Good Reads: My Paranormal Picks for Summer

The days of Twilight are almost behind us, but the vampire and paranormal craze continues to build more and more momentum. Some of these hot reads are very PG-13 as they are young adult books just like Twilight, but if you're looking for something R rated, I promise a few of these books are VERY steamy and are certainly NOT found in the young adult section of the book store. 

All of these picks also involve a love story which makes it all the more beautiful to read, even if some might call this genre paranormal trash. What can I say? I'm a sucker for love - any kind - either unrequited or happily ever after! 

I've read everything on this list and literally DEVOURED these books in 24-48 hours each. If you love the wonder of the paranormal - think vampires, witches, psychic powers and all that good stuff, then these books will be right up your alley. 

 

 

1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

This book has it all and is PG-13. I'd say this is set to be the next Twilight style drama with high school kids discovering true love and dealing with big time paranormal troubles, an ancient curse, witch powers and a touch of vampires. The film rights have been acquired. I can't wait to see what they do with it. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series.

 

2. The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

 

This one is definitely R-rated and not for your 13 year old daughter! Vampires galore -- full of lots of steamy sex scenes. Each book focuses on a new steamy vampire love story as each "Brother" finds their "mate" and true love. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Immortal Beloved - by Cate Tiernan

 

I fell in love with this author after being captivated by her Sweep Series and was dying for more of her writing. This book is PG-13 and brings together Immortal teenagers living in a contemporary world. Totally different than the usual vampire or witch books, this deals with a young girl trying to understand herself and her plight in life.

 

Yes there is a love story. And yes you'll love the protagonist as she struggles to deal with living forever and tries to find peace in her life and a reason to go on living forever ... which means she really needs to find her true love. Again, I'm dying for the next installment in this trilogy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The Witches of East End - by Melissa de la Cruz

 

Just out this summer comes a fresh new young adult book from beloved author of the Blue Bloods vampire series. Set in Long Island, this time Melissa tackles the struggles of the Beauchamp family of witches instead of the woes of vampires. The powerful Beauchamps have been banned from using their powers for centuries and I hate to give a spoiler, but it looks like times might be changing and those ladies need to tune their witch powers into shape to battle a coming evil.

 

I'd categorize this as paranormal chick lit.  Light, easy, and fun. And of course there's a love story too! 

 

 

 

5. The Book of Shadows - The Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan

 

This series was absolutely RIVETING for me. Magic, love, betrayal, and good versus evil. I read all 15 books in the series in less than a month. Forget the vampires, as this book is all about the witches and the powers some of us ordinary people have hidden deep inside us - and probably have had for centuries. If you believe in magic, read it and you won't be disappointed.