Though not quite new, the concept of tropes has really taken off over the last few years, becoming a buzzword among today’s readers, especially those of young adult (YA) literature and fan fiction.
First things first: what exactly is a trope? Put simply, a literary trope is a widely encompassing term that refers to a common or recurring element or device in storytelling.
A trope can be a motif, an often-used plot point, a common theme, or a cliche. (Unlike “cliche,” which in most cases has a negative connotation, though, “trope” is a neutral term — a trope is not necessarily a cliche.)
The popularity of tropes has reached a point that some published English-language authors will now list tropes that can be found in their works. What’s more, with an increasing number of readers being open on social media about their reading habits, more than a handful have admitted to looking for new titles to read based on their favorite tropes.
If you’re one of those readers, you’re in luck! For Valentine’s Day, we’ve curated this list based on four popular tropes that have captivated countless readers. All selected titles are fairly short, so even if you have plans for the night on this special day, you might still be able to squeeze in some time to read at least one of these titles.
From fake dating to Omegaverse, we’ve got you covered. Fall in love with these titles on this day of romance. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy reading!
If you like the “fake dating” trope:
Story: Nanako Naruse
Art: Hiroko Ishimaru
Being the secretary of Sakura Products Trading’s chairman Rei Sakura means that Amiko Inada has to manage both the boss’s professional and personal schedule. And with Chairman Sakura being such a playboy, it certainly isn’t easy. Thankfully, Amiko is a consummate professional — she won’t let her feelings for her boss get in the way.
One day, out of the blue, Chairman Sakura asks Amiko to enter into a marriage of convenience with him to thwart his overbearing grandfather’s plans, reasoning that Amiko’s the best woman to ask since there’s no way she’d fall for him. Amiko reluctantly agrees, convincing herself that this is all for the sake of the company she’s so loyal to… but is it, really?
As “fake dating” or “fake marriage” series go, it’s a given that Rei and Amiko will end up becoming a husband and wife for real, but it’s finding out how they go about doing so and earning their loved ones’ approval that makes this manga a fun read.
If you like the “rivals to lovers” trope:
Story: Mai Yanagawa
Art: Ruri Hazuki
Rikka Setoguchi spots a familiar face at a matchmaking event: Yuri Kisugi, her colleague (and rival) who seems to be perfect in every way. She’s competent, devoted to her job — and strikingly beautiful, to boot.
Sensing that the workaholic Rikka wouldn’t want anyone to know she attended such an event, Yuri ropes Rikka into helping her find a man to settle down with. That means shopping for clothes together, being Yuri’s wingwoman, and so on.
Thinking that Yuri resigning from their workplace will present an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder, Rikka reluctantly goes along with Yuri’s quest to find a husband. But in the process of helping Yuri out, Rikka begins to see Yuri as less of a hellish colleague and more of — dare she admit it? — someone whose well-being she deeply cares about.
This light novel that features a handful of beautiful illustrations makes for some easy reading. At 36 chapters, it’s not too short, but not too long, either. You can easily finish it in one sitting if you become way too engrossed in this slow burn!
The progression of Rikka and Yuri’s relationship from one-sided rivalry to friendship to lovers is delightful to follow along, and once they reach their moment of realization, the payoff is extremely satisfying.
If you like the “childhood friends” trope:
Story and Art: Yuzu Suzuki
CONTENT WARNING: This series contains sexually explicit scenes.
After her workplace goes bankrupt and her boyfriend cheats on her, Chisa moves back to her seaside hometown. As she nearly drowns trying to save a cat that fell into the water, she is rescued by her childhood friend Takumi, now a muscular lifeguard.
Before this unexpected reunion, Takumi and Chisa hadn’t hung out, let alone kept in touch, ever since an incident in their childhood, when Takumi saved Chisa from drowning. But sparks instantly fly between them, and it doesn’t take long for the two to become intimate.
Takumi has a secret he’s been keeping for a while, though. Will the truth change Chisa’s perception of him
Despite the spicy sex scenes, Drown in Me is a fluffy (childhood) friends–to–lovers story. While there’s still some conflict that threatens to cause some problems for our happy couple, the story is fairly uncomplicated for the most part, thanks to open communication between Chisa and Takumi.
At only six chapters, this series is quite short, too, so if you’re looking for a quick read on Valentine’s Day, this is one to consider!
If you like the Omegaverse trope:
Story and Art: Rion Nanao
CONTENT WARNING: This series contains sexually explicit scenes.
In an alternate Japan, omegas are discriminated against and vulnerable to attacks for something they can’t help: going into heat and releasing pheromones. But thanks to a little bit of societal progress, Sumire Toyohara, a hardworking and earnest omega, lands a job at her dream company — though she still has to hide her true nature.
Things go awry when Sumire, despite having taken a suppressant, goes into heat on her first day at work. Fortunately for her, a kind colleague — Ryoji Tachibana, who says he’s a beta — helps her out.
Still, the worst of Sumire’s troubles isn’t over, as she continues unexpectedly going into heat at work. Sumire just wants to blend in and carry on with her job as a professional, so why did her medication suddenly stop working? And does Mr. Tachibana have something to do with it?
One of the newest additions to Manga Planet’s library as of this writing, Heat of Destiny is one of the comparatively few Omegaverse stories to feature a heterosexual pairing. Currently at eight chapters, this ongoing series updates every Tuesday, so stay tuned to find out whether Ryoji is indeed Sumire’s destined mate!
What are your favorite tropes in fiction? What other titles in the Manga Planet Library make good use of your favorite tropes? Let us know on Twitter!
And if you enjoyed this year’s Valentine’s Day roundup, you can also check out our Valentine recommendations from previous years.
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In 2012, Manga Planet started as a joint project between Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. and FANTASISTA, INC. to research and explore the ways manga is read throughout the world. Aiming to bring new manga to fans from all over the world and support artists and the industry, Manga Planet pushes for affordability and access to manga through a subscription-based service.
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