Is it paranormal romance or urban fantasy? With author Gabrielle Bisset

Please welcome Gabrielle Bisset

Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy?

Cousins from the same side of the family, in the world of romance novels, paranormal romance and urban fantasy are often confused.  Readers who love paranormal romance are often frustrated when they buy a book clearly marketed as their favorite genre and then come to realize that, in fact, what they purchased is urban fantasy. So how can a reader tell the difference?

This is just my personal assessment, but here are the major areas the two sub-genres of romance part ways. First, the romance is always paramount in paranormal romance.  True, it’s romance between species sometimes, but the romance is key, even if it takes place in an urban setting.  This is not the case in urban fantasy.  While there certainly may be romance in urban fantasy, it just isn’t the central idea.  This is not to say there won’t be some very hot scenes in urban fantasy, just as in paranormal romance.  The important point here is that it’s never the focus.

Next, there’s the action.  This may be why urban fantasy books are marketed incorrectly.  Paranormal romance often has a good bit of action to it, including fight scenes and chases.  Often, the sexy hero is forced to defend his heroine against some unknown evil, such as his enemies.  Romance readers love this.  In urban fantasy, however, the action is one of the most important areas of the story. Often there’s a war between two groups, who may be of different races or species.  So romance takes a back seat to the action in this sub-genre.

Another very big difference is that paranormal romance is usually a one book deal, whereas urban fantasy stories are often multi-book issues.  This becomes problematic, however, when you see a series like the Black Dagger Brotherhood books.  Technically, the yummy brothers J.R. Ward has created reside in paranormal romance land, but if you take a look at the series, the lines between paranormal romance and urban fantasy begin to get blurred.  In fact, after Zsadist’s story, I would argue Ward took a very sharp turn into urban fantasy.  I admit she steps back sometimes, especially in her most recent, Lover Unleashed, which was very much paranormal romance, but she walks a fine line. 

And then there’s the world building.  Paranormal romances may have some aspects of world building, but it isn’t that important.  In urban fantasy, it’s key.  Just as with its literary relative, fantasy, urban fantasy involves world building as an integral part of the storyline, along with the urban focus.

However, the most important difference between these two sub-genres is that paranormal romance must have a HEA.  Without a happy ending, it can’t be romance.  That’s what the romance gods have dictated, and this is a hard and fast rule.  Urban fantasy, however, doesn’t require a HEA because the romance isn’t the focal point.

Hopefully, publishers and marketers can begin to determine what the consensus is about these two sub-genres.  Until then, a little variety can’t hurt, but paranormal romance fans love their romance. I just wonder how urban fantasy readers feel when they pick up a book and realize they aren’t getting world building and battles between good and evil.  

Interview with erotic paranormal author S.K. Yule!

Please welcome erotic paranormal author S.K. Yule.
I have had the privilege to read and review S.K.'S eBooks and I will say they are outstanding! Please check them out after the interview on her website.


Laurie-Hello S.K. I am happy to have you here to tell all us all about your wonderful books. But first would you tell a little about what you like to do while your not writing?

S.K. Yule-I like spending time with my husband and dogs--my furry kids--just my dogs, I mean : ) . I love relaxing, reading, and watching scarey movies.

Laurie-What different paranormal creatures do you write about?

S.K. Yule-I've written about vampires, werewolves, demons and ghosts thus far, but wouldn't hesitate to write about anything paranormal.

Laurie-What is you favorite reason you like to write paranormal?

S.K. Yule-I love, love, love the unknown, the paranormal, things that cannot be explained. I think writing paranormal widens the boundaries of writing as well. And I love being scared. October is my favorite month because of Halloween and all the scarey movie marathons.

Laurie-Your vampire family the Aleksandrow’s exciting to read. Would you tell those who have never read your vampire series (Darkest) a little about it?

S.K. Yule-The Darkest series is about three brothers, Ashe, Aldin and Aiston Aleksandrov, who are vampires. They spend most of their time protecting humans from shadowdrifters, or vampires gone bad (um, badder). Suddenly, an uprising of the drifters begin, and the brothers find themselves overwhelmed, and call in other hunters to help.

While the problem with the drifters escalate throughout the series, Ashe, Aldin and Aiston must balance their lives between the uprising and finding their viata amants, or life mates. All the while, none of them have any idea that a bigger problem is brewing.

Their mother, Marilena, was foretold by none other than Ragnor, the vampire king, a prophecy concerning her sons, the uprising, and their potential deaths, hundreds of years ago. She has never told them of the prophecy or who their real father is, and has secretly been fighting fate to keep her children from facing said prophecy.


Laurie-I loved your werewolf books Lycan lover and Lycan Lust. Would you give others a peek about them? What else do you have more planned for your werewolf’s?

S.K. Yule-Lycan Lover and Lycan Lust are about alpha lycans who finally find their soul mates. And, even though the need to claim their human mates burns strong, they strive to stay in control and make sure that they fulfill all of their mates' needs. They put their instincts aside to make sure their significant others are happy.

