I recently wrote a post about microtropes, a plot device that affects a romance novel at the scene level, rather than at the chapter or plot level.

And while there are microtropes for every single romance sub-genre and niche out there, some of the most popular exist in contemporary romance specifically. Which makes sense, because contemporary romance is by far the biggest romance sub-genre.

So, without further ado, let's look at a few contemporary romance microtropes, and how you can incorporate them into your next romance novel.

1. One main character rolling up their shirtsleeves to expose their forearms.

If you want to inject a little subtlesexual attraction into a scene, insert some shirtsleeve rolling! The other main character's eyes will naturally drop to the movement of those strong hands folding the fabric, and their reaction can clue readers into the developing attraction between them and their love interest. Maybe they react to the sight of a little bare skin with a sharp intake of breath, or a desire to see those forearms flex.

2. One main character kissing the other on the forehead

In romance, forehead kisses, when shared by two people in love, are a sign of tenderness. They show emotional connection, because one character realizes the other needs reassurance or comfort, and instead of going for a normal kiss, which can be interpreted many ways, they choose a forehead kiss, which is inherently non-sexual, and therefore allows the character in need of comfort to focus on feeling better, rather than on interpreting whether that kiss was intended to lead on to something spicier.

3. One main character describing, usually in internal narration, the way the other smells

This microtrope is so pervasive and beloved that there are now candles that smell the way certain romance characters do. How do these companies figure out the way characters smell? Two words: scent cliches. Man main characters are often described as smelling like some combination of musk/wood smoke/whiskey, and women main characters are usually associated with sugar (especially if they're bakers), honey, and flowers. And while some character scent descriptions are pretty funny, the reason the microtrope works so well is because it creates a sensory experience for the reader, making the scene they're reading feel more immersive, because they aren't just imagining how it looks, or how each character sounds. They're imagining their scents, too.

4. During sex, one main character confessing how much they've wanted to do this/how often they've thought about this to the other/s main character/s

This microtrope is great for sex scenes between characters who have been longing for each other for so long that when they do fall into bed/insert other sex location here, readers (and authors) scream FINALLY. These are sex scenes that take place after chapters of build-up, so much build-up that the characters can't help expressing just how much and how long they've wanted to have each other. And the benefit of incorporating this confession into your own romance novel is that it not only establishes your character's emotional and sexual yearning, which is universally adored in open door/steamy/spicy/smutty romances, but it's also a great way of expressing enthusiastic consent!

5. Main characters being incredibly good pet parents

There are many, many ways to show a main character being a caring, conscientious person, but few ways tug on a reader's heartstrings quite as much as that character caring for a pet. Whether it's a cat, a dog, a ferret or a fish, writing your main character taking the time and effort to look after the domestic animals in their lives shows readers that they're selfless, conscientious, and, most likely, very good at cuddling (unless they have a fish. Then, they might be very good at regularly feeding their loved ones, which is honestly another great trait to have). And there's that saying about animals being good judges of people; if one of your main characters is worshipped by their dog or cat, that's another sign to their love interest that they're someone worth working through their internal conflicts for.

The above microtropes can be used in romance novels with characters who identify anywhere on the gender spectrum, as well as romance novels that feature more than 2 love interests. Because everyone deserves nice forearms; forehead kisses; very specifically alluring personal perfumes; enthusiastic confessions of lust, love, and consent; and, of course, lover/s who are nice to animals.

Until next post, happy reading and writing!