Books Like...

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort is a gender-swapped contemporary retelling of Phantom of the Opera set in a crumbling opera house turned brothel in Paris, Nevada. The story follows Broadway diva Erika Greene, who retreats to the opera house to recover from a scandal, and Christof Daae, the lead singer of a German hair metal band looking to write their English album. As Erika and Christof navigate their own personal struggles and secrets, they form an unlikely bond while dealing with financial instability, a curse, and the pressure to save the opera house from being taken over by a ruthless banker.

The book is a mix of humor, steamy romance, and quirky characters, including a dysfunctional band, secret voice lessons, a sex dungeon, and attempts to commune with spirits. Comfort weaves elements of the original Phantom of the Opera tale into a unique and bonkers storyline that keeps readers fully immersed in the improbable world of Erika and Christof.

'Music of the Night' in the 'Tower Knights' series by Angela J. Ford is a gothic romance fantasy novel that offers an alluring and seductive retelling akin to 'The Phantom of the Opera.' The story revolves around two main characters, Uriah and Aria, whose relationship is brought together through music. The book is filled with drama, passion, romance, mystery, and tension, creating a gripping and immersive reading experience. Despite some readers finding the writing style to be somewhat distracting with repetitive sentence structures and vocabulary choices, the overall plot is compelling and engaging, reminiscent of classic tales like 'Beauty and the Beast.'

'Phantom's Thrall' by Jessamine Rue is a fantasy retelling of 'Phantom of the Opera' that introduces a unique polyamorous relationship between Christine and the men in her life, Mathieu and Erik. The book is praised for its spicy and filthy scenes, as well as the well-developed characters who find solace and belonging in their unconventional arrangement. Despite some readers feeling the story was rushed, the author's writing style is commended for its ability to immerse readers in a world of magic, dragons, and romance.

In "The Forgotten Phantom" by Kathryn Ann Kingsley, readers are taken on a modern twist of the classic Phantom of the Opera tale. The story follows Christine Gray, a member of a paranormal institute, as she delves into a cold case at a famous opera house rumored to be haunted by the Opera Monster. As she uncovers the mysteries of the past, she finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with the Phantom, Erik, who is portrayed as possessive yet true to his original character. The book weaves elements of the original story into a contemporary setting, capturing the essence of the Phantom's longing and Christine's transformation.

The author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, skillfully blends the familiar with the new, creating a narrative that resonates with fans of the Phantom of the Opera while offering fresh perspectives and twists. The writing style is described as deep and immersive, delving into the characters' emotions and relationships, particularly highlighting the growth of Christine and Erik as they navigate their unconventional bond.

'Night of the Phantom' by Anne Stuart is a contemporary gothic romance that transports readers to a spooky mansion with a reclusive hero reminiscent of the Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast. The story revolves around Megan Carey, a spirited young woman who finds herself entangled in a tale of financial ruin, manipulation, and mystery. As Megan navigates the eerie mansion and its peculiar inhabitants, including the brooding hero Ethan Winslowe, readers are drawn into a world that feels out of time, filled with intense love scenes and a fascinating ending that leaves questions lingering in the air.

Megan's journey to mediate her father's troubles leads her to Ethan's mansion, where she becomes a reluctant guest, moving through themed rooms and facing manipulative schemes. The dynamics between Megan and Ethan unfold against a backdrop of dark secrets and unsettling characters, creating a modern twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast narrative. Anne Stuart's writing style captures the essence of gothic romance, delivering a gripping tale that balances sensuality, danger, and forbidden desires, leaving readers captivated until the very end.

'An Eternity of This: A Phantom of the Opera Tale' by Amanda Osborne is a captivating continuation of the Phantom's story, focusing on the characters of Genn and Erik. The book explores the complex emotions and relationships of the characters, with Erik being portrayed as conflicted and very human. The storyline is filled with passion and emotion, keeping readers engaged and intrigued. The writing style is described as fresh, lively, and rich enough to make readers visualize the surroundings of the main character, Genn.

The author, Amanda Osborne, delves into the Phantom's character, keeping him true to his age and showcasing his growth and development through his relationship with Genevieve. The book offers a unique take on the Phantom tale by introducing a strong, ordinary-looking divorcee as a likable character who uses compassion and patience to help Erik become the exceptional man he has never been allowed to be. Despite some flaws in grammar and typos, readers appreciate the consistency in Erik's personality and the realistic development of his relationship with Genevieve.

Phantom by Susan Kay is a retelling of the classic story of The Phantom of the Opera, focusing on the character of Erik as he grows up with a mother who hates him and follows his life until his death. The book delves deep into the emotional journey of the Phantom, portraying him as a sympathetic and complex character rather than just a villain. Readers find themselves deeply immersed in the intense and heartbreaking narrative, with the story resonating long after the book is finished.

The writing style of Susan Kay in Phantom is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, with many expressing how the book stays with them intensely for months after reading. Kay skillfully blends elements from the original Phantom of the Opera novel by Leroux and Lloyd Webber's adaptation, creating a rich and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the iconic tale while adding new layers to the characters and their relationships.

'Unmasqued: An Erotic Novel of The Phantom of The Opera' by Colette Gale is a reimagining of the classic tale with a romantic and erotic twist. The story follows Christine, a talented chorus girl who catches the eye of the mysterious Opera Ghost, Erik. As Christine's career in the Paris Opera House blossoms, she finds herself entangled in a web of passion, desire, and manipulation. The plot delves into the complex relationships between Christine, Erik, and other characters like Raoul and Madame Giry, exploring themes of love, obsession, and betrayal. Gale's writing style combines opulent descriptions of 19th-century France with scenes of tender intimacy and explicit erotic encounters, creating a multi-faceted narrative that captivates readers.

Promises and Pomegranates in the series Monsters & Muses by Sav R. Miller follows the story of Kal Anderson, also known as Dr. Death, and Elena Ricci, the eldest daughter of a prominent Boston mafia family. Kal, the family's fixer, and Elena find themselves drawn together in the shadows of their world, uncovering secrets that lead them into the light. Their relationship is filled with darkness and passion, as Elena, a character craving connection, is set to marry someone else but finds herself falling for the mysterious and deadly Kal. The book delves into themes of dark romance, mafia alliances, and a reimagined Hades and Persephone retelling wrapped in a poetic and spicy writing style.

Grimstone by Sophie Lark is a dark romance set in a spooky town filled with secrets. The story follows Remi, who moves to Grimstone to renovate her uncle's haunted mansion. She finds herself living next to Dane, the brooding doctor accused of murdering his wife and child. Their chemistry is electric, filled with angst and tension as Remi navigates her growing curiosity about Dane despite the town's gossip.

The writing style is intense, effectively capturing emotions and creating an eerie atmosphere throughout the novel. While the plot moves slowly at times, the story picks up in the last quarter with twists that keep readers guessing. The characters, though not all fully developed, have an engaging dynamic, making for a gripping read perfect for the fall season.