Romantic novels have captivated readers for generations, offering stories of love, passion, and emotional connection that resonate across cultures and time periods.
They come in a vast array of subgenres, from historical and contemporary to paranormal and fantasy, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a sweeping epic of star-crossed lovers, a cosy small-town romance, or a sizzling tale of forbidden desire, the genre embraces stories of all kinds, featuring characters of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. There is a romance novel for every reader, making it one of the most enduring and widely loved literary genres.
In this excerpt from Rachel Hore‘s How to Write Romantic Fiction course, she provides an insightful overview of the wide-ranging scope of romantic fiction and introduces a series of engaging writing exercises to help you get started.
The popularity of romance books
Romantic fiction is hugely popular at present. It seems readers are on the search for love in every imaginable permutation. On bookshop shelves Rebecca Yarros’s romantasy novels (blending fantasy and romance) jostle Emily Henry’s romantic comedies and Laurie Gilmore’s ‘spicy’ tales. Love stories by David Nicholls and Marian Keyes top the bestseller lists.
There’s also unquenchable interest in literary classics by favourites such as Jane Austen and the Brontës, including new spinoffs from the originals. And many romances go on to be adapted for the screen: Diana Gabaldon’s historical Outlander series, for example, Coleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy and the Six.
Top romantic tropes and genres
Readers discuss favourite tropes on social media – stories about ‘enemies to lovers’, ‘forbidden’ and ‘unrequited’ love. Or do you like something darker, thrillerish, or even supernatural in tone?
Many romantic novels are unashamedly genre, hugely enjoyable and attracting good sales, but don’t forget that love makes the world go round in all kinds of fiction. Many novels are about relationships and the search for love is a ubiquitous theme.
However you choose to write about romantic love you’ll find useful tips on this romantic fiction course about developing a narrative, building character, introducing suspense, sustaining tone and voice and employing setting to ensure that your story is a success.
Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.
Sub-genres of romance
Here are some sub-genres of romance that you might encounter:
Romantasy, the combination of romance and fantasy, e.g. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
Romantic comedy or rom-com, usually light-hearted and low stakes, e.g. My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes.
Erotica (also called ‘spicy romance’) – there’s less of this around than at its peak, but think Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James or less explicit examples like The Idea Of You by Robinne Lee. Spicy (Laurie Gilmore) is not quite as explicit as erotica.
High concept romance often has a supernatural element, unusual concept, or structural hook. For example Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major which is about a time loop, or Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, the story of a pop band.
Romantic suspense (romance with some crime or thriller elements) e.g. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Dark romance (romance with some horror or disturbing elements) e.g. H.D. Carlton’s Haunting Adeline or It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. Some of these books can feature quite serious issues and be triggering to many.
Queer romance – don’t think that romance has to be confined to heterosexual relationships! Some great examples are The Split by Laura Kay or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Also In Memoriam by Alice Winn, which isn’t being marketed as romance but does have a strong love story at the heart of a book about war.
Historical fiction can be any period but Regency is very popular, such as the Bridgerton books or Georgette Heyer, and so is World War 2.
Romance fused with another genre, e.g. horror in Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
There are lots of other sub-genres, some very niche, e.g. billionaire romance, hockey romance, military romance, single dad romance, and many more.
Creative exercise
Write down your three favourite romantic novels (or three recent books in the romance genre). Which sub-genre would you classify them each as?
Writing exercise
Body language
Think about two or more bodies in a room, or take a scene from your own work. Remember, the more bodies to orchestrate the more complex and interesting, but the harder the task! What are they each saying?
Then think about what they are each thinking.
How do their bodies convey or mask these differences. Is their body language defensive, flirtatious, comforting. How might the characters be attuned to their bodies in this scenario? Are they unaware of themselves, or horribly self-conscious? As you start to build their personality and backstory, how does their body language change in the given scenario?
Try limiting yourself to 500 words.
This creative exercise is taken from our article ‘Love and character – creative writing exercises‘.
Book now: How to Write Romantic Fiction (12-week course)
Discover the art of crafting unforgettable love stories in this expertly designed course led by million-copy bestselling author Rachel Hore. Explore the key elements of romantic fiction — from deep relationships and passionate tension to personal growth — brought to life through vivid characters and engaging plots.
You’ll receive personalised feedback from Rachel on up to six assignments. Additionally, you’ll have a one-to-one tutorial to discuss your work in depth and explore your next steps as a writer.
Access free resource packs created by award-winning writers and industry experts
Our resource packs are designed for writers at the early stages of their writing journey. Each pack contains advice, practical tips and writing exercises delivered by established writers such as Jenny Offill, Geoff Dyer, Eimear McBride, Sarah Perry, Okechukwu Nzelu, Michel Faber and more.
Topics include love, method, character, plot, research, dialogue and structure.
You may also like...
Rachel Hore recommends her favourite romantic fiction novels
Indulge in a mood-boosting read with guidance from multi-bestselling novelist and NCW tutor Rachel Hore, who shares her favourite romance novels.
31st March 2025
Breaking into romance: essential advice for writers
In this exclusive interview, Blake Friedmann Literary Agency’s Vice Head of Books Juliet Pickering shares her advice for aspiring romance writers.
13th June 2024
How to turn your setting into a character
International best-selling author Jessica Redland describes how you can use your setting to help build a great character.
25th May 2022