5 Most Popular Paranormal Creatures in Romance by Keri Kruspe

 

Okay, I confess. I’m a voracious reader who enjoys a good romantic romp full of extra, um, flair. Que in paranormal romances. While trends come and go in the romance genre overall, I’m happy to say that I don’t see any sign of the paranormal theme slowing down anytime soon. Which means I’m not the only one who loves the blend of two distinct genres—romance laced with fantasy or science fiction elements.

Why, you may ask, is this type of romance so popular? I adore the way Emily Sinclair Montage explained the type of folks who devore the genre in her article titled The Golden Age of Paranormal Romance Novels, “We're rule breakers. Rebels. The wild-haired and electric-eyed eccentrics of the Romance genre who won't accept society's stifling and conservative demands! We want sex, we want hot, superhuman beings to have it with, and we want a LOT of it.”

Not only that, but she also clarifies, “… all we're asking for is a supernaturally beautiful man who is powerful beyond mortal means and will protect and (consensually) ravish us to a degree no merely human man could conceive of.” 

*Sigh* I couldn't say it better myself.

Other Reasons to Love Paranormal Romances

Throughout human history, we’ve woven tales of gods seducing humans, who in turn seduce gods who in turn seduce anything in between. Sometimes when the protagonist hooks up with “otherworldly creatures”, they have a good chance of turning into that type of creature (vampires, werewolves, anyone?). Thus… dropping the boring mantel of mortal man and becoming something extraordinary! 

Some Perks in Reading This Type of Romance

• Escape from real life
• Unlimited imagination that introduces you to a new world
• Epic scop and scale that delves deeply into the human emotion of romance
• Legitimizes the subculture (fantasy is not just for children)

A List of the Most Attractive Paranormal Creatures

In no particular order, here are the five types of beings… species… creatures… I believe are the top paranormal creatures we love to ah, love:

Vampires

I get all shivery with whenever I read about these seductive creatures. In most romance novels, they are uncommonly beautiful, and you find yourself falling in love with them at one glance. Without lifting a finger (or eyebrow), they can thrall a human to their bidding. These are the classic “bad boys”, who break every rule and live outside society’s norms. Most of them have a troubled past — cursed, afflicted, striving to regain any part of their humanity they can.

Best of all, they’re never boring.

Shapeshifters

I know what you’re thinking. Why have a picture of a dragon when I talk about “Shapeshifters”? Shapeshifters nowadays encompass all sorts of forms—from mermaids to werewolves to bears, big cats and any type of mythological creature (gargoyle anyone?) you can think of.

A main attraction of the shifter culture is the whole dominating alpha looking for their ever-mate—the one female who completes them. The one mate that will hold the dark forces pulling them to inhabit their animal side and forfeit their humanity. There are so many diverse characters to choose from, it's hard to settle on just one!

Wizards/Magic Welders

What’s not to love about a man with an unlimited power that puts the “ab” in “abracadabra” (thanks Gavin Pitt)? They’re mysterious, aloof, and intelligent beyond belief. Because of their immense powers, they willingly put themselves in harm’s way for the greater good.

But a good wizard is not omnipotent. They have enough flaws to fill a cauldron. Most bite off more than they can chew and then have to pay for it. And who doesn’t want one to be the one to gain his love to uncover the struggling little boy he hides from everyone else?

Angels

The mere thought of a heavenly creature falling in love with a mortal woman is as old as time. One of the best things about angels is they’re universal. Almost every religion/mythology has some type of angel associated with it. They are divine supernatural creatures that watch over us, made to protect us from our own stupidity.

In other words… forbidden fruit.

Aliens

You didn’t think I’d leave these guys out… did ya?

Alien romances (aka SciFi Romance/Science Fiction Romance) have it all. You love supernatural creatures to fall in love with? Our aliens have that and more. From mostly human looking to some extremes that highlight we are different species. The world-building here is exciting and unique. I do promise you not all of these stories are the cookie-cutter of girl-gets-abducted-by-hunky-aliens-desperate-for-females-misunderstands-abound-everlasting-love-found. While that might have been true a couple of years ago (the main reason I wrote my An Alien Exchange series), now diversity has entered the trope. These stories are full of adventure, love, and dare I say it… luscious, sensual, hot sex. 

Recommendations

For your enjoyment I’ve included some of my favorite authors for each paranormal type. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my latest Alien Legacy series is a mesh of most of these tropes. 

In the comment section, list any a suggestion you feel should be added for everyone to enjoy!

Vampires: Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, I.T. Lucas

Shapeshifters: Lora Leigh, Lauranne Dohner, Ava Ross, Cara Bristol

Magic Welders/Wizards: Michelle M Pillow, Robin D Owens, K.F. Breene

Angels: Nalini Singh, Michelle Bardsley, Loki Renard, Merri Bright

Aliens: Tracy St. John, Evangeline Anderson, Susan Grant, S.E. Smith

Let's not forget the great authors listed on this blog. A virtual cornucopia to choose from!