A romance book or romantic novel is a subgenre of fiction that focuses on the connection and romantic love between two individuals and often concludes with an “emotionally gratifying and hopeful resolution.”
The romance book is divided into many subgenres, including fantasy, gothic, contemporary, historical, paranormal, and science fiction. While women are the primary readers of romance books, an increasing number of males are also fans.
According to the Romance Writers of America, 16% of males read romance novels. “Many individuals nowadays are unaware that romance is more than a tale about two people falling in love. Romance may be a complicated storyline set in the distant past in a remote, faraway location.
Rather than concentrating on a love story, it idealizes ideas and principles that appear to have been forgotten in the age of technology and immediate satisfaction. However, romance may also refer to a traditional, romantic love tale that causes people to sign with hopeful thought.” ” Individuals are born with an inherent need for romance.
Subgenres of Romance Fiction
Billionaires
This constantly increasing subgenre of romance centers on love with a rich and powerful partner. There is often an element of “Cinderella,” and the lady is frequently from a lower social level than the guy.
Comedy
A type of romance in which the pair overcomes all emotional impediments to discovering love via laughing and pleasure. There is often a motif of strangers who are ideal for one another falling in love or childhood sweethearts reuniting after sorrow and loss.
Contemporary
The tale takes place in the current day (post-1950) and is centered on the era’s intricate storylines and realistic circumstances. For instance, women in contemporary romances published before 1970 often left their jobs when they married or had children, while female heroines in contemporary books produced after 1970 typically continue their careers after marriage and childbirth.
Fantasy Romance
A subgenre in which the lovers’ relationship occurs in a fantasy world filled with magic and magical beings. Often, adventure and typical clichés like time travel or superhuman powers arise.
Gothic
A romance subgenre set in a haunted old home or castle, with some mild suspense elements thrown in. Family secrets, insanity, incest, and secrets concealed inside the household are all frequent themes. Additionally, this subgenre often has a woman in peril motif.
Historical
A subgenre set before 1950 in which actual events between couples occur (based on the time period). Numerous tales in this subgenre are set against the backdrop of actual historical events, providing a counterpoint to well-known historical figures. Relationships between social classes and among feuding families are frequent themes. This subgenre was also dubbed “bodice rippers” because of the female characters’ corset-wearing attire.
Holidays
A romantic subgenre in which lovers meet or reconcile over the Christmas or Hanukkah seasons. Family is a frequent theme, resolving previous heartbreak and returning to Christmas customs as experienced as a kid.
Inspirational
A type of romance in which religion or spirituality plays a significant role in the relationship. In these books, the protagonists embark on a spiritual journey that is an integral element of their relationship and romance. They are adaptable to any setting or belief system.
Military
This subgenre focuses on military people. Typically, these books include action, suspense elements, and the hero or heroine (or both) are current or former military members. Additionally, the subgenre consists of tales set on military bases or warships.
Paranormal
There is often a connection with a supernatural creature in this type of romance, such as a vampire, werewolf, demon, shapeshifter, angel, ghost, witch, or other entity. Additionally, this subgenre may contain science fiction or fantasy settings and any universe with unique or magical aspects.
Regency
A subgenre set during the British Regency era (1811–1820) or the early nineteenth century. They each have their distinct narrative and aesthetic characteristics, such as an abundance of intellectual, fast-paced conversation between the characters devoid of graphic sex. The storylines often include social activities like carriage rides, morning visits, dinner parties, plays, operas, and balls, and convenient marriages are a frequent theme.
Romantic Suspense
Suspense or mystery aspects are included in the romance narrative in this subgenre. While these tales are mostly about romance, they have typical mystery book themes such as stalkers, unsolved crimes, abduction, and even murder.
Science Fiction Romance
A subgenre that takes place in the future and often features aliens. In many instances, humans and aliens have a love connection. There are also similar motifs between science fiction and fantasy, such as technological advancement, space travel, and life on other planets/worlds.
Sports
Sports romance is a type of romance in which one or both partners are engaged in sports, such as football or racing cars. The majority of romantic connection occurs while training or performing this sport, and there are often aspects of action mixed in with the romance.
Time Travel
A romance subgenre in which the protagonist travels across time to meet their love interest. The protagonist’s struggle falling in love and deciding whether to remain in the alternative time or return to the period is a recurrent subject in this subgenre. Particular time travel romances are set in the current day, with the protagonist traveling to the past. In others, the protagonist journeys into the future.
Western Romance
A subgenre of romance set in the Wild West (or the modern West) and often featuring a cowboy/cowgirl as the protagonist. This subgenre encompasses both historical and modern western romance. A wagon train trip, a bank heist, a land battle, a cattle drive, a bar brawl, or a shootout are frequent themes in historical western romance. Contemporary western romance books are often set in tiny communities surrounded by ranches, ranges, rodeos, and honky-tonks, with the protagonist riding a truck (in addition to a horse).
Young Adult
The subgenre focuses on the romantic interests of young adults or adolescents. The study of sexuality and the impediments to youthful love, such as family/socioeconomic class pressure, academic goals, and rivalry, are recurring themes. Additionally, these books cover a wide range of relationship forms, including LGBTQ partnerships.
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