Books Like...

'Lan of the Beautiful Dead' by R. Lee Smith is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel that follows the story of Lan, a sassy and foul-mouthed young woman, who ventures into Haven to meet Azrael, the Master and Lord of Earth. Despite Azrael's unconventional appearance and dark past, Lan forms a complex relationship with him, leading to unexpected twists and turns in the plot. The book delves into themes of love, morality, and personal growth, all while offering a unique and detailed world-building experience. The writing style is described as fantastic, emotional, and rich in character development, with a mix of romance, philosophy, and epic storytelling.

'Bound to the Battle God' follows the journey of Faith, a smart and practical woman who accidentally gets sucked into a portal to another realm and ends up being sold as a sacrifice to the God of War. However, things take a surprising turn when the God of War, Aron, asks for a volunteer to be his mortal anchor, leading Faith to step up. Together, Faith and Aron embark on a twisty and convoluted road to help Aron ascend back to his rightful place in the pantheon of gods. The story is set in a fantasy medieval-style landscape where the gods have been cast out of their version of heaven and must battle for dominance before ascending back to the aether.

The author, Ruby Dixon, weaves a tale filled with epic fantasy battles, complex characters, and a slow-burn romance between Faith and Aron. is praised for its phenomenal world-building, mix of mythologies, and fully fleshed-out characters, making it a captivating and engaging read that keeps readers hooked till the end.

The Queen of All That Dies portrays a post-apocalyptic world divided by a nuclear war, where the protagonist, Serenity Freeman, finds herself in a bleak existence underground. The story revolves around Serenity, an ambassador's daughter, who is thrust into a high-stakes political negotiation with King Lazuli. Despite the serious backdrop of a ravaged world, the book intertwines elements of cheesy romance, intrigue, and questionable character development. The author's writing style is criticized for lacking depth and research, especially evident in the unrealistic portrayal of nuclear fallout and the characters' reactions to catastrophic events.

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa is a paranormal romance novel that follows the story of Callie, a Siren who makes a deal with the enigmatic Bargainer to clean up a mess in her past. The book alternates between past and present, unraveling layers of emotions and mysteries as Callie navigates her complicated relationship with the Bargainer. Set in California and the Otherworld, the story is fast-paced, mysterious, and sexy, with well-developed characters and a touch of eerie elements. The writing style includes witty banter, a mix of darkness and heroism in characters, and focuses on relationship development over plot, creating a captivating and enchanting tale.

Step right up to the twisted world of 'The Contortionist' in the 'Harrow Faire' series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. This dark and unique tale follows Cora, a young woman living a mundane life plagued by chronic pain until a mysterious circus reopens in town, bringing with it a cast of eccentric characters and a villainous hero named Simon. As Cora's world is turned upside down, she finds herself entangled in a dark and seductive romance with Simon, exploring themes of love, danger, and the supernatural. The story unfolds with a slow burn, captivating the reader with vivid descriptions, intriguing plot twists, and a touch of macabre that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Kathryn Ann Kingsley weaves a spellbinding narrative in 'The Contortionist', blending elements of horror, romance, and fantasy into a mesmerizing tale that delves into the depths of human nature. Through Cora's eyes, readers are drawn into a world filled with bright lights, haunting sounds, and a sense of foreboding that sets the stage for a grand adventure. With a cast of complex characters, including the enigmatic Simon and a diverse array of circus performers, the story unfolds with a perfect mix of darkness and light, keeping readers enthralled from start to finish.

Lothaire is the captivating story of the powerful vampire Lothaire who finds his Bride, a goddess of death trapped in the body of a mortal woman named Elizabeth Pierce. As Lothaire schemes to rid Elizabeth of her soul and allow the goddess to take over, their tumultuous relationship unfolds with intense chemistry and emotional depth. The book delves into Lothaire's dark past, his complex personality, and his undeniable attraction to Elizabeth, creating a gripping tale of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. Kresley Cole's writing style expertly weaves together humor, passion, and intricate world-building, making Lothaire a standout installment in the 'Immortals After Dark' series.

'The Last Hour of Gann' by R. Lee Smith is a lengthy science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world with elements of romance and redemption. The story follows a group of survivors, including the practical and determined Amber, who crash-land on an alien planet and must navigate a new society led by the lizardman Meoraq. The book delves into themes of survival, clash of cultures, and the complexities of relationships amidst graphic scenes of violence and sexual content.

In a post-apocalyptic world, "Last Light" by Claire Kent follows Layne, a young woman who embarks on a journey with Travis, a divorced man, to deliver a message to their old town. As they navigate the chaos and dangers of their surroundings, a slow-burn romance develops between the two characters, highlighting themes of survival, love, and resilience. The story beautifully captures the emotional depth of the characters amidst the harsh realities of their environment, emphasizing the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

Angelfall by Susan Ee is a post-apocalyptic urban fantasy novel set in a California ravaged by angels. The story follows Penryn, a smart and kick-butt heroine, as she navigates a world filled with cannibals, enemies, and terrifying monsters after an angel takeover. The book delves into themes of survival, family dynamics, and the unexpected alliance between Penryn and the angel Raffe, amidst extreme creepiness and violence.

'Sworn to the Shadow God' is a fantasy romance novel in the 'Aspect and Anchor' series by Ruby Dixon. The story follows Maxine 'Max' Chavez, a kindhearted and loyal woman, who finds herself pulled into a chaotic medieval land where she meets Rhagos, the shadow lord or 'Death.' The book is written from Max's point of view, providing insight into her optimistic and stubborn nature, as well as her evolving relationship with Rhagos. Throughout the story, the author weaves in elements of world-building, history, and character development, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

The banter between Max and Rhagos, the God of Death, adds humor and depth to their interactions, making their dynamic engaging and relatable. As the plot unfolds, readers witness Max's influence on Rhagos, inspiring him to become a better man and challenging his preconceived notions. With elements of mystery, romance, and adventure, 'Sworn to the Shadow God' offers a blend of familiar tropes and unique storytelling that keeps readers entertained and invested in the characters' journey.