What are the characteristics of the novels in the list of romance novels?

Many 1970s romance novels often had strong female characters who were starting to break free from traditional gender roles. For example, in 'A Woman of Substance', the female lead was determined to make her mark in the business world while also dealing with love. Also, these novels tended to explore more complex relationships, not just simple love - at - first - sight stories. They might involve love triangles or relationships affected by social class differences like in 'Love Story'." "Answer2": "The 1970s romance novels typically had a more in - depth exploration of emotions. They didn't just skim the surface of love but delved deep into the feelings of the characters. The settings were also quite diverse. Some were set in urban areas like in 'The Other Side of Midnight' which showed the glitzy and dark sides of city life in relation to love. And the romances were often part of a larger story, such as a family saga or a historical context as seen in 'The Thorn Birds' which spanned generations." "Answer3": "In the 1970s romance novels, there was a shift towards more realistic portrayals of love. Gone were the days of just pure fairy - tale romances. Novels like 'Rich Man, Poor Man' showed how love could be complicated by financial and social circumstances. The writing style was also more descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the characters and their relationships. They often had strong themes of passion, loyalty, and sacrifice. For instance, in 'The Flame and the Flower', the characters' love was tested by various external factors and they had to make sacrifices for their relationship.

One characteristic is the strong focus on the relationship between the two main characters. There is usually a lot of emotional intensity, with characters experiencing deep love, lust, or a combination of both. For example, in many of these novels, the protagonists can't keep their hands off each other, and their interactions are filled with passion.

Typically, they are set in the Regency era in England, which gives a unique historical backdrop. The characters often include aristocrats like dukes, viscounts, and ladies. There is usually a focus on courtship and marriage, with all the social rules and etiquette of that time.

Victorian romance novels typically have strong female protagonists, even within the constraints of the time. In 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', the female lead shows great courage. These novels also often deal with themes of class differences. In 'North and South', the difference in social classes between the main characters is a major plot point. And the emotions are usually intense, whether it's love, jealousy or longing, as seen throughout many of these classic Victorian romances.

Some of them focus on complex relationships. For example, in 'Me Before You', the relationship between the two main characters is not just about love but also about sacrifice and self - discovery. The female character grows a lot through her time with the disabled man.

French romance novels from the list often have a strong sense of realism. They don't just show the idealized version of love. Take 'Germinal' for instance. The love relationships in it are set against the backdrop of harsh working - class life, which makes them more real and relatable. Another aspect is the focus on individual desires. In 'A Very Long Engagement', Mathilde's desire to find her fiancé is not just about love but also about her own need for closure and her strong - willed personality. And the settings are often very important. In 'The Hunchback of Notre - Dame', the cathedral of Notre - Dame is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, adding to the mood of the romance and the overall story.

One characteristic is that they tend to be very emotional. They can make you laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions. Take 'The Palace of Illusions' for instance. Draupadi's story is full of love, jealousy, and heartbreak. Also, Indian romance novels often incorporate elements of Indian mythology or history. This gives them a unique flavor. In 'The Immortals of Meluha', the story is based on a fictionalized version of ancient India's mythology. The romances are deeply intertwined with the characters' destinies and the larger story of the society or the world they live in. There is also a sense of community in these novels, as the characters' relationships are not just isolated love stories but are part of a bigger social fabric.

Many of them focus on the emotional journey of the characters. For example, in 'Sense and Sensibility', we see how the sisters Elinor and Marianne experience love and heartbreak, showing different approaches to love.

The novels in this list usually play on the idea of forbidden love. In horror romance, the love is often not straightforward because of the nature of the characters. It could be a love between a human and a demon or a ghost. This makes the relationship full of tension, not just from the external threats but also from the very nature of the relationship itself.

Most of them are set in unique and imaginative settings. It could be a far - off planet with strange landscapes or a different dimension altogether. The settings play a big role in enhancing the romance as it adds an element of mystery and adventure. Take 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' for example, which has some elements of alien - like beings in a magical and otherworldly setting.