Coastal romance uses the same tropes as other romance novels, so I thought I’d share my list of story-starters. Please add those I’ve forgotten, or discuss your favourites, in the comments.
Secrets – every family has them
Secret baby – don’t tell daddy
Amnesia
Treasure hunt
Competition
Enemies to lovers
Friends to lovers
Love they neighbour
All grown up now – she used to be his ward
All grown up now – best friend’s sister
Second chances – reunion, high school or otherwise
Second chances – shared tragedy
Sacrifice
Redemption
Revenge
Makeover magic – Cinderella
Beauty and the Beast
Rapunzel – rescue me!
Taming the rake
Boss & secretary
Doctor & nurse
Cowboy & greenhorn
Billionaire & damsel in distress (or defiance)
Let me heal you – wounded hero/broken bird
Forbidden love – feuding families
In pursuit – half the couple knows it’s love
Mated pair (paranormal romance)
Arranged marriage
Stranded together
Forced to converse – babysitting duties
Forced to converse – where there’s a will
Forced to converse – job assignment
Bodyguard/protector
Shared danger
Ticking clock
*Edited to add — and with huge thanks!
Mistaken identity
Nurse – patient
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Be sure to check back tomorrow for a very special Coastal Romance post.
8 responses to “Romance Novel Tropes”
You're so lovely. Much appreciated. 🙂
She is feeling better, thank you, but we haven't got to the bottom of the problem as yet.
Sending good vibes your way.
Family secrets are such fun to write but I love how these days 'Rapunzel' can do the rescuing. 🙂
Did you ever see "Ever After" with Drew Barrymore as Cinderella? There's a scene in there that does exactly that, too. Subverting the old fairytales is super fun.
How is your Nano'ing going? Can I ask or should I wait for December?
I have seen Ever After although it was a few years ago now. I might have to find it again to check out that scene.
NaNo was charging ahead but I've had a sick girl these past few days so it put a dent in my count. I need to get stuck in tonight and tomorrow and I'll be close but I may not reach my goal this time. Thank you for asking. 🙂
Hope your girl's feeling better, poor mite.
Happy writing!
From Nicole on Goodreads: Mistaken identity and nurse/patient. Thanks, Nicole!