With the exception of a few books, I’ve never been much into reading paranormals. This is ironic because having just finished writing my latest book, I feel this urge to write a paranormal romance! I’m knocking around ideas about a curandera (a Mexican healer) and witches. We’ll see where this urge takes me.
As to paranormal romances in general, I’ve done the requisite Anne Rice books: Interview With the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat. Then I stopped. I didn’t love vampires enough to seek them out in other books until the buzz surrounding Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight convinced me to venture into the realm of the undead again. But that ride came to a screeching halt after the book was finished. Don’t get me wrong. I loved it. In fact I wrote about it here. I might read it again someday and even have the sequel, New Moon. But those vampires just don’t call to me.
I ran into the same problem with the futuristic teen novel, Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld. I liked it, and even taught it to my middle school and high school students, but haven’t ventured out to buy Pretties (though I hear it’s even better than Uglies). Although the premise was good in Uglies, and the world-building was strong, one book was enough for me.
My interest in other paranormal romances is sketchy, at best. I like the world-building that many of these books provide. I enjoy the paranormal elements that give them an interesting, outside the box quality. But there are some types of paranormals that I just haven’t been able to bring myself to read. Werewolves? Not sure about that. The diehard vampire books? Not sure about them either. Aliens? Eh. I’m on the fence about a lot of paranormal, or maybe I’m just starting to get my feet wet and need to venture further into deep water and see what it’s all about.
All that being said, here are a few of my questions if there are any readers out there who can help me out:
1. What is it that draws you to paranormals?
2. What is your favorite type (werewolf, witches, vampires…) of paranormal romance?
3. What is your favorite(s) paranormal romance that you’d recommend I read?
No related posts.
1. The draw is the difference from reality. I’m sure for some there’s also a touch of the taboo re boinking a non-human creature who (per most formula paranormal) is sexually gifted in some way. Mere mortals just can’t compare. (Personally, I prefer real characters.)
2. I prefer paranormal in which the hero(s)/heroine(s) are not the paranormal beings. I want “normal” humans in the lead roles, please. Or (edging into fantasy, here) where just the world itself is magical in some way.
3. Mine, of course. *grin* ArtiFactual will be released from Phaze tomorrow.
Frankly, I found the early Rice very – conventional.
The whole genre has advanced far beyond the traditional, and rather static, view, and not limited to vamps, weres and witches.
There’s a whole world of “what if?” out there.
1. I prefer my paranormals on the dark side, more like a horror/romance mix.
2. And I lean toward vampires over other beings, normally don’t like demon stories, but I did like Joyce Ellen Armond’s Bonds of Darkness (an e-book from Liquid Silver–Mrs. G liked it too) and of course Meljean Brook’s Demon Angel, so maybe I’m just particular about demon paranormals
Werewolves aren’t a favorite, but I do like Nalini Singh’s Changlings.
3. If you read historicals try Susan Squires Companion series. Contemporary favorite–Lynn Viehl’s Darkyn series (I think both have books coming out in April). The Viehl’s need to be read in order as there is a series arc that’s being followed.
Thankfully, there’s something for everyone in this genre. In the Paranormal section, I like Science Fiction Romance and Time Travel. I’m a tough-sell with Fantasy, but I do like some of it. Mercedes Lackey and Ann McGaffrey are tops. Vampires, Werewolves, and demons are definitely not my cup of tea.
1. It’s the escapism that draws me to paranormals, my favourite type being vampires. For me, they are the ultimate alpha male fantasy. Check out J R Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood – the books that got me hooked on this genre, and Kresley Cole’s Immortals after Dark series.
1. It’s the fact that alot MORE sweet and sexy things can happen in paranormals; like example, a vampire could just use his mind to communicate or merge minds with his love, which is very intimate~
2. I love Vampires~ Mostly because they’re closer to looking like the human form. I’m not THAT into werewolfs or dragons or any other kind of animals/mythical creatures… yet… Aliens are ok, as long as they look human
3. I’ve only gotten into paranormals/vampires recently, so there aren’t many that I’ve read. I thought Erin McCarthy’s Las Vagas Vampire series was a great start for me. The vampire-thingys that happen aren’t that much weird. Most of the times they’re funny~
I can understand why it’s difficult to get immersed in paranormal stories. A lot of them are just too fantastic-it can be a challenge to suspend one’s disbelief. If not done right, the otherworldly elements can come across as cheesy or half-baked.
I love paranormal anything because I love a great scare (I don’t count futuristic/time travel as paranormal-that’s SF to me). I’m with Tara Marie in that I enjoy a horror & romance mix.
