As defined by the Romance Writers of America, the central story line in all romantic novels revolves around the relationship of the main characters as it develops into romantic love. The conflicts and ultimate climax of romance stories needs to directly relate to the primary plot. Subplots can occur around, but don’t have to necessarily relate to, the principle theme. All the events, however, need to connect and come to an enriching and psychologically satisfying conclusion.
While some romance writers and romance readers recognize deviations from this form, the overall consensus is that romance novels revolve around this primary relationship between the male and female characters. These heroes and heroines are ultimately rewarded for doing the right thing, while secondary characters, who demonstrate poor character, fall by the wayside.
Romance stories can take place in a variety of settings during almost any historical time frame as long as they adhere to this basic format. The setting and historical time period usually establish the romance novels as part of a specific romantic subgenre.
Romance novels fall between the extremes of very gentle, modest romance to explicitly erotic novels. Approximately 90% of romance readers are women, therefore whatever the content; the stories are usually presented from the perspective of a female protagonist.
Historical romance novels, specifically, take place prior to World War II. Historical romances are usually published in paperback and account for about one in every five romance novels published in today’s market.
The writing of romance is traced back to the mid-1700’s when Samuel Richardson wrote Pamela, often acknowledged as the first romance novel that conformed to the rules defined above. Later, in the 1800’s Jane Austin further developed the genre when she published Pride and Prejudice, often revered as the finest historical romance novel ever written.
Whatever your interest, whatever the time frame, the world of historical romance has something for everyone. From biblical time to the wild western frontier, love and passion can be found everywhere!