Some of these tropes define character traits. Others define plots. A few define themes. Many romances combine multiple tropes. Letters in parentheses indicate romance novels by Mindy that contain a specific trope. (See the list at the bottom of the page for the abbreviations.)

Accidental pregnancy: Our heroine’s pregnancy may be the result of a one-night stand, a longer-term fling, or a long-term relationship. (MMM)

Our heroine’s pregnancy may be the result of a one-night stand, a longer-term fling, or a long-term relationship. (MMM) Alpha hero(ine): Our hero(ine) defines “Type A”—he or she is driven, assertive, and in control of the world, except where his/her lover is concerned. (MMM)

Our hero(ine) defines “Type A”—he or she is driven, assertive, and in control of the world, except where his/her lover is concerned. (MMM) Amnesia: A blow on the head, a drug interaction, or for some other reason—our lover doesn’t know how s/he got where s/he is, but now s/he needs to fit into a new family, workplace, etc.

A blow on the head, a drug interaction, or for some other reason—our lover doesn’t know how s/he got where s/he is, but now s/he needs to fit into a new family, workplace, etc. Arranged marriage: Family expectations, cultural traditions, or religious beliefs bring our lovers together or try to keep them apart. (MMM)

Family expectations, cultural traditions, or religious beliefs bring our lovers together or try to keep them apart. (MMM) Athlete: Sure, there are the romance big four—baseball, football, hockey, and MMA—but there are plenty of other sports around for one or both of our lovers to play. (AR, CH, CS, FLF, HH, PP, RF, SS, ST, TD)

Sure, there are the romance big four—baseball, football, hockey, and MMA—but there are plenty of other sports around for one or both of our lovers to play. (AR, CH, CS, FLF, HH, PP, RF, SS, ST, TD) Baby makes three: Often appears in the epilogue to a romance, when our lovers’ Happy Ever After is “validated” by the heroine becoming pregnant, an adoption being finalized, or some other means of completing the family with a child.

Often appears in the epilogue to a romance, when our lovers’ Happy Ever After is “validated” by the heroine becoming pregnant, an adoption being finalized, or some other means of completing the family with a child. Band of brothers: Usually a structure to facilitate romance series, where the heroes are united on a team (e.g., a sports team, military unit, etc.) to achieve a common goal. (AR, CH, CS, FLF, PP, RF, SS, ST, TD) See also, Girl Squad.

Usually a structure to facilitate romance series, where the heroes are united on a team (e.g., a sports team, military unit, etc.) to achieve a common goal. (AR, CH, CS, FLF, PP, RF, SS, ST, TD) See also, Girl Squad. Best friend’s sibling: Usually, the heroine is the younger sister of the hero’s best friend (but other combinations are possible!) The sibling has always been taboo, but true passion upsets the status quo. (CS, FLF, HH)

Usually, the heroine is the younger sister of the hero’s best friend (but other combinations are possible!) The sibling has always been taboo, but true passion upsets the status quo. (CS, FLF, HH) Billionaire: Usually an alpha hero, this character can buy anything s/he wants, except for true love.

Usually an alpha hero, this character can buy anything s/he wants, except for true love. Blackmail: One lover knows a secret about the other, and s/he seeks a big payday. (AR)

One lover knows a secret about the other, and s/he seeks a big payday. (AR) Class warfare: One lover comes from money and social status, the other lacks both, but sparks fly once they meet. (RF, MMM, SS)

One lover comes from money and social status, the other lacks both, but sparks fly once they meet. (RF, MMM, SS) Consanguinity: The lovers are cousins, step-siblings, or other relatives close enough to know each other but distant enough to flame a romance.

The lovers are cousins, step-siblings, or other relatives close enough to know each other but distant enough to flame a romance. Cougar: A classic May/December relationship, but the older lover is a woman.

A classic May/December relationship, but the older lover is a woman. Cowboy: Sometimes an alpha hero, a cowboy can be historical or contemporary, in his element (e.g., on a ranch) or out of his comfort zone (e.g., in New York City).

Sometimes an alpha hero, a cowboy can be historical or contemporary, in his element (e.g., on a ranch) or out of his comfort zone (e.g., in New York City). Cyrano: A lover woos another for a friend, only gradually realizing that s/he is falling in love her/himself.

A lover woos another for a friend, only gradually realizing that s/he is falling in love her/himself. Disguise: One or both lovers pretends to be something s/he isn’t—an expert in the workplace, a member of a family, etc.—but s/he falls in love while in disguise and is forced to continue the ruse.

