Picked by Sookie Stackhouse fans

Here are 59 books that Sookie Stackhouse fans have personally recommended once you finish the Sookie Stackhouse series. Shepherd is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Author Of Laney

From my list on heart-pounding paranormal romance books.

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.

Joann's book list on heart-pounding paranormal romance books

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why Joann loves 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…

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)
•…


Book cover of Vampire Kisses

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Author Of Laney

From my list on heart-pounding paranormal romance books.

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.

Joann's book list on heart-pounding paranormal romance books

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why Joann loves 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 Witchling

J.L. Buckley Author Of Hybrid: Irinsbane Part I

From my list on steamy romantasy novels with badass but relatable leading women.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy romance is a broad genre that simply captivates and enthralls me. The combination of romance, passion, action, humor, magic, mystery, and drama ignites this spark in my heart, filling my metaphorical cup of happiness. But what makes these books so amazing is the strong female perspective they are told from. It’s not making tough decisions or embodying their masculine energies that make them strong. It’s their ability to balance dealing with external conflicts while struggling with self-confidence and loving others so completely that makes them such incredible women to read. Those are the stories I want to read, and those are the stories I want to tell.

J.L.'s book list on steamy romantasy novels with badass but relatable leading women

J.L. Buckley Why J.L. loves this book

Three kick-ass half-fae, orphaned sisters, all with their own magical abilities they’re still learning to control while protecting the mortal world from demons? Oh, and a steamy-as-hell romance? This book was super fun to read from the very first page to the last.

I loved the humor, much of it being self-deprecating, and the relatable lack of confidence Camille had in her powers. It was a ride that I wasn’t expecting, and it became a gateway drug to read the rest of the books in this series. And what a series! 

By Yasmine Galenorn ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

We’re the D’Artigo sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we’re savvy—and sexy—operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency.  But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times.  My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she’s stressed.  Menolly’s a vampire who’s still trying to get the hang of being undead.  And me?  I’m Camille—a wicked-good witch.  Except my magic’s as unpredictable as the weather, as my enemies are about to find out the hard way...

At the Wayfarer Inn, a portal to Otherworld and the local hangout for humans and beasties alike, a fellow operative, Jocko, has been murdered.  Every…


Book cover of Night Pleasures

J.L. Buckley Author Of Hybrid: Irinsbane Part I

From my list on steamy romantasy novels with badass but relatable leading women.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy romance is a broad genre that simply captivates and enthralls me. The combination of romance, passion, action, humor, magic, mystery, and drama ignites this spark in my heart, filling my metaphorical cup of happiness. But what makes these books so amazing is the strong female perspective they are told from. It’s not making tough decisions or embodying their masculine energies that make them strong. It’s their ability to balance dealing with external conflicts while struggling with self-confidence and loving others so completely that makes them such incredible women to read. Those are the stories I want to read, and those are the stories I want to tell.

J.L.'s book list on steamy romantasy novels with badass but relatable leading women

J.L. Buckley Why J.L. loves this book

I had never read a romance novel before, and it only took a few pages to absolutely fall in love with it and the fantasy romance genre. It really set the bar for every romance novel I’ve read since!

Witty bantering, sweet, and touching moments—sexy ones too—and the best part is the main character wasn’t a total damsel in distress! She had her s*** together…mostly. Very relatable! Smart, funny, and she’s a fighter? Sign me up.

Though the male main character was hot as hell, powerful, and darkly funny, it was really the way they played off each other and worked together that really hooked me and resonated. I absolutely love this book and I have read it easily ten times.

By Sherrilyn Kenyon ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Amanda Devereaux has a crazy family. Her mother and older siblings are witches and psychics, and her twin sister is a vampire hunter. All Amanda wants is a quiet, normal life. Only when she finds herself the target of an attack meant for her twin, she wakes to find herself handcuffed to a sexy, blond stranger. He is Kyrian of Thrace. And while Amanda's first thought is that this might be another of her sister's attempts at extreme match-making, it soon becomes clear that Kyrian is not boyfriend material.

