We all love discovering new books, especially if your library looks a little empty. The fun part about getting new books is finding new tropes or themes to try. But if you’re unsure which tropes to consider, here are some of BookToks most popular book tropes.
BookToks favorite trope: enemies to lovers
This book trope may be the most popular on BookTok. This theme isn’t as shallow as the name implies, but rather it can showcase many things, such as character growth, and not judge a book by its cover.
The main idea of this trope is two people who hate each other, eventually giving into the intense romantic feelings that have been brewing. The tension builds until we reach the end, and our characters (finally) admit their feelings for each other.
Why does BookTok like this trope so much? Most BookTokers love a good villain, especially one that gets the girl. However, this book trope can also demonstrate that not everyone is perfect, and we all have our own way of hiding life’s trials.
Some books to consider that have this trope
1. Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Liz Buxbaum is a rom-com fanatic and has always dreamed of a happy ending. In order to get the guy of her dreams, Liz enlists the help of her next-door neighbor, Wes, whom she hates. As Liz’s plan starts to unfold, she soon realizes her feelings are about to be turned upsidedown.
While not a true enemies to lovers, in the eyes of BookTok, this book is perfect for readers dipping their toes into the trope. While the two characters may not seem like “enemies,” the romantic tension the trope brings will make you feel all the feelings and root for the underdog. Not to mention, a little bit of nostalgia for all the rom-com lovers out there.
2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Jude is a human in a faerie world. After facing humiliation caused by Prince Cardan, she vows never to let the faerie world best her. Jude’s training pays off, after being noticed for her lying tongue, Cardan’s older brother recruits Jude as a spy. However, she soon realizes she is a part of something even more significant: a plot to steal the throne.
This book is the epitome of true enemies to lovers. It has a slow burn filled with tension and some not-so-friendly banter between our soon-to-be lovers. The main story is filled with expertly written politics and twists that will have you on the edge of your seat. Just ignore Cardan’s tail.
3. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre is supposed to be experiencing her happy ending. However, she is suffering nightmares from her trauma and is looking for an escape. During her wedding, the High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand, calls in his bargain and takes her to his lands. There, Feyre discovers a horrible plot that could destroy her new home, as well as some unwanted feelings towards the High Lord.
The second book in its series, A Court of Mist and Fury will have you rooting for the unexpected. With romantic tension to die for and a story that will have you wanting more, this book has it all, including smaller but still loved book tropes. And for all the spice lovers out there, chapter 55 is waiting for you.
Friends to lovers: BookTok’s relationship goal IRL
Friends to lovers: two people who have known each other for years finally realize their feelings towards each other. This trope is loved by many BookTokers and is the ultimate relationship goal for some.
Our two characters are childhood friends, and as they make their way through life, they need to sort through their confusing feelings and decide if confessing will ruin their friendship or make it even better.
This trope is often found in your feel-good romance books, which are all the rage on BookTok. This popular book trope is the most realistic trope on this list and can have an almost Hallmark-y feel to it.
Check out these books containing this trope
1. Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
While on a dangerous journey, Alina Starkov discovers she has the power of the sun. She soon becomes a saint to the people of Ravka, and even falls for the shadow-wielding general. However, Alina soon discovers he has plans of his own, and with the help of her childhood friend Mal, she and a group of rebels plan his downfall.
Alongside the thrilling adventure, this book contains a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers side plot that spans the trilogy. With enticing characters and a wonderful world full of magic, you won’t be able to put this book down. As a plus, the villain is both attractive and a complex character.
2. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Macy Sorensen pushes herself to the brink between work, her wedding, and keeping her heart hidden. One day, she runs into her first love, Elliot Petropoulos. Taking place between the past and the present, Macy and Elliot will have to work through the pain of the past in order to rediscover true love.
This book is for you if you’re a fan of second chances after a betrayal. With relatable characters and a Hallmark-feeling plot, this book is a feel-good romance that is perfect for Valentine’s Day. So, grab your blanket and get ready for a cozy reading session.
3. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Best friends Alex and Poppy have taken one-week summer vacations together for a decade. However, on their last trip, something goes wrong, and the two don’t speak for two years. Poppy decides to reach out to Alex after realizing she hasn’t been happy since that last vacation. Can the two fix their problems in one week, and will the truth between the two finally come out?
It’s the perfect summer read for your beach trips. If you’re a fan of ’90s romcoms and want a good cry, this book has it all. The characters are expertly crafted in a way that’ll make you feel like you’ve known them forever. Honestly, this book will make you want to book a vacation.
Slow burn, the trope that will drive you mad
Slow burn is the type of trope during which you shout at the characters to hurry up and admit their feelings, but when they share that first kiss, you won’t be able to stop yourself from celebrating.
While it may take the characters half the book to finally share a kiss, the romantic tension causes BookTokers to lose their minds. This book trope can also be paired with the enemies-to-lovers trope, considering it takes place over some time.
It may take a while to get to the action, but a well-written slow burn will have you eating out of the author’s hand.
Books that contain this theme
1. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Evangeline Fox yearns for her happy ending; however, the man she loves is marrying someone else. In desperation, she strikes a deal with the Prince of Hearts. Little does she know that her decision is about to lead her down a very dangerous path that may end up with her heart being broken once again or finally finding her happy ending.
