Book Tropes I’ll Never Get Tired Of

There are some book tropes that, no matter how many times I see them, still give me the same serotonin rush as they did the first time. Call them predictable. Call them overused. I call them elite storytelling. Here are the tropes that will always get me hooked.

1. Found Family

Blood doesn’t always make a family. There’s something about a group of lonely misfits who slowly learn to love and trust each other that makes me cry every time. 

2. Enemies to Lovers

Yes, it’s toxic sometimes. Yes, it’s overdone. But give me two characters who banter, secretly pine for each other, and have that one tense, slow-burn moment where everything changes? I’m all in. Bonus points for a “there’s only one bed” situation.

3. The “We’re Just Pretending” Relationship

Fake dating? Fake marriage? Fake engagement? As long as it’s fake, I’m in. You just know someone’s going to catch feelings for real and spiral, and I live for the awkward tension and long overdue confessions.

4. The “Unqualified” Hero

Not the chosen one. Not trained. Probably didn’t even want to be here. But somehow, they rise to the occasion. I will always root for the underdog who stumbles their way into greatness.

5. “Temporary Truce

Enemies who have to work together maybe to survive, maybe to win a war, maybe to save someone they both care about. They don’t trust each other, but they need each other. 

6. Second Chances

Romantic or platonic, I have a soft spot for stories about people trying again. Whether it’s childhood sweethearts reuniting or estranged siblings reconciling, I’m a sucker for growth, forgiveness, and healing arcs.

Some tropes just work, no matter how many times I see them. What are your ultimate comfort tropes? And do any of these make your list too?