Romance novels are my guilty pleasure. But sometimes I wonder what I'd do if what I'm reading actually happened to me in real life. Some of them would give me serious butterflies, but others? It would either creep me out or annoy me to no end. 

They can be a bit cringey, overwhelming, and borderline alarming. Here are nine of my favorite romance novel tropes that make me swoon in fiction but roll my eyes in real life.

1. The "Alpha Male" Trope

The domineering, possessive alpha male can be alluring and hot in the books. But in real life? Just no. A man who can't respect my independence and tries to control everything isn't sexy; it's toxic.

2. Insta-love

While the idea of two people instantly recognizing their soulmates is swoon-worthy in novels, solid relationships take time and effort to develop in reality. Give me that slow-burn connection any day. I'd be really scared to be with someone I barely know. I mean, he could be a serial killer, you know?

(Before Sunrise is one of my all time favorite romantic movies, and it's the ultimate and cutest Insta-love trope).

3. Misunderstandings that Last Forever

Dude, just talk to her. Communication is key. I'd be frustrated if a tiny misunderstanding led to a prolonged breakup in real life, like it does in many romance plots.

4. Bad Boy Transformation

I believe a person will change if he wants to, not because someone made him/her. It's lovely when it happens in the book. The unraveling and the reformation of the rake are charming. But I'll have trust issues if someone I know to have a reputation will swear to me I'm different, and I made him change.

Fave Book with Bad Boy Transformation

• Dare To Be Scandalous - Tamara Gill

5. The Persistent Suitor

In novels, it's portrayed as romantic that someone never gives up on their love interest, even if initially rejected. In reality, persistence can easily cross into the territory of not respecting boundaries. It borders on stalking and obsession.

6. Jealousy as a Sign of Love

A little bit of jealousy might be endearing in a story, but in real life, excessive jealousy can be suffocating and problematic. And personally, that is insulting because you don't trust me enough. I would feel like you're limiting me from being friends with or at least talking to people. 

Fave Authors Who Write with Neanderthal, Territorial, Jealous Characters:

7. Marrying After a Week

Whirlwind romances in books? Adorable. In real life? It might work for some, but I believe in getting to know someone deeply before making that kind of commitment. It's like Insta-love but on a different level. It's still good to marry your best friend.

8. Fake Dating

I'm a massive fan of this trope in books. That moment when the characters realize and reveal that it's not pretend anymore? Sign me up! Pretending to be a couple for some reason might lead to real feelings in books, but it's a tricky foundation for a genuine relationship in reality. 

Fave Fake Dating Books

• Faking Ms. Right - Claire Kingsley
• The Fine Art of Faking It - Lucy Score
• The Front Runner - Elsie Silver
• Glimmers of You - Catherine Cowles
• The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband - Julia Quinn (fake marriage)

9. Grumpy Boss

It centers around a boss who is usually stern, cold, or distant, but through the course of the romance, reveals a more vulnerable and passionate side. There is nothing cute or charming in a boss who seems to enjoy making your work doubly hard. Especially those who get off in humiliating or contradicting you. But yes, I'll read and swoon over it in books. Every. Single. Time.

Fave Grumpy Boss Books

• One Bossy Dare - Nicole Snow 
• One Bossy Proposal - Nicole Snow
• One Bossy Date - Nicole Snow
• The Temporary Wife - Catharina Maura

9. Enemies to Lovers

Fave Enemies to Lovers Books