Theresa Christine's Blog
December 5, 2025
Join Theresa’s Hype Team for Book #2!
In anticipation of Book #2’s release in 2026, I’m putting together a Hype Team of readers who want to help spread the word in a fun, low-pressure way. If you love sharing about books you’re excited for—and want sneak peeks, exclusive updates, and early goodies—this might be perfect for you!
Here’s what being on the Street Team looks like:
✨ You’ll get early teasers, graphics, and behind-the-scenes notes
✨ I’ll send you easy, optional ways to support the release (think: sharing a graphic, adding the book on Goodreads, etc.)
✨ You’ll get early access to the ARC sign-up
What I ask:
❣️ A willingness to share a few small things during the launch period
❣️ Enthusiasm for indie authors like me and for helping my next book find its readers
❣️ That’s truly it—no pressure, no minimum posting requirements
This Hype Team will kick off after the holidays and is temporary for this release, so there is no long-term commitment. I’ll pause it once the launch wraps.
Interested? Apply to be part of the Hype Team here.
Here’s what being on the Street Team looks like:
✨ You’ll get early teasers, graphics, and behind-the-scenes notes
✨ I’ll send you easy, optional ways to support the release (think: sharing a graphic, adding the book on Goodreads, etc.)
✨ You’ll get early access to the ARC sign-up
What I ask:
❣️ A willingness to share a few small things during the launch period
❣️ Enthusiasm for indie authors like me and for helping my next book find its readers
❣️ That’s truly it—no pressure, no minimum posting requirements
This Hype Team will kick off after the holidays and is temporary for this release, so there is no long-term commitment. I’ll pause it once the launch wraps.
Interested? Apply to be part of the Hype Team here.
September 10, 2024
The Importance of Consent and Healthy Relationships in Romance Books
In the romance genre, the portrayal of healthy relationships and clear consent is not just a nice thing to have—it's a necessity. This hasn't always been the case, but as society becomes increasingly conscious of the dynamics of personal interactions, the romance genre has found itself at the heart of an important conversation. The stories romance books share are not mere entertainment; they influence how people perceive love, respect, and consent in the real world too. Depicting clear consent and depicting healthy relationships can help shape reader expectations and experiences of their own relationships, and it can enrich the storytelling. Let's talk about why consent in romance books is so important!
What is Consent?
Consent means that the interactions between characters should be informed, enthusiastic, and freely given. This is especially crucial in intimate situations, but even outside the bedroom it can have an impact.
The romance genre is all about interpersonal connections, and telling readers that their beloved character gets a Happy Ever After with someone who is abusive or doesn't respect boundaries sends a confusing message. Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, communication, and clearly defined boundaries. These elements conflict with outdated tropes like an Alpha Hero who values dominance over consent, or scenarios where non-consensual actions are romanticized. While these sorts of scenarios may have been the norm in the clinch-cover romance books you stole from your grandma’s bookshelf, they’re not acceptable in our current day and age.
The Impact of Consent in the Romance Genre
When romance novels model what healthy interactions look like, they become more than just escapism—they provide readers with examples of good practices to aspire to. Whether authors realize it or not, they wield significant power in shaping cultural norms and expectations. When I mindfully depict consent and healthy relationships in my books, I feel like I'm creating a safer reading environment.
It’s no small wonder the majority of romance readers are women. Women face constant harassment and risks to their lives simply existing in this world, so when they get to see what a healthy relationship can look like in the pages of a book, it can help them set a standard to the way others treat them. It grants a stronger sense of autonomy and understanding of My Body, My Rules.
Fiction allows us to explore all aspects of sexuality, so dubious consent (dubcon) or non-consensual (noncon) books are a thing. If that’s what you’re into, then you do you! But it’s vital to understand that these kinds of interactions are not consensual. Content warnings at the beginning of books (and/or on author websites) are especially helpful for readers here. I think it’s also important to emphasize the context, character development, and the aftermath of these kind of interactions. In this way, the narrative can still respect the gravity of consent.
What is Consent?
Consent means that the interactions between characters should be informed, enthusiastic, and freely given. This is especially crucial in intimate situations, but even outside the bedroom it can have an impact.
