What Jackie Would Recommend v3.0

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ABishop-Daughter of the BloodWhen I first started Literary Escapism, I wrote up a list of recommendations based on what I had read up to that point. Two years later I updated that list; but as I was updating the About LE page, I realized it had been another two years. Seriously, where has the time flown? It’s been five years and I think it’s time for another update.

If you’ve read my previous two versions, then this may seem familiar. I’m not really going to change what I’ve said in the past because a lot of it still stands today; but there have been some changes. I’ve read a little more erotica and even more paranormal and fantasy. So while I still have my favorites, some novels that were on the list may not be any more to make room for some new additions.

The one thing that hasn’t changed, whatever your tastes, I could probably give you a good recommendation or at least lead you to a new author that might tickle your fancy. For instance, if you’re into the whole erotica paranormal genre, then you should probably check out Cheyenne McCray’s Magic series (Forbidden Magic [5*]). If you want just straight erotica, then definitely check out Lauren Dane Brown Siblings series (Laid Bare [5]) and Delicious (Tart [2+]) or Sylvia Day’s Crossfire (Bared to You [3]). For the historical fiction people, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (Outlander [7+]) is completely breathtaking (I actually can’t wait to get my hands on these books so I go straight for the hardcovers).

I used to read a lot of romance, so I could tell you to pick up a Nora Roberts, especially The Villa, as she’s good for a contemporary romance; but if you’re looking for something a little less mainstream, I would try Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights series (Hell on Wheels [3+]). If you want a really good historical romance, then I would check our either Amanda Quick (Lake & March series – Slightly Shady [3]) or Jane Feather (MatchmakingThe Bachelor List [3] or KissWidow’s Kiss [3] ). They both tend to lean away from the whole simpering female and have more of an independent woman in the lead. If you’re looking for something quick and funny, then the Stephanie Plum series (One for the Dough [19+]) by Janet Evanovich is a good bet.

When it comes to fantasy, I’m still treading softly. I broke my teeth on RA Salvatore and Margaret Weis/Tracy Hickman, but over the last couple of years, I’ve found a few solid reads that I would definitely recommend:

I’ve heard of a few takes on what the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal romance is. To me, urban fantasy is about the personal journey of one individual, whereas paranormal romance is about the chemistry of two individuals. Another way to think about it is like comparing movies to television. A paranormal romance can be told in two hours if need be (aka a movie), but a good urban fantasy takes times and multiple episodes (a television show). Regardless of the differences, urban fantasy and paranormal romance are definitely my favorite genres to read. While they tend to include all manners of supernaturals – vampires, witches, fae, shapeshifters, etc. – they don’t all gravitate around the same idea of what they should be like. I love how each story involves a world with its own unique qualities. Here are the stories I simply adore.

JBlack-Devil InsideUrban Fantasy:

Paranormal Romance:

I’m not a huge fan of the Young Adult genre and I wouldn’t even begin to think I know everything there is to know. However, there are a few stories that I’ve come to enjoy, so these are the ones I would typically recommend to someone looking for a paranormal YA novel.

AAguirre-GrimspaceI’m still getting into the science fiction romance genre, but I’ve come across a few that are really good and would definitely recommend:

So these are my recommendations. I’ll be honest, I’ve actually come across a lot that I like, but if they didn’t make me rush out to get the next novel, then they are not ones that immediately come to mind when I start recommending books. So with that in mind, please understand that this is not a comprehensive list of urban fantasy or paranormal musts, because I’m not that big of an expert nor do I have that large of an ego. As I read more and more new authors, I’m sure this list will continue to grow (it already has since my first list) and more will surely get added.

* So this won’t be a long list, I’m only including the title to the first novel in each series and the number of books in the series. If there’s a plus sign after the number, that means there are more books planned or being released soon.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.