Author Monica Burns + Giveaway
August 25, 2010 
57 Comments
I’m pleased to once again welcome Monica Burns to Fiction Vixen Book Reviews.
Hi everyone, so glad to be back here at Fiction Vixen’s blog! I love chatting up books, especially my latest book, Assassin’s Heart. When I scheduled this blog with Vixen, she mentioned the possibility of me doing a blog on violence in romance, when is it too much.
I had to think about this long and hard. After all, in the opening chapter of the book, I show the horrible torture that Lysander undergoes at the hand of a man who claims to be his father. Originally, this scene wasn’t even in the book, I made it happen off the page, but thanks to some smart people, I was made to realize that by not showing what happened to Lysander, as terrible as it is, the reader wasn’t going to empathize with him as quickly as I wanted them too. I needed the reader to know up front what Lysander had been dealing with for the past year, and what his motivation was for his actions. The same was true of Phaedra. I had to show her reaction to the horrible torture Lysander endured and why she was at odds with him. Assassin’s Heart is definitely Lysander’s story, and it’s Phaedra who brings him back from the brink. She fights for him, knowing whatever happened to him is something he can overcome as long as they’re together.
Which brings me to the question of the day. Is there too much violence in romance? After thoughtful consideration, my answer is no. Now that doesn’t mean that I think we need to ratchet up the violence, but I don’t think we should sugar coat things either. Let’s face it; we live in a violent world. Everywhere you look there are car bombings, vicious murders, serial killers, child abuse, brutal rapes, you name it. Sometimes it makes me want to crawl into a hole and hope it will all go away. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen.
So why is violence important in romance? The reason is that on the opposite side of the coin are the charitable acts that represent all the goodness in humankind. And when we show violence in a romance, an author is able to show how love can turn that violence into something positive. I’m a firm believer in this philosophy because as a survivor of assault (my story is here), I have used my romance writing as a way to heal. The healing process is never complete, but with each word I write, another small piece of me heals.
I think that’s true for readers as well. In these days of an uncertain economy, violence worldwide and the lack of manners and general disrespect, everyone has fears, pain, and suffering. We have wonderful, ordinary, everyday heroes who do amazing things for us on a daily basis, firefighters, police officers, soldiers and many others, but they’re human. Romance heroes are larger than life. They represent the ultimate super hero who can defeat even the worst of odds. Odds that an ordinary hero might not be able to overcome. And who doesn’t wish there really was a super hero, a knight in shining armor or a hot Sicari warrior out there who can take some of the riff raff out of play.
It’s that super hero who gives us a “YES!” feeling when the bad guy is toast. When things seem out of control in our daily lives, the romance hero who gets his man and makes us feel like there is justice in the world is what gives us hope. But more importantly, the HEA helps us remember that life can be good. Violence is a foil against which an author can illustrate that love is powerful and can conquer all, even in a book. And I think the ability to show how love can overcome terrible violence illustrates how wonderful life can be.
Assassin’s Heart is one such book. It’s filled with violence, but the violence has a real, dedicated purpose to the story. It created empathy, but it also makes the reader root for the good guy, and in the world today, we need to read about heroes. We need to feel good, and a HEA in a romance, whether violent of not, is a wonderful thing.
So tell me what you think. How do you feel about violence in romance?
Thank you Monica for the thoughtful post. — FV
Read excerpts:
Assassin’s Honor
Assassin’s Heart
GIVEAWAY
Monica is giving away one copy each of Assassin’s Heart and Assassin’s Honor. To enter, leave a comment here answering Monica’s question above regarding violence in romance novels. Please indicate which book you would like to win.
Giveaway is open until Sept. 4, winner announced soon after. All winners are contacted via email.
Because the prizes are mailed directly from the publisher the giveaway is open to US and Canada only, no PO Boxes please.
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Hi everyone, just popping in to say I'm here!
Ya know, Blogger needs to put the followup comments box on the FIRST screen. Grrr
Hi Monica! I agree that violence has its place in romance, though sometimes I do cringe and wish I had the option to not have the new horrible thing in my head.
I haven't gotten a chance to begin your series, so I would love to win Assassin's Honor.
Thanks!
Miranda ~ Sweet Vernal Zephyr
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com
I wouldn't say there is too much violence in romance. I think it is HOW it is done now IF it is done. I like it in the way you described Assassin's Heart. That sounds like it was done in a way I would enjoy reading.
I'm with you Monica– as long as the violence has a purpose, and is part of a bigger picture in the plot, I'm fine with it. I love dark paranormal romance because I want to see evil get it's butt kicked. It's an outlet for me when we read of so many criminals in real life that are never brought to justice.
