I adore urban fantasy. I first came across this genre about ten years ago when I picked up the fantastic Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton, the first book in the Anita Blake series. I have also just started to read more in the paranormal romance genre from authors such as Anya Bast, MaryJanice Davidson and Linda Wisdom.

I love that the world is similar to ours but contains supernatural creatures, magic and otherworldly elements. Sometimes humanity knows about the paranormals but some author’s like to keep the world in the dark, which can make for a darker read.

If you are new to the paranormal world, there are a few differences between the sub-genres you should know. Urban Fantasy is usually of a fantastic nature but with an urban setting. Many books are set in present times, but can also be set in historical or futuristic times too and for the majority of time the heroine or hero have some kind of mystery element to solve. For me urban fantasy also means kick-arse chick with lots of fighting with guns or swords, but that’s just me!

With Paranormal Romance, it’s the romance that is the main focus. The love between heroine and hero, but the supernatural element is still very much present. It may be the love between a human and a vampire, faery or shapeshifter.

Mira have and will be releasing what looks like a fantastic array of paranormal fiction. I am literally drooling at the amazing choice – I’m particularly looking forward to getting my paws on the following…

The “Lords of the Underworld” series by Gena Showalter. This looks and sounds like a delicious paranormal romance – here is the summary from Mira and the books in series order:

“In a remote fortress in Budapest, the dangerously seductive immortal warriors are bound by an ancient curse they are unable to break. The Lords of the Underworld series, based on greek mythology, is sizzling paranormal romance for fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan and J. R. Ward”

1. The Darkest Night
2. The Darkest Kiss
3. The Darkest Pleasure
4. The Darkest Whisper
5. The Darkest Passion
6. The Darkest Lie

The “Carrie Ames” urban fantasy series by Jennifer Armintrout looks fantastic, and is a series I really can’t wait to crack on with.

“This new series follows sassy young doctor Carrie Ames, after an attack by a vampire in the hospital morgue turns her life into a horror movie. Fans of Charlaine Harris will lap up these addictive vampire stories for grown-ups” (Mira)

1. The Turning
2. Possession
3. Ashes To Ashes
4. All Souls’ Night

Another paranormal romance series I’m looking forward to, featuring “Rogue Vampires”, is by Maggie Shayne. Just by reading the summary about this series makes me want to head directly to the bookshop and buy the first book!

“This new trilogy, by multiple New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne, features a group of rogue vampires battling for survival and finding romance and passion along the way. The steamy scenes and supernatural twist make these books perfect for fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan” (Mira)

1. Demon’s Kiss
2. Lover’s Bite
3. Angel’s Pain

Mira also offers three series with young adult appeal by authors such as Rachel Vincent, P. C. Cast and Maria V. Snyder. All look like amazing reads…

I am constantly adding more books to my ever growing book collection and yet I’m still always on the look out for new authors and new books to read. I hope I have given you a few to sink your teeth into…

Thanks to Carolyn at Book Chick City for a fantastic introduction to the paranormal genre. Hop on over to her excellent blog for lots more reviews and features on speculative fiction, mystery and romance.

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