Sub-Genre

Description

Publishers

Historical Romance

Romance novels set in the past, primarily prior to WWII

Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, Harlequin, HarperMonogram, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Morrow, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, St. Martin's, Warner

Regency Romance

Set in England's Regency period
(circa 1800-1820)

Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, Harlequin, HarperMonogram, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Morrow, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, St. Martin's, Warner

Traditional (contemporary)
Series Romance

Sweet romances usually published in a numbered series or line

Harlequin Romance, Silhouette Romance

Short Contemporary Series Romance

Short, sensuous romances published as part of a series or line whose titles are usually numbered sequentially

Bantam Loveswept, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Temptation, Kensington Precious Gems, Silhouette Desire

Long Contemporary Series Romance

Longer sensuous romances published as part of a series or line whose titles are usually numbered sequentially

Harlequin Superromance, Harlequin American, Silhouette Special Edition, Silhouette Intimate Moments

Single Title Contemporary Romance

Contemporary Romances released as single titles

Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, HarperMonogram, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, St. Martin's, Warner

Romantic Suspense

Equal blend of love and danger

Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, HarperMonogram, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, St. Martin's, Warner

Multi-cultural Romance

Heroes and heroines from non-white ethnic backgrounds

Kensington Arabasque

Futuristic/Fantasy Romance

Romance plus science fiction/fantasy

Avon, Bantam, Berkley, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Harper Paperbacks, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Pocket, St. Martin's, Warner

Time Travel Romance

Travel back or forward in time and meet the love of a lifetime

Avon, Bantam, Berkley, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Harper Paperbacks, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Pocket, St. Martin's, Warner

Paranormal Romance

Angels, ghosts, vampires, etc.

Avon, Bantam, Berkley, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Harper Paperbacks, Kensington (Zebra, Pinnacle), Leisure, Pocket, St. Martin's, Warner

Inspirational Romance

Romantic novels with religious faith as a significant element of the story

Baker Books, Barbour, Bethany House, Harvest House, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale House

Young Adult Romance

Romantic novels for young adult readers

Bethany House, Bantam Sweet Dreams, Sweet Valley High, Harper, Parachute Press, Willowisp