When One Plus One Equals Three

Why We Love the Surprise Pregnancy Trope (Even If Not Everyone Does)

Not every trope is for everyone—and that’s okay. But there’s something about the surprise pregnancy storyline that hits me right in the chest every time. Maybe it’s the shock. Maybe it’s the vulnerability. Maybe it’s watching two people who weren’t ready for forever suddenly being handed a reason to fight for it.

This trope raises the stakes instantly. It takes whatever tension was already simmering and dials it all the way up. Emotions run high. Secrets unravel. And whether it’s a one-night stand, a second-chance romance, or a moment of unexpected heat between longtime enemies—nothing stays simple once two becomes three.

Here’s what I love most about it:

• The gut-punch of the reveal. Whether we see it coming or not, that moment always lands.

• The emotional spiral. Denial. Panic. Hope. Fear. Love. Watching characters work through it all makes the payoff that much richer.

• The slow-burn transformation. Especially in the MMC. That shift from “What the hell do I do?” to “I’d do anything for them” never gets old.

• The found family vibe. Even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.

And while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, for me, it’s one of those tropes that brings out the most beautifully complicated sides of a relationship. Because love isn’t always planned. Sometimes it shows up late. Sometimes early. And sometimes… with a positive pregnancy test.

Now tell me, what book made you fall for this trope?