Anthony Wolfson (Lycan Lover), and Brent Falls (Lycan Lust) are strong males who have survived many years with their morals intact even though many lycan around them are turning rogue.

Laurie-I loved the steamy scenes you have in your novellas especially the hot tub one in Lycan Lust. Would you tell your favorite one so far? I hope you can narrow it down to one LOL.

S.K. Yule-Oh my. That is a tough question. I love all of my steamy scenes, and try to make each one unique and different. If I had to pick at this very moment, I would say the bathroom scene in Darkest Desires between Aiston and Avril. I choose this one only for the fact that it was spontaneous and a little unexpected. However, if we are including scenes from unpublished works as well, I have to say I'm extremely pleased with the steamy scenes in Darkest Intentions, Darkest Book III. I hope to get it released sometime this year.

Laurie-Do you have a favorite heroine so far? If so why?

S.K. Yule-One of my favorite heroines is Rindy Trenton of Lycan Lust. I admire how strong and determined she is, and how, ultimately, not even her tragic past could keep her from trusting and loving her soul mate.

Laurie-Do you have a favorite hero you wrote so far? If so why?

S.K. Yule-I love all of my heros and strive to write them with strong characters and morals. Even though they might do things that we won't agree with at times, when it comes down to the bottom line, they will always do the right thing. So far, the funnest heros to write have been Ashe Aleksandrov (Darkest Hours, Darkest Book I), and Malachi Mannering (Darkest Intentions, Darkest Book III -- which has not been released as of yet). I like Ashe because he was my first hero and I like Malachi because he has a tortured past that makes him seem more human than vampire.

Laurie-What is you biggest influence for writing?

S.K. Yule-Knowing that I bring a little bit of contentment and spice into my readers' lives, and give them an escape, even if for a short time, from reality.

Laurie-Who are some of your favorite authors?

S.K. Yule- Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Elizabeth Hoyt, Tatiana Caldwell, and Angela Knight to name a few.

Laurie-What do you have planned to come out next? Can you give us a peek in your upcoming paranormal ghost romance?

S.K. Yule-If things go as planned, Darkest Intentions, Darkest Book III and Lycan It will be my next releases.

Paranormal Romance

 Paranormal Romance

There are people who think Paranormal Romance is a trend, but after running a paranormal romance blog for over 6 years, I am here to say it’s not. It’s here to stay. Will it slow down? Yes, it will. Why? Because the big 8 publishers will deem it was a trend and only take authors that have been bestsellers in the genre. I have already witnessed this. I have seen bestselling authors turn indie to publish their paranormal romance books. But never fear, as the indie authors keep growing, this genre will not die.

I have always considered Paranormal Romance as having an “identity crisis” because so many are confused with its identity. Reason being is because it’s really quite new, but so is romance itself as we know it today. Back in the day, Romance novels were quite different. Take for instance the first known US paperback published romance book (recorded by Avon in 1972) by Kathleen Woodiwiss, ‘The Flame and the Flower’. I’ve read this book and several others from that time and it’s nothing like the romance we know today. These types of books, known as Bodice Ripper Novels, carried such things as the hero raping the heroine and you won’t find many romance books like that now days. Pre-1980’s romance novels didn’t have rules set in place so they didn’t have to provide HEA’s, nor did they have a romance plot between a hero and a heroine.

Before we go on, I would like to ask that you please keep in mind that in the pre-1970’s and even in the 1980’s, women didn’t read romance like we do today; out in the open and by so many. Romance has always been considered taboo, even by other women. I know to most of us today, this is hard to fathom but times were very different.

During the 1970’s there were no recorded PNR’s. You would have to look under genres such as Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Futuristic, Horror, Goth and Time Travel to hopefully find some kind of a romance plot.

During the 1980’s romance started to become popular with millions of copies being sold and the creation for the RWA (Romance Writers of America). RWA stepped up and separated romance from your regular fiction. You see, you can have sex and some romance in fiction, but fiction doesn’t carry a HEA and nor does fiction focus mainly on a couple’s love affair. These two elements separate romance from regular fiction. Example of this is the book Outlander people wants to say it Romance but it’s not, there is not HEA therefore it’s a regular fiction series that has some romance elements which includes sex. 

 During the early 1980’s Romance started to blossom and take shape and in different genres. Historical Time Travel and Futuristic Romance were starting to take off.  Authors such as, Jayne Ann Krentz, was the first romance author to get her book, ‘Sweet Starfire’, labeled Futuristic Romance in 1986. Still no PNR, so let’s keep going.

