Paranormal romance

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Paranormal romance is a literary subgenre of speculative fiction, with a focus on romance and including any element beyond the range of scientific explanation blending together themes from the genres of traditional fantasy, science fiction, or horror. Paranormal romance may range from traditional category romances (Harlequin etc.) with a paranormal setting to stories where the main emphasis is on a science fiction or fantasy based plot with a romantic subplot included. Common hallmarks are romantic relationships between humans, and vampires, shapeshifters, or fantastical beings (the Fae, Elves, etc.).

Beyond the more prevalent themes involving vampires, shapeshifters, ghosts or time travel, paranormal romances can also include books featuring characters with psychic abilities, like telekinesis or telepathy.

Paranormal romance has its roots in Gothic fiction. It’s most recent revival has been spurred by turn of the century technology i.e. the internet and electronic publishing. Paranormal romances are one of the fastest growing trends in the romance genre.^[1]

[edit] Awards

The P.E.A.R.L. (Paranoramal Excellence Award for Romantic Literature) is a reader’s choice award, presented annually to the top voted paranormal romances by the ParaNormal Romance Groups naming the "best of year" in ten categories related to paranormal romance and romantic science fiction.

Authors such as Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Christine Feehan have written under this genre and won P.E.A.R.L. awards.