R is for Romeo and Juliet vs. Cinderella
Do you prefer reading romance stories or love stories? Did you realize there was a difference? I didn’t until I had my editor explain it to me.
Romances
A romance focuses on the immediate attraction, and there is one important element that makes a romance a romance, and that is the happy ending. Sure there can be other things happening in the story, but it isn’t the main focus of the tale. The goal is for the couple to be together, and live happily-ever-after.
Examples of Romance Stories
Cinderella
Johanna Lindsey’s books
Nora Roberts’s books
Love Story
A love story focuses on the growing love between the hero and heroine. Their relationship grows over time, and they may or may not end up together. The romance is not the main focus of the story.
Examples of Love Stories
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The Note Book by Nicholas Sparks
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Outlander by Diana Gabledon
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series
I like both romances and love stories. It all depends on my mood. Which do you prefer?
My tale Twi
light’s Eternal Embrace is a Love Story.
If Bram cannot find a way for Adryanna to survive the blooding ritual, the romance is doomed. They seek help from Sheerin, Bram’s cousin, who believes he’s found a way for the Lathe Sith to survive, but others in the Oiche Sith clan do not wish for them to succeed.
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My time travels, Creighton Manor and Twist of Fate are love stories.
Zachary finds himself falling for Gillian’s oddly charming ways despite the fact the woman claims to be from the future.
He doesn’t trust his wife, but he finds his heart softening to the woman his wife has become. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear he’s married to another woman and he’s fallen in love with her.
Books available at: Amazon
Here’s the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants. Have fun hopping!!
I like love stories more than romances, though I adore them both. The slow burn ones are my faves.
Claire,
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. 🙂
Karen,
I enjoy both as well, but I do prefer the happy ending.
Jacqueline,
I prefer a happy ending, too. 🙂
Great post! I didn’t realize there was a difference, but of course, as a romance writer, I do know a romance has to end with the couple together at the end with at least a hint of a happily ever after in their future.
I guess I enjoy reading both.
Susan,
Thanks so much for stopping by. So glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂 I’m with you. I like both. 🙂
I like love stories. My preference is more for depth of emotion and self sacrifice rather than a requisite happy ending. Thank you for clarifying the difference, I was not aware of one.
DL,
Thanks so much for stopping by. So glad you enjoyed the post.