LS Phoenix's Blog, page 23

What It Means to Be a Good Partner

 

A good partner isn’t perfect. He won’t always say the right thing, and he won’t always get it right the first time. But he tries. Every single day, he chooses to show up, to listen, to love the best way he knows how.

Being a good partner isn’t about grand gestures—it’s in the little things. The way he notices when you’ve had a long day. The way he makes your coffee just the way you like it. The way he reaches for you in the middle of the night, even in sleep, like he just wants to be close.

Love isn’t about being flawless. It’s about effort, about showing up for each other even when it’s hard. A good man won’t promise perfection, but he’ll promise commitment, honesty, and the kind of love that lasts.

What’s one small thing your partner does that makes you feel loved?

Lessons My Father Taught Me

Some lessons stay with you for life. They don’t come from a textbook or a classroom—they come from the people who raised us, the ones who shaped us before we even knew who we were going to be.

My father taught me that a man’s worth isn’t in his words, but in his actions. That honesty is a choice you make every day, and real love isn’t about saying “I love you” but proving it in the small, steady ways. He showed me that being strong doesn’t mean being unbreakable, and that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is be kind.

The best lessons aren’t always spoken. They’re in the way he handles a hard day without complaint, in the way he pulls my mother close when he thinks no one is looking, in the way he never backs down from doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.

What’s one lesson your father or father figure taught you that you still carry today?

The Quiet Strength of a Good Man

Not all strength is loud. It’s not in raised voices or flashy gestures—it’s in the steady presence of a man who shows up, day after day, doing what needs to be done.

A good man doesn’t have to announce his strength; it’s felt in the way he carries himself. It’s in the way he keeps his word, even when no one is watching. It’s in the patience he offers, the work-worn hands that never hesitate to help, and the quiet way he makes sure the people he loves are taken care of.

Some of the strongest men I’ve ever known weren’t the ones who demanded attention. They were the ones who stood firm, who led by example, who didn’t need to say “I love you” all the time because you felt it in the way they showed it.

Strength isn’t about dominance. It’s about dependability, loyalty, and quiet confidence—and the best men don’t just know it, they live it.

Who’s the strongest, soft-hearted man in your life?

Slow Burn vs. Insta-Love: Which One is Right for Your Story?

Romance comes in many forms, but one of the biggest debates among readers and writers alike is this: slow burn or insta-love? Both have their place, both can be done beautifully, and both ignite passion in readers—though sometimes for very different reasons.

A slow burn romance is all about the wait. It’s the tension, the glances held just a little too long, the almost-kisses, the late-night conversations filled with everything but what they’re both thinking. The best slow burns make readers ache alongside the characters, begging for them to finally give in. Every moment feels heightened because the chemistry has been building for so long that when it finally snaps, it’s explosive. Writers like Mariana Zapata have perfected this art, drawing out the tension until the eventual payoff feels earned, like something that couldn’t have happened a second sooner.

On the other hand, insta-love throws characters into an immediate, undeniable connection. Sometimes, love doesn’t take months to develop—sometimes, it hits like a bolt of lightning. There’s something irresistibly addictive about two characters meeting and just knowing. It doesn’t mean there’s no tension or struggle—just that the romance itself isn’t the thing keeping them apart. Instead, outside forces, emotional baggage, or circumstances test their love, making their instant connection believable. In books like It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, insta-love isn’t just about the rush of attraction—it’s about how love sometimes arrives before we’re ready for it.

So how do you know which one is right for your story? It depends on what kind of emotional journey you want to take your readers on. Do you want them to savor every touch, to yearn for the moment the characters finally break? Then slow burn is your answer. Do you want to sweep them up in a whirlwind romance that feels like fate? Then insta-love is the way to go.

Both have their strengths. Slow burn feels realistic, rich with character development and emotional depth, while insta-love is pure fantasy— the kind of love that defies logic, the kind that makes you believe in soulmates. The beauty of romance is that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Some books start as insta-lust but grow into slow burn, while others tease slow-burn tension before one moment shifts everything into a fast, unstoppable love story.