During the 1990’s, there is some movement in the Paranormal Romance genre. There are two known authors who were able to publish under the PNR label. The first labeled paranormal romance book was published in 1995 titled, Everlastin’ by Mickee Madden (Time Travel and a Ghost romance). Linda Lael Miller (Forever and the night Night) was published in 1993 but I have not confirmed if the book was labeled PNR. Kathleen Nance‘s, ‘Wishes Come True’ was published in 1998. Christine Feehan published, ‘Dark Prince’ (Vampire Romance) in 1999. Susan Krinard’s, ‘Prince of Wolves’ was also published in 1999. Other authors who were publishing Time Travel Romance and Futuristic Romance during this time were, Diana Gabaldon, Karen Marie Moning, Justine Davis, Dara Joy, Stobie Piel, Sandra Hill, and Lynn Kurland. Also, during the late 1990’s, the popular author Shannon Drake published a popular vampire series (Vampire) but it was labeled as Romantic Suspense.

The early 2000’s the PRN sub-genre started to take sprout. With authors such as Robin D. Owens (Heart Mate 2001), Sherrilyn Kenyon (Fantasy Lover 2002), Rebecca York (Killing Moon 2003), Susan Sizemore (I Burn for You 2003), Christine Warren (One Bite With A Stranger 2003), Lori Handeland (Blue Moon 2004), Angela Knight (Master of Wolves 2004), C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp’s (Hunter's Moon 2004), Katie MacAlister (You Slay Me 2005), Ronda Thompson (Dark One 2005), J.R. Ward (Dark Lover 2005), Susan Squires (The Companion 2005), Lynsay Sands (A Quick Bite 2005), Kerrelyn Sparks (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire 2005), Kresley Cole (Hunger Like No Other 2006), Jenna Black (Watchers in the Night 2006), Kathryn Smith (Be Mine Tonight 2006) and Patty O’Shea (In the Midnight Hour 2007). By this time, there was no stopping the Romance sub-genre. Authors such as, Allyson James, Susan Kearney, Gena Showalter, Anya Blast, Alyssa Day, Shannon K. Butcher, Pamela Palmer, Addison Fox, Annette McCleave…Hold on finger cramp… Okay, that’s better! I can keep going now…Jessica Andersen, Nalini Singh, Lara Adrian, Christina Dodd, Kathy Love, Michele Bardsley, Kim Lenox, Anna Windsor, Rhyannon Byrd, Larissa Ione, Jacquelyn Frank, Shayla Black, G.A. Aiken, Alexandra Ivy, Erin McCarthy, Annette Blair, Juliana Stone, Alexis Morgan, Jennifer St. Giles, Megan Hatfiled, Vicki Lewis Thompson all found themselves published during this time. Most with the PNR labels on their books, but some not. Even with all of these NY published authors named above, I haven’t touched the tip of the iceberg. There are even more NY authors and that’s not counting the small publisher, trade publisher and indie publishers. Look at it this way, if you look at my Goodreads shelf you will find over 800 books marked PNR (These are true PNR’s not UF) and I have over 400 books of them on my bookshelf that I haven’t even read yet. So, yes we can say in the 2000’s paranormal romance exploded.

When Paranormal Romance first started Sherrilyn Kenyon and J.R. Ward and other PNR authors struggled to get published. Still today, other PNR authors are finding themselves having to Indie Publish or go to Small Press publisher because of the strict rules from NY publishers. It’s not only the strict rules the NY publisher places on the stories, they also won’t look at an author’s manuscript unless they are already a big name in the PNR world. I had one NY Paranormal Romance author send me her book to review. She had to Indie Publish it because the Publisher wanted her heroine witch to land in Salem, Massachusetts instead of the destination the author felt inspired to write about. I for one was glad she stood up for her inspiration and told the Publisher to stuff it. As a reader, you would be amazed at what the publisher cuts out and adds to the author’s story.

Now let’s get back into the “identity crisis”. Since the PNR explosion, Publishers and Retailers want to add Gothic, Time Travel Romance, Fantasy Romance, Urban Fantasy and Futuristic Romance into this genre; therefore causing lots of confusion in the labeling of this genre. As a review blogger, I read them daily and I see a huge difference in each genre, but for some reason others don’t. Urban Fantasy gets confused with paranormal romance all the time and there is a huge difference between the two. Paranormal romance carries the love affair, HEA and its writing in third person POV, where Urban Fantasy doesn’t carry either a heavy love affair, HEA or its writing in the first person POV.

With the odds stacked up against Paranormal Romance due to its mislabeling identity crisis and people deeming it a trend, the sub-genre still keeps growing and growing. As a PNR reviewer/blogger/reader, I don’t see anything stopping it because readers love to get away from real life and lose themselves into a world that is nothing like what they are facing every day.

Interview/GIVEAWAY! with Paranormal Erotic Author Roxanne Rhoads

Hello Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Paranormal Erotic Author Roxanne Rhoads.

RONDA: Hello Roxanne, it is such a pleasure to be interviewing you, thank you for taking the time out for us followers.

