Romantic Fiction Trends Shift Ahead of Valentine's Day

Fake dating out, second-chance romances in, according to local bookstore owner

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:47am

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According to Lauren Richards, co-owner of Tropes Bookstore in Minneapolis, the popular tropes in romantic fiction have shifted, with fake dating storylines falling out of favor and second-chance romances becoming more prominent ahead of Valentine's Day.

Why it matters

The changing preferences in romance novel tropes reflect broader cultural shifts in how people view relationships and love stories. As readers seek out more authentic and emotionally resonant narratives, publishers and authors are adapting to meet that demand.

The details

Richards noted that readers are increasingly drawn to stories that explore the complexities of relationships, including characters who have a history and must overcome past challenges to find love again. "Fake dating just feels a bit tired now," she said. "Readers want to see characters who have a real emotional connection, even if they've been through tough times together."

  • The trends were observed in the lead-up to Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

Lauren Richards

The co-owner of Tropes Bookstore in Minneapolis, which specializes in romance novels.

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What they’re saying

“Fake dating just feels a bit tired now. Readers want to see characters who have a real emotional connection, even if they've been through tough times together.”

— Lauren Richards, Co-owner, Tropes Bookstore

The takeaway

As readers seek out more authentic and emotionally resonant love stories, the publishing industry is adapting to meet that demand, with a shift away from tropes like fake dating in favor of narratives exploring the complexities of second-chance romances.