I'd love to win Assassin’s Honor.
Hi Miranda, I confess I was a little leery of the violence in the opening scene of Assassin's Heart, but I think it worked for the character development.
If you like you can read the first four chapters here.
http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfAssassinsHeartExcerpt.htm
Melissa, I tend to enjoy kick butt adventure movies, where there's a lot of blow'em up type of car chases, etc. Think Die Hard type of movies, but blood and gore are not for me.
Hi Moonsanity, My beta readers and a couple of author friends thought it worked. On author friend in particular commented that she rarely read anything that started out so dark, but she couldn't stop reading. Natalie is a tough critic, so that was a huge compliment IMHO
I enjoyed the post. Violence has a place in romance novels when it is part of the story and plot. I'm with you Monica, I enjoy the action/adventure movies with stuff being blown up.
The book sounds great and I would love to read Assassins Honor.
I agree with you Monica. If there is a purpose then Im fine with it. If it's added just for the shock value(and we've all seen this) then it puts me off the book and the author. I haven't gotten to read these yet *sad face* but I'm getting there. lol They sound so good.
Hi Monica! Thank you for sharing your story. I'm not opposed to violence in romance… and in most novels I've read, the violence is integral to the story. For example, Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series have plenty of violence but they enhance the characters and the stories. And part of the HEA in romances is seeing the villain annihalated in the end.
Looking forward to reading your Assassins series!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Myra,
I'm glad you enjoyed the post, and really glad to hear you like the sound of the book.
believe violence has a very solid and valid place in romance. It may be that our favorite herione had to overcome a violent past to become the strong willed fiery women of today. Maybe that same heroine has to spend time indulging in violent activities to support her life style, career or to rescue her lover.
Please consider my entry to win a copy of Assassin's Honor. Thank You.
Violence in romance is definitely a tricky item. If it's important to the story then it's fine with me. Sometimes just mentioning it or the after effects aren't enough to really make a reader connect with the character. So, basically I agree with you and the commenters above.
I'm currently reading the first book. So, I'd like Assassin's Heart.
I think violence in romance is okay as long as the author has book writing/story skill to present the violent situation to the reader.
I think so long as it goes with the story that violence is fine. I don't really have a problem with it.
I can't wait to read Assassin's Heart. It sounds fantastic.
Hi Monica – for me, violence definitely has a place in romance, the darker the better. I like the good vs evil of a story, where people gamble with their lives and their hearts. And even though 'good' gets kicked around the block a few times, 'good' usually gets back up at the end and delivers a lethal ass kickin'. I'm a sucker for a happy ending…
I haven't really read any romance books with major violence. There are bits that move the story along, but as long as kids and pets aren't hurt I'm ok with it. And I hate rape scenes!
If I win I'd like Assassin’s Honor. Thank you.
I think violence in romance novels is handled pretty well. It does not get out of control. It makes the book more interesting and challenges the characters. Enter me for both books. They both sound good. I am a follower.
Hello Monica, I read your personal story and I commend you on writing it! I am glad that you have found good out of such bad. Your writing is wonderful!
I think violence can be a necessary evil sometimes in romance writing, it does bring you closer to the character, shows you what they are made of.
Thanks Monica for sharing your story.
Assassin's Heart would be my choice…
I don't mind violence in a romance story as long as it relates to the story. I agree that sometimes it is needed to show what the hero or heroine has gone through and how it shaped their personality and actions. I am not a fan of unnecessary violence.
mizztuts AT bellsouth DOT net
I loved Assassin's Honor! Lysander was my favorite character even though the book wasn't about him, so I can't wait to read Assassin's Heart.
I feel like when there is violence in romance it seems like an action packed movie, but sometimes I sit reading a book yelling "why?" over and over again, even though I know it's going to get better eventually.
Is it weird that I love violence in my romance books. I love the intensity and action. The suspense and reaction.
I would love to win book one.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Sorry folks, rush hour traffic (people on cell phones SOOOO annoying) then dinner…just now getting on to comment!
Hi Gigi (love the name…fan of the movie by chance? Louis Jordan. ooh lala!)
I've never been into shock value or gratitious sex. I want to tell a story the best way I can.
Mrsshukra – it's definitely about knocking off the villain and the HEA. Love both
Dana – violence is in our daily world, I don't think we can ignore it.
