I have a failing. I know, I know…it’s hard to believe. But it’s true. You see, I don’t read much paranormal romance. In fact, it’s fair to say that until recently (I’m looking at you, Pamela Palmer & Juliana Stone & Kerrelyn Sparks), I was a strictly non-paranormal romance reader. It’s not that I was opposed to paranormals…it’s that I was just busy hanging out in my historical and contemporary worlds.
My sister, however, is a paranormal fan. I mean…WHOA. If there’s a paranormal romance author out there, Kiki has read her. So…since I was due for another Read More Romance post AND I’m committed to reading more paranormal and totally uncertain of where to begin, I asked Kiki to make me a list. Which she did…in the form of the following pretty awesome guest post…just in time to celebrate the long-awaited launch of Lover Mine, the next book in JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Enjoy!
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Kiki MacLean’s Top 9 Paranormal Romance Novels
I’ve been on my sister to read more paranormal romance for several years now. I suppose when you’re fast on the way to becoming one of the best historical regency romance authors – she’s my sister, I get to say this :) (editorial note: great sister, no?) – you must stay true to your genre. Nonetheless, I designed the list below to suck her in to the world of paranormal romance. Who knows, if I’m lucky, she’ll bring her talent to the genre and write one! I live in eternal hope…
JR Ward, Dark Lover – The divine Ms. Ward… enough said … An aristocratic vampire, a blind king by the name of Wrath, a journalist, and quite possibly the best opening scene ever. Dark Lover is the first in the seven-book Black Dagger Brotherhood series (the eighth book is due for release today, I so can’t wait). This series is without a doubt one of the best (if not the best) modern-day vampire series.
Dance with the Devil, Sherrilyn Kenyon – Early in the Dark-Hunter series (book #4), the anti-hero Zarek (the ultimate bad boy, oooh leather) has been exiled to sub-zero climes in Alaska by the ‘bitch goddess’ Artemis. He finds salvation in his love for the Greek Nymph of Justice, Astrid, who is called to judge him for damning crimes – I laughed, I cried, and I admit I downloaded several of the music references, e.g., Nazareth’s Hair of the Dog.
Midnight Awakening, Lara Adrian – Book #4 in the Midnight Breed series has one super badass heroine, Elise Chase, who finds her match (and her love) in an equally bad badass hero, Tegan. It’s totally self-contained – no need to read those before or after in the series – in the immortal words of my sister, hang the rules, start with this book.
The Darkest Kiss, Gena Showalter – Showalter’s books deserve a special place on any bookshelf. An accomplished author, capable of moving effortlessly between Young Adult & Adult romance, her books underpin any paranormal list. Selecting just one? Super hard! Where to start? I suggest Darkest Kiss (Book #2 of the Lords of the Underworld series) – the story of Lucien (who houses the Demon of Death – just go with it…) and Anya, the minor goddess of anarchy – think paranormal version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and the chase is on.
Darkness Everlasting, Alexandra Ivy – Book # 3 in the Guardians of Eternity series, this book speaks to those who prefer a mix to their paranormal – one part were to one part vampire. Poignant & incredibly addictive, Ivy’s book pits the vampire king, Styk, against the were king, Salvatore, in a conquest for the love of Darcy. Did I mention, the entire race of demons is at risk … Who can resist that?!
No Rest for the Wicked, Kresley Cole – A fun, fast-paced adventure! I tripped upon this book by accident, devoured it in one sitting, and read the balance of the series in one weekend. Mix one part vampire, one part valkyrie assassin, a half-mad soothsayer, introduce a scavenger hunt designed by mercurial gods, and wow! It sucks you in…
Pleasure Unbound, Larissa Ione – Book #1 of the Demonica series, much of Pleasure Unbound takes place in a hospital run by demons – I know, kind of bizarre, but refreshingly different. Especially for those of us who are little tired, perhaps jaded, of the tried and true vampire story — This one’s a must read. Oh, and did I mention, the hero, Eidolon, is hot, hot, hot! And, his brother, Wraith … sigh.
