterior, though, lies a character battling bone-deep guilt and the heavy weight of responsibility for his people.

Tamlin’s sense of duty is both a blessing and a burden. His desire to shield his court from harm often pushes him to take extreme measures, which makes him a divisive figure within the fandom. It has even given him an incredibly [unattractive nickname](https://www.tiktok.com/@theunsolicited_podcast/video/7344770393732910379) on social media...

## So what makes Tamlin tick?

![Tamlin-and-Feyre-hugging](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4X1qW2qAYJtzIMEqoyCtmq/958292ea5ef1b095666090ebb9d11b05/Tamlin-and-Feyre-hugging.jpg)
*Art by [Sampai Arts](https://www.instagram.com/sampaiarts/p/C38MWW-PFKv/)*

Tamlin’s instinct to protect is central to his character, whether it’s safeguarding Feyre or the Spring Court as a whole. However, this trait is also his downfall. His fierce protectiveness often borders on control issues, especially when it comes to Feyre, and this trait begins to unravel his character in later books. His immense power and strength is a big part of what makes him believe that he can (or *should*) protect anything, regardless of the circumstances.

Tamlin also carries an overwhelming sense of guilt from past decisions and the events that have harmed his court. His failure to prevent a 50-year curse on the Spring Court deeply impacts his behavior throughout the series. This means his relationship with power is complicated. While he wields it with confidence, he struggles with how to balance that power with compassion and empathy. (Kind of necessary qualities for a leader, you know?)

## Tamlin in “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

![Tamlin-and-Feyre](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/7LcInR6chWVzl8iUdHSU1n/d139cfd6f5125b52baefe9f8836f1896/Tamlin-and-Feyre.jpg)
*Art by [Sampai Arts](https://www.instagram.com/sampaiarts/p/C38MWW-PFKv/)*

In the [first book](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659467-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses), abbreviated by fans as ACOTAR, Tamlin appears as the classic fairytale prince in disguise. [Feyre Archeron](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/feyre-archeron/), a human huntress, kills a faerie wolf while hunting in the woods to care for her impoverished family. In retaliation, Tamlin, in his beast form, comes to claim payment for the life she took. Feyre surrenders herself to protect her father and her sisters, Nesta and Elain.

Despite the rough start, Tamlin soon begins to reveal his softer side, and he opens up his home to Feyre, protecting her from Prythian’s dangers and eventually falling in love with her.

Much of ACOTAR is about Feyre’s growing affection for Tamlin as she learns more about the curse placed on him and his court by Amarantha, a powerful villainess who keeps a terrifying grip on Prythian from her court Under the Mountain. 

Tamlin tries to send Feyre away in a last ditch effort to protect her, but Feyre returns to rescue him only to be trapped in a series of challenges while Tamlin is forced to spectate. It’s during this gauntlet that Feyre makes a deal with [Rhysand](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/rhysand-acotar/), the enigmatic and mysterious High Lord of the Night Court and Tamlin’s sworn enemy.

When Feyre defeats Amarantha’s trials, she is turned into a faerie herself, but things between her and Tamlin have irrevocably changed. __Tamlin’s love for Feyre in ACOTAR seems genuine, but it is also a love tainted by fear and control__. By the end of the first book, Tamlin is free from Amarantha’s grip, but his emotional scars are far from healed.

## Tamlin in “A Court of Mist and Fury” (ACOMAF)

![Tamlin-looking-down](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/PsGT6FNDY2MPmT5cgEnJn/80add8bfcab97e2c8c9b0a9535073230/Tamlin-looking-down.jpg)
*Art by [Buy the Books](https://www.instagram.com/buy.the.books/p/Czyo-EnLk4s/)*

This is where things get more complicated—and controversial. 

In “[A Court of Mist and Fury](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659468-a-court-of-mist-and-fury),” Tamlin’s protective nature becomes more stifling and controlling. After the traumatic events Under the Mountain, Feyre suffers from severe PTSD, but instead of helping her heal, Tamlin’s response is to lock her away. Literally. 

He keeps Feyre confined in his estate, trying to shield her from any harm but suffocating her in the process. And don’t even get me started on Ianthe, the manipulative high priestess pulling puppet strings on Tamlin’s behalf.

The second book is a critical turning point in Tamlin’s arc. __His good intentions to protect Feyre morph into something toxic and even abusive__. In trying to control every aspect of her life, he believes he can shield her from every harm, but what Tamlin fails to understand is that Feyre needs freedom and agency to heal. 

His refusal to let her make her own choices only pushes Feyre away. It doesn’t help that the bond she made with a certain High Lord of the Night Court pulls her out of Tamlin’s clutches for a week every month...

Eventually, Feyre escapes to Velaris, the Night Court’s hidden city, with Rhysand’s help (further solidifying my love for his cousin/third-in-command Mor), creating an intense rift between her and Tamlin. Devastated, Tamlin allows his anger at Feyre’s departure to fuel a poisonous urgency to get her back. Enlisting Lucien to capture her back and ignoring her pleas to leave her be, Tamlin only loses his grip on what’s left of his control.

After allying with the King of Hybern, the Big Bad who ranks even higher than Amarantha, in a misguided attempt to "rescue" Feyre, Tamlin unwittingly sets Feyre loose to spy inside of the Spring Court. Aligning himself with a force that wants to destroy everything Feyre holds dear is disastrous and further alienates him from Feyre and readers alike.

## Tamlin in “A Court of Wings and Ruin” (ACOWAR)
In “[A Court of Wings and Ruin](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659472-a-court-of-wings-and-ruin),” Tamlin has fully convinced himself that he is acting in Feyre’s best interest, and although he appears to have resolved to do better by her, he again fails to understand who she truly is. 

Not only have her allegiances shifted to Rhys and the Night Court, she has fully embraced her power as a High Fae (not to mention her secret position as High Lady). Still blinded by his need to possess her rather than partner with her, Tamlin falls further and further into a mania that only strengthens Feyre’s resolve to betray him (to be honest, he totally deserves it).

There’s a pretty tense meeting between the High Lords that’s both alarmingly frustrating and oh-so-very satisfying. Tamlin behaves like a spoiled child slinging insults, but we do get a delicious moment of Azriel’s protective side. IYKYK.

