Romance Tropes Week 5 - Forbidden Love - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 5.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Forbidden Love

The stakes are high: rival families, workplace rules, best friend’s sibling. The danger makes the passion burn hotter.

Why the Forbidden Love Trope Captivates Us

Few romance tropes are as irresistible as Forbidden Love. There’s something about the thrill of a love that shouldn’t happen that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, rival families, workplace restrictions, or societal taboos, forbidden love combines danger, desire, and drama in a way that feels timeless.

High Stakes, High Emotion

Forbidden love works because the stakes are immediate and intense. Every glance, every touch carries weight. The fear of discovery, judgment, or consequences makes each interaction charged with tension. Readers love the push-and-pull: wanting them together, but knowing the world might be against them.

Passion Born from Restriction

There’s a reason we say “forbidden fruit is sweetest.” The restrictions themselves often amplify desire. When characters are forced to hide feelings, sneak kisses, or defy rules, the romance feels urgent, dangerous, and utterly addictive.

Growth and Sacrifice

Forbidden love often comes with personal growth. Characters must navigate societal norms, family expectations, or moral dilemmas. The best stories show that love can challenge characters to confront themselves, stand up for what they believe in, or make difficult sacrifices—all while keeping readers emotionally invested.

The Tension and Release

Readers thrive on tension, and forbidden love provides it in spades. The anxiety of being caught, the moral dilemmas, and the secrecy keep pages turning. And when the lovers finally find a way to be together—or make peace with the impossible—the payoff is intense and deeply satisfying.

Classic Examples

• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare – the ultimate tale of star-crossed lovers.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë – love complicated by social class, secrets, and moral dilemmas.

• Contemporary examples – office romances, relationships across rival families, or politically or socially “forbidden” pairings continue to reinvent the trope for modern readers.

Why We Love It

Forbidden love combines suspense, intensity, and emotional depth. It reminds us that love isn’t always easy, sometimes dangerous, and often transformative. We root for the lovers because we feel every stolen glance, whispered word, and daring kiss with them.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 4 - Second Chance Romance - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 4.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Second Chance Romance

Old flames reunited. Maybe they were torn apart by circumstance, maybe by heartbreak. Can love conquer the past?

Why We Can’t Resist the Second Chance Romance

Few things tug at the heartstrings quite like a Second Chance Romance. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing two people who once loved and lost find their way back to each other. It’s the ultimate story of redemption, growth, and the enduring power of love.

The Emotional Hook

Second chance romances often start with heartbreak, regret, or a past that went wrong. Maybe they broke up because of timing, misunderstanding, or life circumstances. This setup creates instant emotional stakes—readers know these two belong together, but will life let them have another shot?

Growth and Redemption

What makes second chance romances so compelling is the growth factor. Both characters usually return wiser, more self-aware, or ready to confront past mistakes. Watching them navigate old wounds and rediscover each other is emotionally satisfying and inspiring.

Tension and Chemistry

Even if they’ve loved before, rekindling romance is rarely smooth. Old arguments, lingering insecurities, and the fear of repeating past mistakes make every encounter charged with tension. That mix of nostalgia and new attraction keeps readers hooked.

The Payoff: Hard-Earned Love

Because the romance is second-time-around, the eventual reunion feels earned. The slow melt of walls, hesitant touches, and finally opening hearts again makes the happily-ever-after deeply satisfying. It’s a payoff that resonates because it mirrors real life: love isn’t always perfect the first time.

Classic Examples

• Persuasion by Jane Austen – Anne and Captain Wentworth, separated by circumstance, reunite years later with lingering feelings.

• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover – characters navigate past heartbreak and complicated emotions while finding a way forward.

• Countless contemporary romances explore exes, lost loves, and childhood sweethearts reunited, proving the timelessness of this trope.

Why We Love It

Second chance romances remind us that love can endure, even through mistakes, misunderstandings, and heartbreak. They offer hope, emotional depth, and a satisfying “they found their way back to each other” conclusion that keeps readers coming back for more.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 3 - Fake Relationship - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 3.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Fake Relationship

They’re pretending for convenience—until those pretend kisses feel a little too real. Readers love watching the line blur.

Why the Fake Relationship Trope is So Addictive

There’s something undeniably fun about a romance that starts with a lie—or at least a little deception. In the Fake Relationship trope, two characters agree to pretend to be a couple for practical reasons, only to discover that pretending is far more complicated than they expected. And yes, it almost always leads to real feelings.

Built-In Conflict

The premise is simple: pretend romance = complications. Whether it’s to impress family, avoid a meddling ex, or secure a work promotion, the characters are constantly walking a tightrope. Readers love the tension of “Will anyone find out?” and “When will they realize the truth?”

Fake Affection Turns Real

The fun—and heart of this trope—comes from the slow transformation from pretending to actually having romantic feelings for one another. Maybe they have to hold hands for a photo, share a dance at a wedding, or spend a weekend under the same roof. Each staged moment is an opportunity for real chemistry to sneak in.

