Are you someone who likes to read romance? Are you confused about all the sub-genres? The answer to those questions for me is a resounding yes. Well, I’m not so confused anymore, and I am here to help you. Romance is my bag, baby. (I really hope at least someone got that reference.)
I don’t know about you, but my romance reading has expanded and evolved since I was a teenager. I remember reading The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle (both by L.J. Smith) as a teen. Then I moved on to a variety of Harlequin romances in the Historical and Intrigue genres. I dabbled in the Desire and Suspense genres, too, but really enjoyed the books by Rebecca York, especially the 43rd Light Street series because it deals with paranormal and other fantasy elements. Then, I was introduced to Laurell K. Hamilton and Rachel Caine and their Merry Gentry and Weather Warden series, respectively. I also figured out I like series. What can I say? I like visiting with my friends and seeing what is going on in their lives.
Ok, now on to the good stuff. Most of these sub-genres have their own sub-genres, and the generations go on. I think I have a pretty thorough list for you. I didn’t add everything under each sub-genre, but I think it is enough to give you the idea. I also found that some genres bleed into others, which is fine with me. I love inclusivity. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
First, let’s define the overall romance genre. Romance books have to do with love and lust with emotion. The Romance Writers of America defines the romance genre by saying, “Two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending.” With this in mind, that opens a whole world of options, and writers all over the globe have filled it. With this, let’s see what else we have:
Historical~
It is just as it sounds. The story takes place in prior centuries. There is regency, the Wild West, pirates, the medieval times, and more. I love this genre. I favor medieval-era books, and my favorite ones include magic, which surprises no one.
Regency romance is in the years from 1811 to 1820, and while the stories are often charming, the genre, if done well, gives us a peek into what it was like for women in that era. Especially for the British since books from here are generally set in England. However, we can find suspense and laughs. And even erotica in these books.
Western romance is a thing that combines the genres of romance and Western, and some will even pull in the mystery genre. Western romance is also called Cowboy Romance. This genre is specific to America and the struggles of a wild landscape. This genre can be either historical or contemporary. You will find cowboys, of course, all chiseled and rugged, as well as ranches and saloons with suspense and adventure.
Viking romance is one I didn’t think of until I went looking. I had to put some on my KU so I can review some for you. This includes powerful men with the challenges of living in the rugged beauty of their land and the beauties who love them. From what I read, it is a very alpha male genre. This sub-genre would be easy to slip magick into because of the myth and magick connected to the Nordic lands and its people.
Medieval romance is one of my favorites. When I was reading the Harlequin Historical books, I ate them up. These books are set in the Middle Ages and have all the chivalry you want. There are epic quests, evil forces, dashing knights, and breathtaking damsels in need of help whether they want it or not. You get to see castles and live in elaborate tents for tournaments and jousting. One book I read, and I frustratingly can’t remember the title or author, the soon-to-be mother-in-law didn’t believe in healing the sick. God would decide if they lived or died. I found stuff like that often in those books. Like I said earlier, my favorite medieval books have magick in them. You can find the books set everywhere in Europe and the highlands of Scotland.
Pirate romance is, of course, pirates. They take place on the high seas and ports of call. Adventure awaits where you can find treasure and true love.
Contemporary~
Contemporary romance takes place in the modern day. This has many sub-genres. A wide range of themes fall under this, such as single parents, uniforms, military, and more.
Sports romance is a popular sub-genre right now. All sports are up for grabs with this. I have read football, hockey, and boxing stories. It has hot jocks and beautiful women. I have found suspense, deceit, cunning, and men looking for a second chance trope. I am not big on sports, period, so this isn’t one of my go-to genres.
Rock Star romance is, you guessed it, a romance set in the music industry. You get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes of fame and fortune. You will see a lot of the friends-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers themes. However, you know how hot your favorite rock star is, so you know the MMC is gonna be smokin’, and the woman will be too.
Billionaire romance is where the MMC is filthy rich. I mean, just obscenely rich. They can buy anything they want and always have the body to hold their own in a fight. I started reading these because of my shifter romances.
