Contemporary Romance novels are usually set from 1950 - the present with a  focus on developing romantic relationships.


Contemporary Romance

These romance novels have, often, explicit, sexual interaction as an inherent part of the plot character growth, and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. 


Erotic Romance

Historical Romance novels that are set before 1950.


Historical Romance 

These romance novels have fantasy worlds, paranormal, or science fiction elements that are an integral part of the plot.


Paranormal Romance

Romance novels with spiritual beliefs use these elements as an inherent part of the plot, character growth, or relationship development. These romance novels can be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture.


Romance with Spiritual Elements

Romance novels where suspense, mystery, or thriller elements are an important part of the plot.

Romantic Suspense

Romance novels where the genre of young adult literature and young adult life is an integral part of the plot.
 

Young Adult Romance

- Contemporary Romance
- Erotic Romance 
- Historical Romance
- Paranormal Romance
- Romance with Spiritual Elements
- Romantic Suspense
- Young Adult Romance

Arizona State University

These are stories about romantic relationships between two people. They are characterized by:

- Idealism
- Desire  
- Romantic tension

The author keeps the two characters apart for most of the story, before inevitably having them end up together.  

Romance

Subgenres of Romance

Advanced Solutions International. (2022). Romance Writers of America: The Voice of Romance Writers. Romance Writers of America. The Voice of Romance Fiction. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.rwa.org/ 

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