ROXANNE: Thanks for having me here. I enjoy visiting all the book blogs and “meeting” new readers.
RONDA: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
ROXANNE: Well, let’s see… I am an author, obviously , a wife and mom of three crazy but extremely lovable children ranging in ages from 5 to 19. I love books- and I always have.

I think if my husband didn’t corral my collection books would cover every surface of the house, he keeps buying me new bookshelves or creating little book nooks where I can stash them. In addition to reading and writing I love to garden and craft and hunt for vintage/antique treasures.

As far as my professional life, other than writing and promoting my own books, I work as a publicist for Entangled Publishing and I own and operate Bewitching Book Tours, a virtual book tour company that specializes in paranormal and urban fantasy books.

RONDA: I just had the great pleasure to read your new release Paranormal Pleasures: Ten Tales of Supernatural Seduction and absolutely loved it, can you tell us a little about it?

ROXANNE: Eight of the stories in the book have been previously published in digital form- some come from the beginning of my fiction career in 2005. Others are as new as being published in ebooks and online in 2010. All the stories were freshly edited before publication in Paranormal Pleasures and a couple have new content for this collection.

The two new stories, “Witch in the Middle” and “Monster Inside”, have never before been published anywhere.
All ten of the stories are sexy supernaturals with explicit erotic content- the stories feature witches, demons, and vampires.

Title: Paranormal Pleasures Ten Tales of Supernatural Seduction

Author: Roxanne Rhoads

Publisher: Bewitching Books

Genre: Paranormal erotica

ISBN: 0615470386 / 9780615470382

Page Count: 138

Buy links: 

 Print     Amazon Print     Amazon Kindle    

B&N Nook     Smashwords     All Romance

RONDA: Do you have any upcoming books/works that you are working on?
ROXANNE: I recently finished my first full length novel, Hex and the Single Witch. I describe it as a paranormal romance with erotic content set in an urban fantasy world.

I am currently weighing my publishing options for this novel which is the first in a series. I am also working on several other erotic romance paranormal novels and novellas. I always have at least four or five stories in progress so I can work on something different if I get stuck in a rut with one of the projects.

FUN QUESTIONS:

Ronda - Roxanne

Favorite Color? Red
Favorite Food? Pizza or Tacos depending on my mood
Favorite Movie? Under the Tuscan Sun, Ever After
Favorite actor or actress? Don’t really have one, though I love to drool over Tom Welling and Ian Somerhalder on TV
Favorite Music Group? Long time fave from my younger days is Bon Jovi
Favorite Song? “I Remember You” by Skid Rowe (yes I am a product of the 80s hair band days)

GIVEAWAY!

Roxanne will be giving away a print copy of Paranormal Pleasures to one lucky commentor.  US Shipping Only.  Requirements are that you be a follower and you make a comment along with your email address so we can contact you if you win.  Good Luck Everyone!

Is it Paranormal Romance of Urban Fantasy? Author Stacey Kennedy's view

Please welcome Stacey Kennedy

Urban Fantasy Romance—Paranormal Romance, which is it??

Gawd, where do I even start? I’m sure many of you have wondered what the difference between these genres is. Let me tell you it is not an easy answer.

Wikipedia defines Urban Fantasy as “A sub-genre of fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Many urban fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.”

Wikipedia defines Paranormal Romance as “A sub-genre of the romance novel. A type of speculative fiction, paranormal romance focuses on romance and includes elements beyond the range of scientific explanation, blending together themes from the genres of traditional fantasy, science fiction, or horror.”

So for the most part this explains the differences between the genres, or does it? The line between these genres has become somewhat blurred and whomever you ask will say something different. Trust me, when I started asking this question, I got lots of different answers.

Some will tell you it has nothing to do with the setting, the romance, or any other element, and is defined by the characters in the book. If the series uses the same hero/heroine throughout then it’s Urban Fantasy Romance. If the series has a new hero/heroine in each book then it’s Paranormal Romance.

But wait…

Keri Arthur (love her by the way) says this on her website about the two genres, “Paranormal romance is a romance first and foremost. In urban fantasy the romance is generally a secondary plot (if it exists at all)”

Geesh! No wonder it’s so confusing! So, where do I stand on the matter?

Personally, I think it’s all of the above.

Urban Fantasy Romance is a novel that is set in an urban setting and has supernatural elements. There will be a romance but the romance is not the only focus in the story—a side plot, yes, but the story isn’t moved along by the romantic element only. Each book will contain the same hero and heroine throughout the series.

Paranormal Romance is a romance that has supernatural elements. The characters are driven by the romance, and even though there might be an adventure, the main plot is about the hero and heroine’s love story. Each book that is contained in the series will have a different hero and heroine.

I’ve written both, Urban Fantasy Romance (The Magical Sword series), and Paranormal Romance (The Watchers series)—both are fun to write, but it’s the balance of how much romance you put into the story, what the goals of the characters are, what their conflict is, and what is the main plot of the story that defines where it belongs.

