Books Like...

'King of Flesh and Bone' in the series 'The Pale Court' by Liv Zander is a dark fantasy romance that delves into the complex relationship between Ada and Enosh, the King of Flesh and Bone. Ada, a strong-willed and stubborn character, finds herself in the hands of Enosh, an undying god with a cruel and manipulative exterior but a lonely and heartbroken interior. As their interactions unfold, Enosh's possessiveness clashes with Ada's determination to escape, leading to a tumultuous and passionate dynamic between them. The book is set in a dreary and unforgiving realm, filled with dark villains and personal pain, creating a twisted and gripping plot that keeps readers hooked till the very last page.

'A Kiss of Shadows' in the 'Merry Gentry' series by Laurell K. Hamilton is a dark urban fantasy novel that follows the story of Meredith Gentry, a faerie princess who is also a private detective in Los Angeles. The plot revolves around the intricate world of the fey, filled with court politics, sensuality, and dark secrets. The writing style of the book is described as explicit and sensual, with a focus on world-building and character development, all set in a modern-day setting with a touch of gothic elements.

'Pestilence, the first in 'The Four Horsemen' series by Laura Thalassa, follows the story of Pestilence, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who is on a mission to wipe out humanity with his plague. However, his beliefs and mission are challenged when he meets a mortal girl named Sara who starts to influence him in unexpected ways. The plot delves into their evolving relationship, the philosophical discussions surrounding morality and humanity, and the post-apocalyptic setting created by the divine mission of Pestilence.

In "Romancing the Duke," Izzy Goodnight, a penniless and determined heroine, inherits a castle from her godfather, only to find the brooding and disfigured Duke of Rothbury, Ransom, still in residence. As the two clash over ownership of the castle, their mutual attraction grows, leading to a romance filled with humor, emotion, and sparring that defies their initial impressions of each other. The story unfolds with elements of fairy tales, humor, and a touch of realism, as Izzy and Ransom navigate their individual traumas and ultimately find love in a unique and entertaining way.

Gild by Raven Kennedy is an adult fantasy novel that delves into the story of Auren, the gold-plated prisoner of King Midas. Auren, a victim of Stockholm syndrome, is kept confined in a gilded cage within the castle of Highbell. The book sets the premise for the series, exploring Auren's complex relationship with Midas and her yearning for freedom. The writing style is described as steamy, taboo, and a great reimagining of the King Midas myth, with a focus on world-building and character development.

"The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women characters surrounding Prince Arthur. The book explores themes of power, politics, religion, and the clash between the matriarchal Celtic culture and the rising patriarchal Christianity. Through intricate storytelling and fantasy elements, the novel delves into the choices, rituals, and struggles faced by the women of Camelot, offering a fresh and enchanting take on the well-known Arthurian tales.

The narrative spans lifetimes, chronicling the lives of characters like Morgaine, Arthur, Lancelot, and Merlin, while also weaving in historical and legendary elements. Bradley's writing style is described as deep, detailed, and immersive, drawing readers into the world of Avalon and the complexities of the Arthurian era. The book is praised for its unique perspective, intricate plot, and the emotional depth it brings to the characters, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read for fans of fantasy and Arthurian legends.

In "Lord of Scoundrels" by Loretta Chase, the story follows Jessica and Dain, who initially clash but later find themselves entangled in a battle of wits and desire. Jessica takes charge in their relationship, pushing Dain to confront his past and his responsibilities, including a son he fathered with a prostitute. The book is praised for its entertaining diversion, witty and romantic writing style, and the strong, independent, and modern-thinking heroine, Jessica Trent.

Set in a world where humans are divided into three groups - Psy, Were, and human - "Slave to Sensation" follows the story of Sascha Duncan, a Psy living in fear of being exposed for having emotions in a society that suppresses feelings. When Lucas Hunter, a changeling, enters her life while hunting a changeling killer possibly linked to the Psy, their attraction becomes complicated by the dangers surrounding them. The book explores the evolving relationship between Sascha and Lucas amidst the backdrop of a world filled with psychics, shape-shifters, and political tensions, creating a unique blend of sci-fi and paranormal romance. The author, Nalini Singh, intricately weaves together a cleverly layered plot with exceptional world-building and vibrant characters that come alive off the page.

In "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, Feyre, a human, is thrust into the dangerous world of the Fae where she must navigate treacherous politics and dark magic. Bound to the High Lord of the Spring Court, Tamlin, Feyre embarks on a journey of love and sacrifice to save both the Fae and human realms. The book weaves a tale of intrigue, romance, and magic, set against a backdrop of curses, tests, and court drama, appealing to readers of fantasy romance with its unique twist on the Beauty and the Beast story.

Maas expertly crafts a world that is both grounded in familiar fairy tales yet entirely original and captivating. The story is action-packed, filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged, while the characters, particularly Feyre, are portrayed as flawed and relatable, making the narrative more immersive. The writing style, though at times criticized for being too descriptive or slow-paced, is praised for its ability to create a vivid and enchanting world that draws readers in.

In "Burn for Me," Nevada Baylor, a tough young woman running her family's private investigation firm, is faced with a challenging case involving a dangerous rogue magic user. Forced to team up with the darkly tempting billionaire Connor Mad Rogan to stay alive, Nevada must navigate a world where magic users are classified based on their abilities and powerful magic houses dominate society. The story unfolds in a modern-day Houston setting intertwined with magic, fantasy, politics, and military elements, with a focus on Nevada's determination, Rogan's complex character, and the slow-burn romance between them.