This trilogy is a great example of the slow-burn book trope, and how it can work alongside the story’s plot. The story’s whimsical world will have you never wanting to leave, not to mention the slow-burn romance that spans all three books. With lovable characters and great world-building, this is the perfect romantic fantasy novel.
2. Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
Shannon Lynch is new to Tommen College and is looking for a fresh start. There, she meets Johnny Kavanagh, the star rugby player, after he accidentally hits her on the head. The two form an unlikely pair, fostering feelings for the other but not knowing how to admit it, all while navigating the troubles of fame, family, and life.
This book is like the slowest of slow burns, considering our characters only kiss once (the first time doesn’t count) after almost 600 pages. The interactions between the characters are thoughtfully written, and the romance has been artfully integrated into the plot of the book.
3. Nocticadia by Keri Lake
Lilia Vespertine has been accepted into Dracadia University after witnessing her mother’s mysterious death. There, she meets the handsome Professor Davryck Bramwell. They both crave something different, as well as each other. But beware, the school’s darkest secret is about to be resurrected.
It’s a dark gothic romance book that has it all. While you may have to drag yourself through the first few chapters, the rest of the book is a guaranteed rollercoaster. The wait for the characters to finally admit their feelings has high rewards for the spice lovers out there.
Morally gray main characters, A.K.A the trope where we fall for the villain
This popular book trope refers less to the plot and more to the characters. These characters may perform evil deeds, but they do it to protect their loved ones.
A morally gray main character is often described as a villain, but to them, their actions make perfect sense. And we all know BookTokers love a well-written villain.
This is what makes this trope popular on BookTok; instead of having a clear-cut hero and villain, you have characters who are more complex and interesting, with no right side for either of them.
Popular books recommended by BookTok with this theme
1. Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Evie Sage is in need of a new job. One day, she stumbles into the Villain, who is trying to evade the royal guards. He offers her a job as his assistant, and the two become an unlikely evil pair. In this hilariously villainous tale, Evie and the Villain must fight off their feelings for each other and work together to discover the king’s evil plan.
This book will have you laughing and falling for the Villain simultaneously. This tale will have you rooting for the Villain and his ragtag group of employees’ evil shenanigans as they attempt to uncover the king’s plan to end magic, as well as the little romantic subplot between Evie and the Villain.
2. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A ragtag group of criminals is tasked with the biggest heist known to man: breaking into the most secure military compound in the world. Will they be able to work together and complete their mission, or will they discover something more sinister beneath the surface?
Set after the events of Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows is an exciting read with new characters who seem to have no moral compass that you’ll quickly fall in love with. The story has Mission Impossible vibes, as well as a plethora of popular book tropes for you to enjoy.
3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Celeana Sardothien, the most notorious assassin in Adarlan, is taken from prison, where she must compete to earn her freedom and be the King’s Champion. She must survive against 23 other murderers and resist her feelings towards the prince and captain of the guard, all while something evil lurks in the castle’s dark corners.
The first book in its series, Throne of Glass, demonstrates a morally gray main character through Celeana as she progresses through the competition and decides whether winning is worth her freedom or if it’s causing her to head in the wrong direction.
The heartwarming book trope: found family
Last but certainly not least, we have the found family trope. Circumstances and shared interests have brought these unlikely people together. Much like the BookTok community.
Whether it is just two people or a whole group, they share a very familial bond. No matter what kind of relationship it is, they would do anything to protect their loved ones.
As book tropes go, this one makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. BookTok loves this trope because it reflects the online community.
BookTok books with this trope that you should check out
1. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
In the second book of this duology, the Crows are now reeling from their successful mission. However, they don’t have a lot of time to relax. The bonds they have during their mission are about to be tested against all odds.
Continuing the Mission Impossible theme, this book is an excellent example of the found family book trope, with a bit of an emotional kick. So, grab your tissues and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as you read what happens to our beloved family of criminals.
2. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Based on popular fairytales and set far into the future, this series is all about fighting for equality and what’s right, as well as love. Forced by her stepmother to participate in an experiment, Cinder is a cyborg with an unknown past. During the experiment, she discovers she is the lost lunar princess. Together, she and a group of misfits must take on the Lunar Queen and help save the lives of many
Fairytales but with a twist, a BookTok favorite. The characters form bonds that show that differences don’t matter, and the story is sure to suck you right in. If you love modern takes on fairytales, this series is perfect for you.
3. Babel by R. F. Kuang
Brought to London after losing his family to cholera, Robin Swift is a Chinese orphan. There, he studied different languages for years until he could enroll in the Royal Institute of Translation or Babel. Robin soon realizes that serving Babel would mean betraying China. When Britain declares war on China, Robin must make a choice regarding starting a revolution to stop the unjust institution.
A historically moving story, this book has a fantasy aspect that entices readers while still maintaining the important themes. Robin’s relationship with his classmates demonstrates the found family trope. This book will have you thinking about some heavy themes and is, overall, a beautifully written story.
Overall, with all these tropes, there is a plethora of different stories, worlds, and plots for all types of readers. Of course, for those who want to explore more, heading over to check out other recommendations on BookTok is the best way to do so.
Rachel
February 15, 2025 at 11:55 pm
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