Toward the end of ACOWAR, Tamlin shows a few lingering signs of redemption, though. During the final battle against Hybern, Tamlin puts aside his personal grievances for the sake of the larger cause. 

__While he doesn’t win Feyre back, Tamlin’s willingness to save Rhys’s life demonstrates that he still has a sense of honor and a desire to protect__, even if he has lost sight of how to properly channel those instincts.

## Tamlin in “A Court of Frost and Starlight” (ACOFAS)

![Tamlin](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6fcRfgANYu3QjVhaF2nSzN/8b769c0c59efe5a372e6ce23bb75a3db/Tamlin.jpg)
*Art by [Rokii](https://www.instagram.com/artworks_by_rokii/p/CsWFnRmLrDj/)*

Tamlin’s role in “[A Court of Frost and Starlight](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659471-a-court-of-frost-and-starlight)” is so small, you’d almost miss it if you weren’t paying attention, but his cameo is significant.

We see him as a broken man, isolated and alone in the ruins of his once beautiful estate. The Spring Court has fallen into disrepair, and Tamlin’s emotional state mirrors the decay of his surroundings. He’s bitter and regretful, grappling with the consequences of his actions.

__This is where readers get a more sympathetic look at Tamlin__. He’s a character who has lost everything—his love, his power, his purpose. While his actions in previous books were harmful, this quieter portrayal shows a man who is coming to terms with his failures. 

And no, I’m not trying to sway you in any direction. Personally, I think he needs to suffer a lot longer before he gets anything resembling a redemption arc, but that’s up to our girl SJM.

## What could be next for Tamlin?
Tamlin’s arc is one of the most tragic in the ACOTAR series. He starts out as a hero and protector, but his inability to cope with his trauma and fear leads him down a path of control and desperation. 

__By the end of the series, he is a broken character who has lost almost everything.__ 

While there’s almost no mention at all of him in the fifth ACOTAR book “[A Court of Silver Flames” (ACOSF)](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138095-a-court-of-silver-flames), the specter of him remains, leaving fans to wonder if there’s more to his story than we’ve gotten so far.

What makes Tamlin compelling is that he’s not a one-dimensional "bad guy." His journey is complex, and while plenty of readers may be disappointed in him, there’s also an undercurrent of pity. He’s a character who wanted to do the right thing but consistently made the wrong choices. (Again, not defending the guy. He hasn’t been my fave since midway through book one.)

__Ultimately, though, Tamlin represents the dangers of unchecked power and the toll of emotional scars__. He might not have ended up as the series’ hero, but his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of healing from deep emotional wounds and the consequences of not facing one’s demons, an element I don’t think Sarah J. Maas is quite done exploring yet. 

Love him or hate him, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tamlin popped up again in books to come.

If you’ve finished the series and want to cure your ACOTAR hangover, we’ve got [11 books you should read next](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/books-like-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/).

Tragic hero or toxic predator? Hurting or harmful? Read this recap and analysis of Tamlin’s journey through the ACOTAR series and decide for yourself.

The rise and fall of Tamlin in ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’

Tamlin-ACOTAR

We know what you’re thinking—why are so many people into the dark romance trope? After all, romance is usually portrayed in bubbly rom-coms with quotable one-liners or sweeping, passionate dramas that leave us in tears (looking at you, Nicholas Sparks!).

Yet, #darkromance has racked up 2.2 million views on TikTok and there are nearly 50,000 books shelved under the trope on Goodreads, so clearly, people are loving it. But what is it about dark love that has captivated so many?

Well, let us break it down for you. Here’s why dark romance is so deliciously intoxicating.

## Why readers (and listeners) love the dark romance trope
It might seem counterintuitive—why would people want to read about things that are intense or scary? Especially when it comes to romance. But there's so many elements at play in these stories that make them compelling. Here's just a few...

### Complex, flawed characters
Most romance novels center on characters who, sure, have problems, but they’re good people at the end of the day. The same can’t be said for dark romance. Some of these characters are often violent at worst, or manipulative and criminal at best. But, being human is messy, complicated, and raw. While we may not support their actions, we often relate to their internal struggles, attempts at overcoming trauma, and desire to be better.

### Exploration of taboo themes
Some rules are meant to be broken, and that’s especially true for [dark romances that touch on taboo themes](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-dark-romance/). Age gaps, forbidden romance, and unbalanced power dynamics are just a few subgenres of romance that can be found within the dark romance trope. Taboo love stories have an element of risk that adds to the drama, while also challenging societal norms. It dares readers to defy the expected and follow their hearts.

### Tension and danger
Imagine that edge-of-your-seat thrill you get from watching suspense movies, but applied to a love story. [Dark romance books](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-dark-romance-books/) thrive on high-stakes situations—life-or-death realities, dangerous feuds, or characters teetering on the edge of destruction. Whether it’s a murderous vigilante or a supernatural battle, the ever-present danger stokes the flames of desire, making every stolen kiss or whispered endearment all the more intense and meaningful.

### Redemption arcs
The “I can fix him” trope might raise red flags in real life, but in fiction? We’re here for it! Watching a character who seems beyond saving slowly change for the better because they’ve fallen in love is such a satisfying resolution.

## Sub-genres of dark romance
Another thing we love about dark romance is that it’s not one size fits all. There are so many shades of the genre to explore, but here are some of our favorites.

### Paranormal dark romance
Remember the scene from “Twilight” when Edward saved Bella from getting killed by James? It was an intense, high-stakes, life-or-death scenario that was par for the course in this world of vampires. But it was also crazy romantic. If you want that vibe all the time—featuring not only vampires, but werewolves, witches, and other things that go bump in the night—paranormal dark romance is for you.

### Post-apocalyptic dark romance
“Walking Dead” Rick and Michonne shippers, this one’s for you. Whether it’s zombies, an alien invasion, or a mysterious contagion, this type of dark romance sees people falling in love even when the world as they know it is over.

### Mafia romance
We’re going to make you an offer you can’t refuse—mafia romance. This sub-genre usually follows a member of an organized crime family who falls for an outsider or a member in a rival family. There’s themes of loyalty, family, forbidden love, and sacrifice. Curious about more? Add “[The Sweetest Oblivion](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion)” by Danielle Lori to your Kindle!

### Gothic romance
Gothic romance is all about atmosphere. We’re talking eerie moors, haunted castles, and spooky forests. Think “Rebecca,” “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” or the more recent “Crimson Peak.” Gothic romance has an element of mystery, brooding heroes, and just a tinge of horror.

