In the olden times romance novels were thought to be a small paperback with a beautiful heroine in the arms of a muscled, bare-chested, handsome and courageous prince. But today the whole concept of romance novels has completely changed. Modern romantic literature has evolved and become more sophisticated and elaborate.

Romance books cover almost all genres of the market, in hardcover, paperback, and eBooks. The one central theme linking all these genres into romance is the core plot of love; falling in love, staying in love, and living happily ever after.

So, here we will discuss about some of the romantic genres and sub-genres of romance novels

1. Romantic Suspense
The content of these novels is highly thrilling and exciting. Romantic suspense can include medical thrillers, mystery, or any other kind of suspenseful plot. Allison Brennan’s Killing Fear is a New York Times bestseller.

2. Contemporary Series Romance
These are series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship and typically set after 1945. This deals with modern situations a man and woman today would confront in their lives and relationships. Susan Elizabeth Phillips, author of Breathing Room, is a bestselling contemporary romance author. Adios to My Old Life, by Caridad Ferrer, is a Rita Award winner in contemporary romance.

3. Contemporary Single Title Romance
These are Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series and set after 1945.

4. Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945 and taking place in any location are known as historical roman novels. The pirate love stories are also part of historical romance novels. Monica McCarty’s books are set in the Scottish Highlands of the past. Highlander Unchained, Highlander Unmasked, and Highlander Untamed are three of her titles

5. Time travel Romances
This genre was first introduced to masses of readers by Diana Gabaldon with her Outlander series. The story of Jamie and Claire struck a chord in people’s hearts around the world, and has sold millions of copies.

6. Paranormal Romance
These are romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot. This is the darkest of the romantic genres. It can have vampires, werewolves, ghouls, and any number of things that people are afraid of. “A Hunger like No Other” by Kresley Cole is the 2006 Rita Award Winner in this category.

7. Regency Romance
These are Romance novels in which the majority of the story is set against the Regency period of the British Empire.

8. Chick List
This is lighthearted and humorous and is usually told from the heroine’s point of view. Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries, is a blockbuster chick lit author. Jane Austen is considered by many to be the founder of chick lit.

9. Inspirational Romance
These are Romance novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs are a major part of the romantic relationship. This is the genre that appeals to the more conservative readers. These readers look for stories of heroines with strong faith and strong morals. An award-winning example is “Revealed”, by Tamara Alexander.

10. Erotic Romance
These are Romance novels with a powerful erotic element, but still following the guidelines of a happily Ever After ending. This is sexier and more explicit than any of the other romance lines. Ellora’s Cave is a leading publisher of erotic romance.

11. Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers are known as young adult romance novels. Kelly Parra, author of Graffiti Girl, writes books for this market.

12. Category Romance
This is the biggest seller of all, with 40% of the romance market share, according to the Romance Writers of America. These formulaic books are published on a regular schedule, usually monthly. The readers of category romance know exactly what kind of story they want to read, and they faithfully buy and read many books each year. Harlequin sells several category romance lines that include westerns, home-town stories, suspense, worldwide intrigue, and any number of other plot lines.

These are genres of romance novels.

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