20 Vampire Romance Books in 2022 [Worth Reading For Adults]

With an immortal appeal and drool-worthy fangs, vampires have ruled the paranormal genre of fiction amidst women since time immemorial. There is something about the brooding demeanor, the porcelain skin and the incessant bloodlust that drives us crazy. From the alternate romance section to mainstream media’s eye candy – vampire romance is on the up and up since the days of Edward Cullen and Damon Salvatore.

20 Best Vampire Romance Books in 2022

Since a romantic tryst with vampires is not on the cards in real life for any of us, let’s sink our teeth into the most seductive vampire romance titles that can send tingles down your spine.

1. Unchained

ER nurse Erin Hamilton expects nothing but a busy night when she finds a strangely attractive stranger ravaging through the hospital blood bank. Dante Gabriel is a vampire on the loose, who has escaped from the clutches of a hellish vampire queen who had kept him captive as a blood slave for years.

What follows is a tantalizing tale of chemistry amidst two individuals who are unequivocally attracted to each other. Despite all the internal alarms going off, Erin chooses not to turn him in, rather is guided by unexpected emotions to protect him.

Dante, on the other hand, is infatuated with her unique scent and fears he might not be able to control himself. Things get even more interesting when we find out that Erin is privy to an important secret, she doesn’t even know she’s hiding.

What follows is a story of passion, lust, suspense and thrill that is carried on for over 15 books in the Blood Bond Saga series.

2. Certain Dark Things

Domingo, a garbage collector street kid, collides with Atl, a female vampire on the run. While he is just an innocuous character from the streets of Mexico City, she is the blend of beautiful and dangerous – with a connection to the ancient Aztec blood drinkers.

As the trail of dead bodies after Atl’s shadow grows with each passing day, things get murkier as both of them are followed by the narco-vampire clan and the cops. Even though Atl’s plan of escape did not include Domingo, she finds herself getting used to the street kid little by little.

The Author dishes a palatable infusion of high stakes adventure, criminals-and-cops chase, mob bosses and ancient folklore all in one in this new take on vampire romance.

3. Interview with the Vampire

If you wish to understand the humanity that lurks inside a soul even after they have been turned into a vampire – this legendary novel is for you. In front of an interviewer known to us simply as the boy, 200-year-old vampire Count Louis revisits and dissects his life as a mortal and an immortal.

He shares his story of being turned by the sensuous and attractive Lestat after the death of his wife and child, his unbreakable bond with the young vampire Claudia, and their pursuits to seek out more of their kind.

What began as a short story by Anne Rice, became a widely popular series and even got adapted to a film starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. The book, in the garb of being a vampire romance, explores the themes of sexuality, immortality, loss and change amidst the political and cultural landscapes of two continents.

4. Vampire Academy

The hugely popular YA series follows the intricacies of the Vampire ecosystem. At the centre of it is the beautiful story of friendship between Lissa and Rose, and the psychic bond they share.

Lissa Dragomir is a vampire princess of the Moroi line, gifted with the power of harnessing the magic from Earth. Her partner in crime is her best friend Rose, her vampire guardian-in-training who is also known as a dhampir. The story starts when they are caught by an elite team of guardians and sent back to St Vladimir’s Academy after two years of freedom.

While trying to navigate the ups and downs of school as a dangerous villain lurks amidst them, they must learn how to handle forbidden love, the threat of strigoi and depend on each other while never letting their guards down.

5. Conversion

For those who want to read something lighter than the usual angst-ridden vampire romance novel, the story of Teren and Emma could be a perfect fit.

Emma comes from a fairly normal background and lives a fairly normal life. Even though she is destined for a great future, her love life is somewhat lacking. Enter Teren, a tall, dark and handsome man who seems perfect from every angle, yet has a secret that cannot be shared with anyone. He is almost human, just a little bit of a vampire.

If you are intrigued to know how a “normal” person like you and I can adjust with a lover with fangs and enjoys the occasional cup of blood – you should definitely pick this up for a read.

6. The Vampire Diaries

The book that gave rise to the phenomenon of blood brothers Stefan and Damon, and their passion for the same girl – is one of the genre-defining publications with vampire protagonists.

A steamy love triangle that questions morality, fidelity and sanity of all those involved, it has the perfect amount of supernatural blend to make it irresistible for readers to put down.

Elena, the most popular girl in high school becomes obsessed with the broody and enigmatic new student Stefan. Unaware of the ghastly secret he is hiding, she uses everyone she knows to capture his attention. On the other hand, the small town experience a surge in the murder of pets and animals, as Stefan’s brother Damon makes his presence known in the town.

7. Undead and Unwed

In an unusual take on the paranormal genre, the Author redefines the classic mortal-turned-vampire transformation story in a humorous package.

In a Twilight­-meets-Legally Blonde series, Undead and Unwed follows the story of ex-model Betsy Taylor, who loses her job and gets flattened under an oncoming car tyre. Or that is what she remembers after waking up in the morgue in cheap shoes and a pink suit.

