In the book world, tropes can be surprisingly a controversial topic since everyone has their own preferences. Just because you enjoy a book outside of your usual favorites doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll reach for something like that again. Sometimes it’s just an exception, so let’s talk about them!
Enemies to Lovers Tropes
As ironic as it sounds, I have a true love-hate relationship with enemies to lovers. I think that if they just hate each other and always complain when they’re forced to be together, these stories are truly phenomenal. But when it crosses the line into bullying or completely ruining the other character’s life, I just can’t get behind it. Why are we falling in love with someone who made our life a living hell? That’s where the author completely loses me.
When I read, it’s usually to escape and get lost in the story, but once the bullying becomes too intense, I’m pulled right out of it. I just can’t do it.
The types of stories that absolutely break me and make me truly love them is the one’s built on equal footing. The characters challenge each other, push each other to grow, accountability. There’s actually a plot. The story wasn’t created just to make two completely different characters end up together that no one wants or even needs. I think it’s also rough because there’s always a nice background character, most times a best friend, that everyone is rooting for to get together. But since the author wants the original couple to be together, that just doesn’t happen.
This trope fully pulls out the best tension, the sharp banter, the slow burn. The feeling of “will they, won’t they” while getting near the end of the book. I want the couples to built something truly remarkable together, not just have that lust. When two characters come to the realization that maybe those strong feelings toward each other weren’t hate after all, it was misunderstanding and maybe fear.
When enemies to lovers is done right, the outcome is definitely unmatched. The author finally forcing one to admit when they were wrong? When the tension snaps and they FINALLY admit that there is something there. Elite storytelling right there.
I just need the conflict to feel layered, not just cruel. Most of all though, I need the books to have a plot.
Love Triangle Tropes
Reading about a book that involves a love triangle? Immediate yuck in my eyes.
I have honestly grown to despise love triangles in books. Somehow, without fail, I always choose the character that never gets chosen, the one who treats the main character better, communicates better, is better. Yet… they lose. Every. Single. Time.
After thinking about it for a while, I think what frustrates me the most about love triangles is they can be totally unnecessary. In some books, whoever the main character picks is so obvious but there is still over half the book left. It drags the story out and most times that is a big reason why I DNF a good amount of books. I cannot stand a drug out story. Like it’s over, end it.
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Think of it like watching a show that should’ve ended seasons ago. It’s obvious the creators ran out of story, but they keep dragging it on anyway. At that point, it doesn’t feel intentional anymore, it just feels unnecessary. This is exactly how I feel about most love triangle books.
Even though I try to not pick any love triangle books, I still love a good movie or show that includes one. Now normally I wouldn’t be caught dead admitting this, but I do enjoy the show more than the books in this instance. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak. To die for. I love these series and watching all the drama unfold. If you haven’t watched them. Do it. Right now.
Wow maybe I don’t hate hate love triangles. Maybe I just hate losing the one I picked from page one.
Second Chance Tropes
Ope, here we go again. Another trope I have a love-hate relationship with.
Okay fine, you caught me. I actually LOVE this trope. Maybe one of my favorites. There is just something about unfinished business, lingering feelings, and two people finding their way back to each other after some time passes that gets me. Every. Single. Time.
But, and this is a HUGE but. If the reason they need a second chance is cheating? Absolutely not. Nope. I will close that book and never look back. I don’t want to spend 200-300 pages trying to be convinced that betrayal was “misunderstand” “unintentional” or “they changed from this experience.” Just stop. Hard pass.
Now that we got pass that, lets get back to the good stuff.
If the breakup was caused by bad timing, miscommunication, long distance, family stuff, or just too immature? It is an immediate read. I love reading about two characters learning to better them selves separately so that when they get together again, they are just an unstoppable force. This melts my heart.
Maybe this has something to do with my undying crush on Batman when I was little. With all the redemption arcs that he had, no wonder I still absolutely love it as an adult.
In a second chance romance, the history is already there. The tension that we, as readers feel? That isn’t just love. It’s a mix of memories, love, inside jokes. It’s knowing exactly how to hurt each other, but that love they have towards one another, won’t let them do it this time around. When an author knows how to do it properly? Magic.
Give me “I never stopped loving you.” Give me groveling. Give me learning to love one another again.
Leave a comment below!
What is your favorite trope? Do you have any second chance book recommendations for me? Let me know, I’d love to hear from you!
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