I read and cherish romances that empower women and give them control over their own fates. While most recent romances fit that bill, I did give one recent romance a lower ranking in part because the heroine was stripped of her magic powers by the hero for two-thirds of the novel. To me that was the equivalent of disempowerment. Thanks for bringing this issue up. Besides, most romance heroines are strong, independent women anyway.
Romance is about love, and love is universal.
Feminism is indeed compatable with romance. I think that not only has romance been effected by Feminist ideals, but I would also add that modern romance has helped the Feminist movement. Women who write books are in general an intelligent bunch that think women should be respected, thus write about intelligent and respected women. I knew the relationship was a nonstarter when my date said that he was rooting for Riggs. I was annoyed not only because King deserved to beat Riggs.