Romance 101

What is a romance novel?

A novel with a central love story and an emotionally satisfying ending (either happily-ever-after or happy-for-now).

Subgenres

A romance novel may also fit into a subgenre or two. To properly belong to a subgenre, the elements unique to the subgenre must be present and integral to the plot. In other words, the story would not work if those elements are removed.

• Contemporary - novels set from the 1950s to present day
• Erotic - novels that include explicit sexual interaction
• Historical - novels set prior to the 1950s
• Paranormal - novels that include aspects of fantasy or science fiction
• Inspirational - novels that include religious or spiritual beliefs
• Suspense - novels that include aspects of suspense, mystery or thriller
• Youth Adult - novels that feature young adults

Themes

The subgenres can be further subdivided into themes. Contemporary romance includes chick lit, cowboys, medical, and sports. A historical romance covers themes like Highlander, medieval, regency, time-travel, and frontier. Paranormal romances feature ghosts, magic, shapeshifters, time-travel, and vampires.

Tropes

A romance trope is a plot device used to bring lovers together in a story.

According to Romance Writers of America (in a 2014 survey), the top ten most popular romance tropes are:

• Friends to lovers
• Soul Mate / Fate
• Second chance at love
• Secret romance
• First love
• Strong hero / heroine
• Reunited lovers
• Love triangle
• Sexy Billionaire / Millionaire
• Sassy heroine

Romance is vast literary genre. You can find novels written in every imaginable niche, from 'a secret baby, billionaire, contemporary romance' to 'a time-travel, vampire, paranormal romance'. Romance novels have come a long way since the "bodice rippers" of the '70s and '80s. I am proud to be an avid reader and writer of romance.

What is your favorite type of romance novel?