Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

It comes down to one word... BARRONS. I, like so many of you out there, have experienced Barrons withdrawl since finishing the Fever Series. I actually remember going into a slight depression when I finished the series a year ago. So here I am... down to my last straw. I don't know how many discussions/posts I have searched on every website available for recommendations on series with a male lead similar to the-one-and-only Jericho Barrons. I have read a few series that I enjoyed greatly (Kate Daniels series is a close second, followed by Chicagoland), but it wasn't the same. I honestly don't think there's another Fever, but I would love to find something similar. One caveat - I am a picky girl, and have very high standards. :)

I am looking for something specific - a series with not only a strong alpha lead, but also a strong heroine. Here are a few reasons why I loved the Fever Series:

-Great characters (Barrons is such a bad ass, but Mac throws it right back at him)
-Love/hate relationship THROUGHOUT the series
-There can be sex, but I want tension to follow, that will drive them apart (this is where most series fall short... i.e. Cat/Bones). With that said, I do NOT enjoy series with a lot of sex (Anita Blake 1-6 = great; 7+ = porn)
-Good writing/not cheesy (I literally had to put down every book in BDB I started to read because I couldn't deal)
-I know this sounds horrible, but I love an aggressive man (which is weird because I would never want one for myself, but I LOVE reading about them... i.e. when Barrons gets a little rough with Mac)

Okay… so that was really long and specific… but I feel like I have tried everything else. Please help me ladies!!!

Thanks mucho for suggestions!
Rachael

The third book in the Destiny series by Leis Shaw is really good. Plus you don't have to read the other two to get the third one. Each book is about a new set of characters.


The leading man is a total alpha and the female is a kick butt vampire who doesn't take his crap.

I think you would really enjoy it! Plus I think it is only $.99 right now for the Kindle version.

I like the guild hunter series by Nalini Singh

Thanks Ladies!

@Mlpmom - I'm definitely going to have to check out the Destiny series (I hadn't heard of that one before!). I tend to stick to series with the same leads because I crave more of them.

@Enishia - I have heard very good things about this series, so I'm going to have to give it a go. I think I stayed clear of it before because I picked up the Psy-Changeling (first book) and didn't get into it at all...

I do believe she is writing more fever books I have them in my tbr pile..

yes, she is doing a trilogy called the fever series and then she is writing two more books with barrons and everyone else we loved in the books..look it up called the fever series first one is called iced due out oct 2012 that is what sucks we have to wait a long time...I am only a little bit into her last book and having a hard time getting into it because so far barrons is dead and this pisses me off so if she is writing more on him then he must not be dead and i need to pick up the book again....right?

Yes! Don't give up on the book. Things aren't exactly as they seem and I can promise you that you will like it as you get further into it!

@Shellie - I'm super excited about the upcoming books! I don't want to give away to much for you, because you should DEFINITELY pick up the last book (you won't be disappointed)... however if the upcoming books are a continuation of the Fever series, I have a feeling that the Barrons-Mac tension won't be the same. I will definitely be reading, nonetheless!

I understand your depression. The fever series is great. I suggest Nalini Singh.

Shellie wrote: "yes, she is doing a trilogy called the fever series and then she is writing two more books with barrons and everyone else we loved in the books..look it up called the fever series first one is call..."

I'm a bit confused. Is she continuing the Fever series with 3 more books then writing 2 more with many of the same characters? I'm confused because I thought the first 5 were the Fever Series.
::scratches head::
It's hard to keep up with series' sometimes because they often get called 2 or 3 different things. lol.
I'm so there when the next one comes out, no matter what, so long as Barrons and Mac are in it.
I was so pissed when she killed Barrons that I almost quit the series. I'm glad I didn't. Take Rachael's advice & keep on keeping on.

Go to her website she explains it better than me but from what I get from it is that there are 3 new books done in the same location as the the first fever series but different characters then she is doing two more books that will continue with barrons and everyone else from the first fever series...i wish she would call the second series fever 2 or something else way to confusing but her writing is awesome so sure we will fall in love with this series too...

Karen Marie Moning is writing a trilogy that involves Dani, the first is called ICED, comes out in October 30, 2012. She also has said that after those are done she had two more involving Mac and Barrons. I like you all look forward to them but we have a while to wait.

Have you tried Karen Chance's Cassie Palmer series.
The interaction between Cassie and Mircea is strong and Cassie is a strong lead who doesn't let the men watch over her.

Not quite the same way is the Yasmine Galenorn Otherworld Series, there are three sisters and each book is dictated one of the sisters they are strong capable women but there is one where one of the sisters is involved with more than one man. It is not the focus of the series but be warned it is there. It hints at the sex doesn't hit you over the head with it.

Jenny wrote: "Karen Marie Moning is writing a trilogy that involves Dani, the first is called ICED, comes out in October 30, 2012. She also has said that after those are done she had two more involving Mac and ..."

