100+ Romance Writing Prompt List in Top Selling Subgenres
Bella Rose Emmorey
book editor, rogue behaviorist, digital marketer, writer, brand builder, plant aunt, and cheese enthusiast.
Making a living as a romance author is definitely on the table, particularly due to the genre’s insane popularity. But not every romance story idea is easy to come by. In fact, kickstarting the $ writing process$ with some romance writing prompts can help you discover great ideas in popular markets.
When it comes to romance, that means focusing on tropes and subgenres that sell the most.
Thankfully (for you), we’ve put together a list of over 100+ romance writing prompts in all the highest selling subgenres and tropes.
Romance Writing Prompts in 10 Most Popular Subgenres & Tropes
The difference between a subgenre and a trope can be tricky, particularly when even Amazon is declaring tropes as subgenres with their new filtering system:
Here you can see in their "subgenres" section, they’ve also listed many tropes alongside the clear subgenres (Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, etc.).
The real difference between subgenres and tropes is that a trope exists within the container of the subgenre, but a subgenre can exist without a trope. When $ writing a romance novel$ , think about your readers.
Readers who love paranormal romance will likely read the genre with whatever trope is present. But there are readers who read to the trope. Meaning, they will actively seek tropes no matter which subgenre they fall under.
Because of this, I’ve listed romance writing prompts by either trope or subgenre, along with $ popular pairings$ of the two that sell the best.
Without further ado, here are 100+ romance story ideas that are selling hot right now.
Enemies to Lovers
Type: Trope
Best Pairing Subgenres: Romantasy, Mafia Romance
10 Enemies to Lovers Romance Prompts:
1. The crown has fallen in a single nation sandwiched between rivaling kingdoms. The two heirs, training to take over their kingdoms, meet to discuss the future of the falling nation. The heirs carry a generations-long feud, born to rival one another. This leads to heated debates and disagreement that dissolves into something more.
2. Two archaeologists compete for the discovery of a lifetime, racing to uncover secrets hidden for thousands of years. But their animosity turns into admiration as they uncover ancient secrets—ones that leave them fighting for their lives—together.
3. Celebrity enemies pinned against each other in the public eye must maintain their hatred for one another in order to stay in the spotlight. Matters are made more difficult when their hatred reduces to nothing more than a ruse.
4. Star athletes from rival teams or countries clash on the field, but their competitive spirit turns into something more when they suddenly find themselves on the same team.
5. Two spies from different agencies are tasked with competing missions that force them to work together undercover, leading to unexpected feelings despite their trained hatred for one another.
6. In a fairytale $ retelling$ , characters from different fairy tales (e.g., Red Riding Hood and the Wolf) start as adversaries but discover a deeper connection as they navigate their respective stories.
7. Two scholars in the same field vie for the same prestigious academic position during a trial to test their wits and knowledge for a unique school, but their intellectual sparring turns into a romantic entanglement.
8. The estranged offspring of their recently deceased father is in an inheritance feud with a stranger they’ve never met, but the father seemed to know very well. When the will requires the solving of a challenge—together—it’s clear the father had deeper intentions for the two’s inheritance than just his fortune.
9. Two artists are pitted against each other to determine who will get the opening night of a prestigious new gallery in town. In their attempts to sabotage one another, they end up creating something neither ever imagined.
10. Two people are chosen, amongst the thousands who submitted, to be the recipient of ancient, valuable magic prophesied to save their kind. When one tries to prevent the other from competing at all, it sets off a rivalry not easily remedied, but ultimately necessary for the success of them both.
Friends to Lovers
Type: Trope
Best Pairing Subgenres: Contemporary Romance, Sweet Romance, YA Romance
15 Friends to Lovers Romance Writing Prompts:
1. Two childhood friends who have always been inseparable suddenly start seeing each other in a new light after an instance in school as they navigate adolescence together.
2. Long-time roommates discover their feelings for each other go beyond friendship when a spontaneous kiss in a game with friends changes everything.
3. Colleagues who have been friends for years start to realize their professional admiration has grown into something deeper during a business trip in which they are partnered together for a project that requires excessive hours spent working on it.
4. A group of friends who travel together embark on a journey that reveals new sides of each other, leading to a realization of their romantic feelings.
5. A group of friends navigate the complexities of their changing relationships when two friends in the group realize they might be more than just friends, and the others want to keep them apart for selfish reasons.
6. Two students who have been studying together for years find themselves distracted by their growing attraction during late-night study sessions in their last semester.
7. Teammates on a sports team develop a deeper connection when one of them gets injured during a game, while the other aids in their recovery.
8. Friends who volunteer together at a local charity or organization find their bond deepening as they work towards a common cause.
9. Next-door neighbors who have always been friendly (and one having always vied for the other in secret) suddenly find themselves spending more time together in order to save one of their houses from repossession.
