Ah, tropes. Love them or hate them, they exist for a reason. Because certain plots are timeless and beloved by many readers. Mindy Klasky has a great, comprehensive list of the most common tropes in romance novels and for fun I went through and picked out the ones I like and dislike.
The following are some of the romance tropes that tend to make me want to pick up a book:
Second Chance
I love reading about two ex-lovers who reconnect and get another chance to make their relationship work. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered this trope can be a tricky one for me to enjoy because so many times the reason for the break up is a lack of communication which continues into the present day for the couple and it makes me want to tear my hair out. When done right, however, it’s a great trope.
Second Chance Romances I Love:
Friends to Lovers
Many wonderful relationships begin as friendships, which is why I think this trope is so popular. Who hasn’t had a friend they yearned to take things to the next level with? There’s nothing better than two people discovering the love they’ve been searching for has been right in front of their face for a long time.
Friends to Lovers Romances I Love:
Enemies to Lovers
Like Second Chance, the Enemies to Lovers trope can sometimes be hit or miss with me. There’s a fine line between funny bantering and just plain mean bantering and some authors struggle with it. But the slow thawing between two people who hate each other into real feelings is a transformation I just can’t resist.
Enemies to Lovers Romances I Love:
Return to Hometown
I’m a sucker for stories where the hero or heroine has to come back to their hometown for some reason or another (usually due to a family member’s death or illness). Maybe it’s because I still live in my hometown and have a soft spot for characters who have to grapple with the complex emotions of coming home while at the same time falling in love. Either way, the return to hometown trope is a winner for me.
Return to Hometown Romances I Love:
So now you know some of my most liked tropes. In my next post, I’ll be going over my least liked ones!