Romance Sub Genres

It only just occurred to me I've not addressed the different types of romance on this blog. Shameful, considering I write in several sub-genres of it myself.

I'm glad that the stigma of reading romance is dispersing, but many still think of the Fabio covers of days gone by. And bless Fabio and his long wavy hair and fine chest. But we have diversified since.

Romance is a mahoosive genre, covering many kinds of love. Which is what I love to explore, incidentally; I'm fascinated with how varied love can be.

So, Amazon lists these sub-genres:

Action & Adventure, African American, Anthologies, Clean & Wholesome, Collections & Anthologies, Contemporary, Fantasy, Gothic, Historical Romance, Holidays, Inspirational, LGBT, Medical, Military, Multicultural & Interracial, Mystery & Suspense, New Adult & College, Paranormal, Romantic, Comedy, Science Fiction, Sports, Time Travel, Westerns

And when you click on each of these you can drill down further into sub-sub-categories.

Not only that, but you can filter by 'romantic heroes'. Fancy a book about spies or cowboys? Aristocrats, doctors or pirates?

Or consider the theme. International, amnesia wedding, love triangle and second chances all are included in your menu of options.

Good grief! It's enough to make your head spin.

So, let's explore some ideas...

Contemporary Romance is a rather broad one, and simply put, means it's set in the modern day; the here and now. However, modern includes anything from the 1950s to today. And it can be split into many groups. Fundamentally, you'll find modern issues and an essence of realism here.

Romance Writers of America (RWA) describe Romantic Suspense as “romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.”

Elements of suspense, such as kidnapping, crime or intrigue are included, but the romantic relationship is still the primary focus.

For books with an emotionally and optimistic ending, try heading to Inspirational Romance. Aww, the sub-genre of warm fuzzies. Usually includes some sort of spiritual development. Tends to have less sexual content.

I've pictured Self Love here, but is also fits into Chick Lit, which is usually set in the city where the MC tackles work, love and life balancing. It got a bad name sadly, so it less frequently seen now. Tsk!
And the one it's listed under is actually Romantic Comedy - does as it says on the tin.

Then you have things that go bump in the night reside in Parnaormal Romance. This is no longer the realm of werewolves and vampires, although these remain understandably popular. It can include many fantastical beings, such as angels, demons, pixies, faeries, shapeshifters, ghosts and more.

What you will discover in these pages is world building; you may not be in Kansas, or even Earth any more 😉

Looking for a bodice ripper? Yes, these can be located in Historical Romance. BUT many others are also waiting. For a start, there's a variety of nations to select from. Fancy a bit of Rhett Butler in the USA or Mr Darcy in England? And don't forget India, China, Africa - all the countries.

There are, of course, lots of options to select from. Regency is but one (which I am currently writing, so do look out for that one), and is actually a sub-genre in its own right. But WWII, Medieval, Tudor, Viking, Celtic and Ancient History are also included. So many centuries - basically, anything before 1950.

Erotic Romance - not to be confused with erotica, which is very hardcore. 

Yes, there is sexual content, and raunchy at that. But the development of the character is through that sexuality. There should still be rigorous plot and well-endowed, err... well-developed characters. (sorry, couldn't resist 😁). Actually, my book Dark Love sits in this category, despite me displaying it in Contemporary above. 

LGBT is happily a rapidly expanding sub-genre. As you'd expect, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships occur in these books. I'm listing it as a sub-genre, but technically it is more of a clarifier in any of the above categories. Having said that, Amazon have got it listed as a sub-genre in romance, so yay. 

And no, I have no idea why my images suddenly went 'historical' for the last two sub-genres 😖 I think it's just where my head's at currently. It's hard to live in the now when I'm so immersed in 1814. Not that I need an excuse; they're lovely images. 

Well, that's some of the big ones covered. I could go on all day; this is so much fun. But then I may never stop and you'd get ever so bored.

I hope this is useful and inspires you to take another look at romance books.



What's your favourite?
Tell me in the comments or message me.



Always in love and light,
TL

Psst... should you wish to peruse my own offerings in this genre, please feel free to visit my page on Amazon  or follow the link to your preferred store
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