3 Types of Bingeable Romance Series
If you are a romance writer, you know series are immensely popular with readers. Readers want to binge-read books set in their favorite worlds or written by their favorite authors.
But not all series have the same structure, and some are more bingeable than others. What makes some series a hit with readers? There are some elements that keep readers coming back for more.
Here are 3 types of series that keep readers clicking from one book to the next.
The Side Character Spinoff
This is the most popular type of series in the romance genre today. Each book follows one romantic pairing, but the story contains a cast of side characters. This can be a group of friends, coworkers, or even the antagonist! The author chooses one of these side characters to be the hero of the next book and receive their own happily-ever-after.
These types of series can have an unlimited number of books, but usually they consist of about six. Each book can be read as a standalone, so readers can start with any book in the series. It is also an opportunity for the author to explore different tropes with each pairing.
Famous example: The Puckboys series by Eden Finley and Saxon James
The appeal: This type of series is so bingeable because readers are already familiar with the next book’s hero. Readers of book one already know who this character is and a little about what their damage is. Most likely, they will continue reading through book two, three, and more.
One Big World
Like the Side Character Spinoff, this series consists of standalone books the reader can pick up in any order. The thing that connects them, though, is that they are all set in the same world and each book explores a different trope.
The difference here is that readers don’t care if the characters are interconnected or not. It’s more about being steeped in this setting and not wanting to leave it.
This applies well to fantasy worlds or sci-fi settings, like other planets. Alternate universes, like ABO worlds, fall into this category, as do contemporary settings like small town romances. Authors can flex their worldbuilding skills and transport readers to a place they don’t want to leave.
Famous Example: The Wolf Moon Rising series by Sam Burns and WM Fawkes
The appeal: Readers are attached to this type of series because they love the world in which it is set. They like exploring the place and learning about the systems and rules that shape it. They want to stay in that world and continue reading stories set there, whether the characters are interconnected or not.
The Epic Slow Burn
These books follow the same set of characters and usually the same romantic pairing throughout the entire series. For this reason, this type of series is usually shorter than the rest, consisting of duologies or trilogies. The main story follows the evolution of one relationship through multiple stages or conflicts that are spread across different books.
Famous example: The Captive Prince Trilogy by CS Pacat
The appeal: Readers become super attached to the characters and the world of this series, and they will be loyal to the very end. The plot doesn’t wrap up in one book, and readers will want to know what’s going to happen to these characters!
A series needs a way to go from one book to the next. It can follow a chain of characters, set all stories in the same world, or follow a central plotline. All of these methods are highly bingeable and keep readers coming back; of course, you want readers to read every book in your series!
Take some time to think about which type of series you want to write. It will help you plan your books, romantic pairings, and the tropes you want to explore.