One characteristic is the exploration of forbidden love. Since they are historical, they often deal with social norms of the past that made certain relationships taboo, like a relationship between different social classes or races. For example, in many novels set in the colonial era, a romance between a colonizer and a native might be both romantic and risque.
They usually have detailed historical settings. The risque elements are often intertwined with the historical events and the cultural milieu. For instance, in a Victorian - era romantic historical novel, the strict moral code of the time would add to the risque nature of any deviation from it in the relationships portrayed. So, the historical backdrop is not just a setting but an important factor in defining the risque nature of the romance.
'Wuthering Heights' can be considered in a way. It's a historical novel with a passionate and somewhat risque love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. Their intense and often tempestuous relationship is set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors in the 19th century.
The allure of risque historical novels lies in their ability to show the rawness of human nature in a different era. For example, they might expose the sexual mores and taboos that were present in the past, which is both fascinating and eye - opening.
The 'Decameron' by Giovanni Boccaccio can also be considered in this category. Set during the Black Death in Italy, it contains many stories that are risque in nature. These stories were told by a group of young people sheltering from the plague, and they cover a wide range of themes including love, lust, and human nature within a historical context.
Characteristics? Well, they typically feature a love story that is intertwined with historical events. In 'Outlander', Claire's love for Jamie is set against the Jacobite risings. The historical research in these novels is important. Authors often strive to accurately represent the time period. In 'North and South', the industrial revolution in England is well - depicted. And the romantic relationships are often full of obstacles, whether it be social, cultural or political, like in 'The Far Pavilions' where the main characters face many challenges due to the differences in their cultures and the political situation in India.
One of the well - known 'best risque novels' could be 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' by D. H. Lawrence. It was considered risque at the time due to its explicit exploration of sexual relationships and class differences. The story delves into the passionate affair between Lady Chatterley and her gamekeeper, Mellors. It was controversial as it challenged the social norms of sexual propriety in the early 20th century.
Historical romantic fiction typically has a few distinct features. Firstly, there's the historical context. This could be a real - world historical event like a war or a political upheaval that serves as the backdrop for the story. The characters are then developed within this context. Secondly, the romantic element is crucial. The love between the characters might be a forbidden love, perhaps between a noble and a commoner. This creates tension and drama. Also, the writing style often mimics the language of the time period to make it more believable.
Another aspect is the detailed historical research. Authors of this genre typically do a lot of research to accurately portray the historical period. This includes details about the clothing, food, architecture, and social hierarchies. It helps to create a more immersive and believable world for the romantic story to unfold. For example, if the story is set in ancient Rome, the author will describe the grandeur of the Colosseum and how it impacts the characters' lives.
Classic risque novels are important because they often break taboos. For example, 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' challenged the sexual mores of its time. They also offer a more realistic view of human nature. People have sexual desires, and these novels show that side which was often suppressed in more 'polite' literature.
In 2019 romantic novels, there's a tendency towards more realistic portrayals of relationships. The authors don't shy away from showing the imperfections and challenges in love. For instance, they might explore how past traumas affect a character's ability to love or how family issues play into a relationship. Moreover, the writing styles are often engaging and accessible, with a blend of humor, emotion, and vivid descriptions to draw the reader into the love stories.
Many 2020 romantic novels had strong character development. For example, in 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue', the main character's journey over centuries is deeply explored, which adds to the romantic elements as her relationships change.