The 8 best hints at romance in a novel

Romance in novels has the power to captivate readers, drawing them into the emotional journey of two characters discovering their love for one another. But love doesn’t always need to be declared with grand confessions or passionate kisses.

Sometimes, the most compelling hints at romance are subtle and layered, building anticipation and tension. These hints add depth to a story and keep readers invested in the slow burn of a developing relationship. Here are eight of the best hints at romance that can be woven into a novel.

Glances

A shared look between two characters can convey more emotion than pages of dialogue. The fleeting moment of eye contact, whether it’s a lingering stare or a brief glance from across the room, can spark an immediate connection, even if neither character acknowledges it. The key to using glances effectively is in the description and timing.

A glance can be laden with meaning—a character might notice something in the other person’s eyes that they've never seen before, or their heart may skip a beat at a chance look.

The beauty of glances is that they speak volumes without the need for words. These moments can be subtle and intimate, drawing readers into the emotional pull of the characters’ growing attraction.

Internal dialogue

Internal dialogue gives the reader direct access to the character’s thoughts, desires, and feelings. When a character is beginning to fall for someone, their internal monologue often reveals more than they’re willing to admit to others.

Whether it’s the self-doubt that arises or the excitement that bubbles up unexpectedly, internal dialogue can offer insight into a character's conflicted emotions.

This is especially powerful when the character is in denial or unsure about their feelings. Readers can see the battle between what the character thinks they want and what their heart is telling them. Internal dialogue also allows for moments of vulnerability, where a character might acknowledge feelings they're not ready to voice out loud.

Playful teasing

Teasing, especially when done in a light-hearted, playful manner, can be a great way to show budding romantic tension. When characters engage in friendly banter or witty exchanges, it suggests a level of comfort and familiarity, happiness maybe.

Playful teasing is often a precursor to deeper emotional connections, hinting at attraction without overtly expressing it.

The key to using teasing effectively is balance. Too much teasing can make the relationship feel shallow, but just the right amount can suggest flirtation and genuine affection.

Teasing allows characters to test the waters, and it’s a perfect way to add humor to a romance while still moving the relationship forward.

Accidental touching

Accidental touching is one of those small, intimate moments that can have a big impact in a romance. A fleeting touch on the arm, a brush of hands as they reach for the same object, or a shoulder bump in a crowded space—it’s in these moments that romantic chemistry can begin to simmer.

While the touch may be unintentional, it’s often followed by a heightened awareness of each other’s presence, as if the characters can’t help but feel the spark. These accidental touches may seem insignificant at first, but they can trigger a cascade of emotions.

The characters may feel embarrassed, excited, or even confused, and the reader is given a glimpse of the growing tension between them. It’s one of those small, yet significant, ways in which physical closeness hints at a developing romance.

Shared moments

The beauty of shared moments is that they reveal a deeper connection between two characters. These moments can range from experiencing something significant together—like witnessing a beautiful sunset or navigating a challenging situation—to quieter, more personal experiences.

A shared moment is a fleeting but meaningful experience that gives the characters a sense of togetherness. These moments build intimacy between the characters, suggesting that their bond goes beyond surface-level attraction.

Whether it's a heartfelt conversation or a moment of vulnerability, shared experiences give the reader a sense of why these two characters are meant to be together, even if neither one has admitted it yet.

Gifts

Gifting is a powerful gesture in romance, as it shows thoughtfulness, care, and attention to the recipient’s desires. A gift can be something small, like a handpicked flower or a handwritten note, or something more significant, like an object with sentimental value.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant to have meaning; it’s the sentiment behind the gift that matters. When a character gives another person a gift, it suggests a deeper emotional investment.

The thoughtfulness and consideration involved show that the giver is paying attention to the recipient’s needs and feelings. Gifts can also act as a way to communicate feelings that are hard to express aloud, offering a subtle hint of romance.

Selfless help

One of the most genuine signs of affection is selfless help. When a character goes out of their way to assist another, often without expecting anything in return, it demonstrates care, concern, and a willingness to put the other person’s needs above their own. Whether it's offering support during a difficult time or simply helping with a small task, selfless acts of kindness can reveal the depth of a character’s feelings.

These moments often happen quietly, without fanfare, but they speak volumes about the character’s emotions. Selfless help can also serve as a turning point in a story, where one character begins to realize their growing attachment to the other. It's a simple, yet powerful, way to hint at the deepening connection between two people.

Compliments

Compliments can be a great way to hint at romance, but they work best when they feel genuine and thoughtful. A well-placed compliment can make a character feel special and appreciated, signaling the growing attraction between two people.

These compliments don’t need to be overly dramatic—they can be as simple as admiring someone’s smile or acknowledging their intelligence or strength.

The beauty of a compliment is that it’s a way for characters to express their admiration for each other without directly declaring romantic interest. It’s a subtle way to show that one character is paying attention and genuinely values the other person.