10. Friends who live far apart maintain a close relationship through calls and visits, but distance becomes a challenge when a change in time zone suddenly strains their connection, and they realize they want more.
11. Members of a book club bond over their shared love of literature, but discussions about fictional romance start to feel oddly personal when they have differing opinions on a romance book.
12. Two artists who frequently collaborate or critique each other's work are tasked with creating a piece for an esteemed client. Their collaborations prove to be more than fruitful beyond the canvas.
13. Friends who share a hobby of cooking enter their neighborhood chili competition in an effort to prove to their friend group who the better cook is. It’s not until the rivalry takes a serious turn and separates the two that they realize their feelings for one another.
14. Friends who love exploring new places sign up for a 10 day backwoods hiking trip in which one had hopes of forming a connection, only to be disappointed when their friend catches the eyes of the group leader. Secret feelings are hard to keep hidden in small groups with curious gossipers.
15. Two friends who have only interacted online finally meet in person, and one of them is in for a surprise.
Billionaires and Millionaires
Type: Trope
Best Pairing Subgenres: Mafia Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary
10 Billionaires and Millionaires Romance Story Ideas:
1. A young entrepreneur starts a new job at a prestigious company and finds themselves drawn to the enigmatic CEO, whose tough exterior hides a compassionate heart.
2. A down-to-earth artist inherits a vast fortune from a distant relative, and their life changes when they meet their charming financial advisor.
3. A billionaire philanthropist leads a double life as a masked vigilante, and their world collides with that of a fearless investigative journalist determined to uncover the truth.
4. In a modern twist on tradition, two heirs to family empires reluctantly agree to an arranged marriage for the sake of their businesses, only to discover unexpected passion and love.
5. A reclusive billionaire seeking solitude on their private island unexpectedly falls for the caretaker, who knows more about the island's secrets than they do.
6. CEOs of rival companies clash publicly over a major business deal, but behind closed doors, their intense rivalry turns into undeniable attraction and desire.
7. A billionaire playboy finds himself captivated by the brave and compassionate doctor who saves his life after a near-fatal accident, leading to a whirlwind romance.
8. A billionaire heir torn between family expectations and personal dreams meets a spirited event planner who challenges him to embrace life outside the boardroom.
9. Childhood friends separated by wealth and circumstance reunite as adults, and the millionaire who left their small hometown behind realizes the person next door stole their heart long ago.
10. A billionaire forced to live as an ordinary person without wealth or face being cut off from their inheritance falls for a local bookstore owner who sees through his facade, testing his commitment to keeping his true identity a secret.
Fantasy Romance
Best Pairing Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity
15 Fantasy Romance Writing Prompts:
1. In a realm where humans and fae are forbidden to interact, a young human healer and a fae warrior find themselves drawn together after a mistaken encounter leads to their efforts to cover-up the interaction.
2. A skilled dragon rider from a noble family is tasked with training a rebellious dragon, and their bond deepens unexpectedly when they meet a fearless dragon healer with a troubled past.
3. In a magical forest where time flows differently, a lost traveler encounters a reclusive forest guardian who has sworn to protect its secrets at any cost, until their fates become intertwined.
4. A prophecy foretells that the union of a reluctant princess with the last surviving prince of a fallen kingdom will bring peace to warring realms, but their initial animosity threatens to derail destiny.
5. In a kingdom cursed to eternal winter, a brave warrior seeks the help of a mysterious sorceress to break the spell, only to discover a different kind of warmth awaiting them.
6. A mermaid princess, destined to spend her adult life above the sea to save her people, falls in love with a human who has a secret that could destroy the life she’s trying to protect.
7. A guardian angel is tasked with protecting a mortal who possesses a rare gift that could tip the balance of power between the realms. When the angel accidentally makes themselves known to the mortal, it leads to an unexpected—and forbidden—romance.
8. In a prestigious academy for magical beings, a talented but rebellious student and a reserved prodigy find themselves entangled in a forbidden romance that challenges the academy's rules.
9. A shape-shifting ruler must marry to secure their kingdom's alliance, but they fall for a spirited commoner who just so happens to be exactly what the kingdom needs to thrive, though many on the council disagree.
10. A time traveler from the future accidentally falls in love with a person from the past, forcing them to decide to stay, take their new love with, or leave alone.
11. Immortal guardians of an ancient species discover that their duty to protect their people also binds their hearts together across centuries, as they struggle against a dark force determined to wield its power.
12. A devout priestess and a disillusioned warrior from opposing factions must join forces to save their realm from a looming threat, discovering that their differences may be the key to their survival—and their love.
13. In a world where individuals wield elemental magic, an unlikely alliance forms between two very different beings who must work together to prevent a catastrophic war between their respective kingdoms.
14. In a society where magic is tightly controlled by an oppressive regime, a young rebel leader and a disillusioned mage find themselves fighting not only for their freedom but also for their love.