Comedy and Awkward Moments

Because the relationship starts as fake, there’s lots of room for humor. Awkward kisses, misunderstandings, jealous onlookers, and over-the-top displays of affection make readers laugh while their hearts race. The blend of romance and comedy is part of why this trope is so satisfying.

Emotional Stakes

Even in a lighthearted story, there’s usually a tension under the surface: “What happens if one of us falls for the other?” The risk of unrequited feelings, embarrassment, or heartbreak keeps readers invested until the happily-ever-after.

Classic Examples

• The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – office rivalry turns into a pretend romance that nobody can ignore.

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – a staged relationship to make someone jealous sparks real feelings.

• Movies like “The Proposal” – fake engagement, real love, hilarious complications.

Why We Love It

Fake relationships are playful, flirty, and full of tension. We love watching characters navigate pretend intimacy, only to realize that the line between fake and real is blurrier than they—or we—ever imagined. It’s a perfect mix of humor, romance, and slow-burn attraction.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 2 - Friends to Lovers - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 2.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of—maybe one of them is your favorite?

Friends to Lovers

Two people who’ve always been “just friends” realize the truth that’s been there all along. Sweet, tender, and oh-so satisfying.

Why the Friends to Lovers Trope Steals Our Hearts

If Enemies to Lovers is all fire and sparks, Friends to Lovers is a slow, glowing ember that warms us from the inside out. It’s the kind of romance that makes you sigh happily and think, “Of course. It was always you.”

So why does this trope resonate so strongly with readers? Let’s take a closer look.

Built on Trust

Unlike whirlwind romances, Friends to Lovers stories start with a foundation. These characters already know each other—the quirks, the flaws, the inside jokes. Love isn’t a bolt from the blue; it’s a seed that’s been quietly growing all along.

The Slow Burn Factor

This trope is all about timing. Maybe one character has been in love for years, waiting for the other to notice. Maybe they both realize at the same time, and the friendship shifts almost overnight. The slow build makes the eventual confession or kiss feel like the most natural (and most thrilling) thing in the world.

That “Aha!” Moment

One of the joys of this trope is watching characters suddenly see each other differently. A look lingers too long, a hug feels different, or a friend steps up in a vulnerable moment—and everything changes. Readers live for that oh no, I think I’m in love with my best friend revelation.

Risk and Reward

There’s a delicious tension in the fear of losing the friendship. What if they confess and it ruins everything? That risk raises the stakes, making the eventual leap into love both nerve-wracking and deeply rewarding.

Classic Examples

• Anne Shirley & Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables) – from childhood rivals to lifelong partners.

• Ron & Hermione (Harry Potter) – years of friendship and banter blossoming into something more.

• When Harry Met Sally – the quintessential modern friends-to-lovers story on screen.

Why It Endures

This trope works because it taps into a universal fantasy: the idea that the person who knows you best might secretly be the love of your life. It reassures us that lasting romance can grow out of real connection, shared history, and deep trust.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 1 - Enemies to Lovers - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 1.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of—maybe one of them is your favorite?

Enemies to Lovers

They can’t stand each other… until they can’t keep their hands off each other. The fiery banter and slow-burning chemistry make this one a classic.

Few tropes in romance spark as much delight as Enemies to Lovers. The very idea makes readers perk up. Two people who absolutely cannot stand each other are destined to fall madly, passionately in love. And why do we eat up this romance trope every single time? Let’s break it down.

Built-In Tension

From page one, the sparks are flying—but not in a lovey-dovey way. There’s eye-rolling, snark, maybe even outright hostility. That fiery tension creates instant chemistry. Readers know there’s a fine line between hate and desire, and we can’t wait to see when it blurs.

The Banter Factor

The enemies-to-lovers trope almost always comes with delicious banter. Sarcasm, witty comebacks, verbal sparring—it’s verbal foreplay in disguise. And when the sniping softens into something sweeter, the shift feels all the more powerful.

Conflict That Matters

Unlike tropes where love comes easily, enemies-to-lovers stories raise the stakes. These characters usually start out with clashing goals, values, or histories. For them to find love, they must overcome real barriers—sometimes pride, sometimes prejudice (hello, Austen fans). Watching them grow makes the payoff irresistible.

The Payoff: Slow Burn Bliss

Because they start so far apart, the journey feels more earned. That first crack in the armor—the lingering look, the unguarded moment, the unexpected act of kindness—hits us right in the heart. And when the kiss finally happens ... it feels monumental.

Examples We Love

• Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) – The blueprint for the entire trope.

• Enemies-to-Coworkers-to-Lovers (The Hating Game by Sally Thorne) – office rivalry at its most delicious.

• Countless contemporary romances, fantasy pairings, and even rom-com films continue to reinvent this trope because readers never get tired of it.

Why It Endures

Enemies-to-lovers works because it mirrors a truth about love. Attraction doesn’t always start with fireworks and swoons. Sometimes it starts with annoyance, misunderstanding, or friction. Watching those walls crumble makes us believe in the transformative power of love.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor