Ah, the trope — the heartbeat of a story that tells you what the book is going to be about and the journey our characters will take along the way. As a romance writer and reader, I, like you, have favorite (and not-so-favorite) tropes — the kind that will have me one-click a book instantly, and if done right, read it over and over again.
So here it is: my list of favorite and most-hated tropes!
???? Top Favorite Tropes:
???????? 5. Fake Dating / Workplace Romance
A fan favorite for many — and one of mine too! There’s something deliciously fun about forcing two people into close proximity under the guise of a fake relationship. Whether it’s for an inheritance, saving face with an ex, or improving someone’s image, the setup is ripe for tension, humor, and of course, romance. And if the author throws in a little “enemies to lovers”? Instant win.
What I especially love is that this trope often leans into slow-burn territory — one of my all-time faves. Watching characters fumble through awkward situations, all while feelings sneak up on them? Perfection.
Popular movies: The Proposal, Just Go With It, The Wedding Date
Popular books: The Love Hypothesis, A Not So Meet Cute, How to Fake It in Hollywood
????️❤️ 4. Protector to Lovers
Who doesn’t love a good protector? Someone whose job is to guard another — only to catch feelings along the way. Suddenly, it’s not just about keeping someone safe anymore, but wrestling with the blossoming romance and the very real danger surrounding them.
I absolutely adore the internal struggle between duty and emotion. In fact, I loved it so much I based my own novel, The Lost Princess, around this trope. Swoon!
Popular movies: The Bodyguard, Romancing the Stone, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Last of the Mohicans
Popular books: Outlander, Fated (Can I throw my own in here ???? )
???????? 3. Destined to Be Together / Fated Mates
Maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic, but I love a “meant to be” story. In these tales, no matter how many forces pull the characters apart, something always draws them back together. And when it’s a fated mates situation? Even better — especially when there’s a sprinkle of paranormal or magical realism involved.
That emotional rollercoaster, that irresistible pull… it keeps me glued to the page.
Popular movies: The Notebook, Love Actually, The Princess Bride
Popular books: Quicksilver, The Hunger Games, A Court of Thorns and Roses (though, spoiler alert — this series might show up again later…)
???? 2. Forbidden Lovers
Wanting something you can’t have? Classic. Enter: the forbidden romance. Whether the barrier is political, cultural, familial, or even time itself, I love watching two characters fight to be together despite the odds.
It’s another great slow-burn setup, where every little glance and secret touch feels 10x more meaningful. Bonus: this trope is at the heart of the next series I’m working on — so stay tuned!
Popular movies: Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Dirty Dancing, Titanic
Popular books: Pride and Prejudice, A Discovery of Witches, A Thousand Heartbeats, From Blood and Ash
????????➡️❤️ 1. Enemies to Lovers
My ultimate favorite trope — the crème de la crème of romantic setups. There’s something endlessly satisfying about watching two characters go from bickering and banter to smoldering stares and undeniable chemistry.
Maybe they’re stuck on a mission together. Maybe they’ve always hated each other. But something shifts. They begin to see past their differences, and suddenly, sparks fly. Add a “Beauty and the Beast” element, and I’m so there.
Popular movies: 10 Things I Hate About You, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Proposal, Beauty and the Beast
Popular books: My Lady Jane, Pride and Prejudice, Fourth Wing, The Hating Game
???? Top Hated Tropes
Not all tropes are created equal. While some make me instantly one-click a book, others? Total eye-roll. These are the tropes that, for me, are major turn-offs — the ones that pull me out of a story or leave me wishing the author had chosen literally anything else.
???? 5. Accidental Pregnancy
I know I might be in the minority here, but this trope just doesn’t do it for me. Once a baby enters the picture, it often shifts the focus away from the romance and more toward the logistics of pregnancy and parenting. And while there can be sweet moments — like the first baby kick or a protective soon-to-be dad — as a slow-burn romance lover, I feel a little short-changed when the emotional build-up between the leads takes a backseat.
Popular movies: Knocked Up, Look Who’s Talking, The Back-Up Plan
Popular books: Surprise Baby, The Billionaire’s Legacy, Getting Played
???? 4. Dark Romance
I know this genre has a loyal fanbase, but personally, I can’t get into any romance where the love interest is abusive — physically, emotionally, or just a flat-out bully. If your “romantic lead” is controlling, cruel, or degrading… hard pass.
Now, I can enjoy a good mafia romance — as long as the character shows a softer, respectful side to their partner and the relationship isn’t toxic. There’s a difference between dangerous and disrespectful.
Popular movies: Unfaithful, Crimson Peak, Basic Instinct
Popular books: I Know What Love Is, Swallow It Down, Does It Hurt
???? 3. Cheating
This is a hard no for me. You’ll often see this one bundled with the “second chance romance” trope, but once one of the characters cheats, it’s nearly impossible for me to root for their HEA. Trust is the foundation of any great romance, and once that’s broken? I can’t stop wondering if it’ll happen again once the book ends.
Now, I’ve read a few exceptions where the cheating was a misunderstanding or used as a plot device early on — like when the female lead thinks the male lead cheated but he didn’t. That’s more tolerable. But actual cheating? Nope.
Popular movies: Gone Girl, Fatal Attraction, Swimfan
Popular books: Arcana Academy, Even If It Hurts, Frayed Silk
???? 2. Love Triangle
As someone who adores the “fated mates” or “destined to be together” trope, love triangles are a real buzzkill. When I’m fully invested in a couple and then — boom! — here comes a new love interest thrown into the mix, it takes me right out of the story.
A little flirting or jealousy? Totally fine. But spending the majority of the book watching a lead waffle between two people just makes me impatient. I don’t want to wonder who they’ll end up with — I want to watch a love story unfold.
Popular movies: Dawson’s Creek, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Reality Bites
Popular books: Twilight, A Court of Thorns and Roses (yep, I warned you this one would be back), The Vampire Diaries
???? 1. Miscommunication
I absolutely HATE this trope. When the entire plot hinges on one silly misunderstanding — something that could be cleared up with a single honest conversation — I’m out. It’s beyond frustrating.
You’ll often catch me yelling at the book, “JUST GET IN A ROOM AND TALK!” Maybe it’s because I dislike unresolved conflict in real life, but this trope makes me want to toss the book across the room.
Popular movies: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, My Cousin Vinny, Burn After Reading
Popular books: Love on the Brain, Yours Truly, Happy Place
So, there you have it — my all-time favorite and most-hated tropes!
Did any of these make your list, too? Or do you totally disagree with me on one (or five ????)? I’d love to hear what tropes make you swoon… or scream. Drop a comment below — let’s geek out over romance together!
XOXO,
LK????
I totally agree with you on the miscommunication trope. I can’t stand that either. I am also not a fan of dark romance that involves abuse. I can totally get behind enemies-to-lovers. That is also my favorite trope.
All comments I agree with you on. Thanks for leaving a comment! Happy Reading ????
Fated Mates is like my top one! I also hate the cheating trope, be better versions of yourself, people!
Yeah, can’t help the gooey feeling you get when reading fated mates. Cheating…so much in the real world, I don’t want it in my lead couple either. i”ll pass. 🙂