Yes! I love the Cassie Palmer series (ummmm... Pritkin). I haven't heard of the Yasmine Galenorn Otherworld Series, so I will definitely be checking it out!

Thank you ladies!!!

got a copy of Darkfever for $1.99 for my Nook ... so I read it ... little did I know at the time the rest of the books would be $8 each! Bad Barnes and Noble, Bad!! Now I want to read the series and I'm such a cheap chic! lol ... maybe my local library has the series (hmmm??)

I thought it was a little weird at first but I have a 50 page rule, so I pressed on (glad I did) and found I really liked the book.

Bn is good at that offering the first book cheap or free knowing its is good and we will have to purchase the rest of the series..this is my favorite series of all time it gets better with each book...enjoy

I remember wanting to give up on the Fever series. I am so glad I did not. I cannot think of another character like Barrons. The tension between Barrons and Mac is so intense and explosive until the very end. You really aren't sure they will have an HEA until the very end. I love it.

I would recommend Vampires in America Series:


I describe this series like The Godfather without the crime. Raphael is an uber alpha Vampire Lord who people shake in their boots just to be in the same room with him. Cyn is a human ex-cop private eye....who is independent and strong without being annoying.

The series is centered around Raphael and Cyn but the book Rajmund & Duncan are stand-alones that continue the main story which is a world building theme...Raphael is setting up his monopoly on control of the US vampire population.

There are eight+ books planned and the first two books are two halves of one story. I can say that Book two has one of the most satisfying declarations of love I have ever read and the author's writing style is remarkable. You are drawn in right from the beginning.

I, being a fever fanatic, would not say this is equal to that series but this is one of my top series of all times. (But understand-it is not Fever)

Raphael is strong, arrogant and bossy. He tries to control Cyn but realizes that if he holds her too tightly she will fade away...he allows her to make mistakes. She gives as much as she takes...and doesn't pay him any mind when he is blustering about something. And believe me...he is one tough dude.

I hope you will like it.

Another good series:


Saloman is an ancient vampire who was staked in the 1600's and is awakened by the heroine who is an anthropology grad student who is studying local, peasant customs regarding vampires.

Although, many of the plot devices and story lines are common....it does not take long to realize that this is unlike many of the UF/PNR books you have read about vampires.

Give it a try.

I just want to thank all of you ladies again - I NEVER write posts, however I am so glad I did because there are series on here that are not normally recommended in the other posts I have read through (and I probably would never have found/tried). I felt like it was the same series over and over again! This is such a breath of fresh air!!!

Katya wrote: "Another good series:


Saloman is an ancient vampire who was staked in the 1600's and is awakened by ..."

Both of these series look great! I can't wait to read them!

Katya wrote: "I would recommend Vampires in America Series:


I describe this..."

I just bought the first book yesterday. It sounds good. It has good reviews.

Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "I would recommend Vampires in America Series:

..."

Make sure you have book two ready to read because it is the second half of the story between Cyn & Raphael.

You can buy the books on Fictionwise.com for:
Raphael-2.99
Jabril-9.99
Rajmund-9.99
Sophia-7.00
Duncan-7.00
For a total of 36.97 and the 55% coupon code 122311.
Which brings the grand total to $16.64

Yes, you need to go pick it up but be just be warned you will want to pick the third book up before your done with the second because each book just gets better and better...

Katya wrote: "Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "I would recommend Vampires in America Series:
[bookcover:Dunca..."

Thanks for the tip. I could not find book 2 or 3 at amazon. You and Shellie have me really excited to read them.

Katie wrote: "I just finished Dreamfever about 2 hours ago. My fiancee is cracking up at me - I have made dinner, washed dishes, applied to pharmacy school, checked every GR blog and drank 2 glasses of vino - a..."

Katie....HOW are you keeping yourself from Shadowfever? I mean, I couldn't because it wasn't published then but you can be putting your self out of misery with the click of your mouse! DO IT! lol.

Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "I would recommend Vampires in America Series:
[..."

I always worry about making recommendations...maybe I am the only one who likes them but everyone I have recommended them to have LOVED Them.

Here is a sample from book one....Cyn is being held by this Russian Mafia Thug....Raphael and his crew just took the guys out and this last one is holding Cyn at gunpoint....

"Raphael came through the door like a child's nightmare, his eyes glowing an almost solid silver with wrath, his gleaming fangs fully extended, blood painting his mouth a brilliant red, dripping from his chin to shine wetly against the tattered remains of his black shirt. His huge chest was heaving with the fury of his breath, and his hands curled into claws as his gaze found her and he growled a warning. 'Release her, human.'
'Who are you? the man rasped, fear taking away his breath, coarsening his voice.
'Release her.'
The man tightened his grip, 'Come closer and she dies.'
Rachael's mouth widened in a terrifying smile, 'You think to bargain with me?'"

I love the way the author describes Raphael...like some rabid animal....

