Fans pick 76 books like Death and Sweet Temptations

By Kristen Coar,

Here are 76 books that Death and Sweet Temptations fans have personally recommended if you like Death and Sweet Temptations. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Throne of Glass

Anneliese Peters Author Of Sea of Flames

From my list on for people who want to ride a dragon!.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been dreaming of dragons since I was a little girl, but I can never be certain what exactly drew me in–maybe it was Dragon Tales, a show from my childhood that haunts me to this day. They fascinate me more than anything in the world, and to be able to craft my own version of them has been my greatest joy. I have never wanted anything more than the ability to ride a dragon. To be connected to something so magical and powerful that there are legends about them throughout the world, to have even a glimpse of them. They’re everything to me. 

Anneliese's book list on for people who want to ride a dragon!

Anneliese Peters Why did Anneliese love this book?

If we’re talking dragons and just dragons–technically, they’re wyverns, and technically, they didn’t show up until the third book, but I was absolutely captivated by the whole series. It drew me out of a years-long reading slump and left a hole in my chest since finishing. I felt each book becoming part of my being. 

By Sarah J. Maas,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Throne of Glass 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?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas started a worldwide phenomenon when she published her debut novel, Throne of Glass. To date, Sarah's books have spent more than 92 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and she has hit #1 on charts around the world. Her books have sold more than seven million copies and have been translated into 36 languages. Throne of Glass alone has sold over one million copies. Now you can own this epic fantasy classic in a deluxe hardcover collector's edition. Throne of Glass begins the sweeping saga of assassin Celaena Sardothien,…


Book cover of House of Beating Wings

Brittany Gossin Author Of Dream Walker

From my list on strong female main character.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an only child, until I was 10, books were a constant companion. I loved entering new worlds and making friends with the characters in them. I always admired the strong female characters who could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, which is also a notion I share with my own children. With an active imagination, reading and creating stories was a way for me to escape boredom or anxiety, and it has flourished into a need to share the world with others. 

Brittany's book list on strong female main character

Brittany Gossin Why did Brittany love this book?

I loved this book by Olivia Wildenstein mainly because of the strong female main character. She’s tough, determined, and incredibly relatable. Her journey and growth throughout the story kept me hooked. It was inspiring to see her face challenges head-on and evolve.

She made the book a fantastic read. The chemistry between her and the MMC is one of my favorites, and I recommend this book to everyone!

By Olivia Wildenstein,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked House of Beating Wings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A fantastical delight of a book, rich with its imagination and lush with its storytelling." - RUNYX, author of Gothikana

FREE THE CROWS, FALLON, AND THEY WILL MAKE YOU QUEEN.

Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well . . . by all but one.


Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help…


Book cover of Trial of the Sun Queen

Brittany Gossin Author Of Dream Walker

From my list on strong female main character.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an only child, until I was 10, books were a constant companion. I loved entering new worlds and making friends with the characters in them. I always admired the strong female characters who could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, which is also a notion I share with my own children. With an active imagination, reading and creating stories was a way for me to escape boredom or anxiety, and it has flourished into a need to share the world with others. 

Brittany's book list on strong female main character

Brittany Gossin Why did Brittany love this book?

I love this book by Nisha J. Tuli because of the strong female main character, Lor. She's fearless, smart, and captivating. Lor's resilience and strength make her journey thrilling. 

I couldn't put it down between the deadly trial, finding out who she is, and the steamy romance. Plus, her character development is incredible, making the story engaging and empowering. It's a must-read!

By Nisha J. Tuli,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?


A Court of Thorns and Roses meets The Fourth Wing in this pulse-pounding, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance—with fae magic, high-stakes trials, and a dark prince—from Booktok favorite author Nisha J. Tuli. 

Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.

Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King’s rule. Her only desire is to escape and pay him back for every moment of misery she's endured.

When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the rival Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other Tributes…


Book cover of Vesselless

Brittany Gossin Author Of Dream Walker

From my list on strong female main character.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an only child, until I was 10, books were a constant companion. I loved entering new worlds and making friends with the characters in them. I always admired the strong female characters who could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, which is also a notion I share with my own children. With an active imagination, reading and creating stories was a way for me to escape boredom or anxiety, and it has flourished into a need to share the world with others. 

Brittany's book list on strong female main character

Brittany Gossin Why did Brittany love this book?

I love this book by Cortney L Winn because Nizzara is a strong, no-nonsense FMC. She wants to fight for her own freedom and, in that, falls for a half-ghost. Sounds weird, but trust me, Winn executed it flawlessly and Dae will be your next book boyfriend.

I loved the fast pacing and couldn’t put it down. There is also a new take on magic that I really loved, where Nizzara can speak to spirits. I highly recommend it!

By Cortney L. Winn,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

She’s heiress to the throne. The throne her father stole from him.

Nizzara has always been able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. When she enters a deadly tournament to end her betrothal, she's determined to win without succumbing to the addictive spirit magic she channels or taking a life in the duel ring. Finding herself outmatched, Nizzara must face her fear of power and team up with Dagen—an enemy who is half-ghost and all charm—to survive the tournament.

Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzara’s father ten years ago. Now a half-ghost—able to phase…


Book cover of Guilty Pleasures: An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novel

L.R. Braden Author Of A Drop of Magic

From my list on urban fantasy brings magic to modern world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been obsessed with fantasy stories for as long as I can remember, but the books I read growing up usually took place “somewhere else.” When I first started seeing books that brought magic to a world that resembled mine, I fell in love. Reading magic in a modern setting brought it home and made it real. Now, I gobble up every story I can find that brings magic to the mundane, and I even write my own. I hope the books on this list inspire you to look for the magic in your own life, as they have for me.

L.R.'s book list on urban fantasy brings magic to modern world

L.R. Braden Why did L.R. love this book?

I love Anita Blake, the feisty, insecure, kick-butt heroine of this story. She’s everything I want in a protagonist: Strong and clever enough to solve her own problems, naive enough to think that will always be the case, and a stranger to her own heart. Lots of room for growth. And grow, she does.

This book (and series) lean more toward the paranormal romance side of urban fantasy, but it also has a dark and gritty noir feel that walks the line of horror. This genre mash-up checked all the boxes for me, keeping me invested in the characters, the world, and the heart-pounding plot.

By Laurell K. Hamilton,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Guilty Pleasures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Meet Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, in the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series that "blends the genres of romance, horror and adventure with stunning panache"(Diana Gabaldon).

Laurell K. Hamilton's bestselling series has captured readers' wildest imaginations and addicted them to a seductive world where supernatural hungers collide with the desires of the human heart, starring a heroine like no other...

Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: re-animating the dead and killing the undead who take things too far. But when the city's most powerful vampire…


Book cover of Dhampir: Part Vampire. Part Human. Perfect Hunter

Brandi Schonberg Author Of The Gate

From my list on hopeful unlikely heroes who change their fate.

Why am I passionate about this?

Escapism is my drug of choice. As a child, I was angry that my existence was confined to this reality, and I did everything I could to find a way out. Stories made it bearable. Whether it was Thor’s Bifrost, the wardrobe of Narnia, or the mirror in Stephen R. Donaldson’s Mordant’s Need duology, I was hooked. Now, I tell my own stories of escape. I create and invite others to find solace, adventure, love, and passion in fantasy realms, outer space, and reinvented parallel realities. This door is always open. 

Brandi's book list on hopeful unlikely heroes who change their fate

Brandi Schonberg Why did Brandi love this book?

No matter how long since I entered the world of Magiere and Leesil, I find my mind wandering back occasionally. Perhaps I connected with Magiere’s awareness of her difference to all those around her. Her desire to walk away from life as a mercenary vampire slayer intrigued me because, though she had a hard exterior, the book offered a smattering of opportunities to see beneath her rough surface into the human part of her heart.

Magiere’s emotional dichotomy resonates with me in an unexpected, life-altering manner. In fact, the story might have been a catalytic element in the crucible where the main character for my novel was born. Snarky humor permeates in places that bring levity to long periods of darkness, and a diverse and interesting cast of characters brings depth to the worldbuilding that Hendee crafts through their storytelling.

By Barb Hendee, J.C. Hendee,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

She hunts the realm’s most dangerous game.

Her fees are exorbitant.

She’s worth every coin she receives.

Or is she?

 

Magiere has earned a reputation as the most formidable vampire slayer in the land. Villagers far and wide welcome her with both awe and disdain—grateful to her for ridding their towns of the undead menace, but finding themselves made poorer for their salvation. Magiere knows she’s dealing with simple folk, who only wish to have their superstitions silenced, and sees nothing wrong with exploiting them for profit.

 

Now, tired of the game, Magiere and her partner, the half-elf Leesil, are…


Book cover of Dead Ice

Danielle M. Orsino Author Of Locked Out of Heaven

From my list on bad ass females in fantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am Danielle M. Orsino author of the Birth of the Fae series published by 4Horsemen Publications, I am a world champion silver medalist in martial arts, I have worked with Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson in the WWF Superbowl Commercial and I am in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. So, I would like to think I know a few things about kick-ass women. I am also a comic book geek and cosplayer, the characters in my books are inspired by strong women in pop culture like Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Storm, Lynda Carter, and Morgan Le Fey.         

Danielle's book list on bad ass females in fantasy

Danielle M. Orsino Why did Danielle love this book?

This is one of my favorite Laurel K. Hamilton books, Dead Ice is Anita Blake at her best, kicking ass and taking names, as a necromancer Anita can raise the dead but she is also a US Marshal with the highest kill count in the US. She deals with misogyny and bigotry for sleeping with the Vampire king—Jean Claude. The mystery is well written in this book but the fight scenes are great and the monsters are scary as heck, Anita comes off as complex as she deals with being engaged but still wanting to maintain her independence as a woman. This is one of LKH better books as she pens the double standards about how a woman is treated in the workplace by others for being good at her job versus a man- Anita has a high kill count and is looked down upon for being violent if it…

By Laurell K. Hamilton,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton returns with another addictive adventure featuring vampire-hunting heroine Anita Blake, to thrill fans of Charlaine Harris and Anne Rice.

