From fake dating to found families—let’s embrace our favorite guilty pleasures in fiction.
We’ve all rolled our eyes at a popular book trope once or twice—maybe even loudly declared we’re “so over it.” But let’s be honest: there are certain tropes in books we keep coming back to again and again. Whether it’s the enemies to lovers trope heating up in a spicy fantasy series, or the awkward charm of the fake dating trope in a cozy romance, these familiar narrative devices have a hold on us.
And why not? Book tropes we love exist for a reason—they hit emotional chords, stir up drama, and bring delicious predictability that we secretly crave. In this article from Riya’s Blogs, we’re breaking down six of the most beloved book trope recommendations, exploring why we can’t resist them, and offering titles that do them justice.
Whether you’re looking for romance book tropes, fantasy book tropes, or just want to dive into the book tropes list that’s trending in 2025, you’re in for a treat.
1. Enemies to Lovers: The Trope That Starts With a Snarl and Ends With a Swoon
Ah yes, the enemies to lovers trope. Possibly one of the most trending book tropes of all time—and for good reason. There’s something absolutely electric about characters who loathe each other… until they don’t.
The emotional tension, the bickering, the forced proximity—it’s a rollercoaster of slow-burn attraction. Think Pride and Prejudice, where Mr. Darcy’s brooding silence collides with Elizabeth Bennet’s wit. Or more recently, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, where Jude and Cardan’s rivalry simmers with danger and desire.
Why We Love It: It captures the evolution of emotion. Watching hate morph into love makes the final confession all the more satisfying. Plus, the banter? Impeccable.
Book Trope Recommendations:
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Workplace sparks)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Fantasy tropes trending galore)
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (with a dash of forbidden love books too)
2. Found Family: Because Blood Isn’t Always Thicker Than Loyalty
This one’s for the underrated book tropes club—though it’s finally getting the love it deserves. The found family trope speaks to our need for connection. In stories where the biological family is absent, broken, or toxic, characters build bonds with unlikely allies and soulmates.
Fantasy fans have seen this again and again. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo? Classic found family. A ragtag group of criminals who’d risk everything for each other. Or The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—a heartwarming example of strangers becoming home.
Why We Love It: There’s deep emotional payoff in seeing characters discover the love and acceptance they were missing. It often blends with other popular book tropes like redemption arcs or healing journeys.
Fantasy Book Tropes That Nail It:
- Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
- The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
- Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (cozy and queer!)
3. Love Triangles: The Trope We Pretend to Hate But Secretly Track Like Sports Scores
Let’s not lie to ourselves. When the love triangle books hit, we choose sides like we’re at a championship game. Team Edward or Team Jacob? (Don’t answer too fast.) The tension, the angst, the longing glances—it’s drama gold.
Done well, the love triangle adds rich layers to a story. Who brings out the best in the protagonist? Who represents danger, who comfort?
While often criticized, it remains a classic book trope that keeps popping up in trending tropes 2025. Especially in YA fantasy and paranormal romance.
Booktrope Breakdown Must-Reads:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Darkling fans, I see you)
- The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (arguably one of the best-handled triangles)
Why We Love It: It keeps us guessing, invites debate, and gives us permission to re-read with new perspective once we know the outcome.
4. Fake Dating: The Trope That Always Turns Real (And We Eat It Up Every Time)
The fake dating trope is as old as time and just as irresistible. Two characters pretend to be in love—usually for a specific reason like impressing family, saving face, or professional gain. Of course, somewhere between holding hands and kissing for show… real feelings bloom.
There’s something so satisfyingly ironic about characters pretending not to feel what they clearly do. It creates hilarious misunderstandings and inevitable “we’re not actually dating” internal crises.
This trope also shows up in both romance book tropes and spicy romance tropes—so no matter your flavor, there’s something for everyone.
Rom-Com Book Trope Recommendations:
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Why We Love It: It allows for play-acting that turns deeply real, giving us both comedy and emotional vulnerability in one delicious package.
5. Forbidden Love: When the World Says No and the Heart Says Yes
If you’re craving forbidden love books, you’re in excellent company. This trope is the ultimate drama magnet—romance in the face of societal norms, family feuds, class barriers, or even magical restrictions.
Think Romeo and Juliet, but make it fantasy tropes trending 2025. Whether it’s lovers from rival kingdoms or students falling for teachers (with ethical nuance, please), this trope oozes with passion and consequences.
Popular Book Tropes That Nail It:
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Witch and witch hunter, yes please)
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
- Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma (one of the most haunting examples)
Why We Love It: There’s intensity, risk, and a bittersweet edge that leaves readers aching in the best way.
6. Grumpy Sunshine: Opposites Attract, and We’re All Here for It
The grumpy sunshine trope is the literary equivalent of dark clouds parting for a burst of joy. One character is moody, brooding, and emotionally constipated. The other is light, bubbly, and unfazed by sarcasm. Together? Unstoppable.
It’s often paired with slow burns, awkward confessions, and heart-melting character growth. Especially beloved in spicy romance tropes, where the emotional and physical tension practically glows off the page.
Fan-Favorite Book Trope Recommendations:
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry (a meta love letter to tropes in books)
Why We Love It: The emotional contrast creates both hilarity and depth, making us root for both characters to grow and meet in the middle.
Final Thoughts: Why We’ll Always Love These Tropes
In a time when trending tropes 2025 are being remixed and subverted in bold new ways, it’s comforting to know that some things remain timeless. These book tropes we love are more than clichés—they’re shorthand for emotional resonance, opportunities for character development, and a shared language between author and reader.
Whether you’re deep into fantasy book tropes with complex world-building or addicted to romance book tropes that make your heart flutter, don’t be ashamed of loving what you love. Because at the end of the day, the most powerful books are the ones that make us feel—and tropes are just one more way to get there.
So here’s to every booktrope breakdown that made us swoon, cry, or yell at the page.
Keep reading, keep loving, and keep embracing the familiar magic.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
Best 30 Quotes to Heal a Lonely Heart
O Captain, My Captain: What Dead Poets Society, Walt Whitman, and Life Itself Can Teach Us
The Twin That Never Was: A Short Story
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Thank you for being keen readers to a small-time writer.
