Romantic storylines are not confined to the romance genre. In fact, subplots involving romantic relationships are vital tools for character development in action, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror narratives.
To keep a romance from feeling "incidental," writers at NowNovel and The Novelry suggest focusing on:
: Characters start with mutual dislike or rivalry that slowly transforms into affection. First Date Surprises
The Anatomy of Connection: Why Relationships and Romantic Storylines Define the Human Experience