Here is a couple quotes from Rajmund's book:

"Raj leaned over from the driver's seat to give her a quick, hard kiss. 'Don't think so hard sweetheart. I'm not dangerous.' He spun the wheel in a tight circle, taking them past the startled valets and out of the parking lot. 'Not to you anyway,' he muttered."

(Raj to Sara) "Look at me, Sarah." She did. "What ever it is, whatever is going on...it can't be that bad. I'm a vampire sweetheart. I drink human blood on a regular basis. What can you possibly have to tell me that could top that?"

Some from Sophia:

"As for the other...his words were chopped off, his eyes going wide with shock as a huge roar thundered through the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet and sending dust flying everywhere as the concrete building trembled on it's foundations. 'WTF?' Colin breathed.....'Raphael' - Robbie whispered."

"Raphael shrugged away the facad of humanity that he wore like a cloak, releasing the bonds that kept his power concealed and let if low out of him like a river of molten silver. It warmed his veins and sped the pumping of his heart, pushing his lungs to expand more fully with every breath. It was a heady rush that had his lips drawing back in a vicious smile of pure exhilaration, his fangs emerging from his gums as he became the purest form of what he was....Vampire."

From Duncan:

She knew the minute HE arrived. Felt the warm blanket of comfort reach out to her frozen soul....He made his way down the isle and sat next to her...he didn't reach out, didn't touch her...a single tear slid out from her closed lids and she blindly reached for his hand. He took her hand in more, gathering her close, arms coming around her warm and strong as her head sank down unto his shoulder and the tears finally came soaking the lapel of his wool suit. He offered her a perfectly white handkerchief...she stared at it and wondered who carries that type of thing anymore? He looked back at her and explained, "I'm old fashioned."

Oops... I didn't know Barrons died ): Still had to read the last book in the series. Rawr.

I am only part way through the last book but do believe Barrons is not really dead...remember in order to actually kill the fey and others like him you have to burn the body...they did not do that to barrons and she is coming out with more to the fever series and barrons is in it so he cant be dead and i mean that he can not be dead...i will be pissed if he really is...

Katya wrote: "Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "I would recommend Vampires in America Series:
[bookcover:Dunca..."

Katya, you are such an enabler. You're the one who got me to read that series and I really enjoyed it.

Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "Pansy wrote: "Katya wrote: "I would recommend Vampires in America Series:
[..."

You could not find books 2 or 3 at amazon? I am sure they have them...

I wasn't crazy about Vampires in America series, it still fell short of Barrons. There just isn't a comparison out there. I've tried Cat and Bones, BDB, Kate Daniels, Chicagoland Vamps, Feral Warriors, Jacquelyn Frank, Nalini Singh (least favorite by far), Meljean Brook, Kelley Armstrong. I did enjoy much more than I did any of her psy-changling series. You might like Shifter series which is a change in that the heroine is kick ass. I recently read and it was good, but even Lothaire it isn't Barrons. Pritkin is yummy but there isn't enough of him to make up for all the silly s*** that Cassie pulls and Cassie Palmer is nowhere near as resilient as Mac. Richelle Mead's Succubus series was unexpectedly good but again its the heroine that's kick a**. I had to change genres for a while to get the taste out of my mouth. Maybe some of these will help. Hope you have better luck.

The closest I've come to Barrons is and it's not PRN.

1) The Bonded Series is based on a Dystopian world and a Clan (of Clans) of shapes shifters called Truxet.

The first book is . Mima is a relatively new author. I just came across her a few months ago. I enjoyed the series a lot. I'm taking a small break from it before I go back and read the last few. =)

Each book is about a different set of characters and the stories intersect with one of another. I would recommend reading it in order because the world building makes more sense that way.

-Strong Male Characters
-Different Strong Female Characters
-New World
-Interesting Society
-Each varies on having more plot or relationship development.

2) Sirantha Jax series by Ann Aguirre starts with . This is a Sci-fi-Adventure series about a Jax. She was born with a special gene that allows her to navigate dimensional shortcuts in space. The story starts with her imprisoned at a mental hospital facility after her ship crashed: killing Kai, her lover & pilot, and all of the passengers on board. Jax is the only survivor. A tall, rugged stranger enters her cubical room and breaks her out.

Strong female & male characters, lots of action, tension and moving plot.

Try them out!

I love Sirantha Jax series too Soo! I have the e-books by Mima of that series but have yet to read them. I'll put them up right now!

Terri ♥ wrote: "The closest I've come to Barrons is and it's not PRN."


I read Fifty Shades of Grey recently and I loved it! It's definitely one of my favorite romance novels. I chomped down on Fifty Shades Darker and came away pretty happy with it. Can't wait for the last book! I suspect my favorite will remain the first one.

Carolyn, the last book for Jax is coming out this year. =) Totally excited about it! There's a handful of us reading the series together at Girls, Guns and Grimoires. It's been a lot of fun to talk about the series.

I have the Sarantha Jax that came out at the end of last year and is sitting there staring at me on my TBR shelf. Maybe I'll wait until the next one comes out to read them both. I'm so sad that series is ending!