A Junkee’s Take on Paranormal Romance
Paranormal Romance is one of the hottest genres in the growing speculative fiction line. Throw a Paranormal into a romance and you have the best of both worlds, or so some people think. Romance lovers that are tired of Cowboys, Firemen and Police Officers now have new alpha males to worship – vampires, werewolves and the continuing growing line of hot males something or others – were-cougars, dragons, djinn, ghosts – the lists goes on an on. But, with the influx of Paranormal Romance {PNR} books on the market have the stories become stale?
While I hate to admit this, I’m beginning to think my book palate is done with paranormal romance, well adult romance in general.
**Stops and waits for mass gasping.**
Let me explain with a broad analogy. When my brain was churning out writing ideas in college, during one of my many creative writing courses, I often believed that Romance would be one of the easier genres to write. Now, I’ve since rectified my thoughts, because NOTHING is easy to write, but, in general I think contemporary romance might still be easier, than say a mystery to write. This is because they usually implement what I have dubbed the “Romance Algorithm.” Big words for — they all follow usual patterns. And, because of these usual patterns which have filtered into Paranormal Romance also, I, as an avid reader, quickly become bored.
Reading five paranormal romances over a period of six months probably wouldn’t throw up red flags — but 10 a month, at some point I’m just done when 9 out of ten of those books you could have just substituted names and species and they would have been the same book.
Let me explain my Romance Algorithm.
- Boy meets Girl
- Boy is instantly attracted to Girl
- Boy or Girl just happens to be a paranormal
- Boy or Girl or maybe both have something in their past that they are hiding, which has kept them from dating
- Girl’s past might be so harried that she couldn’t even get some action, rendering her one of those rare 18 – 25 year old virgins
- Boy and Girl’s attraction though, is SOOO strong that they circle around each other not being able to resist each other — no matter what it is that keeps them from each other
- In walks BADNESS – the badness is what will try to keep Boy and Girl away from each other, whether it is an antagonist or their past or rules in play that don’t allow them to intermingle.
- At this point, Boy and Girl can no longer deny their attraction and they have sex, mind blowing, life-changing sex
- Yet, in the morning after, or maybe a few days, depending on how long the romance takes, Boy or Girl suddenly realizes – “Oh crap! I might like this person TOO much! RUN!!” So, they break it off. Usually one party is not having it, but because of lack of self-esteem or really not knowing the others feelings allows them to be pushed away.
- Badness is still out there though and the dastardly plot plays out, usually by harming Girl – or even the Boy if the author reverses rolls
- When lover boy or maybe lover girl finds out about the others kidnapping, or injury or bad situation, they realize “I Love This Person and cannot live with them!” and sweep in to save the day, thus proving their love to the other and cementing their “Dying Breath” love and enacting an HEA. {Happily Ever After}
You can even see the algorithm in ‘Twilight’ by Stephanie Meyer.
This algorithm can be seen in book after book. It even filters down into young adult paranormal romance sometime, which in general, with the lack of sex, makes their own rules. Case in point, the TWILIGHT series. The books actually implement the algorithm throughout the first two books. Steps 1-7 actually being the first TWILIGHT book, skip step 8 of course — and then move on to step 9 at the beginning of NEW MOON. Then of course Stephanie Meyers drags out their HEA for two more books. Like any stereotype there are differences but the gist of it is usually in plain site. This over and over again play on the usual romance tricks just wears on a reader when you are bombarded with it over and over again. Like a certain other romance trick that Stephanie Meyer also used – The Love Triangle. This is why this book junkee might have to take a step back from paranormal romance for a time or two and explore some different types of books, because even the GREAT paranormal romances implement this algorithm a lot of times.
Have you noticed this particular pattern in your romance books, whether paranormal or contemporary? Do you know of any good books that have thrown that pattern out the window and can suggest them to me? I’m all ears. Or do you think I’m completely off base and just a worn out, used up book blogger?? XOXO
You are absolutely right! I have yet to see a paranormal romance (or adult romance in general) stray from those steps (1-11). There has to be a way to switch it up. I just haven’t seen it.
