22 Authors Like Christine Feehan: Your Next Paranormal Romance Obsession

Are you a fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy series? Check out our guide with the top authors like Christine Feehan.

Bestselling author Christine Feehan stands as a titan in paranormal romance, creating hugely popular novels including Leopard’s Scar, Shadow Rider, and the beloved Sea Haven and Ghostwalker series. Feehan specializes in fast-paced, frequently steamy paranormal fantasy and romance tales, with over one hundred published titles that have captivated readers worldwide.

In 2025, Feehan’s influence on paranormal romance remains unmatched. Her Dark series continues to expand, her Carpathian world grows richer with each installment, and new readers discover her compelling blend of supernatural elements, alpha heroes, and strong heroines who can hold their own against ancient evils and modern dangers alike.

If you’re drawn to Feehan’s signature combination of powerful supernatural beings, intense romantic connections, and immersive world-building, these authors will provide the same addictive reading experience that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.

Here Are The Best Authors Like Christine Feehan

1. Kresley Cole, 1970 - Present

Looking for your next fix of Christine Feehan-style paranormal romance? New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole, creator of novels including Munro, The Warlord Wants Forever, and The Player, delivers exactly what you’re craving. Cole writes both romance and erotica for adults, plus thrilling adventure stories for young adults.

Her Immortals After Dark series features an intricate mythology of various immortal species—vampires, Valkyries, demons, and more—each with their own unique abilities and ancient conflicts. Like Feehan’s Carpathians, Cole’s immortals find their destined mates in unexpected places and circumstances.

Cole’s world-building rivals Feehan’s in complexity and depth, creating interconnected storylines that span centuries while maintaining focus on the intense romantic relationships that drive each book. Her blend of humor, heat, and heart makes her essential reading for paranormal romance fans.

“When she scooped up her clothes, opened his door, then snapped her fingers for a guard down the hall, Wroth watched like a bystander.” — Kresley Cole, The Warlord Wants Forever

2. J.R. Ward, 1969 - Present

Ward’s paranormal series Black Dagger Brotherhood won the Goodreads Choice Award and represents the perfect steamy binge read for Feehan fans. The first installment, Dark Lover, introduces readers to a fascinating cast of characters, including the enigmatic and tormented vampire king, Wrath.

The Brotherhood series features warrior vampires protecting their species from extinction, themes that echo Feehan’s Carpathian males and their ancient duties. Ward’s vampires struggle with similar issues of finding their destined mates while battling external threats and internal demons.

Her approach to vampire mythology shares Feehan’s emphasis on fated mates, psychic connections, and the transformative power of love. The series’ ongoing popularity and expansive world demonstrate Ward’s mastery of the paranormal romance genre.

“You’ve won the evolutionary lottery: You’re a vampire. Let’s go to Disneyland!” — J.R. Ward, Dark Lover

3. Sherrilyn Kenyon, 1965 - Present

Fans of Christine Feehan will love the dark urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels of Sherrilyn Kenyon. This author is best known for the Dark-Hunter series, which includes Acheron—an eagerly-anticipated volume that tells the backstory of a character born a god but cursed into a human mortal’s body.

Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters are immortal warriors who sold their souls for revenge, only to find redemption through love. This concept parallels Feehan’s exploration of ancient, tortured souls finding salvation through their destined mates. Both authors excel at creating complex mythologies that span millennia.

Her series demonstrates the same epic scope as Feehan’s work, with interconnected storylines, recurring characters, and a richly detailed supernatural world that continues to expand with each new release.

“Life isn’t finding shelter in the storm. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Sherrilyn Kenyon, Acheron

4. Gena Showalter, 1975 - Present

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter creates books including Ruthless, Seduce the Darkness, and The Immortal. She writes across various genres, including urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and exciting young adult thrillers, demonstrating the same versatility that has made Feehan’s work so enduringly popular.

Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series features immortal warriors possessed by demons, creating internal conflicts that mirror the struggles Feehan’s heroes face with their darker natures. Her ability to balance supernatural elements with emotional depth makes her work compelling for Feehan readers.

Her collaboration with Jill Monroe on the Jane Ladling Mystery series showcases her range, while her solo paranormal work maintains the same intense romantic focus that defines the best of the genre.

“I don’t hate you. I just don’t like that you exist.” — Gena Showalter, Seduce the Darkness

5. Lara Adrian, 1966 - Present

If you love paranormal romance, you must read Kiss of Midnight, the first book in the bestselling Midnight Breed collection by Lara Adrian. The Breed are half otherworldly, half human, and have lived peacefully among humans for centuries—until the beginnings of a blood war threaten everything.

