8 Iconic 1970s Romance Novels That Shaped the Genre

Some don’t hold up—but all changed the game. The 1970s were a turning point for romance novels. This is when the genre exploded—on drugstore shelves, in mainstream publishing, and in pop culture. With bold heroines, wild plotlines, and the rise of the open-door scene, the decade rewrote the rules of what romance could be.

Not all of these 1970s romance novels hold up today (some definitely come with content warnings), but they’re still part of the genre’s DNA. From steamy historicals to gothic suspense, these books built the foundation for everything from billionaire heroes to the guaranteed HEA.

Check out our Substack essay on the birth of modern romance.

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1970s Romance Novels

The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (1972) – A Groundbreaking Historical Romance

The one that started it all. This was the first romance to hit mass-market paperback with both historical scope and open-door sex. It introduced readers to Heather Simmons—a heroine who goes through hell but never loses her spark—and changed the romance landscape forever.

Tropes: Forced proximity, marriage of convenience, alpha hero

Grab The Flame and the Flower on Amazon

Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers (1974) – The Wild Ride of 1970s Romance

If Woodiwiss brought the heat, Rogers brought the chaos. This book is infamous for its wild plot swings and morally murky characters. Some readers were scandalized. Others were obsessed. Either way, it couldn’t be ignored—and it kicked off a multi-book saga.

Tropes: On-the-run romance, kidnapping, enemies with benefits

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Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsey (1977) – A Debut That Launched a Romance Empire

Lindsey’s debut laid the foundation for her reign over historical romance for decades. With a strong-willed heroine, exotic locales, and a hero who’s equal parts possessive and passionate, this was the start of something big.

Tropes: Arranged marriage, exotic historical, alpha male

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Devil’s Desire by Laurie McBain (1975) – Cinematic Historical Romance

McBain was all about the sweeping, cinematic feel. This book reads like a period drama: rich with detail, high on emotion, and full of drama. She helped cement the lush, epic tone that would dominate the historical romance shelves for years.

Tropes: Hidden identity, family secrets, second chances

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The Pride of the Peacock by Victoria Holt (1976) – A 1970s Gothic Romance Classic

The reigning queen of gothic romance, Holt gave us heroines who wandered into old estates full of secrets—and often danger. This one features opals, brooding men, and family mysteries.

Tropes: Gothic suspense, broody hero, hidden past

Grab The Pride of the Peacock on Amazon

Caroline by Cynthia Wright (1977) – Smart Revolutionary War Romance

Wright brought spark and charm to Revolutionary War romance. Her heroine is clever, self-aware, and absolutely not here for your brooding nonsense. The chemistry feels real, and the historical setting is on point.

Tropes: Historical banter, opposites attract, political intrigue

Grab Caroline on Amazon

The Enchanted Land by Jude Deveraux (1978) – 1970s Western Romance with Slow Burn

Set in the American West, this one offered a fresh landscape for romance readers. Deveraux’s slow-burn style, emotional tension, and strong heroines helped expand what romance could look like beyond European ballrooms.

Tropes: Western romance, slow burn, forced proximity

Grab The Enchanted Land on Amazon

The Fulfillment by LaVyrle Spencer (1979) – Quiet, Small-Town Love

Quiet but powerful, Spencer’s small-town love stories were all about emotional depth. Her characters felt grounded, the stakes were real, and the love stories were tender without ever being saccharine.

Tropes: Marriage of convenience, love triangle, emotional growth

Grab The Fulfillment on Amazon

Honorable Mentions: Category Romance and the Rise of Harlequin Presents

Beyond the big names, category romance was having a moment too—thanks to Harlequin Presents and Mills & Boon. Women like Violet Winspear, Anne Hampson, and Janet Dailey shaped tropes we still see today (think: billionaires, sheikhs, and rugged cowboys). Their books flew off drugstore shelves, proving that short, intense romance stories had just as much power as the doorstoppers.

Final Thoughts

Not every book from the 1970s deserves a gold star. Some are best understood as historical artifacts. But they all played a role in getting us to where we are now. From taboo-breaking to world-building, these authors paved the way—and it’s worth looking back, even if it’s with a raised eyebrow.

Read More

• Deep dive into the 1970’s evolution of romance
• Want to learn more about historical romance? Check out our genre guide

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