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Gothic romance novels have maintained core elements throughout their history, even as new twists are added by each generation of writers.

The Castle of Otranto (1764)
- Considered the first Gothic romance.
- Focuses on Prince Manfred's desperate attempts to secure his throne via the marriage of his dead son's fiancée, haunted by a mysterious curse.
A Sicilian Romance by Anne Radcliffe
- Established essential tropes of gothic romance and the female gothic.
- Features an innocent noblewoman in dark landscapes, fleeing her controlling father and a vengeful suitor.

Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights
- Story of revenge involving Heathcliff's tumultuous life after the death of his adopted father.
- Mix of supernatural elements; ends with a hopeful union between the next generation.
Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre
- Defined strong female protagonists.
- Follows Jane as a governess at Thornfield, dealing with her mysterious employer, Edward Rochester.
- Uses supernatural language; ambiguities create a suspenseful atmosphere.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter
- Set in colonial Boston; follows Esther Prynne and her punishment for an extramarital affair.
- Explores themes of sin, guilt, and human psyche without heavy supernatural elements.
Louisa May Alcott's A Long Fatal Love Chase
- Found posthumously; it narrates the tale of Rosemond who escapes her abusive household, pursued by the immoral Philip Tempest.

Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca (1938)
- A psychological thriller rather than horror; explores obsession through the experiences of a young bride.
Anya Seton's Dragonwick
- Miranda's peril in a gothic mansion entwined with Nicholas, who has dark, abusive tendencies.
Mary Stewart's 9 Coaches Waiting
- Compelling mystery with a governess uncovering a murder plot against her charge amidst family intrigue.

Victoria Holt (Eleanor Alice Hibbert)
- Wrote gothic romances influenced by the Bronte sisters; The Pride of the Peacock details a cursed opal adventure in Victorian England.
Vincent Virgo
- Introduced gay characters in gothic romance, showcasing that genres are not limited by gender.
Mexican Gothic
- A feminist twist on the genre, set in a 1950s mining town where the protagonist uncovers sinister family secrets affecting her cousin.

Since its 18th-century origins, gothic romance continues to evolve, attracting readers with its blend of terror and romance.