Tropes Evolve in Booming Romance Fiction Genre

Fake dating out, second-chance romances in as romance bookstores multiply across the U.S.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The romance fiction genre, which accounts for nearly $1.5 billion in annual book sales, is seeing shifts in popular tropes or common plot devices. Fake dating is on the decline, while second-chance romances are becoming more popular, according to Lauren Richards, co-owner of Tropes & Trifles, a romance-focused bookstore in Minneapolis. Other common tropes like enemies-to-lovers and only one bed remain fan favorites, while some like secret baby and amnesia are falling out of favor.

Why it matters

The evolution of romance tropes reflects changing reader preferences in a genre that has exploded in popularity, with the number of dedicated romance bookstores growing from 9 to over 100 nationwide since 2024. Understanding these trends is crucial for romance authors looking to connect with their audience and for bookstores catering to devoted romance fans.

The details

According to Richards, fake dating, where characters pretend to be in a relationship, was a popular trope for a while but is now waning in popularity. Meanwhile, second-chance romances, where a couple reunites, are becoming more common. Other enduring favorites include enemies-to-lovers and the "only one bed" trope. However, some tropes like secret baby and amnesia are falling out of favor with readers.

  • In 2024, Tropes & Trifles was one of only 9 romance bookstores in the country.
  • Now, there are more than 100 romance bookstores nationwide.

The players

Lauren Richards

Co-owner of Tropes & Trifles, a romance bookstore in Minneapolis.

Caitlin O'Neil

Business partner of Lauren Richards and co-owner of Tropes & Trifles.

MaryJanice Davidson

Author who wrote her "Danger" trilogy specifically to have fun with romance tropes.

Mary E. Roach

Author who used the "enemies to lovers" trope in her book "We Are the Match".

Ellie Palmer

Author who subverted the fake dating trope in her book "Four Weekends and a Funeral".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're coming off the end of the fake dating thing, but it was really on the upswing for a while. Second-chance romances are becoming a lot more popular, although I will admit it's a trope I do not love.”

— Lauren Richards, Co-owner, Tropes & Trifles

“Tropes are so important to the genre that Richards and business partner Caitlin O'Neil named their store after them. So important that O'Neil says tropes are to romances as bricks are to buildings: "You might even call tropes the periodic table of romance. They're fundamental to the genre. People who love romance always have their favorite tropes. They also have their least favorites, which causes some fun discussion.”

— Caitlin O'Neil, Co-owner, Tropes & Trifles

“Just ask me to choose between my children. That would be easier.”

— MaryJanice Davidson

“I love enemies to lovers. People talk about enemies-to-lovers romances but, a lot of times, it's really that they just don't like each other at first. They're not enemies. I mean, if they're not holding knives to each other's throats, really, what's the point?”

— Mary E. Roach, Author

“The joy of romance is we all know where we're going to end up but we don't know how, and what's fun is playing with those tropes.”

— Ellie Palmer, Author

The takeaway

The evolution of popular romance tropes reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the booming romance fiction genre. As reader preferences shift, authors and bookstores must stay attuned to these trends to deliver the stories and experiences that romance fans crave.