Oh yes, I see! I was interpreting 'succeeded' more along the lines of 'this is a difficult thing to do, because het romance is usually one of the main appealing features of a book, so it's a significant achievement', but it could definitely be read that way too.

If my art skills were better, I'd do an 80s-style bodice-ripper cover for you of Alan and Davy on the windswept moor...

XD Excellent idea!