Know the Difference: Erotica vs. Romance Novels

Erotica is a genre. Erotica is not a theme, style, literary device, or trope.

A book does not automatically fall into the erotic genre due to the presence of sex scenes.

TL;DR:

Romance = The central theme is love

Erotica = The central theme is sexual discovery

What elements make up a romance novel?

• The story must end in a happily-ever-after or happily-for-now. I wasn’t kidding when I said it last week.

• The external plot should bring the love interests together and pull them apart.

• No cheating. (Though, I do feel this “rule” might be too strict at times. My rule of thumb is if it works, it works—but I suggest keeping the sleeping-with-others before the two love interests meet. Because how great was it to see Anthony Bridgerton give up his wandering eye and rakish ways when he met Edwina Sharma?)

What elements make up erotica?

• The primary plot is typically one of sexual discovery (at any life stage, this is not limited to a “virgin” character).

• A romance subplot doesn’t need to be included.

Final Note: Erotic romance is not both genres. Erotic romance falls under the romance genre. A more specific definition? An erotic romance is a love story where the love develops through sexual discovery. (e.g., 50 Shades of Gray)