Subgenres
Contemporary Romance
Set in the time period in which they are written, these books tend to reflect contemporary values. Current books feature independent, career-oriented heroines. The majority of romance novels published today are contemporary. These books can vary in tone; some are serious and focus mainly on the relationship, while others can be humorous and seem like a cross between chick lit and romance (i.e. Jennifer Crusie).
Key authors: Jayne Ann Krentz, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown
Historical Romance
Historical romances are set in any time period in the past; the time period is a central part of the story. They often feature actual events and people, and the authors do a lot of research to make them historically accurate. Although the time period is important, the main focus is on the relationship between the hero and heroine. Levels of sensuality and explicitness can vary, and the books often feature elements of adventure, intrigue, or suspense.
Key authors: Mary Balogh, Amanda Quick (pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz), Julie Garwood, Elizabeth Boyle
Category or Series Romance
These are short, contemporary novels that follow the classic romance formula, and because of their length, most of the book is about the hero and heroine together rather than other aspects of their lives. The books are published in numbered series with approximately 70 new titles each month under various imprints. The main characters are committed to each other when sex is involved, and the descriptions are not as graphic as those in longer books. The two main publishers of series romances are Harlequin and Silhouette, and the books are short, usually between 40,000 and 75,000 words. Different imprints within the major publishing houses have different styles and appeals. For example, the Harlequin Presents line is glitzy and glamorous with heroes who are rich and powerful, and they include a great deal of sensuality. Harlequin Intrigue books include suspenseful situations along with the romance. Ethnic or multicultural romances are becoming popular in the category subgenre, featuring characters that are non-white, usually Hispanic or African-American. They are sold under series imprints, which include BET's Arabesque, Ballantine's One World, and Kensington's Encanto.
Key authors: Miranda Lee, Kate Walker, Helen Bianchin, Beverly Jenkins
Regency Romance
Regency romances are set during England's Regency period (1811-1820), a time of affluence and elegance. They are written along the lines of a Jane Austen novel, and emphasize the repartee between the hero and heroine rather than a sexual relationship. As shorter comedies of manners, they are witty and light and feature characters who behave properly and follow the social mores of their time. They can be considered part of a greater subgenre of period romances, which are set in a specific historical period, but events and people from that time are considered a backdrop and don't affect the storyline. More important are social customs and society.
Key authors: Mary Jo Putney, Marion Chesney, Georgette Heyer
Alternative Reality Romance
Growing rapidly in popularity, these books prominently feature paranormal, time travel, or futuristic elements. Characters themselves are sometimes vampires, witches, or ghosts, or can be reincarnations of past selves. These romances are enjoyed for their otherworldly elements; they provide an additional escape from reality and stretch the imagination.
Key authors: Susan Krinard, J.D. Robb (pen name for Nora Roberts), Jayne Castle (pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz), Virginia Farmer
Romantic Suspense
In these books, the elements of romance and suspense are about equal. The heroine is threatened, and is usually rescued by the hero as they are falling in love. Some imprints of category romances are specifically romantic suspense. Many successful romance writers have turned to romantic suspense.
Key authors: Karen Robards, Sandra Brown, Tami Hoag
Inspirational Romance
These books incorporate Christian beliefs and values into the plot with various degrees of religious content, and are published in both contemporary and historical settings. The characters can be of a specific religion or non-denominational, and the books can have varying degrees of evangelizing. The hero and heroine must often work out issues they have with God before they can get completely involved in the romantic relationship.
Key authors: Janet Tronstad, Janette Oke, Lori Wick, Francine Rivers
Resources used:
Bouricius, A. (2000). The romance readers' advisory: The librarian's guide to love in the stacks. Chicago: American Library Association.
Saricks, J. (2001). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction. Chicago: American Library Association.
http://www.romantictimes.com/ Subgenre definitions