My name is Anita Blake and I have the highest kill count of any vampire executioner in the country. I'm a U.S. Marshal who can raise zombies with the best of them. But ever since master vampire Jean-Claude and I went public with our engagement, all I am to anyone and everyone is Jean-Claude's fiancee.

It's wreaking havoc with my reputation as a hard ass - to some extent. Luckily,…


Book cover of Vampire Academy

Jacey K. Dew Author Of Three Souls

From my list on fantasy to bring magic to familiar worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a kid, I was consistently described as one who had her head in the clouds. I was far away imagining all sorts of fantastical things; dragons soaring in the sky, a witch blasting a fireball in the grocery store, a werewolf coming to eat the gym teacher, the coffee barista is actually a vampire, etc. There is something alluring about supernatural beings existing in our often mundane world; whether they are being subjected to the same life we are or are wreaking havoc for any reason.

Jacey's book list on fantasy to bring magic to familiar worlds

Jacey K. Dew Why did Jacey love this book?

Rose and Lissa are dragged back to a school for vampires; though it’s a fair bit more complicated than that, with vampires of different sorts and being able to wield magic.

Rose is Lissa’s bodyguard and the school trains their powers, so that Rose will be able to protect Lissa (who is a princess) when the time comes. Their lessons don’t stop them from getting into a whole swath of familiar teenage drama.

By Richelle Mead,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Vampire Academy 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?

Now a major TV series on SKY & NOWTV

ONLY A TRUE BEST FRIEND CAN PROTECT YOU FROM IMMORTAL ENEMIES . . .

Lissa Dragomir is a mortal vampire. She must be protected at all times from the fiercest and most dangerous vampires of all - the ones who will never die.

Rose Hathaway is Lissa's best friend - and her bodyguard.

Now, after two years of illicit freedom, they've been dragged back inside the iron gates of St. Vladimir's Academy. The girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night-time rituals. But above…


Book cover of Penthouse, Pools, & Poison

Kim Janine Ligon Author Of Polly's List

From my list on cozy mysteries with cold wet noses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love cozy mysteries with a touch of sweet, clean romance, a splash of faith, and, best of all—a cold, wet nose and four paws. Animals bring richness and compassion to a story. They can provide comic relief, a sympathetic ear to be scratched, a built-in radar for identifying bad guys, and unconditional love when the protagonist needs it most. My love for this genre is probably why I was drawn to it for my debut novel, which came out in August 2022. The cover is a giveaway for who has the paws in this story. 

Kim's book list on cozy mysteries with cold wet noses

Kim Janine Ligon Why did Kim love this book?

This story is set at a Florida upscale resort where Millie Wentworth is the assistant general manager and discovers one of her guests dead in his penthouse suite. She has little faith in local law enforcement’s ability to solve the crime, so she takes it on herself with the help of her grandmother, Lulu, and Lulu’s dog, a Welsh corgi named Spud, and her friends.

There are lots of suspects loaded with motives. There are more stories in this series as well. 

By Louise Stevens,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Penthouse, Pools, & Poison as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of A Bargain of Blood and Gold

Reni Stankova Author Of The Enemy of Heaven

From my list on MM fantasies in alternate worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been an avid reader of MM literature in all its genres and sub-genres, since I was a teenager. Even now, MM fantasy titles are some of my favorite books of all time. I’d love to share my preferences with other readers so they could see the magic I see.

Reni's book list on MM fantasies in alternate worlds

Reni Stankova Why did Reni love this book?

Johnathan Newman is a novice hunter who teams up with a five-hundred-year-old vampire named Vic on a dangerous mission.

The town is plagued by mythological creatures in need of saving and they work together to solve the mystery. However, Vic’s secrets bring trouble, and their mutual attraction doesn’t make things any easier.

A Bargain of Blood and Gold is one of the best-written books I’ve ever read. There hasn’t been a book where every word was chosen so perfectly to my liking. It has the exact amount of descriptions and dialogue. The style is simply perfect.

Additionally, the characters were so vivid and fun to read. John and Vic had such distinguished ways of expressing themselves that I knew every time who was talking without being told.

They are easily one of my favorite M/M couples.

By Kristin Jacques,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Bargain of Blood and Gold as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A novice hunter with a mission. A five-hundred-year-old vampire with a strong sense of irony. A town plagued by creatures in need of saving.

When Johnathan Newman arrives in Cress Haven, the last thing he expects is for his life to be irrevocably changed. Sent by a clandestine league of vampire hunters to investigate a string of murders, signs point to a vampire lurking amid the townsfolk. Johnathan’s attempt to enlist the locals leads him to an unlikely partnership with Vic, the town's most eligible, enigmatic bachelor.

As the pair work to solve the mystery, Vic’s secrets come back to…


Book cover of Throne of Glass
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Book cover of Trial of the Sun Queen

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