Romance tropes are part of what makes the genre so very recognizable. Romance readers can essentially pick and choose their favorite tropes and there are some books, novellas, fan-fiction, or something out there with their handpicked tropes. If it doesn’t exist yet, it most likely will at some point. Anymore, it seems like romance readers have a list of tropes they will search book descriptions, Facebook groups, BookTok, and Bookstagram to find their chosen favorites.
Authors walk a thin line between working tropes into their novels and accidentally falling into cliches. Unlike tropes, which add a level of predictability and value to the story, cliches end up causing boredom and frustration in readers. But what is one reader’s least favorite cliche is another reader’s die-hard favorite trope. So, what are romance readers looking for?
This Book Beauty’s Top 10 Favorite Romance Tropes
1. Fated Mates
I may be a little different than some romance readers because I absolutely love fated mates. The idea that there is one perfect individual for every person is just so romantic in my opinion. Now, I do have requirements for my fated mate stories. I want my fated mates to be so in tune with each other that they are the perfect “other half” of each other. Now, the main characters still need to have their own personalities, opinions, strengths, and weaknesses but, when together with that other person, their flaws are limited and the best parts of them are amplified. YES PLEASE!
Most often, fated mate tropes can be found in paranormal and sci-fi romances.
2. Alpha/Protector
I’m not sure this one needs too much explaining. What isn’t there to love about a big ol’ protector who is interested in protecting you, your interests, and everything important in your world? Protector romances tend to come in the form of military, police, firefighter, EMS, security, FBI, etc. The Alpha aspect just adds another layer to the idea that this character is strong, fierce, and interested in dominating any danger that may approach their love interest.
3. Friends-to-Lovers
Is there any more natural progression from friend to lover? I’m particularly close to this one as my husband and I are high-school sweethearts and he is by far my best friend. Friends-to-Lovers has the benefit of each main character already knowing the ins and outs of the other main character. They know each other on their best days, and their worst days, and often their families know each other.
4. Enemies-to-Lovers
Enemies-to-Lovers seems to be a pretty popular trope these days and can be accompanied by some of the darker romances. Main characters that start out disliking each other and find something that leads them to discover everything they have in common is a great segway into chili peppers. The tension is usually pretty high and leads to some intense heat.
5. Fake Relationship
I know this one can walk a very careful line of becoming a cliché but I do so love it! Whether it’s a fake boyfriend/girlfriend, fake fiancé, or even fake marriage, the combination of forced proximity and getting to know each other in unique circumstances is pretty fun.
6. Second Chances
Second-chance romances usually have to meet certain criteria for me and that is simply because of my trigger warnings. Second chances are awesome, especially if the characters leave each other for selfless reasons. These romances usually lead to a sense of satisfaction and closure by the end of the book. I tend to like second-chance romances when I’ve got something going on in my life that is out of my control. Second chances typically mean closure and a HEA. Sign me up!
7. Social Standing Worlds Apart/Secret Billionaire
This one is always fun because of the opportunities it presents. Usually, these tropes mean someone has some serious money and is willing to throw it around for the sake of impressing a love interest. Finding out who someone is beyond their social circumstances also can lead to learning some unique personality traits beneath the riches or rags.
8. Best-Friends-Sibling
This is another one of those that, depends on how the book is done. I love it when the best friend is thrilled for their friend and their sibling. Sometimes there is a little bit of chaffing as each character discovers their new role in the other’s lives and sometimes there is anger at kept secrets but, when done right, this book ends with the best kind of relationship between all parties. Don’t wish that your best friend could be your sister unless you are actually willing to let it happen 😉.
9. Boss and Secretary
While workplace romances are typically ill-advised, boss and secretary romance novels add an element of the forbidden. Thinking back to the most recent boss/secretary romance that I read, the male main character (MMC) was a young tech billionaire, interested in his work and nothing else. The female main character (FMC) was sassy and tired of his single-minded focus which led to an intense attitude problem. If that sounds like several books that you’ve read, then perhaps the boss/secretary trope is on your top favorite list too!
10. Secret Pregnancy/Baby
This one is pretty controversial as not everyone likes the secret pregnancy/baby trope, in fact, some people hate it. I think this one comes down to people’s triggers as well. Personally, I love it when a couple is bound by a tiny human created from both of them or even just one of them. Pregnancy and raising a baby are difficult and can be an incredibly vulnerable time. Finding love and acceptance in those moments is one of my favorite ideas of happily-ever-after.
Don’t let your favorite tropes keep you from trying out others as this list is nowhere near complete.
Happy reading!!
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