I’d like to welcome fantasy/paranormal author Lisa Kumar whose first full length novel, Bound by the Mist, has just released. Isn’t her cover gorgeous?
Character-driven Fantasy Romances in a World of Kickass Paranormals
I’ve always loved paranormal and fantasy books within the romance genre. I loved vampires and werewolves but outgrew them before Twilight made them wildly popular. Next was my obsession with Greek god–or gods of any kind. Surprisingly, I haven’t jumped onto the angel bandwagon, but maybe someday. Right now I’ll stick with all things fae.
But lately, with the proliferation of urban fantasy, paranormal romances have become increasingly inundated with kickass heroines and whirlwind plotlines. Do those make for exciting reads? Sure, probably–if I read them. But I often put them down in frustration. I want romance, not action-packed fight sequences where the heroine can kick the hero to the next town with her pinky toe.
Now, I understand that some women–many women–love these kinds of stories. That’s great. That’s fantastic. There’s something empowering about reading about a super-strong woman.
But what about those of us who want romance, realistic romance (well, as realistic as it can be when reading about fantastical creatures and beings)? And how about those who want to see ‘everyday’ normal heroines we can identify with? It may be the introvert in me, but I like normal when it comes to my heroines. While I might admire Zena-type women, I can’t identify with them as closely as I would like.
So, give me a romance centered on the couple, and I’m a very happy reader. As this is what I love to read, it’s also what I write. And my latest release, Bound by the Mist, is character-driven to the extreme.
So for those of you reading this post–would you read a character-driven paranormal or fantasy romance that somewhat flies in the face of the mainstream genre? You know my answer. I’d love to hear yours.
Thanks for dropping by! And thank you, Jenna, for hosting me on your blog.
Bound by the Mist Blurb:
A magic that’s fading
Relian has lived a life that hasn’t changed in millennia, and he likes it that way. As Prince of the Erian people, he has his conscripted duties. And a human, even one as desirable as Cal, does not fit into them. But as the enemy darkindred knock on the borders and the magic of his people fades, he might just have to find room.
A love that’s binding
College Student Cal Weston spends a good portion of her time trying to keep people from thinking she’s crazy, including herself. And with good reason. But her carefully constructed reality is turned upside down when she discovers that Relian, the seductive elvin prince who has been starring in her sensuous fantasies, isn’t merely a myth and his magical kingdom really exists. Now she’s bound to an elf and stuck in a land where no one, least of all Relian, is willing to spill any answers about the truth of her arrival.
Two people, two worlds meet in the mist
Even as love grows between them, can they lay aside their differences to embrace a life together?
Links: Lisa’s website, Amazon, B&N
Thank you so much, Lisa for taking us into the fae world for a taste of the otherworldly Relian and the down-to-earth Cal. So now let us know your choice, readers: character-driven romance or action packed? Lisa’s offering a copy of Bound by the Mist to one lucky commenter today!
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
Love the cover. Wishing you many sales.
Maggie/Kitty
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Thanks, Kitty!
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Congrats on the new release!
Me? I love paranormal romance and urban fantasy books. Even with all the kick-ass heroines, I do like at least a little bit of romance in my books. I guess I’m in favor of action and character driven books.
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Stacey, thanks for dropping by! I think a mix of action and character is the ideal composition for a fantasy romance or paranormal. Lol, though I probably favor the character part more than most.
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Your book rocks. Great job!
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Thank, D’Ann!
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What a beautiful cover. Great discussion of character-driven plots.
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Thanks, Skye!
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I am with you on this. It’s tough for me to truly understand and “be” the kick ass heroine in EVERY book. Sometimes I need the romance that isn’t kicking butt. That’s what I write – though most people I find think characters that can’t kick ass are “weak”. So not true. I am really going to have to read your book!
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I hear you on this, Carrie Ann. Readers have been conditioned to expert ass-kicking heroines. Otherwise, they label her a weak wuss. That always makes me shake my head. Yes, give me a strong woman–emotionally. That’s all I ask.
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Okay, I’m a character driven novel girl myself. Both reading and writing. I need to feel that connection with the people on the page. Looking forward to reading Bound By The Mist. Have fun with your latest release!!
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Thanks, Sherri! So glad you’re another kindred spirit. Funny there’s so many of us out there, but it seems so many of the paranormals and UF’s out there are action-driven to the point the romance is sacrificed. I wish there was a better blend of action and romance.
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Can I pick character driven romance? I suck, I mean suck, at writing action scenes. I like action, but lately I find myself bored with it because it’s everywhere. I’m going, just get back to the important character aspects already! I like emotionally strong heroines. They don’t have to be physically weak, but I don’t need her to be bad enough to kick the hero’s behind.
