Author: Kat
Blame Twilight if you’d like, but the truth is people have always had an appetite for the magical, unusual, and strange. The paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre has exploded in the past decade, with stories about vampires, werewolves, and witches finding commercial success.
The reason I’ve chosen to combine these two subgenres is simply because the lines between them have grown increasingly faint. If a book is about werewolves that exist in a modern age, live in cities, and go to supernatural clubs, which grouping would it fall under? Of course there are plenty of books that fall firmly in one or the other, but an argument can be made for all three of my recommendations that they belong in one, the other, or both. At the end of the day, as long as someone gets to kiss a supernatural and fight some evil (preferably with magic), does the label really matter?
I’ve included the Goodreads page for each recommendation, but the review sections for any romance novel (whether it’s about humans or faeries) tend to be a cesspool of bad opinions. To this end, I use the Reddit page r/RomanceBooks and r/paranormalromance to get new series or standalone recs to check out. Luckily, paranormal romance authors tend to be prolific – if you like a book, there’s usually a series or related works.
Links to the Reddit pages can be found here:
The Penultimate Urban Fantasy Series
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
It’s Kate Daniels’ world, we’re just reading in it. Magic Bites is the first (full length) book in the series, and Ilona Andrews came out swinging. In terms of the Urban Fantasy genre (at least for the last 15 years), this is the series most recommended, and for good reason. Get ready for a post-magical apocalypse Atlanta and some of the best worldbuilding in a fantasy series out there.
If the idea of a magic apocalypse and the resulting brouhaha confuses or intimidates you, fear not. This opening act gives readers all the information they need, without being repetitive or predictable. Prepare to be swept away by the story of magical mercenary Kate Daniels, whose dark past and dry wit are never far as she navigates increasingly complicated magical politics. There’s a magnetic Beast Lord, casinos run by vampire handlers, and a magical FBI. For anyone with even a basic familiarity with Atlanta, the references are a fun treat – the cherry on top of the perfect romance/adventure/fantasy sundae.
If that’s not enough to draw you in, there’s also a teenage werewolf sidekick, a telepathic secretary, and a mysterious evil making women disappear – this book really has it all.
Reviews:
Likin’ Lycans
Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren
Werewolves are hot now, and if you’re reluctant to understand the appeal, Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren is determined to convince you. This is the second book in the Others series, of which there are a whopping EIGHTEEN (like I said, paranormal romance writers are prolific). (All of the books can be read as standalones but there’s plenty of character overlap so I suggest reading in loosely chronological order). There’s also the Alphaville series set in the same world with some minor crossovers and characters seen in the Others series, but with only three books so far in that one, Warren is just getting started.
Wolf shifter and Silverback pack alpha Graham Winters is a playboy feeling played out, who can’t seem to make himself take an interest in romance lately. Enter shy and sweet kindergarten teacher Missy. Even though their best friends are married, Graham doesn’t remember Missy when they meet at a party and Graham helps her escape an awkward date. Missy, who’s been crushing on him from a distance, is shocked to suddenly find her attentions returned in full force, and Graham must find a way to convince his newfound mate that he wants more than a weekend with her. I love a good mates trope, and this one is both sweet and steamy. Missy and Graham must face pack politics, a scheming cousin, and their growing love for one another.
As someone who loves when a book has pining, as well as watching a ladies’ man realize he’s found the woman he wants forever, I adore this book. Also, there’s a cameo from an African Savannah giant with a Southern accent – it’s a good time all around.
Reviews:
From Larceny to Love, Supernatural Style
Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Note to self: don’t steal from a dragon. Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison is the first in the Elder Races series, with nine different standalone novels (again, loosely chronological order is best). This world and its magical aspects are well fleshed-out and has compelling characters from every corner of myth including Fae, Nightkind (vampires), Demonkind, and Wyr (shifters – kind of).
Half-human and half-Wyr Pia Giovanni has just made an enemy of epic proportions – she’s stolen from the horde of ancient and powerful Wyrkind leader Dragos Cuelebre. To be fair, she was blackmailed into it, but it’s unlikely she’ll get mercy from Dragos on that count. Pia’s on the run and Dragos is on her tail when they find themselves prisoners in tbe Otherworld. Now the two must work together…and sparks fly. Can Pia and Dragos build a life together in the face of Dark Fae aggression – and the enormous differences between them? With a healthy dose of steam and a colorful cast of supernatural side characters (who later have their own books), this adventure is immersive and filled with equal parts humor and tenderness.
…sexy dragon billionaire, need I say more?
Reviews: