Love at First Sight? or a Love/Hate Relationship?

Love at first sight seems to be a staple of the romance world. Two characters meet, and BAM!, they're in love. They don't just like each other, or feel attraction, it's love. While this sort of scenario may be romantic on the outside, it's not terribly realistic. I've seen it referred to in a negative way as "insta-love." Sometimes readers (including myself) get annoyed with characters who fall for each other at first sight and start proclaiming their undying love right away.

Maybe I'm a cynic, but I don't believe in love at first sight. Attraction, lust, or admiration, sure. But love? No. In my opinion, real love takes time to grow.

I have to admit, though, in some stories the love at first sight angle is cute--as long as it's not taken too far. I enjoy it in light, funny stories a lot more than I do in serious stories. Maybe it's because I don't usually care if a light, funny story is realistic or not.
The flip side of love at first sight is the classic love/hate relationship. The characters hate each other at first sight, and fight all the time. Of course, they're also attracted to each other. As the story progresses, they end up in bed together and realize they actually love each other.

This is another trope that annoys the heck out of me when it's taken too far. A little dislike is funny. It's great if the dislike develops into grudging respect as the characters work together to solve a problem. When the characters are truly mean to one another, however, it's a bit difficult for me to believe they love each other, even deep down.

What do you think? Do you like love at first sight in romances? What about love/hate relationships? Do you prefer the characters to get to know one another slowly, or run with their initial feelings--be they love or dislike? (Or does it depend on the story?)

Cassandra
www.cassandragold.com

And find out what happens when lust at first sight turns into something more:

"One Night Stand" coming August 9th from Total-e-Bound!

Photographer Tom Garner is finally ready to date again after the death of his partner.

On his first night out, he meets sexy Ian. Unfortunately for Tom, Ian isn’t looking for a relationship.

Ian Abernathy has been burned by love one too many times. His new rule, one-night stands only, seems to be working well—until he meets Tom.

Can a one-night stand lead Tom and Ian to something real?