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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Best Paranormal Romance Novels of 2013

Here are my picks for top paranormal romances in 2013. I have divided them into two lists: new series and continuing series. Within each list, the authors are listed alphabeticallyfor a total of 12 top novels.

Click on the pink-link book titles to go to my reviews. 


Click on the pink-link ratings to go to an explanation of my five-point rating system for violence, sensuality, and humor. 


I still have a few 2013 books on my to-read shelf, so I may add to this list if any of them meet the standard set by these novels.



     Top 7 Paranormal Romance Novels      
     in NEW Series for 2013     

Delphine Dryden:  Gossamer Wing 
1st novel in STEAM AND SEDUCTION SERIES  

My review says…“Dryden imagines a ‘what-if’ world in which certain key inventions were never created….Even if you think you don't like steampunk, I recommend that you give this book a try. It's a fast read with compelling action, simmering sexual tension, whimsical humor, and an inventive mythology....The steampunk gadgetry enhances, but does not overwhelm, the story.

Emma Jane Holloway:  A Study in Silks 
1st novel in BASKERVILLE AFFAIR TRILOGY

My review says…“…filled with a variety of dangerous and/or romantic events that build in suspense, so the scenes blow by at a compelling, page-turning pace. The primary characters have both strengths and flaws (always the sign of a thoughtful author), and it is usually the flaws that lead them to make terrible decisions that have widespread, often heart-breaking, consequences.”


Larissa Ione:  Bound by Night 
1st novel in THE MOONBOUND CLAN VAMPIRES SERIES 

My review says…“Ione always does a great job with character development, and she shows off those writing talents again in this book….I like the inventive vampire mythology and the fact that all of the vampires are not highly cultured, human-like beings. Ione's vamps are just nontraditional enough to make them interesting and unpredictable.”

  
Lindsey Piper:  Caged Warrior and Blood Warrior
1st and 2nd novels in THE DRAGON KINGS SERIES
Caged Warrior:  My review says…“The plot...is filled with compelling, page-turning (and stomach-churningly violent) action, but it also has a few tender moments and several hot love scenes. If you are searching for something different from the usual cookie-cutter paranormal romances, with their lonely heroes, sassy heroines, and overload of sardonic dialogue, you'll probably enjoy this fresh and inventive series.
Blood Warrior:  My review says…“Compared to novel 1, this one has a much simpler, less violent plot….The complexity comes in the two lead characters, each of whom has suffered horrific tragedies but has managed to survive with mind intact.”



1st novel in THE LOVE FAMILY SERIES  Ratings:  Violence—4; Sensuality—4; Humor—2  


My review says…Luckily for the reader, Quinn does a great job of avoiding the usual overload of repetitive angst found in so many paranormal romances….This is a well-written paranormal romance, with plenty of compelling action, lots of emotional depth, and excellent character development."


Gena Showalter:  Black and Blue 
2nd Novel in OTHERWORLD ASSASSINS SERIES 

My review says…“When I read book 1 of this series [back in January 2013], I feared that the Gena Showalter who wrote the terrific LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD series was gone forever, but…no…she's back in this book with all of her familiar talents: snarky dialogue, fascinating love-hate relationships, and oh-so-passionate love scenes….The story moves along at a compelling pace, and both of the fascinating lead characters are talented, courageous warriors who are willing to take some exciting risks.


     Top 6 Paranormal Romance Novels      
     in CONTINUING Series for 2013     


Meljean Brook:  Guardian Demon 
8th and FINAL novel in THE GUARDIAN SERIES

My review says…“In this final episode in Brook's terrific GUARDIAN series, she left the best for last….This is one of the rare times that the final novel in a series is perfectly devised. Brook brings back many characters from previous books, and many of them go through some major traumas. (Don't expect everyone to make it out alive.)”


Kendra Leigh Castle:  Immortal Craving 
4th novel in DARK DYNASTIES SERIES

My review says…“This book moves the series story arc along as changes occur among the Ptolemy and the Empusae, and the Lilim gain in strength….This is another strong addition to the series, with lots of angst-filled interior monologues and plenty of action sequences. By the end, both Tasmin and Bay have put their lives on the line for one another and (as you knew from the very beginning) go on to their HEA.” 

Thea Harrison:  Kinked 
6th novel in THE ELDER RACES SERIES

My review says…“For me, this book is the strongest in the series so far….Harrison's character development for her lead lovers is top notch. They are both dark-natured outsiders who believe that they can never live like "normal" people and that they can never find true love….You’ll enjoy watching this love story play out—a very different romance than we’ve seen between other couples in the series.” 



Shelly Laurenston:  Wolf with Benefits 
8th novel in PRIDE SERIES

My review says…“The characters are entertaining, and the snarky dialogue sometimes makes you laugh out loud. Ricky's street-tough, steel-magnolia sisters are particularly fun to watch. If you like sexy, humorous, angst-free paranormal romance, this series is for you.”


Gena Showalter:  The Darkest Craving 
10th novel in LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD SERIES

My review says…“Now that the Hunters have been destroyed, there's not a lot of conflict in the LOU world—except for the fact that they still have to find Pandora's Box.…Showalter is a great story teller, and she pulls out all the stops in making this love story extremely heart-rending.”


Rachel Vincent:  Oath Bound 
3rd novel in UNBOUND TRILOGY

My review says…“The action part of the plot is suitably dark and violent….Although this book is billed as the final installment, the author definitely leaves the door open for further adventures….This trilogy has plenty to capture your interest: an inventive mythology, well-developed characters, and compelling plots.”

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