Tropes We’ll Never Get Tired Of: Forced Proximity

Ever been stuck somewhere with someone you absolutely shouldn’t want but suddenly… really do?

That’s the beauty of forced proximity.

Whether it’s a snowstorm, a last-minute booking mix-up, or being stranded together in the middle of nowhere—something shifts when two people are trapped in close quarters. The tension builds. The walls start to drop. And if you’re anything like us, you’re turning those pages faster than you can say “you take the couch.”

In this week’s story (The Beach Hookup), Ellie thinks she’s escaping to a quiet beach house to paint in peace. But then Ryan shows up—tan, shirtless, and annoyingly hot. Now? She’s stuck with him.

And you’re about to be stuck in your feelings.