So the last two on my list break from the vampire theme …
Caressed by Ice, Nalini Singh – There are so many elements of this book that make it a fantastic read – the brilliant world building, the character development, the dialogue, the political underpinnings – simply put, it’s one of my favorites in the genre.
The Game, Heather Killough-Walden (**eBook only) — This book is a total dark horse! Victor Black, Victoria Red, and Maxwell Blood, all are caught in ‘The Game.’ Who’s good? Who’s evil? Who ends up with whom? The book keeps you guessing, with twists & turns, until the very end. Science fiction meets paranormal romance, with not a vampire in sight. This book is enthralling! I’m so taken with it, I’m off to read, Third Kiss: Dorian’s Dream. If it’s as good as The Game, it may just become #10 on the list.
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Looking for Read More Romance: Contemporaries? Click here!
Looking for Read More Romance: Historicals? Here it is!
April 27th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
I like a good paranormal romance now and then and Kresley Cole is one of my favorite authors!
April 27th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Oooh! I'm sort of new-ish to paranormal in general and haven't yet read a paranormal romance so this is perfect for me! Thanks for sharing!
April 28th, 2010 at 3:26 am
I've been hearing a lot about JR Ward lately and I think you've just sold me on her completely. Heading over to Amazon now!
Love the list…have always been a fan of paranormal and now I have some great new titles to look into thanks!
April 28th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
I LOVE paranormal romance novels! My favorite :) Thanks for the list!
April 28th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Thanks for the list!I love to see what other fans love to read! I was tickled to see that I have already read 85% of what you listed!
May I make one suggestion? It is my current OBSESSION ….The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Start with Magic Bites then continue the bliss with the rest of the series (Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, and Magic Bleeds..out this month!!!)
Read these and tell me that Curran is not one of the greatest heroes EVER!!! ROAR!
Thanks for letting me join your conversation!
May 2nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Well done!........................................
May 5th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Fantabulous list, Sarah, I've read each one of those, and Anonymous (and boy howdy do you ever post at a LOT of sites) thanks for the Ilona Andrews book rec. I've never read any of her books but put that title on request at the library to read.
Ok, what you both said, plus these two: Kate Perry and her first book in a new series, Marked by Passion; and a book that I totally loved because it was just so much fun, Soulless by Gail Carriger. It's the first in the Parasol Protectorate series, and was completely engaging. Srsly. How can you resist a book that's in a series called The Parasol Protectorate?
April 14th, 2011 at 2:45 am
you should try to read Karen Marie Moning’ Fever series. but, you have to read the Highland series first so you won’t get confused. I’m so addicted to JBZ (Jerricho Barron)
April 27th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
So as much as I’m loving ALL the lists, paranormals will always be my weak spot!! I want to be a vampire when I grow up. Or Anita Blake. Which I tell you, Laurell K. Hamilton’s “Anita Blake” series must be devoured at once ladies!! Please, please read it. Sex, violence, shape-shifters…however can you resist?
June 16th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
But where is Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series on this list? Both Kresley Cole and Showalter are amazing. Looking forward to getting to read JR Ward.
June 17th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Paris…Beware JR Ward…once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
June 26th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
A book/author I’d add to this list — because her writing is smart like yours — is “Dragon Bound” by Thea Harrison.
June 28th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Love the list too!
If You enjoyed the Midnight Breed series and Black Dagger Brotherhood series, maybe You like the Doomsday Brethren novels by Shayla Black also.
My new addiction at the moment mmh….
October 6th, 2011 at 11:43 am
Try reading Christine Feehan’s the ” dark series”. I got hooked on this then moved to her ghostwalker and drake series.
Like your books they are hard to put down.
February 6th, 2012 at 9:08 am
[...] — wait…very long ago — two years long ago! My sister came on the blog to post her Must Read Paranormal Romances as part of my Read More Romance series. She swore she would return to review her favorite [...]
March 6th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
I am shocked that Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series isn’t on this list!! One of my favourite series of all times and am waiting for the next books!
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