We are romance junkies and we hope you are too. We come in many stripes–some of us prefer happy endings while others prefer daggers to the heart. The inspiration for this site is manifold yet singular. Many of the contributors to this site have spent far too much time agonizing over romantic tropes. Some of them have created elaborate excel sheets to bring order to the relationships in books, TV, and films. Last February, The New Yorker podcast Critics at Large had a great episode entitled “The Painful Pleasure of ‘Wretched Love'” and that is the inspiration for our blog’s name. Because every love story is a tragedy if you…

In this post, we delve into the captivating world of forbidden love in fiction, examining its magnetic appeal and the moral dilemmas it presents. From star-crossed lovers to controversial relationships, we explore how these tropes challenge societal norms and evoke intense emotions in readers and viewers. Discover the allure of forbidden romances in popular books, television shows, and movies, and why they continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Sometimes, love sparks between two characters who appear to be polar opposites. In this post, we unravel the mystery behind the enchanting trope of opposites attracting in romantic fiction. Join us as we explore how these unlikely pairs reignite the spark within their stories and create unforgettable chemistry. Discover the magic of love between seemingly incompatible characters in books, television shows, and movies, and why this trope resonates so deeply with audiences.

Love isn’t always a smooth journey, but what happens when two hearts get a second chance at happiness? In this post, we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of rekindled love in fictional narratives. Delve into the stories of characters who find their way back to each other after heartbreak and explore the themes of forgiveness, growth, and the enduring power of love. Discover the beauty of second chances in romantic books, television shows, and movies, and how they tug at our heartstrings.

Sometimes, the best love stories are the ones we never saw coming. In this post, we celebrate the beauty of unexpected romance in fiction, where love blossoms in the most unlikely circumstances. Join us as we explore stories of chance encounters, serendipitous connections, and quirky pairings that capture our hearts. Discover the delight of unexpected love in books, television shows, and movies, and why these stories leave us with a warm and fuzzy feeling.