The Best Paranormal Romance Series

Quick announcement: Before we get to the article, The Longbox of Darkness is excited to announce that we’ve added blogger Tara Long to our writing staff. Tara has been working behind the scenes until now, maintaining LOD’s Tumblr site these many years. This is her first article on our main site, and hopefully there will be many more. Thanks for joining the team, Tara!

Ah, the memories…

by Tara Long

I’ll never forget the night I read my first paranormal romance novel. I was living in London at the time, and the constant rain outside created a cozy backdrop as I dove into a world of supernatural drama, passion, and forbidden secrets. It was the start of a reading journey that would soon blossom into a full blown obsession. The novel in question was “Dark Lover” by J.R. Ward, and had been recommended to me by a store clerk in my local Waterstones.

I still remember curling up in my favorite armchair that night, a cup of chai tea steaming beside me, as I met Wrath, the last pure-blooded vampire on Earth, and Beth, the half-human reporter who would turn his world upside down. I stayed up until at least 3 AM, completely captivated by Ward’s rich world-building and the intense chemistry between her characters. By the time I finally forced myself to go to sleep, I was already planning my trip back to the Waterstones bookstore to get the rest of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

That was fifteen years and scores of paranormal romance books ago. Since then, I’ve explored almost every corner of this magnificent genre, from vampire lords to werewolf alphas, from powerful witches to fallen angels. Today, I want to share my journey through the best paranormal romance series that have kept me reading long into the night.

What Makes Paranormal Romance So Addictive?

Before I dive into specific series recommendations, let me tell you why I believe paranormal romance has such a powerful hold on its readers. It’s not just about the supernatural elements – though who doesn’t love a good vampire bite scene? It’s about the way these books push the boundaries of what’s possible in love.

Take Nalini Singh’s “Slave to Sensation,” the first book in her Psy-Changeling series. When I first read about Sascha Duncan, a woman living in a world where emotions are forbidden, falling for Lucas Hunter, a shapeshifter who experiences everything with passionate intensity, it spoke to something deep inside me. Their story wasn’t just about romance – it was about the courage to be vulnerable, to feel deeply in a world that often tells us to stay guarded.

The supernatural elements in these books give authors the freedom to explore themes that might feel too intense in contemporary romance. When a character is literally immortal, the stakes of finding true love become exponentially higher. When your mate is fated by ancient magic, questions of destiny and free will take on new meaning.

Vampire Romance: Where It All Began

Remember that Black Dagger Brotherhood book I mentioned? It wasn’t actually my first vampire romance – that honor belongs to Christine Feehan’s “Dark Prince.” I picked it up from a used bookstore during college, drawn in by the promise of a telepathic vampire finding his soulmate. Mikhail Dubrinsky and Raven Whitney’s story introduced me to the concept of lifemates, and I was hooked.

But it was J.R. Ward’s series that truly cemented my love for vampire romance. The Brotherhood’s world feels so real, from their unique language (like calling humans “civilians”) to their leather-clad warrior culture. I’ve reread Wrath and Beth’s story at least five times, and I still get butterflies during their first meeting in that alley.

Other vampire series that earned a permanent place on my shelves:

• Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series – Cat and Bones’ relationship starts with her trying to kill him, and their banter is absolutely legendary. Chapter 32 of “One Foot in the Grave” is famous among fans for good reason!
• Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark – Starting with “A Hunger Like No Other,” Cole created a vast supernatural world where vampires are just one of many species vying for power. Emma and Lachlain’s story showed me how enemies-to-lovers could be done perfectly.
• Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series – Think military precision meets vampire romance. I stayed up all night reading “Kiss of Midnight,” completely invested in Lucan and Gabrielle’s story.

Howling at the Moon: Werewolf Romance Series That Captivate

I’m captivated by werewolf romance series, like a moth to a flame. These tales merge the raw power of nature with the depth of human emotions. The fated mates trope adds a layer of destiny to these passionate stories.

These series captivate with their mix of primal instincts and tender love. The internal conflicts between human and wolf natures are compelling. Characters must balance societal expectations with their wild sides. Weird, but exciting stuff!

Elements common to this type of series include:

• Strong, protective alpha males
• Independent heroines discovering their inner strength
• Pack dynamics and loyalty
• Steamy encounters under the full moon

Spell-Binding Love: Witch and Warlock Romance Series

Witchy romantic fiction has a unique charm, blending magic with love in captivating ways. I’ve delved into numerous tales where enchanted characters find their perfect match. They are usually categorized by their urban, historical, and contemporary settings. Let’s take a quick look at each one of these categories.

Magical Matchmaking in Urban Settings

Urban fantasy romance brings witches and warlocks into modern cities, creating a thrilling mix of spells and skyscrapers. These stories often feature powerful witches navigating love and career in bustling metropolises. The contrast between ancient magic and contemporary life adds an extra layer of excitement to these enchanting tales.

Historical Witch Romance: Love Through the Ages

Traveling back in time, historical witch romances transport readers to eras where magic was both feared and revered. These stories often explore forbidden love between witches and non-magical partners, set against rich historical backdrops. The blend of period details and supernatural elements creates a unique reading experience.

