List of small town romance tropes
What are tropes?
Tropes are common themes, plot devices or motifs. In other words, they are common scenarios and patterns that often take place in a novel of a particular genre. Novels don’t need to have all these tropes to be considered a small town romance, but you’ll notice when reading small town romance novels that these tropes may turn up time and time again. For example, a common trope in small town romance novels is when a city worker gets stuck in a small town they’ve never heard of before.
Here is a list of small town romance tropes to use as inspiration in your own novel.
List of small town romance tropes
Romance tropes
City worker returns to their small town they promised never to step foot in again
High school sweethearts reunite after one returns to town
Widow finds love again
Single parent
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers – the love interests start off on the wrong foot
Grumpy/sunshine
Nerd/jock
Accidental reunion
Car breaks down in town
Corporate worker discovers disconnects from work by moving to a small town
City worker inherits the family business (bonus points if it's a bed and breakfast)
City worker buys a rundown guest house or property to renovate
Veteran returns to town after leaving the military
Job tropes
Bookshop owner
Baker
Veterinarian
Farmer
Firefighter
Florist
Carpenter
Tradie/contractor
Animal rescue/animal sanctuary
Horse trainer
Local sheriff
Freelancer
Town mayor
Babysitter
Pet sitter
Bartender
Barista
Small town events
Bingo night
Town festival or county fair
The town pie/chili/produce competition
Small town radio show
The autumn festival
Pumpkin carving contest
Fourth of July fireworks
Charity events
Bachelor/bachelorette auction
The town secret santa
Barn dance
Wedding
Town hall meetings
Side character tropes
The town matchmaker
Intervening elderly neighbour
Animal companion
Nosy neighbour who won't let them not get together
The ex who gets in the way of the new couple
The barista who keeps the town caffeinated
All the best with your small town romance novel! If you're not ready to go back to writing and feel you need more procrastination – I mean, planning – time, why don't you look at my developmental editing services or free writing advice?