My Favorite Book Tropes (And Why I Love Them)

Hey Friend!

If you have read any of my other posts, by now you've probably figured out that I enjoy reading a lot. I read just about anything and everything. I enjoy reading from all different genres except horror. I love finding good stories whether they were written yesterday or 20 years ago or even longer. I am always on the hunt for a good story.

Now I know there are a lot of tropes that people love reading in books like slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, secret identity, chosen one, trials, fake relationship, rivals to lovers, second chance love, found family, banter, morally gray, why choose, fated mates, grumpy x sunshine, arranged marriage, one bed, one horse, love triangle, age gap, touch her and die, and so much more! I do enjoy tropes! But I feel like sometimes these tropes are thrown into books because they are popular but they aren't always done well. 

If you were curious what my favorite book tropes are, keep on reading!

Things I Eat Up in Books

A Courageous FMC

She isn't loud or emotionally explosive. I love when she's clearly scared or out of her comfort zone but still chooses to do what's right. I also love when she uses her mind, not just her fists.

A Slow Burn Romance

No instant attraction, no lust-at-first-sight. I want tension. I want yearning. I want a slow, steady build. Honestly, I don't want anything romantic happening in the first 30%. Let it simmer!

The Characters Go On An Adventure

I love exploring new places from the character's POV. Give me adventure, dander, haunted castles, enchanted forests! I want to feel like I've traveled with them. 

A Strong FMC From The Start

She doesn't need to go through half the book being passive or insecure or moody or angry. I love when she already has a clear sense of who she is, even if she still has room to grow.

Immersive World Building

I want to feel like I've actually been there. When the world is so well written that I can picture where I am at and understand the culture. I love when the world feels real, nto just like a backdrop. 

Banter That Actually Makes Me Laugh

Not the kind where characters are constantly rude or trying to one-up each other. I love when they're teasing and playful. Where the banter feels like part of their connection, not competition. 

One Horse

Ok, I know this is tropey, but I loved this one before talking about book tropes became a thing! I used to ride horses in high school and I thought it was incredibly romantic thinking about sharing a horse with a guy! It for sure makes me excited when I see that in a book!

Unique Magic Systems

I read a lot of fantasy, and it can start to blur together. But when an author creates a magic system that's actually fresh and different, I'm hooked!

A Mystery Woven Into The Plot

I love when something's off and you don't know what it is uet. When the characters are trying to figure it out, and I'm right there with them, turning pages because I need to know!

Steady, Loyal Friendships

I love the kind of friendship that's built over time, through trust, teasing, shared goals, and showing up for each other. Like in Ranger's Apprentice, when the friendship is solid, earned through trials, and deeply rooted.

Trainer/Trainee Dynamics

I love this dynamic! I love it whether it's a gruff mentor teaching a younger character, or a romantic pairing where the relationship starts getting those sparks through the MMC teaching the FMC something whether it be fighting with swords, swimming, wrestling (not something spicy, silly, a practical skill). Chances are, if the book has this, it will probably be a 5 star read for me!

Whimsy And Wonder With Danger

I love stories that feel magical in a dreamy, enchanted way. Cursed castles, magical bargains, hidden doors, glittering balls, and lot's of secrets. 

A Found Family

But not in a tropey way. I really like when I am able to really get to know the side characters along side the main character. Where I can feel like all the side characters are a part of my family too and I am rooting for them just as much as the main character. 

A Single POV

There are times when I like duel POV's but my favorite is single POV. I love only having the information the main character has/thinks, especially if there is romance involved in the story. I don't want to read about how she wonders what he thinks about her and then switch to his POV and find out what he thinks of her before she finds out. 

All Fantasy

I love it all! Medieval, urban, dystopian, with vampires, dragons, Fae, monsters. You name it, I love it! The only time I don't love it is when it becomes so tropey it feels like the author is going through with a check list of all the popular tropes throwing them in the story. 

Anyways, that is my list of favorite book tropes! What do we have in common?

As always, thanks for reading!