Romance Fiction

Ramsdell's renowned readers' advisory guide to our most popular genre has now been updated to reflect recent publishing trends and include new authors and titles. Mapping romance according to popular subgenres and themes, this guide organizes and describes hundreds of titles, from Jane Austen, the Brontes, and Janet Oke to Nora Roberts and Danielle Steele. Titles published since 1999 are thoroughly covered, with classics and benchmark titles also fully addressed. There is a new chapter on linked and continuing romances, a new section on Chick Lit. in the Contemporary Romance chapter, an expansion of the Alternative Reality Romance chapter, subcategories added to ethnic/multicultural romance and gay/lesbian romance, and revised narrative throughout, including a new discussion of the image of the genre. This is THE guide to the romance genre for readers' advisors, scholars, and readers.More than 2,000 romances are published annually, and no other genre outsells this dynamic and vibrant genre. Fans and the librarians who advise them have difficulty keeping pace with new titles, emerging authors, and other constant changes taking place in this field. Fortunately, Ramsdell provides a road map. This guide defines the outlines of the genre and provide a useful resource for those interested in it, including those searching for reading material.Emphasis is on books published since the last edition in 1999, with both classic and contemporary romances covered. Specific changes include: a new chapter on linked and continuing romances, a new section on Chick Lit. in the Contemporary Romance chapter, expansion of the Alternative Reality Romance chapter, subcategories added to ethnic/multicultural romance and gay/lesbian romance, revised narrative throughout, including a new discussion of the image of the genre. Approximately 25% of the titles are new to this edition, with older classics being retained, keeping the focus of the work on the entirety of the genre, rather than being a supplement to the last edition.