Contemporary Witchy Romance: Modern Magic and Love

In contemporary settings, witchy romantic fiction often focuses on witches and warlocks balancing their magical lives with everyday challenges. These stories might feature witch-run bakeries, magical bookshops, or covens hidden in plain sight. The relatable struggles of modern life combined with magical twists make these books irresistible to fans of paranormal romance.

Whether set in bustling cities or quaint villages, witchy romance series offer a magical escape for readers. The best ones skillfully weave spellbinding plots with heartwarming love stories, creating unforgettable tales of enchantment and passion.

Here are some Witchy Romance recemmendations:

Stay A Spell Series by Juliette Cross
• Features six interconnected standalone novels about sister witches
• Each sister has unique magical abilities, al la Charmed
• Romance pairs include vampires, wolves, and grim reapers
• Various romance tropes including enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers

Notable Individual Series:

Black Jewels Series by Anne Bishop
• Dark fantasy featuring Jaenelle, a powerful prophesied witch
• Rich world-building with mystical creatures and magic
• Perfect for readers who enjoy darker themes
The Elemental Witches Quartet by Anya Bast
• Features natural-born witches with elemental powers
• Strong romantic elements with passionate storylines
Dangerous Damsels Series by India Holton
• Combines witchcraft with historical elements
• Features pirates, pickpockets, and romance
• Known for its witty writing and adventure elements

Recent Releases
Witchlore Series by Hazel Beck
• Features Rebekah Wilde, a witch stripped of her magic
• Includes romance with an immortal character
• Complex magical politics and coven dynamics
The Ex Hex Series by Erin Sterling
• Second chance romance with supernatural elements
• Set in a contemporary world with witches and magic
• Combines romance with humor and magical complications

These series offer various combinations of romance, magic, and supernatural elements, ranging from light and humorous to dark and complex storylines. So they should have something for everyone.

Best Paranormal Romance Series for Urban Fantasy Fans

I find stories that merge the supernatural with urban life incredibly captivating. Urban fantasy romance is a genre that perfectly combines magic with the modern world. For those who enjoy this genre, I’ve found some remarkable paranormal romance series that will keep you engaged.

These series take readers to realms where vampires hide in high-rise buildings and werewolves roam city parks. The urban setting brings a gritty, realistic touch to the fantastical elements. This contrast makes the stories both captivating and immersive.

Some standout urban fantasy romance series include:

• The Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost
• Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews
• Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
• The Dark-Hunters series by Sherrilyn Kenyon

What draws fans to these series is their skill in intertwining intricate supernatural plots with passionate romances. Characters face both magical dangers and personal relationships, all while trying to fit into the human world.

For newcomers to urban fantasy romance, these series are an excellent starting point. They offer a mix of fast-paced action, intense romance, and detailed supernatural worlds set against recognizable cityscapes. This genre continues to enthrall readers with its blend of fantasy and reality.

Fated Mates: Exploring this Popular Trope in Paranormal Romance

The fated mates trope is a cornerstone of paranormal romance books. It’s fascinating how this concept captivates readers, drawing them back for more. Let’s explore the allure of destined love and delve into series that have mastered this trope.

The Psychology Behind Fated Mates

The idea of a perfect match resonates with our desire for connection. In paranormal romance books, fated mates share a deep, unbreakable bond. This taps into our longing for unconditional love and acceptance. It’s no wonder readers find comfort in these stories.

Series That Perfect the Fated Mates Trope

Many paranormal romance books have expertly woven the fated mates trope into their narratives. Some standout series include:

• Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward
• Psy-Changeling by Nalini Singh
• Midnight Breed by Lara Adrian

Fresh Takes on Destined Love

While the fated mates trope is beloved, some authors are putting fresh spins on it. These new approaches challenge traditional notions of destined love, adding depth and complexity. It’s exciting to see how writers continue to evolve this popular trope in paranormal romance books.

Angels, Demons, and Everything In Between: Celestial Romance Series

I’ve always been captivated by supernatural love stories that delve into the realm of celestial beings. These tales of angels, demons, and other heavenly creatures add a unique twist to fantasy romance reading. The allure of forbidden love between mortals and immortals is particularly captivating.

Celestial romance series often explore themes of good versus evil, redemption, and the transformative power of love. I’m drawn to stories where angels fall from grace for human love or demons seek redemption through unexpected connections with mortals.

Popular series in this subgenre blend urban fantasy with religious mythology, creating rich worlds where celestial beings coexist with us. These books feature complex hierarchies of angels and demons, secret societies, and epic battles between light and dark forces.

