Urban fantasy is a contemporary-set story based in a world that mimics ours but with fantastical elements. There are two worlds existing alongside each other — one similar to the one we live in and a preternatural underground functioning undetected by the majority of the non-fantastical population. The story usually follows a single character’s journey. The focus of the plot is usually on the main protagonist’s ability to maintain the balance between the two worlds, although sometimes the protagonist functions almost entirely within the fantastical world. While there may be romantic elements, they are adjunctive and not expected to end in a “happily ever after.”

Urban fantasy owes a great deal to crime noir. Many of the stories are based around a mystery in need of solving.

(If the focus of the plot is on a couple and their trials/journeys toward a mutual romantic HEA, it is a “paranormal romance” even if the sub-plots, world-building, and character’s “kick ass” qualities bear similarities to urban fantasy.)

UF focuses on the quest–whatever the protagonist needs to accomplish. There may be slight romantic elements, but they’re never the focus of the story. UF rarely ends in a HEA, because that was never the goal. Paranormal romance focuses on the journey two characters make to reach HEA. There is a paranormal sub-plot, but it’s used as a conflict device to further the romance. There’s always a HEA, because that’s the true quest of the story.