The Charm and Challenges of Small Town Settings in Romance Novels

In the past few months, I’ve noticed a pattern in my reading habits: I keep getting drawn into small-town settings in romance novels. It made me wonder, what is it about small towns that makes them such an appealing backdrop for romance, especially in MM and FF stories? After some reflection, I realized that in many of the books I’ve enjoyed, the small town isn’t just a setting—it’s practically a character in the story. These cozy, sometimes claustrophobic communities can add a layer of tension, external conflict, and charm that a more urban setting simply can’t provide.

The Small Town as a Separate Character

One of the main appeals of small-town settings is the feeling of community. In these places, everyone knows everyone, and nothing stays hidden for long. That tight-knit dynamic can add a unique pressure for characters, particularly those who are different or have secrets to keep. When used effectively, the small town serves as an antagonist, creating external conflict for the characters to overcome.

A perfect example of this is Beneath the Indigo Sky by Rayne Hawthorne. In this book, the small town itself seems to turn against the main characters, Nadim and Jayce, when they’re discovered as a couple. Nadim, who doesn’t remember who he was, is already an outsider. When the town learns about his relationship with Jayce, they are both treated as outcasts. The small town, in this case, serves as a judgmental character in itself—rejecting anything and anyone who doesn’t fit the mold.

Similarly, in Stars Still Fall by Jules Keley, the small town is a hostile environment, especially for the two female leads. Lily Ann, one of the main characters, is treated with suspicion and pity after the tragic loss of her family. Although the town pretends to support her, it’s clear they never truly accept her. Things escalate further when Jolene, a local who has been away for years, returns. As an openly gay woman, she faces hostility for being different. This sets up a perfect external conflict, where the community becomes a barrier between the characters and their happiness.

Tension and Conflict in Small Towns

What makes the small-town setting so effective in these stories is how it creates tension. Whether the characters are fighting to fit in, dealing with judgment from their neighbors, or standing up for themselves, the town amplifies every emotional beat. Characters can’t just exist in isolation—they have to contend with the entire social ecosystem that the small town represents.

However, not every small town is hostile. Sometimes, these communities can become welcoming, especially when the newcomer has something valuable to offer. In His Moody Mountain Man by Shiloh Swift, the town ultimately accepts the outsider because he brings something to the table—he helps the town’s outcast and provides financial support, which makes him a valuable asset to the community. Similarly, in Rough Waters by Austin Moon, the small island community embraces the changes the newcomer brings, because they recognize the benefits to their way of life. In both of these stories, the protagonist must prove their worth to the community, demonstrating that the changes they represent are positive.

Exploring Social Dynamics

One of the most interesting aspects of the small-town setting is how it allows the author to explore the social dynamics of a tight-knit group. In these settings, a person’s acceptance depends on how well they blend in with the established community norms. If they’re seen as too different, they’ll need to prove that they offer something valuable to the group before they’re accepted. This creates a fascinating push-pull between individuality and belonging that often forms the backbone of these stories.

Small towns are often set against a backdrop of natural beauty—mountains, islands, or rural landscapes—which adds to the isolation and sense of a world that’s a little out of time. The weather can also play a role in the story, with harsh climates forcing the community to pull together out of necessity. In His Moody Mountain Man, for example, the rough, mountain weather serves as an additional layer of conflict, but also as a reason for the town to accept the newcomer’s financial help. The same is true in Rough Waters, where the protagonist brings a marketing plan that promises to boost the island's economy. The town accepts him because they see how the changes he brings will benefit everyone.

Conclusion: Balancing Community and Romance

The small-town setting offers a unique balance of charm and conflict. On one hand, it can create a heartwarming, intimate backdrop for a romance to unfold. On the other, it can be a source of external tension, especially when the community is slow to accept the main characters or their relationship. For authors writing in this setting, the key is to strike a balance between the needs of the romance and the demands of the town.

Ultimately, the small-town setting adds a rich layer to romance stories, making the characters work not just to win each other’s hearts, but also to win over the town. It’s a dynamic setting that can highlight themes of acceptance, change, and the power of love to overcome societal pressures.