I’m so happy and excited to have Jennifer Estep back at Smexy to talk about how she balances violence and romance in her Elemental Assassin series. Yesterday, I reviewed Web of Lies, and I just think this is a great series.
Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to thank Mandi for having me back here at Smexy Books. Thanks so much, Mandi!
As some of you know, I’m the author of the Bigtime superhero paranormal romance series – Karma Girl (2007), Hot Mama (2007), and Jinx (2008). Back in February, my new Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series launched with the release of Spider’s Bite. The second book in the series, Web of Lies, came out on May 25, and the third book, Venom, will debut on Sept. 28.
So I’ve been asked today to talk a little bit about the balancing act that goes on in urban fantasy between violence and romance. I don’t know about you guys, but I like books that have a little bit of everything in them – action, danger, drama, romance, and yes, even violence. Is there anything more fun than reading about a strong, kick-butt heroine defeating her enemies, finding love, and looking good while she does it? I don’t think so, which is one of the reasons that I love urban fantasy so much. The genre really lets me write the kind of action-packed stories that I love reading.
The main character in Web of Lies and my other Elemental Assassin books is Gin Blanco, a renowned assassin who used to be known as the Spider before she retired. Now, you can’t really write books about an assassin without having her, you know, actually kill people. That’s where the violence in my books comes in. Gin lives in Ashland, a dirty, gritty, corrupt city where folks would just as soon shoot as look at you. There are lots of bad guys in a city like Ashland, and a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do – especially if she wants to make it through another day.
But there’s also a fair amount of romance in the Elemental Assassin series. In Spider’s Bite, Gin hooked up with Detective Donovan Caine, an honest cop who had a tough time reconciling his attraction to an assassin like Gin. Donovan is back in Web of Lies, and I also introduce a new love interest for Gin – sexy, mysterious businessman Owen Grayson.
But it can be tough to find the right balance between violence and romance, especially in a genre like urban fantasy that has such wide, crossover appeal with so many different kinds of readers. You don’t want to make your story too bloody and violent, or you’ll turn off romance readers who also enjoy urban fantasy. But you can’t make your story too romantic either, or you risk losing folks who really enjoy the action and magic aspects of urban fantasy.
So how do I do it? For me, it’s all about the characters. Whenever I start writing a book, I always sit down and think about what I want to do with my characters. In the Elemental Assassin series, it’s all about Gin. How do I want her to grow as a person? How can I add new layers to her magic? How can I advance the overall story arc with Gin and her nemesis? What do I want Gin to learn about herself in this book? And then, I go from there, adding in all the romantic complications and violent confrontations that Gin can handle.
I usually shoot for at least three fight scenes per book, with one of those being the big, blowout confrontation with the villain at the end. I also try to include at least one really steamy, romantic scene, along with loads of sexual tension along the way to build up to it. In between all this, I also try to show readers more of Gin’s world – places like the Pork Pit barbecue restaurant and Jo-Jo’s beauty salon.
Hopefully, readers will think that I’ve struck a good balance between the fight scenes, the romance, and everything else, and that it all adds up to a well-rounded, entertaining story. After all, even assassins need some down time to relax in between assignments. What better way to do that than with a fun book? ;-)
What about you guys? How much violence is too much in urban fantasy? How much romance do you like in the genre? What are some of your favorite urban fantasy series and characters? Share in the comments.
Thanks Jennifer!!
Jennifer is offering a copy of Web of Lies to one lucky commenter. As a bonus, I am going to offer a copy of Spider’s Bite, the first book in the series. To enter, answer one of Jennifer’s questions above AND tell us which book you would prefer to win.
Open to US/Canada only. Please include your email address if not in your profile. Contest will be open through Saturday, May 29th.
Great review.
I really enjoyed Web of lies when I first read it.
elizabethcerna2011@gmail.com
I like violence and romance in books, but sometimes would like a little more "dirty" sex scenes!
Oh I love violence in my books AS LONG as the romance is still there! I think action is a must esp in urban fantasies!
One of my fav urban fantasy characters is Elena Deveraux from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series! SHE ROCKS!
