Romance & Fantasy Book Tropes I Absolutely Hate (and Books That Do Them Right)

Let’s talk about romance and fantasy book tropes I could definitely do without. As someone who devours books like candy, I’ve run into my fair share of tropes that make me want to scream. Some feel lazy, others are way overdone, and a few just make me cringe. But every now and then, a book comes along that does these tropes so well it makes me rethink my stance. Below, I’m breaking down romance and fantasy book tropes I absolutely hate, why they bother me, and some recommendations for books that get it right—along with a few that miss the mark.

Be sure to read Romance & Fantasy Book Tropes I Absolutely Love + Recommendations

The “I’m Not Like Other Girls” Heroine Book Trope

This trope centers around a protagonist who’s supposedly unique because she rejects anything traditionally feminine. She hates dresses, makeup, or anything “girly,” which somehow makes her better than other women. It’s not just overused; it’s reductive. Women are multifaceted, and liking or disliking feminine things shouldn’t define anyone’s worth.

Books That Get It Wrong:

• Divergent by Veronica Roth: Tris is positioned as special because she’s braver and more selfless than everyone else. While the story is engaging, her character sometimes leans into the “I’m better than other girls” trope.

• The Selection by Kiera Cass: America Singer constantly looks down on other girls in the competition because they embrace dresses and luxury.

Books That Get It Right:

• The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: Jude Duarte is ambitious and cunning. She’s not “different” because she rejects femininity but because she’s willing to embrace her flaws and fight for what she wants. Which really makes her different from society as a whole - not just "other girls".

• A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown: Karina, the heroine, is a deeply layered character who balances her vulnerability with strength, showing that you don’t have to reject femininity to be powerful.

The Love Triangle Book Trope

The love triangle is one of the most overused tropes in YA and romance. It usually follows the formula: two love interests compete for the protagonist’s affection, and it’s clear who the winner will be. The trope often feels like unnecessary drama, and the protagonist comes off as indecisive or shallow.

Books That Get It Wrong:

• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: The Edward vs. Jacob debate is iconic, but let’s be real. Jacob never had a chance. The entire love triangle feels like filler, especially since Bella’s choice is obvious from the beginning.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: While this series is incredible, the Katniss-Peeta-Gale triangle feels shoehorned into a story that didn’t need a romance subplot.

Books That Get It Right:

• The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare: The love triangle between Tessa, Will, and Jem is emotionally rich and balanced. Both love interests are fully developed characters, making the stakes feel real.

  
  

  

  
  

• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: Alina’s relationships with Mal and the Darkling add layers of complexity to the story without overshadowing the plot.

The 3rd Act Break-Up Book Trope

This trope is when the couple breaks up (usually over the stupidest misunderstanding that has me screaming at the book) just before the story ends, only to reconcile in the final chapters. It often feels like unnecessary drama and disrupts the pacing. Most especially when the next chapter starts with "3 months later....".

Books That Get It Wrong:

• The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: While overall fun, the third-act conflict between Lucy and Josh feels like a manufactured roadblock in their otherwise sweet romance.

• After We Collided by Anna Todd: The endless break-ups and reconciliations between Tessa and Hardin make the third-act drama exhausting rather than satisfying.

Books That Get It Right:

• Beach Read by Emily Henry: The conflict between January and Gus is rooted in their personal struggles, making their separation feel natural rather than forced.

  
  

  

  
  

• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: The third-act break-up is handled in a way that highlights personal growth and tough choices, giving it emotional weight. (I'm not a Colleen Hoover fan but I can't deny good writing in this one.)

Miscommunication as the Main Conflict Book Trope

Nothing is more frustrating than a plot that hinges on two characters refusing to talk to each other. Miscommunication as a minor obstacle can work, but when it’s the driving force behind the entire conflict, it feels lazy.

Books That Get It Wrong:

• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: The entire book revolves around Anna and Étienne failing to communicate their feelings, which drags the story unnecessarily.

• New Moon by Stephenie Meyer: Edward’s decision to leave Bella without explaining his true feelings is a prime example of miscommunication driving the plot. As a Twilight fan - the fact that it's on the list twice for getting it wrong is very eye opening for me 😭.

Books That Get It Right:

• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: While Alex and Poppy’s miscommunication lasts years, it’s rooted in fear and emotional complexity, making their eventual reconciliation feel earned.

  
  

  

  
  

• The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams: Miscommunication is part of the initial conflict, but the characters actively work on resolving it through open communication and growth.

Insta-Love Book Trope

Insta-love skips the chemistry, development, and shared moments that make a romance believable. The characters lock eyes and suddenly decide they’re soulmates, leaving readers disconnected from their relationship.

Books That Get It Wrong:

• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick: Nora and Patch’s instant attraction feels forced and lacks any meaningful buildup.

• Fallen by Lauren Kate: Luce and Daniel’s insta-love feels shallow, especially since their connection relies heavily on a mysterious past that isn’t well-explained.

Books That Get It Right:

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: While Celia and Marco’s connection seems instant, their love story unfolds over years, creating a beautiful slow-burn romance.

  
  

  

  
  

• Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin: The romantic tension between Louise and Reid builds gradually, making their relationship feel earned.

Honorable Mentions without too much context (because, duh.)

• Huge Age-gap

  • Girl is 23+ and fantasy vampire/Elf is 200+ = Yes.

  • Girl is 19 and mortal man is mid 30+ = No.

• No High Stakes if you're the main character

• The Ugly Duckling Transformation: Guys, she just took off her glasses.

• Stalking is not cute.

• Forced Proximity - the undertone always sounds like one is manipulating the other.

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Even the most overdone romance and fantasy book tropes can shine when executed thoughtfully. Whether it’s a love triangle that makes you cry (The Infernal Devices) or a third-act conflict that feels natural (Beach Read), the right book can make you fall for a trope all over again.

Happy Reading!