Romance Genres

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

#1
YS Rating 4.9
Caught Up (Windy City Book 3) (Windy City Series)
Caught Up (Windy City Book 3) (Windy City Series) Cover
~$4.99
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#2
YS Rating 4.9
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books) Cover
~$48.77
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#3
YS Rating 4.9
Things We Left Behind (Knockemout Book 3)
Things We Left Behind (Knockemout Book 3) Cover
~$5.99
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#4
YS Rating 4.9
A Kilt for Christmas: An opposites attract magical romance (The Enchanted Highlands Book 3)
A Kilt for Christmas: An opposites attract magical romance (The Enchanted Highlands Book 3) Cover
~$4.99
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#5
YS Rating 4.9
Cruel Paradise (Oryolov Bratva Book 1)
Cruel Paradise (Oryolov Bratva Book 1) Cover
~$2.99
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#6
YS Rating 4.8
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel Cover
~$2.99
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#7
YS Rating 4.8
Cruel Promise (Oryolov Bratva Book 2)
Cruel Promise (Oryolov Bratva Book 2) Cover
~$7.99
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#8
YS Rating 4.8
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1) Cover
~$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)
After the Storm: A Small Town, Single Dad, Second Chance Romance (Cottonwood Cove Series Book 5) Cover
~$4.99
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#10
YS Rating 4.7
Until Hanna : Until Him/Her
Until Hanna : Until Him/Her Cover
~$4.99
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#11
YS Rating 4.7
Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1)
Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1) Cover
~$5.99
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#12
YS Rating 4.7
Hopeless
Hopeless Cover
~$5.99
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#13
YS Rating 4.7
Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 2)
Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 2) Cover
~$4.99
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#14
YS Rating 4.7
The Graham Effect (Campus Diaries Book 1)
The Graham Effect (Campus Diaries Book 1) Cover
~$5.99
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#15
YS Rating 4.6
Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1)
Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1) Cover
~$4.99
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#16
YS Rating 4.6
Dante: A Dark Mafia, Enemies to Lovers Romance (Chicago Ruthless Book 1)
Dante: A Dark Mafia, Enemies to Lovers Romance (Chicago Ruthless Book 1) Cover
~$4.99
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#17
YS Rating 4.6
King of Wrath: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Kings of Sin Book 1)
King of Wrath: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Kings of Sin Book 1) Cover
~$5.99
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#18
YS Rating 4.6
The Whole Time (The D'Angelos Book 4)
The Whole Time (The D'Angelos Book 4) Cover
~$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)
Watch Your Mouth: A Brother's Best Friend Hockey Romance (Kings of the Ice) Cover
~$5.99
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#20
YS Rating 4.5
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses Cover
~$26.95
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#21
YS Rating 4.5
King of Greed: A Billionaire Romance (Kings of Sin Book 3)
King of Greed: A Billionaire Romance (Kings of Sin Book 3) Cover
~$5.99
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#22
YS Rating 4.5
Tempted By The Devil (Kings Of Mafia)
Tempted By The Devil (Kings Of Mafia) Cover
~$4.99
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#23
YS Rating 4.5
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont: The unforgettable book everyone is talking about in 2023
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont: The unforgettable book everyone is talking about in 2023 Cover
~$0.99
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#24
YS Rating 4.4
Love Redesigned (Lakefront Billionaires Book 1)
Love Redesigned (Lakefront Billionaires Book 1) Cover
~$4.99
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#25
YS Rating 4.4
Twisted Love: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance
Twisted Love: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance Cover
~$5.99
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#26
YS Rating 4.4
Romantic Comedy (Reese's Book Club): A Novel
Romantic Comedy (Reese's Book Club): A Novel Cover
~$1.99
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#27
YS Rating 4.4
Collide: A Hockey Romance
Collide: A Hockey Romance Cover
~$5.99
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#28
YS Rating 4.3
When We Were Enemies: A Novel
When We Were Enemies: A Novel Cover
~$4.99
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#29
YS Rating 4.3
Once You're Mine: A Dark Stalker Romance (Possessing Her Book 1)
Once You're Mine: A Dark Stalker Romance (Possessing Her Book 1) Cover
~$4.99
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#30
YS Rating 4.2
Good Elf Gone Wrong: A Holiday Romantic Comedy
Good Elf Gone Wrong: A Holiday Romantic Comedy Cover
~$5.99
Check out on Amazon
Romance novel genres
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