I do not like being right in this regards. There has to be a way – I guess if we figure it out we could write a book
This is so true. I have been in such a reading funk lately do to this very predictable formula. Even my most favorite of all paranormals follow this very closely. I have been frustrated lately with the same-old-same-old.
They do! If you look back on The Black Daggers, Sherilyn Kenyon – all follow the “rules” I think I’ve also been reading some with bad plot lines on top of it so it makes it glaringly obvious when it follows a pattern.
It’s a pity but unfortunately I have to agree with you.
There are so many paranormal books on the market nowadays, the stories become more and more similar. I actually went back reading more historical romances (though they original bored me).
See, not that into historical. Mainly because of the female characters, I always like a very strong female — and not all the time, but a lot of the time in historical, the female tends to submit.
This is why I don’t really like romance books and also why I don’t do well with PNR. There are some books I’ve read with the same formula, but have different enough spins and strong enough writing to make them unique and fresh.
That is what I’m looking for!! Can you suggest some?
Hmmm you pretty much nailed it. I guess this is why I’m loving some of the “off the beaten path” Urban Fantasy books I’ve recently picked up. The Renfeild Syndrome by JA Saare, Bloodlines by Skyla Dawn Cameron and A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang. I really enjoyed these books because in the end – the typical pattern was kicked out the window with a screeching hollar! I know they’re not Paranormal Romance — but maybe that’s why I enjoyed them!
Exactly, you’ve named some excellent books there. I’ve also enjoyed Illona Andrews and Gena Showalter, while still following the pattern can throw a chink in it with great character formation and plot.
I know what you mean. I pretty much stick to uf. The only pnr series that I can think of that I really liked and read because I liked the plot/story and could look past the vast amount of sex was Keri Arthur’s Riley Jenson Guardian series.
Bethany I wasn’t a big fan of Riley Jenson – I didn’t think that was a PNR series, the first book she was hot for everyone. I liked her character though, just felt the plot needed to be flushed out more.
You are right on the money. That’s one of the reasons why I read from so many genres. I get tired of PR, so I switch to YA contemp – I get tired of that, and I switch to Fantasy, and so on and so on. There were several MG books that kept me totally engaged in the plot this year- Dogtag Summer and Nowhere Girl – both of these are wonderful books about young women trying to discover who they are and where they fit into their world. I highly recommend them if you are looking for something different from your PR.
It’s hard to stay excited about books and all of the work that blogging entails if you are getting burned out on what you are reading!
I’m kind of sad everyone is agreeing with me. LOL I can’t stomach YA contemp — like eating over sweet candy sometimes. MG? Not familiar with abbreviation.
OMG I was LOL because its so true with all Romance books whether PNR or UF. I agree it does get old , and one of the best ones that was so different is Stacia Kane Terrible series. I agree as a reader I do get burned out too, thats why I read a variety of things because it always depends on my mood for certain books.
I also loved Smoke and Bone
I haven’t read that series yet, I didn’t think it was PNR – I hear you about moods, I keep waiting to get burned out on dystopian, but it ain’t happening, LOL.
I think many books have a framework that seems repetitive if you read it over and over and over and over. I tend to do that with my books which is why I tire of them after a time. This is why, I don’t stick to one genre now that I’m reading YA.
In the adult book world – mysteries have a huge formula, many times. In the first twenty pages, often you can pick out the person they mention but throw the least attention to and that’s the guy/girl.
I got tired of that same type of formulaic feeling with Chick Lit, too. Girl in mid-twenties to late-twenties. Meets a guy. Does something that wrecks everything. Guy and girl have a falling out, or he doesn’t even realize she exists. FF to the last 5 pages and they reconcile, ending in a kiss. Story ends.
I haven’t read many, if any, adult PNR books, but I think if you don’t overdo it, and you mix things up, and if they’re well-written and the characters feel interesting or unique, even with the framework being the same, you can still enjoy them. But reading them one after another chances are a pattern will emerge. It can’t be helped. It’s what people enjoy, it’s what makes money.
