We all have that one classic romance trope that holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it be enemies to lovers, first love, fake relationship, or any other of the countless options there are to choose from, I have found that even if I can see a romance arc laid out clearly, it doesn’t matter to me. There is simply something satisfying about a beautiful (if typical or even expected) storybook romance.
When your mind and heart are itching to find a new take on an old favorite trope, it, unfortunately, can be difficult to go to the library or bookstore and find the “Forbidden Love” section. So this Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at a few of the most popular romance tropes of the past years and some of the best books to find them in.
LOVE TRIANGLE: This easily recognizable set up is irresistible and leads to a heated and exciting divide amongst fans– think Team Jacob versus Team Edward or Team Gale versus Team Peeta. Who will be better for the protagonist? Which connection will hold true despite stressful and fantastical situations? An old favorite of mine, Kiera Cass’s The Selection, is a prime example of this trope and remains entertaining even after so many years. If you too can’t help but love a good love triangle, check this out.
SOULMATES: When two characters find their way to each other no matter the cost or the challenges they face, it reflects something not often found in the real world and draws hordes of readers to the page. One story that shows how young love can conquer limitless obstacles is Every Day by David Levithan. Not your average love story and perhaps not your average soulmates, reading this book is worth every bittersweet tear you might shed in the process.
FORCED PROXIMITY: Whether it be sharing a hotel room with one bed, being forced to partner on a project, or uniting together by an unfortunately shared goal, watching two characters realize their growing love transcends the issue at hand is nothing short of captivating. One series taking the world by storm is Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series, a set of books that contains this trope along with secrets and magic. Jump on the bandwagon and follow Feyre on her journey!