Adrian’s Breed warriors share many characteristics with Feehan’s Carpathian males: they’re ancient, powerful, and desperately seeking their destined mates to complete their souls. The psychic connections and blood bonds in Adrian’s work echo similar themes in Feehan’s novels.

Her world-building creates a contemporary setting where ancient supernatural beings navigate modern challenges while maintaining their otherworldly nature, a balance that Feehan has mastered in her own series.

“You just promised me eternity, you know.” — Lara Adrian, Kiss of Midnight

6. Laurell K. Hamilton, 1963 - Present

Laurell K. Hamilton has published over forty books reflecting her love of ghost stories, monster movies, folklore, and mythology. The bestselling Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series offers perfect reading for those seeking authors like Christine Feehan. Book eight in the series, Blue Moon, concerns Anita’s former lover who’s behind bars and happens to be a werewolf.

Hamilton’s work preceded much of modern paranormal romance, establishing many conventions that later authors, including Feehan, would develop further. Her exploration of supernatural politics and the complications of romantic relationships with multiple supernatural beings broke new ground in the genre.

The Anita Blake series demonstrates how paranormal romance can evolve and mature alongside its characters, maintaining reader interest across dozens of books through character development and world expansion.

“Love sucks. Sometimes it feels good. Sometimes it’s just another way to bleed.” — Laurell K. Hamilton, Blue Moon

7. Lynsay Sands, 1958 - Present

Lynsay Sands writes historical and paranormal romance with generous doses of erotica, like Love Bites, a thrilling tale with plenty of heat. Her recent releases include Immortal Rising and The Chase. For Sands, writing provides readers with escape from daily stress, allowing them to enter exciting new worlds.

Her Argeneau vampire series features immortals who aren’t technically vampires but share similar characteristics—longevity, special abilities, and the need for life mates. This concept closely mirrors Feehan’s approach to her Carpathian people, creating familiar themes with unique twists.

Sands excels at balancing humor with romance, creating lighter paranormal stories that still deliver the emotional satisfaction and supernatural elements that Feehan fans crave.

“Time is not the great teacher. Experience is.” — Lynsay Sands, Love Bites

8. Nalini Singh, 1977 - Present

Add Nalini Singh to your reading list if you’re seeking dark, complex paranormal series. Slave to Sensation appeared in Oprah Magazine’s “27 Greatest Romance Novels to Read in Your Lifetime” list. Singh’s Guild Hunter series invites readers into an epic, seductive, and dangerous world of angels and vampires.

Singh’s psychic abilities in her Psy-Changeling series echo the mental connections that define Feehan’s mated pairs. Her exploration of different supernatural species and their unique characteristics creates the same rich world-building that makes Feehan’s work so immersive.

Her ability to blend futuristic elements with paranormal romance demonstrates the genre’s versatility while maintaining the emotional core that drives the best supernatural love stories.

“They didn’t understand that she held his heart, held it so utterly that there was nothing he wouldn’t do, no line he wouldn’t cross to keep her safe.” — Nalini Singh, Archangel’s Kiss

9. Nora Roberts, 1950 - Present

Nora Roberts was the first author inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her contemporary romance novels have been translated into twenty-five languages and frequently top bestseller lists. The Awakening, the first book in The Dragonheart Legacy trilogy, introduces teenage warrior Keegan, responsible for protecting the Fey.

Roberts’ supernatural trilogies, including the Circle Trilogy and Sign of Seven series, demonstrate her mastery of paranormal elements. Her approach to magic and otherworldly threats shares common ground with Feehan’s exploration of ancient evils and the heroes who fight them.

Her established reputation and consistent quality make her a reliable choice for readers seeking well-crafted paranormal romance with strong character development and satisfying romantic resolutions.

“You start with earth and good intentions.” — Nora Roberts, The Awakening

10. Karen Marie Moning, 1964 - Present

Fans of fantasy and science fiction romance will adore Karen Marie Moning’s novels and novellas. The Fever series provides an excellent starting point for newcomers. Darkfever, the first book, fuses Celtic mythology with contemporary thrills for an edge-of-your-seat read from first page to final sentence.

Moning’s exploration of ancient Celtic magic and the Fae realm creates supernatural elements as complex and dangerous as Feehan’s Carpathian world. Her heroes face similar struggles with power, destiny, and finding love that transcends ordinary human experience.

The series’ blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, combined with mythology that spans millennia, creates the same addictive reading experience that characterizes Feehan’s best work.

