Our Favorite Romance Tropes in 100 Promises
100 Promises by Meliá Grasska is certainly a unique read… with a stunning high desert backdrop there’s not a lot like it on the market. But Grasska didn’t completely reinvent the wheel. Here are 5 Tropes that we think she did incredibly well in her latest novel 100 Promises.
First Love/Childhood Sweethearts – the long and often times complicated history between our two main characters, Clayton Jones and Sydney, sets us up for tons of tension and a super deep connection that lasts them year after year!
Second Chance – even though they aren’t together in the “present” timeline in the novel, the runaway bride element adds a powerful ticking clock for these two love birds who spend the majority of the book reminiscing on their history. Although it feels more like they’ve had more like 100 chances than two, we’re still so grateful that they won’t give up!
Slow Burn – the multiple timelines serves Grasska well in her novel because as the reader eagerly awaits a time when Sydney and Clayton are together in the present, their desire is partially satiated as they flashback through their long and complicated history. The slow burn feels genuine and well earned, with solid reason behind each characters reluctance… no silly miscommunications here!
Small Town – the small town element is the main reason why 100 Promises works so well. We love an accidental run in, and this dusty desert lake town is the perfect setting for one.
He Falls First & Falls Harder – Thank goodness for the dual POVs in this novel! Because if we left it all up to Sydney, she’d have us believing that Clayton’s completely over her. But when the perspective shifts to his chapters, wow do we see that she’s wrong! This sets up the years of yearning so well and keeps readers hooked in this breezy will they/won’t they love story.