Eva – I hope you're enjoying Assassin's Honor
Kalynnick – Well, I hope I managed to pull it off well. *smile*
J.A. – it's ALL about the story for me. Glad to see you're excited for Assassin's Heart
Cyber – a kick in the teeth is sometimes exactly what's needed. Heroes winning over bad dudes is awesomer! LOL
Cathie – as a survivor of rape, I too hate those type of scenes. I will say though that my book Kismet which has a really hard scene at the end where the heroine is sacrificing herself for her friends. As horrible as that scene was for me to write, it was critical to the story. Violence *must* have a solid purpose in the story.
Tore – So far I've not read any romance where the violence got out of hand, so I think that's good
Lizzie – Thank you for your kind words. My writing has definitely made a difference in my relationship with my husband.
Tara – Unnecessary violence is so not me. *smile*
Darla – I'm so glad you enjoyed Assassin's Honor. I think you'll love Lysander even more in Assassin's Heart. *smile*
Robin – I don't think it's weird to love action, adventure, suspense, etc. But personally, I wouldn't want to read it, if its there just for that reason. I like it to be necessary to the story. *smile*
Hi Monica,
The violence has to be appropriate to the story.
I'd like to win either one.
chey127 at hotmail dot com
Chey, Agreed. In fact, I think that applies to just about anything in a story. It has to serve a purpose.
I don't mind violence in books as long as it serves a purpose and just placed there to fill space. I am especially okay with violence if it creates empathy for the hero or reveals why their character is the way it is.
I would love Assassin's Honor since I haven't started the series yet.
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
Jeanette – Empathy is definitely a requisite for violence
I am not bothered by violence in books (movies, yes) when it is done to further the plot or for authenticity.
"Assassin's Honor" for me if chosen. Thanks!
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
Scorpio – I think violence is okay in any venue, as long as it's clear cut need. Slasher films I despise because they're all about putting fear into people. Ever watched Halloween (any of them) with the sound off? It's funny. Not scary at all.
Hi Monica!
I think violence in a romance has it's place and as long as the scenes are tasteful (limited on the blood and gore factor) and the act serves a specific purpose.
I, for one, would not turn down a hottie for defending my honour!
Have a great day every one!
Kate (aka YzhaBella's BookShelf)
mleger0546(@)rogers(.)com
Kate, when I write a scene I like to make it vivid, but I also like to write it so the reader can do just as much envisioning as I do describing. Not sure that makes sense, but while I don't say things like he bled buckets, I don't hesitate to hide the pain of an injury. Maybe the best way to describe it is to direct you to the first four chapters of Assassin's Heart for an illustration. LOL
http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfAssassinsHeartExcerpt.htm
I think a good paranormal romance has to have some violence in it.
The vampire or shapeshifter or demon has to fight for the heroine.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
I don't think that there's to much violence in romance books. I've read some books and just about got sick reading what the hero or heroine has went through. But it made me understand them better and even like them.
Hey Ms. Monica!!! Welcome over here!!!
Violence… in romance. It has it place if it brings the hero/heroine together… The suspense, the drama… Fighting.. Kicking some butt… but… I am not down with abuse and things like that!
Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!
alliwantandmorebooks@ gmail.com
Well, some romances involve a story that surrounds a mystery or crime, and while a small description is ok, as well as maybe them coming upon the crime or violence, I hate to read the detail and gore about violence.
meredithfl at gmail dot com
jelly belly – paranormal does like to explore the darker aspects of humanity through supernatural beings. Good point
Sherry – your point about understanding the characters better is precisely why I included the horrible scene with Lysander at the beginning of Assassin's Heart.It was the only way to help the reader empathize with him
Cecile, Hi back! LOL It's got to have it's place. That seems to be what everyone here is agreeing on. I'm finding it a very enlightening discussion!
Meredith, I can see your point. I think it's about what we can tolerate individual. Reading is so subjective. *smile*
Thank you Monica for sharing your story.
As long as violence isn't glorified but shown how horrific the trauma can cause both physically and mentally it can help push the story along and help us to understand a character's motivation and the choices made.
My choice would be Assassin’s Heart.
Thank you.
lulilut,
Violence glorified doesn't make a lot of sense although I've seen it in a lot of war movies. But we're agreed on why violence in romance can help the story.
Great post!! I already have book 2, Assassin's Heart on it's way to me. I would love the chance to get Assassin's Honor. These books sound sooo incredible!!