“It’s often only in the lies we refuse to speak that any truth can be heard at all.” — Karen Marie Moning, Darkfever

11. Larissa Ione, 1970 - Present

Larissa Ione writes steamy paranormal and contemporary romance stories, including Desire Unchained. Her latest novella, Bond of Passion, forms part of the Demonica series, delivering sensuality, adventure, and plenty of dark humor.

Ione’s Demonica series features a hospital in the underworld that treats supernatural beings, creating a unique setting for paranormal romance. Her demons and half-demons struggle with their nature while finding love, themes that resonate with Feehan’s exploration of darkness and redemption.

Her medical background adds authenticity to supernatural healing and transformation scenes, while her understanding of romance tropes ensures satisfying emotional payoffs for readers seeking both heat and heart.

“You can’t truly hate someone you’ve loved. You can only hurt.” — Larissa Ione, Desire Unchained

12. Maggie Shayne, 1962 - Present

Award recipient Maggie Shayne, winner of the Reviewer’s Choice accolade and the Romance Writers of America Award, writes paranormal romance novels like Night’s Edge and Edge of Twilight. Her 2023 release Fatal Phantasm tells the story of friends who visit a mansion on a private island and encounter more than they bargained for.

Shayne’s vampires and supernatural beings face moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts similar to those in Feehan’s work. Her exploration of immortal characters finding love across centuries echoes themes central to Feehan’s Carpathian series.

Her long career and consistent quality demonstrate mastery of paranormal romance conventions while bringing fresh perspectives to familiar supernatural elements.

“Look, I’m not a demon here. I don’t eat babies or kick puppies.” — Maggie Shayne, Night’s Edge

13. Stacia Stark

If you enjoyed Christine Feehan’s Drake Sisters series, you’ll love the six books comprising the paranormal urban fantasy Deals with Demons collection by Stacia Stark. Inner Demons, released in 2021, features unforgettable characters including werewolves, mages, witches, and fae folk.

Stark’s approach to family-centered supernatural stories mirrors Feehan’s focus on connected characters who support each other through supernatural challenges. Her blend of romance with urban fantasy elements creates stories that appeal to fans seeking both genres.

The series demonstrates how contemporary paranormal romance continues to evolve while maintaining the core elements that make the genre so compelling to dedicated readers.

“I’ve got places to go and people to harass.” — Stacia Stark, Inner Demon

14. Kym Grosso

Readers seeking steamy paranormal stories will enjoy Kym Grosso’s Immortals of New Orleans and Club Altura series, comprising full-length novels and novellas. Kade’s Dark Embrace provides an excellent introduction to this author—a quick-fire page-turner featuring a sexy alpha vampire that will delight Christine Feehan fans.

Grosso’s vampires and supernatural beings inhabit richly detailed worlds with their own rules and hierarchies, creating the same immersive experience that characterizes Feehan’s series. Her focus on alpha heroes and strong heroines maintains genre conventions while adding fresh elements.

Her New Orleans setting adds atmospheric depth to supernatural romance, proving that paranormal stories can thrive in various locations when grounded in authentic world-building and compelling characters.

“Early tattooing was thought to have mystical protection, to be a talisman of sorts worn on the skin.” — Kym Grosso, Kade’s Dark Embrace

15. Vivian Arend, 1963 - Present

Sometimes only a werewolf romance has enough bite to satisfy supernatural cravings. Wolf Flight by Vivian Arend could become your next favorite full-moon read. This standalone, feel-good paranormal romance story features bad-tempered alphas, secret omegas, and werewolves bringing supernatural charm to everyday situations.

Arend’s shapeshifter romances explore pack dynamics and mate bonds that parallel the psychic connections central to Feehan’s work. Her contemporary Canadian settings ground supernatural elements in familiar locations while maintaining otherworldly appeal.

Her approach to paranormal romance emphasizes emotional connections and character development alongside supernatural elements, creating stories that satisfy on multiple levels.

“Someday the bad guys would realize monologues were a bad thing.” — Vivian Arend, Wolf Flight

16. Roxie Ray

Roxie Ray represents a collaborative pen name for writer friends who create science fiction, alien romance, and paranormal romance books like The Alien Jailer’s Mate, Daddy Biker Bear, and the Black Claw Dragons series. These writers enjoy discussing and reading the genre as much as creating their own steamy stories.

Their collaborative approach brings multiple perspectives to paranormal romance while maintaining consistency within their fictional universes. Their exploration of different supernatural species and romance tropes provides variety for readers seeking fresh takes on familiar themes.