One or both lovers pretends to be something s/he isn’t—an expert in the workplace, a member of a family, etc.—but s/he falls in love while in disguise and is forced to continue the ruse. Enemies to lovers: Our lovers are enemies (business rivals, part of a family feud, law enforcement and criminal, etc.) until they realize the depth of their romance. (HH)

Our lovers are enemies (business rivals, part of a family feud, law enforcement and criminal, etc.) until they realize the depth of their romance. (HH) Fairytale: A traditional fairytale is retold in an alternate cultural or historical setting.

A traditional fairytale is retold in an alternate cultural or historical setting. Fake relationship: In order to solve an exterior plot problem, our lovers pretend to have a relationship (often engagement, but sometimes friendship or marriage), frequently including elaborate rules and limitations for that relationship. (SS)

In order to solve an exterior plot problem, our lovers pretend to have a relationship (often engagement, but sometimes friendship or marriage), frequently including elaborate rules and limitations for that relationship. (SS) Firefighter: At least one of our lovers is a firefighter (HHero)

At least one of our lovers is a firefighter (HHero) Fish out of water: One of our lovers doesn’t fit in a social or professional environment, but that doesn’t keep him/her from proving him/herself and winning the heart of the one s/he loves. (RF, MMM, SS)

One of our lovers doesn’t fit in a social or professional environment, but that doesn’t keep him/her from proving him/herself and winning the heart of the one s/he loves. (RF, MMM, SS) Fling: Our lovers intend their relationship to last for a short time (from one night to a specific longer period, such as a vacation or a work project), but their relationship grows beyond those limitations. (MMM)

Our lovers intend their relationship to last for a short time (from one night to a specific longer period, such as a vacation or a work project), but their relationship grows beyond those limitations. (MMM) Friends to lovers: Our lovers have been friends for some time, but only now are discovering that they want something more from their relationship. (CH, FLF)

Our lovers have been friends for some time, but only now are discovering that they want something more from their relationship. (CH, FLF) Forbidden love: Some outside force (cultural, familial, social, etc.) is determined to keep our lovers apart but they’re willing to fight for the relationship they desire.

Some outside force (cultural, familial, social, etc.) is determined to keep our lovers apart but they’re willing to fight for the relationship they desire. Gay/straight for you: Our hero or heroine has been strictly heterosexual or homosexual, but finds him/herself falling for a person of the same (or opposite) gender.

Our hero or heroine has been strictly heterosexual or homosexual, but finds him/herself falling for a person of the same (or opposite) gender. Girl squad: Usually a structure to facilitate romance series, where the heroines are united on a team (e.g., a sports team, military unit, etc.) to achieve a common goal. See also, Band of brothers.

Usually a structure to facilitate romance series, where the heroines are united on a team (e.g., a sports team, military unit, etc.) to achieve a common goal. See also, Band of brothers. Guardian/ward: A guardian and his/her ward realize they have romantic feelings for each other (difficult to make work in contemporary romance, given the usual age difference).

A guardian and his/her ward realize they have romantic feelings for each other (difficult to make work in contemporary romance, given the usual age difference). Jilted bride: Our heroine is left at the altar, but she discovers true love with the hero. (CS)

Our heroine is left at the altar, but she discovers true love with the hero. (CS) Kidnapped: A criminal kidnaps a victim and both parties realize they have romantic feelings for each other.

A criminal kidnaps a victim and both parties realize they have romantic feelings for each other. Law enforcement: At least one of our lovers works in law enforcement (bounty hunter, FBI, police, etc.)

At least one of our lovers works in law enforcement (bounty hunter, FBI, police, etc.) Love triangle: One lover must choose between two potential matches.

Maid: One lover (usually female) is a housekeeper (maid, janitor, etc) for the other.

One lover (usually female) is a housekeeper (maid, janitor, etc) for the other. Mail-order bride: One lover (usually male) requests a spouse through print or electronic services.

One lover (usually male) requests a spouse through print or electronic services. Marriage of convenience: Our lovers are determined to marry but they feel no love for each other; rather, there is some business or social reason that compels their relationship. (MMM)

Our lovers are determined to marry but they feel no love for each other; rather, there is some business or social reason that compels their relationship. (MMM) Matchmaker: A matchmaker unites two lovers. This story can either be about how the two lovers make their relationship work, or it can be about how the matchmaker falls in love with one of the matched lovers.

