Books matching: contemporary chicago
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- #1
A rollicking, character-driven urban fantasy full of action, dark humor, and big reveals - best enjoyed by Dresden fans and anyone who loves their wizards with a side of wisecracks and real consequences.
In "Blood Rites," part of "The Dresden Files" series by Jim Butcher, Harry Dresden, a professional wizard, takes on a job from his friend Thomas that quickly becomes more challenging than expected. The plot involves battling vampires, curses, and family secrets in the middle of Chicago. The book delves into Harry's past, his relationships with his friends, and the mysteries surrounding his family. The writing style is described as fast-paced, banter-filled urban fantasy with a mix of humor, suspense, and character development.
My boots slipped and slid on the tile floor as I sprinted around a corner and toward the exit doors to the abandoned school building on the southwest edge of Chicagoland. Distant streetlights provided...August 2004•433 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dresden Files ) - #2
A feel-good, swoon-worthy grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with plenty of heart, humor, and adorable dog moments - perfect for sports romance lovers and fans of lovable, complex characters.
Dear Roomie is the 5th book in the 'Rookie Rebels' series by Kate Meader, focusing on the romance between the grumpy hockey player, Reid Durand, and the free-spirited Kennedy Clark. The book delves into Reid's complex family dynamics and Kennedy's emotional walls, as they navigate their budding relationship. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of humor, steamy romance, and heartwarming moments, set against the backdrop of the Chicago Rebels hockey team.
Simple, attainable, crucial. Walking into the coffee shop, this maxim seemed especially relevant. Although a few customers were seated, there was no sign of any of the baristas except for someone talk... - #3
A ferocious, gory, and chilling read - Exorcist Falls is perfect if you crave relentless possession horror with an extra dose of psychological tension. Go in expecting vivid scares, moral ambiguity, and a wild ride!
Exorcist Falls by Jonathan Janz is a tale of demonic horror that follows the story of two priests performing an exorcism in a city plagued by a serial killer known as the Sweet Sixteen Killer. The book is praised for its unexpected plot twists, well-developed characters, and moments of humor and heart amidst the horrifying events. Jonathan Janz's writing style is described as compelling, with a mastery of vocabulary that keeps the story flowing smoothly and seamlessly.
Average height, handsome in a sad way. Eyes that darted away before you could discern the pain in them. Lean, but possessed of a tensile strength. Forty-one. A dark-brown goatee that matched his short...2014•458 pages - #4
The Legend of Greg by Chris Rylander is a modern fantasy novel that follows the story of Greg Belmont, a seemingly normal teenager living in Chicago who discovers he is actually a dwarf with magical powers. As Greg navigates his new identity, he must rescue his kidnapped father, prevent a war with Elves, and come to terms with the ancient traditions of dwarves and elves in a modern setting. The plot is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with adventure, humor, and a mix of magical creatures, making it a captivating read for middle grade and young adult readers.
The author, Chris Rylander, expertly weaves together elements of fantasy with a modern-day setting, creating a unique and refreshing story that pokes fun at fantasy clichés while delivering a meaningful and action-packed narrative. Through Greg's journey, readers are drawn into a world full of dwarves, magic, elves, and other creatures, setting the stage for a series that promises adventure, friendship, and self-discovery.
Great-Aunt Millie’s legendary beard caught fire on a Thursday. Once the flawless envy of every Belmont (man or woman), it sadly never quite grew back the same again. Second Midwestern Bank repossessed...June 2018•351 pages - #5
A sweet, silly, and charming romcom with a swoony, clueless vampire roommate. Great for a light, fun read - just don’t expect deep vampire lore or high drama.
'My Roommate Is a Vampire' by Jenna Levine is a light-hearted and humorous take on vampire culture and myths. The story follows the main characters, Cassie and Frederick, as they navigate a roommates romance with a fantasy twist. The plot is engaging, with elements of comedy, romance, and a touch of spice, making it a perfect read for the autumn spooky vibe. The book incorporates unique writing styles such as text threads, diary entries, and letters that bring complexity to the narrative, adding depth to the characters and their relationships.
The book explores themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery, offering a fresh perspective on vampire romance novels. Readers will find themselves immersed in the charming and funny interactions between the characters, as well as the intriguing plot that keeps them eagerly turning the pages. Despite some critiques about pacing and believability, the book delivers a fun and entertaining story that blends elements of humor, romance, and paranormal in a delightful way.
