Romance Tropes Ranked from Best to Worst

Romance novels are full of tropes—the patterns, setups, and scenarios that keep readers hooked. Whether you’re a die-hard enemies-to-lovers fan or secretly enjoy the forbidden love storyline, there’s no denying that tropes are what make romance so binge-worthy.

Here’s our ranking of popular romance tropes, from absolute favorites to the ones that readers love to argue about.

🏆 The Best Romance Tropes

1. Enemies to Lovers
Sharp banter, fiery tension, and that slow realization that they’re perfect for each other? It never gets old.

2. Found Family + Romance
When romance is woven into a bigger story of belonging, it makes the love even sweeter.

3. Fake Dating
Two people pretending to be in love… until they actually are. Predictable? Yes. But also irresistible.

4. Friends to Lovers
Some say it’s too slow, but for many readers, watching friendship bloom into love is the ultimate comfort read.

😏 The Middle Ground

5. Second Chance Romance
Sometimes it works beautifully, sometimes it feels forced. It depends on the execution—but when done right, it’s heartwarming.

6. Grumpy x Sunshine
The contrast is adorable, but it risks feeling repetitive if not done with depth.

😬 The Most Controversial

7. Love Triangles
Some readers eat this up, others hate it. Nothing divides the book community faster than choosing “Team A” or “Team B.”

8. Insta-Love
The biggest offender. When characters fall in love in two chapters, it leaves readers rolling their eyes more than swooning.

Why Romance Tropes Work

• Familiarity → Readers know what to expect, but love seeing the twist.
• Comfort factor → Tropes provide the cozy, reliable framework that makes romance so bingeable.
• Endless creativity → Even with the same trope, no two books are alike.
  
  
  

Show Off Your Favorite Trope

Romance fans love talking tropes—and wearing them too. At Reader’s Closet, our bookish t-shirts let you wear your favorite genres and storylines proudly, whether you’re team enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers.

💖 Check out our romance-inspired collection to find your next cozy reading tee.

Final Thoughts

Romance tropes are part of what makes reading so fun. Whether you crave tension, comfort, or drama, there’s a trope for everyone.

So—what’s your favorite romance trope, and which one do you avoid? 👀