There’s something magical about finding a romance trope that makes your heart race, your emotions churn. Keeps you flipping the pages late into the night. And let’s be honest, we all have our favorite tropes that we’ll defend to the death. Whether it’s the slow-burn that leaves you screaming at your Kindle or the kind of forced proximity that should qualify as emotional torture. Tropes are the lifeblood of romance.
As a reader and an author, I’ve fallen head over heels for these little narrative gems. So, today, I’m dragging my top five onto center stage (where they belong) and spilling the tea on how they’ve inspired my books (and works-in-progress).
1. Enemies to Lovers
The classic “I hate you but can’t stop staring at your face” trope. What’s not to love? The banter, the tension, the undeniable chemistry that everyone sees except the characters themselves. It's deliciously chaotic.
In Sunshine and Madness, this trope takes center stage. My rock star and ballerina leads start off as bitter rivals, throwing daggers (with their eyes) at each other every chance they get. The heat of their arguments is matched only by their scorching chemistry. Watching them bicker their way toward love was so much fun to write, even if it sometimes felt like herding angry cats (especially Julia, IYKYK).
2. Grumpy x Sunshine
Picture this: a brooding, perpetually frowning character forced to deal with someone who radiates sarcastic humor and hidden optimism. Now sit back and watch the pandemonium unfold. This trope is basically therapy for grumps everywhere. They get softened, grounded, and maybe even crack a smile. (Shocking, I know.)
My work-in-progress, Where We Begin, dives into this dynamic. Jace, a single dad with four kids, is like a walking "Do Not Disturb" sign. Then there’s Liv, a musician, who gets hired as the kids nanny. She waltzes in with her quick wit and unapologetic sarcasm. Their dynamic is the perfect storm of guarded meets cheeky, and I can already tell these two are going to give me (and you) all the feels.
3. Forbidden Love
Ah, forbidden love. Or as I like to call it, “Why Can’t You Just Be Normal and Fall for Someone Easy?” But where’s the fun in that? The stakes are high, emotions are intense, and the heartbreak is practically guaranteed. It’s messy, complicated, and completely irresistible.
This trope steals the show in Saints and Sinners. Claire, a young nun, and Hunter, an Italian priest, know better than anyone that their love is a bad idea (hello! Lifelong vows). But does that stop them? Of course not. Writing their story was an emotional tug-of-war between rooting for them and screaming, “No, stop! Think this through!” Spoiler: they don’t.
4. Second Chance Romance
Let’s face it: love doesn’t always get it right the first time. That’s what makes second chance romance so relatable. It’s messy and emotional, but it’s also hopeful. It the trope that says, “Hey, maybe you can fix this dumpster fire after all.”
Saints and Sinners does double duty here. Before Claire and Hunter took their vows, they were high school sweethearts. Yep, they’ve got history, and that history makes their present connection even more complicated (and heart-wrenching). I can’t wait for you to experience it!
5. Forced Proximity
What happens when two people who can barely stand each other are shoved into a situation where they can’t escape? Forced proximity, baby! It’s awkward, intense, and the perfect breeding ground for romance (or disaster, depending on how you look at it).
This trope shines in Of Flesh and Steel. Blaise and Kaiden, two members of the Sentinel Order, are thrown together on a dangerous mission that makes it impossible to avoid each other. Tensions run high, tempers flare, and there’s a whole lot of angst bubbling under the surface. Oh, and did I mention there’s peril? Because nothing screams romantic tension like dodging zombies and a tyrant queen while trying not to murder your partner.
What’s Your Favorite Trope?
Whether it’s the fiery tension of enemies to lovers, the emotional rollercoaster of second chance romance, or the "we really shouldn’t do this" heartbreak of forbidden love, these tropes have a special place in my heart—and my writing.
It’s your turn! Do you have a favorite romance trope that you’ll never get tired of? Or one you’d love to see in a future book? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’m always here for a good trope chat. Bonus points if you come with book recs!
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Let’s talk tropes, because every great love story starts with one.
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