Romance novels are one of the most beloved and diverse genres in literature, with passionate readers eagerly devouring everything from lighthearted rom-coms to intense, sweeping epics. The genre has evolved over the years, growing into a variety of tropes and subgenres, each offering something unique to readers and writers alike.
Whether you're an author looking to write your next romantic tale or a reader wanting to discover your next favorite book, understanding the different tropes and subgenres within romance can help you craft compelling stories or find exactly what you're in the mood to read. Let’s explore some of the most popular tropes and subgenres in the world of romance novels.
1. Enemies-to-Lovers
One of the most beloved tropes in romance, enemies-to-lovers revolves around two characters who initially dislike or even despise each other, only to develop a passionate, romantic connection. The tension, conflict, and eventual resolution in these stories are often what make them so captivating.
Key Elements:
Rivalry or hatred at the start of the relationship
Gradual mutual respect that develops into love
Heated arguments followed by romantic moments
Popular Examples: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2. Friends-to-Lovers
In this trope, two characters who have a deep friendship slowly realize they’re in love with each other. The beauty of this trope lies in the established emotional bond and the tension that builds as the characters shift from platonic to romantic feelings.
Key Elements:
A deep, pre-existing friendship
Emotional intimacy before romance
Fear of ruining the friendship or hesitation to admit feelings
Popular Examples: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
3. Second Chance Romance
Second chance romance features characters who were once in love but separated due to circumstances (misunderstanding, time apart, or life events), only to reunite and rekindle their relationship. These stories often explore themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and rediscovery.
Key Elements:
Previous romantic history between the characters
Time apart, leading to emotional maturity or changes
Overcoming past misunderstandings or mistakes
Popular Examples: It’s in His Kiss by Julia Quinn, The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
4. The Fake Relationship
Fake relationships are a popular and fun trope, where characters pretend to be romantically involved for personal or professional reasons, only to eventually fall in love for real. These stories often have lighthearted, humorous moments and plenty of heartwarming scenes.
Key Elements:
A “fake” romantic relationship with specific goals (e.g., to please family or to win a business deal)
Growing attraction and chemistry between the two
Hilarious, awkward moments as they navigate their “fake” relationship
Popular Examples: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
5. The Billionaire Romance
This subgenre revolves around wealthy, often powerful protagonists, usually a billionaire and a working-class love interest. The allure of a lavish lifestyle and the power dynamics between the characters drive much of the tension in these stories.
Key Elements:
One character (usually male) has immense wealth or status
Often set in glamorous locations or featuring luxurious settings
Themes of power, class differences, and personal transformation
Popular Examples: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, The Billionaire’s Wife by Catherine Taylor
6. Historical Romance
Historical romance is set in a time period other than the present day, often featuring elaborate settings, historical events, and societal expectations that influence the characters' relationships. These novels transport readers to another time, where romance often defies social norms.
Key Elements:
A historical setting, often with period-specific language and etiquette
Struggles with societal expectations and class
Strong, passionate characters who defy the norms of their time
Popular Examples: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
7. Paranormal Romance
Paranormal romance combines romance with fantastical elements like vampires, werewolves, witches, or other supernatural beings. These stories often involve a love that transcends normal human limitations, creating intriguing dilemmas for the characters.
Key Elements:
Supernatural or otherworldly creatures as main characters (vampires, witches, shapeshifters)
The relationship often involves a significant challenge, such as immortality or danger
A blend of romance and action/adventure
Popular Examples: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
8. Romantic Suspense
Romantic suspense novels mix love stories with elements of mystery, danger, or crime. In these stories, the romantic relationship grows amidst a backdrop of tension, danger, and intrigue, creating a high-stakes narrative that keeps readers on edge.
Key Elements:
Romance combined with a suspenseful or dangerous plot
Fast-paced action and high stakes
Characters often need to work together to solve a mystery or survive danger
Popular Examples: The Witness by Nora Roberts, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
9. LGBTQ+ Romance
LGBTQ+ romance focuses on love stories between characters of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This subgenre offers rich, nuanced portrayals of same-sex relationships and helps foster inclusivity in the romance genre.
Key Elements:
Same-sex or non-binary romantic pairings
Themes of acceptance, identity, and sometimes societal challenges
Focus on love as a universal experience, irrespective of gender or sexuality
Popular Examples: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
10. Contemporary Romance
Contemporary romance is set in the present day and focuses on modern relationships. These stories often address real-world issues such as career challenges, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles in love, making them relatable and accessible to a wide audience.
Key Elements:
Real-world settings and current-day concerns
Often includes themes like career, family dynamics, and personal development
Emotional depth and realistic characters
Popular Examples: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
From enemies-to-lovers to historical epics, romance novels offer a multitude of subgenres and tropes for writers to explore and readers to enjoy. Whether you enjoy lighthearted comedies, deep emotional journeys, or supernatural escapism, there is a romance subgenre that speaks to every reader's tastes.
As a writer, knowing the tropes and subgenres in romance gives you a deeper understanding of your audience's expectations and the creative direction you can take. As a reader, understanding these tropes can help you discover your next favorite book and broaden your romance horizons.
Romance is a genre full of possibilities, and no matter what type of love story you’re looking for, there’s always a new adventure waiting to be written – or read.