15. A young apprentice to a powerful sorcerer discovers their own magical abilities when they meet a mysterious traveler cursed with a dark secret that threatens them both.
Historical Romance
Type: Subgenre
Best Pairing Tropes: Forced Proximity, Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers
15 Historical Romance Story Ideas:
1. Two figures on opposite sides of a conflict (war, political rivalry, etc.) find themselves drawn to each other through their battle and political tactics, though they haven’t yet met. When they finally do, their rivalry becomes something else.
2. A spirited debutante navigates the intricacies of Regency society while catching the eye of a seemingly spoiled nobleman with a mysterious past.
3. A fearless pirate captain captures a wealthy merchant's son during a raid, but their initial animosity turns into mutual respect and undeniable attraction as they lose their ship and get stranded in dangerous lands.
4. In Victorian England, a young governess falls for her employer, a wealthy widower haunted by his past, leading to a scandalous affair that challenges societal norms.
5. A headstrong English lady travels to the Scottish Highlands and finds herself drawn to a rugged Laird with a fierce reputation, as they navigate clan alliances and personal secrets.
6. A noblewoman is promised in marriage to a knight sworn to protect her family's lands, but their alliance is tested by political intrigue and a growing passion that defies their duty.
7. At the Tudor court, a lady-in-waiting becomes entangled in a dangerous game of politics and romance with a charismatic courtier, risking everything for love and loyalty.
8. In the untamed American West, a determined pioneer clashes with a rugged cowboy who offers to guide them through the wilderness, discovering love amidst the challenges of frontier life.
9. In Renaissance Italy, a talented artist's muse captivates a renowned painter, inspiring timeless masterpieces as their forbidden love blooms amidst artistic rivalries and cultural upheaval.
10. A proud senator's daughter and a valiant gladiator form an unlikely bond in the grand arenas of ancient Rome, where their love faces the wrath of emperors and the brutality of the games.
11. In Georgian England, a financially struggling heiress enters a marriage of convenience with a brooding duke to save her family's estate, only to discover true love waiting in the wings of the estate.
12. A fearless shield-maiden clashes with a fierce Viking warrior during raids across medieval Europe, but their tumultuous encounters ignite a fiery passion that transcends cultural boundaries.
13. In feudal Japan, a samurai sworn to uphold their lord's honor falls for a spirited courtesan, challenging societal expectations and risking everything for love.
14. In the Jazz Age, a rebellious flapper and a charismatic bootlegger find themselves entangled in the underground world of speakeasies and organized crime, where their illicit love defies Prohibition.
15. A daring spy for Queen Elizabeth I and a dashing double agent from a rival court navigate a treacherous game of espionage and intrigue, where secrets and seduction lead to a forbidden romance.
Shifter Romance
Type: Subgenre
Best Pairing Tropes: Fated Mates, Arranged Marriage, Forbidden Love
10 Romance Writing Prompts About Shifters:
1. A human journalist is sent to investigate odd animal behavior in a remote town, only to discover that the local sheriff is a werewolf who has been protecting the townspeople from rogue shifters, sending natural animal life into a frenzy. Sparks fly as they work together to uncover the truth.
2. An alpha werewolf is forced to choose a mate from within his pack to maintain his leadership, but his heart belongs to a rogue shifter who refuses to be tied down by pack rules. Can love overcome the demands of tradition and duty?
3. A dragon shifter living in disguise as a human falls in love with a conservationist dedicated to saving endangered species. When her true nature is revealed, will their love survive the shock and danger that follows?
4. A vampire shifter who can transform into a bat falls for a lone wolf shifter. Their relationship is tested by their natural instincts and the dangers of their respective worlds, but their connection grows stronger with every moonlit encounter.
5. A cursed bear shifter, doomed to remain in animal form during daylight, finds solace and love in a woman who runs a wildlife sanctuary. Together, they search for a way to break the curse, discovering secrets about their pasts and future.
6. A fox shifter discovers that her destined mate is a grumpy, reclusive lion shifter who wants nothing to do with her. As they navigate their conflicting personalities and the threat of hunters, their bond deepens in unexpected ways.
7. An eagle shifter tasked with spying on a rival pack falls in love with the pack's fierce and independent beta wolf. Torn between duty and love, they must find a way to bridge the gap between their warring factions.
8. A deer shifter, who can communicate with the forest's magical creatures, falls for a rugged ranger who is unaware of the supernatural world. When danger threatens the forest, they must join forces to protect their home and their budding romance.
9. In a city where shifters live in hiding, a leopard shifter and a cheetah shifter meet in a secret underground club. Their whirlwind romance faces challenges as they navigate the dangers of the urban jungle and the secrets they must keep.