### Psychological thriller romance
If you love Colleen Hoover and Gillian Flynn, you love psychological thriller romance. This sub-genre has dark themes like secrets, obsession, manipulation, stalking, and more. Exploring all the dark parts of the human psyche, this one has twists and turns that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

### Historical dark romance
Imagine a dark romance set during a time when there’s limited technology, societal constraints, class divisions, and more. A setting where even a touch of the hand or sight of an ankle could be taboo adds a whole other layer to the conflicts and stakes of a dark romance.

## Alluring anti-heroes in pop culture
Now, what if we told you you’ve watched the dark romance trope play out in your favorite TV shows and movies...and didn’t even realize it?

![Villanelle-and-Eve-from-Killing-Eve](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4bWBaYGBI3hwnqsMzWtfSH/0d53ced855384ecb51f0cba8ff4d21dd/Villanelle-and-Eve-from-Killing-Eve.jpg)

Take “__Killing Eve__,” for example. Yes, it’s a dark spy thriller that features a serial killer assassin and MI6 investigator caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse. But in their game of chase, Eve and Villanelle become obsessed with each other, transforming their hunt into a [sapphic dark romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/lesbian-romance-books/). The danger, life and death stakes, and morally gray characters had fans tuning in every week. (If you want a book recommendation with this vibe, check out “[Haunting Adeline](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58763686-haunting-adeline?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MgxWLwhu1K&rank=1).”)

![Don-Massimo-choking-Laura-from-365-Days](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5GFMe8VKvOmTKLEqxdjy9q/c1f1c951d87d5d46be1f8bbda1161b8b/Don-Massimo-choking-Laura-from-365-Days.jpg)

Or consider Netflix’s “__365 Days__.“ The spicy Polish thriller may have been panned by critics, but it was viewed over 25 million times the month of its release. The mafia romance is about a woman who’s kidnapped by a mob boss and held prisoner for 365 days until she falls in love with him. You’d think the dubious consent and criminal MMC (male main character) would deter people, but the “[touch her and die](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/touch-her-and-die-trope/)” and “who hurt you” tropes hit every time.

![Kylo-and-Rey-from-Star-Wars](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6ng32584EXoZYO5DWZCNTZ/f38bafc93073793067d8be442c1cd229/Kylo-and-Rey-from-Star-Wars.jpg)

Kylo Ren and Rey? “__Star Wars__” fans know exactly what we’re talking about. Kylo Ren is the epitome of a dark romance anti-hero—a tortured soul drawn to the light by Rey, his natural enemy. Even though he’s committed heinous acts, their complex connection through the Force brings them together.

[Fans of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-trope/) will love “[The Love Hypothesis](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56732449-the-love-hypothesis)” by Ali Hazelwood, an [academia romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/college-romance-books/) loosely inspired by Kylo and Rey’s relationship.

![The-Love-Hypothesis-by-Ali-Hazelwood](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/BsPpYqzqORcsW9M0a18cO/10b2a1eaabffdd259f4b8dca8128d934/The-Love-Hypothesis-by-Ali-Hazelwood.jpg)

We know, we know. “__Beauty and the Beast__” is a cherished classic, and we would never besmirch it. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that this is technically a dark romance fairytale. A prince cursed into being a beast holds a young woman prisoner while an angry mob hunts him down? Sounds pretty dark to us. But, it’s also one of the best love stories out there because of its sweet redemption arc and happy ending. 

## How do we make dark romance? 
At Dipsea, we approach making dark romance with lots of care and always with the female gaze front and center. That means creating excitement, drama, and even a bit of danger without compromising our characters. We want to create a character universe that feels equal parts exciting and empowering and we work hard to find that balance.

Ready to check out some dark romance? These original spicy audio stories from Dipsea are a great place to start!

![Avalon-Academy-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1JuKNh8yPIzH3YRls89Jxu/6d49eadddaec0d6c71c586ee14375e57/Avalon-Academy-by-Dipsea.jpg)

If you’ve ever read “Harry Potter” fanfic about Hermione and Malfoy (“Manacled” girlies rise), you’ll love “[Avalon Academy](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/avalon-academy-series/).” This original spicy [dark fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/dark-fantasy-romance-books/) follows Evie Blackwell, a new student at a magical college who plans to study as a Healer alongside her overprotective boyfriend—until the sorting ceremony reveals she actually has the power of Seeing. Soon she finds herself entangled in not only dark magic, but also a love triangle with her boyfriend Elliot…and the mysterious and rebellious Rory.

![Wicked-Words-on-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6GWCUgsJwoUEXoHF2eXh7/fd7202defb6cf40a5554c887af0bad56/Wicked-Words-on-Dipsea.jpg)

“[Wicked Words](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wicked-words-series/)” centers on Adrienne Stone, a celebrity biographer who gets roped into writing a book on bad boy billionaire Alexander Blackwood when he helps her family out of a financial bind. At first, the two don’t get along. But when Adrienne moves into his English estate, the ice between them thaws and the chemistry heats up...especially when Adrienne discovers Alexander’s BDSM bunker.

![Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3i4YqLlYIkC0JeODiUUZy2/7dc801f7da97cfb3d57ab8c4734276af/Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea.jpg)

Fans of paranormal romance and Greek mythology should bite into “[Forbidden Fruit](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/forbidden-fruit-series/).” The spicy retelling follows the God of the Underworld, Hades, and the Goddess of Spring, Persephone. Uninterested with her newfound responsibilities on Olympus, Persephone follows Hades to the Underworld for a hedonistic vacation that turns into a passionate forbidden romance.

![Truth-or-Dare](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/n0oLkFJIEycADDGTlQ6cV/7792ce0e97c2b1d4c20278822edae816/Truth-or-Dare.jpg)

From a public library to a box at the opera, “[Truth or Dare](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/truth-or-dare-series/)” features two strangers, Quentin and Nadia, having weekly spicy meetups in public places. They use this steamy challenge to explore parks, art galleries, music festivals, their workplaces, and even an open house. Forbidden feels so good when you’ve met your adventurous match!

