Well, historic romance novels usually incorporate more historical events and details. They might revolve around a specific period like the Renaissance or the Middle Ages. In contrast, contemporary romance novels tend to be more focused on modern - day issues such as career and technology. Also, the language in historic romance novels can be more formal or archaic to fit the time period, while contemporary romance novels use more modern language and slang.
In historic romance novels, the characters' actions and decisions are often influenced by the historical norms of their time. For instance, a female character in a medieval - set romance may have limited options in terms of her future due to the patriarchal society. In contemporary romance, characters generally have more freedom and equality in relationships. Moreover, the settings in historic romance novels can be a major draw, like the grand palaces in a regency - era story, which is quite different from the modern cityscapes or small - town settings often seen in contemporary romance.
Historic romance novels are set in the past, so they often have a different cultural and social context. For example, in a Victorian - era historic romance, there are strict rules about courtship and propriety that don't exist in the same way in contemporary romance.
Contemporary romance novels are set in modern times, so they can deal with modern issues like technology, career - driven characters, and current social norms. Historical romance novels, on the other hand, are set in the past, often with different social hierarchies and values. For example, in contemporary romance, characters might text each other, while in historical, they would write letters.
Historical romance novels are set in the past, often in a specific historical period like the Victorian era or the Middle Ages. They usually incorporate elements of the historical setting such as social norms, fashion, and political situations. Contemporary romance novels, on the other hand, are set in the present day. They deal with modern - day issues like technology, career - driven characters, and modern relationship dynamics. For example, in a historical romance, a woman might be restricted by the social mores of her time in terms of her relationship with a man, while in a contemporary romance, the characters have more freedom in choosing their partners.
Erotic contemporary romance novels usually have more explicit sexual content compared to traditional ones. While traditional romance novels focus more on the emotional connection and the journey to love, erotic ones incorporate detailed sexual descriptions as part of the relationship development.
Feminist contemporary romance novels often have more empowered female characters. In traditional romance novels, the female lead might be more passive, waiting for the male to rescue or define her. But in feminist ones, like in 'The Kiss Quotient', the woman is in control of her own life and love story. She has her own career, goals, and doesn't rely solely on the man. Another difference is the handling of gender roles. Feminist novels break these roles more often. For example, in 'Red, White & Royal Blue', both male and female characters challenge the expected behaviors of their genders in a relationship.
Emotional contemporary romance novels often deal with modern - day issues and settings. For example, they might include technology, modern workplaces, or current social issues. Classic romance novels usually have more traditional settings like historical periods or aristocratic societies. Also, the way emotions are expressed in emotional contemporary romance novels can be more in line with modern sensibilities, while classic ones may have more formal ways of depicting love and attraction.
Christian contemporary romance novels often include strong religious themes. For example, characters might turn to prayer or their faith in God to deal with relationship issues, which is not as common in other romance novels.
Contemporary wallflower romance novels often focus on the transformation of the wallflower character. While other romance novels might center on more outgoing or already confident characters. For example, in a regular romance, the hero and heroine could be social butterflies. But in wallflower romance novels, the main character is usually shy and reserved at the start, like in 'The Wallflower Wager' where the wallflower has to step out of her comfort zone for love.
The pace of contemporary country romance novels can be different too. They might move at a slower, more laid - back pace, similar to the lifestyle in the country. This can be a refreshing change from the fast - paced, high - energy romances set in busy metropolitan areas. There's also often a connection to traditional ways of life in country romances, like country fairs and old - fashioned courtship, which you don't always find in other types of romance novels.
Contemporary Christian romance novels often have a stronger focus on faith. In regular romance novels, the focus may be mainly on the relationship between the two main characters. But in Christian ones, characters' spiritual growth and their relationship with God are important parts of the story. For example, in a regular romance, a couple might overcome an obstacle just for the sake of their love, while in a Christian romance, they might also turn to God for guidance in that situation.
The settings are different too. Traditional romance novels may be set in more common, real - world locations like small towns or big cities without any supernatural aspects. However, contemporary urban fantasy romance novels are set in modern cities but with a hidden world of magic and the supernatural. So, the heroine in an urban fantasy romance might be running through the alleys of a city being chased by a demon while falling in love with a wizard at the same time. The stakes are often higher in urban fantasy romance as it involves not just the relationship but also the fate of the supernatural world.