Dark or Light - - - Or Maybe Not!

I grew up in a family where no one ever raised their voice. I’m sure my parents disagreed on lots of things, but my sister and brother and I never heard them do it. As a result, when I became an adult I had to fight my natural inclination to avoid controversy. Life is never all peaches and cream and sometimes the world just smells and sounds bad. I can’t simply hide my head and run from strong opinions or snark forever. (stay with me, I’m telling you all this for a reason)

My newest release from the Silhouette Romantic Suspense line is the second book in my Safekeeper series called SAFE BY HIS SIDE and is out now. For those of you who read the first book in the series, SAFE WITH A STRANGER, this is Ethan’s book, the one you’ve been waiting for! Cool cover, don’t you think?

The Safekeepers trilogy is what I call ‘light paranormal’ suspense. The three Ryan children have been cursed by their great-grandmother who is a Mexican black witch. The three Ryans know some white witchcraft themselves, but each uses that knowledge in a different way in their everyday lives. Behind the scenes, a battle rages in Mexico to have the Ryan curse reversed before the great-grandmother dies. In the Safekeeper series, the witchcraft is mostly in the background of the three stories, but the curse plays a big part in the Ryans’ lives.

Last week I was talking to my editor about the light paranormal aspects in the books I’ve been writing. We were trying to decide whether I would be better off to take them out of my books, leave them in, or go darker and move to the Nocturne line with a new series. I’m still considering. It depends on my next story line. But in the meantime, I sent out a newsletter last weekend. By the way, do you get my newsletter? If you want to sign up, go to this link: http://www.lindaconrad.com/keepintouchwithlinda.php
I asked everyone for their opinions on light paranormal.

Here is what I said:
“Recently I’ve been including a little light paranormal in my own mini-series books. (but not in The Sheriff’s Amnesiac Bride) I’ve been having a terrific time learning more about Mexican witchcraft for The Safekeepers stories. By the way, if you want to find out more, I have articles on my website about healing with crystals and a new one on the healing powers of colors. See: http://www.lindaconrad.com/funstuff/extras.php

So, I could use a favor. How do you feel about ‘light’ paranormal? I know lots of readers love vampire books and that shape-shifters have become quite popular. But do you also like to read books with just a dash of magic? Or a touch of the fairies? Or with a heroine with some psychic ability? Either way I need to know how you really feel.”


Boy have I been hearing how people feel! For a moment there, I felt like hiding. I know, I know. Don’t ask unless you want to hear about it. But I’m all grown up now and I can take it. Yikes! So many people seem to have extremely strong feelings one way or the other. The biggest surprise for me, I guess, was how many people have grown tired of vampire and shapeshifter stories. Interesting.

So… at the risk of “getting what I ask for”, I’d like to get your opinions too.

How do you feel about ‘light’ paranormal? Do you love vampire books and shape-shifters? Or are you tired of them? Do you also like to read books with just a dash of magic? Or a touch of the fairies? Or with a heroine with some psychic ability? Either way I need to know how you really feel.


Leave me a comment and I’ll pick two winners from all the comments left before Tuesday February 24TH to win autographed copies of SAFE BY HIS SIDE.

Linda’s Silhouette Romantic Suspense series, The Safekeepers, continues in March with SAFE BY HIS SIDE and in April with IN SAFE HANDS. Don’t forget to drop by Linda’s website to find out what’s Behind the Book for the series, and register to enter her ongoing contest to win books and gift certificates! http://www.lindaconrad.com/