Some popular 1980s romance novel books include 'Whitethorn' by Jude Deveraux. It was a great example of the historical romance genre that was so popular during that decade. The story often had elements of strong characters and complex relationships that kept readers engaged.
Another notable one is 'The Bride' by Julie Garwood. It was a best - seller in the 1980s. The story had a feisty heroine and a strong hero. The plot was filled with action, adventure, and of course, a great love story which was characteristic of the popular romance novels of that time.
One of the well - known 1980s romance novels is 'Flowers from the Storm' by Laura Kinsale. This book was special as it combined historical settings with deep emotional exploration of the characters. The hero and heroine's relationship was full of challenges, which made for a very engaging read.
Many of the 1980s romance novels often had strong female protagonists. For example, in 'Whitney, My Love', Whitney is a feisty character who doesn't easily submit to the hero's will at first. This was different from earlier romance novels where the female characters were sometimes more passive.
Many of them had strong character - driven stories. For example, in 'The Notebook', the two main characters, Noah and Allie, were well - developed, and their love story was the focus. Their personalities influenced how they interacted and overcame obstacles.
I'm not entirely sure which are the absolute most popular, but 'Peyton Place' was really well - known. It was sort of scandalous for its time, dealing with things like extramarital affairs in a small town, which made it a page - turner for many readers.
One of the well - known 1960s romance novels is 'Peyton Place' by Grace Metalious. It delved into the lives and romances of the residents in a small New England town, exploring themes like love, lust, and secrets.
One of the well - known 1980s romance novels is 'Whitney, My Love' by Judith McNaught. It's a classic that features a complex relationship between the main characters and has all the elements of a great historical romance.
One popular 1990s romance novel is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. It tells a heart - wrenching love story that spans many years. The characters' deep love and the challenges they face make it a classic. Another is 'Jane Eyre' which, although first published earlier, had a resurgence in popularity in the 90s. It's a story of a strong - willed woman and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester.
Some of the books in this list may have strong character development. In a romance novel, the characters need to be relatable and their growth throughout the story, especially in relation to their love interests, is important. For instance, a character might start off as shy and reserved in love but grow to be more confident and assertive.
Most of them are likely to focus on the relationship between the main characters. They often explore different aspects of love like first love, unrequited love or long - lasting love.
The books in the list usually have strong emotions. Take 'Gone with the Wind' for instance. Scarlett O'Hara's love for Ashley and Rhett Butler is full of passion, jealousy, and longing. Also, many of them are set in different time periods and locations, which add to the richness of the love stories. In 'Doctor Zhivago', the love story unfolds against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.
In 'Lord of Shadows', there are some great romantic elements. It's part of a series and the relationships in this book are complex and full of longing. The characters face many challenges both in their relationship and in the overall story's plot. It's a great read for those who like a bit of action and drama along with their romance.