I don’t think most readers do the amount of PNR reading you might, or if they do they love that formula and it’s what draws them in again and again.
Great post topic!
You know what I think it is. When you skim a genre – like say I want to read Mysteries (which I’ve only skimmed, I have plunged) I read the best of the best, so I don’t notice the formula. When I started reading PNR I read the best of the best, the plot, the characters — they all overshadow the formula. But, as a book blogger I’m getting all sorts, now I’m not getting recommended books, I’m just getting books. So, more critical and I notice the formula. I’m also very pigeonholed to my genre, which I like – because these are the genres I usually enjoy. I guess I just might have to take a time off.
I notice the Chick lit formula too – but I’ve only skimmed, so I’ve read the best of best and the writing and characters and funny distract me.
Good advice and I agree with you. Like if you mess up my jambalaya recipe – I don’t know if I would like it.
XO
This is the EXACT reason why I haven’t been able to get attached to anything for the past two weeks. I’m in a reading funk, because everything I read is starting to feel the same. I’m glad you put it into words. I’m also on the lookout for that book that changes it up.
My suggestion is switch genres, switch POVs. Reading a lot of YA – read some adult etc.
You’re absolutely right. There is even an alleged formula for writing Harlequin romance novels, that writers need to use. I find romance novels not only repetitive, but also horribly hoaky.
When I am totally stressed out, I will read Harlequins specifically because of the HEA formula. They are like potato chips or bonbons – fluffy and brainless. I couldn’t handle a steady diet of them, though.
I’ve heard that. It sells so they use it. It’s not that it is wrong, but some people eat it up.
Im so sad to say that you’re absolutely right. I’ve noticed a huge trend in the PNR genre where it’s all the same. Luckily, I’ve found some books that I enjoy, but for the most part, it’s a lot of the same formula. I’ve started reading a lot more contemporary, HR, and UF just to get away from the same ol’ same ol’.
I really think that it might not just be PNR – it might be a lot of the genres. There was a reason I pushed away from UF for awhile
One thing you’ll never be able to get away from in any romance is that something has to keep the potential lovers apart. Without that, there’s no story. I get away from this by reading books that aren’t just about the romance. If the romance is secondary to the main plot, then there’s a lot more to make it different from the next one. As writers all we can do is try to be as creative as possible & not just follow the trends.
You have a great point. You have to build the anxiety and the book is focused on the romance so it becomes more obvious if the writer is not as creative. I guess it separates the good authors from the mediocre ones – if you notice it or not. And if you do, if you cared or not.
Good topic!
I have to agree with you, and frankly it’s annoying. The entire twilight sage could have been comfortably condensed into two books; the entire series was one big streeetch.
It’s hard to find a straight-out romance that doesn’t fit this exactly, but I find Yasmine Galenorn’s D’Artigo sisters books show a pretty good shift in the traditional trend
I have her first audiobook, but I kept drifting, I couldn’t connect with the sister I guess. I might have to give it another shot, could have been my brainwaves at the time.
I agree. I dont read PNR adult anymore but the YA stuff is getting so old and recycled. Im actually very burnt out on the whole worn out love triangle/romance without a reason plotlines.
I’ve been craving deeper reads lately, ones that make me think and provoke conversation. I just finished Alice Hoffman’s The DoveKeepers….that was so good and so intense I cant even review it yet…….
PS- its got sex and some magic stuff that is signature Alice, I think you would like it…if your up for a good non-paranormal read.
Thanks for the recommend, I’ll have to look into it
my reading tends to be shallow. I’ve tended to keep my reading shallow because I’ve always had a high stress job, so I needed an escape – not a thought provoker. Well, now sans job, maybe this is why I’m more critical – huh.
You are hilarious is what you are! haha – love it. So true so true
Pabkins @ Mission to Read
Thanks.
I completely agree. Didn’t take me long to find “urban fantasy” as a better choice.