My favorite paranormal stories involve ghosts and demons. Vampires and werewolves are done so much these days that it’s hard to find something scary about them in books. Zombies would be cool, but they’re not very sexy!
For me, Jane Eyre is the best paranormal romance ever written.
I agree with you, Alessia. I think I’d want the lead characters to be ‘real’ and the world the more magical element. Good luck on you release tomorrow. It’s a GREAT title!
I’m banking on the ‘what if’, Bernita, to help me as I brainstorm my next book. Since I haven’t read many vampire books, I don’t know how out of the box they’ve become. Interesting about how the ‘magical’ characters can use their minds to up the erotic/sexual factor, Fancy. So much to learn!:grin:
Thanks for the recommendations, everyone! I’m with you, Tara Marie and Heather. I think dark would definitely be the way I’d write and would want to read within this sub-genre.
I hear you, Kimber An. Werewolves and demons…just not sure. I am going to check out those authors…and the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Tricia. Looking forward to it!
The curandura idea sounds fascinating, Misa, for a bunch of reasons. For one, it’s using a mythos that hasn’t been done to death. For another, I particularly like paranormals where the heroine is the “paranormal” one, or they both are outside the human norm in some way. I understand the sexual allure of the Ultimate Alpha Hero. Dominance in the bedroom is hawt, especially when combined with Supernatural Sexual Prowesse. But unless the heroine is also a little different–like Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake (before she starting boinking EVERYONE, at least)–I can’t imagine an actual relationship working because the guy will just wave his hand, mezmerize her, and they’ll never actually have to work through anything. H
I’m a bit over vampires. Am enjoying Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series right now–time travel, dark magick, and occasional incursions by the Faerie Folk, but the heroes, while gorgeous and magically gifted, are human.
I always wonder if werewolves have flea and tick problems.
HI Misa. I LOVE paranormals. I love the ultimate fantasy of them, the familiar and unfamiliar existing in the same world. To think that the things that go bump in the night are real, living and loving in an existence much like our own but with their own set of rules.
I like some vamps, witches, demons, lycans, and miscellaneous creatures from myths and legends. I was never into Anne Rice. I like my books more action packed and fast paced.
Recommendations for something not too vampy: Moon Called by Patrica Briggs, A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, Heart of a Dragon by Gena Showalter (for something softer) Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison, Ill Wind by Rachel Caine, or if you want to dip your toe in, I’d say try the Silhouette Nocturne line. Two releases a month with a variety of paranormal themes.
The Tanya Huff “Blood” books, the basis for the new Lifetime series “Blood Ties” are all good; they have a resident vampire, but also explore demons, zombies, mummies, reanimation, werewolves, etc.
The P.N. Elrod Vampire Chronicles and Jonathan Barrett vampire books also provide good stories with vampire characters.
I tend to prefer characters with psychic powers and time travel in paranormal romance.
Kay
1. Two reasons … interesting world-building and tortured heroes. As strange as this will sound, I got hooked on paranormal romance, and vampires in particular, because of two television series … the 1970s “Dark Shadows” and “Buffy the Vampires Slayer.” Then I started reading (and writing) vampire books after watching the brilliant world-building Joss Wheadon did in BTVS. So, short answer …. I love the world-building, particularly when an author can take our current world and tweak it in a convincing way and give me some great tortured heroes (Barnabas Collins, Angel, Spike, Richard from Anita Blake)
2. I’m a vampire & werewolf gal, though the werewolf fascination is recent. I like the idea of seemingly normal people having an animalistic side and the conflict that brings to their lives and relationships.
3. For general enjoyment, Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series is probably my favorite (#1 is “Dead Until Dark”). For grit and gore and crime scenes, and a seriously ass-kicking heroine, Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series (#1 is Guilty Pleasures). If you like Chic Lit, try MaryJanice Davidson’s Undead series(#1 is “Undead and Unwed”). Newer vamp books I really enjoyed are Jeanne Stein’s “The Becoming” and Jennifer Armentrout’s “Blood Ties Book One: The Turning.” Both have great heroines and interesting worlds.
For strictly werewolf/shapeshifters I enjoyed Kelley Armstrong’s “Bitten” and Marjorie Liu’s “Tiger Eye.”
LOL! I was reading this entry & nodding. For the most part I can take or leave paranormals, but there are a few out there that I LOVE!
I would recommend Kim Harrison’s Hollows books with the heroine Rachel Morgan. They are told in 1st person, but I honestly don’t even notice. And that’s saying something since 99% of the time I will not touch a 1st person book. There’s romance, danger, etc., but told in a way that to me seems fresh & invigorating.
I’d also recommend Marie Brennan. They’re actually fantasy, but the concept is so different that it’s nice. The first book is Doppelganger, which is also a really cool title.
