Hey there, fellow bookworms! Today, I want to dive into the enchanting world of romance novels and explore the differences and similarities between two popular subgenres: paranormal romance and contemporary fantasy romance. If you’re a fan of love stories mixed with a dash of magic or the supernatural, you are probably already aware of these. If not, you’re in for a treat! But even as an avid reader of both, I still wonder sometimes what the difference between the two is. So since I’m answering the question for myself, how about I take you along?
Paranormal Romance Books
Let’s start with paranormal romance. Picture this: vampires, werewolves, witches, and other mystical beings frolicking through the pages while falling head over heels in love. In paranormal romance, the otherworldly takes center stage. These stories often revolve around a human protagonist who gets entangled in a passionate affair with a supernatural creature. Think swoon-worthy romances between vampires and mortals, werewolf-human love connections, or steamy encounters with sexy witches. They’re often about traditional “monsters”. They often have darker atmospheres, bordering on spooky. Think castles, cathedrals, dark forests, and gritty urban areas. It’s all about that irresistible allure of the paranormal, where love transcends the boundaries between different worlds.
Contemporary Fantasy Romance Books
On the other hand, we have contemporary fantasy romance books. Unlike paranormal romance, which often takes place in a world entirely different from our own, contemporary fantasy romance intertwines the extraordinary with our everyday reality. It adds a sprinkle of magic or fantasy elements to our contemporary world, creating a unique blend. You might stumble upon a coffee shop where the barista has magical powers, or a love story between a regular person and a fairy living in the heart of a bustling city. These stories combine the familiar and the fantastical, making us believe in the extraordinary within our own lives. The atmospheres are often lighter, and the powers are more magical than mystical.
Magical Romance Books
Now, let’s talk about what these two subgenres have in common. At their core, both paranormal romance and contemporary fantasy romance explore the complexities of love, relationships, and the human (or supernatural) heart. They tug at our emotions, making us swoon, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Both subgenres invite us into worlds where anything is possible and where love triumphs over all obstacles, be they supernatural or ordinary. They can both contain magic, supernatural beings and worlds, and crossovers with our world/timeline (or alternate ones!).
Which Kind Are Joanna Morgan’s Books?
My books straddle the line between adult paranormal romance, and adult fantasy romance. I consider them PNR, but the truth is, they could be either, or both. Magical beings from another world, here on earth, elemental magic, other magical powers…yeah. Some of my stories are much closer to PNR because they’re vampire romances or werewolf romances, or both. Or zombies, lol. But most of my stories are partially modern fantasy romances because the elements are not “traditional” PNR.
Whether you prefer the alluring darkness of paranormal romance or the magical integration of fantasy elements in contemporary settings, these subgenres offer a delightful escape from reality. They allow us to indulge in a world where love is intensified by the extraordinary.
So, grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee, curl up in a cozy nook, and dive into the enchanting pages of paranormal romance or contemporary fantasy romance. It doesn’t have to be mine. Let the magic and passion transport you to a realm where love reigns supreme, and happily ever afters are just a turn of the page away.
Happy reading, my fellow romance enthusiasts! Remember, love knows no boundaries, whether they be paranormal or contemporary fantasy. 🙂