Looking for other stories with similar themes to my own?

Here are a few stories that got me from casual indifference to book whore in 0.5 seconds.

KATE DANIELS series by Ilona Andrews

Female mercenary with a witty sense of humor. “Why me?” Vampires are drivable. The Beast Lord is epic. Get to book 4, Magic Bleeds.

AIR AWAKENS series by Elise Kova

It’s all fun and games until someone gets pushed off a roof. And that’s Relationship Step #1. The original FictionPress version of the first-night-with-Aldrik scene was killer. It was worth waiting through two books for it. Be still, my beating heart, this man is dangerous, even when injured.

GRAVE MERCY, first book of the series by Robin LaFevers

This daughter of misfortune is about to assassinate her male lead, in 10 different ways, without batting an eye. It got me hooked on the “I became a villainess” manga trend, when I was staunchly pro-protagonist. Best. Ending. Ever.

MARK OF THE LION books 1-2 by Francine Rivers

Roller coaster ride for my heart. Opens with the fall of Jerusalem—what a tone-setter!

THE IRON FEY series by Julie Kagawa

You want another Rrohm? Go find Ash. He’s not as powerful, but it won’t matter. Because he’s Ash. He’s a hot, frustratingly elusive minor character, but he gets his own book later. Also, even cat-haters will love Grim. Somebody, please name your cat Grimalkin. Before the fey trend, there was this series.

SWORD OF TRUTH series by Terry Goodkind

They’re thick, they’re worth it, and the Confessors inspired a good chunk of my series. You might have to close your eyes for the villain’s dominatrix henchwomen, though. They brought taming to a whole new level.

TALES OF KOLMAR series by Elizabeth Kerner

That’s right, I’m saying I scoured the shelves of the fantasy aisle and found this gem. Start with Song in the Silence, and fall all over yourself when you meet Varian, even though he’s still in dragon form. I just wish The Lesser Kindred said more about his “surprise” touch discoveries as a human.

CASTLE OF THE WOLF book by Sandra Schwab

It’s not fantasy (contrary to gargoyle belief), but to this date I have NEVER seen a bedroom scene this well constructed. Bravo for showing the male lead’s vulnerability unsugarcoated…and I will never see a deck of cards the same ever again.

ORDINARY WORLD story by JD Allen

I am so glad this story is re-published somewhere, because it is the best case of Rumpelstiltskin I have ever seen. If you don’t pick the grumpy guy over Prince Charming after this, I don’t know you.

KING CAVE, second book of the series by Scarlett Dawn

5 years later, the cross-magician sex scenes (and setting) are still stuck in my head. They redefine “magician relations.” But if you can’t read sex without a crisis of conscience, don’t try.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES series by Sarah J. Maas

Little Red Riding Hood meets Hunger Games and kidnaps you. But did you know it’s in your best interest for the villain to re-kidnap your miserable self from your beautiful romance? Hate Rhysand, hate him with a fiery passion…and keep your eyes open, because this cruel, cunning fey lord might actually be the most epic king of sacrifice you’ve ever seen. Get to book 2, A Court of Mist and Fury.

For other influencers in my library, please check out my GoodReads Bookshelves.