Romance

What Is Romance? (Definition & Examples)

Romance is a literary genre that focuses on love, relationships, and emotional connections between characters. In the UK book market, romance remains one of the most popular genres, ranging from classic love stories to contemporary romantic comedies and historical sagas.

Detailed Explanation

Romance as a genre has a long history, stretching back to medieval tales of courtly love and chivalry. Early romance literature often centred on knights, quests, and noble devotion. By the 18th and 19th centuries, writers such as Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters shaped the genre into a form more recognisable today, focusing on personal relationships, social commentary, and the emotional lives of characters.

Modern romance in the UK takes many forms. Contemporary romance explores realistic relationships, often set in familiar urban or rural settings. Historical romance transports readers to different eras, while sub-genres like fantasy romance or romantic suspense combine love stories with other elements. Romance is also one of the most accessible and inclusive genres, offering diverse perspectives and characters.

At Fox & Fable Booksellers, romance books are frequently chosen by book clubs and community groups for their relatability and broad appeal. Teachers and schools may also use accessible romance titles, particularly in young adult fiction, to encourage engagement with reading. Bulk orders of romance novels are popular for clubs, libraries, and gifting programmes, making the genre both versatile and enduring.

Examples of Romance Books and Authors

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – a cornerstone of British romance literature.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë – blending gothic elements with a powerful love story.
Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn – historical romance made famous by its Netflix adaptation.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes – a modern romance with emotional depth.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman – a YA graphic novel series popular in UK schools and book clubs.

Why Romance Matters

Romance matters because it speaks to one of the most universal human experiences: the search for love and connection. For readers, it provides both escapism and relatability. For book clubs, it sparks discussions around relationships, identity, and society. For schools, young adult romance can be a powerful way to engage reluctant readers.

At Fox & Fable Booksellers, we make romance books easy to access through affordable bulk orders and curated collections, ensuring that readers of all ages can enjoy the genre’s timeless appeal.

Romance

What Is Romance? (Definition & Examples)

Detailed Explanation

Examples of Romance Books and Authors

Why Romance Matters

Relevant Tags

About Us

T&Cs