Trope Talk: Why Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience Sizzle

The Plot With A Twist

Exploring the Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience Tropes in Romance Novels

In this episode of 'The Plot With A Twist,' hosts Roe, Allorah and Shaye dive into the popular romance tropes of fake dating and marriage of convenience. They discuss the common predicaments leading to these scenarios, such as avoiding an ex, needing an inheritance, or handling paparazzi. They explore the prevalence of these tropes across contemporary, sports, and historical romance genres, and highlight notable examples like Elle Kennedy’s and Liz Tomford’s works. The episode also addresses what makes these tropes entertaining, their must-haves like banter and jealousy, and pitfalls like predictable third-act breakups. Tune in for detailed trope breakdowns and book recommendations.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:26 Exploring the Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience Tropes

03:18 Diving into Popular Storylines and Examples

05:51 Unique Twists and Desired Changes in Tropes

09:41 Micro Tropes and Must-Haves

16:31 Dislikes and Common Pitfalls

19:24 Discussing 'Leather and Lark 2'

20:55 Frustrations with Miscommunication Tropes

21:13 Authors Who Nail the Trope

21:29 Favorite Books Featuring the Trope

25:07 Hilarious Fake Dating Scenarios

28:25 Marriage of Convenience Recommendations

37:00 Upcoming Releases and Final Thoughts

38:04 Cocktail of the Week: The Honeymoon