In the end, what matters most isn’t how fast or slow the characters fall in love—it’s how much the readers believe in it.

🔥 Which do you prefer: slow burn or insta-love? Let’s talk in the comments!

Flirty Banter 101: How to Nail Playful Chemistry in Romance

 There’s something undeniably addictive about good flirty banter in a romance novel. The kind that makes you smirk while reading, that sharp, playful back-and-forth that crackles with chemistry before either character even realizes they’re in too deep. It’s not just about witty remarks or sarcastic quips—it’s about creating a rhythm between two people who can’t help but be drawn to each other.

Flirty banter sets the tone for a romance. It can be teasing, full of inside jokes, or laced with an edge of challenge, where neither character wants to be the first to give in. It’s often the first sign that the tension between them is more than just friendly conversation. In an enemies-to-lovers story, it’s a battle of wits where attraction hides beneath the surface. In a friends-to-lovers dynamic, it’s the moment one of them says something just a little too suggestive, shifting everything.

The best flirty banter feels effortless—even when, in reality, it’s carefully crafted. It should fit the characters’ personalities. A cocky hero might push the limits, seeing how far he can take it before the heroine snaps back with a clever retort. A more reserved love interest might surprise themselves with a well-timed, unexpectedly bold remark, shocking both their love interest and themselves. No matter the dynamic, the key to great banter is balance—a back-and-forth where one person isn’t just delivering all the lines while the other simply reacts. It’s a dance, one that keeps the tension simmering until both characters finally admit what’s been obvious all along.

Flirty dialogue doesn’t always have to be words, either. Sometimes, it’s a smirk, a slow glance, or the way one character leans in just a little too close, daring the other to be the first to break. The best banter makes the air feel charged, the way a single flicker of eye contact can hold just as much weight as the perfect one-liner.

Some of the most iconic romances thrive on this dynamic. Think of Josh and Lucy in The Hating Game, where every conversation is laced with competition and tension until it finally combusts. Or Poppy and Alex in People We Meet on Vacation, where their playful teasing hides the fact that they’re both terrified of admitting how much they mean to each other. Whether it’s a sharp exchange of words or a lingering glance across a room, flirty banter makes romance fun, adding another layer of tension before the characters finally give in.

The best thing about writing flirty banter? It lets the characters be bold in ways they might not normally be. It’s where walls start to crack, where attraction starts to slip through, where everything begins. Because sometimes, love doesn’t start with a confession—it starts with a well-placed smirk and the perfect line to go with it.

🔥 What’s your favorite example of flirty banter in a book or movie? Let’s talk in the comments!

Between the Books - Short Story

The bookstore is warm, filled with the scent of old paper and fresh coffee from the attached café. It’s the kind of place I could lose myself in for hours, wandering between aisles, running my fingers over spines like they hold the secrets of the universe.

And, apparently, it’s also the place where I’m about to have the most embarrassing moment of my life.

Because the second I step backward, completely engrossed in reading the blurb of a book I’ve just pulled off the shelf, I crash directly into someone.

A solid, broad, very warm someone.

The impact sends the book flying from my hands as I stumble, heart lurching into my throat. Strong hands catch my waist, steadying me before I can completely embarrass myself by hitting the floor.

“Easy there,” a deep voice murmurs.

I freeze. His hands are still on me, warm through the layers of my coat. Slowly, I turn my head, and...

Oh.

Okay.

The universe is playing games with me today.

The man holding me upright is unfairly attractive. Dark coat, messy brown hair, sharp jawline, and the kind of smirk that should come with a warning label.

His hands tighten slightly before he lets go, his gaze flicking down to where my book now lays sprawled on the floor between us.

“Guess that one wasn’t a keeper,” he says, a teasing edge to his voice.

I scramble to step back, clearing my throat as I reach down to grab it. “I was just… testing gravity. You know, making sure it still works.”

A low chuckle rumbles from him, and I absolutely do not have a full-body reaction to it.

“I see,” he says, clearly amused. “For science, right?”

I roll my eyes, gripping the book like it’s a lifeline. “Obviously.”

