Whether you are picking up reading as a new hobby or you are an avid reader, it’s important to gain an understanding of what types of novels you gravitate towards. Romance novels, in particular, have many sub-categories otherwise known as “tropes.” A trope in novels is defined as any significant and/or recurring theme based on circumstances, relationship dynamics, or character personalities. Below are four popular tropes used in romance novels that will make you want to fall in love!
Friends to lovers
This romantic trope focuses on a couple whose relationship is built on friendship prior to becoming romantic partners. The lead love interests never intend for their relationship to be anything more than a friendship, however, a shared connection makes it difficult to deny further feelings. Often accompanied by years of pining and a truly unforgettable bond, this romantic trope is for those who believe that love will prevail when the time is right.
- People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry: Two-best friends from college, Poppy and Alex, who take annual summer vacations together, are reuniting for the first time in two years. Written from dual timelines, readers get to see the progression of Poppy and Alex’s relationship over a 10-year period.
- Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern: Two best friends from childhood, Rosie and Alex, are separated as teenagers when Alex moves across the globe. Time, circumstances, and other love interests test their friendship and love throughout many years apart.
second-chance romance
This romantic trope focuses on a couple who reconnects after years of separation. This trope may also entail one or both partners having a romantic past with someone else and getting a “second chance” with a new love interest. Often accompanied by a gritty storyline that is heavy on conflict, this romantic trope is for those who believe that love can be rekindled and/or found again after heartache.
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune: Percy and Sam meet as teenagers when Percy’s family buys a summer cottage next door to Sam’s family. The two build a friendship that turns into a whirlwind romance until they are driven apart by an unforgivable mistake. 12 years later, Percy is back in town and will have to face Sam and everything she left behind. Written from dual timelines, readers get to witness Percy and Sam’s love throughout the years.
- One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Years after tragedy, Emma has built a beautiful life with her childhood friend Sam, after the loss of her husband Jesse who was presumed dead in a helicopter crash. Shortly after her engagement to Sam, Emma receives a call from Jesse, confirming that he has been fighting for his life all these years and is coming home to her. Will Emma stay with the fiancé who gave her a second chance at love? Or get a second chance with the husband who she thought to be long gone?
Forced proximity
In this romantic trope, an unlikely pair are put in a situation where they are forced to spend time together. This trope often takes place between estranged friends, co-workers, or rivals who are not wanting to prolong their time together. Often accompanied by tension and stolen glances, this romantic trope is for those who enjoy a dramatic build-up between the leading love interests.
- The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka: Best-selling coauthors Katrina and Nathan are forced to write the last book of their contract (in a shared home), following their estranged partnership from a few years back. Told from dual points of view and timelines, readers witness the build-up of Katrina and Nathan’s relationship and how it went wrong all those years ago.
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren: Olive and Ethan have never liked each other since their first meeting. However, after Olive’s sister and Ethan’s brother begin a romantic relationship that turns into a wedding, they are now forced to tolerate one another. After a series of misfortunes, leaving the newlyweds unable to attend their honeymoon, Olive and Ethan are forced to pose as the couple and make use of the all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaiʻi. Vacationing in close quarters, Olive and Ethan soon find that maybe they can tolerate one another after all.
small-town romance
In this romantic trope, the story’s focus is influenced by its setting and/or the aesthetic of the town. Small-town romances often include several side characters whose attitudes and personalities are often reflective of the town’s culture. In these storylines, one character moves to the small town for a prolonged period of time, where they meet the love interest who lives in or is from the area. Often accompanied by charming small-town elements, this romantic trope is for those who have a soft spot for “character-driven” storylines.
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry: Two rivals in the New York publishing world, Nora and Charlie find themselves in the small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Nora is there on a month-long trip with her sister when she unexpectedly and continuously runs into Charlie. City-people at heart, Nora and Charlie bond over their shared interest in books and editing, and the idea that maybe they aren’t so different after all.
- Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan: Bree is escaping the heartache of her past and comes across the small town of Pelion, Maine. She builds a bond with the town’s outcast, Archer. As they unveil and face the hurt of their pasts together, they soon learn that the answer to their healing is each other. Told from dual points of view and timelines, readers get to know Bree and Archer together and as individuals.
A few honorable mentions of popular romance tropes and corresponding novels: Enemies to Lovers – The Cruel Prince, Slow Burn Romance – The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, Sports Romance – The Deal, Fake Dating – The Love Hypothesis, and Academic Rivals – Beach Read.
There is the perfect novel out there for every type of love; happy reading!