Narrative Nation

Hey nation!

Recently, I talked about all of the BookTok tropes that I hate, so, I thought I’d do the opposite and talk about the ones I love for todays post!

Forced Proximity:

Before I start, I already know there is going to be hundreds of people who disagree with this trope being good. Most people consider the ‘forced proximity’ trope to be overused and overrate, but personally, this is one of my top favorites.

I am always a sucker for enemies to lovers and forbidden romance, and what’s a better way to bring both of the love interests together, that’s right, forced proximity. Whether the MCs are traveling and reach a hotel that only has one bed, or he is her teacher during her ‘fantasy-fighting-arch’ I love it all.

A lot of people say that this trope is overused, and though it may be, it still stands to be one of my favorites.

Enemies to Lovers:

As a fan favorite, I had to include this trope because let’s be honest, if you read fantasy, romance, or anything in that category, you probably like this trope.

Of course I have many friends who despises the trope with their whole heart, but that’s beside the point.

For me, coming home after a rough day and getting to sit down and open a good book which has enemies to lovers romance in it, is the description of a perfect afternoon. Starting with hate, moving to yearning, and ending with lovers, the trope really has no flaws.

If you’re looking to get into reading romance, or just more enemies to lovers itself, I recommend The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, because unlike most books, they are true enemies.

Forbidden Romance:

Often times mixed up with enemies to lovers, forbidden romance is like the fun twin sister. Where enemies to lovers starts with hate, forbidden romance starts in yearning for someone the MC can never have.

A lot of books I’ve read have been categorized as enemies to lovers, but in reality, it was more of a forbidden romance. I’ve always loved this trope so much more than the other since (in the books I’ve read) the MMC never actually hated the FMC. It was more of a situation where he thought they could never be together.

A good example of this is the book Powerless by Lauren Roberts. Most call this book a enemies to lovers but Kai never actually hated Paedyn. No. He spent practically the whole book in love with her and Paedyn spent the same time trying to convince herself they could never be together.

“Who did this to you?”

This is not a trope, but whenever I see this line in a book, I start to giggle like a little child. I really don’t have much to say because how can you go wrong with a good MMC caring for the FMC after she got hurt. I love a protective man which makes this line arguably the best one in all books. Especially when it’s enemies to lovers/forbidden romance and they’re not supposed to like each other.

And even though I’ve never seen this done, I’d love to see a version of this but the FMC is saying the quote because I love a girl boss.

Found Family:

This book trope is so underrated because what do you mean the MCs finding a family of their own through friends since their real family sucks isn’t wholesome.

It’s always so fun to read when the MC is in a new world or a new area and is far away from their toxic/terrible family and have to find new friends. Later in the book, the MC finds a group or just one person that makes their whole life happy again and they’re basically family.

That’s all for today nation! I hope you agree with me thinking these tropes are awesome, and let me know if I missed any important ones.

Bye nation!

-Rain