I expect him to walk away then, but he doesn’t. He tilts his head, scanning the shelf beside me, eyes narrowing as if he’s searching for something. Then, just as I shift to step away, he reaches for a book—his fingers brushing against mine in the process.

A jolt of something sharp and electric zips up my arm.

I swear he notices. His eyes flick to mine, the corners of his mouth twitching like he’s debating whether to comment on it.

I clear my throat. “So… big reader?”

He grins, and it’s devastating. “Only when I run into people conducting science experiments in bookstores.”

I bite back a smile, but I can’t stop the warmth spreading through my chest.

Then, before I can think better of it, I ask, “What book were you looking for?”

He lifts the one in his hand, a deep red cover with bold letters, and turns it toward me. “Something bold. Something intriguing. Something that catches my attention.”

I blink. The way he says it, his voice dipping slightly, has absolutely nothing to do with the book.

Before I can formulate a response, he steps closer, lifting the book up between us as he leans in slightly.

And then...

“Excuse me,” an older woman huffs, squeezing between us to grab a book from the shelf.

I practically jump away, my cheeks heating as I realize how close we had gotten.

The stranger, who I now realize I still don’t have a name for, lets out another low chuckle, but he doesn’t step back. Instead, he turns slightly, keeping the book in his hand but shifting it just enough to partially shield us from view.

“Tell me,” he murmurs, voice dropping just for me. “Do your experiments usually involve kissing complete strangers, or is that an exclusive experience?”

My breath catches.

I should walk away. I should laugh it off. But there’s something in his eyes, in the teasing way he’s holding that book like it’s the only thing keeping him from closing the space between us.

And right now, in the middle of a quiet bookstore, surrounded by stories full of adventure, romance, and daring choices...I want to take the risk.

So I step forward, just enough that the book between us isn’t necessary anymore.

And, for the first time in my life, I decide to stop overthinking.

The End

Now that’s a really adorable “meet cute”. Should I continue this story? Let me know in the comments!

Writing the First Kiss: Making It Unforgettable

A first kiss in romance is everything. It’s the moment where all the tension, longing, and buildup finally snap—and if it’s done right, it leaves both the characters and the readers breathless.

So how do you write a first kiss that lingers, burns, and makes your readers feel it down to their toes? Let’s break it down.

1. The Build-Up: Make It Matter

A first kiss isn’t just about the act itself—it’s about everything leading up to it. The best first kisses feel earned, like the only possible outcome after pages of glances held too long, tension-filled arguments, and accidental touches.

Ask yourself:

✔ What’s stopping them from kissing sooner? Is it bad timing? Emotional walls?

✔ What changes in this moment? Why can’t they hold back anymore?

✔ How do they feel right before it happens? Are they nervous? Desperate? Shocked?

Example:

He’s spent weeks pretending he doesn’t want her. But tonight, she’s standing too close, looking at him like she knows—and suddenly, pretending isn’t an option anymore.

2. Where It Happens Changes Everything

The setting of the first kiss sets the tone for everything that follows. Is it soft and slow, or fiery and impulsive?

• The Rain-Soaked Kiss – A classic, because rain strips everything down to pure feeling.

• The Argument-Turned-Kiss – All that tension finally snapping into something else.

• The Forbidden Kiss – They shouldn’t. But they do. And it changes everything.

• The Surprise Kiss – One of them moves without thinking. And neither of them regret it.

Example:

They’re alone in a car, the storm outside making the world feel small. She shivers, and he reaches out—intending only to warm her hands—but then she looks up, and he realizes he’s in trouble.

3. Sensory Details: Make It Feel Real

The best first kisses aren’t just described—they’re felt. Readers should be able to experience it through the five senses.

• Touch: The heat of his palm on her jaw, the shiver running through her spine.

• Sight: The way he looks at her—like she’s the only thing that matters.

• Sound: A shaky breath. A soft moan. The rush of blood pounding in her ears.

• Taste: The lingering taste of mint, coffee, or something undeniably him.

• Smell: His cologne, the rain, the soft scent of vanilla from her skin.