I hope I’ve given you some insight into these genres as I know it can be uber confusing! And if you are still scratching your head, then just decide for yourself and carry on! Really, as long as it’s a good story, it won’t matter which genre it falls into! 

* * * * *
Stacey Kennedy’s urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

Meet Bitten's reviewers

Founder Laurie 

I’m a mom that loves to read romance. I started this blog back in 2009 when paranormal was so hot and since then I have found a love for all things romance, hence the name change from Bitten by Paranormal Romance to Bitten by Romance. 

My favorite romance sub-genre is paranormal, but I like to mix it with historical and sci-fi romance. I also read cozy mysteries and cookbooks. I'm picky when it comes to endings in romance, I like them to be “Happy Ever After” so I tend to steer clear of reading Urban Fantasy and I also don’t care much for head-hopping. 

When I review romance I’m looking for the romance to be the main focus of the story and connection between the main characters and so on. I also look for uniqueness for plots and grammar. 

Besides reading I have an addiction for gaming, baking, gardening, and writing.

Happy reading!

my read shelf:

LaurieGoodreads

Jasmyn
Reviewer/Writer 

I am a mom, full-time employee, and part time student.  With so much of my day taken up by others, I have found that reading is the perfect way for me to relax, unwind, and take a deep breath.  I was lucky to have parents that encouraged my reading from a very young age, and I only hope I can do as well for my own two little ones.  I grew up reading fantasy and contemporary fiction, but once I got a little older I discovered how much fun romance could be.  The best part was I could find romance books that over-lapped in just about every other genre, including my favorite - fantasy.  Paranormal romance has begun to overtake my library at home where I have about 800 or so paper books, and 300 or more in electronic format.  It may sound strange, but I really have a hard time picking them up or getting rid of them - I never know when I'll want to pick one up again.

When I'm not reading, you can find me playing computer MMORG (massively multi-player online roleplaying games).  My current game of choice is EverQuest II.  I may even occasionally pick up the good old Rock Band or Guitar Hero on the xBox and "jam" for awhile to expend some extra energy.  You'd be surprised how much exercise you can get on the drum kit!

JasmynGoodreads  

Reviewers that pops in every once in a while

 Artemis

Reviewer 

My love of reading developed in high school with the dreaded Eng Lit 101. I was enthralled with the heroes, monsters, gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. I also had a keen interest in the classic movie monsters: Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Mummy and Dracula. It was the vampire myth that intrigued me the most. My reading would consist mostly of mainstream fiction (never a romance) with a sprinkling of history, biography, and a few others thrown in. There was little time for reading though when it came to raising a family and working full-time. I was lucky if I read four books a year.

The year 2009 was a revelation for me: I discovered TRUE BLOOD and Charlaine Harris. (I like the books better and I’m an Eric Babe!) Shortly after 2009 began, I was no longer gainfully employed - having a grand time being a SAHG, with time to R-E-A-D! After devouring what Sookie Stackhouse books were available at the time, I researched paranormal series and headed off to B&N with list in hand. They didn’t have the first book of the series that I really, really, really, REALLY wanted to read. But while I was in there lollygagging around, I struck-up a conversation with a lovely young woman. She had the book I was looking for in her pocketbook and she gave it to me - YES - GAVE IT TO ME! True Story! I never got her name, but I will never forget her because that book was my introduction to the romance genre. (And I have found the generosity, kindness, and friendliness of the romance community since then too.)

Now, there isn’t much I don’t read in the romance genre; well, except for inspirational and in a pinch I might read that. I still like to read all types of fiction and non-fiction, but I have found myself caught up in this romance roller-coaster and I’m having a blast! If I had to list my romance reading preferences, I guess it would look something like this: suspense, paranormal, historical, m/m, contemporary, sci-fi. And of course, you can pair the sub-genre of erotic with any of those.

A Little Bit More

Vanilla or Chocolate: Rocky Road

Favorite Paranormal, not romance, Book: THE VAMPIRE LESTAT

Astrological Sign: Scorpio

A Hobby besides reading: Gardening; then canning & preserving the harvest

One Unusual Thing About Me: I have a CWP

One of my many Witty Isms: I’m old enough to know better - young enough NOT. TO. CARE.

I bet you’re still wondering the title of that book - huh? It will remain one of my favorite paranormal romances and first loves. My Blind King, Wrath, DARK LOVER by J. R. Ward.

Artemis Goodreads 

Below are reviewers that are no longer reviewing, but you can still find their old reviews postings. 

Retired reviewers 

WildAboutBones

I love to read! I don't read books, I devour them voraciously. My current favorite genres are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Erotica, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult (even though I haven't been one of these in a long time), Sci-Fi and Mainstream and "Blockbuster" Fiction.

