Best Paranormal Romance Books

Love it or hate it, Twilight is arguably one of the most famous paranormal romance books of all time. The story of Bella Swan, an ordinary girl, and her love affair with Edward Cullen, a vampire, captured the world’s attention. The series offers a mix of intense romance, teen angst, and supernatural drama, as Bella is drawn deeper into Edward’s dangerous world. There’s plenty of tension between love and danger, with a side of werewolves as Jacob Black enters the love triangle. If you haven’t read it yet, this book is a cornerstone of modern paranormal romance.

This is a richly atmospheric novel for fans of witches, vampires, and secret magical societies. Historian Diana Bishop accidentally stumbles upon an enchanted manuscript, and with it, she attracts the attention of Matthew Clairmont, a centuries-old vampire. The chemistry between Diana and Matthew is electric, combining a slow-burn romance with deep historical and magical elements. A Discovery of Witches blends a scholarly setting with supernatural intrigue, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves romance with a dash of ancient mystery.

Dark Lover is the first book in J.R. Ward’s beloved Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which follows a group of powerful, leather-clad vampire warriors. This book focuses on Wrath, the last purebred vampire, and his reluctant connection with Beth, a half-vampire unaware of her heritage. The romance is dark and sensual, with plenty of steamy moments. Fans of intense, alpha-male heroes and action-packed plotlines will love this series, as it combines danger, passion, and a brotherhood of fierce warriors.

Dead Until Dark, the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series (also known as the inspiration for HBO’s True Blood), introduces us to Sookie, a telepathic waitress in a small town where vampires have "come out of the coffin." When Sookie meets Bill, a handsome vampire, her life is turned upside down. The book is a fun blend of humor, mystery, and romance, with a small-town Southern charm that makes it a delight to read. If you’re in the mood for a quirky, lighthearted paranormal romance with a bit of bite, this one’s for you.

For fans of werewolves and tender love stories, Shiver is a beautifully written romance between Grace, a girl fascinated by the wolves near her home, and Sam, a boy who turns into a wolf every winter. The book is filled with lyrical writing, longing, and an aching, slow-burn romance. Stiefvater creates a magical atmosphere where love and the changing seasons are inextricably linked. Shiver offers a sweet, sensual romance perfect for those who love a touch of melancholy with their supernatural tales.

If you love romance with a side of mythological intrigue, The Darkest Night from Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series is a must-read. Maddox, cursed to die every night only to resurrect at dawn, meets Ashlyn, a woman whose ability to hear voices leads her to seek his help. Their romance is filled with fiery passion and emotional intensity, as Maddox struggles to control his darker impulses. The world-building is rich with ancient gods, demons, and cursed warriors, making this book a dark, thrilling ride.

Werewolves take center stage in Moon Called, the first book in Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series. Mercy is a mechanic who can shapeshift into a coyote, and she finds herself caught between the human and supernatural worlds. When her werewolf ex-boyfriend is kidnapped, Mercy must step in to help. The romance in this book is a slow build, with tension between Mercy and alpha werewolf Adam, but the focus on Mercy’s strength and independence makes this series stand out. It’s packed with action, humor, and a strong heroine you’ll root for.

Anne Rice is known for her lush, gothic tales, and The Witching Hour is no exception. The book follows Rowan Mayfair, a neurosurgeon who discovers she’s the heir to a family of witches. As she uncovers dark secrets about her ancestry, she meets Michael Curry, a man with psychic abilities. Their romance is intertwined with the mystery and magic of the Mayfair witches, blending passion with supernatural suspense. It’s perfect for readers who love richly detailed worlds and complex love stories.

City of Bones kicks off Cassandra Clare’s popular Mortal Instruments series, blending romance with urban fantasy. Clary Fray discovers she’s part of a hidden world of Shadowhunters, a group of warriors who hunt demons. Her complicated love triangle with the charming, sarcastic Jace and her best friend Simon provides plenty of romantic tension throughout the series. The world-building is intricate, filled with angels, demons, and plenty of supernatural twists. This is a fast-paced, adventure-filled romance that will appeal to fans of young adult paranormal fiction.

Halfway to the Grave introduces readers to Cat Crawfield, a half-vampire who hunts down the undead to avenge her mother. Things get complicated when she meets Bones, a vampire bounty hunter who becomes her unlikely partner—and eventually, her love interest. Their chemistry is explosive, with plenty of humor and steamy moments. Jeaniene Frost delivers an action-packed story with a tough-as-nails heroine and a sexy, dangerous hero. If you like your paranormal romance with a kick of adventure, this series is a great pick.