Id be interested in Spider's Bite wince I havent read any of this series yet! =) Thanks!
monroe.dawson09@gmail.com
I already picked up my copy of Web Of Lies so no need to enter me in the contest. Just wanted to say I loved Spider's Bite and can't wait to see what happens in Web of Lies and Venom!!!
Wonderful interview.
Web of Lies was awesome and I cannot wait for Sept to see what happens to Gin.
My fav UF author is Ilona Andrews and her Kate Daniels series.
Violence in UF is fine as long as it's balalnced with romance or/and a decent plot.
PS. Don't enter me…I already have both books. :)
Very interesting, I really liked reading the formula about how many fights and how much romance. That sound's about right as far as they go for me. I like fighting and I like romance, and the mixture has to be there. I have to say I have not read very much Urban Fantasy, not because I don't want too, but just because I usually fall for the PNR trap and spend all my money before I get to the UF section. Good read, I would like to read Spider's Bite.
I like a little bit of violence/action and a little bit of romance. Pretty much, as long as the story is reading well & flowing for me, without overly gratuitous descriptions of either, I'm pretty happy. I really loved what I've read of the Kitty series by Carrie Vaughn & I'm a huge fan of Deadtown by Nancy Holzner. : )
I'd love to win either book. I haven't started the series yet, but I'd be more than happy to & once I do, I'll spend my money on whichever book I need, lol.
Thanks for the contest!
ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com
Elizabeth — Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
TheLadyA — I like a book that has all of those. LOL.
Monroe — I haven't started that series of Nalini's yet, but I need to. I've seen tons of people raving about it online.
Pamela — Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.
Tori — Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed Web and are looking forward to Venom.
Lily — You sound like me. I could spend all my money in one section of the bookstore … before even looking at everything I want to browse through.
Christa — I've heard good things about both the Kitty series and Deadtown. Must add to my TBR pile.
I like a fair mix of each, as long as it moves the plot forward. If I like the characters, I would like to know what they are experiencing.
I haven't really read any books in this genre. It is new to me, but it sounds like something I will be really interested in.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I'm fine with the violence as long as it doesn't turn gory or take over the entire book. I so like lots of romance.
13rubberducks at gmail dot com
I do like a bit of violence in my UF, just not too gritty and bloody. And some romance is good too. But since I prefer UF I do not want it to take over
I have never been bothered by violence in books, as long as they are fantasty. I think violence in "real life" type fictional scenarios can be unconfortable. So I stick with the paranormal. Oh and should never happen to kids.
I love romance in the genre as long as it is not on every other page :)
I recently read and loved Kelly Medings Three Days to Dead. I eagerly await the next installment.
Would love Spiders Bite!
Debbie — If you like books with a little bit of everything in them, urban fantasy is definitely a genre you should check out.
13greenducks — Yeah, I don't like it when books get too gory either. It makes me feel like I'm reading about a slasher film or something.
Blodeuedd — I think striking that balance between the violence and romance is one of the hardest things about writing urban fantasy.
Robin — That's another author that I've been hearing good things about. One of the great things about doing guest blogs is that people give me so many new authors to try. ;-)
Hi, Jennifer! Congratulations to you and Gin–you two ladies rock the house : )
Urban Fantasy is based on a harsher, darker world with escalated drama and violence. The heightened tension leads to more intense sensual situations. All of these elements combine for a knockout punch, but they have to handled just right to avoid overkill and remain readable. One feature of Urban Fantasy that really appeals to me is the natural evolution of strong, kick-booty female characters like Gin Blanco.
I already own a copy of the smashing "Spider's Bite". I'd love to win a copy of "Web of Lies" to keep up with my girl Gin : )
US Resident, Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
I like some violence AND romance in my UF. I love it when women are tough and kick ass yet get their romance on! :) Men can't have all the fun right?
I'd love to win a copy of Spider's Bite since I haven't read this series yet.
I enjoy both in my reads. This would be a new series for me, I'd like to be included for the first in the series! tWarner419@aol.com
Hi!
I recently finished Web Of Lies and liked it even better than Spider's Bite. Great job! (No need to enter me in the contest.)