I hear ya, but UF tended to lead to similar circles, but with recycled main characters. The female leads all seemed to be the same, the prickly, over aggressive, snarky, leather clad chick…
hahaha Ok… seriously great observation!!!! You are too right!
Maybe the sudden DEMAND for paranormal romance influenced the supply of whatever-is-being-demanded from varied directions and authors.
It’s time for some NEW STUFF in the PR, I agree!!!
It’s probably all the “buyers” fault too. I know when I worked for the buying team with a major furniture retailer they had a certain look, style, mold that they liked to fit and they bought it over and over again because they knew their consumers would eat it up.
Hey! Well, I agree to a point. ALL genre fiction is formulaic. It’s what the market demands and expects, which is why it’s still being published that way. It’s exceedingly difficult for a writer who defies the formula, especially if new, to break into traditional publishing for just this reason. Someone mentioned Harlequin’s formulas–and they’re right. But it’s also why all of their books–and their paperbacks are only in the stores for one month–JUST ONE MONTH!–sell so well. The readers know and like their favorite lines and buy them month after month after month. I totally get the criticism, though, but I just don’t think it’s an issue relevant only to romance, but instead to all genre fiction, and much more likely to be noticeable if you read a lot of it (and I do, too–though probably not as much as you!).
For what it’s worth, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11 don’t happen in my vampire romance as you’ve outlined here, which is why while the book got about 15 requests from agents, it never found a home and was ultimately published with a small epress…
Thought-provoking topic, PJ!
Oh, I hear ya. I believe that this is what the majority of the readers want – and thus my stepping to the side for a second. A jaded reviewer isn’t a fair reviewer. I think it is in all genres, if you read enough of them you start spotting it more and more easily. I just happen to notice it in PNR because of my intake.
And I’ve heard great things about your book Laura – and I believe small ePresses are the future and a shame that the reason you couldn’t find a “big guy” was because you stepped out of the norm. Yet, publishers are there to make money and they have a formula also. The marketers and buyers and executives have graphs and charts and past experiences that tells them what sells and it is sooo hard for them to look past them.
I read adult romance/erotica novels. I prefer contemporary, but have gravitated towards PN (I somehow manage to mention The Black Dagger Brotherhood at least once a week a meme). I can understand where you’re coming from with the formula. I am ADDICTED to Harlequin Blaze novels. I cut my teeth on those things when I started reading the romance genre in high school. LOL As long as they keep publishing those, I will continue to read them. I can understand you wanting to take a break because you’re seeing the same thing over and over again. But like that one commenter said, it’s going to be in everything, no matter what genre you read. To be honest, I didn’t really notice it until you broke it down for me. LOL. I guess with the books I read, it’s not really that noticeable. I’m all about the sex, you see–LOL–so if there’s not enough of THAT, then you’ve lost me.
I feel like you’re pretty much right on the money here. I tried to steer away from the paranormal romance formula with my book, Call Out. It’s not straight romance by any means – more a blend of pnr and contemporary fantasy. While there are elements of the formula there (‘boy meets girl’ is kind of necessary; boy is instantly attracted to girl is just how things tend to happen; boy is a paranormal, of course – but this is necessary to the fantasy plot more so than the romantic one; and yes, they’ve both had relationship issues). Beyond that, my story diverges from the stereotype (or so I feel). Things go even farther afield in the as-yet-to-be-finished sequels.
Here is where I admit that the prologue/side story, The Hand of Fate, sticks very closely to the romance formula. It’s not meant to be anything other than a sweet romance story for those interested in how two of the secondary characters from Call Out ended up together, though, so I don’t feel the need to make any apologies or excuses for it.
*tries not to bang head against wall and fails miserably* GAH I hate stuff like this! It’s retarded! All it takes to sell a novel these days is a badass sexy guy, an overly emotional girl who has never been loved and who has no character, and sexual tension between them. I. HATE. IT. Write a book that surprises me, makes me want to strangle the characters but fall in love with them at the same time. For goodness sake write something I’ve never read before.
Pingback: REVIEW: Mind over Matter (ASI #1) by S.J. Clarke « TattooGirl Reads