Everyone loves a love story, but a love story is not only limited to just love as there are many ways and circumstances or simply subgenres in which you can create a love tale making it more promising and appealing to its readers.
The different subgenres of romance give readers the advantage of enjoying a romance fiction in different forms and style.
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What is Romance Genre?
Romance fiction explores one of the prominent human feelings which is love and the genre’s central plot revolves around a love story, often presenting the romantic relationship between two people.
Romance novels take its readers on a soothing romantic journey but also explore human’s genuine experiences while being in a relationship like conflict, troubles, issues and problems which comes in the way of two love birds but the stories often end with a comforting and at an emotional point.
6 Popular Subgenres of Romance–
#1 Young Adult Romance
- YA romance novels follow the plot of a romantic relationship between two young people in love.
Examples of Young Adult Romance-
- The Faults in Our Stars by John Green
- Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
- To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
- The Sun is also a Star by Nicola Yoon
- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
#2 Historical Romance
- The romantic plot of historical romance takes place in the setting located in the past often prior to 1945 at any time.
Examples of Historical Romance Novels-
- Arabella by Georgette Heyer
- The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
- A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
- Wicked Intention by Elizabeth Hoyt
- Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah Maclean
- Bridgertons: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
#3 Contemporary Romance
- Contemporary romance plot take place in the contemporary time period of the time of writing and showcases a romantic story, reflecting the mores of their time.
Examples of Contemporary Romance Novels-
- The Kiss Quoted by Helen Hoang
- You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac
- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
- Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie by Kinsella
#4 Romantic Suspense
- The plot of this subgenre contains a blend of romance with mystery or suspense.
Examples of Romantic Suspense-
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
- Nine Coaches Waiting by Sandra Brown
- Naked in Death by J. D. Robb
- Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
- The Witness by Nora Roberts
- Open Season by Linda Howard
#5 Erotic Romance
- Erotic romance novels showcase a developing romantic relationship between the characters through sexual interactions. This subgenre contains bold languages, sex acts and scenes with the central theme focusing sex.
Examples of Erotic Romance-
- Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L James
- Bared to You by Sylvia Day
- The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A. N Roquelaure and Anne Rice
#6 Paranormal Romance
This subgenre focuses on a romantic story blending with the genres of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror). Paranormal romance novels showcase a romantic love plot and include elements beyond scientific explanation.
Examples of Paranormal Romance-
- Dark Lover by J.R Ward
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
- Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh
- Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
- Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
