Susan Fox | Opposites – Or Not So Much?

Have you noticed that romance fiction often involves an attraction of opposites? And that as the story progresses, the heroine and hero find out that they actually have some important things in common, such as basic values and goals? After all, can you really live happily ever after if you don’t agree on certain fundamental things?

Why is this theme so popular with readers—and with authors? Well, I can tell you why I used it in LOVE ME TENDER.

At the beginning of the book, it’s clear that the heroine and hero are, in many ways, complete opposites. Cassidy Esperanza is such a free-spirited drifter that her most prized possession is her tattoo of a wild goose flying with the moon on its wing (yes, from “The Sound of Music”!). Her motto is “a new day, a new adventure.”

Dave Cousins, on the other hand, is so rooted in the heart of Caribou Crossing that he restored a historic inn, the Wild Rose, which he owns and operates. Even more important to him, his daughter Robin, the rest of his family, and his friends are there.

Cassidy prides herself on her self-sufficiency; she moves through the world alone, making friends but never asking for help or relying on anyone. Dave believes in community. The town supported him in restoring the inn, and he’ll do anything to help someone who’s in trouble. Everyone likes and respects him, and relies on him.

Although Cassidy and Dave have one thing in common—neither is looking for a serious relationship—their reasons are completely different. Cassidy learned as a child not to hope for a happy, secure home life. She enjoys relationships while they’re fun, but never puts her heart on the line. Dave does believe strongly in home and family, but he’s struck out twice, first to divorce and then to the death of his beloved fiancée. He did put his heart on the line and it was shattered. He’s sure he’ll never love again. It’s too damned painful.

As so often happens with opposites, these two feel an immediate attraction. Dave has never been into casual dating, yet with Cassidy the idea of a “friends with benefits” relationship is impossible to resist.

Here’s another interesting thing about opposites: they may complement each other. Dave has been stuck in a dark, sad rut, and light-hearted Cassidy brightens his life. In return, he gives her the kind of attention she’s never received from a man, like noticing when she’s exhausted, and taking care of her.

He’s also the one who nags her into seeing a doctor, where she receives a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Unsurprisingly, she and Dave react differently. For her, it’s denial, secrecy, and flight. The easy thing for Dave—with his damaged, vulnerable heart—would be to let her go. If he did . . . Well, the story would end there and it wouldn’t be a romance!

But Dave’s instinct for self-preservation can never overrule his basic decency and generosity. And so he pursues Cassidy and brings her home to Caribou Crossing where he can look after her—even if it goes against everything in her nature to accept someone’s assistance.

They butt heads a lot as she takes the painful first steps to deal with her disease. But through all that process, they become stronger and more flexible people. And now that their relationship is about more than just casual fun, there’s increased emotional intimacy and their feelings for each other deepen. The lessons they learn are painful and poignant, yet also brave and hopeful.

Although initially Dave and Cassidy seemed like complete opposites who could never fit together long-term, by the end of the book they’ve turned into the perfect match. I think readers will be able to envision their life together. They share fundamental values and goals, but they’re still different, and difference is stimulating. I just know that they’ll find a terrific balance of stability and flexibility, of play and seriousness. And, best of all, their love will continue to grow and deepen.

What’s your take on “attraction of opposites” stories? Do you have favorites? Someone who comments will receive an autographed copy of LOVE ME TENDER.