With a little over a week to got til October, we are just about to the season of spooky reads. As I’ve said before, I’m not into horror so I thought this would be a good time to talk about what I am into, which is paranormal reads.

My Favorite Paranormal Romance Series

The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris

First book: Dead Until Dark

When True Blood ended on HBO, I was craving more of Sookie’s adventures so I figured I’d give the books a try. I wasn’t expecting to like them as much as I did and I’d go so far as to say I liked them a lot more than the show. The biggest difference is that the novels are narrated by Sookie in the first person. This gets you inside her head and makes her much more likable. I didn’t have those “WTF are you thinking Sookie??!!” moments like I did while watching the show. The books feature the same characters as the show and some of the same storylines but for the most part they’re very different and more in depth, also much funnier.

The Stay A Spell Series by Juliette Cross

First book: Wolf Gone Wild

This series follows a group of witches who are sisters and each gal gets her own book. They run their own businesses and have romantic relationships with other paranormal creatures. The character development is great and the humor is top notch – there’s so much witty banter – plus they are quite sexy!

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton

First book: Guilty Pleasures

It’s been over a decade since I read this series and they’ve stuck with me. Anita Blake is a necromancer who gets caught up in a lot of dark business. She ‘s also a supernatural consultant for the police, which causes her trouble sometimes. These are not light and fluffy books, they can get sexy but they can also be gruesome. Anita is a total badass and it’s fun to follow her adventures.

The Moral Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

First book: City of Bones

Romance isn’t the reason I love these books, but it’s there. I recommend this series to all my friends looking for reading material for their teen/pre-teen kiddos. Clary is an average 15 year old who accidentally learns she has special abilities and is recruited into the wold of the Shadowhunters. These books feature excellent writing with phenomenal world building and story telling. And of course there are kick ass female characters!

Cresent City by Sarah J Maas

First book: House of Earth and Blood

Technically this isn’t a romance novel in the traditional sense but it reads like one at times. There’s a love interest and some serious sexual tension. Bryce is a party girl who is devastated when her friends are all murdered by a demon. Bryce is an enslaved Fallen angel who agrees to help find the murderer because it will assure his freedom. This novel features some of the best world building I’ve encountered and excellent storytelling. I can’t wait for the second book to be released in early 2022.

Now, I’d love to hear your recommendations for paranormal series you think I’d like based on my list today. And I hope it inspires you to try a creepy read for the Halloween season!

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