Urban Fantasy x Romance by Liia Ann White + Giveaway

Author Liia Ann White talks about her book, Elora’s Match, Urban Fantasy and Romance:

When I began writing Elora’s Match, I intended it to be an urban fantasy – lots of paranormal elements, violence, blood, gore and action. But romance? No. Sure, there was going to be sex, but not romance, no life defining relationship for my dear Elora. That was, until Kadin waltzed into my brain and subsequently Elora’s life.

But I was left wondering if it would turn from an urban fantasy to a paranormal romance? I love paranormal romances, but it just didn’t feel right to write Elora’s story that way.

Only once I was aware of this little conundrum did I notice that the majority of urban fantasy novels I read contained romance. They weren’t romances, as such, but contained definite romantic elements and plots. That’s what I wanted to do. I just had to figure out how.

So I re-read my favourite series – Richelle Mead’s Georgina Kincaid and Dark Swan series’, Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen series and Lilith Saintcrow’s Dante Valentine series – and studied. It’s not that I planned to write a story like one of theirs – let’s face it, I’m probably never going to be that good a writer, even in 50 years time – but I wanted to know how they did it. What their action to romance ratio was.

Since I wanted to have Elora’s Match e-published, I chose to submit to romance epubs. Which meant – yes that’s right – another rewrite to make it more of a romance. But I still wanted the romance to be an underlying story and not completely override the urban fantasy side of it. And with the help of Stacey Kennedy, I managed to create what she loves to call an urban fantasy romance. Though it may not be officially recognised as a subgenre of romance, a lot of readers and a few writers refer to books as urban fantasy romances.

There’s a lot of violence, action, supernatural beings, sex and romance. So, to be safe, I’ve been calling Elora’s Match an urban fantasy/paranormal romance cross.

What’s your opinion of urban fantasy and romance? Do you think there should be an official sub genre of urban fantasy romance?

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Elora’s Match: The Different Saga Book 1

by Liia Ann White

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March 5th 2011 by Silver Publishing

Elora’s parents mysteriously disappeared when she was fifteen. She vowed to find answers – discover what really happened to them. But after twenty-five years of travelling the world she has come up empty handed. Feeling tired and lonely, she settles down in the city her best friend, Caleb, calls home. To lead a regular human existence for a while; like he does.
One problem; they’re not human. They’re Different – a rare supernatural race known for their beauty, strength and supernatural abilities.

Elora is lead to a man by a series of visions. Cue Kadin; powerful, sexy and also Different. He is her match – her soul-mate. Her life has never felt so complete.
But it’s not all good news. Elora must now deal with a rogue demon Elder hell-bent on taking over Lucifer’s reign over Hell. To succeed she needs to steal Elora’s power. When she’s facing the fight of her life, can Elora really trust Kadin?

Buy Now:
Silver Publishing | Amazon

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Settling in the living area, Caleb flopped on the couch and I stepped into the kitchen. I peered at him through the serving hatch. “Why did you stop using your abilities?”
“I haven’t needed to,” he said with a shrug. “Most people don’t seek trouble like you do.”
I frowned. “Ouch. I’m not that bad.”
He shot me a pointed look.
“Okay, I am. But it’s fun for me.”
“So much fun,” he retorted sarcastically.
“There is no better feeling than beating the life out of someone who wants to hurt you. Besides, sometimes you have to use force to get the answers you want.”
Caleb joined me in the kitchen, leaning over the breakfast bar while I grabbed a drink from the fridge.
“You’re not going to find out what happened.”
Caleb’s expression softened, more empathetic when I looked at him. He always disapproved of me putting myself directly in the line of danger, but I think he understood why I did it. His expression was similar to the one he gave when I told him I was leaving home. Heartbroken.
“Please don’t look at me that way.”
“I just want you to stay put for a while. I’ve missed having you around.”
“I’ve missed you too. You understand why I had to do it right?”
“I do.” He sighed. “But it’s been forty years, Elora. If you were going to find something, don’t you think you would have by now?”
Slamming my drink on the bench, I spilled liquid everywhere. “I can’t just give up, Caleb.”
“I know. I don’t want to upset you, it’s just hard seeing you like this. You’re so volatile and closed off. It’s not good for you.”

Ends 11/18

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