A list of some of the more popular romance novel sub-genres
From the allure of days gone by to the tantalizing pull of otherworldly realms, the romance literary sphere offers a myriad of sub-genres to satisfy every reader’s taste. Each presents a unique world waiting to be explored, whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer. Check out some of the more popular sub-genres below.
Romance Novel Sub-genres
- Action Adventure – Romance with thrilling and fast-paced action, often featuring danger and excitement.
- Alpha Males – Centered around dominant male protagonists and their romantic pursuits.
- Billionaires – Focuses on wealthy protagonists and the world of luxury and power.
- College – Set in a college setting, exploring young adult relationships and coming-of-age challenges.
- Comedy – Combines humor with romance, often featuring witty banter and comedic situations.
- Contemporary – Set in the present day, dealing with current themes and modern romantic relationships.
- Enemies First – Starts with protagonists who are adversaries but eventually find love.
- Fantasy – Features magical or otherworldly elements as integral parts of the romance.
- Frontier – Romance set on the frontier or in a historical setting where land is untamed.
- Gothic – Combines elements of horror and romance, often with a moody and mysterious tone.
- Historical – Set in the past, rich with historical detail and often featuring period customs.
- Interracial – Focuses on relationships between individuals of different racial backgrounds.
- LGBTQ – Centralizes romantic relationships between LGBTQ+ characters.
- Love Triangle – Involves a protagonist torn between two love interests.
- Mafia – Romance entangled within the world of organized crime and power struggles.
- Mature – Features more seasoned characters with life experience, often beyond the first blush of youth.
- Polyamory – Explores consensual relationships involving multiple partners.
- Rockstar – Romance that rocks with the highs and lows of dating a rockstar.
- Sci Fi – Blends elements of science fiction with romance, often set in futuristic or alternative universes.
- Small Town – Set in quaint towns, focusing on community and rural romantic life.
- Sports – Features protagonists who are athletes or involved in the sports industry.
- Suspense – Incorporates elements of suspense or thriller within the romance narrative.
- Time Travel – Involves characters traveling in time and the romantic implications of such journeys.
- Uniformed – Centers on characters in uniform (military, law enforcement, etc.) and the unique challenges they face in romance.
- Workplace – Explores romantic relationships that start or evolve within a professional setting.
Romance Rankings (All Categories)
Below is a list of our top rated romance novels in the general category. These titles can and likely will show up within other category top-30 lists, as well given their popularity and quality.
Rankings updated: Nov 2023
#2
YS Rating 4.9
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
~$48.77
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#4
YS Rating 4.9
A Kilt for Christmas: An opposites attract magical romance (The Enchanted Highlands Book 3)
~$4.99
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#8
YS Rating 4.8
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
~$10.37
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#9
YS Rating 4.7
After the Storm: A Small Town, Single Dad, Second Chance Romance (Cottonwood Cove Series Book 5)
~$4.99
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#16
YS Rating 4.6
Dante: A Dark Mafia, Enemies to Lovers Romance (Chicago Ruthless Book 1)
~$4.99
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#17
YS Rating 4.6
King of Wrath: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Kings of Sin Book 1)
~$5.99
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#19
YS Rating 4.6
Watch Your Mouth: A Brother's Best Friend Hockey Romance (Kings of the Ice)
~$5.99
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#21
YS Rating 4.5
King of Greed: A Billionaire Romance (Kings of Sin Book 3)
~$5.99
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#23
YS Rating 4.5
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont: The unforgettable book everyone is talking about in 2023
~$0.99
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#29
YS Rating 4.3
Once You're Mine: A Dark Stalker Romance (Possessing Her Book 1)
~$4.99
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