Building Tension & Chemistry in Romance

Written By Author Shalana Battles

Hello, everyone! Welcome to the very first “podcast-style” blog post for Chaos in the Margins. I’m Shalana Battles, an author who writes romance across paranormal, fantasy, dark, and contemporary subgenres. If you’d rather listen on the go, be sure to check out the audio version of this episode over on my YouTube channel.

Quick Personal Update

This week has been hectic in the best way possible. I’m wrapping up edits on my newest series, The Grand Mesa Men, with final proofreading scheduled for February. Meanwhile, I’m juggling several editing clients, co-running a waste removal business with my husband, keeping up with my kiddos and pets… It’s a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What to Expect in This Episode/Blog Post

Today, we’re diving into how to build tension and chemistry between characters. If you’re a fellow writer, you’ll pick up tips to level up your craft. If you’re a romance reader, you’ll get an inside peek at how those swoon-worthy moments come to life on the page.

I’ll also be sharing a few reading recommendations at the end—novels that inspire me and might just land on your TBR list.

Character Chemistry 101

When crafting a memorable romance, three crucial elements can make or break your story:

  1. Start with Personal Goals – Why internal motivation matters

  2. Pinpoint the Conflict – How friction fuels romantic tension

  3. Add Those Memorable Moments – Creating scenes readers can’t stop thinking about

Let’s break each one down:

1. Start with Personal Goals – Why Internal Motivation Matters

Internal motivation is the heart of any well-written character. In romance, there are so many factors influencing how two characters eventually achieve their happily ever after. If your protagonist does something questionable, we readers need to understand why. Is there past trauma? An insecurity about love? Perhaps a fear of being vulnerable?

Real-Life Example – The Will by Kristen Ashley
Minor spoilers! In this story, Jake secretly reads letters that Josie wrote to her grandmother. He learns a lot about her before they even meet—but doesn’t share that secret. Why do we still love him? Because we see his motivation: he doesn’t feel good enough for Josie, and he’s terrified of rejection. Yes, he should have told her, but he’s wrestling with feelings of unworthiness.

Takeaway: If we know a character’s “why,” we’ll forgive their flaws and root for them as they fight for love.

2. Pinpoint the Conflict – How Friction Fuels Romantic Tension

Conflict is the engine that keeps romance plots in motion. Whether internal, external, or both, conflict creates the tension readers crave. Maybe it’s a misunderstanding between the lovers, or maybe outside forces—family drama, personal demons, magical curses—stand in their way.

  • Balancing Angst: Too much angst can frustrate readers; too little and you risk a dull storyline.

  • Sexual Tension vs. Plot Conflict: Sexual tension might crackle between two characters (Bones and Booth, anyone?), but actual conflict—like Jake hiding letters—pushes the story forward.

Tip: Conflict, when resolved thoughtfully, deepens the bond between characters and heightens the payoff of their eventual happily ever after.

3. Add Those Memorable Moments – Creating Scenes Readers Can’t Stop Thinking About

Once your characters have a solid why and face compelling conflict, it’s time to sprinkle in the memorable moments. These are the small gestures, tender lines, or surprising acts that leave readers breathless.

  • A clever nickname that shows affection.

  • A heartfelt compliment that reveals vulnerability.

  • A tiny note slipped into a purse or a funny text message that lightens the mood.

In The Will, Jake calls Josie “slick” in a way that becomes an ongoing endearment, and it just works. In dark romance like Haunting Adeline, it’s Zade eating mint ice cream even though it tastes like toothpaste because it’s Adeline loves it. In historical romances, a single well-placed compliment can stand out in a more formal setting. The common thread? These moments feel intimate, specific, and deeply personal—making them unforgettable.

Recap

Here’s the short version of these three pillars:

  1. Internal Motivation: Show readers why your character acts the way they do. Even if they mess up, an emotional backstory or relatable fear helps us cheer for them.

  2. Conflict: Tension keeps pages turning and hearts racing. Just remember that conflict and sexual tension aren’t always one and the same—but both are essential in varying degrees!

  3. Memorable Moments: These small (or grand!) gestures are what readers remember long after they’ve finished the book. They’re the magic in romance that makes us sigh, squeal, or swoon.

Recommended Reads

Because I love chatting all things romance, here are the books I read this week:

  • The Predator by Runyx: If you’re into dark romance and enemies to lovers you’ll find this hard to resist.

  • The Reaper by Runyx: The second book which follows the same two characters, love me a duet.

If you want more personal recommendations or want to discuss any of these books, let me know in the comments—or hit me up on social media!

Final Thoughts & What’s Next

Thank you so much for joining me on this first “official” episode of Chaos in the Margins. I’d love to hear your thoughts:

  • Do you have a favorite romance novel with great internal motivation, conflict, or that single quote you can’t stop obsessing over?

  • Have you tried weaving these elements into your own writing?

Feel free to drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram at @AuthorShalanaBattles. I’m always down for a good discussion about romances, tropes, and unforgettable characters.

If you enjoyed this, consider subscribing or following the show on YouTube. And for more behind-the-scenes content, freebies, and updates on my new releases, sign up for my newsletter at ShalanaBattles.com.

Next Episode Teaser

Coming Soon on Chaos in the Margins: Unpublishing My Backlist & What’s Next for Those Books

Big changes are happening! After years of publishing, I’ve made the decision to unpublish my backlist—but don’t worry, these books aren’t gone forever. In my next episode of Chaos in the Margins, I’m diving into why I made this choice, what it means for my books, and how I plan to bring them back bigger and better than ever.

If you’ve read Soul Jumper, The Man Before You, or Encampment and want to know what’s next, you won’t want to miss this episode! I’ll be sharing all the behind-the-scenes details, lessons learned, and my vision for these books moving forward.

🔔 Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss it! And if you’re not already on my newsletter, sign up at shalanabattles.com for all the latest updates!

Want More?

Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you next time on Chaos in the Margins!

Author Shalana Battles
Next

What’s Next After Grand Mesa Men? Future Writing Plans