The group’s enthusiasm for the genre translates into stories that capture the excitement and passion that drew them to paranormal romance as readers before becoming writers.

“You can poke a bear all you want, but be careful poking at the mama bear.” — Roxie Ray, Daddy Biker Bear

17. Jessica LaFlamme

For readers who’ve finished Christine Feehan’s Dark Prince series and seek similarly epic romantic adventures, Jessica LaFlamme’s The Clara Clarke Chronicles fits perfectly. Set in a parallel dimension of London within a matriarchal society, Clara seeks a lost town while overcoming threats from past and present.

LaFlamme’s alternate history approach to paranormal romance creates fresh settings for familiar supernatural elements. Her strong female protagonist navigating supernatural challenges echoes themes central to Feehan’s work while bringing unique perspectives.

The series demonstrates how paranormal romance can incorporate social commentary and world-building innovation while maintaining the emotional core that defines the genre.

“My name is Clara Clarke and I’m a paranormal investigator in Londinium.” — Jessica LaFlamme, Destiny

18. Jeaniene Frost, 1974 - Present

New York Times and Amazon bestselling author Jeaniene Frost writes vampire stories with generous amounts of heat. Her latest book, Both Feet in the Grave, continues the story of sexy alpha vampire Bones, whom readers first encountered in the USA Today bestseller The Other Half of the Grave.

Frost’s Night Huntress series features half-vampire Cat and master vampire Bones in adventures that blend action, romance, and supernatural politics. Her approach to vampire-human relationships explores similar themes to Feehan’s work while maintaining distinct character voices and plot dynamics.

Her ability to balance humor with supernatural danger creates engaging stories that appeal to readers seeking both entertainment and emotional satisfaction from their paranormal romance.

“Randy’s scent, gaze, and pulse all indicated truthfulness, yet Bones hadn’t survived for over two hundred years by being too trusting.” — Jeaniene Frost, Both Feet in the Grave

19. Frankie Rose, 1976 - Present

For young adult paranormal romance, Sovereign Hope by Frankie Rose delivers addictive reading that may require finishing in one sitting. The story follows Farley Hope, whose destiny involves defeating the Reavers—terrifying beings who steal souls from the living.

Rose’s approach to YA paranormal romance maintains supernatural elements while focusing on coming-of-age themes and first love. Her exploration of destiny and supernatural responsibility echoes themes in Feehan’s work while remaining appropriate for younger readers.

The book’s addictive quality demonstrates how effective paranormal romance can transcend age categories when grounded in compelling characters and well-developed supernatural threats.

“Fate must hate her. He was far too good-looking to be someone she had just crashed into.” — Frankie Rose, Sovereign Hope

20. Suzanne Wright

For steamy shapeshifter romance, Suzanne Wright’s The Phoenix Pack collection delivers sweet and steamy escapism. The first book, Feral Sins, focuses on female wolf shifter Taryn, who resists alpha male wolf shifter Trey’s charms until they enter an uneasy alliance that changes everything.

Wright’s pack dynamics and mate bonds create supernatural relationships that parallel the psychic connections in Feehan’s work. Her exploration of alpha personalities and strong heroines maintains genre conventions while adding distinctive character development.

Her shapeshifter romances demonstrate how paranormal romance can explore power dynamics and emotional growth through supernatural metaphors while delivering satisfying romantic conclusions.

“Oh no, honey, I’m an angel, I swear. The horns are only there to hold up the halo.” — Suzanne Wright, Feral Sins

21. Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews represents a husband-and-wife writing duo who created the bestselling Kate Daniels urban fantasy series, including Magic Bleeds, and the romantic fantasy collection The Edge. The couple lives in Texas with their two children and numerous pets.

Their collaborative approach brings multiple perspectives to urban fantasy and paranormal romance while maintaining consistent voice and world-building. Their post-apocalyptic magic system creates unique supernatural challenges that test both individual characters and romantic relationships.

Their success demonstrates how partnership can enhance creative output while producing stories that satisfy readers seeking both innovative world-building and satisfying romantic development.

“I can’t give you the white picket fence, and if I did, you’d set it on fire.” — Ilona Andrews, Magic Bleeds

22. Richelle Mead, 1976 - Present

Richelle Mead writes for both young adults and adults across three successful series: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy, all of which have appeared on New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Her college studies in folklore and religion add richness and depth to stories of love, friendship, betrayal, and triumph against supernatural odds.

