Readers are
passionate about these unusual romances and non-romances (we offer
the best of both worlds this month). Difficult books to classify,
they cross many of the genre headings publishers use to define books
for readers. But no matter what they are called and where they are
shelved in bookstores, their devoted following will find them. The
readers of this subgenre form unique readers groups, enhance their
eye teeth and some even drink blood. When asked about their all-time
favorite books, most readers couldn't restrict their suggestions to
one or two titles! And once found, readers won't part with these
classics. Many of the books on the list this month are highly
collectible–so readers beware, because in the dark of night you
may find a vampire reader stalking your shelves for sustenance…
What's The Appeal?
Welcome to the darker side of love,
for when you fall in love with a vampire, your immortality may be
guaranteed, but not necessarily your happiness. Romance readers
expect that when they pick up a romance they will always find a
happy ending. This is not exactly the case with a romance featuring
a vampire hero or heroine. The endings are usually bittersweet and
have a bite you remember long after reading the book.
The
conflict between the hero and heroine in a vampire romance is one of
life and death. The vampire is immortal and eternally damned. In
order to survive he must feed off other living creatures. Not
someone you'd particularly like to meet in a dark alley–let
alone fall in love with.
How does an immortal make time with a
mortal? It's a problem. Do you damn your love to join you in eternal
hell? Give up your supernatural powers to become mortal (if you
can)? Or do you just watch your beloved age while you stay eternally
young? None are delightful prospects for the young and in love but
all must be faced by the vampire looking for a mate.
What is the
attraction? The dark and seductive world of the vampire is one of
passion and angst. The vampire feels more, sees more and possesses
unimaginable powers. Although he suffers deeply, he is
preternaturally strong. More than any man, he is also the epitome of
the tortured hero.
But there are female vampires too–and
these are usually a lusty bunch. The female vampire has the same
"depraved" needs to be sated–but often has no predilection to
be "good." She's the antithesis of the repressed female heroine
afraid to experience her own sensuality and physicality.
The
vampire romance is an evocative and poetic tale, one that takes you
into another world, a dark and sensuous place where happiness is
only found after extreme grief and suffering is experienced. For a
vampire to find love something must always be given up–life,
hope, youth or beauty.
-Kate Ryan
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