From Enemies-to-Lovers to Found Family: Why We Crave These Romance Book Tropes

...And Why Tropes Like Fake Dating & Forbidden Love Keep Us Hooked

Romance novels have long captivated readers with their diverse tropes, each offering a unique lens into the complexities of love and relationships. Whether it's the fiery tension of enemies-to-lovers, the heartwarming bonds of found family, the delicious deception of fake dating, or the emotional intensity of forbidden love—we're hooked. But why do these tropes resonate so deeply?

🔪 The Allure of Enemies-to-Lovers

At its core, the enemies-to-lovers trope revolves around characters who begin with animosity but gradually develop deep romantic feelings. This transformation offers readers:

• Emotional Depth: Witnessing characters navigate their differences and overcome misunderstandings adds layers to the narrative and a sense of growth. These stories often show emotional maturity and changed perspectives.

• Tension and Anticipation: The initial conflict sets the stage for heightened chemistry, making the eventual union all the more satisfying. The more intense the conflict, the sweeter the resolution.

• Relatability: Many can relate to misjudging someone, only to discover a deeper connection upon getting to know them better.

• Pure escapism: Who doesn’t love a slow-burn arc filled with sarcasm and secret yearning?

  
  

As Book Riot notes, “Enemies-to-lovers is one of the most popular tropes in romance...because watching people fall in love against all odds never gets old.”

🏡 The Comfort of Found Family

The found family trope centres on characters forming close-knit bonds that resemble familial relationships, despite lacking biological ties. In a world that can often feel isolating, its appeal lies in:

• Sense of Belonging: It underscores the idea that family is not solely about blood relations but about mutual support and understanding. Characters find a place where they belong, even if it wasn’t where they expected.

• Diverse Dynamics: These narratives often bring together varied personalities, leading to rich interactions and growth - friends, coworkers, and unlikely allies become part of a beautifully chosen support system.

• Hope and Healing: Characters finding solace and acceptance in others resonates with readers seeking connection.

• Representation: Readers from marginalised backgrounds often see their experiences reflected here more than in traditional family dynamics.

  
  

Found family isn’t just about cozy vibes—it’s about survival, healing, and deep human connection.

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❤️‍🔥 Fake Dating: The Lie We Want to Believe

What begins as a pretend relationship—whether to appease a family member, secure a deal, or avoid awkward situations—inevitably spirals into something real. Here's why we love every second of it:

• Built-in tension: The characters are constantly tiptoeing around real feelings.

• Forced proximity: Pretending to be close often forces closeness, leading to stolen glances and lingering touches.

• Emotional denial: Watching characters lie to everyone (and themselves) is angst gold. It also creates an "us against the world" feeling!

  
  

This trope gives us slow-burn magic with an underlying sense of anticipation: When will they realise it's real?

🚫 Forbidden Love: Breaking Rules, Breaking Hearts

Whether it’s a love across social divides, rival families, power imbalances, or even interspecies pairings (👀), forbidden love grips readers because:

• High stakes = high passion: The fear of being caught only fuels the desire.

• Moral conflict: These stories explore what people are willing to risk for love.

• Catharsis: Readers experience an emotional rollercoaster, often reflecting real-life dilemmas in safer, fictional spaces.

  
  

From Romeo and Juliet to contemporary dark romances, this trope gives us drama, longing, and a deep craving for a happy ending against all odds.

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Why We Gravitate Towards These Romance Book Tropes

At their core, romance tropes allow readers to explore different emotional fantasies and “what ifs” in safe, satisfying ways. Whether it’s enemies turned lovers, chosen family healing wounds, lovers pretending until it’s real, or navigating a love they’re not supposed to have—each trope reflects a very real desire for connection, acceptance, and transformation.

So the next time you fall headfirst into a romance with a familiar setup, remember—it’s not about the trope itself, but what it reveals about us: our longing for love, our fear of vulnerability, and our hope that, no matter the odds, love always finds a way.

What are your favourites?

• Enemies to lovers
• Found Family
• Fake Dating
• Forbidden Love

You can vote for more than one answer.