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The Romance Genre
The Romance Genre: Romance Literature Subgenres
All romances have a central love story and an emotionally satisfying ending. Beyond that, however, romance novels may have any tone or style, be set in any place or time, and have varying levels of sensuality—ranging from sweet to extremely hot. Romance fiction may be classified into various subgenres depending on setting and plot elements. These subgenres include:
- Contemporary Series Romance
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship and typically set after 1945.
- Contemporary-Single Title Romance
Romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series and set after 1945.
- Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location.
- Inspirational Romance
Romance novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are a major part of the romantic relationship.
- Novels with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries.
- Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot.
- Regency Romance
Romance novels in which the majority of the story is set against the Regency period of the British Empire.
- Romantic Suspense
Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.
- Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers.
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© 2009 Romance Writers of America, Inc.
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