I grew up watching the wonderful old Universal Studios & Hammer B-movie monster films on Friday nights - Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Mummy, The Thing, Cat People, I was a Teenaged Werewolf, The Day The Earth Stood Still, etc. Then something wonderful happened when I was in the 8th grade. I was lent a copy of Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire and I was hooked. At summer camp that year, I borrowed a copy of The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty. I then found Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Saint-Germain vampire series and there was no turning back. (LOL, No, Mom did not know I was reading these.) Thereafter, I couldn't get enough of Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brian Lumley (his Necroscope series rocks!), Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Robin Cook and Clive Barker just to name a few. I still read these authors, but once I found Laurell K. Hamilton in 1993 and J.R. Ward in 1999 my tastes turned more to the Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance genres - L.A. Banks helped too.

Professionally I've done many things such as customer service, technical support, marketing design and copywriting, webmaster, UNIX system administrator, programmer, application designer, database architect and programmer and lipstick lady {grin} to name a few.

Currently a freelance editor & proofreader, I read a lot. I read very fast. I average a book (400-500 pages) a day - the ladies at the Library know me by name since I'm in there so often. LOL! This lets me catch continuity issues easily. And as an added benefit, because every thing is fresh in my mind, I can write my reviews quickly.

What's up with "WildAboutBones"? No, I don't have a skeleton fetish. I do however adore Jeaniene Frost's Bones character in her Night Huntress series.

Other tidbits you may find interesting:

Dream Job: Getting paid to read books

Favorite Author: There are just too many to name here

Favorite Supernatural Being: Vampires & weres/shifters

Stand Alone or Series: Series

Print or eBook: Print but eBooks are handy

Movies, TV or Books: Books

Favorite Music: R&B, Classic Soul, Hip Hop, Southern Rock & recently found Country again

Favorite Desert: Cheesecake

Favorite Sport: American Football (Go Browns, Buccaneers & Ohio State Buckeyes)

Authors: Need someone to find continuity issues, grammar, spelling and other problems in your works before publishing? I have helped several authors with this and I am a freelance editor & proofreader for three publishers as well. Very reasonable rates. If you're interested, contact me at

WildAboutBonesEditing {at} gmail {dot} com or here.

(Please do not use this email address to make review requests for this blog. Instead please go to the

Review Request page to do this.)

Check out my new Cover Reveals blog at http://CoverReveals.blogspot.com Twitter: @CoverReveals

Goodreads.com profile

Special Note from Laurie: WildAboutBones has permission to contact authors for review requests but I am not guaranteeing the review will get on the blog. {wink} She wears her big girl panties and is responsible for any review requests not going through me. So, if she doesn’t get it on the blog, please email her; don’t email me. She hasn't missed one yet, but you'll need to deal with her directly.

 Ollie
Reviewer

She has a B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychology/Sociology and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology where she has over 15 years experience in the mental health care field and has worked in administration, research, teaching at various organizations and had her own private practice as a psychotherapist.

She is also one of the co-founders of TrueBloodNet.com where she was the Editor/Administrator and a regular contributor to the news and editorial pages.

Ollie enjoys reading paranormal romance/erotica books with a special preference for Vampires, Immortals, and Fallen Angels. If the book has those elements plus characters that she can develop an emotional connection with and lots of hot sex included, then she is glued to the pages and is on cloud 9. Nothing is better then cuddling up on the sofa with a hot paranormal romance/erotica book, well almost. ;)

Ollie's Goodreads

 CaroleDee

I'm a 28-year-old domestic goddess that loves to live vicariously through books. I'm happily married to a man who is as obsessed with music as I am to books. We have a six-year-old son that is fascinated with zombies.  Our family currently lives in England, but thanks to good 'ole Uncle Sam we have resided in 4 states and 3 countries. Originally from the South, I'm on the receiving end of a lot of laughs when I say things like "you'll" and "sweet tea". I love all romance books but have a particular affection for paranormal and sci/fi :)

CaroleDee'sGoodreads profile

  

Carridwen

I'm a 33-year-old married mother of 2 teenagers. I am a full-time teacher, part time student as well. I also have a small addiction to reading and books. I will read anything and everything. I have yet to find a genre that I can't handle. My ultimate downtime is sipping a few glasses of wine on my front porch while escaping to another world and life.