Mead’s academic background in folklore provides authentic mythological foundations for her supernatural elements, similar to how Feehan’s research enhances her world-building. Her exploration of various supernatural beings and their relationships creates complex narrative webs that reward dedicated readers.

Her success across multiple age categories proves that well-crafted paranormal romance can appeal to diverse audiences when grounded in compelling characters and authentic supernatural elements.

“You can’t force love, I realized. It’s there or it isn’t.” — Richelle Mead, Frostbite

Book Club Discussion Guide: Paranormal Romance Deep Dive

The Appeal of Paranormal Romance

• What draws readers to paranormal romance over contemporary romance? How do supernatural elements enhance romantic storytelling?
• Discuss the concept of the “alpha hero” in paranormal romance. What makes these characters appealing, and how do they differ from romance heroes in other subgenres?
• How do paranormal romance authors balance the fantasy elements with believable emotional relationships?

World-Building and Mythology

• Compare the different supernatural worlds created by these authors. Which feels most immersive and why?
• How do authors like Christine Feehan, J.R. Ward, and Sherrilyn Kenyon create complex mythologies that span multiple books?
• What role do established mythologies (vampires, werewolves, fae) play versus completely original supernatural concepts?
• How important is consistency in paranormal world-building across a series?

Power Dynamics and Consent

• Paranormal romance often features characters with supernatural powers. How do authors handle consent and agency when one partner has significantly more power?
• Discuss the concept of “fated mates” or “life mates.” How does this trope affect relationship dynamics?
• How do these authors portray strong heroines who can hold their own against powerful supernatural beings?

Romance Tropes and Evolution

• Which classic romance tropes work best in paranormal settings? How do supernatural elements change traditional romance patterns?
• How has paranormal romance evolved since its early days? Compare older series with more recent entries.
• Discuss the role of steam level in paranormal romance. How do different authors handle intimate scenes?

Series vs. Standalone

• Most paranormal romance comes in series format. What are the advantages and challenges of this approach?
• How do authors maintain reader interest across dozens of books in the same world?
• Which authors do the best job of making each book accessible to new readers while rewarding long-time fans?

Reading Challenge Ideas

• Species Safari: Read books featuring different supernatural beings—vampires, werewolves, fae, demons, angels, dragons.
• Heat Level Exploration: Compare authors who write at different steam levels to see how intimacy affects storytelling.
• Series Starter Challenge: Read the first book in multiple series to compare how different authors establish their worlds.
• Cross-Genre: Explore how paranormal romance intersects with urban fantasy, historical romance, and science fiction.

Author-Specific Discussion Questions

For Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series:

• How does the concept of life mates drive both individual books and the overarching series?
• What role does the historical backstory play in the contemporary romance?

For J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood:

• How does Ward balance the romance plots with the ongoing war storyline?
• What makes the Brotherhood’s warrior culture appealing to readers?

For Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series:

• How does the mythology of gods and ancient curses affect the romantic relationships?
• What role does redemption play in these stories?

For Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series:

• How do the different species (Psy, Changeling, Human) create romantic tension?
• What does the series say about emotion versus logic?

Comparative Analysis

• Vampire Variations: Compare how different authors approach vampire mythology and romance.
• Contemporary vs. Historical: How do paranormal romances set in different time periods handle their supernatural elements?
• Humor vs. Angst: Some authors use humor while others focus on angst and drama. Which approach do you prefer and why?

Themes and Social Commentary

• How do paranormal romance authors use supernatural elements to explore real-world issues like prejudice, power structures, and social change?
• What does the popularity of paranormal romance say about readers’ desires and fantasies?
• How do these books handle themes of belonging, family, and community?

Questions for Deeper Discussion

• What makes a paranormal romance believable within its own world?
• How important is the romance versus the paranormal elements? Can one be stronger than the other?
• Which supernatural species makes the most compelling romantic heroes/heroines and why?
• How do these authors handle the challenge of creating conflict in relationships between immortal beings?
• What paranormal romance tropes do you love or hate, and why?

Book Club Activities

• World-Building Workshop: Design your own paranormal romance world and discuss the rules you’d establish.
• Character Casting: If these books were adapted for screen, who would you cast in the main roles?
• Trope Bingo: Create bingo cards with common paranormal romance tropes and see which books hit the most squares.
• Timeline Creation: For series with complex mythologies, create timelines showing how the world’s history affects current events.

Heat Level and Content Discussion

• How comfortable is your book club with explicit content? Establish guidelines for discussing intimate scenes.
• How do different heat levels affect your enjoyment of the story?
• What role does sexual tension play in paranormal romance versus the resolution of that tension?