I grew up reading fantasy and horror—David Eddings, Raymond Feist, Anne McCaffrey, Stephen King and, really, anything I could get my hands on. I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was an adult but was instantly hooked. For me, paranormal romance is the perfect combination of all my favorite genres. That's why I read it, why I write it.
As much as I love paranormal romance, I think there's always room for experimentation. Here's my list for what I hope to see more of in the future:
“Most of the terra indigene didn’t want to love humans; they wanted to eat them. Why did humans have such a hard time understanding that?”
It made me laugh, but it’s very true. We’ve lost our fear of the monsters because we’ve read enough vampire and shifter books to know where all those hungry looks are really leading.
I’d also like to see more contemporary-set Gothic-style romances with strong supernatural elements. Something like The Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens but with a stronger romantic storyline.
Mythology
How about a Marillier-esque romance? She’s amazing at incorporating mythology into her fantasy novels and I think that could translate well into historical or contemporary paranormal romance. Less Urban Fantasy-style, more Fantasy-style.
It would also be nice to see more stories based on mythologies other than Celtic or Greco-Roman. You know, like maybe Norse mythology;)
And I ask my fellow paranormal romance authors—why aren’t there any astral projecting evil twin stories in paranormal romance? Why?!??
So that's my wish list but I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you like to see in paranormal romance?
I am not a huge horror reader, but recently found a couple of new authors who do this genre in romance REALLY well.
ReplyDeletePossess by J.A. Howell is incredible. I'm part of a book club group and we'd read the Graveyard series by Amanda Stevens. Several of them were comparing this book to that series...and yeah, I think it would fulfill your request for a stronger romance story line. It was really an amazing book. I can't wait for more from this series.
Another author I highly recommend is Lauren Stewart with her Hyde series.
smiles,
Christi
Thank you the recommendations! Checking them out now:)
ReplyDeleteMy latest out on submission would fit that bill: paranormal gothic romance similar in tone to the Graveyard Queen series but with more romance (and sex...heh), with a sort-of Norse mythology incorporated. Let's just hope the editor reading it shares your taste. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to check those recs, too, because I also loved Graveyard Queen and wanted more romance. :)
(Raises hand) I write the Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses in my paranormals :-)
ReplyDeleteLove that! (And you have a new one coming soon:)
DeleteI want that book, Jane. I want it so bad. *fingers crossed* on the sub
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