Often in a romance the previous relationship is some sort of horrible failure. The other, as it's thought, was abusive, terribly lacking or some other thing that proves the hero/heroine is the right one. Rarely, is it ever the other person just didn't fit. The relationship just didn't work out.
Romance is very much about the over the top. It's just not lust, but uber lust. It's not the chance meeting, but love at first sight. It encapsulates and exaggerates how it feels to fall in love. The insecurities, the depth and challenges that stand in the way. It's why I love the genre.
It's sometimes why I find it frustrating. Of course, if you can't find what you are looking for as a writer, you write it.