## Embracing the dark side
Ready to explore dark romance yourself? Whether you’re captivated by brooding anti-heroes, tantalized by forbidden love, or addicted to high-stakes drama, dark romance has something for every reader who craves intensity—and Dipsea’s original audio stories let you experience these tropes in a completely immersive, audio-first way. 

Sign up for a [free 30-day trial](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=signup30d) and discover a whole new side of romance—one that’s dangerous, thrilling, and utterly irresistible.

We know what you’re thinking—why are so many people into the dark romance trope? After all, romance is usually portrayed in bubbly rom-coms with quotable one-liners or sweeping, passionate dramas that leave us in tears (looking at you, Nicholas Sparks!).

Yet, #darkromance has racked up 2.2 million views on TikTok and there are nearly 50,000 books shelved under the trope on Goodreads, so clearly, people are loving it. But what is it about dark love that has captivated so many?

Well, let us break it down for you. Here’s why dark romance is so deliciously intoxicating.

## Why readers (and listeners) love the dark romance trope
It might seem counterintuitive—why would people want to read about things that are intense or scary? Especially when it comes to romance. But there's so many elements at play in these stories that make them compelling. Here's just a few...

### Complex, flawed characters
Most romance novels center on characters who, sure, have problems, but they’re good people at the end of the day. The same can’t be said for dark romance. Some of these characters are often violent at worst, or manipulative and criminal at best. But, being human is messy, complicated, and raw. While we may not support their actions, we often relate to their internal struggles, attempts at overcoming trauma, and desire to be better.

### Exploration of taboo themes
Some rules are meant to be broken, and that’s especially true for [dark romances that touch on taboo themes](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-dark-romance/). Age gaps, forbidden romance, and unbalanced power dynamics are just a few subgenres of romance that can be found within the dark romance trope. Taboo love stories have an element of risk that adds to the drama, while also challenging societal norms. It dares readers to defy the expected and follow their hearts.

### Tension and danger
Imagine that edge-of-your-seat thrill you get from watching suspense movies, but applied to a love story. [Dark romance books](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-dark-romance-books/) thrive on high-stakes situations—life-or-death realities, dangerous feuds, or characters teetering on the edge of destruction. Whether it’s a murderous vigilante or a supernatural battle, the ever-present danger stokes the flames of desire, making every stolen kiss or whispered endearment all the more intense and meaningful.

### Redemption arcs
The “I can fix him” trope might raise red flags in real life, but in fiction? We’re here for it! Watching a character who seems beyond saving slowly change for the better because they’ve fallen in love is such a satisfying resolution.

## Sub-genres of dark romance
Another thing we love about dark romance is that it’s not one size fits all. There are so many shades of the genre to explore, but here are some of our favorites.

### Paranormal dark romance
Remember the scene from “Twilight” when Edward saved Bella from getting killed by James? It was an intense, high-stakes, life-or-death scenario that was par for the course in this world of vampires. But it was also crazy romantic. If you want that vibe all the time—featuring not only vampires, but werewolves, witches, and other things that go bump in the night—paranormal dark romance is for you.

### Post-apocalyptic dark romance
“Walking Dead” Rick and Michonne shippers, this one’s for you. Whether it’s zombies, an alien invasion, or a mysterious contagion, this type of dark romance sees people falling in love even when the world as they know it is over.

### Mafia romance
We’re going to make you an offer you can’t refuse—mafia romance. This sub-genre usually follows a member of an organized crime family who falls for an outsider or a member in a rival family. There’s themes of loyalty, family, forbidden love, and sacrifice. Curious about more? Add “[The Sweetest Oblivion](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion)” by Danielle Lori to your Kindle!

### Gothic romance
Gothic romance is all about atmosphere. We’re talking eerie moors, haunted castles, and spooky forests. Think “Rebecca,” “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” or the more recent “Crimson Peak.” Gothic romance has an element of mystery, brooding heroes, and just a tinge of horror.

### Psychological thriller romance
If you love Colleen Hoover and Gillian Flynn, you love psychological thriller romance. This sub-genre has dark themes like secrets, obsession, manipulation, stalking, and more. Exploring all the dark parts of the human psyche, this one has twists and turns that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

### Historical dark romance
Imagine a dark romance set during a time when there’s limited technology, societal constraints, class divisions, and more. A setting where even a touch of the hand or sight of an ankle could be taboo adds a whole other layer to the conflicts and stakes of a dark romance.

## Alluring anti-heroes in pop culture
Now, what if we told you you’ve watched the dark romance trope play out in your favorite TV shows and movies...and didn’t even realize it?

![Villanelle-and-Eve-from-Killing-Eve](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4bWBaYGBI3hwnqsMzWtfSH/0d53ced855384ecb51f0cba8ff4d21dd/Villanelle-and-Eve-from-Killing-Eve.jpg)

Take “__Killing Eve__,” for example. Yes, it’s a dark spy thriller that features a serial killer assassin and MI6 investigator caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse. But in their game of chase, Eve and Villanelle become obsessed with each other, transforming their hunt into a [sapphic dark romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/lesbian-romance-books/). The danger, life and death stakes, and morally gray characters had fans tuning in every week. (If you want a book recommendation with this vibe, check out “[Haunting Adeline](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58763686-haunting-adeline?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MgxWLwhu1K&rank=1).”)

![Don-Massimo-choking-Laura-from-365-Days](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5GFMe8VKvOmTKLEqxdjy9q/c1f1c951d87d5d46be1f8bbda1161b8b/Don-Massimo-choking-Laura-from-365-Days.jpg)

Or consider Netflix’s “__365 Days__.“ The spicy Polish thriller may have been panned by critics, but it was viewed over 25 million times the month of its release. The mafia romance is about a woman who’s kidnapped by a mob boss and held prisoner for 365 days until she falls in love with him. You’d think the dubious consent and criminal MMC (male main character) would deter people, but the “[touch her and die](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/touch-her-and-die-trope/)” and “who hurt you” tropes hit every time.

![Kylo-and-Rey-from-Star-Wars](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6ng32584EXoZYO5DWZCNTZ/f38bafc93073793067d8be442c1cd229/Kylo-and-Rey-from-Star-Wars.jpg)

Kylo Ren and Rey? “__Star Wars__” fans know exactly what we’re talking about. Kylo Ren is the epitome of a dark romance anti-hero—a tortured soul drawn to the light by Rey, his natural enemy. Even though he’s committed heinous acts, their complex connection through the Force brings them together.

