What are the best New Adult book tropes?
Created20/06/2024
updated on25/06/2024 08:45:00
Of course, we don't have a right or wrong answer to this question either. But we can introduce you to our readers' favourite New Adult tropes and give you an insight into the various subgenres.
The most popular New Adult book tropes
New Adult books are known for telling exciting and emotional stories that captivate readers. The protagonists are usually between 16 and 25 years old and the setting is often a university or college. Unlike Young Adult books, which deal with the teenage years, the typical problems of puberty and first love, New Adult is about growing up. The first "big decisions" of life are made and intense love stories are told. Another difference between the genres is the use of erotic scenes: While Young Adult books only hint at such scenes (closed-door), they are usually told in more detail in New Adult books. The genre is diverse, even if love almost always plays a major role, the novels differ in their narrative patterns, the tropes.
New Adult romance novels: Enemies to Lovers
One of the most popular tropes is "Enemies to Lovers". Here, two protagonists collide who initially don't like each other at all. Different lifestyles or a complicated past mean that they are enemies. However, various circumstances force them to interact with each other, which leads to exciting and often heated arguments. The verbal exchange of blows takes centre stage and, in the romance genre (romance meets fantasy), is often non-verbal.
Little by little, the protagonists discover the good sides of each other. The initial aversion gives way to an intense attraction and deep understanding for each other. Milder versions of this trope are Rivals to Lovers and Haters to Lovers.
A prime example of the trope is Elle Kennedy's "Off Campus" series, which is known for its thrilling conflicts and sizzling chemistry between the characters.
If you're curious, take a look at "Everything I Hate about You" by Sarah Saxx, "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros or "Flawless" by Elsie Silver.
When love develops slowly: Slow Burn books
The trope Slow Burn describes a love story that develops slowly and at a real pace. The tension between the protagonists increases steadily until the story reaches an intense climax. Deep emotions take centre stage here, which is why the stories get by well with little eroticism or "closed door" scenes. The protagonists are often acquaintances or friends whose relationship grows slowly and is characterised by deep emotional build-up and small, meaningful moments. Nevertheless, the protagonists do not have to have a strong bond beforehand.
A prime example of the slow burn trope is "Archer's Voice" by Mia Sheridan, a story full of emotion and tender closeness. Other recommended books in this trope are "Stalking Jack the Ripper" by Kerri Maniscalco and the "Cherry Hill" series by Lilly Lucas.
Dark romance books: dark, gritty, self-aware and passionate.
Dark romance is an intense and often controversial sub-genre that is recommended for ages 18 and up. These books do not shy away from dark, complex themes and deal with difficult subject matter such as emotional blackmail, sexual violence and drug abuse. The relationships between the protagonists are passionate and dangerous, often characterised by power games and dark secrets. Dark romance books also have different genres, from (reverse) harem to bully romance to mafia romance.
It is important to note that dark romance should not be confused with dark fantasy, in which one of the protagonists is a creature of the "dark" side, such as a vampire.
Due to the explicit and triggering content, I recommend you read the trigger warnings of the books and watch your boundaries.
Popular in dark romance is the "Very Bad" series by S.J. Wonda, which is a dark reverse harem story set at a university, and the dark romance dilogy "Fairytale" by Anny Thorne are very popular.
Friends to Lovers & Fake Dating
The Friends to Lovers and Fake Dating tropes are also common and are often combined. In Friends to Lovers, long-term friends suddenly see each other in a different light and develop romantic feelings for each other. The existing friendship is taken to a new level, often accompanied by moments of hesitation and uncertainty.
Fake dating revolves around two people pretending to be a couple while developing real feelings for each other. It often begins with an agreement for a variety of reasons, whether to deceive family and friends or to gain professional advantages.
"The Cheat Sheet" by Sarah Adams skilfully combines both tropes. The protagonists have feelings for each other, but are afraid that this will destroy their friendship. After an accidental confession to a reporter, the protagonists are forced to play a couple in public for a marketing deal.
Other books in the fake dating trope include "Boyfriend Material" by Alexis Hall and "The Right Move" by Liz Tomforde. "Dunbridge Academy-Anyone" by Sarah Sprinz and "Today I'll Talk to him" by Bianca Wege represent the Friends to Lovers trope.
Conclusion on New Adult Tropes
New Adult books offer a wide range of fascinating tropes with something for everyone. Whether you choose Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Dark Romance or Friends to Lovers, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in gripping and emotional stories. The New Adult series also deals with themes such as diversity in love, sexuality and friendship. Loss, violence, power and panic are also addressed. We therefore recommend that you read the blurb or trigger warnings on the books and decide in advance whether you are ready for the novel. If you're curious to find out more, take a look at our recommendations and discover the world of New Adult books.
