I’ve always been fascinated by stories where an immortal Byronic hero falls in love with a human or tales about romantic creatures of the night. The themes of mortality and redemption are captivating, and I can’t get enough of these magical love stories, also known as paranormal romance books. Maybe you feel the same way.
What is Paranormal Romance?
Paranormal romances, or supernatural romances, tell love stories that defy scientific explanation. These stories often feature vampires, witches, ghosts, werewolves, aliens, psychic abilities, and even time travel. The genre is characterized by impossible obstacles and forbidden love, setting it apart from regular romance novels.
Paranormal romances blend elements of magic, horror, and fantasy with reality, making the genre compelling because anything can happen, whether in fantasy worlds or contemporary settings.
A List of Paranormal Romance Books
As an avid reader of the genre, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best paranormal romance books, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance series available. This selection includes books I loved or popular best-sellers, ensuring there’s something for everyone who enjoys a supernatural love story.
Content Notes and Steam Levels
To help you add books to your reading list, I’ve included content notes and steam levels ranging from 1 to 5. Since we don’t prefer overly steamy books here at The Silver Petticoat Review, we focused more on heat levels between 1 and 3, with a handful of 4s.
My ratings are subjective and based on a holistic overall feel. Steam levels may differ from the rest of the book’s content, which may still include violence, profanity, etc. I tried to include these in my content notes as well.
The content ratings are based on memory and thorough research, so make sure to do your own research too. I hope this serves as a helpful starting point.
How We Rate Steam Levels at The Silver Petticoat Review:
– One: Wholesome, G-like, some mild kissing. May include unrequited love stories, implied romances, etc., without anything physical happening.
– Two: PG to mild PG-13 romance with more passionate kissing, mild suggestive language/dialogue, or closed-door moments with implied sensuality. May also be completely closed-door but with a tone that suits a two overall.
– Three: Might include a bedroom scene or a small handful, but they are more emotional, less graphically depicted, and not the book’s focus. May also have more suggestive dialogue and narration.
– Four: Very explicit with graphically depicted love scenes but still has a story beyond the bedroom scenes.
– Five: Erotica.
Without further ado, here are some excellent paranormal romance novels to delve into. Happy reading!
100 Of The Best Paranormal Romance Books And Series to Read (In No Particular Order)
Standalone Paranormal Romance Books for Adults
1. The Baker’s Man by Jennifer Moorman
– Summary: Anna, a bakery owner in a Southern town, discovers a recipe for creating the perfect man with “magic sugar” from her late grandmother’s mysterious box. After using the formula, the man of her dreams shows up the following day.
– Why You Should Read: If you’re looking for a magical, sweet romance in the style of a Hallmark movie, this one’s for you. Absolutely adorable.
– Content Note: Wholesome romance. Steam level 1.
2. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
– Summary: In colonial Malaysia, Li Lan, a daughter of a respectable family facing financial hardship, is forced into becoming a “ghost bride” for a wealthy family’s deceased son. As she delves into the mysteries of this eerie tradition, she becomes entangled in the Chinese afterlife while also becoming close to her heavenly guide.
– Why You Should Read: The literary style and connections to Chinese folklore are beautiful. A story with romantic intrigue and a dragon.
– Content Note: Steam level 1. PG-like thematic elements.
3. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
– Summary: In 1920s southern Mexico, Casiopea Tun accidentally releases a Mayan god from a magical box. To save her own life, reach her dreams, and help the god regain his throne, she goes on a perilous journey from Yucatán to Mexico City to the Mayan underworld, entering the world of Mayan mythology and finding adventure.
– Why You Should Read: Set in Mexico during the Jazz Age, the culture and historical setting are captivating. Plus, there’s a Mayan god as a love interest.
– Content Note: Strong language and animal sacrifices. PG-13-like read with a steam level 1 romance.
4. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
– Summary: Earth is overrun by aliens who occupy human minds. Melanie Stryder, a resistant host, and Wanderer, the alien soul within her, form an unlikely alliance. Both love the same man (Jared), leading to a unique love triangle as they search for him together.
– Why You Should Read: If you love alien/human romances, this one is all about the entertainment factor and the swoon.
– Content Note: Some violence and mild suggestive talk. Steam level 2.
5. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab
– Summary: A young woman in 18th-century France makes a deal to live forever – only a curse comes with it: everyone she meets will forget her. That is until 300 years later when Addie meets a young man who remembers her name.
– Why You Should Read: The unique take on immortality and the chemistry with the dark devil-like figure are compelling. The writing is fantastic.
– Content Note: Strong language, scenes of sensuality, harassment, and assault. Steam level 3.
6. The Mermaid by Christina Henry
– Summary: A mermaid named Amelia leaves the sea behind to become the star attraction of P.T. Barnum’s show – only she thought she could leave anytime she wanted. But what if Barnum refuses to let her go because she’s making him too much money?
– Why You Should Read: For a historical fairy tale about a mermaid, which is intriguing. This is not a historical romance but has two love stories.
– Content Note: Thematic elements, abuse, infertility. Steam level 1.
7. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
– Summary: The National best-seller follows two star-crossed magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been forced into a dangerous competition with each other since their childhoods. But what happens when they fall in love? And how will they deal with the consequences?
– Why You Should Read: Mix historical fantasy with magicians, a circus, lyrical prose, and magic. It’s a must-read.
– Content Note: One implied bedroom scene and a moment of strong language. Steam level 2.5.
8. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
– Summary: The Owens women have been blamed for everything that goes wrong in their New England town for over 200 years because people believe they’re witches. In the modern-day, sisters Gillian and Sally try to escape the gossip by moving away, but magic brings them back together and back to their Massachusetts town.
– Why You Should Read: Alice Hoffman’s way with words is always enjoyable. Read this for interesting characterization and a good story.
– Content Note: F-Words throughout the novel, domestic abuse, and suggestive talk/lust. Steam level 3.
9. Spirit of the Knight by Debbie Peterson
– Summary: Talented artist Mariah Jennings is hired to paint a 13th-century Scottish castle. While there, she crosses paths with a ghost – but not just any spirit – he’s Sir Cailen Braithnoch – a cursed (and handsome) Scottish knight she recognizes from portraits. Together, they must unravel the mystery of his passing as they deal with supernatural forces, fate, and falling in love.
– Why You Should Read: A good old-fashioned ghost story with Scottish castles and a sweet romance with a knight.
– Content Note: Clean romance. Steam level 1.
10. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
– Summary: Sunshine is a novel set in an alternate magical world where vampires and humans coexist. It follows the story of a baker kidnapped by vampires who then allies with another captured vampire, Constantine. She comes from a magic-wielding family helping her fight against their common enemy.
– Why You Should Read: If you loved McKinley’s fantastic YA fantasy romances and fairy tale retellings, you’ll love her adult vampire love story.
– Content Note: Most love scenes fade to black, but there is one more explicit scene with strong language. Steam level 3.
11. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
– Summary: The witch, Mika Moon, lives a solitary life in Britain to hide her magic until she’s offered a place at the quirky and mysterious Nowhere House. Tasked with teaching three young witches, Mika deals with a new family dynamic, secrets, and a grumpy librarian named Jamie. As she finds belonging in this new place, an unexpected peril arrives.
– Why You Should Read: A feel-good, cozy, witchy read with a great setting and quirky characters.
– Content Note: One explicit, steamy scene and strong language. Steam level 3.
12. What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
– Summary: While mourning the loss of her grandfather and spreading his ashes at his childhood home in Ireland, Anne Gallagher time travels into the past: 1921 Ireland on the verge of war. She soon connects with Dr. Thomas Smith and joins him in the struggle for Ireland’s independence.
