Historical fiction places emphasis on the history of the period. While there should be strong characters, romantic relationships between them are not the primary focus of the novel.

However, that is not to say that there can’t be strong romantic elements.

In historical fiction vs historical romance, there can also be more than one couple, or the main character having numerous relationships. In an historical romance, we expect the characters to be monogamous for the most part, and we want to trace the path of them falling in love.

Historical romance should be all about that, the hero and heroine falling in love. There can be other themes and concerns, and momentous events, but we should never be allowed to lose sight of the couple’s feelings for one another, growing bond, and obstacles to their happiness.

Medieval romances have still retained their popularity despite fluctuations in the popularity of the historical romance.

Why do we love medieval romances?

Do all the heroes have to be knights in shining armor?

What of the heroines?

Do you think some medieval heroines tend to be either doormats and dull, or so absurdly modern that you want to throw the book against the wall?

How do you feel about the stereotypical pillaging knight?

What other professions can a medieval hero engage in?

And how hot should the passion be in a medieval romance?

Let the discussion begin!

Having lived in Ireland for so many years, but also being a great world traveller, I have to say that while I might be biased, Ireland is truly one of the most romantic places you could ever want to visit, or use as the setting of a romance novel.

It could also be the gorgeous scenery and countryside, a perfect backdrop to falling in love.

Perhaps it is also the more spiritual aspect of the people,  religiously devoted, and mystical passionate Celts as well.

It is wonderful for grown adults to still believe in the fairies and leprechauns.

What do you think? Do you enjoy  romances set in Ireland? Rural, or Dublin?

Why do you think Ireland is such a popular romance locale?

How do you feel about paranormal romances set in Ireland?

Paranormal elements in books set in Ireland?

I am not sure why this has become such a truism. Perhaps because of Mills and Boon all the way back in the 1930s becoming the first romance publisher which served up steady portions or romance (though they started out life mainly as a medical publisher!). It could also be the gorgeous scenery and countryside, a perfect backdrop to falling in love.

Perhaps it is also the stiff upper lip lifestyle, where the British passion is understated, underexpressed, but therefore all the more ardent when it comes bursting forth.

What do you think? Do you expect your romances to be set in England? Rural, or London?

Why do you think England is such a popular romance locale?

Why the Regency, you might ask.

Cool clothes, manly men, spies and intrigue, and a rigid code of rules of conduct which could mean all the difference between success and ruin for both men and women.

It is a world very different from our own, but just think of the smouldering passions of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (especially the Colin Firth adaptation!) or the recent BBC Sense and Sensibility, and you will get an idea of the kind of eroticism that builds if you don’t just do it like bunnies or see it plastered all over the TV and billboards.

Of course, Regency romances a la Georgette Heyer have been supplanted by more racy fare. How spicy is too spicy in a Regency romance? How much comedy of manners do you prefer in your Regency? And how historically accurate do you want your Regency romance novel to be?

We would argue that so many have been done so badly recently, it is just a modern romance in fancy dress. Society was almost everything at that period of time, so racy women might well have existed, but even people with money had to observe certain social mores.

Then we have the Napoleonic War. Should it be mentioned, or left out? Why did Austen not mention it in her novels?

Tell us what you think! Click below to get started with posting your comments.

Modern romance is the most popular of all the romance genres. Category and series romance, chick lit, inspirational romance, suspense romance, there are a lot of different lines out there.

Do you like total standalone romances, or a series?

Who are your favorite authors?

What are your particular pet peeves?

We’ll start off. We all HATE series romances that show they are just that–they introduce a whole bunch of characters, when what we really want is to see the heroine fall in love with the hero. Especially when some of the books are so short! Less is more when it comes to character development.

We also HATE the ‘romances’ where they were once in love/married. It went wrong, usually because of fouled up communication. Not very exciting. We would much rather see something fresh and different than two people snarling at each other over past supposed or real wrongs, and exacting retribution for them throughout the book.

Thoughts, anyone? Feel free to post your comments below.

Here at HerStory Books, we specialize in historical fiction, and historical romance.

What do you think is the difference between the two?

What do you love about historical romance?

Feel free to post your comments! They will be moderated to make sure you are not a spammer, but otherwise, welcome to the discussion!