A romance novel generally refers to a type of genre
fiction novel which places its primary focus on the relationship and
romantic love between two people, and usually has an
"emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending."
There are many subgenres of romance novels, including fantasy,
gothic, contemporary, historical romance, paranormal fiction, and
science fiction. The term "romance" is also applied to novels defined as "a fictitious narrative in prose or verse;
the interest of which turns upon marvelous and uncommon incidents." Related to this type of romance novel
are works that "involves a mysterious, adventurous, or spiritual story line where the focus is on a quest
that involves bravery and strong values, not always a love interest."