[Fans of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-trope/) will love “[The Love Hypothesis](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56732449-the-love-hypothesis)” by Ali Hazelwood, an [academia romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/college-romance-books/) loosely inspired by Kylo and Rey’s relationship.

![The-Love-Hypothesis-by-Ali-Hazelwood](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/BsPpYqzqORcsW9M0a18cO/10b2a1eaabffdd259f4b8dca8128d934/The-Love-Hypothesis-by-Ali-Hazelwood.jpg)

We know, we know. “__Beauty and the Beast__” is a cherished classic, and we would never besmirch it. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that this is technically a dark romance fairytale. A prince cursed into being a beast holds a young woman prisoner while an angry mob hunts him down? Sounds pretty dark to us. But, it’s also one of the best love stories out there because of its sweet redemption arc and happy ending. 

## How do we make dark romance? 
At Dipsea, we approach making dark romance with lots of care and always with the female gaze front and center. That means creating excitement, drama, and even a bit of danger without compromising our characters. We want to create a character universe that feels equal parts exciting and empowering and we work hard to find that balance.

Ready to check out some dark romance? These original spicy audio stories from Dipsea are a great place to start!

![Avalon-Academy-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1JuKNh8yPIzH3YRls89Jxu/6d49eadddaec0d6c71c586ee14375e57/Avalon-Academy-by-Dipsea.jpg)

If you’ve ever read “Harry Potter” fanfic about Hermione and Malfoy (“Manacled” girlies rise), you’ll love “[Avalon Academy](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/avalon-academy-series/).” This original spicy [dark fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/dark-fantasy-romance-books/) follows Evie Blackwell, a new student at a magical college who plans to study as a Healer alongside her overprotective boyfriend—until the sorting ceremony reveals she actually has the power of Seeing. Soon she finds herself entangled in not only dark magic, but also a love triangle with her boyfriend Elliot…and the mysterious and rebellious Rory.

![Wicked-Words-on-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6GWCUgsJwoUEXoHF2eXh7/fd7202defb6cf40a5554c887af0bad56/Wicked-Words-on-Dipsea.jpg)

“[Wicked Words](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wicked-words-series/)” centers on Adrienne Stone, a celebrity biographer who gets roped into writing a book on bad boy billionaire Alexander Blackwood when he helps her family out of a financial bind. At first, the two don’t get along. But when Adrienne moves into his English estate, the ice between them thaws and the chemistry heats up...especially when Adrienne discovers Alexander’s BDSM bunker.

![Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3i4YqLlYIkC0JeODiUUZy2/7dc801f7da97cfb3d57ab8c4734276af/Forbidden-Fruit-by-Dipsea.jpg)

Fans of paranormal romance and Greek mythology should bite into “[Forbidden Fruit](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/forbidden-fruit-series/).” The spicy retelling follows the God of the Underworld, Hades, and the Goddess of Spring, Persephone. Uninterested with her newfound responsibilities on Olympus, Persephone follows Hades to the Underworld for a hedonistic vacation that turns into a passionate forbidden romance.

![Truth-or-Dare](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/n0oLkFJIEycADDGTlQ6cV/7792ce0e97c2b1d4c20278822edae816/Truth-or-Dare.jpg)

From a public library to a box at the opera, “[Truth or Dare](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/truth-or-dare-series/)” features two strangers, Quentin and Nadia, having weekly spicy meetups in public places. They use this steamy challenge to explore parks, art galleries, music festivals, their workplaces, and even an open house. Forbidden feels so good when you’ve met your adventurous match!

## Embracing the dark side
Ready to explore dark romance yourself? Whether you’re captivated by brooding anti-heroes, tantalized by forbidden love, or addicted to high-stakes drama, dark romance has something for every reader who craves intensity—and Dipsea’s original audio stories let you experience these tropes in a completely immersive, audio-first way. 

Sign up for a [free 30-day trial](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=signup30d) and discover a whole new side of romance—one that’s dangerous, thrilling, and utterly irresistible.

Dangerously in love with dark romance & all the tropes that come with it? Let’s dissect why dark romance is so alluring and where we see it in shows and books.

Here’s why you’re drawn to dark romance tropes

dark-romance-tropes

If you’re an avid audiobook girly, you’re probably familiar with fan favorite narrators Neil Gaiman, Stephen Fry, Simon Vance, and Jim Dale. They’re popular voice actors whose most notable works are in the science fiction or fantasy genres, like the Harry Potter series, for example. Davina Porter, who narrated Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series, and “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh, who’s known for narrating “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, are also super popular.

But we have an important question—who are the best audiobook narrators for the romance genre? And what is it about their voices that readers love? 

We scoured the opinions of readers on BookTok, Bookstagram, and Reddit and found romance's best audiobook narrators. Here’s what to expect from their unique approaches to voice acting and the attributes that make them really, really good narrators.

## 1. [January LaVoy](https://www.januarylavoy.com/)
January LaVoy is an award-winning actor, director, and voice artist. In addition to her numerous Audie and Earphones awards, she was named the Publisher's Weekly Audiobook Narrator of the Year in 2013 and received the Audiofile Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She even has a Grammy nomination! 

She’s narrated hundreds of audiobooks, but is [beloved by romance fans](https://www.tiktok.com/@maakbooks/video/7340778171878411563?lang=en) for her work on novels by Denise Williams, Stacey Abrams, Andie J. Christopher, and Nora Roberts. She’s known for bringing a TV-like quality to her narrations, as well as her strong clarity and tone, and ability to voice multiple ages.

[On her process](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHDqG-eghxU), she’s said, “I defer to the book itself … I hear it out loud in my head … when I’m reading the book, and so that’s the sound that then I translate or sort of let flow through me and that becomes the voice of the book.” 

Watch [January LaVoy recording an audiobook](https://www.tiktok.com/@macmillanaudio/video/7372300960573558046?lang=en) and see why everyone’s obsessed!