The romance genre is all about interpersonal connections, and telling readers that their beloved character gets a Happy Ever After with someone who is abusive or doesn't respect boundaries sends a confusing message. Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, communication, and clearly defined boundaries. These elements conflict with outdated tropes like an Alpha Hero who values dominance over consent, or scenarios where non-consensual actions are romanticized. While these sorts of scenarios may have been the norm in the clinch-cover romance books you stole from your grandma’s bookshelf, they’re not acceptable in our current day and age.
The Impact of Consent in the Romance Genre
When romance novels model what healthy interactions look like, they become more than just escapism—they provide readers with examples of good practices to aspire to. Whether authors realize it or not, they wield significant power in shaping cultural norms and expectations. When I mindfully depict consent and healthy relationships in my books, I feel like I'm creating a safer reading environment.
It’s no small wonder the majority of romance readers are women. Women face constant harassment and risks to their lives simply existing in this world, so when they get to see what a healthy relationship can look like in the pages of a book, it can help them set a standard to the way others treat them. It grants a stronger sense of autonomy and understanding of My Body, My Rules.
Fiction allows us to explore all aspects of sexuality, so dubious consent (dubcon) or non-consensual (noncon) books are a thing. If that’s what you’re into, then you do you! But it’s vital to understand that these kinds of interactions are not consensual. Content warnings at the beginning of books (and/or on author websites) are especially helpful for readers here. I think it’s also important to emphasize the context, character development, and the aftermath of these kind of interactions. In this way, the narrative can still respect the gravity of consent.
August 5, 2024
The Love Triangle Trope isn’t Bad, it’s just Misunderstood
Confession time: I love the love triangle trope. The tension and drama whisk me away on an emotional rollercoaster, adding layers of complexity to a story that keeps me turning pages well into the night. While many readers love to hate on this trope, I believe it’s simply misunderstood. As someone who gravitates toward it in my books, films, and TV shows, I’ve definitely seen it go wrong—but when it’s done right, a love triangle creates a story that’s impossible to resist.
What is a Love Triangle?
A love triangle involves one person torn between two potential love interests—a tug-of-war of the protagonist’s heart as they struggle to determine which love is right for them, or which love they truly deserve.
Love triangles come in different forms:
* The unrequited love scenario, where one person’s feelings aren’t returned, but they’re still part of the equation.
* Mutual attraction, where all three parties are entangled in one way or another, leading to a more intense and heartbreaking decision.
* The classic setup, essentially a Love V—the protagonist (at the center of that V) has two equally enticing romantic interests, leaving readers guessing until the very end who they might choose.
Examples of Successful Love Triangles
One of my favorite love triangles in literature is in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Katniss has a soft spot for Gale, her steadfast companion from home, but then Peeta enters her universe as her fellow competitor who understands the trauma of the Games like no one else can. Gale and Peeta represent different aspects of Katniss’s life. While she may cling to Gale, wishing she could just be an ordinary girl from District 12, who she eventually becomes throughout the story is someone only Peeta could understand (and the fact that he’s got rizz and has had a thing for her for years only adds to that conflict). Coming to terms with what she endured is not easy, and neither is her decision—which keeps us engaged until the very end.
Another great example is One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The protagonist, Emma, is faced with an impossible choice when her husband (who was presumed dead) returns shortly before she plans to remarry. The love triangle here isn’t just about these two amazing men who love her and whom she loves—it’s about Emma’s journey of self-discovery. What version of herself does she want to carry forward into her future?
Sometimes, tropes fall into a classic setup, but it’s refreshing to find books or media that go beyond the expected, especially in response to how our society evolves. The love triangle trope was pushed to the forefront earlier this year when the movie Challengers came out. In it, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor are entangled in a web of emotional and sexual desire for each other. It was a true love triangle (not just a Love V). I personally love seeing the love triangle done where those typical dynamics are altered, and we get diverse pairings that break away from traditional gender norms. This shift adds layers of complexity to the relationships, upping those emotional stakes even more.
Read the rest of this post on theresachristine.com!