Example:

His lips brush hers, just barely—a whisper of a kiss that steals her breath. His hand is warm against her cheek, his thumb tracing slow, lazy circles that make her stomach flip. The kiss deepens, and she forgets how to breathe.

4. The Moment After: What Changes?

A first kiss isn’t just about the kiss itself—it’s about the fallout. What happens immediately after is just as important.

✔ Do they pull away too quickly, stunned by what they’ve done?

✔ Does one of them lean in again because once wasn’t enough?

✔ Is there regret? Relief? Undeniable need?

Example:

She blinks, lips parted, breath stolen. His forehead rests against hers, his fingers still tangled in her hair, like he can’t bring himself to let go.

“What was that?” she whispers.

He exhales, his lips curving into a wicked smirk. “Trouble.”

5. Examples of Unforgettable First Kisses in Romance

• The Hating Game (Sally Thorne) – A heated, unexpected kiss after pages of electric tension.

• People We Meet on Vacation (Emily Henry) – A best friends-to-lovers kiss, full of pent-up longing.

• Twisted Games (Ana Huang) – A forbidden royal guard kiss that feels impossible and inevitable.

A First Kiss Should Leave Readers Wanting More

Whether it’s soft and slow or wild and desperate, a first kiss should leave both the characters and the reader reeling. If you can make it unforgettable, you’ll have your readers hooked—and dying for more.

🔥 What’s your favorite first kiss in a book? Let’s talk in the comments!

Crafting the Perfect Meet-Cute: Inspiration for Romance Writers

A meet-cute is the heart of any romance—it’s the moment your characters collide (sometimes literally) and set the stage for banter, tension, and undeniable chemistry. Whether it’s sweet, chaotic, or full of attitude, the perfect first meeting sparks something unforgettable.

How do you write a meet-cute that sticks with readers long after they’ve finished the book? Here’s what you need to know.

1. Make It Memorable

A great meet-cute isn’t just “two people meet.” It’s unexpected, entertaining, and full of personality.

Instead of:

✔ A simple handshake introduction

Try:

✔ A situation that forces immediate interaction—a spilled coffee, a mistaken identity, or being locked in an elevator together.

Readers should feel the moment. Whether it’s hilarious, awkward, or full of tension, it needs to stand out.

Examples:

• Classic Chaos: She’s running late, crashes into him, and knocks all his papers—or food—to the ground.

• Mistaken Identity: He thinks she’s his blind date. She has no idea who he is. Awkwardness ensues.

• Forced Proximity: There’s only one ride-share available, and now they’re stuck in a car together.

• Instant Competition: They both reach for the last copy of the same book and refuse to let go.

2. Set the Tone for the Relationship

The first meeting should hint at what’s to come. Is this an enemies-to-lovers story? A slow burn? Instant attraction?

• If they’re going to butt heads: Let their first conversation be full of snark and stubbornness.

• If they’re fated for each other: Give them an instant, almost magnetic connection that throws them off balance.

• If it’s a slow burn: Maybe their first meeting is awkward or even unremarkable—something neither of them expects to turn into something more.

Examples:

• Snarky Enemies-to-Lovers: She steals his parking spot, he makes a sarcastic comment, and now neither of them is backing down.

• Undeniable Attraction: She’s supposed to be focusing on work, but when he walks in, it’s like the air changes.

• Forced Proximity Leads to Realization: They’ve worked in the same office for years, barely noticing each other—until today.

3. Use the Five Senses to Create Chemistry

A great meet-cute isn’t just about what happens—it’s about how it feels. Using sensory details pulls readers into the moment, making the attraction (or tension) feel real.

Ask yourself:

✔ What does the moment sound like? A crash? A nervous laugh? A sharp retort?

✔ What does the air feel like? Warm? Tense? Buzzing with electricity?

✔ How does their voice change? Is there a hesitation? A teasing edge? A hint of something deeper?

✔ What little details do they notice about each other? The way he rolls up his sleeves? The freckle on her collarbone?

