A comprehensive guide that defines the literature and the outlines the best-selling genre of all time: romance fiction. More than 2,000 romances are published annually, making it difficult for fans and the librarians who advise them to keep pace with new titles, emerging authors, and constant evolution of this dynamic genre. Fortunately, romance expert and librarian Kristin Ramsdell provides a definitive guide to this fiction genre that serves as an indispensible resource for those interested in it—including fans searching for reading material—as well as for library staff, scholars, and romance writers themselves. This title updates the last edition of Romance Fiction: A Guide to the Genre, published in 1999.While the emphasis is on newer titles, many of the important older classics are retained, keeping the focus of the book on the entire genre, instead of only those titles published during the last decade. Specific changes include new chapters on linked and continuing romances, a new section on "Chick Lit" in the Contemporary Romance chapter, an expansion of coverage on the alternative reality subset. This is THE romance genre guide to have.

"In five minutes, you'll be dead." The pregnant widow and her stern words saved Ryder Kelstrom from a tornado. The least he could do was help the woman rebuild after the deadly storm. It felt good working with his hands again, forgetting about all he'd lost…and maybe finding the will to love again. Marti Chastain had nothing left except the baby she carried. But she had a wealth of compassion for Ryder's torment and guilt. As these two lost souls found love and redemption in each other's arms, a secret enemy stalked Ryder. And killing Ryder's new woman would make revenge complete.

Since the death of his claimed mate, the only thing that's kept Luc St. Just's heart beating is his quest for vengeance. His contempt for rogue vampires runs deep. So when a mysterious woman is brutally attacked, Luc's protective instincts—and his will to live—are suddenly reawakened…. As a werewolf who can't shape-shift, Dani Makar wants only to lead a "normal" life. But when the magnetically seductive Luc risks his life to save hers, Dani is torn between everything she believes…and an unstoppable, soul-deep desire. Fiercely drawn to each other, these two sworn enemies fall into a passionate alliance. But evil's wrath cannot be underestimated, nor its ability to destroy….

On the run from a killer, Kay Young depended on the stranger who rescued her one snowy night. Though a lifetime of hurt had made her wary of men, Clint Ardmore was different. He offered her shelter, protection…and the chance to discover true passion. A soldier-turned-writer, Clint craved the privacy of his secluded ranch, where he could be alone with the gruesome memories of combat. But once he let Kay into his home, he let her into his heart. When the danger shadowing her closed in, he knew that there was only one way to ensure Kay's safety…and stop a killer's obsession.

Conard County "Conard County is a wonderful place to visit." —New York Times Bestselling Author Heather Graham Pozzessere HE WAS HER ONLY HOPE Esther Jackson needed Craig Nighthawk's protection. The father she'd helped put away for murder was now seeking her out, so against her reclusive nature, she welcomed the darkly handsome Nighthawk into her home, hoping he could keep her safe. SHE WAS HIS ONLY PEACE Craig knew all about fear and isolation After all, he was still being tried and convicted by the people of Conard County for a crime he hadn't committed. All he wanted was to be left alone. Until he met Esther, and discovered in her loving arms a peace he would safeguard at any cost…. Conard County. Where the Wyoming sky spreads bold and blue above men and women who draw their strength from the land and from the bonds of the love they share.

When her husband's murder forces Cory Farland into the Witness Protection Program, she has to make a fresh start in a brand-new place. In Conard County, she has no past. Until former Navy captain Wade Kendrick moves in. The enigmatic ex-SEAL reawakens passion…and dares Cory to dream of a future. He can't run forever… Wade didn't come to the Wyoming small town to play bodyguard. But Cory needs a boarder and he needs a place to decompress. And now the guarded widow is arousing something that goes deeper than his protective instincts. With Cory's life under the gun, there isn't anything Wade won't do to keep her safe and claim the love that could redeem them both….

When veterinarian Mike Windwalker shows up on widow Del Carmody's doorstep, she soon discovers that he's no ordinary man. Mike's a drop-dead-gorgeous Native American caught between two worlds: those of science and his ancestors' spiritual ways. Del can't explain the strange things happening in her house—the unexplained noises and seemingly misplaced items—unsettling her and her teenage daughter. Concerned for their safety, Mike offers his help. Besides, there's a sexual undercurrent simmering between him and Del and Mike needs to get to the bottom of that, too. Together they must unravel the mystery surrounding the house only to discover a passion that's hard to deny.

A passionate summer romance between a rancher and a social worker is rekindled when they meet again unexpectedly in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lee's latest addition to her miniseries, Conard County: The Next Generation! "I love you." Ten years ago rancher Cliff Martin said those three little words to Holly Heflin. But all she said was "goodbye." She ran from Conard County fast as a jackrabbit, leaving Cliff with a broken heart. But Cliff never forgot the one that got away…. Now Holly has returned to settle her aunt's estate—and Cliff is the executor. Her matchmaking aunt and his jealous ex-wife are the least of Holly's problems. Everywhere there are memories…and Cliff. But he's still a small-town rancher with roots and she's a big-city girl with a ticket home. She's got two weeks to avoid the hunky cowboy…. But what if she can't?

A vampire mage and a modern cop team up to battle evil magic… When police sergeant Caro Hamilton witnesses a man being killed by an invisible assailant, she suspects a detective agency with a reputation for solving "weird cases" might be her only hope. Especially now that she senses someone has been watching her ever since she saw the murder. But when Caro walks in the door, her own uncanny skills tell her these aren't ordinary men…especially Damien Keller, who, surprisingly enough, is the first person to believe her. Once a Persian mage, Damien is drawn to Caro in a way that no woman has ever attracted him. The magic glimmering within this mortal witch calls to his own, and the need to possess Caro drives him, until it's all-consuming. The vampire can fight it…or he can save her, teach her and damn himself.

"If he was murdered, you're the loose end." Waitress Haley Martin has made a small, safe life for herself: no big surprises, no falling in love. In one night, that calm world is shattered. A truck driver is dead, a sexy former military cop needs her help to solve the murder, and she might be next on the hit list. There's something big going down in this sleepy county. Buck Devlin needs to keep Haley close—and he's had worse cover stories than pretending to be in love with a beautiful blonde. But the more danger they expose, the harder it is to remember their love story is just a cover….