I Love You, But... 6 Plot twists that makes Romance novels Irresistible!

Oct 16, 2024

4 min read

The most exciting thing about Romance is that it isn't easy. In fact, the greatest love stories not only have grand obstacles but are sometimes downright tragic. The lesson we are forever taught is that we must persevere, no matter what. Another lesson that seems to be a staple, is that nothing worth having is ever easy. We only have to look at the fairytales we all grew up with. Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid, the list is never-ending.

Each of these tales are fraught with struggles that must be overcome for the characters to have their HEA (Happily Ever After). We are all familiar with phrases like, "It seems too easy", or "It's too good to be true", which makes me wonder if we are almost programmed to believe that if love is found easily and without great perils, it isn't real.

Now I'm not saying this is false, but I can't help thinking that love isn't 'one size fits all' and that it is unique in every situation. Regardless, the undeniable truth is that love stories don't satisfy if there isn't at least one juicy twist. My life-long obsession of romance books, has convinced me that the following plot twists are key to making romance irresistable! Also, read till the end for my favourite novels with each of these twists.

1. Enemies-to-Lovers

Where two characters start off as rivals or enemies but through either fate or forced proximity, (in some cases, it's both) they gradually fall in love.

They say that hate is the flip side of love, rather than it's opposite. Almost every Romance reader has strong opinions on this particular trope. They either love it, or hate it. For me personally, I don't mind it, if it's done well.

2. The Pretend Courtship

A couple pretends to either date or get married for their own individual goals. But as time passes, they start to develop real feelings for each other. This leads to each of them coming to terms with their feelings and summoning the courage to fight for it. Growing up, this was my most favoured Romance trope. I am so grateful for every author who loved it enough to write about it.

3. The Betrayal

Two people who are either already together or fall in love early on, later learn that their loved one has either been keeping big secrets or has been unfaithful to them. This trope is used mostly to showcase what I was talking about earlier. It solidifies the idea that, if seems too good to be true, it probably is!

This is one of the most common tropes used in Romance. Why? Because it sells; it is a reader's market after all. I'm not the biggest fan of it but even I have to admit that it makes for a gripping read.

4. The Love Triangle

The main character has two love interests and has to choose the best partner for her/him. There is plenty of tension, drama and even comedy. Most typical Romance novels provide a HEA, but this particular trope allows the author to provide it while still keeping the suspense; i.e. by letting the main character choose their significant other at the very end.

I've never enjoyed this trope because I don't like the idea of loving (romantically) more than one person at the same time. However, I do believe that I'm a minority in this preference, which is more than evident in the sheer volume of novels that have this plot twist.

5. Opposites Attract

This is where the couple come from completely different backgrounds and/or have opposite personalities. Yet, against all odds they find happiness in each other.

The first example that comes to mind here, is none other than Romeo + Juliet. Another great example (though this one's a movie rather than a book) is Pretty Woman. I'm quite fond of this plot twist because it's the perfect balance of realism and fantasy. It makes it so relatable, while also being thoroughly entertaining.

6. Fated Mates

Two individuals are destined/fated to be together, against all odds. It's often depicted as an unbreakable connection that transcends normal relationships.

This trope is used more so in fantasy, paranormal and historical genres of Romance rather than contemporary. It's one of my most favourite plot twists and I can't seem to get enough of it. A huge segment of Romance readers agree with me, considering that this is the most trending trope in recent times.

There are many more plot twists that make for a scintillating love story, but these 6 in particular, are what takes a typical Romance upto the juiciest, most decadent levels of storytelling!

Before I go, here are my recommendations for each of these plot twists. I've included a mix of historical and fantasy Romance, with a couple of contemporary as well. Enjoy!

1. Enemies-to-Lovers