The Paranormal romance genre is continuing to grow in both popularity and subject matter. The most common topic remains the vampire—a lover who is supernaturally attractive, powerful yet drawn to his (usually his) lover by an uncontrollable “hunger” of two different kinds. However, these same themes can be used in other topics. Some writers use fairies (or “faeries”), drawing on the original legends where the Fair Folk were seductive but unpredictable mates. Werewolves, probably the second most popular subject after vampires, put an emphasis on the concept of uncontrollable desire and rough passion. Witches are another common subject, in this case because it allows the woman herself to be the supernatural, powerful partner in the relationship. Ghost romance allows for themes of eternal love, or if nothing else adds and air of mystery and longing that the two cannot easily be together. Romance involving time travel offers a sort of nostalgia, where a woman of the modern age can imagine a literal white knight sweeping her off of her feet.

Sci-fi romance, such as between a human and an alien, is also growing. However, since extraterrestrials are usually seen as un-humanoid, shapeshifting is usually involved. After all, there’s too paranormal.