: Characters should have personal "wounds" or fears—often called "strengths and weaknesses"—that make falling in love feel risky or difficult.
Creating Romantic Tension in Your Novel - Between the Lines Editorial : Characters should have personal "wounds" or fears—often
: Successful stories rely on "sparks" or initial attraction, followed by a deliberate buildup of emotional tension through banter, flirting, and shared vulnerability. and shared vulnerability.