What is a Love Triangle?
A love triangle involves one person torn between two potential love interests—a tug-of-war of the protagonist’s heart as they struggle to determine which love is right for them, or which love they truly deserve.
Love triangles come in different forms:
* The unrequited love scenario, where one person’s feelings aren’t returned, but they’re still part of the equation.
* Mutual attraction, where all three parties are entangled in one way or another, leading to a more intense and heartbreaking decision.
* The classic setup, essentially a Love V—the protagonist (at the center of that V) has two equally enticing romantic interests, leaving readers guessing until the very end who they might choose.
Examples of Successful Love Triangles
One of my favorite love triangles in literature is in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Katniss has a soft spot for Gale, her steadfast companion from home, but then Peeta enters her universe as her fellow competitor who understands the trauma of the Games like no one else can. Gale and Peeta represent different aspects of Katniss’s life. While she may cling to Gale, wishing she could just be an ordinary girl from District 12, who she eventually becomes throughout the story is someone only Peeta could understand (and the fact that he’s got rizz and has had a thing for her for years only adds to that conflict). Coming to terms with what she endured is not easy, and neither is her decision—which keeps us engaged until the very end.
Another great example is One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The protagonist, Emma, is faced with an impossible choice when her husband (who was presumed dead) returns shortly before she plans to remarry. The love triangle here isn’t just about these two amazing men who love her and whom she loves—it’s about Emma’s journey of self-discovery. What version of herself does she want to carry forward into her future?
Sometimes, tropes fall into a classic setup, but it’s refreshing to find books or media that go beyond the expected, especially in response to how our society evolves. The love triangle trope was pushed to the forefront earlier this year when the movie Challengers came out. In it, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor are entangled in a web of emotional and sexual desire for each other. It was a true love triangle (not just a Love V). I personally love seeing the love triangle done where those typical dynamics are altered, and we get diverse pairings that break away from traditional gender norms. This shift adds layers of complexity to the relationships, upping those emotional stakes even more.
Read the rest of this post on theresachristine.com!
July 5, 2024
Slow-Burn Romance: Why Patience Pays Off
In my first book, The Half of It, I embraced the slow-burn romance trope wholeheartedly. There's tension, there's yearning, but the characters spend over the half the book resisting anything physical between the two of them until they simply can’t fight it anymore. I adore the build-up to romance. When the romance develops too quickly, I lose my footing in the story and don't feel as excited for the couple to get together because, well, it’s already happened. Give me the almost excruciating unfolding of emotions over characters who move too fast, any day of the week. “Slow burn” means the characters won’t realize that romantic connection (or get together) until later in the book, but trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it.
What is a Slow Burn Romance?
A slow-burn romance is one where the romantic relationship takes time to develop. Unlike the one-night stand trope, where attraction sparks quickly, or a brother's best friend trope, where simmering feelings have been brewing for years prior to page one, the slow-burn romance gradually intensifies before our eyes. The characters embark on a journey of discovery and take tentative steps towards each other, and the result is a savory build-up of emotional and romantic tension.
The Beauty of Gradually Growing Emotions
The anticipation created by a slow-burn romance is unparalleled, and when it’s done right, it’s chef’s kiss. In romance books with a slow burn, the characters’ relationships evolve without the immediate complication of sex or even realized attraction, allowing for important character development to happen. We get to see how the characters interact, communicate, and grow together outside the bedroom, which makes their eventual union all the more gratifying. This also opens the door for fun banter and flirtation, which are always enjoyable as two characters find their way to each other.
As readers, we yearn alongside the characters. We experience their highs and lows, their hopes and doubts. Our emotional investment deepens with the turn of every page, and this makes the culmination of the romance—whether it’s confession of feelings with a chaste kiss or a scorching sex scene—mindblowingly satisfying.
Read the rest of this post on theresachristine.com!
What is a Slow Burn Romance?
A slow-burn romance is one where the romantic relationship takes time to develop. Unlike the one-night stand trope, where attraction sparks quickly, or a brother's best friend trope, where simmering feelings have been brewing for years prior to page one, the slow-burn romance gradually intensifies before our eyes. The characters embark on a journey of discovery and take tentative steps towards each other, and the result is a savory build-up of emotional and romantic tension.
