Feature Image Credit: @michelle_the_pa_loves_to_read

Okay, so many of us avid book lovers would agree that Twilight is a little dated now in the paranormal romance realm, and now that we’ve experienced the turn of the decade, it’s time to sink our teeth into some new paranormal romance books for us to fall in love with. But which books are the best?

Finding a new favorite can be hard work—but that’s why I’ve gone through some of the best and most enjoyed books over the last year or so, hopefully giving you an excellent direction in which to try something new. And who knows, maybe your next most beloved book is right here on this list!

Let’s get straight into it.

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover is the first in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series that was published all the way back in 2005 and has grown a massive, loyal fan base since its release—and is, at the time of writing, currently 32 pieces of writing strong. Phew.

The story follows Wrath, a once-great king who today is one of the last surviving members of his vampire family line. However, one day he meets the relatively ordinary Beth, a regular human, not a vampire, with whom, well . . . this is a guide all about paranormal romance, so you can guess what happens next.

As I said above, there are over 32 books to read in this series, so you start now if you want to get them all in!

Elemental Compass by Jaymin Eve

This tale follows main character Jacob Compass and his story once he finds himself trapped in the human world after trying to secure a peace treaty for the world’s supernatural beings. Paired with Justice Winter, a human who would like nothing more than to see Jacob find his way home (because she would love to punch him), they come across an enemy that forces them both together.

After learning they have more in common with each other than they first believed, can this unlikely duo put their differences aside to save both sides of the world? Can they harness the power of the elements in time?

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Schulz

This is the first paranormal romance book I’ve read in a long time that I sat down and read in one sitting (it was actually two, but I had to work in-between), and it’s been such a long time since I’ve been engrossed in a story in such a deep and connected way.

Sure, this book was published back in 2001, but I truly can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it until now. It’s got vampires, loveable characters, romance, and a ton of edge-of-your-seat action. I don’t’ want to give anything away here, but I highly recommend you find out what happens for yourself.

Tiger Tears by Catherine Banks

One of the more modern releases to hit this list, Tiger Tears was published in 2020, and received many fantastic reviews from fans and critics alike. This novel follows Tara as she’s hunted by humans who have turned into werewolves, and if she wants to live the type of life she wants, she’s going to have to fight for it.

Slave to Sensation  by Nalini Singh

The vast majority of Singh’s work is in the paranormal romance genre, so she’s no stranger to what works and what doesn’t. Slave to Sensation is a prime example of Singh doing what she does best and a fantastic book you’re sure to fall in love with.

Set in the year 2079, the book follows the race known as ‘The Psy,’ a fairly perfect race from all considerations that is currently running the world. While the Psy are known for being pretty much emotionless, every now and then, a Psy will emerge who is capable of feeling, which the rest of the species has to do something about.

The book follows the tale of Sascha, one of the rare Psy who can feel, and I bet you can’t guess which feelings she’s trying to deal with? A real fantastic page-turner here, especially if you’re into the more sci-fi paranormal genres, as opposed to the more traditional ones.