Mafia romance is a new and popular one like the billionaire and sports ones. They are often just as wealthy as the billionaires and hold a different and often grittier power.
Urban romance is set in a cityscape. It is gritty and has a more real description of life in the city. This genre shows inner-city crime and poverty with a more realistic depiction of racial and social issues. It
Lgbtqia+~
LGBTQIA+ romance is another that fits into all genres because you can have a female human and a female alien be mates or two cowboys fall for each other, whatever combo you would like to read about. That being said, I am glad they have this representation and that they can find titles with that keyword. It makes it infinitely easier to find books. This genre features all forms of love connections, more than the lesbian and gay examples I used a minute ago. The beauty of people from all walks of life is getting to hear their voices out there, which gives others a place to see themselves represented and find love.
Fantasy~
Fantasy romance is my jam! This genre is a mix of fantasy elements, magic, myth, supernatural beings, and science fiction, all with the added bonus of romance.
Paranormal romance is a chef’s kiss. It is also called supernatural or preternatural romance. We have vampires, wereanimals, shifters, fae, witches, and more. So much more. You can find myth, magick, quests where life and death hang in the balance, and fated mates. I love the fated mates trope. I was so happy to find that in Sarah J. Mass’s ACOTAR series.
Science fiction romance is one that bends science. Time or space travel, aliens, the future, all bursting with emotion and seemingly insurmountable obstacles to find their happily ever after.
Post-apocalyptic romance is set in a world that is destroyed, yet love and life are found in the aftermath. This genre often pulls in elements of science fiction, paranormal, and suspense. The characters must fight to survive in multiple areas.
Young Adult~
Young adult romance is all about finding your first love. They face all the problems we face, the insecurities, the ebb and flow of emotions that are beyond our control, friends, you remember. Goddess, I wish I didn’t remember. The target age range for young adults is twelve to eighteen years old, so age-appropriate love displays are usually in play. However, parents, know what your kids are reading. That being said, young adult books in general, span all of the other genres listed in this article. The Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle series are in here.
Erotic~
Erotic romance is the spicy one though the level of spice varies between books. While there are ones that are almost exclusively sexual in nature, eroticism is more of a possibility in any other genre rather than being its own genre, in my way of thinking. What’s your opinion? Booksellers don’t seem to agree with me, though. Laurell K. Hamilton fits into both the fantasy genre and this one, but Anita and Merry belong here. Laurell agrees.
Romantic Comedy~
Romantic comedy romance brings together love and laughter. The stories are very light-hearted, and happily ever afters are guaranteed.
Romantic Mystery~
Romantic Mystery has intrigue, suspense, crime, and excitement. It usually has high stakes and a large dose of danger. The men are very alpha males and very protective. This is what Harlequin Intrigue made me fall in love with. The men were rugged and fiercely protective, and some of the women were sassy and capable. Those are the ones I like. I despise FMCs who don’t contribute anything besides being a trophy to the story. I just read one. Bletch.
Clean~
Clean romance is zero spice. Not even kissing or at least minimal and no steam. It has emotional intimacy and emotional growth as the most important parts of the story. This is not one I have read at all. I started my romance journey with at least a black pepper amount of spice in my books if not cayenne, I have only continued to build my heat tolerance since. But again, this could be added to any other genre.
Inspirational~
Inspirational romance is about finding love while staying close to the Christian god. There is a delicate balance between the two, and this genre does it well. Because this genre stays close to the Christian god, some of the other genres can’t be pulled in, like fantasy or erotic (obviously), but that doesn’t take away the charm of the story for the right people.
As you can see, there are romance books for everyone, and they can be found in all formats. Despite loving physical books, I have found the e-format to work better for me. Not to mention, with Stuff Your Kindle Day, I can get free books. That doesn’t happen with physical books unless you know someone getting rid of books, and you hope they are the ones you read. But now, you know what each sub-genre is and now you can better find books you like.
What is/are your favorite genre(s)? Also, what kind of format do you like best for your book? I think mine, at this point, is an e-reader. Are you more of an audiobook person? Or does nothing beat the feel of a book in your hands? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, have fun storming the castle!