I don't mind violence in UF, as long as it doesn't harm kids or pets and is not continually sexual in nature (i.e. rape, etc.). Let's face it, there's enough of that crap in real life.
I love romance in my UF reading, or at least the tension that promises romance further along in the series.
Some of my favorite series are The Chronicles of the Warlands by Elizabeth Vaughan, the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.
I'm looking forward to Venom! Thanks for a compelling series & keep up the good work!
Hello Jennifer & Mandi! I have not read this series, I've heard a lot of good things about it. I mostly read PR, but do like UF with a little romance! And violence? I do like the violence, especially when a book makes me gasp at what's going on!
Favorite UF? Jenna Black's Morgan Kingsley Series (it's the hot Dominic & Adam combo!)
1) Violence Is Okay BUT I Don't Need To Know EXACTLY Word For Ward What Is Being Done To Someone. Like Being Stabbed Or Shot Is Fine But I Don't Need To Know How Grotesque The Whole Scene Is. Let's Just Say I Don't Need It To Be Like The Movie Hellraiser Was Graphic.
2) There Can Never Be Too Much romance In Any One Genre. Romance Is A Part Of Life Therefore I Have No Problem With It Being Reflected In Any Story I Choose To Read. We Do Not Edit Romance In Real Life So Why Should We Do It In Print.
3) 1. Rose Hathaway, Dimitri Belikov, Adrian Ivashkov, And Vasilisa (A.K.A. Lissa) Dragomir From The Vampire Academy Series By Richelle Mead.
2. Georgina Kincaid And Seth Mortensen From The Georgina Kincaide Series By Richelle Mead.
3. Claire Danvers, Shane Collins, Michael Gass, And Eve Rosser From The Morganville Vampire Series By Rachel Caine.
4. Zoey Readbird And Stevie Rae Johnson From The House Of Night Series By P.C. Cast And Kristin Cast.
5. Edward Cullen And Bella Swan From The Twilight Saga By Stephanie Meyer.
6. Aislinn Fay And Seth Morgan From The Wicked Lovely Series By Melissa Marr.
I Would Love Both But Since I Have Not Read The First Book Yet I Would Have To Pick Spiders Bite.
skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com
Virginia — Thanks! I appreciate that, and I hope you think Web of Lies is just as smashing. ;-)
Fiction Vixen — That's right. Girls should have some fun too.
Tetewa — I hope you enjoy the books.
Christine — Excellent! I'm glad you liked Web even better. It's always my goal to make the next book better than the one before. ;-)
I absolutely love Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan. I just think it's a perfect blend of fantasy and romance.
Lizzie — I've heard good things about that series too. Another one to try.
Skyla — That's a great list. I love a lot of those characters/series.
When I read Urban Fantasy I'm not expecting a lot of romance but I do like there to be some. It can be a nice break from all the action. Since I haven't Spider's Bite yet and I really want to I would like a chance at winning that book.
Stephanie G
sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm just here to say I love the blog post and both books! As for too much violence? Well, as long as there is a reason for it and it isn't violence just for the sake of having violence, then I don't mind it at all! Same with the romance. Really needs to make sense in the book.
Don't enter me in the contest. I've read both and loved them both. People, you will like this series! :)
As long as there is romance in the novel, I am fine with a good amount of violence in an urban fantasy.
Some of the urban fantasy series I enjoy are Keri Arthur's Riley Jensen series, Lori Handeland's Phoenix Chronicles, and Nalini Singh's angel series.
I would love a copy of Web of Lies. I loved Spider's bite.
Crystal816[at]hotmail{dot}com
I like romance in UF. I'm okay with violence–even if it is a lot–if it makes sense regarding who the characters are and what they're doing. Some of my favorite UFs are Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson/Guardian series, Kelly Armstrong's Otherworld series and Colleen Gleason's Gardella Chronicles. The Elemental Assassin Series is fast becoming one of my favorites. If I win, I'd like Web of Lies. Thanks.
I think I'm in the minority, but I really don't mind a fair amount of violence in my books. For example, I love Lilith Saintcrow's books and they are very gritty. I really like UF because it typically follows one main character through several books, so the romance tends to develop at a slower (and to me, more realistic) pace. Current favs include Kate Daniels, Mercy Thompson, Alpha & Omega, Jill Kismet, and Riley Jensen.