Carridwen Goodreads

Emi
Reviewer 

I am a 32-year-old stay at home mother of two girls. I've only been home with my second child so it's only been a little over 1 year and it's been a wonderful experience (I didn't really have a chance to do so with my first). As far as my work experience goes I've done so many things in quite a few industries, I've been a sales associate in clothing stores, hostess at restaurants and a front desk manager and makeup artist at a salon and recently a sales assistant for a seafood wholesale vendor. I've pretty much always been in the food industry with restaurateurs being family friends and such. I've always loved reading but got really into it in my teens. I absolutely love paranormal books whether thriller, romance or erotica. I love mystery and thrillers and crime as well. Anne Rice is my favorite and my intro into the genre. I also love Larissa Ione, Heather Killough-Walden, Charlaine Harris. I'm currently reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I'm sure there are many more authors out there I need to acquaint myself with lol. Out of all of the sups, I would say vampires are my favorite, least at started my love for them, there is just something I love about the dark brooding sexy mysterious beings, but I love all supers.  My only hobbies other than reading are word games, yes I know total nerd lol, but I love word search games and words with friends and stuff like that. I also like to cook, it's so much fun preparing a meal and then devouring it. Lol. My favorite seasons are fall and spring just sitting outside in the beautiful weather reading a book. My favorite shows are True Blood, CSI, The Closer and recently Grim, and most of the shows on ID Discovery. As far as having a favorite book there are just way too many for me to decide lol, but if I really had to choose it would be The Vampire Lest at by Anne Rice. I mostly prefer paranormal books but will read almost anything.  There's not really much else I can say.

Emigoodreads

Review Entangled by Edie Ramer, et al.

Title: Entangled
Author: Edie Ramer, Misty Evans, Cynthia Eden, et.al
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 335 pgs
Release Date: September 12, 2011


Ghosts, vampires, demons, and more! Entangled includes ten paranormal short stories from authors Cynthia Eden, Jennifer Estep, Edie Ramer, Lori Brighton, Michelle Diener, Misty Evans, Nancy Haddock, Liz Kreger, Dale Mayer, and Michelle Miles, plus a Seven Deadly Sins novella by Allison Brennan.

Stacia Kane contributed the foreword. All proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.




My Review:

This is a Halloween anthology of short stories in the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres with a single young adult urban fantasy short and an urban fantasy novella. I'll rate each individually.

I'm going to make a confession, I don't usually read Forewords {gasp! I know!}, acknowledgements, dedications, yes. Forewords, no. Kudos to Stacia Kane for a writing a Foreword that pulled me in, hook, line and sinker from the word go. "The other day I got involved in an online conversation with some other writers about condoms. Specifically about condoms and their use in books, as in whether or not the characters we write use them." I couldn't not read after an opening like that. She goes on to talk about the hope of eradicating breast cancer. Condoms to breast cancer? Yep and does a fine job of it. When you purchase this book I hope you'll read Stacia's Foreword.

A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden Rating: 5, Sexual: Hot!
A paranormal liaison, vampires, werewolves and a hot romance take over in this paranormal romance. The supernaturals came out of the closet 10 years ago. Sheriff Ava Dushaine had a one night stand with the Julian, Alpha of the local werewolf pack. He's never forgotten her and still wants her. Great line: "Is this the part where I say…'My, Julian, what very big teeth you have…'?" The lust between them simmers all the time.

The Fat Cat by Edie Ramer Rating: 3.5
A witch, a talking cat and a warlock who is really an energy vampire take center stage in this paranormal romance. Tory is replacing her ex-boyfriend with a cat, a female cat because she has designated "her condo [as] a No Penis Zone". Ends up with male talking cat. Great line: "She‘d faked orgasms, she could fake confidence." This has a great surprise ending.

A Night of Forever by Lori Brighton Rating: 5, Sexual: Hot!
In this steamy historical paranormal romance short, vampires, werewolves, an underground fight club and a reluctant romance lure us in. Mary Ellen doesn't want to be interested in Aidan. She wants a cheerful, rich husband. Not a serious, boring and quiet man like Aiden. So why couldn't she keep from watching him? Aiden has been silently mooning over Mary Ellen for the two months he's been visiting. It has been many years since he's been interested in any female, much less a human.

Medium Rare by Nancy Haddock Rating: 4
Ghosts, a psychotherapist to the haunted, a ghost hunting team, a ghostly battle and an unlikely attraction that turns into a romance haunt this story set in one of my favorite places -- St. Augustine, FL.

Sweet Demon by Misty Evans Rating: 4
A vengeance demon with her own investigations biz, a vampire king, the Goddess of Love and a rekindled romance. A great line: "[she had] fear of commitment, and men came and went like a boyfriend version of Netflix"

Sian’s Solution by Dale Mayer Rating: 3
Vampires, a blood farm and a love that is stronger than the obstacles they'll face.

Sinfully Sweet by Michelle Miles Rating: 4, Sexual: Steamy
A magical healer, magically enhanced baked goods, a sexy stranger who is half-Elemental witch, half-incubus and a steamy chemistry between the main characters are featured in this story. This reminds me of two stories I've read this past year both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Feel the Magic by Liz Kreger Rating: 3
What an inventive story line! It features a witch and a cat trapped in a woman's body urging the witch to transform her into the cat. She'd heard of transgendered, but trans-specied? This was a new one.

Breaking Out by Michelle Diener Rating: 5
A prison of sorts for 'special' people, a telekinetic, a mind reader, a healer, a breakout, a paranormal (not supernatural) special ops team. Hot chemistry between two of the escapees. Reminds me a little of Christine Feehan's Ghost Walkers series. Welcome to the contemporary paranormal romance genre, Ms. Diener! Great job!

