Historical fiction places emphasis on the history of the period. While there should be strong characters, romantic relationships between them are not the primary focus of the novel.

However, that is not to say that there can’t be strong romantic elements.

In historical fiction vs historical romance, there can also be more than one couple, or the main character having numerous relationships. In an historical romance, we expect the characters to be monogamous for the most part, and we want to trace the path of them falling in love.

Historical romance should be all about that, the hero and heroine falling in love. There can be other themes and concerns, and momentous events, but we should never be allowed to lose sight of the couple’s feelings for one another, growing bond, and obstacles to their happiness.