## 2. [Brittany Pressley](https://www.audible.com/search?node=18580518011&searchNarrator=Brittany+Pressley&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_l1_catRefs_15&pf_rd_p=daf0f1c8-2865-4989-87fb-15115ba5a6d2&pf_rd_r=7E9Z9B4CBV6R0H9V7XXN&pageLoadId=M3uO7nW61nB3mPh9&creativeId=9648f6bf-4f29-4fb4-9489-33163c0bb63e)
2022’s Booklist Voice of Choice Audie Award winner Brittany Pressley may have over a hundred titles under her belt, but she’s known among romance readers for her narration of popular TikTok books “The Fiancé Dilemma” by Elena Armas and “Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover. In addition to her youthful voice, fans note that her southern accent sounds a lot like Reese Witherspoon and that she’s able to narrate male voices eerily well.

In a [podcast interview](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oxUfEi9C69NusOZeNp7X1?si=hoqc_2UHTS2dbFif562tng), Brittany shared, “I approach my narration like a cinematic experience. I’m trying to give the listener—short of Foley and sound effects—a full sonic, cinematic experience … hearing all those different voices, letting the full breadth of the story come alive. [Audiobooks] are a great way at expanding the world, highlighting, and bringing to life the words on the page.”

## 3. [Sebastian York](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Sebastian+York)
If you read a lot of romance with the [grumpy/sunshine trope](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romance-tropes/) or that have an ornery male lead, you’ll probably be a fan of Sebastian York. Sebastian is an audiobook narrator who narrates for popular TikTok books by authors Lucy Score and Mariana Zapata, as well as the “365 Days” series made famous by Netflix. 

His deep voice and sexy drawl is known to make [readers swoon](https://www.tiktok.com/@maiareadstoomuch/video/7122908242597989637)—so much so that he even has a [fan club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/SebastiansYorkies) called Sebastian’s Yorkies. Sebastian’s even been [recognized once by a fan in public](https://www.maryse.net/behind-the-books-interviews/qa-with-emma-chase-and-her-tied-audiobook-narrator-sebastian-york.html) from his voice alone. Now, that’s talent!

## 4. [Mary Jane Wells](https://www.maryjanewells.org/)
Mary Jane Wells is an award-winning English audiobook narrator best known for her work voicing historical romances. She’s narrated books by Joanna Shupe, “Bridgerton” author Julia Quinn, Sarah MacLean, Lisa Kleypas, and more. Though her native accent is British, she’s a master at American and Irish accents as well. Listeners often remark how much they love her elevated sound, the incredible emotion that flows from her voice, and her ability to narrate distinct voices of all ages. 

Plus, the way MJW is able to voice male personalities has been deemed the “[gold standard](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/18hfzo7/comment/kd6pogu/)” by fans on Reddit. [Give her a listen](https://www.instagram.com/sarahmaclean/reel/ChpSSiCg4ck/)!

## 5. [Mela Lee](https://melalee.com/)
Mela Lee has amassed hundreds of thousands of fans for her work as a voice actor in popular anime and video games, such as “Mortal Kombat 11,” “Apex Legends,” “Fate/stay night,” and many others. She’s also lent her voice to the narration of novels such as “The Wish” by Nicholas Sparks, “For Butter or Worse” by Erin La Rosa, and New York Times Bestseller “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams. 

She’s known for her exceptional range and dramatic reading style that allow readers to feel an array of emotions from each book. [Mela has also shared](https://www.hastybooklist.com/blog/mela-lee-audiobook-narrator) that she sometimes pulls inspiration for characters from people in her own life!

## 6. [Freddie from Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/freddie-category/)
Deep voice? Check. In charge? Check. A little rough with a steamy touch? Check. 

Freddie, one of Dipsea’s most prolific characters, narrates a variety of stories that will have you feeling full-body chills. In the 13-chapter audiobook, “Secret Rooms,” his gravelly and breathy voice will have you crushing hard. 

But Freddie is multi-talented. While he can be in charge, he can also be shy and romantic, like in the 10-part series, “[Five Years](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/five-years-series/).” 

Want to hear him be a little more flirty and authoritative? Listen to him play a teacher in “[Knockout](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/knockout-series/).” Each work is a little different...but they’ve all got Freddie’s magic sound.

## 7. [Jennifer Ikeda](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Jennifer+Ikeda)
If you’re one of the millions of people who’ve read “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas—one of the most popular books on TikTok and the [bestselling book of 2024 so far](https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/04/16/sarah-j-maas-is-the-years-top-author-as-fantasy-and-romance-dominate-march-bestseller-list/?sh=498fae88a7cc)—there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Jennifer Ikeda. 

The veteran has applied her talents to books by Jodi Picoult, Sarah Dessen, and “A Discovery of Witches” author Deborah Harkness. [Fantasy romances](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/), of which she’s narrated many, typically include original languages, unique names and words, and several different characters. Jennifer brings these elements to life with distinct voices, clear enunciation, and years of passion, making her one of the best audiobook narrators.

One of her secrets to success? Apple juice! 

Back in 2015, she revealed during a [podcast episode](https://www.allsoulspod.com/episode-4-an-interview-with-jennifer-ikeda/), “It’s a trick that an opera singer told me about, which is that if you ever have that feeling of cotton mouth or your mouth is really dry, if you take a bite of an apple or a sip of apple juice, there’s something about it that stimulates your salivary gland so it’ll immediately help you out.”

## 8. [Teddy Hamilton](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Teddy+Hamilton)
While some of the other male voice actors on this list are known for their deep, bad boy intonations, Teddy is beloved by readers more so for his narration of cinnamon roll heroes, as they’re called in the romance community. His softer, funnier characters will have you swooning on your Hot Girl Walk.

He’s voiced characters from books by Meghan Quinn, Elle Kennedy, Ali Hazelwood, Lauren Blakely, and more. Of course, he can still voice the dark, morally gray hero. The most notable examples of this is his work narrating the BookTok-famous series “Fourth Wing” or dark romance “Haunting Adeline.” The point with Teddy is that you can get the best of both worlds. [Listen for yourself here](https://www.tiktok.com/@sabah.n37/video/7199578369594232066).

## 9. [Julia Whelan](https://jmwhelan.com/narrator/)
Julia Whelan is a Grammy-nominated audiobook director and award-winning voice actor who’s narrated over 600 audiobooks of various genres, including the thriller “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and fantasy novel “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab. But she has an affinity for romance. She’s lent her voice to books written by some of the most popular romance authors out there, including Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Jojo Moyes, Kristin Hannah, and more.

In fact, Julia has even written her own works, including “My Oxford Year” and “Thank You For Listening.” Partly autobiographical, the latter is a story about a former actress turned audiobook narrator who gets the opportunity to voice a book by one of the most beloved romance novelists—alongside one of the hottest and most elusive male voice actors in the industry.

