March Hooks Roundup
Quick disclaimer: this is not my usual tutorial-type article. I am simply using this space to gather all the useful info I have gathered. You might have seen some, you might have missed the others. Ultimately I am not claiming any credit, I am simply hosting all the resources in one space because cool things on the interwebs tend to get lost and forgotten after a time.
Hook ideas from Threads
Please go thank the respective cool peeps if you use any of the ideas here!
Hook ideas from TikTok & Instagram:
Note: I try to keep things mostly gender neutral. MC stands for main character, LI stands for love interest. My main tip to ensure these hooks can work the best for you is to include at least one character archetype to add the emotional weight and increase curiosity gap!
Here are hooks I saved in the month of March!
When the [character archetype, usually a strong and powerful character or MCs hiding behind a façade] isn’t afraid to yearn for [LI pronoun]
When [MC pronoun] [action, ie calls LI] after finally [action, but something like dumping her fiance]
The silver fox getting to discover new things about himself… with [LI character archetype, ie his daughter’s best friend]
When [MC character archetype] tries to call on [LI pronoun]’s bluff and >> 😮💨 (usually when the ‘challenge’ fails)
Me when the agegap romance is an AGE GAP romance (replace age gap with any trope/subgenre)
Okay fine I do love a little age gap romance book (replace age gap with any trope/subgenre)
[1st POV] When I tell the [LI character archetype, ie much older billionaire] that I’m [information before a spicy scene or an emotionally-heightened scene, ie not on birth control]…
They’ve been good about acting professionally in public, but after [situation happened]... all bets are off for [MC pronoun/character archetype] & [LI character archetype]
When they are forbidden to be together but mutually yearn for one another >>>
You sass your [LI character archetype] and [LI pronoun] says:
When [MC pronoun, ie he] is [adjective, ie grumpy] and older than [LI pronoun, ie her] >>>
POV: the [LI character archetype, ie single mom][action + MC pronoun/character archetype, ie compliments him] and it’s ALL [MC pronoun] can focus on…
It’s just a (trope/subgenre) romance, why are you laughing?!? [explains the micro scene]
Alternatively: “Why are you laughing?? It’s just a (trope/subgenre) romance!” [attach screenshot]
Swap laughing for crying if it’s emotional
When banter is their love language >>>
When [MC pronoun] sees [a situation being unfold] [MC pronoun] can’t help feeling jealous but [LI pronoun]...
When [LI pronoun] thinks [character archetype] hates [LI pronoun] but this is how [MC pronoun] acts when someone [action][LI pronoun] (ie disrespects her)
The [MC character archetype] is not only willing but ✨eager✨ to take [MC pronoun] time with [LI but ideally with added adjectives/description, ie the plus size FMC/his sister’s best friend, for the added emotional weight]
When the [MC character archetype] finally asks [pronoun or LI character archetype] if [MC pronoun] can kiss [LI pronoun]
When the [LI pronoun/character archetype] says [pronoun][action] but the [MC character archetype] has other ✨plans✨
What do you mean the [MC character archetype] thinks about [LI pronoun] like this?? DOWN. BAD. (just a variation of WDYM, really)
When [MC pronoun] is a [character archetype/powerful job title] who falls first and HARD and is obsessed with [LI pronoun] >>>>
Spicy [trope][subgenre] romance? 🫡 (ie spicy best friend’s brother hockey romance? sign me tf up!!)
All I want is a DOWN BAD ✨OBSESSED✨ MMC
I’m sorry the [character archetype] love interest did WHAT?? [explain the scene in a few words as you can, something really really shocking like the vampire using his blood as lube lol]
When it’s a [trope] and [describe scene] ie, when it’s a why choose and her brother’s grumpy best friend takes his turn
When it’s a [not so romantic trope, ie fake dating/marriage of convenience] and they start flirting/bantering more than normal
Are they lovers? WORSE. [explain why]
When the ✨tension✨ is chef’s kiss (you can replace tension with spice, banter, aftercare, golden retriever energy, etc.)
That moment when MC’s LI (ie, his sister’s best friend) becomes [MC pronoun] obsession (you can replace sister’s best friend with other character archetype)
Trope x trope?? The trope combination I didn’t know I needed!!
Lastly, the classic… just explain the scene but use tropes & character archetype for clarity because every book, every scene is unique. ie when she’s sharing a bed [ONE BED TROPE] with her fake husband [FAKE MARRIAGE, CHARACTER ARCHETYPE] and keeps waking up on his side [THE MC DOING SOMETHING THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO]
Edit to add: I forgot to sign off earlier. IDK what to say but it feels weird leaving y’all hanging like this so… good luck!