Roommate Wanted to Share Spacious Third-Floor Brownstone Apartment in Lincoln Park Hello. I seek a roommate with whom to share my apartment. It is a spacious unit by modern standards with two large be...August 2023•352 pages - #6
A spicy, surprisingly swoony take on the billionaire romance with more heart than hype - just know you'll need book two ready to go for the full story!
In "Manwhore" by Katy Evans, Rachel Livingston, an aspiring journalist, is tasked with writing an expose on the mysterious billionaire playboy, Malcolm Saint. As Rachel delves deeper into Malcolm's world, she finds herself caught in a whirlwind of passion and intrigue. The chemistry between Rachel and Malcolm is electric, leading to a complex relationship that blurs the lines between personal and professional. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the challenges of love, trust, and ambition.
I walked into Helen’s office this morning certain she was going to fire me. It isn’t really my boss’s job to fire me. It’s HR’s. But the HR department has been cut. Edge, the magazine I have written f...March 2015•368 pages - #7
An intriguing and dark exploration of what happens after "happily ever after" for world-saving heroes - with a slower pace and moodier vibe than Roth's YA hits. Worth trying for fans of subverted tropes and emotional character studies.
Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth follows Sloane and her four friends who, as teenagers, defeated the Dark One. Ten years later, dealing with PTSD and trauma, they are dragged into a parallel universe where they must face a new threat. The book explores the aftermath of being heroes, the struggles of the characters, and the complex world-building with elements of magic, suspense, and action. The narrative style shifts between introspective, slow-paced moments and fast-paced, suspenseful plot twists, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.
THE DRAIN LOOKED the same every time, with all the people screaming as they ran away from the giant dark cloud of chaos but never running fast enough. Getting swept up, their skin pulling away from bo...April 2020•432 pages - #8
A binge-worthy, drama-packed dark reverse harem that delivers on tension and intrigue, even if the writing isn’t perfect. If you love brooding bad boys, high stakes, and spicy shenanigans, it’s definitely worth a read - but be ready for cliffhangers and some skimmable bits.
'Twisted Game' by Eva Ashwood is a dark romance novel that follows the story of Willow, an unpopular girl who finds herself entangled with three dark and ruthless brothers, Victor, Malice, and Ransom. The brothers, involved in shady business dealings, spare Willow's life but keep a close watch on her, leading to a complex web of relationships and tension. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, emotions run high, and the characters navigate through a world filled with danger and desire.
The book is written in a compelling and engaging style, with detailed character development and a mix of spicy scenes and intense moments. The storyline keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Willow's life becomes intertwined with the Voronin brothers, leading to unexpected twists and turns that leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Around us, the sounds of the Wayne State University administration office seem to fade into the background, and I twist my hands together in my lap as nerves chew at my insides. Fuck. I knew this was...July 2022•420 pages - #9
Funny, weird, and unexpectedly touching - Every Anxious Wave is a nostalgic, music-fueled ride for readers who like their time travel with heart and a little raw edge.
Every Anxious Wave by Mo Daviau is a quirky and entertaining novel that combines elements of time travel, music, love, and friendship. The story follows Karl Bender, a former indie rock star who discovers a wormhole in his closet that allows him to send people back in time to attend concerts. When Karl accidentally sends his best friend to the wrong time period, he enlists the help of Lena, an astrophysics PhD student, leading to a series of adventures, reflections on the past, and a complex romantic relationship. The book explores themes of nostalgia, regret, love, and the impact of the past on shaping our present selves, all presented in a light and humorous writing style.
ABOUT A YEAR before the time traveling began, before I lost Wayne and found Lena, Wayne DeMint stumbled into my bar for the first time. He figured out I was the guitarist from the Axis and affixed his...February 2016•288 pages - #10
A sweet, spicy, and deeply satisfying wrap-up to the Chicago Rebels series - perfect for hockey romance fans and anyone craving a story of second chances and found family.
Hooked On You by Kate Meader is a heartwarming story about Violet, a breast cancer survivor who unexpectedly inherits a hockey team and navigates newfound family dynamics with her two sisters. Bren, the team's captain and a recovering alcoholic, struggles to rebuild his relationship with his daughters while fighting his growing attraction to Violet. The book explores themes of second chances, family bonds, personal growth, and overcoming past traumas, all set against the backdrop of the Chicago Rebels hockey team.
May 2018•363 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chicago Rebels )










