Many readers have keeper shelves filled with their favorite books. My keeper shelves are filled with little known romance novel gems that may have not had the recognition they deserved, but they’re ones I’ll re-read time and again.

Here are 5 of my favorite little known Paranormal Romance Novels:

The Passion(Devoncroix Dynasty #1) by Donna Boyd, published in 1998 by William Morrow. The Passion in an epic type romance featuring powerful werewolves who rule the world and think of humans as a lower life form.


But it’s not until a human woman, who is welcomed into the pack in nineteen century France that changes the course of the Devoncroix family forever. Tessa LeGuerre falls under the spell of Alexander Devoncroix, a charming werewolf who likes humans. They form a special bond that catches the eye of Denis, Alexander’s rogue brother who wants to bring down his family because of his jealousy. He targets Tessa as his victim. Alexander vows revenge against Denis, who plans on claiming Tessa for his own.

The Passion is an emotional gut-wrenching tale with incredible world building. There aren't many paranormal romances that highlight the werewolf legend as The Passion does. A breathtaking story full of passion, intrigue and tragedy that will have you holding your breath until the last page.

Tempting Danger(World of the Lupi #1) by Eileen Wilks, published by Berkley in 2004. Tempting dangerous is set in San Diego where a gifted police detective investigates grisly murders that might be the work of a werewolf.

She infiltrates the clans, only to find herself in danger and falling for a man she shouldn’t. Lily Yu is out of her league, even with the help of Rule Turner, the prince of the lupi, who also keeps secrets from her that could help her solve her case. Her attraction to this charismatic man could be her undoing because he's a suspect.

Tempting Danger is the first book in a fantastic urban fantasy series filled with magic and incredible action. Eileen has created a real page turner. Both mystery and urban romance lovers will want to give Tempting Danger a try.

The Rest Falls Away(The Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1) by Colleen Gleason, published by Signet in 2007. The Rest Falls Away is a paranormal tale with a strong warrior type heroine who fights vampires in Victorian England. Victoria Gardella Grantworth is the embodiment of a gentlewoman, but her calling is to be a Venator, a vampire slayer. While Victoria trains in vampire combat, she’s also planning her coming out. At her debut, she meets the Marquess of Rockley, and sparks fly between these two. Then there is the seductive and mysterious Sebastian Vioget, who walks on both sides of the fence, and Max, another Ventor, who thinks Victoria is too naïve and not skilled enough to take on their enemies.

If you need your vampire fix featuring a great heroine who can carry a stake and waltz with the best of them, The Rest Falls Away is quite the treat.

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger, published by Orbit in 2009. Those who adore Steampunk with a great romance that has a delightful, witty and very original heroine will adore Soulless. Alexia Tarbotti, is a spinster who lives in London with her stepfather, mother and two sisters. Alexia is known as a preternatural, one who doesn’t have a soul. As a preternatural, anytime she touches a supernatural creature like a vampire or werewolf, they lose their abilities. She ends up butting heads with Lord Maccon, the fourth Earl of Woolsey and the Chief Minister in Charge of Supernatural Liaison for the Greater London Area. Alexia takes it upon herself to investigate a sudden disappearance of both vampires and werewolves. This worries Maccon, and he ends up protecting her, as well as kissing her senseless to get her to behave.

Soulless is a rousing good time. The sights and sounds of Victorian England are shown so well here where you will be lost in the world of vampires, werewolves and mad scientists who have an obsession with octopuses. Not only is there a great deal of action but a wonderful romance between Alexia and Maccon.

Wicked as They Come(Blud #1) by Delilah S. Dawson, published by Pocket Books in 2012. Wicked as They Come is an alternative reality that is part paranormal and part Steampunk, featuring a carnival showman from another world who ends up stealing the time traveling heroine’s heart. Tish goes to an estate sale and finds a locket with a ruby in the middle. She snatches the locket, and as she cleans it up, she’s not only splashed with some mysterious red liquid that stains her hand, but inside is a Victorian picture of a man. She wears the locket to bed, and when she awakens next, she's naked on a stone in the middle of the woods with the man watching her. He introduces himself as Criminy Stain, a magician in charge of a traveling troupe of carnival folk. He wants Tish to stay, but she wants to go back home.

Wicked as They Come has a bit of everything here from ghosts, to submarines and evil power hungry mad men. You’ll fall for Criminy, a very unique and seductive hero who empowers Tish, while giving her an adventure of a lifetime.