In the world of romance novels there are at least 7 different sub-genres. We’re going to go through them and then discuss our favorites!
Sub Genres
- Contemporary Romance
- These novels take place in relatively recent time periods and focus on two main characters and their relationship. Contemporary romance novels have emotionally satisfying conclusions.
- Examples
- Historical Romance
- Historical romance is almost identical to a contemporary romance, except that it takes place in a historical setting, generally prior to 1950.
- Examples
- Romantic Suspense
- Novels in this category have a heavy emphasis on crime and mystery plots driving the romance in the story. I do not see these as often but if you’re a fan of thriller and mystery novels than this may be the romantic sub genre for you!
- Examples
- Erotic Romance
- These stories have a heavy emphasis on sexual interaction. The graphically described scenes carry forward the plot and are used to tell the story.
- Examples
- Religious/Spiritual Romance
- Sexual content is generally very light or completely removed from these novels. The emphasis is one the spiritual development or religious congruence of a relationship.
- Examples
- Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
- In a paranormal, science-fiction or fantasy romance novel, similar elements are in these stories that you can find in the others already mentioned. The defining difference is that there is either a magical element or romance between supernatural beings.
- Examples
- Young Adult Romance
- Again, these stories also have similar frameworks of your modern contemporary romance novels but the characters are usually teenagers versus adults and the sexual content is very, very light or non-existent.
- Examples
That sums up the major romance sub genres that are out there. Comment below on your favorite one to read and we can share reading suggestions!
Adventures in Literature 
12 responses to “Romance Sub Genres”
#1 and #7 are my favorites! 😊
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Contemporary romance is definitely my favorite with erotic romance close behind. Any recommendations on YA romance you’ve really liked? I haven’t read much in that one 😁
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Three of my favorite YA romance authors are Jen Bennett, Rainbow Rowell, and Morgan Matson. I also really loved Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley. 🙂
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Oh I’ll have to check those out, thank you so much!
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What about romantic comedy? It doesn’t have to be contemporary; it works in historical romance and in paranormal too.
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Good call! That was definitely overlooked on my part! I’ve seen quite a few good ones in that genre lately, too!
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1, 2 and 6 are my favorites.
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Thank you for joining! I haven’t read any paranormal or sci-fi romance yet. Do you have any recommendations?
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Sure! For paranormal/urban fantasy, I like books by Ilona Andrews. Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series are great fun. Anne Bishop is also a great writer of urban fantasy romances. I like her Others series the best. Slouch Witch by Helen Harper is downright hilarious—and a sweet romance too.
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Thank you! I’ve added ‘Magic Bites’, ‘Dead Until Dark’ and ‘Written in Red’ to my TBR!
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My pleasure!
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I don’t think I’ve read any sci fi romances, which surprises me because I do read standard sci fi.
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