If you like them relentless, date a Bounty Hunter. 

Oh, Jango Fett, I love you. To be fair, I love Aura Sing too. 

Here are some great Paranormal and Science Fiction Romance Novel Bounty Hunters.

1. Bones. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost 

2. Cynyr Cree WyndRiver Sinner by Charlotte Boyett-Compo 

3. Elena Deveraux Angels' Blood  by Nalini Singh 

4. Jane Yellowrock Skinwalker by Faith Hunter

5. Jarana Gothbrun Replicant by Dani Worth

6. Kate Daniels Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews 

7. Anna Strong The Becoming  by Jeanne Stein 

8. Patrick McNamara Enigma by Moira Rogers 

9. Neol Pallaton Tales of the Red Moon Clan by Cherie De Sues

10. Reese Storm Kissed by Jessica Andersen

Do you have another favorite? Let me know!

Check out awesome Bounty Hunters from all the Romance genres on my Pinterest Board: Skip: Best Bounty Hunters in Romance Novels.

To vote for the best of the best of Paranormal/Science Fiction Romance Bounty Hunters, go to the Goodreads board: Relentless: Best Bounty Hunter in Paranormal and Science Fiction Romance.

Its MLK Day!

Lots of people think that the romance genre is all fluff. I am sad for them. Yep, we have fluff and we love it but we also have so much more.

Like much of popular art, Romance Novels are an excellent barometer of cultural feelings that both enforce social norms and work to transform them. 

In this post, I want to spend some time (turned out to be most of an afternoon and evening lol) thinking about the Civil and Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people and gender in Romance.

In other posts, I will examine more areas of human rights in Romance but on this MLK Day and with wonderful work to restore the amazing Bayard Rustin and his labors at Dr. King's side to the annuals of history through the Freedom Award and the documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, I will focus my attention on the right to love who we love and be who we are across the multifaceted spectrum that is gender.  

I'll also recommend some great love stories along the way and in a list that are sometimes made even greater because of they sit in this rainbowed world and show love of all kinds.

I recently gave a five star review to LH Cosway's Painted Faces. 5 star reviews don't come easily from me despite my run of lucky reading of late. The hero is a straight drag queen. He is such an Alpha and also so much more. I love and sigh for him giddily. He is in my top ten on Team Sexy.  But I digress... 

Something I wrote in the review about the what most people say first about Painted Faces keeps coming back to my mind as I think about the topic of gay rights and gender in Romance. 

"This book most famously weaves in of gender roles and sexuality to the romance. However, this book is so much more and gender and sexuality are really central to any great love story but because of our hero's profession and his hetroexuality these elements of all erotic relationships are thrown in wonderful sharp relief." 

What I am thinking about here, also, is how subversive romance novels have always been and how much the politics of love, sexuality, and gender have been fought across the pages of these perfectly accessible books.  This is not a new thought in the world but one that is fun to ponder. Fun for a word nerd like me, anyway! (And yeah, its obnoxious to quote myself but whatever. Its late and this is the idea italicized below is the one I feel like nerding out on completely. So, there. lol)

Gender and sexuality are really central to any great love story. In all my favorite couples in RL and in Romance Land, each person is fully seen by their partner, their ever changing swirl of gender roles is worked out or in process in that coupledom, and what one likes in bed (or against the wall, on a horse, under the table at a wedding--whatever works) is gifted. 

This is as true for me in straight romances as it is for those of a different persuasion.

Think of how this dynamic works in your own real life love stories and those of your family and friends as well.

(Okay. You don't have to but I will when I am bored and stuck in traffic and then I will be having fun instead of wanting to ram SUVS that tell us the exact number of kids they have to kidnap and their names under turtles and other weirdness, drivers flicking out ash out their windows in this drought, and people on their non hands free cell phones who don't know how to stick that sucker in their bra or get one of those thingies my non bra sporting love has on his dashboard.) 

In MF Romance, see the broad shoulder killer Dee-Ann and her love is food Chef mate in Big Bad Beast (The Pride Series) by Shelly Laurenston, the very shy and submissive, Gabe, of Charlotte Stein's deeply erotic Control, the gender reversed world where men are nurturers of Wen Spencer's A Brother's Price, the dandy in The Famous Heroine by Mary Balogh, To Seduce A Sinner's Melissande and Jasper (he of the emasculating PTSD and she having experienced good sex making sure she gets some from him and not something fit for "a lady") by Elizabeth Hoyt, and the I just need touch hero of Mary Ann Rivers' The Story Guy to name just a few excellent books that do this dance of pushing of gender and sexual restrictions in MF romance.

There are many more I could name but I am trying to finish this post before MLK Day is over on the West Coast of the US lol. 

Even those old bodice rippers and long haired Fabios with the cut away covers have something important to say about these issues if you read carefully. Kind of like Pro Wresting and Main Stream Porn have all sorts of revelations to be observed about well anything that they hyperbolizes. (Again, I wander. lol, Damn, these all are some great books and deserve their own list!) 

