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

1. 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
     • Book Review: Painting Blue Water by Leigh Fossan
     • Book Review: Sunset Thunder by Shannyn Leah
     • Book Review: Truly Yours, Cammie by SJ Sylvis
2. 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
     • Book Review: Captive Rebel by Erin McDermott
     • Book Review: The English Wife by Lauren Willig
3. 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
     • Spotlight: Karen Rose
4. 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
     • Book Review: HIS by K.M. Keeton
     • Megan Keith: Eraser
5. 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
     • Spotlight: Karen Witemeyer
6. 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
     • Spotlight: Nalini Singh
7. 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
     • Spotlight: Susan Grant

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!