The best urban fantasy and paranormal romance books with power couples (and why they’re good for your romantic soul)

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi there, I’m Taylor a British writer who instead of seeking help for my severe anxiety, decided to get lost in magical fictional worlds through books, and later on my own writing. To be fair, it’s worked out pretty well for me considering I now get to share the strange and wonderful stories that pop in my head. I’m sure you guessed that my favourite genre is both Urban Fantasy/PNR, mainly because they are very similar to one another but also because they both blur the lines between reality and imagination. Also because of werewolves. And sometimes vampires. 


I wrote...

Witch's Sorrow

By Taylor Aston White,

Book cover of Witch's Sorrow

What is my book about?

Paladin Agent Alice Skye didn’t think much of the contract forced upon her by Rexley Wild, Alpha of one of the largest packs in Europe. He hired her for one job. Find the missing wolf. Unfortunately for Alice, she might already be too late.

She's in way over her head, an inexperienced witch who has to use all her instincts to help the secretive and detached Alpha find his missing packmate. But it isn’t long before she realises something’s not quite right. It's not simply a missing person, it was something a lot closer to home, something that reignites nightmares that make her question her own, horrific past. Alice is in a race against time that forces her to face vampires, daemons, and anything that gets in the way, for she only has one thing to do, find the wolf before he turns up like the others. Dead.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Angels' Blood

Taylor Aston White Why did I love this book?

Elena and Raphael have, and always will be one of my favourite power couples. While Nalini Singh writes both Urban Fantasy and PNR, the genre is blended beautifully with this kick-ass series featuring a strong heroine and an overpowered Archangel. It touches lightly on the balance of authority between the two main protagonists, and Nalini writes their sexual tension beautifully while Elena navigates their complicated relationship with a stubbornness I can truly appreciate. Heat level: 4/5

By Nalini Singh,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Angels' Blood as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

FIRST IN THE GUILD HUNTER SERIES!

Nalini Singh introduces readers to a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires.

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other-and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.


Book cover of Lover Awakened

Taylor Aston White Why did I love this book?

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is my go-to re-read because of the graphic action and intense romance. Book three features Zsadist and Bella, who is my ultimate favourite couple within the long series. A high society beautiful woman finds herself captivated by the clearly damaged self-destructive barbarian. Firstly, what’s not to love about that much-loved trope? In Lover Awakened J.R.Ward’s character development really tugs on your heartstrings, which forces you to root for the barbarian who needs to accept his traumatic past before he can allow himself to love. Heat level: 4/5

By J. R. Ward,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Lover Awakened 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 war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion…


Book cover of Keystone

Taylor Aston White Why did I love this book?

Dannika Dark’s Crossbreed is just one of her many spin-off series but has quickly become my favourite. The relationship between Raven and Christian is slow-burn, with the books mainly focusing on Keystone, an organisation they are both apart of. In the first book Keystone, there is very little romance other than hints and teases, but when they do get together further in the series it’s intense and full of passion while still remaining true to the storyline. I find with many series that once a couple gets together their individuality disappears, but with the Crossbreed series you find Raven is still the main protagonist, and Christian only adds to her character arc. Heat level: 3/5

By Dannika Dark,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

With millions sold, USA Today Bestseller Dannika Dark introduces her next addictive series...
BOOK 1

Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn't the only reason she's hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage,she's spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws,dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe - a smug, handsome Vampire whom she'd rather stake than go on a stakeout with.

They're hot on the trail of a…


Book cover of On the Prowl

Taylor Aston White Why did I love this book?

Patricia Briggs is a huge name within urban fantasy, and I’m sure many people who recognize her will wonder why I’ve chosen Alpha and Omega and not her Mercy Thompson series. The reason is Alpha and Omega are seriously overlooked! Charles and Anna are a powerful couple within their own right. Essentially forced into a mating by their wolves, Charles and Anna have to quickly figure out their relationship dynamic at the same time as Anna deals with the trauma of her old pack. This book is the short story prequel that introduces the characters, but the series, in general, is full of calming patience that slowly builds their deep love for one another. Heat level: 1/5

By Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance

Why should I read it?

1 author picked On the Prowl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Four stories of inhuman passions from four of the hottest authors in paranormal romance...

“Alpha and Omega” by Patricia Briggs
The werewolf Anna finds a new sense of self when the son of the werewolf king comes to town to quell unrest in the Chicago pack—and inspires a power in Anna she’s never felt before.

“Inhuman” by Eileen Wilks
Andie has a secret gift of sensing thoughts and desires. What she senses in her neighbor Nathan could be dangerous. Because he has a secret gift too, and it’s about to be let loose…
 
“Buying Trouble” by Karen Chance
A Lord…


Book cover of Halfway to the Grave

Taylor Aston White Why did I love this book?

Cat and Bones will always be important to me as the first series I read in the UF/PNR genre that made me fall back in love with reading. Out of all the recommendations I find Cat and Bones to be the most relatable as a couple, except that one is half-vampire and the other a master vampire (because I doubt many of us can relate to that). Despite the fact they’re fictional characters, Jeaniene Frost touches on real-life problems such as jealousy and how to overcome it without resorting to violence (unless that’s your kink). The series is not a typical happily ever after, and the characters really have to work through common issues and learn from their mistakes just like every other real relationship. Heat level: 3/5

By Jeaniene Frost,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Halfway to the Grave as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Kicking off the sexiest, smartest, most badass paranormal romance series out there. You won't be able to stop turning the pages.

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of those deadbeats is her father - the guy responsible for ruining her mother's life.

But when she's captured by Bones, a bounty hunter and a vampire, she finds herself forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for his help in finding her father, and still astonished she hasn't ended up as his dinner, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her…


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Book cover of A Darling Handyman

Lark Holiday Author Of A Darling Handyman

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Christmas market lover Friend to all croissants

Lark's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

She’s hiding from pain. He’s lost everything but his dog. When fresh air and second chances bring them together, can they rediscover true love?

If you enjoy kind-hearted heroes, small towns, and more humor than heat, you’ll adore this contemporary Alaskan romance! A Darling Handyman is the feel-good first book in the Darling Men series. All books in the series can be read alone and in any order.

A Darling Handyman

By Lark Holiday,


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