There’s a reason why we readers continuously decide to pick up our favorite tropes. Whether it’s the slow burn of enemies to lovers or the thrill of a forbidden romance, these stories tap into emotions we can’t resist. If you’ve ever swooned over a fake relationship that turned real or debated the best choice in a love triangle, you know the magic of a well-executed trope. Here are some of the best romance books, both contemporary and classics, that bring these setups to life:
Enemies to Lovers
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are the original rivals-to-romance couple: judging each other at first sight, throwing shade at fancy balls, and refusing to admit their feelings. But beneath all the pride (and prejudice), there’s a slow-burn love story filled with wit, longing, and that iconic love confession: “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette’s touch is lethal, literally. Locked away for years because of her deadly ability, she had begun to lose herself. Suddenly, she’s taken to be used as a weapon during the middle of a war. On one side? Warner, the ruthless leader obsessed with her power. On the other hand? Adam, the soldier who might actually care about her. At first, Juliette hates Warner (fair, because he’s kind of terrible), but as the story unfolds, the lines between love and hate start to blur. If you love the most dramatic enemies-to-lovers arc, morally gray love interests, and dystopian chaos, this one’s for you.
Friends to Lovers
1. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe’s relationship starts with a literal insult: Gilbert calls Anne “Carrots” and earns a grudge that lasts for years. But beneath Anne’s stubbornness and Gilbert’s teasing, there’s a friendship that slowly turns into one of the best love stories in classic literature. If you love a patient, devoted love interest who waits for the right moment, this one’s for you.
2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Poppy and Alex have been best friends forever, despite being total opposites. Every year, they take a trip together, but two years ago, something happened that made everything weird. Now, Poppy is determined to fix things, which means one last trip to figure it all out. If you’ve ever looked at your best friend and thought that you might be in love with them, this one will hit hard. And, the upcoming movie adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation filmed a few scenes right here on Tulane’s campus!
Love Triangle
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
If you’ve ever watched a toxic situationship unfold in real time, Wuthering Heights will feel painfully familiar. Catherine Earnshaw is caught between two men: Heathcliff, the dark, brooding, revenge-obsessed love of her life, and Edgar Linton, the safe, respectable, and wealthy alternative. Catherine wants Heathcliff, but she needs Edgar. Or at least, that’s what she convinces herself. What follows is a messy, intense, and dramatic love triangle that spans generations. If you love the emotional chaos of a situationship but want more ghosts, this is the classic for you.
2. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Imagine The Bachelor, but make it royal. America Singer (yes, that’s her real name) gets thrown into a competition to marry Prince Maxon, which would be great, except she’s still in love with her secret ex-boyfriend, Aspen. Torn between duty, first love, and a guy who literally wears a crown, America’s love triangle is peak drama. If you’ve ever debated Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah, Team Edward vs. Team Jacob, or Team Anyone vs. Team Anyone, you’ll love this one.
Fake Relationship
1. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Benedick and Beatrice are two sharp-witted and totally not into each other people whose friends decide to play matchmaker. What follows is a hilarious and chaotic battle of wits, misunderstandings, and a love story that unfolds despite their best efforts to resist. If you love the fake dating trope (or just enjoy watching two people bicker their way into love), this Shakespearean rom-com is for you.
2. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive and Ethan can’t stand each other. But when Olive’s twin sister and Ethan’s brother get food poisoning at their wedding, Olive and Ethan are forced to take their place on a non-refundable honeymoon to Hawaii. The catch? They have to pretend they’re newlyweds. So, the two spend the entire trip bickering, awkwardly trying to act lovey-dovey in front of strangers, and getting more and more attracted to each other. If you love fake dating, tropical settings, and hilarious awkwardness, this is your next must-read.
Forbidden Love
1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
If William Shakespeare was good at anything, it was his ability to incorporate these iconic tropes into his plays. Romeo and Juliet is the OG forbidden romance. Montague boy meets Capulet girl, families hate each other, drama ensues. If you love star-crossed lovers, intense emotions, and love-at-first-sight chaos, this one still delivers.
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo is a Hollywood legend: beautiful, famous, and notoriously private about her past. When she chooses Monique Grant, a young reporter, to write her biography, Monique is thrown into the glamorous and scandalous world of Evelyn’s life. As Evelyn tells her story, we learn about the one forbidden love that changed everything: her passionate, secret romance with the love of her life. If you’re into complex love stories that defy time, fame, and expectations, this one will pull at your heartstrings. The secretive nature of their relationship and the emotional stakes will have you rooting for them, even though you know the world might never accept their love.
Historical Romance
1. Persuasion by Jane Austen
Imagine reconnecting with your high school ex years after a messy breakup, except it’s the 19th century, and everyone around you is way too involved in your love life. That’s the heart of Persuasion. Anne Elliot is forced to watch the love of her life, Captain Wentworth return from sea, richer and more successful than ever, while she’s still single and full of regret. Years ago, she let her family talk her out of marrying him, but now? The tension is real. If you love second-chance romance with longing glances, emotional slow burns, and one of the best love letters ever written, this one’s for you.
2. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
In The Duke and I, we meet Daphne Bridgerton, a young woman eager to find love in Regency-era London. After a series of failed suitors, she strikes a deal with the elusive Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett. They’ll pretend to be in a relationship to ward off unwanted attention from potential suitors. But as the ruse grows more convincing, so does their undeniable chemistry. What starts as a strategic fake courtship quickly turns into something more complicated and deeply passionate. If you love steamy romance, scandal, and the drama of high society, this one’s a must-read.
If you were at a loss for a book to pick up or simply browsing, hopefully this list has been helpful in selecting your next fantastic read! Whether it is finding a new favorite trope or diving further into one that you love, it is always fun to see the different ways that authors explore these tropes and build stories using them. Happy Reading!
