M. Night Shyamalan's "Sixth Sense" was one of the frikkin' scariest movies many of us ever had seen, right? I mean, thanks, M, for totally wiggin' us out with the whole "I see dead people" thing, right along with that earnest little boy's learning to happily coexist with undead as sorely in need of consciousness raising as they were hair-dos that didn't favor icky, matted gunk.
The idea of shades of the dead wandering our plane unaware they've given up the ghost - or more accurately, unwilling to let go of it entirely - isn't new. But the plot concept of an innocent intermediary whom should be spared the gore and grief helping spirits move toward the light -- or away, that never really was clarified in "Poltergeist," now was it? - has become a very popular one in contemporary film and genre fiction.
Hannah Howell uses the innocent intermediary to quite entertaining and just-a-tad-creepy effect in "If He's Sinful," the second book in her Wherelocke series that revolves around an 18th c. extended family with assorted/sundry special powers. The Wherelockes and "strays" that accumulate among them are every bit as much fun as the main characters, and absolutely tease one with hopes for more stories about each.
But before their stories can be told, you'll meet Penelope Wherelock, drugged and tied to a bed in a brothel, awaiting use by Lord Ashton Radmoor, a betrothal gift from his rakish pals. Radmoor is mortified by the sitch his friends have shoved him into - until he gets a gander at Penelope, and finds she stirs the lust he thought he didn't have in him.
For her part, through the drug haze, Penelope's pretty turned on by Radmoor - her step-sister's fiancé! - yet uses what focus she can maintain to remind him she's really a gently bred lady, and that poor girls really don't aspire to become whores. Skeptical, Radmoor is convinced it's a bad idea to continue using her when Penelope's young urchin charges mount a rescue.
At heart a fairly moral guy even for his class, Radmoor finds he wants to protect Penelope and help her stay out of danger almost as much as he needs to possess and, yeah, bed her. And Penelope begins to trust Radmoor may be strong enough to support a woman with her gifts - and desire.
But can Radmoor help Penelope as she tries to solve the murder that will allow to rest in peace the ghost of slain prostitute who reached out to her in the brothel? It's a mystery that could wind up with Penelope losing everything she holds dear, especially her life.
What romances have you read that seem to be influenced by "scary movies?" What's your favorite scary movie?
Monday, Nov 2 at Noon Eastern: Head to Romantic Reads to score a free Advance Reading Copy (ARC) of a hot, new romance that'll be discussed for 2 weeks in BN.com's new SNEAK PEEK program! The book's author will take part!
Hi Michelle! 
I'd say the paranormals are influenced by the movies. You know, vamps, weres, demons, shapeshifters, fairies and angels. Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Though taken from scary movies, folklore and other places in history they've become heroes. They are now downright sexy thanks to some fabulous authors who know how to take a scary theme and add there romantic touch. I mean who wouldn't want one of J.R Ward, Kresley Cole or Sherrilynn Kenyon's yummy heroes?. Definitely a change from being on that totally dark side.
Their still dark and dangerous. Can't take that aura away. What makes these vamps, weres and demons lovable is the other side of their character. The side that makes them tick and makes them who they are. Plus we still get our HEA and get to cheer a whole new hero in a different light!
Actually, I have three favorite scary movies. Sorry, I couldn't mention any one without mentioning the others. I think their all Grade A. They are Dracula, starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, Silver Bullet, starring Corey Haim and Salem's Lot, starring David Soul. They don't make scary movies like this anymore. I've seen them a hundred times and I 'm still scared to death each time!!!
