Why am I passionate about this?

Since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the supernatural. I’ve always been especially captivated by vampires. My love for vampires and many of the books I’ve read about them contributed to the inspiration that led me to write my own stories. My passion for the series I created drives me. Building my own fantasy world and creating the characters within it has been an amazing experience. Most days, I feel like I’m just a spectator in their world, and they’re writing the story themselves. I hope you, too, will find enjoyment and possibly inspiration in the books from this list, just as I have.


I wrote

Book cover of Laney

What is my book about?

Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life in a small college town in Northern California. That is until the charming…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Dead Until Dark

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why did I love this book?

It’s been many years since I read this book, but I recall the moment I fell in love with Sookie’s story so clearly; it was like last week.

It was a usual busy night. I was making dinner for my family, and while I kept an eye on what was cooking on the stovetop, I flipped this book open to the middle, curious if I’d enjoy it. I quickly read about half a page, and I was immediately amused and sucked right in. Just those few lines hooked me, and I especially loved how the author told the story. I couldn’t wait to start from the beginning and make my way through the series. That night, I started book one of Sookie’s story and continued devouring each book as quickly as possible.

It’s been years since I finished Sookie’s story, and I often think about her and the world I got lost in with her. I loved so much about that series and the feels it gave me. I adore Sookie, her snark, her humor, and how she handled everything that happened to her. I also loved how real, and oftentimes awkward, she was. I also loved so many other characters and was captivated by all the paranormal creatures introduced throughout the series. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention Mr. Northman, who, to this day, is still one of my top five fictional crushes. (swoon) ;)

By Charlaine Harris,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked Dead Until Dark as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much - not because she's not pretty - she's a very cute bubbly blonde - or not interested in a social life. She really is ...but Sookie's got a bit of a disability. She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill: he's tall, he's dark and he's handsome - and Sookie can't 'hear' a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting all her life for. But Bill has…


Book cover of Glass Houses

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why did I love this book?

This book took me into an amazing and often terrifying world. It was absolutely fascinating—the way the town worked and all the rules. I loved being a newcomer in Morganville, along with the main character, Claire. I loved seeing her grow into herself, become more confident, and so very clever. I also loved the dynamics between Claire and her roommates and the relationships that bloomed between them. So many characters are amazing or fear-inducing, and some are both, but none are more swoon-worthy than Shane and Michael.

Claire encounters many dark, dangerous, and heart-wrenching moments throughout the series, and I was engrossed in each one, holding my breath at times and laughing out loud at others. I really love this series, and it’s another that’s stayed with me vividly.

By Rachel Caine,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Glass Houses as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they come out fighting when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...


Book cover of Dark Lover

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why did I love this book?

I lost sleep reading this book. Lying in bed, I told myself, “Just one more chapter.” The next thing I knew, it was morning, and I could hear the garbage truck in the distance. Did I put the book down and get my day started, or make sure the trashcans were put out the previous night? Of course not! I was engrossed. I needed more, and I needed to know everything! I needed to know what would happen to the main character and how the Black Dagger Brotherhood worked.

At the time, this book was like nothing else I’d read and my first experience with such a steamy story. But the sexy bits were just bonuses in a story that I found so very captivating I couldn’t put it down. I loved learning about the brotherhood, about Beth’s connection to it, and I loved the dynamics of the brothers, just to mention a few of my favorite tidbits. This book isn’t the only one in the series that’s captivated me so, and each time I read one of the BDB books, I have to make sure I have a free day or two because I know I’ll neglect all of my responsibilities. So worth it!

By J. R. Ward,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Dark Lover as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There also exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Among them, none relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only pure-bred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed - orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage…


Book cover of Vampire Kisses

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why did I love this book?

I loved the innocence of this series, and of the main character Raven. I loved her fascination with vampires and desire to become one. I loved Raven’s wit and sarcasm, and her relationship with her family and friends. I also love the way Raven’s story is told, not to mention how fun but also how dark the books got. 

My favorite parts are those between Raven and Alexander, the new mysterious guy in town, and I’d being lying if I said I didn’t love the rollercoaster their relationship took me on at times.       

The bonus to this series is a collection of Vampire Kisses manga, which gave me more glimpses into Raven and Alexander’s world. 

By Ellen Schreiber,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Vampire Kisses as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The mansion on top of Benson Hill has been empty and boarded up for years. But a new family has moved in. A family that never ventures out during the day. Who are these creepy people –– especially the handsome, dark, and elusive Alexander Sterling? Or rather, what are they? Could the town gossip actually be true? Are they vampires?

Raven, who secretly covets a vampire kiss, both at the risk of her own mortality and Alexander's loving trust, is dying to uncover the truth.

Ages 12+


Book cover of The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why did I love this book?

I love short stories. Give me a collection of short stories and I’m a happy girl. Why? Because I’m constantly so busy, I rarely have time to sit (or lie in bed) and read a novel or a series. But a collection of short stories? I can knock those out one story at a time, and suddenly I’ve finished a book. Actually read an entire book! It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. I know, it’s a bit silly, but I have a lot on my plate, like so many, if not all of you who are reading this.

Another big reason I love short stories is because they give me glimpses into so many different worlds, different characters, and I find new authors to read. However, this book in particular is a favorite, not just because I loved all of the stories and found new worlds and authors to explore, but because there’s a Morganville Vampires short in it, written by Rachel Caine, and it’s told in a different character’s perspective. It gave me a different view into the Morganville world that I didn’t get in the books. It was sweet and sexy and the perfect complement to the series.

By Trisha Telep (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Eternal Kiss as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There's an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephanie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!

This collection of original tales comes from some of the hottest, most popular, and best-selling YA writers, including:
• Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe)
• Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty)
• Melissa De La Cruz (Blue Blood)
• Cassandra Clare (City of Bones)
• Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires)
•…


Explore my book 😀

Book cover of Laney

What is my book about?

Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life in a small college town in Northern California. That is until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. As Laney’s sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure, including a love she didn’t realize she longed for.

She quickly learns that Oliver and the rest of his family are not ordinary. As she fights for her life and Oliver’s love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn’t so fictional after all, and nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver’s most important priority. He will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn….

Book cover of Dead Until Dark
Book cover of Glass Houses
Book cover of Dark Lover

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Curiosity and the Cat

By Martin Treanor,

Book cover of Curiosity and the Cat

Martin Treanor Author Of The Logos Prophecy

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Illustrator Reader Jester Quantum physics buff

Martin's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.

Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine, unleashing strange and frightening happenings around her home, which, in turn, reveals a disturbing family history. 

An ominous tale of faerie folk.

Curiosity and the Cat

By Martin Treanor,

What is this book about?

Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.

Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine, unleashing strange and frightening happenings around her home, which, in turn, reveals a disturbing family history.

An ominous tale of faerie folk.



5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in vampires, the paranormal, and Louisiana?

Vampires 305 books
The Paranormal 255 books
Louisiana 118 books