The Intersection of Love and Magic in Fantasy Romance: Crafting Enchanting Relationships

Fantasy Romance is a genre that blends love and the fantastical. It’s where “anything can happen” meets “love conquers all”. At the center of this genre lies one of the most important things that can make or break a fantasy romance story: enchanting relationships. Unless used as a plot point to create tension, Fantasy and Romance don’t have to work against one another. The presence of both love and magic weaves compelling stories and builds exceptional worlds. The intersection of love and magic is perhaps one of my favorite places to be but crafting enchanting relationships is no easy feat.

So, let’s explore some of my favorite themes!

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So, let’s explore some of my favorite themes! ❃

MAGIC & CONNECTION

Within the realm of fantasy romance, magic serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a powerful catalyst that deepens romantic connections. Let's look through the lens of the Heavy is the Head duology. Prince Mekai's shapeshifting abilities and his burden of the Blue Dragon prophecy help foster a tender and honest bond with Calla, a commoner and a magic-less human. In fact, Mekai’s magic is often part of their conversation, or at least, their initial conversation. It's how it all began.

Magic can help establish an initial connection between characters and can continue to build upon it. If you’re writing a fantasy romance, ask yourself: does the magic system present an opportunity to create a bond or animosity between characters? Cue the enemies to lovers trope! In Calla’s case, she found Mekai and his magic annoying and unlawful. What initially was a place of contention grew to a place they both found comfort in, and with each other.

BUILDING TENSION & CHEMISTRY

Creating an enchanting and engaging fantasy romance requires skillfully building tension and chemistry. It’s a balance that should be believable on both ends. Power dynamics must be explored, and readers should see how it shapes the characters’ abilities, circumstances and relationships. There are many story elements can build suspense, such as social conflicts, love triangles, wars, and politicking.

In building tension and chemistry, the stakes are heightened. A level of uncertainty should present itself to the reader. Will they or won’t they? Is all hope lost? How will they save the realm? In Heavy is the Head: Love & War, internal conflicts, realms-wide issues regarding Dragoon’s ban on magic, the complexities of status and duty, forbidden love and a dash of love triangle add complexity and depth to the story’s romantic and fantastical elements.

MAGIC & EMOTIONS

This is a good one! One of the captivating aspects of fantasy romance is how magic can serve as a mirror for character emotions. Through their magical abilities, characters can reflect their internal struggles, fears, and desires, and it ‌can even enhance the reader’s emotional journey. This might be one of my favorites. There’s something about a character expressing their emotions through magic that makes me giggle and kick my feet.

In Heavy is the Head book one and book two, Mekai's silver ring symbolizes his connection to his father, the old Dragoon, the desire to control his magic, and an anxiety regarding physical intimacy. So, when a certain someone fixes Mekai’s problem with a little magic… you know what, you’ll just have to read it. I will say that I’ve received 5’s across the board for this scene. Let me know when you’ve gotten to it! Magic can be a great source for characters to express their emotions to their partner - so make those sparks fly!

LOVE AS THE ULTIMATE MAGIC

Ultimately, love takes center stage by the end of the journey. Cue the happily-ever-after sign! By this point, love has transcended spells, curses, and any obstacle in its path. It’s triumphed over every adversity. Love has even transformed characters, leading to personal growth and healing.

In the Heavy is the Head duology, Calla, Mekai, Bisi, and Sevin all undergo profound transformations through their character arcs, and through love, do they save themselves and the realms. Love was underestimated and rose to the challenge, defeating a force that couldn’t even be seen. If that isn’t magic, then I don’t know what is. Remember, amidst the fantastical elements, there is also romance. Romances require a “happily every after” or a “happy for now” ending, not a Shakespearean tragedy.

In the world of fantasy romance,

authors have the power to craft enchanting relationships that resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. By exploring the intersection of love and magic, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and captivating nature of these relationships. As we immerse ourselves in these stories, we are reminded that love, in all its magical forms, has the power to ignite our imaginations and touch our hearts.

Now, lets get out there and make some magic!