Halloween Frost, A Mythos Academy short story by Jennifer Estep Rating: 3
A Valkyrie, a Gypsy, a Spartan, prowlers (oversized black cougars with lots of teeth and claws), a talking sword and high school warriors take the lead in this YA urban fantasy short. The warriors, champions of the gods and goddesses, battle with a prowler on Halloween.

Ghostly Justice, A Seven Deadly Sins Novella by Allison Brennan Rating: 3.75, Sexual: Steamy
An emotionally bruised cop, demon hunters, incarnate demons, a dying woman's request, human vampires (not the supernatural kind) practicing dark magic, human sacrifices and a somewhat steamy romance clash in this urban fantasy novella. The Moira character is very intense in a very 'everything is black or white, no gray allow' kind of way but this may be due to the manipulations of her trainer. Rafe has been getting more powers since being in a coma and it has him a little worried.

Don't forget -- all proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Authors' Websites:
Edie Ramer, Cynthia Eden, Jennifer Estep
Lori Brighton, Michelle Diener, Misty Evans
Nancy Haddock, Liz Kreger, Dale Mayer
Michelle Miles, Allison Brennan

Spotlight/Giveaway: Welcome to the Neighborhood by Mary Abshire

I've got a spotlight/giveaway today for a new paranormal romance series! 
*I'm really excited to read this one. Sounds super cute and super sexy!*

Title: Welcome to the Neighborhood
 

Series: Midnight Gardens, #1
 

Author: Mary Abshire
 

Genre: Paranormal Romance
 

Length: 267 pgs 

ISBN: 9781616504779

Sparks fly under the full moon in paranormal suburbia.
Vampire Alexandria Cartwright believes she’s found the perfect home in paranormal suburbia. An independent young woman and professional financial adviser, Alexi needs help from no man, human or paranormal. Until burglars break into her house and steal her most valuable possession–one which could lead to her demise.

Werewolf Gregory Holmes is instantly attracted to his new neighbor and wants nothing more than to protect her from any who would seek to harm her. Helping Alexi recover her stolen safe seems to be the perfect opportunity to show her how he feels.

Centuries of experience have shown Alexi all men are greedy pigs who only think with the brain below their belt. But as Greg comes to her aid repeatedly, she wonders if he’s the real deal. Can she overcome her loathing for men? Can Greg break through the wall she’s built to show her the meaning of love?

Available at:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo| iTunes

About Mary

Outside of Mary's government job, she writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. Dark and dangerous creatures are her friends. She creates worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. She even create new ones.
How does she do this?

She has a twisted mind and it gets better with wine.

Join her in her fantastical worlds. She'll introduce you to her friends, and if they bite or corrupt your mind... it's not her fault.

For more information about Mary or her books, please visit her: 

Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page| Twitter | Goodreads 

Other Series by Mary Abshire

The Soul Catcher (Paranormal Romance)

Claiming the Evil Dead

Catching an Evil Tail

Fighting Evil

Love Conquers All Evil

 The Project Eve Series (Urban Fantasy)

The Awakening

The Quest

Tour Giveaway Details:

Mary is giving away a $35 Amazon gift card at the end of the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mary Abshire’s Welcome to the Neighborhood 
Blog Tour Schedule

8/05 - Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads 

http://shaynareneesspicyreads.blogspot.com/

8/06 - Bitten by Paranormal Romance 

http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/

8/07 - Coffee and Characters 

http://daniellecromero.blogspot.com/

8/08 - Penny For Them 

http://pennyforthem1.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tour

8/09 - Fundinmental 

http://www.fundinmental.com/

8/10 - Book Pages & Dripping Ink 

http://bookpagesanddrippingink.blogspot.com/

8/11 Night Owl Reviews 

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Welcome-To-The-Neighborhood-by-Mary-Abshire

 8/11 - Book Nerd 

http://booknerdash.blogspot.com/

8/12 - KT Book Reviews 

http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/13 - Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews 

http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/14 - Book Monster Reviews 

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

8/15 - Riverina Romantics 

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

8/15 - Offbeat Vagabond 

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

8/16 - Mad Hatter Reads

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

8/17 - Literal Addiction

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

8/18 - Reading Between the Wines 

http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/

8/19 - United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

8/20 - Just Paranormal Romance 

http://www.justparanormalromance.com/

8/21 - Intoxicated by Books 

http://intoxicatedbybooks.blogspot.com/

8/21 - Cocktails and Books 

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

8/21 - Crazy 4 Books 

http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com/

8/21 - Books, Books & More Books 

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

8/22 - My Reading Obsession 

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/

8/23 - Babbling About Books 

http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

8/23 - Victoria's Gossip

http://victoriasgossip.com/blog/

8/24 - Miscellaneous Thoughts of A Bookaholic

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/