I need help. I can't decide what book to read next. I've reached the end of all the series books I've been reading (except Dark-Hunter) or I'm waiting for the next in the series to come out. Now I need a new book/series. I love Urban Fantasy with romance or a paranormal romance w/ horror in it. Some of my favorite series include Dark Swan series, Georgina Kincaid series, Guild Hunter series, Fever series, and The Edge series. I do not like the Sookie Stackhouse, Anita Blake or Mercy Thompson series. So, the books below are what I've narrowed my choices down to. Help me please!

• Magic Bites
• Ravenous
• Last Wolf Standing
• Edge of Hunger
• Witchling
• Unclean Spirits
• Rosemary and Rue
• Scent of Shadows
• A quick Bite

Well, Michelle, I just ordered Ravenous today, so if you decide on that one, let me know how it is.  I'm really looking forward to reading that series, I came upon it by accident.  As well as the Zodiac series, I've had them for over a year and still haven't started those but am always meaning to.  A Quick Bite is a very quick read, not spectacular, but cute and fun. Not very helpful, sorry.  LOL

I started reading Ravenous once before but it was dragging on and on and at the time, I wanted more action. Nevertheless, I kept it in my TBR pile because I've read such good reviews on it and I know from experience that some of the best books have horrible, slow beginnings. I want to read Magic Bites or Rosemary and Rue but I'm afraid I'll be put off by the straight Urban Fantasy. I've read Andrews other series- On the Edge and it was so good. I keep wanting to give Magic Bites a try but I would hate for there to be NO romance whatsoever. I don't even need the sex (at least not in my books), any hint of a relationship is good enough for me.

i had the exact same problem with Magic Bites, I read like the first 2 chapters and although it was well written, I was not in the mood for the type of story at the time and sent it out with the second in the series.  I wish I hadn't because it's so damn popular that I think I should give it another try.  LOL  I also like at least a little romance if it's not an all romance story.  That was the only thing lacking in Guilty Pleasures, the first Anita Blake, no romance at all.

Michelle, I have most of those TBR as well. I too need just a hint of romance to keep my interest. I really like Ravenous and am about to start the second one. It definitely has romance in it.  I would recommend it.

I've heard such good things about Ravenous that I'm going to retry it no matter what. When I first started reading Through the Veil by Shiloh Walker, I thought it was slow and boring and then I stuck with it and actually really liked it. So, that takes care of a day and half, after that I'm stuck again. I'm probably going to do Rosemary and Rue or Magic Bites- I know both are pure urban fantasy but I'm willing to forgo romance for a short time to read one of them. Has anyone read..

Unclean Spirits??

I plan to read both Unclean Spirits and Rosemary and Rue soon so we'll have to keep each other updated!

I agree, we should keep in touch! You are currently reading one of my favorite books from my absolute favorite author- Richelle Mead. Anything she writes, regardless, I pre-order.

I love Richelle Mead too. I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this one.  I'm caught up on all the others. I will probably finish this one tonight.  Love it!

I have a few of her books but haven't gotten around to them yet.  I think I got Succubus Blues from you, Virgina, not sure.  I also have Storm Born.  I guess I should finally check her out, but maybe I'll save her as one of my newbies for the 2010 challenge.  I already ruined one by jumping into LKH.  LOL

Kim, Kim, Kim....considering we have a similarity of 84%, trust me when I say, move Richelle Mead to the front of your list. I think I liked Succubus Blues a bit more than Storm Born, but they were both incredible.

Kim, I also loved the Vampire Academy books of hers too. I really loved them all so I can't even say which of her series is my favorite. They're all very different.  I haven't looked at the 2010 challenge yet. Maybe I should check it out.

Virginia, I love Vampire Academy. I can't wait for the next one. That was the series that got me started on Richelle Mead. I basically decided I would read whatever she wrote, and so far, I haven't been disappointed. In fact, all of her books are my favorites! She has the perfect mix of Urban Fantasy/Horror/Romance, you can't ask for more.

