I read and write other genres of romance, but paranormal calls me back time
after time. I do write about werewolves and vampires, but my romances feature
other paranormal races as well. Faeries, elves, dryads, necromancers, phantoms
even gods and demons. Paranormal romances are as varied as contemporary or
historical romances. They feature equally damaged and diverse characters. They
are not just about fangs and fur. They can be steamy or sweet, dark and angsty,
or quirky and funny.
Readers of paranormal romance know what they like. Many of them started reading
this genre because they like vampires or werewolves and they still have a
preference for their first choice. They may stray and read mermaid or unicorn
stories, but they will return to their favorite themes. Just as readers of
contemporary romance will know if they prefer billionaires or firefighters and
historical romance readers will know if their preference is for regency rakes,
pillaging Vikings, or kilted Highlanders.
I think it's precisely because paranormal takes us away to a fantasy world that
it appeals to us so deeply. Fairy tales captured us as children (and as adults).
I still read fairy tales, they are just darker now. Wouldn't the world be a
boring place if we only ever read about, or watched films and plays about, those
things we have already experienced, or know will come our way?
When we pick up a paranormal romance, we know we will encounter superpowers,
other worlds, magic and dangerโฆ all things we don't see in our everyday lives.
The characters are big, bold, bright and passionate. Everything is
super-charged, including the romance. Emotions run high and so does the heat.
The phwoar-factor in a paranormal romance tends to be off the scale. Larger than
life extends into the bedroom (or the cave, crypt, enchanted forestโฆ you get the
picture).
When you pick up a paranormal romance, you know it's time to suspend belief.
When the handsome hero starts howling at the moon, you get dragged deep into the
story, and why not? Why not lose yourself totally? Who wants realism anyway?
True life can be over-rated.
That's why I write paranormal romance. It doesn't tie me down to a set of rules.
I like the freedom I have to build my own world. The only rules I have to stick
to are the ones I write for myself. My characters' flaws and kinks are the ones
I give them. The world they live in is the one I've created.
So when people ask "Why choose paranormal?" my answer is "Why not?". Why not
read and write big, bold, beautiful romance in a genre that is loved by so many
people?
JANE GODMAN writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne and SMP Romance
and thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She also self publishes her
historical and gothic stories. She has been a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice
Nominee and The Romance Reviews Readersโ Choice Award Winner.
Jane worked in a variety of shops, bars, and offices before settling into a
career as a teacher. She was born in Scotland and has lived in Germany, Wales,
Malta, South Africa, and England. Jane still gets the urge to travel, although
these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is
steeped in history.
When she isnโt reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking and spending time
with her family. She is married to a lovely man, has two grown up children and
has recently discovered the joy of becoming a grandparent (to two gorgeous boys).
The Coltons of
Red Ridge #4
This Colton cop falls for a ready-made family
A Coltons of Red Ridge story
A serial killer is on the loose, and true-crime filmmaker Esmรฉe da Costa is
on the case. K-9 cop Brayden Colton, the prime suspect's half brother, works
hard to stop her prying, but sparks fly as he falls for Esmรฉe and her son. When
Esmรฉe and Brayden's little family comes under siege, can they save all they
love?
Romance Suspense
[Harlequin Romantic Suspense, On Sale: April 1,
2018, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781335456342 / eISBN:
9781488092961]
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