This classic paranormal romance tells the story of Lucy Muir, a widow who moves into a seaside cottage haunted by the ghost of a salty sea captain named Daniel Gregg. As Lucy and the captain develop an unusual friendship, their connection grows into something deeper, despite the obvious supernatural barrier. The book blends humor, wit, and a timeless love story that will charm any reader. The balance of sweet romance and ghostly interactions makes this a delightful, heartwarming read.

In Slave to Sensation, Nalini Singh introduces readers to the Psy-Changeling series, set in a futuristic world where the Psy (emotionless, psychic beings) and Changelings (shape-shifters) live in constant tension. Sascha, a Psy on the brink of breaking under her society's oppressive control, finds herself drawn to Lucas, a powerful Changeling leader. Their romance is intense and sensual, filled with steamy tension and political intrigue. The world-building is unique and compelling, making this a standout in the paranormal romance genre.

If you're looking for a darker, more brooding take on paranormal romance, The Hunger might be just the thing. Miriam Blaylock is a centuries-old vampire who seduces and feeds off both men and women to maintain her immortality. But when her human lover starts to age rapidly, Miriam seeks a new companion in a brilliant scientist, Sarah. This book is atmospheric, gothic, and sensual, with a dark twist on the usual vampire love story. The haunting, tragic tone makes it a great choice for readers who like their paranormal romance with a side of melancholy.

The Iron King is the first book in Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series, which blends fairy-tale creatures with paranormal romance. Meghan Chase discovers she’s the daughter of a faerie king and is pulled into the magical world of the Nevernever. There, she meets Ash, a brooding, deadly faerie prince, and their romance is one of slow-burning attraction and forbidden love. Kagawa’s lush, imaginative world and exciting plot make this a captivating read for fans of fae and magic.

Wicked is a fun, fast-paced urban fantasy with plenty of steamy romance. Ivy Morgan, a member of a secret order that hunts fae, finds herself drawn to Ren, a mysterious newcomer. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, and the tension between them builds as they uncover secrets about the fae world. Jennifer L. Armentrout brings her signature blend of humor, heat, and action, making this a perfect pick for readers who like paranormal romance with a sassy, kick-ass heroine.

Evermore is the first book in The Immortals series and follows Ever, a teenager who can see auras and communicate with the dead after a tragic accident. When she meets Damen, a mysterious boy who seems to understand her powers, she’s pulled into a world of immortals, where their love transcends time and space. The book is a mix of paranormal intrigue and young adult romance, with a deeply emotional connection between the characters. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories about destiny, love, and the supernatural.

Another entry from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Eternal focuses on Rhage, the most dangerous vampire in the Brotherhood, and Mary, a human woman battling cancer. Their love story is both heart-wrenching and steamy, with Rhage’s internal struggle between his dangerous nature and his deep love for Mary taking center stage. Ward’s world of vampires is richly detailed, with high-stakes romance and plenty of drama. Fans of intense, emotional love stories will devour this one.

The second book in the All Souls Trilogy, Shadow of Night, takes the romance between witch Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew Clairmont deeper into the past as they travel through time. Set against the rich historical backdrop of Elizabethan England, their romance is intense and filled with danger as they navigate their forbidden love. The blend of history, magic, and sensual romance makes this book captivating for fans of both historical fiction and paranormal romance.

Grave Witch introduces readers to Alex Craft, a private investigator who can raise the dead and speak to ghosts. When Alex is hired to solve a high-profile murder case, she crosses paths with Death himself, and their chemistry is palpable. The romance between Alex and the mysterious, alluring Death adds a dark, sensual edge to this paranormal mystery. With a fast-paced plot and a unique magic system, this book is a thrilling read for anyone who loves paranormal romance with a touch of mystery.

In Blood Bound, the second book in Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, the stakes are higher as Mercy, a shapeshifting coyote, teams up with vampires to stop a rogue demon. Mercy's connection with Adam, the alpha werewolf, deepens in this book, providing plenty of romantic tension. The romance is slow-burning but packed with emotion, and the supernatural elements blend seamlessly with the character-driven plot. If you enjoy a strong heroine with a compelling love story, this series is a must-read.