When I started reading Paranormal romance, I kept it to myself. No way did I want people to think I was one of “those women” who read the steamy romance novels and fantasized about forbidden intimate encounters with strangers!
But then I started to read books like Jennifer Ashley’s Pride Mates, and Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series. And what I found was intense relationships between a monogamous couple and I was intrigued. I found them to be intimate on a new level. Not just in the bedroom, but also in the progression of their relationship with each other.
So, naturally, I started writing Paranormal Romance. As I did, I found that mine too centered around a monogamous couple, or at least a couple fighting to be together. However, I also found that I am an action gal at heart. I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer who kicks butt daily. I love Selene in Underworld and Blade from the Blade Trilogy. All butt kickers and action! So my Paranormal Romances are coupled with lots of action. Why? Because quite honestly I cannot stand a slow book. I like the books I read to have a purpose outside of the Romance. Outside of our own relationships, there is always other stuff going on. So I want there to be those outside influences in my books. Ones that threaten to tear my couples apart, but through their love they are able to endure and become stronger for it. Yes, I have taken that from my own relationship with my husband of 14 years. We have gone through a lot of crap together in 14 years, but we are stronger for it as a couple.
Because of this I think my books will appeal not just to women but to men as well. And yes I do believe men should read Paranormal Romance books. Strange as it sounds. So does Paul Goat Allen.
Yesterday he wrote an awesome article on Barnes and Noble.com about why men should read Paranormal Romance. He talks specifically about Jennifer Ashley’s books. And I absolutely agree with him. Here are three reasons he gives as to why men should read Paranormal Romance:
1. Believe in true, everlasting love. In this series, Shifters experience a mate bond with their lovers, a “magical binding between true mates” that is all encompassing – body and soul – and lasts until death.
2. Aspire to be the perfect catch. In Mate Claimed, Eric is described as “strong, powerful, gentle, and protective. The perfect catch.” These Shifter characters are obviously extraordinary physical specimens but the physical aspect is only part of it. They’re understanding, caring, supportive, and sensitive to their lover’s every need.
3. Find passion in your life. Ashley’s male Shifter leads are, above all else, passionate. Passionate about their lives, their families, their causes, and their lovers. At one point early on in Mate Claimed, Eric tells Iona: “When we make love, it will be like the world exploded.” Enough said.
Maybe I’m completely wrong about this but I firmly believe that men who regularly read paranormal romance will ultimately find themselves better off for it.
To see the full article go here:
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Explorations-The-BN-SciFi-and/The-Joy-of-Supernatural-Sex-Three-Reasons-Why-Men-Should-Read/ba-p/1397046
My hope is that millions of men will begin to read Paranormal Romance!