The Beauty of Gradually Growing Emotions
The anticipation created by a slow-burn romance is unparalleled, and when it’s done right, it’s chef’s kiss. In romance books with a slow burn, the characters’ relationships evolve without the immediate complication of sex or even realized attraction, allowing for important character development to happen. We get to see how the characters interact, communicate, and grow together outside the bedroom, which makes their eventual union all the more gratifying. This also opens the door for fun banter and flirtation, which are always enjoyable as two characters find their way to each other.
As readers, we yearn alongside the characters. We experience their highs and lows, their hopes and doubts. Our emotional investment deepens with the turn of every page, and this makes the culmination of the romance—whether it’s confession of feelings with a chaste kiss or a scorching sex scene—mindblowingly satisfying.
Read the rest of this post on theresachristine.com!
April 23, 2024
Mistaken identity is the most underrated romance trope
There are certain tropes that the majority of people seem to love, like enemies to lovers or fake dating. They’re widely adored and ones you’ll often see in romance. Mistaken identity? Not so much.
When it comes to the mistaken identity trope, it's easy to say, "Well, if the character had just told the truth from the beginning, they wouldn't be in this mess." But here's the thing: life is messy, complicated, and rarely follows a straight path. People don’t always tell the complete truth (nope, not even you), and we make the best choices we can with the circumstances we’re dealt. Often, little white lies don’t impact us too greatly; other times, though—and as it is often the case in fiction—these choices lead to unforeseen consequences. What starts out as a tiny decision that a character thinks won’t come back to haunt them ends up snowballing into something much, much bigger.
And that's precisely where the beauty of the mistaken identity trope lies—it mirrors the nuanced complexities of the human experience.
Of course, readers want to root for the characters they’re reading about, right? This is where I think some folks really get turned off reading a mistaken identity romance. After all, we don’t want to root for a character who would lie. In these cases, it’s helpful to keep in mind that every day humans make choices based on what they think is the best route to go in that moment. Sometimes those decisions are easy; other times, we have to go with the lesser of two evils. So a successful mistaken identity romance novel hinges on the character having a compelling, believable reason to lie (or to omit a truth).
One of the most compelling aspects of mistaken identity romances is their emotional depth. Imagine being thrust into a situation where you're forced to navigate a web of deceit and deception, all while trying to reconcile these growing feelings for someone who doesn't know the real you. The internal conflict, the moral dilemmas, and the fear of being exposed all add layers of complexity to the story and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Read the rest of this post on theresachristine.com
When it comes to the mistaken identity trope, it's easy to say, "Well, if the character had just told the truth from the beginning, they wouldn't be in this mess." But here's the thing: life is messy, complicated, and rarely follows a straight path. People don’t always tell the complete truth (nope, not even you), and we make the best choices we can with the circumstances we’re dealt. Often, little white lies don’t impact us too greatly; other times, though—and as it is often the case in fiction—these choices lead to unforeseen consequences. What starts out as a tiny decision that a character thinks won’t come back to haunt them ends up snowballing into something much, much bigger.
And that's precisely where the beauty of the mistaken identity trope lies—it mirrors the nuanced complexities of the human experience.
Of course, readers want to root for the characters they’re reading about, right? This is where I think some folks really get turned off reading a mistaken identity romance. After all, we don’t want to root for a character who would lie. In these cases, it’s helpful to keep in mind that every day humans make choices based on what they think is the best route to go in that moment. Sometimes those decisions are easy; other times, we have to go with the lesser of two evils. So a successful mistaken identity romance novel hinges on the character having a compelling, believable reason to lie (or to omit a truth).
One of the most compelling aspects of mistaken identity romances is their emotional depth. Imagine being thrust into a situation where you're forced to navigate a web of deceit and deception, all while trying to reconcile these growing feelings for someone who doesn't know the real you. The internal conflict, the moral dilemmas, and the fear of being exposed all add layers of complexity to the story and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Read the rest of this post on theresachristine.com
