Romance & Fantasy Book Tropes I Absolutely Love + Recommendations

When it comes to romance and fantasy books, there are some classic tropes I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s an epic love story or a magical world filled with danger and excitement, these familiar storylines pull me in every time. If you’re like me and love diving into fantasy worlds and swooning over slow-burn romances, let’s talk about the best romance and fantasy book tropes out there. Get ready to add a few titles to your TBR!

1. Enemies to Lovers

There’s something so satisfying about watching two characters who can’t stand each other slowly fall in love. It’s one of those romance book tropes that practically guarantees tension, banter, and serious chemistry. Popular both in romance and fantasy, enemies-to-lovers often brings out the best and worst in characters. Plus, it’s a favorite among readers. According to Goodreads data, enemies-to-lovers ranks as one of the top romance tropes, with titles like A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas leading the charge (Hello, Rhysand! - this entire series has me in a chokehold, btw.).

Why I Love It: The tension, the banter, and that epic moment when they finally give in – it’s everything!

2. Fake Relationship

The fake relationship trope combines romance with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. Watching characters pretend to be in love, only to slowly realize they actually are in love, is pure magic. This trope usually appears in contemporary romances, but it’s popping up in fantasy too, especially when characters need to fake a marriage to form alliances. It’s fun, it’s flirty, and let’s be honest – the inevitable “real” confession scene always gets me.

Perfect Example: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood has made waves in BookTok for its fake relationship twist, and it’s easy to see why. This book nails the trope.

3. Soulmates or Fated Lovers

In fantasy, the soulmate trope often includes destiny, magic, and sometimes even reincarnation. The idea of two people being meant for each other against all odds is such a romantic concept. It gives that sense of an epic, timeless love that just feels grand. Soulmate romances have been trending in fantasy novels, with 35% of fantasy readers saying it’s their favorite trope. Titles like Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin play into this trope perfectly, showing how even fate can have a complicated sense of humor.

Why It Works: It’s the promise of an unbreakable bond. Even in a fictional world, that’s something we all secretly hope for.

4. The Chosen One

We’ve all read a fantasy book where the hero discovers they’re “The Chosen One,” and honestly, it never gets old. I love watching an ordinary character face unexpected power and responsibility. It’s a mix of personal growth, courage, and magic, which makes it ideal for epic storylines. The trope has shown up everywhere, from Harry Potter to The Hunger Games, proving its lasting appeal. According to a survey by Epic Reads, 40% of fantasy fans are here for chosen one stories – the trope simply speaks to us.

Top Pick: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo gives us a brilliant take on this trope, following Alina Starkov as she realizes she holds immense power and is destined to change her world.

5. Grumpy and Sunshine Pairing

This romance trope is all about opposites attracting, with one character being the serious, stoic type while the other radiates positive energy. Watching the “grumpy” character soften under the influence of the “sunshine” character is just heartwarming. This dynamic is showing up more and more in fantasy too, usually between a reserved hero and an optimistic love interest. According to romance book sales data, this trope has become a bestseller magnet, especially for younger readers looking for humor and heart.

Where to Find It: Emily Henry’s Beach Read does this beautifully, and it’s a BookTok favorite for good reason. Even though it’s a contemporary, this trope shines through, showing how opposites can attract.

6. Friends to Lovers

As much as I love the drama of enemies-to-lovers, there’s something so sweet and comforting about friends-to-lovers. It feels genuine, like a love that’s been growing in the background, waiting for the right moment. This trope is especially popular in romance novels, with studies showing that “friends-to-lovers” ranks in the top five most popular romance themes. Books like People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry capture this so well – showing the vulnerability and risk of taking a friendship to the next level. I picked this one up at an airport a few years ago and it's still one of my faves!

Why It’s a Win: It’s the kind of love we root for because it feels real, and it’s all about trust and comfort.

7. Found Family

Found family isn’t strictly romance, but it’s a favorite trope in fantasy and deserves a shoutout. I love seeing a group of unlikely friends come together and form a bond that’s as strong as family. It’s a reminder that sometimes we choose the people who mean the most to us, and those bonds can be even stronger than blood ties. This trope is huge in fantasy, especially in popular series like Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, where the group dynamics make you care deeply about each character.

Why It Stands Out: Found family is a reminder that love, friendship, and loyalty can come from unexpected places, and it makes any story richer.

8. The Slow Burn

Nothing beats a good slow-burn romance where the tension and chemistry build so slowly you can feel the sparks through the pages. Watching two characters take their time, deny their feelings, and finally come together after all that buildup? Worth every page! Slow burn romances are super popular across genres. According to a Goodreads poll, slow burn is the second most-loved romance trope, especially in long fantasy series that allow the characters’ relationship to evolve over time.

Must-Read: Mariana Zapata is the queen of slow burn with books like The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, which keeps you guessing until the very end.

These romance and fantasy book tropes are like comfort food for my book-loving soul. They give stories that little extra magic, whether it’s through heart-fluttering romance, epic adventure, or unbreakable bonds. If you’re looking to add some great reads to your shelf, check out titles featuring these tropes – you’ll definitely find something to love. Happy reading, fellow BookTok girlies!