Romantasy – the perfect blend of romance and fantasy – has taken center stage in recent years, especially within BookTok and Bookstagram communities. Many novels go viral thanks to their covers, titles, and tropes. But behind the hype lies a question: are romantasy clichés still a winning formula, or are readers starting to tire of them? For romantasy lovers, the challenge is twofold: enjoy the familiar while craving something fresh.
The essential tropes: what fans can’t get enough of
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Enemies to lovers
Probably the most beloved trope. Sharp banter, initial antagonism, and undeniable tension. According to What is Romantasy? on Reedsy, this trope often thrives when tied to magical or political stakes. -
Fated mates / magical destiny
Soulmates bound by magic or prophecy. This cliché reassures readers who want to believe in an “inevitable” love story. -
The reluctant protector
The hero or heroine forced to guard someone… only to fall in love along the way. The clash between duty and desire is irresistible. -
Hidden identity / secret powers
A character conceals their true heritage, magical ability, or royal status. The reveal keeps the suspense alive. -
Slow burn romance
Not instant love, but lingering tension: stolen glances, misunderstandings, obstacles. Readers savor the journey, not just the destination. -
Love triangles
A protagonist torn between two love interests heightens the emotional drama. -
Forbidden magic and dangerous pacts
Dark bargains, cursed spells, taboo powers – these elements complicate the romance with supernatural consequences. -
Immersive worldbuilding with high stakes
Whether it’s war, politics, or the survival of a kingdom, the fantasy backdrop must be rich and compelling. Romance thrives best when the world feels epic.
Why clichés still work for romantasy lovers
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Comfort & familiarity: In an uncertain world, familiar tropes are a safe harbor. Readers know what to expect (drama, romance, magic), which makes it easy to dive in.
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Guaranteed emotional tension: Tropes are designed to deliver “mini heartbreaks” – longing, frustration, anticipation, joy. Perfect for viral content on BookTok and Bookstagram.
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Marketing appeal: Recognizable covers and easy-to-pitch plots make books with these tropes highly shareable (“if you loved X, you’ll love Y”).
The downside: when readers get tired
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Saturation & predictability
With too many novels recycling the same dark-lord love interests or royal rebellions, stories risk blending together. -
Flat or stereotypical characters
The brooding bad boy, the overly “strong” heroine with little depth – readers increasingly call for nuance and autonomy. -
Demand for originality & diversity
More readers want non-Western worlds, LGBTQ+ representation, and characters outside the default white/hetero mold. -
Unmet expectations
Sometimes romance overshadows the fantasy worldbuilding, leaving readers frustrated when the magical stakes feel shallow. -
Backlash on social media
On BookTok and Bookstagram, posts often criticize generic ACOTAR-style covers or “Fourth Wing copycats.” The keyword romantasy lovers often comes up in debates calling for innovation.
How to use clichés without exhausting readers
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Experiment with narrative voice: switch POVs, use letters or journals, or adopt unusual perspectives.
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Subvert expectations: an enemies-to-lovers arc where the enemy remains morally complex, or a fated mates trope where destiny is challenged.
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Invest in worldbuilding: make the fantasy politics, magic, and cultures as immersive as the romance.
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Develop secondary characters & found family: side arcs can add richness and contrast to the main romance.
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Balance slow burn & payoff: don’t rush the spicy scenes—let tension breathe.
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Prioritize inclusivity: expand representation across cultures, identities, and orientations to avoid falling into outdated defaults.
For romantasy lovers, clichés are not the enemy—they’re part of the genre’s charm. But when overused without innovation, they risk alienating readers. The recipe still works: it reassures, entertains, and goes viral. Yet to remain memorable, romantasy must balance comfort with creativity, giving readers both the tropes they adore and the surprises they didn’t see coming.