I love voilence in romance books. In fact, my favorite date movies are the ones with gun fights and explosions and stuff. I'll leave Cassablanca to weepy girls. Gimme monsters and blood and gore any day of the week. I'm just that kind of girl. : P
Nicole, congrats on winning AHeart. I hope others find them incredible too
Elizabeth, I'm an action adventure girl too. National Treasure, Die Hard, The Mummy those type of movies and books are really appealing. There's a book I love called Rogue Angel, can't remember writer name, I think it's Alex something, and is a pen name for different writers. It's a series. TOTAL action adventure and really good writing Check it out. In addition to my books too, of course LOL
violence is okay in a romance as long as it is needed for the plot and not overly detailed. Please don't kill off any children or animals. That really annoys me.
I really like action adventure movies, too. Some of my favorites are Indiana Jones series, the Mummy series, and the Diehard series.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Marlene, As a rule I don't kill off children or animals unless it's necessary. I had an animal die in my book Mirage, but it was necessary. In the book I'm working on now, the 3rd in the Sicari series, there are children who are killed off page, but the reader doesn't know them as characters. As a Mom, I don't think I could show a reader a child character and then kill that character. It would have to be a pretty strong reason to do so.
And I'm a huge fan of IJ, The Mummy and Diehard.
Ying and Yang. Good & bad. Contrast. How can you know one without the other. violence is about passion, need and control and plays a part in all stories. I would enjoy reading both your books.
Interesting points on the contrast. Thanks for posting CDM
Hi Monica,
Just think how beautiful you are Monica and how great that your writing helps. You're the survivor and always will be and that's what helps. I wish you continued healing. 
Like everyone here I have no problem with violence in romance because as you said, it's a real part of our world today. And when used to define a characters personality etc.
As for your personal trauma, I think it's a healing process for the survivor. You did well Monica and how much love your husband has for you is very beautiful.Healing is a lot easier when your mate is deeply in love as yours obviously is.
I am looking forward to reading both these stories and the rest of the series as it unfolds.
Hi Carol, thank you for your kind words. I hope the series unfolds beyond the third book I'm writing. We shall see. Never give up, never surrender. (Thank you Galaxy Quest!)
I think a bit of violence is acceptable in a romance. I mean, the hero does need to take out the bad guy to rescue the heroine, right? [insert cheesy grn here]
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Tracey, That's an interesting point about the good taking out the bad. I had a conversation with a friend a few years ago, where I argued that I wanted my hero to take the high road. I didn't want him to take out the bad guy. She was like, "hell no, I want him defending me, ready to slice and dice the bastards."
At the time I didn't understand the philosophy of her statement. I was like how can she possibly want the hero to act "dishonorably?"
But I think I've figured out that the difference is the subgenre we reference. For instance, violence in a historical is a difference type of violence and is entirely dependent on setting.
For instance, a nobleman in the Regency period is far less likely to take out the bad guy (honor and all that) than the hero in a paranormal romance like my Sicari.
In my historical Kismet, there is quite a bit of violence, but the culture is far more different in that book than in an English setting, as and as a result the violence is call for in terms of the culture itself and the thought processes of the villain. Even then the hero only kills the villain as a last resort.
What I'm saying is that I think the good guy taking out the bad guy should be dependent on a lot more than just defending the heroine.
BUT, I'm with you in most instances, I like the hero defending his woman at whatever cost. *grin*
So tell me what you think. How do you feel about violence in romance?
I believe it has its place. I mean violence happens in real life so it would be illogical to exclude it from literature. It's rare that I think, "Hmm, that scene of violence was just not needed." lol! My two cents.
Is there a sequence to the books being given away? I'd like book one if I win!!
THANKS!!!
nedsped at verizon dot net
B&B, You had me at illogical! LOL I love someone who thinks logically!
While the books are stand alone, it's better to read Assassin's Honor first as it lays out the world for you.
Violence can make sense in some romance stories, when there's more than just the love story. It can add some excitement and suspense that might be necessary.
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
I think that violence is just fine in romance as long as it is relevant to the plot. If it's just in there for shock value, than it doesn't belong.
Count me in for Assassin's Honor! This series sounds very interesting.
Sara M
sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com
I feel that violence has a small place in romance. If it helps the story line along, it is more of an action romance or it helps to better understand a violent past of one of the characters then the violence is ok.
I would love to win Assassin's Honor!
Thanks for the great giveaway.
I like violence in romance books. It keeps the book fresh!
Since I haven't had the chance to read this series, I would LOVE to win Assassin's Honor
I wouldn't say there is too much violence in romance. I think it is more the type of violence and how it is written than rather the fact that it is violent in the first place.
And since I have yet to jump in to your universe, either book would be wonderful.
Violence was pretty darn gross but awesome in Mockingjay but it can be overdone. Like good kicking bad's butt.
I'd love to start with the first book!
ntaylor228 at yahoo dot com