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Allison, you took the words right out of my mind! I don’t mind some action scenes, though I totally suck at writing them, too. But when I read a novel that has more than a few, I’m tapping my foot, thinking, “Okay, get back to the good stuff now–the romance.” I can’t even read mainstream paranormals anymore because of this reason. And forget urban fantasies!
Emotionally strong heroines are a must. I don’t care if they’re quiet or loud, but they must be grounded and ‘real.’
Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks, Pam!
Your WIP sounds like something right up my alley. Let me know when it’s finished!
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LOVE the cover! Wonderful interview and definitely a book I’m adding to my TBR list. Thanks so much for sharing, ladies 🙂
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Thanks, Jennifer! I’m so grateful that Jenna hosted me on her blog today. She’s a wonderful lady:)
The cover is eye-catching, lol! I love staring at it.
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Awww. Thanks, Lisa. 🙂 So glad you could be here!
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For me, I read anything that is character driven. Without the characters there is no story.
Great cover and congratulations on your release.
Marika Weber
maw1725@gmail.com
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I agree with you totally, Marika. With no character, there’s no story.
I love Hot Damn Designs’ covers. They always do a great job.
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I love character driven novels–and I write character driven novels. I’m tired of the heroine who is stronger than the hero. I love women who have strength of character. Maybe that’s because like you, I can relate to her better. I’m not stronger physically than a guy–and I don’t want to be, lol.
I’m reading Bound By The Mist right now and I’m absolutely loving it!
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Lol, I knew we felt the same on that issue, Brenda!
So glad you’re loving Bound by the Mist. That makes me smile.
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I love character driven stories and romance. I love this book! Congrats on your release.
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Thank you, Casea! Your critiques and suggestions helped me so much while I was revising.
Since we both love character-driven stories (and have similar tastes), I think that’s what makes us such great crit partners.
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I don’t have a preference. I like character driven romances but then a change to fantasy is fun too.
Great cover. And congrats on release – hope sales are awesome.
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Thanks, Daryl! I think both character and plot-driven romances have their place on our shelves. Sometimes, it’s nice to read something a little bit different. After a break, I then really appreciate coming back to what I love.
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I absolutely, definitely, and unwaveringly prefer character-driven romance of any kind. But that’s just me being wishy-washy. LOL Congratulations, Lisa, on your novel. I wish you great success.
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Lol, I can’t imagine you being wishy-washy, Patricia.
Glad to find so many kindred spirits on Jenna’s Journal today 🙂
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I agree wholeheartedly! I love a good love story, not an action packed story with a little romance thrown in. The book sounds very intriguing, thanks for a chance to win a copy!
HIllary
hillacurr@gmail.com
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I totally agree with you, Hillary! While action does have its place, I sometimes want the hero and heroine in the same room, not off fighting battles for half of the book!
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I love character-driven paranormal romance. Yes, I like a strong heroine, but I also like it to be real as it can be and to have a balance between the couple. Congrats on the release!
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Thanks, Lia! I agree–it’s so important to have a thread of realism in romance. The characters have to be ‘real’ or I just don’t feel them.
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I would say I prefer character-driven romance as opposed to action packed but I would read both. But I’m all about the romance. 🙂 And I do love paranormal romances!
Bound by the Mist sounds really good and yes, the cover is great! 🙂
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Thanks, Pam! Action-driven scenes can definitely play a part in romances. Lol, I just don’t like it when it overshadows the romantic tension–or makes that tension seem fake or forced. You know, those instances where the hero or heroine can only think about sex, even though they’re about to be mortally wounded by the bad guys, lol.
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Sounds awesome! And it is a beautiful cover! I love both!!! But I guess I’d say more character driven. I’d rather get to know the characters then them just battleing it out everywhere or whatnot.
Thanks,
-Amber
goodblinknpark@yahoo.com
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Thanks for stopping by, Amber! I think a mixture of action and character driven is ideal. Lol, but I still lean more heavily toward character-driven moments. Getting to know the characters is so important. It makes or breaks a book for me.
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That cover is definitely gorgeous and Congrats Lisa on your first full length novel!!! Character-driven romance or action packed? Can’t I have both?:) I guess if I had to choose then I would go with the character driven romance. I too get a bit frustrated with a book if it’s too action packed with fight scenes and not enough romance.
yadkny@hotmail.com
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I love the cover, too, Yadira! Lol, you can have both. Indeed, I think having both character and plot-driven scenes in a romance is important. They need to mesh together in whatever ratio that works for the story. The hard part is figuring out that ratio!
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well yes I would read it – and do – and my current WIP I think can be described as a character-driven paranormal or fantasy romance….. Your book sounds terrific 😀
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