A matchmaker unites two lovers. This story can either be about how the two lovers make their relationship work, or it can be about how the matchmaker falls in love with one of the matched lovers. May/December: Our lovers have a substantial age gap. When a woman is the older lover, this is often called a “cougar” relationship. (CH, HHero)

Our lovers have a substantial age gap. When a woman is the older lover, this is often called a “cougar” relationship. (CH, HHero) Military: At least one of our lovers works in the military (Army (including Special Forces), Navy (including Seals), Air Force, Marines, etc.) (HC)

At least one of our lovers works in the military (Army (including Special Forces), Navy (including Seals), Air Force, Marines, etc.) (HC) Mistaken identity: One of our lovers is assumed to be someone s/he is not, and s/he perpetuates the misunderstanding for reasons best known to him/herself.

One of our lovers is assumed to be someone s/he is not, and s/he perpetuates the misunderstanding for reasons best known to him/herself. Office romance: Our lovers work together, either as co-workers or as employer/employee. (CH, DD, TD)

Our lovers work together, either as co-workers or as employer/employee. (CH, DD, TD) On the road: Our lovers are on a road trip (or boat trip or plane trip or whatever), out of their element, encountering new experiences as their relationship grows. (SS)

Our lovers are on a road trip (or boat trip or plane trip or whatever), out of their element, encountering new experiences as their relationship grows. (SS) On the rocks: Our lovers are united as the action of the story begins, but their relationship is going through hard times.

Our lovers are united as the action of the story begins, but their relationship is going through hard times. Opposites attract: Our lovers seem to be opposites in everything they think matters (vegetarian/carnivore, Democrat/Republican, city/country, etc.), but they discover that love unites them in ways beyond those differences. (AR, DD, RF, PP)

Our lovers seem to be opposites in everything they think matters (vegetarian/carnivore, Democrat/Republican, city/country, etc.), but they discover that love unites them in ways beyond those differences. (AR, DD, RF, PP) Orphan: One of our lovers is an orphan, either literally (both of his/her parents died when s/he was young) or figuratively (s/he was in the foster care system or otherwise deprived of ordinary familial love.)

One of our lovers is an orphan, either literally (both of his/her parents died when s/he was young) or figuratively (s/he was in the foster care system or otherwise deprived of ordinary familial love.) Parent/childcare worker: One of our lovers is a parent; the other is hired to care for his/her child(ren) as a nanny, tutor, or governess.

One of our lovers is a parent; the other is hired to care for his/her child(ren) as a nanny, tutor, or governess. Performer: One of our lovers is an actor or a musician, with the temptation of other people in his/her field, often with the challenges of frequent travel.

One of our lovers is an actor or a musician, with the temptation of other people in his/her field, often with the challenges of frequent travel. Playboy: One of our lovers has a reputation for playing the field, seeking out sexual relationships without any emotional attachment—until s/he meets his/her one true love.

One of our lovers has a reputation for playing the field, seeking out sexual relationships without any emotional attachment—until s/he meets his/her one true love. Politics: One of our lovers is a politician, works on a political campaign, or works in a government office, frequently under the scrutiny of media and with need for an impeccable reputation.

Protector: One of our lovers is determined to protect the other’s safety, usually as a bodyguard or law enforcement agent, but a protector might be hired to protect reputation instead of physical health. (SS)

One of our lovers is determined to protect the other’s safety, usually as a bodyguard or law enforcement agent, but a protector might be hired to protect reputation instead of physical health. (SS) Redemption: One of our lovers has committed wrongs in the past (either against the other lover, or against someone or something else) for which s/he must atone. (HC, PP)

One of our lovers has committed wrongs in the past (either against the other lover, or against someone or something else) for which s/he must atone. (HC, PP) Relationship coach: One of our lovers agrees to coach the other on relationships (or other social interactions).

One of our lovers agrees to coach the other on relationships (or other social interactions). Return to hometown: One of our lovers returns to his/her hometown, either willingly or unwillingly, for a short time or with the intention to stay permanently. (DD, HC, HH, HL, ST)

One of our lovers returns to his/her hometown, either willingly or unwillingly, for a short time or with the intention to stay permanently. (DD, HC, HH, HL, ST) Reunion: Our lovers knew each other in the past and generally had some romantic relationship back then (at least a one-night stand, possibly a long-term relationship.) (HH, HL, ST)

Our lovers knew each other in the past and generally had some romantic relationship back then (at least a one-night stand, possibly a long-term relationship.) (HH, HL, ST) Revenge: One of our lovers is determined to get revenge for a real or imagined wrong in the past. That wrong might have been committed by the other lover or by his/her relative or close friend.

