Romance has always been among our most popular genres in terms of library checkouts and enjoying romance publicly has definitely become more socially acceptable since 2020. Think pieces and collage classes about the genre have also proliferated. But nothing says Romance is mainstream more than the New York Times creating a glossary for general readers to understand it better.
I am posting that glossary (from 2/12/26) here with a gift link because I know that while some library workers are Romance super fans, many more are barely literate in the lingo. It is way past time that you get up to speed.
Every single library workers needs to access this glossary so that we can understand the current state of Romance and how its fans interact with this perennially popular genre. But we also need it to help those new to Romance (whether they are coming from Romantasy or Heated Rivalry or Cozies or just because they have always wanted to try it and were embarrassed, but now as it is in the NYT, they see their opening to go for it). Romance writers rely on readers knowing and understanding key terms and themes. The writers build off of this knowledge to enhance the stories they are telling, the frames, and the characters.
As I teach in my Genre overview program, Romance is all about how the authors deliver on tropes, themes, and characters. Since the basic arc of the plot is predetermined by definition, Romance wins over the hearts of its readers with the details. In fact, as I argue in my genre program, Romance readers not only demand creativity, interesting situations, and well built characters, but they also expect the authors to surprise them within the confines the established rules. Understanding this is the key to helping established Romance readers and shepherding those new to the genre as well.
Get up to speed yourself with the NYT's guide to all things romance in a glossary format. Below I have included the introduction. Click here to read the access glossary via a gift link.
Your A–Z Guide to
All Things Romance
From cinnamon rolls to stern brunch daddies, here are 101 terms you should know to understand the popular literary genre.
Jennifer Harlan spent years reading hundreds of romance novels to prepare for this story. Her favorite trope is black cat/golden retriever.
Apron tugger. Shadow daddy. Wallflower. Fae. Sometimes it can feel as if romance novels come with their own special language — one you must learn in order to achieve maximum swoon. If you’re a dedicated reader, this terminology can help you pinpoint exactly which books will be your speed; if you’re new to the game, they can overwhelm you like so much overdressed word salad.
Whether you’re a superfan or a casual reader, if you’re genre-curious or you just want to understand why people keep talking about “spice” at the bookstore, here are 101 terms you should know. If you see something that strikes your fancy, we’ve got recommendations for books that show off these terms at their best. With any luck, you’ll find something to fall in love with — which, after all, is the whole point.
Again, click here to access the full glossary. I have also added it to my Free Genre Resources handout in the Romance section and will be adding it to my Genre slides when they are updated for 2026 (coming soon).
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