Forbidden love is one of fantasy romance’s most enduring tropes. From Romeo and Juliet to modern romantasy, we keep coming back to stories where the couple absolutely shouldn’t be together. But why? What is it about forbidden love that makes it so...
Fated mates is one of the most beloved tropes in romance—and especially in fantasy romance. The idea that the universe itself has chosen your perfect match, that destiny has decided who you belong with, that somewhere out there is your soul mate… it’s...
The “alpha hero” is one of romance’s most popular—and most controversial—archetypes. When done right, alpha heroes are confident, protective, take-charge characters who make readers swoon. When done wrong, they’re controlling, domineering, and...
“Touch her and die.” Four words that send some readers into raptures and others running for the hills. Touch her and die is peak protective hero energy—the romance trope where the hero becomes absolutely feral if anyone threatens, harms, or even looks...
Protective hero romance is one of the most popular—and most controversial—tropes in romance. When done right, protective heroes make readers swoon. They’re fierce, devoted, willing to face any danger to keep their loved one safe. They make readers feel cherished...