– Why You Should Read: If you love historical fiction and sweeping time travel stories, this is a beautiful story set in Ireland.
– Content Note: A few non-explicit bedroom scenes and some profanity. Steam level 2.5.
13. The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
– Summary: Eighteen-year-old Lydia Montrose and her family move away from Boston to a seemingly idyllic country estate. But it has a dark past. Lydia soon discovers she’s a witch (connected to the Salem witch trials) and must learn to control her new power and save her family.
– Why You Should Read: A gothic Downton Abbey historical read about witches.
– Content Note: Closed-door love story with some thematic elements. Steam level 1.5.
Paranormal Romance Series for Adults
14. The Architect of Song (Haunted Hearts Legacy) by A.G. Howard
– Summary: Deaf hatmaker Juliet Emerline risks losing her home to Lord Nicolas Thornton, an enigmatic architect. When she encounters a ghostly gentleman and unearths a web of secrets, she finds herself torn over whom to trust (and love): the architect or the ghost.
– Why You Should Read: For readers who love a more literary style to the writing. A Victorian setting with steamy paranormal romance and intrigue.
– Content Note: More steamy than explicit, very sensual. Steam level 3.
15. Bitten & Smitten (Immortality Bites 1) by Michelle Rowen
– Summary: While on a blind date, Sarah is turned into a vampire and forced into a vampiric society with vampire hunters chasing her down. She soon connects with the 600-year-old vampire, Thierry de Bennicoeur, who offers to help and show her the ropes – as long as she helps him die.
– Why You Should Read: Adult vampire romance books without explicit language and steaminess. Extra points for humor!
– Content Note: Nothing too explicit. Steam level 2 – romance is closed door.
16. Blood Price (Vicki Nelson Book Series) by Tanya Huff
– Summary: PI, Viki Nelson, partners up with the 500-year-old vampire (and son of Henry VIII), Henry Fitzroy, on supernatural cases.
– Why You Should Read: If you watched the underrated Canadian vampire TV Series Blood Ties, you must check out the book series the TV show was based on! Plus, you can finally get an ending.
– Content Note: Love scenes are typically more faded to black. Some language and violence, including animal slayings. Steam level 3.
17. Bounty Collected (Solstice Huntress Series) by Lindsey Devin
– Summary: The book series follows a bounty hunter who is secretly half-fae with incredible power. She pretends to be human and has been assigned to work alongside Corbin Frost, an Unseelie Enforcer and a hybrid fae-demon who can’t find out her secret. But she finds herself attracted to him.
– Why You Should Read: For readers who love bounty hunters and dark fae romances.
– Content Note: Steamy with an explicit scene in book three. Steam level 3 overall.
18. Brownies and Broomsticks (Magical Bakery Mystery Series) by Bailey Cates
– Summary: Katie Lightfoot leaves her Ohio bakery job behind to join her witchy aunt and uncle in Savannah, where she discovers their sweet treats hold magical secrets. When her uncle becomes a suspect in a case, she sets out to solve the mystery and prove her uncle’s innocence – with the help of a handsome journalist and a charming firefighter.
– Why You Should Read: Witches, mystery, romance, and delicious baked goods. A fast read.
– Content Note: Some violence. Steam level 1.5.
19. Casting Spells (Sugar Maple 1) by Barbara Bretton
– Summary: Sugar Maple, a seemingly ordinary small town, conceals a world of magic and mystery. Chloe Hobbs, a sorcerer’s daughter and owner of a knitting shop, finds love in the most unexpected place: Luke MacKenzie, a human detective.
– Why You Should Read: Knitting, magic, and vampires. Light-hearted, cozy paranormal mysteries.
– Content Note: Some mild language. Steam level 1.5.
20. The Change (Unbounded 1) by Teyla Branton
– Summary: Erin Radkey’s life drastically changes when she discovers she’s an Unbounded, a supernatural being with abilities. Caught in a dangerous conflict between Unbounded factions and pursued by a secret society, she must protect her mortal family, choose a side, and deal with a new romantic attraction.