For Kyrian is a Dark-Hunter: an immortal warrior who has traded…


Book cover of The Accidental Werewolf

Maggie Francis Author Of A Wolf By Any Other Name

From my list on paranormal romance to make you wish magic was real.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading paranormal fiction for as long as I can remember and it’s always been my favorite genre. I love sci-fi and fantasy as well, but keep coming back to paranormal. I’ve been enjoying authors like Terry Pratchett, Phillip Pullman, Guy Gavriel Kay since middle school, and will happily inhale any story that takes me out of reality into a world where magic is real and the princess saves herself. Now that I’m writing my own joyful escapes into this genre, it feels extra special to get to be a part of this club and create my own magical world for readers to enjoy!

Maggie's book list on paranormal romance to make you wish magic was real

Maggie Francis Why Maggie loves this book

I listened to this series on audiobook a few years ago and it had me in stitches the whole time. 

The characters are funny, well rounded and the steam is A+. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy these as much as I did, but I think I giddily consumed at least 8 of them before I came up for air.

By Dakota Cassidy ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.

Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he's a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there's more at stake than just her highlights. And she must…


Book cover of Cry Wolf

Aileen Erin Author Of Invocation

From my list on bingeable supernatural romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author who grew up reading books with supernatural elements, whether it was a version of this world (paranormal fantasy) or other worlds (fantasy). I’m always looking for fantasy elements mixed with romance, so it’s not a huge surprise that I wrote in the genre. I went to Seton Hill University to get my Master’s in Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction and am a USA Today Best-selling author. Books and reading (and writing!) are my passions, and I hope you enjoy this list of books I’ve reread countless times.

Aileen's book list on bingeable supernatural romance

Aileen Erin Why Aileen loves this book

Alpha & Omega is a novella by Patricia Briggs, but it’s not one to miss! It starts the story of Charles and Anna (who are mentioned but not really seen or featured in the Mercy Thompson series) and slides right into the first book—Cry Wolf—in the Alpha & Omega series.

If you love a heroine who is a little broken but still fighting, this is for you. Anna has endured so much when she meets Charles, and their romance arc from the novella to the latest release is epic. There are six novels in the series + the novella, and honestly, I might like it even more than the Mercy Thompson series.

Charles’ taciturn nature, his soft side that only Ana gets to see, and how everyone else in the world fears him as the second most dangerous werewolf make him incredibly swoon-worthy.

By Patricia Briggs ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Cry Wolf as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs presents the first Alpha and Omega novel - the start of an extraordinary series set in the world of Mercy Thompson, but with rules of its own . . . Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Christine Feehan and J. R. Ward.

'Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer' Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling series

'Patricia Briggs is amazing . . . Her Alpha and Omega novels are fantastic' Fresh Fiction

Charles Cornick is his pack's enforcer and lives a harsh life, doing jobs other…


Book cover of A Hunger Like No Other

Maggie Francis Author Of A Wolf By Any Other Name

From my list on paranormal romance to make you wish magic was real.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading paranormal fiction for as long as I can remember and it’s always been my favorite genre. I love sci-fi and fantasy as well, but keep coming back to paranormal. I’ve been enjoying authors like Terry Pratchett, Phillip Pullman, Guy Gavriel Kay since middle school, and will happily inhale any story that takes me out of reality into a world where magic is real and the princess saves herself. Now that I’m writing my own joyful escapes into this genre, it feels extra special to get to be a part of this club and create my own magical world for readers to enjoy!

Maggie's book list on paranormal romance to make you wish magic was real

Maggie Francis Why Maggie loves this book

The entire Immortals After Dark series is a delightful slip into a darker paranormal adventure that you won’t be sorry to have fallen down into. 

Cole takes the reader on a sexy-as-hell journey through a paranormal underworld full of darkness, desire, and sexy hijinks. Stumbling upon this series completely changed the trajectory of my reading habits and I am not mad about it. 

This series is a little darker than the others on my list, but in no way too dark to jump into.