Of course, Julia narrated her own books, bringing to them things her fans love most: her expert control and ability to convey emotions.

## 10. [Ronan from Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/ronan-category/)
I’ll take “Hot Irish Accent” for 500, Alex. Immerse yourself in the countryside with an Irish farmhand who’s a little gruff and a whole lot of tantalizing. You’ll find Ronan featured in Dipsea’s “Evergreen,” a flirty, [enemies-to-lovers romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-books/). There’s a bit of a cocky, know-it-all tilt to his voice that’s annoyingly irresistible. His voice is warm and brusque, like a spicy cup of tea. And like that tea, his narrations will certainly warm you up.

## 11. [Kate Reading](https://www.katereadingaudiobooks.com/)
Kate Reading has brought to life countless heroines from beloved romance novels by Loretta Chase, Lorraine Heath, and even Stephenie Meyer. She also voiced the female lead in “The Wheel of Time” series, which has since been adapted to an Amazon TV show. Kate is known for how well she conveys humor, as well as her ability to voice a spectrum of ages and accents. She’s married to fellow audiobook narrator Michael Kramer, making them a dynamic duo in the industry.

As for her process, she attributes a lot to the source material itself and the author’s writing.

[In an interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw1rDoeCs6Y), she noted, “If you get the character’s voice right, you don’t make mistakes. You don’t stumble. The words come, they flow, because you’re breathing the way the character breathes.” 

We’re obsessed—she’s a true artist!

## Listening to love
Just like a film or TV show brings your imagination to life visually, an audiobook does that auditorily. Whether it’s their ability to do an accent or the way they can make a spicy scene make you blush, these narrators bring to life some of the most popular characters in romance, making you feel like you’re the one falling in love. 

But TBH, nobody does original steamy audio better than Dipsea. [Sign up for a free 30-day trial](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=try30d) to find [your new favorite narrator](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/).

If you’re an avid audiobook girly, you’re probably familiar with fan favorite narrators Neil Gaiman, Stephen Fry, Simon Vance, and Jim Dale. They’re popular voice actors whose most notable works are in the science fiction or fantasy genres, like the Harry Potter series, for example. Davina Porter, who narrated Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series, and “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh, who’s known for narrating “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, are also super popular.

But we have an important question—who are the best audiobook narrators for the romance genre? And what is it about their voices that readers love? 

We scoured the opinions of readers on BookTok, Bookstagram, and Reddit and found romance's best audiobook narrators. Here’s what to expect from their unique approaches to voice acting and the attributes that make them really, really good narrators.

## 1. [January LaVoy](https://www.januarylavoy.com/)
January LaVoy is an award-winning actor, director, and voice artist. In addition to her numerous Audie and Earphones awards, she was named the Publisher's Weekly Audiobook Narrator of the Year in 2013 and received the Audiofile Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She even has a Grammy nomination! 

She’s narrated hundreds of audiobooks, but is [beloved by romance fans](https://www.tiktok.com/@maakbooks/video/7340778171878411563?lang=en) for her work on novels by Denise Williams, Stacey Abrams, Andie J. Christopher, and Nora Roberts. She’s known for bringing a TV-like quality to her narrations, as well as her strong clarity and tone, and ability to voice multiple ages.

[On her process](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHDqG-eghxU), she’s said, “I defer to the book itself … I hear it out loud in my head … when I’m reading the book, and so that’s the sound that then I translate or sort of let flow through me and that becomes the voice of the book.” 

Watch [January LaVoy recording an audiobook](https://www.tiktok.com/@macmillanaudio/video/7372300960573558046?lang=en) and see why everyone’s obsessed!

## 2. [Brittany Pressley](https://www.audible.com/search?node=18580518011&searchNarrator=Brittany+Pressley&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_l1_catRefs_15&pf_rd_p=daf0f1c8-2865-4989-87fb-15115ba5a6d2&pf_rd_r=7E9Z9B4CBV6R0H9V7XXN&pageLoadId=M3uO7nW61nB3mPh9&creativeId=9648f6bf-4f29-4fb4-9489-33163c0bb63e)
2022’s Booklist Voice of Choice Audie Award winner Brittany Pressley may have over a hundred titles under her belt, but she’s known among romance readers for her narration of popular TikTok books “The Fiancé Dilemma” by Elena Armas and “Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover. In addition to her youthful voice, fans note that her southern accent sounds a lot like Reese Witherspoon and that she’s able to narrate male voices eerily well.

In a [podcast interview](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oxUfEi9C69NusOZeNp7X1?si=hoqc_2UHTS2dbFif562tng), Brittany shared, “I approach my narration like a cinematic experience. I’m trying to give the listener—short of Foley and sound effects—a full sonic, cinematic experience … hearing all those different voices, letting the full breadth of the story come alive. [Audiobooks] are a great way at expanding the world, highlighting, and bringing to life the words on the page.”

## 3. [Sebastian York](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Sebastian+York)
If you read a lot of romance with the [grumpy/sunshine trope](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romance-tropes/) or that have an ornery male lead, you’ll probably be a fan of Sebastian York. Sebastian is an audiobook narrator who narrates for popular TikTok books by authors Lucy Score and Mariana Zapata, as well as the “365 Days” series made famous by Netflix. 

His deep voice and sexy drawl is known to make [readers swoon](https://www.tiktok.com/@maiareadstoomuch/video/7122908242597989637)—so much so that he even has a [fan club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/SebastiansYorkies) called Sebastian’s Yorkies. Sebastian’s even been [recognized once by a fan in public](https://www.maryse.net/behind-the-books-interviews/qa-with-emma-chase-and-her-tied-audiobook-narrator-sebastian-york.html) from his voice alone. Now, that’s talent!

## 4. [Mary Jane Wells](https://www.maryjanewells.org/)
Mary Jane Wells is an award-winning English audiobook narrator best known for her work voicing historical romances. She’s narrated books by Joanna Shupe, “Bridgerton” author Julia Quinn, Sarah MacLean, Lisa Kleypas, and more. Though her native accent is British, she’s a master at American and Irish accents as well. Listeners often remark how much they love her elevated sound, the incredible emotion that flows from her voice, and her ability to narrate distinct voices of all ages. 

