What is the general structure of romance novels?

I am looking to write my first mostly romance story during NaNoWriMo, so I am planning it now. It will be a fantasy romance.



However, I don't read much romance. I have only read two romance novels in my entire life, so I'm not as sure about the structure. From what I can tell, the man and woman usually get stuck together for some reason (and it will be a heterosexual novel) but they don't actually like each other very much. During the time they're stuck together, they fall in love but are prevented from being together for some reason, usually relating to the reason they are together in the first place. Then they overcome whatever is keeping them apart (so to speak) and they can be together.



Is that the gist of it? Can anyone elaborate further to give me a more detailed explanation?What is the general structure of romance novels?
I think you've got the basic outline right. One thing I'd add, usually in a romance the hero (it's more usual that it's the hero, but you can have it be the heroine) is somewhat tormented. There's something in his/her past that has wounded him emotionally (like his wife cheating on him; his girlfriend dumping him for his best friend). To be together, the heroine has to break through the barriers the hero has put up to keep himself from being hurt again.



BTW: When it seems that the protagonists are going to get together, a usual plot device is to have some misunderstanding occur between the two of them. Sometimes it's caused by a third person...perhaps even the man's wife/girlfriend coming back into the picture and trying to get him back...something like that. Or it could be that's there's been some hidden agenda on the part of one of the two. For instance, the man knew the woman had possession of a certain artifact that he's been after but when he met her he never let her know that. Then, after she breaks through the wall he's built around his heart (and they seem ready to get together), she finds out about the seeming betrayal...another obstacle must be vanquished!What is the general structure of romance novels?
I don't read romance novels either, but I'd imagine they follow the chick-flick movie recipes... The only thing you're lacking is the angst and such when something really bad happens to threaten (though eventually strengthen) their relationship.What is the general structure of romance novels?
There are lots of plots and subplots. Often they don't like each other at first. However, sometimes they fall in love and are then forced apart. Sometimes one of them marries someone else. Often the heroine is kidnapped and the hero has to save her.



The basics, however, are the same: Boy meets girl Boy wants girl. Boys loses girl. Boy gets girl at the end of the story.



Adjust as you wish.