Many people read—especially romance novels and other genre fiction—to escape the stresses of daily life. No need to remind you of a bad economy or rising gas prices; all you have to do is turn on the news.
So if you were able to live in any Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance city out of any book, where would you go? Fellow blogger and pal Chelsea Mueller told us where we wouldn’t want to live, so let’s talk about the positive—the top 5 places where it’d be fun to hang your hat (and leash your wolf, rest your powers, etc.):
Morella Beach, California (Jenn Bennett’s Arcadia Bell Series)
Who doesn’t like the beach? Surf, sand and sun, not to mention a fantastic Tiki bar called the Tambuku run by cool mage Arcadia Bell. This bar boasts great drinks and fun loving earthbound demons. Need a little excitement? Morella Beach has that too, with its local branch of the Hellfire Club. Fight gladiator style against other paranormal creatures, while rich dudes bet who on will win.
Don’t like your current photos? Lon Butler, pirate mustachioed fashion photog extraordinaire, will book a session for you.
The Hollows, Cincinnati (Kim Harrison’s The Hollows Series)
Pizza parlors, Herb Shoppes and converted churches—I’m IN! Plant a garden and suddenly you have a gang of pixies living in your backyard. Oh sure, there are vampy mobsters, but there are Elven politicians to balance it all out. Have mad skills as a hunter? This is the place for you! Both the F.I.B and I.S are always looking for runners. You can visit Rachel Morgan and hyper pixie Jenks at Vampiric Charms for a little charm to get rid of that pesky demon dogging you. Then sit back and relax and have a whiskey with Trent Kalamack at Carew Tower.
Caldwell, New York (J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood)
Where are all the good dance clubs these days? In Caldwell, NY! Zero Sum and One Eye provide the best in Goth, Dance, and industrial music, along with some extra special drinks offered at the bar. Proprietor Rehvenge (aka the Reverend) can get you whatever cure you need for that which ails you.
Yes, there is a “little” problem with some renegade “humans,” but the protection comes in the form of some hunky secretive vampires. Don’t worry you won’t remember a thing. Other Caldwell perks include fantastic shopping (call Fritz Perlmutter for advice) and some of the best medical care in the country.
Tempe, Arizona (Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Series)
One of the best Irish pubs around resides in Mesa Tempe, and that would be Rula Bula. Never mind the bangers and mash, hit up the fish and chips, an Atticus O’Sullivan favorite. Hiking is a must here with several beautiful vistas surrounding the town. Don’t worry about the bitchy Polish witches and renegade old gods; most of them are all bluster and no burn anyway. Still, if you need to know how to defeat them, Atticus’s own Metaphysical bookstore and tea shop Third Eye books can brew you up a special potion. Just make sure you bring some sausage for the dog behind the counter.
Portsmyth, state unknown (Allison Pang’s Abby Sinclair Series)
Wow, I’d kill to live here. Besides boasting the entrance to Faerie via the Crossroads, this township is packed full of boutiques and Art Galleries. Jonesing for a special book maybe a magical one? Then the Pit is the place you want to go to speak to bookseller Abby Sinclair. She’ll get you the book and play some good music while you’re there! Just watch out for tiny Unicorn Phineas, he’s got an ass addiction. Night life in Portsmyth boasts a great club called the Hallows where you may get to hear the band Ion’s Folly. Sexy lead singer Brystion can make your heart go pitter pat, especially if he sings his “special “ rendition of Sex Bomb. Plus, rumor has it residents of this town have the best dreams.. hmmm I think I’m moving there tomorrow..
Runners up:
Pinecliffe, Colorado—Carrie Clevenger’s Crooked Fang Series
New Orleans, Louisiana—Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter Series
Los Angeles, California—Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim Series
Seattle, Washington—Richelle Mead’s Succubus Series
Sea foam image courtesy of Sirsnapsalot via Flickr
Synde Korman talks music and books on her website Tombstone Tails, along with creating a line of literary jewelry on her etsy site Cemetery Cat Designs.
When she’s not herding cats or creating art, she works as a part-time bookseller. You can find her on Twitter as @psynde.