By Kresley Cole ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked A Hunger Like No Other as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After 150 years of hellish torture at the hands of the vampire horde, Lachlain, king of the Lykae (werewolf) clan, escapes his captors. He's disoriented and full of hatred, and yet he finds the mate he's been longing for for 1200 years in a small, delicate vampire. Desperate to find information on her parents, Emmaline Troy, a timid, overprotected half vampire/ half valkyrie, had travelled to Paris away from the protection of her valkyrie aunts for the first time in her young life (she's only 70), but she manages to be kidnapped by a raging Lykae who's tender to her…


Book cover of Glass Houses

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Author Of Laney

From my list on heart-pounding paranormal romance books.

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.

Joann's book list on heart-pounding paranormal romance books

Joann I. Martin-Sowles Why Joann loves 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 Spirit Legacy

JP McLean Author Of Blood Mark

From my list on urban fantasy with kickass heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been mesmerized by paranormal stories since grade school when I first read The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. Paranormal, supernatural, and magical books capture my imagination, probably because I’ve always wished I could fly like I can in my dreams. But since gravity is real, I make the magic happen in my writing. I especially enjoy when the magic takes place in a contemporary setting but is hidden to all but the reader and the ones who possess it. It feels like being in on a very big secret. The books I’ve recommended are a mix of secretive and outed magic. I hope you enjoy them.

JP's book list on urban fantasy with kickass heroines

JP McLean Why JP loves this book

It was Spirit Legacy’s cover that drew me in, but it was the ghosts that kept me reading. I love the paranormal and I especially enjoy unique stories with strong characters. Holmes created both with this series. Her pairing of the protagonist, free-spirited Jess Ballard, with Tia, an ultra-organized and grounded roommate, makes for some hilarious situations. I love these two together. As the story progresses, intrigue builds, strange phenomena occur, and motives are questioned. Someone has deadly intentions, but who? No one’s beyond suspicion. Not even Jess’s friends or her family. Holmes kept me guessing right to the end. Thankfully, this is a series, so I have more books to enjoy.

By E.E. Holmes ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Spirit Legacy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Experience the paranormal like never before...

"The Gateway is open."

These cryptic words wake college student Jess Ballard from a terrifying dream into an even more terrifying reality. Jess’ life has never been what anyone would call easy; doing damage control in the wake of your nomadic, alcoholic mother doesn't exactly make for a storybook childhood.

But now her world has fallen apart just when it should be coming together: her mother gone—dead under mysterious circumstances; her life uprooted to stay with estranged relatives she’s never met; and there’s something odd about some of the people she’s been meeting at…


Book cover of Nearly Departed in Deadwood

JP McLean Author Of Blood Mark

From my list on urban fantasy with kickass heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been mesmerized by paranormal stories since grade school when I first read The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. Paranormal, supernatural, and magical books capture my imagination, probably because I’ve always wished I could fly like I can in my dreams. But since gravity is real, I make the magic happen in my writing. I especially enjoy when the magic takes place in a contemporary setting but is hidden to all but the reader and the ones who possess it. It feels like being in on a very big secret. The books I’ve recommended are a mix of secretive and outed magic. I hope you enjoy them.

JP's book list on urban fantasy with kickass heroines

JP McLean Why JP loves this book

Ann Charles is someone I want to shoot tequila with, and I don’t shoot tequila. But I would with Ann. Her deadwood series had me laughing out loud. She writes characters so well that you’ll feel like you know them right down to their roots. You’ll be cheering on the good guys, hightailing it away from the scary ones, and cringing when you just know someone’s heading in the wrong direction. I’m immensely impressed that with each new book, Ann presents an original twisty mystery with a wicked sense of humour. And not only is she a talented, award-winning, and best-selling author, but she’s down-to-earth, and also organizes an annual fan party for her readers. I’m one of those fans and eagerly await her next book!

By Ann Charles , C.S. Kunkle (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Nearly Departed in Deadwood as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?


NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD, the Top-Rated #1 Kindle Bestseller in BOTH Women Sleuth and Ghost genres!

WINNER of the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
WINNER of the 2011 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart Award for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

Praise for NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD...
"Full of thrills and chills, a fun rollercoaster ride of a book!" ~Susan Andersen, New York Times Bestselling author of Burning Up

"Ann Charles has written an intriguing mystery laced with a wicked sense of humor. Watch out Stephanie Plum, because Violet Parker is coming your way." ~Deborah…