The Romance Genre, Subgenres, and Subcategories

Writing Blog

Recently, as I have become more involved in the Romance genre and ventured online to find new authors to delve into, I have noticed that there are a number of abbreviations alongside romance book titles, that I have no clue what they mean!

I decided to do some research and discover exactly what terms like BWWM, BBW and MFM are.

Traditionally, Romance has been divided into the following subgenres (any of these subgenres can include books that are clean or erotic romances and anything within that spectrum)

Contemporary Romance are stories set from the end of WWII to present day. They focus on contemporary topics that readers can relate to such as workplace relationships, online dating, or blind dates for example. They can also challenge stereotypes such as physical perfection and sexuality or conform to these stereotypes. Authors include Pepper Winters, JoJo Moyes and my favourite authors Jay McLean and Jessica Sorensen.

Historical Romance are stories set before 1945. The historical context is important to provide the backdrop to the romance. The story must include the social norms of that time and the romance must operate within these boundaries. These could include Illicit love affairs, or external challenges such as war. Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander Series is an extremely popular example of this subgenre. Others include Cat Sebastian’s historical MM and Sylvia Day’s historical erotic romances.  

Regency Romance is a popular subcategory in this subgenre, think Britain, early 19th century and stories by Jane Austin. Contemporary writers include Georgette Heyer, Lisa Kleypas, Tessa Dare and Elizabeth Thornton.

Romantic Suspense. Just like a normal thriller or mystery but with a romantic element to it. Usually there are two lead characters who find themselves in a dangerous situation which leads to romance. This could be two police officers, secret agents, military personal or two random individuals caught up in a situation whereby one is the victim and one is the protector. I enjoy reading this genre and my favourite authors are Karen Rose and Karin Slaughter.

Paranormal Romance/ Speculative Romance. This subgenre can include any or all of the following elements: sci-fi, fantasy worlds, futuristic worlds, supernatural creatures including werewolves, elves, witches, and vampires. The world building is important in these stories and must form a cohesive foundation to the love story. Some of my favourite authors include Addison Moore and her Celestra Series, Jessica Sorensen, Lauren Kate, and Kathleen Kerridge.

Inspirational Romance. Based on faith, the romantic element is weaved around finding, building upon or challenges to religious or spiritual beliefs. Authors include Denise Hunter, Susan May Warren, and Becky Wade.

However, as the genre has expanded with certain subjects becoming less taboo or illegal, new subcategories are appearing, with abbreviations. Many readers are looking for romance novels with these specific themes within the subgenre. So, what do they mean? Here is a run down of the most common abbreviations I have seen:

BWWM Black woman/White man Romance. Authors include Jodie Slaughter, Latrivia S. Nelson and Theodora Taylor.

BBW Big/Beautiful/Woman Romance. These books refer to plus size women. Authors include Ava Greene and Fiona Murphy.

CCR Cross Cultural Romance. IR Interracial Romance. Authors include Laura Florand, C.P. Santi, Charish Reid and Lynn Turner.

MC Motorbike Club Romance. I loved Beth Flynn’s series which centred around a motorbike club. Other authors include Joanna Wylde, Kristen Ashley and Tillie Cole.

MM Male/Male Romance. Intimate relationship between two or more males, the more M’s the more men! Authors include Ella Frank, Damon Suede, C.S Pacat, Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux and Kathleen Kerridge.

FF Female/Female Romance. Intimate relationship between two or more females, the more F’S the more women! Authors include Olivia Waite, Nina LaCour, and Alyssa Cole.

BDSM Bondage, discipline, submission, and sadomasochism Romance. Think fifty shades of grey and then some. Authors include Annabel Joseph, Kallypso Masters and Cherise Sinclair.

MFM Male/Female/Male Romance. The men are straight and could be best friends, friends or brothers, but both are into the same girl. R.E Butler, Kylie Scott and Addison Moore Celestra Series. More men can be added to the story.

MMF Male/Male/Female Romance. The men are bisexual and everyone has a good time. Elli Kennedy and Zoey Derrick. More men can be added to the story.

Some examples of subcategories I have seen online:

A BBW Wolf-Shifter Romance

A Dark Mafia MFM Ménage Romance

BWWM and Werebear Shifter Romance

A BBW Bear Shifter Biker Romance

Lastly, there is also the age group consideration: Young Adult, New Adult and Adult Romance.

 A Young Adult Romance can contain any of the subgenres and subcategories but is written for the age group 12-18 years of age, although I enjoy reading Young Adult books. The content will be age appropriate and will include themes relevant to this age like first loves, identity, friendship, and relationships.   

New Adult Romance can contain any of the subgenres and subcategories but the age group of the main characters is 18 -30 years old, with themes including education and career choices, leaving home for the first time, relationships, and sexuality.

Many books, span a few of these subcategories and many authors like to write in a variety of subcategories within a romance subgenre. Any romance novel can be any combination of subgenre and subcategories.

I now understand a number of the subcategories and I have come to realise that I have read books in the MM, MC, MFM and MFMM, so not only authors, but as a reader myself, I enjoy reading within a variety of subgenres and subcategories in the romance genre.

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