I'd love to win Spider's Bite since I haven't started the series, but I'd happily take either book.
jen at delux dot com
Some of my favorite urban fantasies are: Mercy Thompson novel, Kate Daniel novels, and Night Huntress novels…there are more but these are just some at the top of my head.
if i win, i would love web of lies.
thank you Mandi and Jennifer for the giveaway!
van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
Paranormal Haven — I like that same balance of action and romance.
Melissa — Thanks for the vote of confidence. ;-)
Crystal — Thanks! I appreciate that. Handeland's series is another one I've been meaning to try.
LSUReader — Thanks! I appreciate that.
Jen — I really like Lilith Saintcrow's Dante Valentine series. I think that one is a good blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
Van — Those are all good books.
I like a fairly balanced mix of violence and romance.
Hi Jennifer! I really like my books to have a good balance of both romance and violence. I do have a limit though as to the complete grossness ( is that even a word? )of the violence. I really don't need to hear every little gross detail in order to enjoy the book. My own imagination can pick up a lot of the details. Read Spider's Bite and loved it. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
I'm fairly new to the UF genre. I actually stumbled into it when I read Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh. I guess that's considered UF even though there's romance between the two characters. I know that UF isn't known for having romance but I'd want some romance mixed in with the violence. It's all about balance.
lovetoreadforfun(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm interested in Web of Lies since the copy I read isn't mine to keep –that and I already have a copy of Spider's Bite
I don't mind violence unless it is too descriptive (aka Stephen King, you KNOW who I am talking about)
Fav series are Cat and Bones series from J. Frost and the Demon Hunting soccer mom series by J.Kenner
contestmom AT hotmail DOT com
I think there needs to be some violence, but not constantly. I like a good share of romance in the books I read too. I would like Spiders Bite as I haven't read it yet.
seriousreader at live dot com
I don't care for huge amounts of violence in my stories, but I know that some is necessary if there is a 'bad guy' in the book that needs to be dealt with.
I like to have romance or at least elements of romance in all the books I read(most do to one degree or another).
About the only series I'm reading right now that is officially and urban fantasy would be Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series. There are a few on my wish list(including this one)but the budget screams in agony if I even think about starting a new series these days.
I think you can never really have to much violence it only becomes to much/boring when you kill people the same ways.
I also think that romance is good in a book…but to much kills it. Unless you use like interesting postions or scenes. ;)
BTW I love Spider's Bite! and Karma Girl-I'd love a continuation though.
If the violence is such that it takes away from the story, and I'm so freaked out I don't want to keep reading, I'd say that's too much.
I enjoy some romance, but with an urban fantasy book, it doesn't have to be the main focus, just a bit is quite enough.
Some of my favorite urban fantasy series and characters are Cat & Bones in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series, Riley Jenson in Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series, and Sabina in Jaye Wells' Sabina Kane series.
I'd love to win Web of Lies, since I have Spider's Bite.
The action is too much when it keeps going to the point of repetitive boringness. Also it is too much if the violence does nothing for the story, either it can be unnessary or overkill.
I would love a copy of Web of Lies!
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
Great post! Hmm…I don't know, I used to think romance was crucial to urban fantasy for me, but I've read so many books lately that take it too far – to a cheesy level – that I'm getting kind of tired of it. I think that my answer would have to be that I don't want the romance to overwhelm the plot or the action. =)
I would love to win Spider's Bite! Thanks for the awesome giveaway! =)
thebookishtype [at] yahoo [dot] com
I must say, I'm tired of the gratuitous violence the genre seems to demand. I don't tend to like shows like CSI either, or slasher movies, thanks. So I shy away from those scenes in novels. I mean, I understand the genre is trying to be realistic, and we live in a violent society. However, shouldn't literature offer alternatives to such reactions? I just don't care for it when all a hero/heroine can do to resolve the situation is hack someone limb from limb. *sigh* I'd rather see them use their brains to resolve the situation….
Thanks for the contest. Good luck with the new series, Jennifer! :)
my email: sistertyme-at-yahoo.com
Estella — Me too.