One of our lovers is determined to get revenge for a real or imagined wrong in the past. That wrong might have been committed by the other lover or by his/her relative or close friend. Royalty: One of our lovers is descended from royalty (or nobility); this trope includes sheikhs, princes, etc.

One of our lovers is descended from royalty (or nobility); this trope includes sheikhs, princes, etc. Runaway bride/groom: One of our lovers gets cold feet on the eve of his/her wedding, but discovers in the course of being chased that s/he can truly love another.

One of our lovers gets cold feet on the eve of his/her wedding, but discovers in the course of being chased that s/he can truly love another. Scars: One of our lovers lives with physical or psychological scars from the past and overcomes the pain of those scars with the help of the other lover. (FMTTM, MMM, RF, SS)

One of our lovers lives with physical or psychological scars from the past and overcomes the pain of those scars with the help of the other lover. (FMTTM, MMM, RF, SS) Second chance: Our lovers had a relationship in the past that didn’t work out, but now they’re thrown together with a new common goal. (HL, ST)

Our lovers had a relationship in the past that didn’t work out, but now they’re thrown together with a new common goal. (HL, ST) Secret baby: Our heroine is or was pregnant with the hero’s baby, but he does not know the child is his. (MMM, ST)

Our heroine is or was pregnant with the hero’s baby, but he does not know the child is his. (MMM, ST) Secret/lost heir: One of our lovers is the secret heir or lost heir to a great fortune (which s/he may or may not know s/he will inherit.)

One of our lovers is the secret heir or lost heir to a great fortune (which s/he may or may not know s/he will inherit.) Sex worker with a heart of gold: One of our lovers works regularly exchanging money for sex, but once s/he meets the other lover, s/he’s ready to give up that profession.

One of our lovers works regularly exchanging money for sex, but once s/he meets the other lover, s/he’s ready to give up that profession. Sibling’s ex-spouse: One of our lovers falls in love with his/her sibling’s ex-spouse. (DD)

One of our lovers falls in love with his/her sibling’s ex-spouse. (DD) Stranded: Our lovers are stranded together, with the forced environment kindling their relationship. They might be stranded on a desert island, in an airport after a flight cancellation, in a motel on a road trip, etc. (SS)

Our lovers are stranded together, with the forced environment kindling their relationship. They might be stranded on a desert island, in an airport after a flight cancellation, in a motel on a road trip, etc. (SS) Sudden baby: One of our lovers discovers or inherits a child s/he never planned on nurturing. (DD, PP, ST)

One of our lovers discovers or inherits a child s/he never planned on nurturing. (DD, PP, ST) Time travel: One of our lovers travels backward or forward through time to reach the other.

One of our lovers travels backward or forward through time to reach the other. Tortured hero(ine): One of our lovers has a dramatic, often secret past that causes him/her to live in emotional agony, cut off from the common joy of a loving relationship. (HC, MMM, RF, SS)

One of our lovers has a dramatic, often secret past that causes him/her to live in emotional agony, cut off from the common joy of a loving relationship. (HC, MMM, RF, SS) Ugly duckling: One of our lovers is not conventionally beautiful, but in the course of falling in love either becomes conventionally beautiful or discovers that conventions are immaterial. (HC)

One of our lovers is not conventionally beautiful, but in the course of falling in love either becomes conventionally beautiful or discovers that conventions are immaterial. (HC) Unrequited love: One of our lovers has long wished for a romantic relationship with the other. (CH, HHero)

One of our lovers has long wished for a romantic relationship with the other. (CH, HHero) Virgin: One of our lovers has never consummated a sexual relationship. (RF)

One of our lovers has never consummated a sexual relationship. (RF) Widow(er): One of our lovers has lost his/her spouse. The widow(er) might have been happily married, or s/he might have been unfulfilled in his/her marriage. (SS)

One of our lovers has lost his/her spouse. The widow(er) might have been happily married, or s/he might have been unfulfilled in his/her marriage. (SS) (Wo)man in peril: One of our lovers is in physical peril from some outside person or organization; the other lover rescues him/her.

AR – Always Right

CH – Catching Hell

CS – Center Stage

DD – The Daddy Dance

FLF – From Left Field

HC – Harmony Christmas

HH – Harmony Hearts

HHero – Harmony Hero

HL – Harmony Lights

MMM – The Mogul’s Maybe Marriage

RF – Reaching First

PP – Perfect Pitch

SS – Stopping Short

ST – Second Thoughts

TD – Third Degree