Here are some notable novels from this subgenre:

Angels of Elysium by Olivia Wildenstein
• Features a rebellious character named Celeste who deals with angelic guilds and a complex relationship with an archangel named Asher
Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh
• Set in a world ruled by archangels where the protagonist Elena Deveraux is a vampire hunter who works with the dangerous Archangel Raphael
Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
• A popular YA angel romance series with high ratings on Goodreads
Other Notable Recommendations
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
• A completed trilogy that blends angels and fantasy romance
Hush, Hush Series by Becca Fitzpatrick
• Focuses on fallen angels with a rating of 3.92 from over 700,000 readers
Unearthly Series by Cynthia Hand
• Features Clara Gardner, a part-angel protagonist discovering her celestial purpose

What I love most about these supernatural love stories is how they challenge our perceptions of good and evil. They show us that even celestial beings can be flawed. Love has the power to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides. If you’re looking for your next fantasy romance reading adventure, I highly recommend diving into the world of celestial romance series.

Shape-Shifters and Skin-Walkers: Beyond Wolves and Cats

I’ve always been captivated by werewolf romance series, but recently, I’ve ventured into a broader realm of supernatural love stories. Shape-shifters and skin-walkers are revolutionizing the paranormal romance genre, introducing novel twists to classic themes.

While wolves and cats remain staples in many werewolf romance series, authors are now venturing into uncharted territories. I’ve encountered books with dolphin shifters, bear skin-walkers, and even dragon shape-changers. These unconventional forms inject fresh dynamics into supernatural love stories, presenting couples with intriguing challenges.

Here’s a quick recommendation for all you shape-shifter fans, or fans of shifter Sam from the Sookie Stackhouse series – Shelly Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles. These books deliver a wildly entertaining blend of shapeshifter romance that stands out from the pack with its unique honey badger protagonists.

The stories revolve around the MacKilligan sisters – Charlie, Max, and Stevie. Each entry in the series serves up a perfect cocktail of chaos, humor, and heart-pounding romance. What makes this series truly special is how Laurenston incorporates actual honey badger behavior into her shifter world, creating characters who are fierce, unpredictable, and utterly unforgettable. The sisters’ dynamics are hilarious and touching, with each bringing their own brand of mayhem – from stress baking to ceiling-climbing anxiety reactions.

While the romance sizzles, it’s the family bonds, both chosen and blood, that give these stories their emotional core. Whether you’re new to paranormal romance or a seasoned reader, this series offers a fresh, feminist take on the genre that will keep you laughing while turning pages late into the night.

As I delve deeper into these supernatural love stories, I’m struck by the authors’ creativity. They’re expanding the genre’s horizons, introducing readers to mythical creatures from diverse cultures. It’s an exhilarating era for paranormal romance enthusiasts, with a plethora of unique and captivating tales waiting to be explored.

Hidden Realms: Ghost Romance and Spirit Love Stories

I’ve discovered that some of the most touching supernatural love stories involve beings who’ve transcended the physical realm entirely. Ghost romance novels hold a special place in my heart, offering a unique perspective on love that literally transcends death. These ethereal tales challenge our understanding of what makes a relationship real.

Here’s some Ghost Romance books that I found unputdownable:

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston –
A fresh take on supernatural romance featuring a ghostwriter who falls for her editor after he dies and appears as a ghost at her family’s funeral home. This novel perfectly balances humor with heart while exploring themes of love and loss.

Ghost Walk by Cassandra Gannon –
A compelling story about Grace, a crime scene investigator who suddenly starts seeing ghosts, including Jamie, a wrongly accused pirate from 1789. Their time-bending romance unfolds as they work together to solve a centuries-old mystery.

What draws me to these stories is their exploration of connection beyond the tangible. Picture a living person falling for a spirit trapped between worlds, or a ghost learning to love again despite their incorporeal state. These scenarios create heart-wrenching dynamics that test the boundaries of traditional romance.

Some of my favorite elements in ghost romance include:

• The bittersweet nature of loving someone you can’t physically touch
• Time-travel aspects when spirits exist across different eras
• Mystery elements as lovers uncover the truth behind a ghost’s past
• The ultimate question of whether love can bridge the gap between life and death

These stories often leave me contemplating deeper questions about the nature of love itself. Is physical presence necessary for true connection? Can emotional bonds transcend the barriers between worlds? Ghost romance novels dare to answer these questions with a resounding yes.

In a Nutshell: The Enduring Popularity of Paranormal Romance

As I close my laptop after another late night of paranormal romance reading, I can’t help but reflect on why these stories continue to captivate me. Whether it’s vampires yearning for eternal love, werewolves finding their fated mates, witches casting love spells, or spirits reaching across the veil, each subcategory of paranormal romance offers something uniquely magical.

What makes these supernatural love stories so compelling is their ability to take the universal experience of falling in love and elevate it beyond ordinary constraints. They remind us that love, in its purest form, knows no boundaries – not species, not time, not even death itself.

The genre continues to evolve, embracing diverse creatures and mythologies from around the world. Yet at their core, these stories remain deeply human, exploring themes of acceptance, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love. They offer us an escape into worlds where anything is possible, while reflecting our own deepest desires and fears.

As I look forward to my next paranormal romance adventure, I’m grateful for these stories that dare to imagine love in its most extraordinary forms. They’ve shown me that when it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes the most unbelievable tales ring the truest.

After all, isn’t that what makes paranormal romance so special? It gives us permission to believe in the impossible – and in doing so, perhaps helps us recognize the magic in our own love stories, supernatural or otherwise.