10. A guardian angel shifter, who can transform into a snowy owl, is assigned to protect a human who unknowingly holds the key to a powerful artifact. As they spend time together, love blooms, but the angel must decide between duty and their heart.
Love Triangle
Type: Trope
Best Pairing Subgenre: Romantasy, Historical, Paranormal, Contemporary
15 Love Triangle Romance Story Ideas:
1. A woman reconnects with her high school sweetheart just as she begins falling for her charming new coworker. Torn between the comfort of a familiar love and the excitement of a new one, she must choose where her heart truly lies.
2. Two lifelong best friends fall for the same mysterious newcomer in town. As they compete for their affection, they risk their friendship and must confront their true feelings for each other.
3. A political heir is betrothed to a foreign ruler for political reasons but finds themself falling for their loyal bodyguard instead. They must choose between duty to the kingdom and the love that ignites their soul.
4. A recently divorced woman starts dating again and finds herself caught between her charming ex-husband, who wants to rekindle their relationship, and a new, passionate love interest who offers a fresh start.
5. Two rival business owners discover they are both in love with their shared consultant, who is brought in to save both their companies. As tensions rise, the consultant must decide which path to follow.
6. An aspiring actor lands a role in a movie opposite their celebrity crush, only to find themself drawn to the down-to-earth director. They must navigate real feelings for both people while keeping their career on track.
7. A woman’s childhood sweetheart returns to town just as she is about to get engaged to her dependable and loving partner. She must choose between her nostalgic past and her promising future.
8. A free-spirited artist falls for a wealthy, uptight business type but also finds themself drawn to a kind-hearted, struggling musician. They must decide which person truly understands their soul.
9. A woman starts receiving anonymous love letters and finds herself torn between her best friend, who has always been there for her, and a mysterious stranger who seems to know her deepest desires.
10. During a summer vacation to faraway lands, a woman has a whirlwind romance with a charming local but returns home to be pursued by her longtime friend, who has finally confessed their feelings.
11. Just as a woman is about to accept a proposal from her reliable significant other, her ex, who she never truly got over, reappears and declares their love for her. She must choose between stability and passion.
12. A young woman falls in love with her new coworker, who is also the sibling of her long-time partner. She must navigate the complexities of forbidden love and loyalty.
13. A woman starts a secret office romance with her charming boss but also finds herself falling for a new, kind-hearted colleague. She must choose between ambition and genuine connection.
14. On a holiday trip, a woman finds herself attracted to both her adventurous tour guide and a fellow traveler who shares her interests. She must decide which to pursue before the trip ends.
15. In a historical setting, a young woman is courted by a wealthy nobleman but falls for a rebellious, penniless artist. She must choose between the security of an advantageous marriage and the passion of a risky love.
Fake Dating
Type: Trope
Best Pairing Subgenres: Contemporary, Fantasy Romance, Romantic Comedy
11 Romance Story Ideas about Fake Dating:
1. To avoid her family's constant questions about her love life during the holidays, a woman convinces her best friend to pretend to be her new significant other. As they spend more time together, they start to wonder if their feelings might be real.
2. A famous actor hires a struggling artist to pose as his partner to divert media attention from a recent scandal. Their fake relationship begins to blur the lines between professional and personal as they discover a genuine connection.
3. A man asks his coworker to be his fake partner at his sister's wedding to avoid his ex, who is in the wedding party. The weekend of wedding festivities brings unexpected sparks and complicates their professional relationship.
4. To impress former classmates at a high school reunion, the character asks her attractive neighbor to be their fake partner. As they prepare for the event, they find themselves genuinely attracted to each other.
5. Two rival business owners agree to fake date to secure a lucrative contract with a conservative client who values family-oriented partnerships. Their staged romance turns into something real as they spend more time together.
6. A commoner agrees to pretend to be the girlfriend of a prince to help him avoid an arranged marriage. As they navigate the complexities of royal life together, they start to develop true feelings for each other.
7. A college student asks their lab partner to pretend to be their significant other to fend off a persistent ex. Their fake relationship helps them see each other in a new light, leading to unexpected romance.
8. Two neighbors pretend to date to deter unwanted attention from their respective exes who live in the same apartment building. Their fake relationship quickly becomes the real deal as they realize how well they fit together.
9. To appease her traditional family, a career-focused woman asks her childhood friend to pose as her boyfriend during a family gathering. Their ruse leads to surprising discoveries about their long-standing friendship.
10. A bookstore owner and a tech mogul pretend to be in a relationship to save her store from being bought out by her company. Their fake romance turns into a real one as they work together to save the bookstore business.
11. To secure a promotion, a woman tells her boss she’s engaged to her charming but irresponsible roommate. They agree to keep up the facade for a company retreat, but their pretend engagement soon feels very real.
With all of these romance writing prompts, it’s important to remember to make them your own. Take these as initial ideas that stir your own imagination, and tweak as needed to create something truly unique.
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