So, back on the main path of this post!

We can trace the change of thought around homosexuality in particular from the Homosexual as Villain in 1980's and 1990's Historical Romance and the I discovered my spouse was gay themed Contemporary Romances

to the stereotypical or underdeveloped or simply sketched background players but largely positive images of the LGBT community like Amanda Quick's Deception where we have a pair of women lovers creating a mystery and conflict (not so simple really) and the heroine's beloved aunts and the abundance of gay men in Rock Chick series by Kristin Ashley (some more layers than others)

to complex portrayals of gay characters as carefully crafted secondary characters like in Pamela Morsi's Simple Jess and Susanne Brockman's Jules who finally gets his man in All Through the Night: A Troubleshooter Christmas, and some of Kristen Ashley's gay fellows as well. 

to fully developed Romance Novels with LGBT heroines and heroes in the Main Character spot like the BDB Series superstar Lover at Last By JR Ward,  the SFR War Games by K.S. Augustin, the hugely popular MM series Cut & Run (Cut & Run, #1) by by Madeleine Urban, and the oh so funny Almost Like Being in Love by Steve Kluger,

to queer writers writing well received Romances about queer people such as Salt Fish Girl: A Novel by Larissa Lai and The Dark Tide (The Adrien English Mysteries) by Josh Lanyon 

to what I think of as the often overblown but epochal turn towards massive cultural change---the mass consumption and commodification of what once was on the fringes in the booming MM sub genre which leans hard into erotica and erotic romance just as same sex marriage is slowing approved State by State and Country by Country.  See the endless and very happy Goodreads lists for recommendations. :)  

(I mean overblown like New Adult is and BDSM is--really, really really popular beyond all good sense where writers come into the genre with a plan to actually make money as a writer (not that that's is a bad thing lol) but still the flood of the market brings with it gems appearing here and there--See my Twilight Rant connected to Vampire Romance as another example. It is just easier to say Overblown. )

Some things I noticed as I was writing this post---

The main stream writers doing MM usually thread these couples over several books or feature the love story in a multi cast universe. 

There is a lot of interesting goings on in YA. Check out The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily Danforth and Ash by Malinda Lo.  I love this blog post on same sex kissing on YA book Covers by Lo. 

While lesbian characters have winning best seller ways in literary fiction, memoir and Women's/Gender Studies (Rita Mae Brown, Jeannette Winterson, Alice Walker, Sarah Waters, Cherie Moraga and on and on)  FF Romance has yet to show the same success as MM Romance or the FF literary or theory treats. I have, in fact, read most of what would be considered the canon of lesbian lit and theory but very little FF romance actually. Jodi Picoult, who I might say is more Women's fiction, has Sing You Home for a main stream book with an FF romance so we have some movement on this front.  Smart Bitches GS vs STA has a lot of great recs for FF Romance. I have a goal to expand my FF Romance reading this year. 

The transgendered are just appearing like stars in the distance. Bright and Strong. Here is another set of recs on those. Southern Discomfort by Rita Mae Brown, which is mentioned, is a wonderful read with romantic elements. 

Bisexuals outside some excellent menage and erotic romance are thin on the ground. Here are some: How to Raise an Honest Rabbit (Knitting Series) by Amy Lane, Kinked (Hello, sexy Harpy) by Thea Harrison, CRASH by  Pepper Pace, and Replicant (The Kithran Regenesis) by Dani Worth. Check out this  A Wonkomance Interview with Solace Ames and Heloise Belleau that discusses the bisexual Asian tattooed hottie lead in their The Dom Project (LA Doms). Can't wait to read this one. 

We have much to look forward to in how Romance evolves to both reflect and influence world views.

More reading on the topic? You know you want to!

Here is a pretty cool interview with Kate Douglas about what LGBT romance is doing for the genre. Romance Authors Explain Why Writing LGBT Romance Is Refreshing.

Her is an engaging Dear Author Opinion piece on MM writing in romance and the Lambda Awards.

Here is a great discussion led by Hedi Below Zero called Queer Romance Blog Hop about/by queer writers of queer romance.

And, in case you still haven't had enough...

Here are some more great books to add to your TBR that may have only hints of these issues or full on conversations that I haven't mentioned yet. 

1. Packing Heat by Kele Moon 

2. Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James

3. Never a Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer

4. When You Dare (Edge of Honor) by Lori Foster

5. Eon: Rise of the Dragoneye by Alison Goodman

6. Far Too Human by Anitra Lynn McLeod 

7. Laid Bare (A Brown Family Novel) by Lauren Dane

8. The Last Rogue by Deborah Simmons

 9. Untamed by Anna Cowan

10. Shards of Honor (Vorkosigan Saga)  Lois McMaster Bujold 

Here is my Goodreads lists that asks for you recommendations on Civil Rights in Romance: Fight for Your Rights: Civil Rights in Romance Novels. 

