When we read all kind of different books, we also know that there are different topics and tropes of the books. But do you know there are far more of them than you think is possible? I’ve created a list down below to sum of them up.
Is there some tropes I’ve missed? Please leave a comment and I can update the list!
Enemies to Lovers
Two characters start off with intense dislike or rivalry, but their animosity slowly transforms into passion and love.
Friends to Lovers
Characters who have been friends for years develop romantic feelings for each other, deepening their existing connection.
Forbidden Love
The relationship is off-limits due to circumstances like family rivalry, age differences, or societal expectations, creating tension and secrecy.
Grumpy/Sunshine
A trope where one character is surly or jaded (grumpy), while the other is upbeat and positive (sunshine), leading to an opposites-attract dynamic.
Second Chance Romance
Characters who had a previous relationship, usually with unresolved feelings, get a second chance at love.
Fake Relationship
Two characters pretend to be in a relationship for various reasons (to please family, gain status, etc.), only to realize they’ve developed real feelings.
Marriage of Convenience
Characters marry for practical reasons, like inheritance or business deals, and then slowly fall in love.
Slow Burn
The romance between characters builds slowly, allowing for deep emotional and romantic tension that leaves readers yearning for a payoff.
One Bed
A popular scenario where two characters are forced to share a bed, creating a charged atmosphere that often leads to emotional or romantic breakthroughs.
Love Triangle
One character is torn between two romantic interests, creating conflict and suspense as they decide who to choose.
Opposites Attract
Characters with contrasting personalities, backgrounds, or beliefs are drawn together, their differences sparking chemistry and growth.
Secret Billionaire
One character is secretly wealthy but hides it, allowing the relationship to grow based on genuine connection rather than money.
Forced Proximity
Characters are stuck together due to circumstances (road trip, shared apartment, survival situation), forcing them to confront feelings.
Single Dad
The single dad trope features a father raising his child(ren) on his own, often juggling the responsibilities of parenthood with the challenges of finding love. These stories showcase the hero’s nurturing and protective side, making him irresistibly endearing.
Nanny Romance
In the nanny romance trope, the romantic interest is hired to care for the hero’s child(ren), often leading to a forbidden or slow-burn relationship. The close proximity and shared focus on the kids create an emotional bond, and the nanny’s presence often helps heal the family’s wounds.
Forbidden Boss/Employee
A romance that unfolds between a boss and their employee, with challenges due to power dynamics and workplace boundaries.
Bodyguard Romance
A character tasked with protecting the other becomes romantically involved, balancing duty with growing personal attachment.
Dark Obsession
A trope in dark romance where one character becomes possessively fixated on another, leading to an intense and morally complex relationship.
Bad Boy/Good Girl
A classic pairing where a tough, rebellious male falls for a sweet, innocent female, often leading both to grow and change.
Redemption Arc
A morally flawed or “bad” character works to become a better person, often inspired by their love interest.
Age Gap
A romance between characters with a significant age difference, often introducing themes of life experience, maturity, and societal expectations.
Brother’s Best Friend
A character falls for their sibling’s best friend, creating a dynamic of secrecy, familiarity, and trust.
Protector/Caretaker
One character is tasked with caring for or protecting the other, often leading to deep emotional and romantic attachment.
Falling for the Enemy
A romance between characters from rival families, companies, or sides of a conflict, filled with tension and forbidden attraction.
Amnesia Romance
One character loses their memory, leading to a romance that’s either rekindled or started anew, exploring themes of identity and connection.
Secret Baby
A character discovers that they have a child with someone from their past, leading to a journey of rekindling love and forming family bonds.
Arranged Marriage
Characters are pushed into marriage by family or circumstances, allowing love to develop over time as they get to know each other.
Revenge Romance
A character starts a relationship to seek revenge but ends up developing genuine feelings, leading to internal conflict.
Best Friends Sibling
Falling in love with a best friend’s sibling, often creating tension and secrecy to avoid straining relationships.
Hero Falls First
The male character falls deeply in love with the heroine first, often pursuing her persistently until she reciprocates.
One Night Stand to Lovers
A story that starts with a one-night stand and evolves into a deeper relationship, sometimes with surprising consequences.
Unexpected Pregnancy
A relationship takes a turn when an unexpected pregnancy is introduced, leading to decisions about commitment, family, and love.
Protective Stalker
One character keeps tabs on the other for safety or obsession, leading to a romance often with morally grey undertones.
Teacher/Student
A romance between a teacher and a student (often in college settings), delving into the complexities and taboos of power dynamics.
Killer Romance
Often seen in dark romance, one character is involved in morally questionable activities (such as an assassin), creating tension and intrigue.
Roommates
Characters live together as roommates, often developing romantic feelings while navigating the closeness and personal boundaries.