– Why You Should Read: An adult urban fantasy world without explicit language and steamy scenes. Entertaining with fabulous romantic tension.
– Content Note: No vulgar language or graphic love scenes. Some violence. Steam level 2.
21. Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles Series) by Ilona Andrews
– Summary: Dina Demille runs a magical Bed and Breakfast in a Texas town. When a dangerous creature threatens her neighbors, she teams up with an alluring werewolf and a cosmic vampire soldier to protect her guests.
– Why You Should Read: Ilona Andrews excels in urban fantasy. Part space opera, part fantasy with several paranormal beings, this magical inn is an addictive treat.
– Content Note: A few moments of language, violence, and tension. Book three has one explicit love scene. Steam level 3.
22. Crown of Shadows (Court of Midnight and Deception Series) by K.M. Shea
– Summary: A reluctant young woman who is half-fae becomes the fae Queen of the Night Court. Faced with a bankrupt realm, political intrigue, and assassination attempts, she must handle the challenges of ruling while forming a complex relationship with a handsome assassin.
– Why You Should Read: Clean, slow-burn paranormal romances for adults and royal romance stories. Immersive and humorous urban fantasy.
– Content Note: Some violence. Closed-door read. Steam level 1.
23. Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega Series) by Patricia Briggs
– Summary: Three years after becoming a werewolf, Anna discovers she’s an Omega. And that one of the most powerful werewolves wants her to be his mate.
– Why You Should Read: An epic romance. Read the prequel first!
– Content Note: More fade to black with a couple of semi-explicit scenes. Deals with abuse and animal cruelty. Steam level 3.
24. A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy) by Deborah Harkness
– Summary: A successful scholar and witch, Diana Bishop, discovers a powerful and long-lost manuscript, Ashmole 782, in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. The alchemical book may include the origins of witches, vampires, and daemons. Now, everyone is after Diana and the book – including the charismatic vampire, Matthew Clairmont.
– Why You Should Read: An adult fantasy romance series for Harry Potter fans. Mesmerizing with strong world-building.
– Content Note: Some violence, language, and steaminess. Steam level 3.
25. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
– Summary: Introverted Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, an expert in faerie lore, faces her academic rival, Wendell Bambleby, as they research elusive faeries in a remote village. During their scholarly pursuit, they uncover the secrets of the Hidden Ones and their feelings for each other.
– Why You Should Read: A historical fantasy about fairies with an epic love story. The chemistry and bantering are phenomenal.
– Content Note: Some moments of intense violence. Steam level 1.
26. Enchanted to Meet You (Witches of West Harbor Series) by Meg Cabot
– Summary: Plus-sized witch Jessica Gold, previously banned from the World Council of Witches, is now chosen to protect her village, West Harbor, from a sinister threat. When a charming WCW member arrives to enlist her help, Jess must decide to trust him while also protecting her town.
– Why You Should Read: An adult paranormal rom-com with Meg Cabot’s wit and fun.
– Content Note: At least one explicit love scene. Steam level 3.
27. For the Wolf (The Wilderwood) by Hannah F. Whitten
– Summary: Red, the only Second Daughter in centuries, anticipates her sacrifice to the Wolf in the Wood to release the world’s imprisoned gods. However, she soon discovers that the legends are false, that her untamed power is a calling rather than a curse, and that the Wolf is actually a man. She now must go on a journey to save her world from the gods.
– Why You Should Read: A Beauty and the Beast/Red Riding Hood retelling with a fabulous monster/magic dynamic.
– Content Note: Some gory scenes and mild language. Book one is closed door, while book two has a few bedroom scenes. Steam level 3.
28. The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (Haunted Bookshop Mysteries) by Alice Kimberly (Cleo Coyle)
– Summary: Young widow Penelope Thornton-McClure manages