Example:

• She’s balancing two coffees and a bagel, trying to push open a door with her elbow, when a deep voice says, “Need a hand?” She looks up—way up—and nearly drops everything at the sight of broad shoulders, a smirking mouth, and dark eyes that should come with a warning.

These tiny moments build chemistry, intrigue, and tension, setting the stage for everything that follows.

4. Build in an Element of Surprise

A perfect meet-cute isn’t just two characters meeting—it’s something that shakes up their day.

• Give them a reason to remember this moment. If it’s just another average interaction, why should they think about each other later?

• Throw them off their game. Maybe she’s normally confident, but this guy? He makes her forget her next sentence.

Examples:

• He assumes she’s the bartender and asks for a drink—turns out she owns the place.

• She tells him exactly what she thinks about his bad attitude—only to realize he’s her new boss.

• They meet in a bar, flirt, and part ways—only to run into each other again in the most unexpected place.

The best meet-cutes leave an impression—both on the characters and on the reader.

5. Make It Feel Natural, Even If It’s Unbelievable

Even if the situation is dramatic, hilarious, or completely ridiculous, the reaction should feel authentic.

• Avoid forced dialogue. If two strangers are instantly giving dramatic monologues, it feels unnatural.

• Let them react like real people. If someone spills coffee on them, their first reaction probably isn’t wow, I think I’m in love.

• Give them a reason to connect beyond just attraction. Maybe one of them needs something the other has, or they’re stuck in a situation together.

The Perfect Meet-Cute Creates Sparks That Last

A great first meeting doesn’t just introduce the characters—it pulls the reader into their chemistry and leaves them wanting more.

What’s your favorite meet-cute in a book or movie? Let’s talk in the comments!

Mastering Romantic Tension: How to Keep Readers Hooked

Romantic tension is the heartbeat of every great romance novel. It’s what keeps readers flipping pages, breathless with anticipation, waiting for that one moment where everything finally snaps. Whether you’re writing a slow burn or an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, tension is what makes the journey unforgettable.

So, how do you craft tension that lingers, builds, and finally explodes in the most satisfying way? Let’s break it down.

1. The Push-and-Pull of Romantic Tension

Tension thrives on contrast—one moment full of heat, the next full of hesitation. Readers should feel that magnetic pull between the characters, even when (especially when) they’re resisting it.

• Physical tension – The brush of fingers, the awareness of how close they are, the sharp inhale when they lock eyes too long.

• Emotional tension – Longing, miscommunication, the knowledge that one of them is holding back for a reason.

• Situational tension – Forced proximity, mistaken identity, forbidden attraction—anything that forces them together even when they shouldn’t be.

Example: They’re stuck sharing a hotel room. He’s sleeping on the couch, she’s in the bed. The air is thick with unspoken words, stolen glances. She turns, thinks he’s asleep, and whispers his name—only to realize he’s very much awake.

2. Dual POV: A Secret Weapon for Tension

When used effectively, dual POV allows readers to see just how badly both characters want each other—without the other knowing.

• Character A: I can’t look at her lips for too long or I’ll do something stupid.

• Character B: He won’t even look at me. Did I imagine the way he touched my hand earlier?

The best tension builds when both characters are feeling the pull but fighting it in different ways.

Pro Tip: Drop hints through inner monologue—a stolen glance, a quickened heartbeat, a hand hovering before pulling away. Readers will feel the tension even when the characters refuse to acknowledge it.

3. Subtext: What’s Not Said Is Just as Important

Some of the best tension doesn’t come from what’s said—it comes from what isn’t.

• One character is engaged, but their eyes linger too long on someone else.

• They both pretend nothing happened after an almost-kiss, but their hands tremble when they touch.

• They’re arguing, but their words sound more like foreplay than a fight.

Example:

Her: “I don’t even like you.”

Him: “That’s not what you said last night.”

The reader should know the truth hiding beneath the words—even if the characters don’t admit it yet.

4. The Perfect Balance Between Holding Back & Giving In

Readers don’t want to be strung along forever—they want release. The key is delaying gratification just enough that when the moment finally comes, it feels earned.

