What is a trope?

Let’s clear something up straight away—tropes are not the same as genres. It’s easy to mix them up, especially when book talk starts getting tangled in sub-genres and themes. Romance, for example, is a genre. Within that, you might find sub-genres like paranormal romance or contemporary romance. And then... we have tropes. This is where things get a little more interesting—and sometimes, a little messy.

To break it down simply, I did what any bookish brain might do: I turned to the dictionary. Oxford calls a trope “a significant or recurrent theme; a motif.” Merriam-Webster, on the other hand, adds a little spice by calling it “a common or overused theme or device.” Personally, I think both definitions hit the mark. Tropes are recurring themes that authors use to frame or flavor their stories. They’re like narrative shortcuts that signal to the reader what kind of emotional journey they’re in for.

Take the “Billionaire” trope—one of the most recognisable in romance. Typically, a woman finds herself entangled with an incredibly wealthy man (it’s almost never the other way around, is it?). You’ll mostly find this in contemporary romance, but it pops up in new adult, young adult, and even paranormal romance too. Then there’s the classic “Plain Jane” trope—where a heroine who considers herself ordinary (or is told she is) catches the eye of a devastatingly handsome man. This one is a shape-shifter, turning up in every corner of the romance world, from historical to YA.

Some genres lean heavily into tropes—romance being a prime example. Romantic pairings, character archetypes, familiar plot devices... it’s all there. Think: enemies to lovers, fake dating, second chances, best friends turned something more. These well-worn paths aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, they’re often what we crave.

Let’s be honest—sometimes you just want a story that feels like your favourite sweater. Predictable in the best way. Whether you’re in the mood for biker bad boys or a soft slow-burn between childhood friends, tropes offer comfort. They let us know what we’re signing up for, and when done right, they’re anything but boring.

So yes, some books ride the same wave—and yes, some stories get retold a hundred different ways—but maybe that’s part of the magic. Sometimes, we don’t want a surprise. We just want a happily ever after wrapped up in a storyline we love.

And if, like me, you have a soft spot for certain tropes (looking at you, enemies to lovers), you’re in for a treat. Keep an eye out for upcoming posts where I’ll be sharing some of my favourite books, all lovingly picked based on their tropes. Whether you’re hunting for a brooding alpha, a second-chance romance, or that irresistible forbidden love, I’ve got recommendations coming your way. Stay tuned!

Eve x

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