Top genres on Wattpad

Genre

Common Story Conventions

Common Reader Expectations

Werewolf Romance

• At least some characters are able to turn into wolves, and at least 1 of the romantic leads is a werewolf
• Pack structure, esp. alpha/luna, with a strong hierarchy; alpha is usually dominant, powerful, and in charge 
• Romantic lead is usually at or near the top of the hierarchy
• High-stakes external plot, usually involving some kind of violent confrontation or conflict between packs or werewolves and others

• Setting is otherwise contemporary, often rural or small town

• Lots of romantic/sexual tension between the leads
• Happily ever after
• Characters will turn into wolves at some point, usually to protect one another or in response to violence
• High stakes backdrop for the romance
• Fantasy of a protective partner who will do anything to keep you safe

• Usually features a strong power dynamic between romantic leads

Billionaire Romance

• The romantic lead is a billionaire
• Trappings of wealth: clothing, fine dining, vacations, VIP access
• Usually a class difference between the romantic leads
• Setting is contemporary and usually metropolitan

• Lots of romantic/sexual tension between the leads
• Happily ever after
• Class difference creates friction
• Fantasy of wealth and access, of having all your needs and desires met  easily

Mafia Romance

• The romantic lead is a leader in organized crime
• Trappings of wealth: clothing, fine dining, vacations, VIP access
• Strong hierarchy in organized crime, with romantic lead at or near the top. Hierarchy maintained through violence or threats of violence. 
  
• High-stakes plot that brings the leads together
  
• Often a high degree of conflict in the early stages of the relationship
  
• Setting is contemporary and usually either US metropolitan or European 

• Lots of romantic/sexual tension between the leads
• High stakes context for the romance
• Happily ever after
• Fantasy of a protective partner who will do anything to keep you safe
• Fantasy of being able to emotionally reach and transform a closed-off and violent person
• Usually features a strong power dynamic between romantic leads

Fantasy Romance 

• Worldbuilding involves magic, mythology, etc. 
• High stakes backdrop for the romance plot
• There is a lot of worldbuilding and plot present, but the focus of the individual scenes and the function of the plot itself is on bringing the leads together 
• Setting is secondary world, any time period.

• Lots of romantic/sexual tension between the leads
• Happily ever after
• Magic and other fantasy elements
• Adventure or high stakes plot brings the leads together