Well, it's a good thing I have plenty of other authors I could use for my newbie category since you two just ganged up on me and how is a girl to withstand that type of convincing?  LOL

Virginia, if you liked Richelle Mead's Storm Born, then I also highly recommend Darkfever by Moning (Fever series). If you decide to read the 1st book and get half way through and you like it, make sure you get all the rest of the books. The cliffhanger at the end of the book is incredible. You will want the next book in your hand.

Kim, doit, doit....become a Richelle Mead FANatic! You won't be disappointed (I sound like I'm in her cult or something).

Hi Michelle!   Wanted to add my .02!

Especially since you liked On the Edge (I'm about 3/4 into right now & really like it), I believe you will like the Magic books.  I must have at least a hint of romance in my books, too, for them to resonate with me - Magic does have this.  And there's a short story in Must Love Hellhounds that gives a peak at a few characters from the Magic series & the development of their romance (no spoilers).  I have most of the books on your list in my own TBR pile, too, but wanted to let you know about Magic. FWIW.

PS - Hi Virginia!  And you're just now reading Succubus Heat?!!  What took you so long!?  [says the woman with ALL of Vampire Academy books TBR, lol]

LOL, Leslie I know! I was so anxious to get it from you and then I fell prey to swap reading. It feels so good to read what I want.  I read the short story in Must Love Hellhounds but haven't read the Magic series yet although I have them.

Michelle, I have the Dark  series but haven't read them yet either. I am definitely looking forward to them but I think I haven't picked them up b/c I keep hearing about the cliffhanger endings. 

Everytime I mention a book it seems like I say I have it TBR and I can practically see the DH's face floating like Edward's in New Moon and smirking at me, reaffirming his point that I have a problem. Even though he's not here right now I can still feel his disapproval, lol.

Ok, so I re-started reading Ravenous and once I got through chapter 3, I'm now hooked. I'm glad I kept w/ it (again).

Leslie- one of my swap buddies! I seem always to reveal/steal from you and two others. I am going to read Magic Bites. Just like I'm fanatical about Richelle Mead, so many are fanatical about the Magic series. If it is half as good as The Edge series, it is well worth it.

without the authors, i'm not entirely sure which series some of the ones listed are, but i do know some of them for sure.

Magic Bites - it takes a while, and isn't really heating up until later, but there is a hint of romance in these for sure. while the story in Must Love Hellhounds does give you some side characters, it isn't entirely spoiler free. probably nothing major that you'll remember if you don't read the books shortly after the story, but still.  (i've got On The Edge, and hope to be reading it soon.)

Witchling - i think these are technically listed as paranormal romance, but when i was keeping them i kept them with my urban fantasy rather than romance. but as the books rotate between the sisters, each sister definitely has her love life and it's problems, but i think the ongoing fight is more the focus than the romance. i like them, but i've seen pretty split opinions on these. if you like urban fantasy with plenty of romance, these could be good for you.

Unclean Spirits - good urban fantasy, but only the barest little bit of romance in it.

Scent of Shadows - is that Vicki Pettersson? if so, these are fairly dark with almost no romance (except the tattered remains of a former love). good stuff, but dark and it might take months for me to get into the right mood to read the next one.

Rosemary and Rue and Ravenous are on my TBR pile.

I really appreciate the info on the books. I think I'm going to do Magic Bites next. I just finished Ravenous and while I really struggled to keep reading it through the beginning, I really enjoyed it once I got past chapter 3. It had a fun story line with all the elements I love- strong alpha male, female heroine, werewolves, vampires, witches, romance, sex and lots of action. On my 1 to 10 scale, I give it a 8. Pretty darn good.

Michelle,

The Last Wolf Standing series was pretty good.  And a fast read if you want to avoid books with a lot of pages.  I enjoyed each couples story.

I liked the Witchling series also.  I'm looking forward to reading the 2 short stories in Never After, and Inked anthologies, and Bone Magic to be released in January I think.

Sonja

I'm going to definitely read both of them.

I tried Magic Bites by Andrews again, I just can't get into the book. I really, really tried this time since I loved her other book On the Edge. I give it up. It's officially going into my swap box.

Oh no! Not good news.  I have that series TBR too as well as On the Edge.