Whether you love them or hate them - tropes are everywhere! I find comfort in tropes - especially in my romance novels. I find the patterns soothing. It lets me know what to expect, while also making me excited to see how the author plays around with the trope itself. Here are the ones I have found always make for the best stories:
1. THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED!
Yes, the all-caps is essential for this particular trope. Our romantic leads very suddenly have to stop at a Bed & Breakfast or a motel for the night. There's only one room left for the night, and they take it. Then to their surprise...THERE IS ONLY ONE BED! One will insist they can sleep on the floor, and the other will refuse to let them. They might put a pillow barrier between them, cuddles might ensue. But no matter what the couple is closer as a result of it. Absolute perfection.
Notable Example: The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
2. Fake Dating
Our love interests have come up with a perfect plan: they're going to pretend to date - most likely to make one or both of their exes jealous. However, their plan goes off the rails when they realize they accidentally caught feels for each other! Now they have to navigate the growing tension and decide whether or not faking it is still worth it - or if they want to try and build something real. It's always a rollercoaster and we are along for the ride.
Notable Example: Funny Story by Emily Henry
3. Grumpy/Sunshine
One of our love interests is the world's biggest grump. They're always brooding and angry - until they see the absolute love of their life: the sweetest little cinnamon roll in the entire universe. It's a personality clash that shouldn't work, but slowly our sunshiney character will peel away the layers of our grump's tragic backstory - and knowing each other on that deep of a level will always cause them to be perfect for each other.
Notable Example: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
4. Friends to Lovers
Our two love interests have been best friends for the longest time. But one has a secret: they're in love with their bestie and the other has absolutely no idea. That is, until, they start developing feelings too! There's an awkward dance of feelings chicken to see who will announce it first, and most of the time it will be in a huge romantic gesture. I am of the belief the best relationships start as friendships, so this trope always makes me believe the couple is built to last.
Notable Example: Out of Character by Jenna Miller
5. Reality TV Romance
I am fully aware this is probably the most controversial trope I put on this list. I am also not sorry for it whatsoever. Like many Millenials, I am obsessed with romance reality television. Not that I believe any of it is real, but I am obsessed with the spectacle. Now imagine all the spectacle but the main character finds true and lasting love? That is just too good to pass up.
Notable Example: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London