Barb — Thanks! I hope you enjoy Web of Lies as well.
Marq — I need to start that series. Everyone is talking about it …
Mountie — Julie Kenner's series is another one that I started and need to catch up on. I think the premise of that one is really cute.
Linda — I try to have a good balance of both in my books.
Beth — I know what you mean. Too many books, not enough money. LOL.
Megan — Thanks! I'm glad you've enjoyed my other books. ;-)
Barbara — Arthur's series is another one that I need to read. Everyone really seems to like it …
Marianna — I agree — too much action can get boring after a while.
Bookish Type — Yeah, making the romance believable is another crucial thing that goes into a good urban fantasy. I have to say that I'm a little tired of the soulmate plot myself.
Vixen — You have a good point. For me, I want the heroine to save herself, whether it's through using her brains or being physically tough with the bad guy. It's when the heroine always acts TSTL is when a book doesn't work for me.
Hello all…First of all, I do not believe there is such a thing as too much violence when writing a novel, especially urban fantasy. It is all fiction anyways. Secondly, I just LOVE ROMANCE so the more the romance the better, especially when love triumphs at the end!!! One of my favorite fantasy series would be the first series that I ever read–The Apprentice Adept series by Piers Anthony. His writing got me hooked on reading at an early age. My favorite urban fantasy series would be the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, the Kate Daiels series by Ilona Andrews, and the Elemental series by Jennifer Estep. an honorable mention would go to the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison.
I would love both Spider's Bite or Web of Lies if I win this contest! Thank you so much for this contest!
I have an idea for a future contest: you can offer a winner to be a character in one of your next novels…hmmmm…could be fun…
Well, gotta run! I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!!! Stay safe and Happy Reading!!! :) :)
agrigaliunas(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like violence and romance in my UF, but there should be some plot in between, LOL!
Fave UF series: Ilona Andrew's Magic series and Jeanine Frost's Night Huntress series, and I loved Carolyn Crane's Mind Games.
Congratulations on your latest release!
Hello Jennifer—
I forgot to mention my name above. this is Andrew G from West Michigan. Have a great day!!
agrigaliunas(at)yahoo(dot)com
Andrew — Anthony is one of those authors I've always been meaning to try but just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Patti — I haven't heard of the Mind Games series. I'll have to check that one out.
I think a good balance between the fighting and the romance makes a novel interesting for most readers. I don't want to read page after page of fighting details, for example, with no other plot. I'm not good at understanding what genre describes what I read so I'm not sure how to answer that other question. I'd prefer to win the first book in the series since I haven't read it yet, and I don't like to start in the middle of a series.
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
I love when there's romance in the genre, as long as it doesn't completely overtake the plot.
I'm not afraid of violence in books as long as it is appropriate to the scene. That is the only condition I put on it, that it is necessary to the scene and not just gratuitous. I do like a romance and relationships between characters to be part of the story. I want emotions and I want to become invested in what happens to the characters.
I'd like either book!
alternate email to blogger
magenta 2 red [at] gmail [dot] com
I'm a violence kind of person – high violence low romance. LOL. Why I usually prefer UF over PNR. I really liked Spider's over other reviewers who said it was little too much. I can't wait to read Web of Lies. Great contest hun.
Violence is ok but not a whole lot of blood and guts type.
Never too much romance.
I would really love to win Web of Lies.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
i think that there again it depends on the characters and what they can stand. I like violence and romance both in my books. What ever the story leasds I like. I love Ilona Andrews series both of them, Jeannine frost, Karen chance both of them, shelly laurenston, sherrilyn kenyon and lots of others.
I don't know if there is such a thing as too much violence, as long as it's something that moves the story along. Romance as a side story is great.
I already have & have read Spider's Bite (awesome read!0 & would love to entered for Web of Lies. Thanks!
gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
I could go for more sex in UF. but I'll still read it anyway.
My favorites have been:
Rosemary and Rue: An October Daye Novel
Nightwalker (Dark Days, Book 1)
Raphael by D. B. Reynolds
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)
Urban Shaman (The Walker Papers, Book 1)
Some Girls Bite: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel