Who’s tired of vampires and werewolves? This is aimed more towards those who enjoyed reading about them to begin with, of course. It is undeniable that the past few years have seen an explosion in the paranormal romance genre. Werewolves and vamps are still the champs, but the subgenre has expanded to include other things that go bump in the night as well. Over the past year, I’ve read quite a few demon heroes (and some heroines too). Werewolves are being joined by bird and feline shifters, as well as more unusual animals. Witches and sorcerors, telepaths and other psychics are featured players. The lines between paranormal romance and urban fantasy seem to be blurring as well, with series following one character (or couple) rather than a group of interconnected characters.

Although I’m not terribly tired of vamps and furries yet, I must admit to a bit of boredom. And I can’t help but speculate on what’s next? Where will the subgenre go from here? How many bands of leather clad vampire warriors can be written before we get completely sick of it? What new direction can the romance genre go in to interest those of us who enjoy a healthy dose of unreality?

Will sci-fi/futuristic romance garner more attention? Aliens and starships and love in space? There seems as though there can be great potential for internal and external conflict, always key in ratcheting up the romantic and dramatic tension. New planets, new governments, cultural conflicts. There’s lots of potential for star-crossed inter-planetary or inter-species love.

Futuristic romance is a genre I’d love to enjoy, but in reality I have found to be a bit disappointing, with the notable exception of Linnea Sinclair (Games of Command was my favorite 2007 release). Sometimes the space setting is mere wallpaper for sexual gymnastics and bland plots. At other times the nomenclature has me giggling, especially when there’s different words for private parts and sexual acts. All the random apostrophes and Dr. Seuss words get silly. And the true “Sci-Fi” stuff, the explanations of scientific concepts and technology? Can make my eyes glaze over. Actually, upon reflection, the writers of futuristic romance really do have to walk a fine line between creating a setting with enough detail and not losing those who aren’t really science fiction fans. While I do think futuristic/sci-fi settings have great potential for inspiring the kind of tension filled, dramatic love stories paranormal fans enjoy, perhaps the appeal is too limited to catch on the way paranormals have.

How about romances with fantasy elements? The line between paranormal elements and ‘fantasy’ elements is blurry. But I’m thinking along the lines of high fantasy roots rather than horror roots. For example, a completely magical realm or alternative historical universe, rather than an identifiable contemporary setting. Places where magical and supernatural elements are accepted and expected, rather than a hidden part of our world. I adored Michelle Pillow’s Realm Immortal trilogy last year, and I’ve got CL Wilson’s books in the TBR. I recently read Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy, a “historical paranormal” that was very “fantasy.” Could those two terms be interchangeable? Is “fantasy romance” limited in appeal as well? Too much for readers who like to be grounded in reality?

It’s too much to ponder in one post, that’s for sure. But I ask: Are you tired of paranormals? Do you see the subgenre evolving? How would you like to see it evolve? And if you’ve got any good futuristic or fantasy (or historical paranormal) recs, bring ‘em on.