Tropes are the backbone of the romance genre and its sub-genres. Avid romance readers will be able to list off their favourites without a second thought – though they may have trouble deciding on their top picks.
As I delve deeper into writing and editing my first novel, I’ve been thinking more about tropes and which ones are my favourite. I’ve managed to narrow down a top three, plus some of my favourite reads (so far) that feature them.
Enemies to Lovers
Who doesn’t love a bit of whip-tongue banter and tension that fuels some heated moments? Adding a bit of conflict between the main character and their love interest usually makes for some hilarious moments too. They say there’s a thin line between love and hate and I love to see that explored between two characters who ultimately end up falling for each other.
Fave trope read: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle.
Forced Proximity
It might be having to share a workplace or a house or even a bed (though I think that’s a separate trope on its own), but being forced to be in the same close vicinity as your love interest makes for delicious content. Even better if it’s an enemies to lovers situation!
Fave trope read: Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle and The Friend Zone by Abby Jiminez.
Fake Dating
I still don’t know why I love this trope so much, but two characters dating for the benefit of one or both of them is a favourite of mine. It might be something to do with the sweet but awkward moments as they put on a show and slowly realise that they might be falling in love for real.
Fave trope read: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood and If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane.
ANNE NOVEK 
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