In YA* in particular, you're lucky if you find a novel that doesn't have some kind of romantic subplot. Or major plot point. You'll be hard pressed to find a story sans romance, no matter the genre.
Now, I love a good romance as much as the next gal, but I've also read novels where the romance has felt forced, mediocre or just plain unnecessary. There is sometimes the feeling that the blossoming relationship between the protagonist and their love interest is only included to tick the obligatory romantic subplot box, whether or not it actually contributes anything to, or even works with, the plot.
So what do you think? How important are romantic subplots (in works that don't somehow fall into the romance genre)? Do you think that authors feel a pressure to include a love interest in their story? Are there any novels you've read that don't have a romantic subplot, and don't need one? What are some of your favourite romances that are subplots to a larger narrative?
I love a good discussion, so also feel free to talk about any romantic subplot tropes that you've encountered lately and love/hate. Or do you have any tips regarding including and/or avoiding including a romantic subplot in your own writing? Your thoughts are welcome (and wanted!).
*I'm most familiar with YA, over adult fiction, but this by no means has to be exclusively a discussion about YA. I'm just talking about what I know.
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