The best heart-pounding paranormal romance books

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) ;)

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.

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!

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. 

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.