• Let them almost kiss—then get interrupted.

• Let one of them break the tension, then immediately regret it.

• Let them acknowledge their feelings—only for something to pull them apart.

When they finally give in, it should feel like a dam breaking.

5. Examples of Unforgettable Romantic Tension

• The Wall of Winnipeg and Me (Mariana Zapata) – The ultimate slow burn, full of tension so thick you could cut it with a knife.

• Twisted Hate (Ana Huang) – Enemies-to-lovers with some of the best verbal sparring turned sexual tension.

• The Love Hypothesis (Ali Hazelwood) – Fake dating tension, full of stolen glances and accidental touches.

Tension Makes the Payoff Worth It

The best romance novels keep readers hooked because of the tension, not just the resolution. If your characters are practically vibrating with unspoken feelings, lingering glances, and too many close calls, you’re doing it right.

🔥 What’s your favorite example of romantic tension in a book? Let’s discuss in the comments!

How to Write Dual POV Romance Without Confusion

Writing a romance novel in dual POV can create deeper emotional connections, richer storytelling, and heightened tension, but if it’s not done well, it can also lead to confusion. Readers should always know whose head they’re in, without having to flip back to the chapter heading.

So, how do you make dual POV feel seamless, engaging, and distinct?

1. Make Each Character’s Voice Unique

The biggest mistake in dual POV romance is when both characters sound exactly the same. The way they think, speak, and react should reflect who they are as individuals.

Consider these elements when shaping their voices:

• Word choice – Does one character use more slang or curse more? Does the other speak more formally?

• Internal thoughts – Does one overanalyze while the other is more impulsive?

• Sentence structure – Is one’s POV full of short, clipped thoughts while the other’s is more flowy?

A good test: If you remove the chapter heading, can you still tell who’s narrating? If not, tweak their voice until it feels unmistakably theirs.

2. Keep the Tension High, Even When Switching POVs

A well-written dual POV romance doesn’t just repeat scenes from a different perspective—it adds to them. Each switch should move the story forward, revealing something new.

• Build tension by holding back information – Let one character misinterpret the other’s actions so the reader knows more than they do.

• Drop emotional breadcrumbs – If one character is fighting their feelings, the next POV should subtly contradict it, making the romance more intense.

• Let key moments breathe – Instead of jumping POVs mid-scene, let one voice carry the tension before shifting.

When done well, dual POV keeps the reader hooked because they know something the characters don’t—making the moment they finally get on the same page that much more satisfying.

3. Smooth Transitions Between POVs

If your reader has to stop and figure out whose head they’re in, the immersion is broken. To keep transitions seamless, try these tricks:

• Use distinct chapter or scene breaks – Avoid head-hopping within a single section.

• Drop immediate voice markers – Start each POV with a line that clearly signals who’s narrating. Example:

• Hero: She’s driving me insane, and the worst part? She has no idea.

• Heroine: If he glares at me one more time, I swear I’m going to throw my drink in his lap.

• Don’t switch just for the sake of it – Every POV shift should feel necessary to the story.

4. Let Each Character Have Their Own Emotional Arc

Dual POV isn’t just about showing both sides—it’s about making each character’s journey matter.

• Their fears, goals, and conflicts should feel real outside of the romance.

• Each POV should stand alone – If you removed one, the story should still feel complete.

• Growth should be clear – Show how their perspectives shift over time, leading to that moment when they’re fully aligned.

When both characters have strong, emotional arcs, it makes their connection even more powerful.

5. Read It Aloud to Test Distinctiveness

Once your draft is done, go back and read sections out loud—especially dialogue and inner monologues. This helps catch similarities and make sure each character’s voice feels unique.

A good trick? Swap chapters with another writer or beta reader and ask if they can tell who’s narrating without looking at the heading.

Mastering Dual POV = A Stronger Romance

Done right, dual POV can enhance emotional depth, increase tension, and create an immersive reading experience. Your goal is to make sure readers never question who’s speaking, what’s at stake, or why both perspectives matter.

What’s your biggest challenge when writing dual POV? Let’s talk in the comments!