Due to Goodreads server issues and spammer problems, I have only one book on there. But I am sure we can all remedy that! 

Review originally posted on The Book Pushers, see included link.

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Jan 14th
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher

In a harsh new world, only she can bring him to life…

Chase Hawthorne is on the run from a ghost. The shooting that took his little sister and scarred Chase’s face and body has left far deeper scars on his brother Tripp’s soul. Driven to pull up stakes and head for the most haunted place in Louisiana, Chase hopes to prove to Tripp there is no ghost of his twin beckoning from the after life.

When he comes upon a young woman fighting off raiders, Chase doesn’t hesitate to help the first female he’s seen in years. And he tries to ignore his instant attraction, hoping Tripp will feel it, too—and emerge from his frightening depression.

Keera has been alone too long, and Chase makes her feel things she never thought she’d feel again. Tripp may be the needier brother, but it’s Chase she wants. Scars and all.

But letting people too close comes with risks. And as they are drawn into the search for a young man’s family, both must accept the possibility that there’s more to life—and love—than simple survival.

Warning: A hero who puts his own needs aside for family. And a woman who’s out to prove there’s no law against a man listening to his body once in a while. 
This blurb came from the author’s website.

I have been addicted to Worth’s writing since I first discovered her Kithran Regenesis series. When I found out she was starting a new post apocalyptic series I had to give it a try. When I finished reading the first installment, After the Crux, I had to ask if she was going to continue writing in this world. When she said yes, I waited rather impatiently for what would come next. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed by my wait.

Gruesomely scarred Chase was traveling with his younger brother Tripp in search of a deserted city trying desperately to find something that would break through Tripp’s worsening PTSD. Out on a foraging trip he stumbled upon a young woman defending herself against some raiders, individuals who banded together and preyed on anyone weaker, and when more raiders appeared he assisted in the fight. After realizing Chase was not going to make a bad situation even worse, Keera volunteered some replacement clothes and fresh food. She didn’t invite them back to her place but followed Chase to his RV to make sure he wasn’t lying. Chase was hoping that Keera and Tripp would hit it off and give Tripp a reason to continue living while Tripp wanted someone for Chase so he would not be alone. The three agreed to drive as close as possible to the deserted city and meet there for the food and clothing exchange. While stopped in the area by the city, Chase, Tripp, and Keera encountered four individuals from the first installment, Sole Survivors Ross, Dorian, Jenna, and Cadmar who were traveling to Cadmar’s home to rescue his family from the Raiders who had taken over their farm. While trapped at Keera’s place due to bad weather MacKenzie, a woman who lived with the raiders, showed up willing to work with them to help rescue Cadmar’s family and the few other decent people.

Worth provided an amazing sense of connection, caring, and loyalty amongst her protagonists. It was incredibly sweet to watch both Tripp and Chase sing each other’s phrases to Keera. Even when it appeared as if Keera had made her decision, Chase was still concerned about how it would affect Tripp. Thankfully, Tripp developed a best friend, Cadmar, so he was no longer drowning in memories and regrets of loss. Seeing the initial group of seven grow closer together and start to fully trust each other and bring MacKenzie into their group was very interesting. There was some suspicion but knowing that everyone had suffered from the Raiders and were willing to share what they had as well as risk their lives to help Cadmar made a huge difference.

I felt as if Worth explored some of the isolation felt by survivors and what they would consider or be willing to risk for companionship. I loved some of the quiet one-on-one conversations that were remarkably open and yet led to more trust. It was almost as if finding another human you didn’t have to fight or fear was enough to break down what would have been learned barriers. I also loved the backdrop of Chase and Keera’s relationship against Cadmar and Tripp’s friendship and the established triad of Ross, Dorian, and Jenna. The varying levels of intimacy, comfort, and interaction all rounded out the world.

Sole Survivors has left me with answers to questions raised in After the Crux but the rescue attempt/fight has left me with several more new questions from hints Worth provided. I am very curious about what is going to happen next. Who will go back with Ross and the others to their mountain home? Now that Tripp has declared he is a MAN, not a boy in most emphatic fashion, how will that alter his friendship with Cadmar. What is MacKenzie’s back-story and where will she go next? What will happen to the non-Raiders who might decide to stay put? How will the newcomers integrate into Ross’s mountain home? I can’t wait for the next installment!

I give Sole Survivors an A-

One of the reasons I like weres or shifters in romance is because animal that the person can turn into adds cultural and character traits to the love story that might not otherwise be there.   

There is a theory that all shifters should be predators but I am not so sure.  I really want Nalini Singh to come through with the non predators Changelings in the Psy/Changeling Series as Romantic Leads.

Here are some great unusual shifters that are not wolves, big cats, snakes, birds of prey, dragons, nor my beloved bears. These are in no particular order.