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!
#1 and #7 are my favorites! 😊
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 😁
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. 🙂
Oh I’ll have to check those out, thank you so much!
What about romantic comedy? It doesn’t have to be contemporary; it works in historical romance and in paranormal too.
Good call! That was definitely overlooked on my part! I’ve seen quite a few good ones in that genre lately, too!
1, 2 and 6 are my favorites.
Thank you for joining! I haven’t read any paranormal or sci-fi romance yet. Do you have any recommendations?
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.
Thank you! I’ve added ‘Magic Bites’, ‘Dead Until Dark’ and ‘Written in Red’ to my TBR!
My pleasure!
I don’t think I’ve read any sci fi romances, which surprises me because I do read standard sci fi.