Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Paranormal romances...why can't we get enough of them

Paranormal romances have enjoyed increasing popularity amongst readers in recent years. Put simply we just can't get enough of them. What is it about these novels that fuel our imagination and fantasies? They bring out the "wow factor" and makes us question ourselves "can that really happen"? They make us think "what if"? They take us on a journey to another realm or simply take us away from our daily chores for a while, allowing our imagination to take flight and be swept away.

The Oxford dictionary describes paranormal as "adj. as beyond the scope of normal objective investigation or explanation".

Paranormal romance stories exploded onto the market not too long ago. Would I be too bold as to state that the erotic romance genre, and e-publishers in particular, fed our unquenchable thirst for paranormal novels that we couldn't find through print publications. Maybe, maybe not. What I do know is that I couldn't find too many paranormal novels being published through my favorite publishers. If I was fortunate I'd come across a few books a year, or had to track when my favorite author's next title would come out...with a year's drought in between releases. The subject matter, the elements of surprise, the unknown that was questioned and couldn't be explained...or could it, all makes for insatiable reading. We're introduced to things we may not be normally exposed to or have experience with and that's part of the pulling power of these books. The other elements are simply the diverse storylines and plot, the strong characters, different settings, the romance and explicit sexuality but above all, the ability of the many talented authors to draw you into their story.

Paranormal romances offer women and men who enjoy reading romances much wider selection in their choice of reading "poison" The sub-genres in paranormal romances run the gambit from vampire, fantasy, sci-fi and werewolves just to name a few of the more popular types. We are simply spoiled for choices with this cornucopia. And these stories aren't simply about sex but have a love story at its core. And it may not be about the fundamental tale of boy meets girl, they fall in love and get married. Paranormal romances explore complex relationships, have intricate plots, situations that are arousing to your senses and fuel your fantasies and most of all have very few boundaries. These are the type of stories that I like to read, though I do enjoy other sub-genres within the erotic romance genre.

Traditional publishers couldn't satisfy our craving for these fantastical stories - until recently. They simply weren't releasing enough stories to satisfy the reading public demands. E-publishers were a lot quicker and smarter. The added element and incentive of the stories being erotic romances which delve more intimately into the relationship of the lead characters is a bonus. And the fact that these stories were more explicit than were previously being published by traditional publishers was an added bonus-for me. Indeed a heady combination for readers who like their stories not only with intricate plots, complex characters, romance, innovative stories, and out of this world heroes but more explicit in nature…for those times that you simply wanted to feel your heart pounding, your body sweating, and your fingers tingling while you were squirming in your chair and taken on a roller coaster adventure like never before.

The fact that these stories were accessible at the touch of your hand-or the buttons on your keyboard and modem, made it all the sweeter. Who needed to wait until their local bookstore opened to purchase that book they wanted? Downloading books is so much easier when you simply can't wait to read a particular book. Who could resist this winning combination and accessibility to readers? A lot of readers don't want to wait to read that next paranormal romance and often indulge with stories from publishers who are diverse, innovative, and take a chance with an author and story-like e-publishers.

When I stumbled across my first erotic romance novel and bought it out of sheer curiosity I was drawn into another world from that moment on. A new world, an exciting world, a bold and ultra sensual world of romance that I simply couldn't get enough of. Still can't. Paranormal romance tales are the type of books that I willingly escape with, and the fact that the sexuality level is higher in e-books than traditional publications is an added enticement. Another element that is very appealing to me is the strong heroines often found in the pages of these books. Erotic romances that fall under the paranormal umbrella cater to strong women who not only initiate the romance and take control of their sex life but are equal to the hero and also kick ass and save the day. Though I've found some print publishers are breaking away from traditions and expanding their guidelines to encompass steamier and explicit word content in their books to keep up with reader demand.

We, as readers, have been able to reap the rewards from bold entrepreneurs in having the luxury to choose from a wide variety of publishers and stories. E-publishers such as Ellora's Cave (www.ellorascave.com) were at the forefront of this explosion and there are many other companies who publish paranormal romances. Other e-publishers are Amber Quill Press (www.amberquill.com), Aphrodite Unlaced (www.aphroditeunlaced.com), Berkley Sensations (www.penguin.com), Changeling Press (www.changelingpress.com), Erotictales Publications (www.justusroux.com), Erotique Press (www.erotiquepress.com), eXtasy Books (www.extasybooks.com), Heatwave Romance (www.heatwaveromance.com), Linden Bay Romance (www.lindenbayromance.com), Liquid Silver Books (lsbooks.com), Loose Id (www.loose-id.com), New Concepts Publishing (www.newconceptspublishing.com), Phaze (www.phaze.com), Torquere Press (www.torquerepress.com), Triskelion Publishing (www.triskelionpublishing.com), Whiskey Creek Press Torrid (www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com) and still there are more.

Amongst this wide choice are just as many authors who offer wonderful and spellbinding paranormal tales that are steamy, sensual and erotic. Take your pick, find your favorite author(s) and settle in for an enjoyable read. There is simply nothing better. The huge popularity of paranormal novels has allowed authors to flex their writing talents to satisfy voracious readers but also allowed others to try their hand at this e xtraordinary and satisfying sub-genre. Even the more contemporary and traditional authors have contributed in penning paranormal stories like Jane Ann Krentz, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Heather Graham, Christine Feehan and Amanda Ashley to great success. To begin to even name some e-authors who write paranormal novels can easily fill this space...and then some. Those authors who I've read or have been recommended are Shiloh Walker, Sherri L. King, Tawny Taylor, Mary Winter, Reese Gabriel, Jaci Burton, Lisa Renee Jones, Samantha Winston, Denise A. Agnew, Isabella Jordan, Dakota Cassidy, Michele Bardsley, Kate Douglas, Rachel Bo, Eve Vaughn, Angela Knight, Morgan Hawke, Kate Hill, Marteeka Karland, Jeigh Lynn, Jet Mykles, Cyndi Friberg, Ann Jacobs, Barbara Karmazin, Lacey Savage, Sasha White, Mara Lee, J.B. Skully, Karen Monroe, Jaide Fox and too many more to name. Though I love this sub-category, I would suggest that if you haven't already picked up a paranormal book then you either ask for recommendations from a friend who has similar reading preferences to yourself or try various authors and discover some new favorites you may never have read otherwise…I know you won't be disappointed. You may also find your favorite author has written a paranormal book as many authors write across genres.

I believe that erotic romance literature today is far more adventurous and appealing and makes for exciting and satisfying reading. Paranormal romance, with its elements of erotica, makes for a heady combination…a winning combination. One that is enjoying huge popularity amongst readers and doesn't seem as though it will let go too quickly. It is up to the authors to feed our imaginations and fuel our erotic fantasies with the flexibility they have in brining us sensual, steamy and sizzling paranormal tales for our reading pleasure. Pull up a chair, put up your feet and enjoy your favorite paranormal novel from a publisher today.

Back to Interviews 2005