Plus, the way MJW is able to voice male personalities has been deemed the “[gold standard](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/18hfzo7/comment/kd6pogu/)” by fans on Reddit. [Give her a listen](https://www.instagram.com/sarahmaclean/reel/ChpSSiCg4ck/)!

## 5. [Mela Lee](https://melalee.com/)
Mela Lee has amassed hundreds of thousands of fans for her work as a voice actor in popular anime and video games, such as “Mortal Kombat 11,” “Apex Legends,” “Fate/stay night,” and many others. She’s also lent her voice to the narration of novels such as “The Wish” by Nicholas Sparks, “For Butter or Worse” by Erin La Rosa, and New York Times Bestseller “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams. 

She’s known for her exceptional range and dramatic reading style that allow readers to feel an array of emotions from each book. [Mela has also shared](https://www.hastybooklist.com/blog/mela-lee-audiobook-narrator) that she sometimes pulls inspiration for characters from people in her own life!

## 6. [Freddie from Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/freddie-category/)
Deep voice? Check. In charge? Check. A little rough with a steamy touch? Check. 

Freddie, one of Dipsea’s most prolific characters, narrates a variety of stories that will have you feeling full-body chills. In the 13-chapter audiobook, “Secret Rooms,” his gravelly and breathy voice will have you crushing hard. 

But Freddie is multi-talented. While he can be in charge, he can also be shy and romantic, like in the 10-part series, “[Five Years](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/five-years-series/).” 

Want to hear him be a little more flirty and authoritative? Listen to him play a teacher in “[Knockout](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/knockout-series/).” Each work is a little different...but they’ve all got Freddie’s magic sound.

## 7. [Jennifer Ikeda](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Jennifer+Ikeda)
If you’re one of the millions of people who’ve read “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas—one of the most popular books on TikTok and the [bestselling book of 2024 so far](https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/04/16/sarah-j-maas-is-the-years-top-author-as-fantasy-and-romance-dominate-march-bestseller-list/?sh=498fae88a7cc)—there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Jennifer Ikeda. 

The veteran has applied her talents to books by Jodi Picoult, Sarah Dessen, and “A Discovery of Witches” author Deborah Harkness. [Fantasy romances](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/), of which she’s narrated many, typically include original languages, unique names and words, and several different characters. Jennifer brings these elements to life with distinct voices, clear enunciation, and years of passion, making her one of the best audiobook narrators.

One of her secrets to success? Apple juice! 

Back in 2015, she revealed during a [podcast episode](https://www.allsoulspod.com/episode-4-an-interview-with-jennifer-ikeda/), “It’s a trick that an opera singer told me about, which is that if you ever have that feeling of cotton mouth or your mouth is really dry, if you take a bite of an apple or a sip of apple juice, there’s something about it that stimulates your salivary gland so it’ll immediately help you out.”

## 8. [Teddy Hamilton](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Teddy+Hamilton)
While some of the other male voice actors on this list are known for their deep, bad boy intonations, Teddy is beloved by readers more so for his narration of cinnamon roll heroes, as they’re called in the romance community. His softer, funnier characters will have you swooning on your Hot Girl Walk.

He’s voiced characters from books by Meghan Quinn, Elle Kennedy, Ali Hazelwood, Lauren Blakely, and more. Of course, he can still voice the dark, morally gray hero. The most notable examples of this is his work narrating the BookTok-famous series “Fourth Wing” or dark romance “Haunting Adeline.” The point with Teddy is that you can get the best of both worlds. [Listen for yourself here](https://www.tiktok.com/@sabah.n37/video/7199578369594232066).

## 9. [Julia Whelan](https://jmwhelan.com/narrator/)
Julia Whelan is a Grammy-nominated audiobook director and award-winning voice actor who’s narrated over 600 audiobooks of various genres, including the thriller “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and fantasy novel “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab. But she has an affinity for romance. She’s lent her voice to books written by some of the most popular romance authors out there, including Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Jojo Moyes, Kristin Hannah, and more.

In fact, Julia has even written her own works, including “My Oxford Year” and “Thank You For Listening.” Partly autobiographical, the latter is a story about a former actress turned audiobook narrator who gets the opportunity to voice a book by one of the most beloved romance novelists—alongside one of the hottest and most elusive male voice actors in the industry.

Of course, Julia narrated her own books, bringing to them things her fans love most: her expert control and ability to convey emotions.

## 10. [Ronan from Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/ronan-category/)
I’ll take “Hot Irish Accent” for 500, Alex. Immerse yourself in the countryside with an Irish farmhand who’s a little gruff and a whole lot of tantalizing. You’ll find Ronan featured in Dipsea’s “Evergreen,” a flirty, [enemies-to-lovers romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-books/). There’s a bit of a cocky, know-it-all tilt to his voice that’s annoyingly irresistible. His voice is warm and brusque, like a spicy cup of tea. And like that tea, his narrations will certainly warm you up.

## 11. [Kate Reading](https://www.katereadingaudiobooks.com/)
Kate Reading has brought to life countless heroines from beloved romance novels by Loretta Chase, Lorraine Heath, and even Stephenie Meyer. She also voiced the female lead in “The Wheel of Time” series, which has since been adapted to an Amazon TV show. Kate is known for how well she conveys humor, as well as her ability to voice a spectrum of ages and accents. She’s married to fellow audiobook narrator Michael Kramer, making them a dynamic duo in the industry.

As for her process, she attributes a lot to the source material itself and the author’s writing.

[In an interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw1rDoeCs6Y), she noted, “If you get the character’s voice right, you don’t make mistakes. You don’t stumble. The words come, they flow, because you’re breathing the way the character breathes.” 

We’re obsessed—she’s a true artist!

## Listening to love
Just like a film or TV show brings your imagination to life visually, an audiobook does that auditorily. Whether it’s their ability to do an accent or the way they can make a spicy scene make you blush, these narrators bring to life some of the most popular characters in romance, making you feel like you’re the one falling in love. 

But TBH, nobody does original steamy audio better than Dipsea. [Sign up for a free 30-day trial](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=try30d) to find [your new favorite narrator](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/).

BookTok is obsessed with the voices behind their favorite romance novels. These are the best audiobook narrators, so grab your headphones & prepare to get chills!

11 best audiobook narrators, according to BookTok

Audiobook-Narrators

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