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How I Explore Different Worlds Within Romance: My Favorite Subgenres and Tropes
- Theresa Wilson
- Aug 12
- 6 min read
One of my favorite things about reading romance is how it lets me explore countless different worlds without ever leaving my cozy corner. From small towns and bustling cities to magical realms and dark alleyways, romance as a genre is so incredibly expansive — and within it, I’ve found subgenres and tropes that feel like home.
This isn’t an exhaustive list — there are just too many I love — but these are some of the ones I gravitate toward the most. Whether I’m in the mood for something light and sweet or dark and gritty, there’s a world (and a trope!) ready to pull me in.
💕 My Favorite Subgenres
1. Contemporary Romance
Contemporary romance is where I started and where I often return when I need something familiar and grounded. I love how these stories mirror real life, but with a little more magic. Whether it's set in a city, a cozy beach town, or a bustling office environment, there's a comfort in seeing love unfold in a world that feels so close to my own.
The emotional arcs in contemporary romance tend to be strong and deeply relatable. I love seeing characters navigate modern-day challenges—careers, friendships, family drama—while still finding space for passion, growth, and second chances.
2. Western/Cowboy Romance
There’s something deeply romantic about the rugged, open landscapes of Western and cowboy romances — and it’s not just about the past. While I enjoy a good historical cowboy story now and then, it’s the modern cowboy romances that really have my heart.
These stories take the grit and heart of classic Westerns and blend them with present-day challenges and emotional depth. Whether it’s a small-town rancher dealing with family legacy, a single dad rebuilding his life, or a strong heroine returning to her roots, modern cowboy romances offer grounded, heartfelt stories full of emotional connection.
I’m especially drawn to the quiet strength of cowboy heroes — those who say more through their actions than words, who protect the people they love fiercely, and who often carry hidden vulnerabilities beneath their tough exteriors. The small-town charm, wide skies, and slower pace of life create a setting that feels both comforting and raw.
3. Historical Romance
I love stepping into another time, where social rules and forbidden love create an entirely different kind of tension. Historical romance gives me that rich, immersive escape—whether it's a slow-burn Regency courtship or a scandalous affair in a Victorian manor.
There’s an elegance and drama to these stories that’s irresistible. I especially love strong-willed heroines who push against societal expectations and heroes who secretly defy the norms in the name of love. Plus, the gowns, the grand houses, the carriage rides—it’s a visual and emotional treat.
4. Dark Romance
Dark romance explores the morally gray, the forbidden, and the intense. These aren’t always comfortable reads—but that’s part of what makes them so compelling. They push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and create a kind of emotional chaos that I sometimes need.
There’s something incredibly addictive about reading a story where love is messy, dangerous, and raw. These stories aren’t afraid to show obsession, power struggles, and deep inner wounds—but they always offer a fierce, unforgettable kind of connection.
5. Paranormal Romance
Paranormal romance was one of my earliest obsessions. Vampires, werewolves, fae, witches—you name it. I love when a story gives me a dark, magical world to sink into, especially when there’s danger and destiny tangled into the romance.
These books tend to have a high-stakes, fated quality that keeps me turning the pages. There’s also something deliciously escapist about reading a love story that literally defies the laws of nature.
6. Sports Romance
Sports romance might not be the first subgenre people think of, but it’s one that always hits for me. There’s something so attractive about the discipline, rivalry, and physicality that comes with athletes—and the vulnerable, human moments off the field that make them feel so real.
Whether it's a forbidden coach-player dynamic or a romance between two teammates, sports romances bring the perfect blend of adrenaline and heart.
7. Reverse Harem
Reverse harem is not new to my shelves—and it’s a subgenre that never fails to give me exactly what I’m craving when I want drama, steam, and intensity. The idea of one heroine with multiple love interests (and yes—no choosing!) offers a unique emotional landscape, and I love how each relationship reveals a different part of the character.
These stories often blend genres—paranormal, dark romance, fantasy—which adds even more richness to the world. There’s power in the unity of the group, but also plenty of conflict, tension, and heartache that keeps the pages flying.
💘 My Favorite Tropes
Tropes are like comfort food—they never get old. Even when I know exactly how a story will play out, the journey there is always satisfying. Here are some of the tropes I never get tired of:
Office Romance – The proximity, the tension, the power dynamics—yes, please. I love the banter and slow build that often comes with workplace romances.
Marriage of Convenience – One of my favorite setups. The forced intimacy, the emotional walls slowly breaking—it always delivers.
Friends to Lovers / Second Chance – There’s something so emotionally satisfying about two people finding their way back to each other. It feels earned, deep, and full of shared history.
Enemies to Lovers – The tension. The bickering. The chemistry. I love when dislike turns to desire and finally to devotion.
Fake Relationship – Whether it’s for a family event, a PR stunt, or to make someone jealous, fake dating always brings a delicious blend of awkwardness and sexual tension.
Best Friend’s Brother / Brother’s Best Friend – That little thrill of the forbidden makes these so fun. Plus, the built-in familiarity adds emotional depth.
Forbidden Love – Whether it’s a teacher-student dynamic, rival families, or a secret affair, I love the high stakes and heightened emotion of love that shouldn’t happen—but does.
Fated Mates – Especially in paranormal romance, there’s something wildly romantic about being destined for someone—and fighting it anyway.
Reverse Harem – Yes, it’s both a subgenre and a trope, and yes, I love it that much. The emotional and romantic dynamics are complex, fiery, and full of surprises.
Some Favorite Reads for Romance Subgenres and Tropes
📚 These are just a few standout reads that come to mind — I could list dozens more, but here’s a fun sampling if you're looking to dive into some of these tropes and subgenres:
Contemporary Romance: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Historical Romance: A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare
Western/Cowboy Romance: Flawless by Elsie Silver
Dark Romance: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Paranormal Romance / Fated Mates: Lola and the Millionaires by Kathryn Moon
Reverse Harem: Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight
Sports Romance: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Marriage of Convenience: Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey
Enemies to Lovers: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Best Friend’s Brother: Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
Second Chance: Happy Place by Emily Henry
Romance is such a beautifully expansive genre — and honestly, this post only scratches the surface. There are so many subgenres and tropes I didn’t even get a chance to touch on: holiday romances, age gap love stories, romantic suspense, mafia romance, time travel… the list goes on. That’s one of the things I adore most about romance — no matter your mood, there’s always a book that fits it.
My reading journey through these different worlds within romance has made me laugh, cry, swoon, and stay up far too late on a work night. I’ve traveled through time, across continents, and into fantasy realms, all while staying rooted in the emotional heartbeat that romance delivers so well — connection, vulnerability, and love in all its messy, healing, passionate glory.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a lifelong romance reader like me, I hope this glimpse into my favorite subgenres and tropes has either sparked some inspiration or reminded you why you love the genre too. And if you’ve never dipped your toes into some of these specific categories — maybe this is your sign to try something new.
Because at the end of the day, what keeps me coming back to romance is how endlessly expansive and affirming it is. There’s room for everyone, and every story deserves a happy ending.
Now it’s your turn — what are your favorite romance subgenres and tropes? Are there any books you think I need to add to my TBR? Let’s chat in the comments! 💬📚
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