And we can’t forget Marjorie M. Liu & Nalini Singh. If you like really HOT romance, both of these authors more than deliver.
If anyone has any other suggestions, I’d love to hear them as well.
1. What is it that draws you to paranormals?
The extraordinary aspects of the stories. I’d like to think that there’s more to this world than meets the eye.
2. What is your favorite type (werewolf, witches, vampires…) of paranormal romance?
Werewolves, without a doubt, are my favorite kind of paranormal romances. They would be followed closely by vampires. That said, I do enjoy a lot of different types of paranormal stories (ie Atlanteans, psychic, shape-shifter, time-travel, etc.). My tastes these days are leaning toward the grittier tales that border on horror.
3. What is your favorite(s) paranormal romance that you’d recommend I read?
If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl, Master of the Night by Angela Knight, Mine to Take by Dara Joy, Hot Blooded Anthology with Angela Knight,Emma Holly et al, Dark Fire by Christine Feehan and Tempting the Beast by Lora Leigh.
Some of my favorite paranormal books lately aren’t categorized as romance. They are under urban fantasy and fantasy. Those would be Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (and Blood Bound), Nightlife by Rob Thurman, Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn, Blood Price by Tanya Huff and Touch the Dark by Karen Chance. Other good authors in this category are Charlaine Harris, Vicki Pettersson, Kim Harrison and Kelley Armstrong.
I love mysteries with paranormal elements blended into them like Holly Lisle’s Night Echoes which gave me the creeps in a good way.
Heather Graham’s romantic mystery series, one of which is called Ghost Walk (I am horrible with names of books)
Lori Handeland’s Night Creature novels are great for paranormal mysteries with shifters in them. Love those.
But, I have to say that the funny ones have my vote simply because I’m a big old chicken. I like to laugh at what used to scare the heck out of me when I was younger. Stick a big broody vamp with a sassy heroine, and you’ve pretty much got me from the first page to the last. Kate MacAlister and Mary Janice Davidson are two of my faves in that category.
I also like Kim Harrison. Oh and Jim Butcher’s Dresden books may not be romances, but he is a wonderful writer who I buy automatically. Well, I did until I hooked the hubby and now he spends his book allowance on them. *buffs nails* Girls, are soo soo smart, no? *grins*
“…I always wonder if werewolves have flea and tick problems.”
You’re hilarious, Teresa! I’m glad the curandera idea sounds interesting. I think it’ll work. I’m still looking for the something that will make it different, though. It will be fun to write.
Very good point about ther hero/heroine needing to work things out, outside the ‘magic’ realm.
Thanks for the recommendations, Vivi Anna and Kay. I have a lot of reading to do, looks like.
Vicki, world-building aside, I really think you hit the nail on the head when you said, “I like the idea of seemingly normal people having an animalistic side and the conflict that brings to their lives and relationships.” Talk about widening the arena for a really layered character(s)! You’ve got me thinking…
Kaitlin, can you tell me more about the premise of the Marie Brennam books? You’ve got me curious!
I’ll have to check out those Dresden books, Jenna Leigh. Unfortunately, my husband isn’t one to stick with one author (except me
), so I’m stuck buying (or checking out) the books I want or THINK he’ll like!
You asked for recommendations and this is mine. Check out “Moon Shadow” by Lucinda Betts. She’s got great world building and great romances wrapped around each other. She’s pretty new, but I can’t wait to read her next book!
I’m going to be in the minority here, but I have absolutely NO interest in vampires/demons (ack!)/aliens/etc. Those just eek me out. Dog tongues, blood sucking monsters…I’ve only read a few, but there’s just no draw for me.
The para-normals I love are more what you seem to consider fantasy: Mercedes Lackey has a couple, Jane Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) puts a few out, maybe a couple of others. The para-normal part is usually either a “magic” world of some sort, or a lead character with an esp-like talent (or a combination). I love the added intimacy (as another commenter mentioned) of linking minds/emotions through a para-normal talent. The background world can be fascinating in its own right, as well as giving unusual characters room to work.
For what it’s worth, I also read a lot of straight fantasy and science fiction, and I see many of the same qualities that romance has: HEA, good vs evil, intricate character interactions…
I love paranormals. It’s the idea that something else is out there, something scary but at the same time exciting. Just gets me going
I tend to like the werewolves better than vampires, but I can’t deny the sexiness of the vamps 
I was hoping someone would point out the Dresden Files. For a series about the only professional Wizard in Chicago, it’s got so much humor and passion interwoven with the detective noir that it’s a whole package. Jim Butcher is the best. Vampires and werewolves and faeries, oh my.