A rare specimen for vampires, she does not seem to be fazed by sunlight, can control her bloodlust and does not flinch at the sight of religious artefacts. Unknowingly, she has been born as the prophesized Queen of Vampires, who will overthrow a 500-year-old monarch with the assistance of a seductive partner-in-crime.

8. Twilight

The book that made Stephenie Meyer an instant overnight literary icon of vampire romance is at its core a simple story about a girl falling in love and protecting it against all odds.

17-year-old Bella moves to the sleepy town of Forks where it rains almost all year and meets the reclusive Edward Cullen. Told entirely from a first-person narrative, we slowly find out about the secrecy of the Cullen clan, and their mercurial relationship with the indigenous werewolf tribe. Things start getting complicated when Bella’s best friend Jacob, a werewolf, confesses his feelings for her.

Written in a lucid manner, the book was initially targeted towards young adults – but it soon gained popularity amongst a larger demographic. Termed as “the vampire romance for those who don’t like vampires”, Twilight is melancholic, romantic and descriptive at the same time.

9. Halfway to the Grave

The first part of the Night Huntress series introduces us to the half-vampire Catherine Crawfield, a scorned daughter with a hatred for the undead. She is overcome with a vengeance as she hacks down vampires, hoping one day she kills the one that ruined her mother’s life.

She gets captured by Bones, a seductive night stalker who is a professional paranormal bounty hunter. In exchange for his help in finding her father, Cat chooses to train with him until her battle reflexes become as sharp as a knife.

As Cat realizes that there can be “good” vampires as well, and a budding romance starts blossoming between the two – they are chased after by a group of killers. In the face of fate and grave danger, pick up this book to see which side Cat chooses to fulfil her destiny.

10. Guilty Pleasures

This is a go-to for lovers of erotic fiction with an edge and a strong female heroine. Anita Blake is a dynamic character – she works as an Animator in St. Louis and occasionally helps out in the supernatural investigations of the FBI. In addition to all of this, she is also known as “the Executioner” for her vampire-killing abilities.

In her universe, vampires have taken an important position in society – they are part of the system that is crucial to its well-being. So, when dead bodies of the undead start piling up around her city, the Executioner is called to duty by the remaining vampires.

In a world where vampires can be both good and bad, she sets out to capture an age-old evil – after all, the older the vampire the more powerful it is. However, the only obstacle in her course being her undying attraction to the master vampire Jean-Claude.

11. Court of Vampires

Anyone who has spent their time reading vampire romance novels or any paranormal or supernatural stories know that vampires and werewolves should not fall in love. Yet, in this book, the author dares to put the protagonists through the ordeal.

Lysandra Romanova-Dracula is the vampire princess who is destined to end the war between the two warring factions forever. In addition to being the last living descendant of Princess Anastasia, she is also the heir to the throne of Vlad Dracula – and arranged to be married to a vampire prince.

But when she sees an injured werewolf outside her window, she cannot help but take it under her care. Undeniable in their connection and attraction, she falls in love with her mortal enemy. In a world where she and her lover would both be executed if the truth gets out, the first part of the Shifter series focuses on how Lysandra chooses to deal with her dilemma yet rise to be a powerful leader.

12. Some Girls Bite

Being a graduate student was not the most luxurious lifestyle, but Merit had made her peace with it. However, she did not expect being turned to a vampire and trying to adjust to a posh yet loyal life of servitude to a dashingly handsome master vampire.

Even though the story starts off in the vampire chick-lit territory, it takes a sharper turn a few pages in. Like Madonna or Sting, Merit is one of those cool characters who doesn’t need a last name.

Ethan, the head of the Cadogan House – the one vampire Merit is affiliated to, is described as a “tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire” with centuries worth of charms.  

The first book of the Chicagoland series provides a taste of Merit-Ethan’s complex romance, lingering storylines and engaging characters that will make you reach towards the next book in no time!

13. Blue Bloods

Schuyler is a reclusive kid who lives in a dilapidated mansion with her ageing grandmother and goes to one of the poshest private high schools in Manhattan. But she is far fetched from the preppy lifestyle of designer brands and upper-class teenage hedonism as seen in the upscale East Side culture.

But she is forced to look past it when three life-changing things happen. She notices blue veins popping out of her arms as she turns fifteen. One of her schoolmates dies in a nightclub. And Jack, one of the “hotties” at school, starts pursuing her attention.

Amidst this, she gets a letter from “The Committee”, where she finds out that she is a vampire! Through so many upheavals and changes as she just steps into the most crucial years of a teenager – read the first part of the Blue Bloods series to figure out how she unfurls all mysteries one by one.

14. Dark Lover

The first book in the hugely popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series follows the story of its leader Wrath, the only purebred vampire left in this world. He is haunted by the need to find and slay those who killed his parents’ centuries before.

Beth is a half-human, half-vampire hybrid who is making the transition to the other side, unknowing of her true destiny and the power she holds. She feels the restlessness and the rigour of transition, and having Wrath by her side certainly makes it easier.

The main plotline of the story is surrounding the palpable romance between Wrath and Beth, despite their constant rejection of needing each other. Wrath is disgusted by anything that is human, and Beth does not want to want him.

The vampires in this series are cool – they like rap, they like wearing leather and riding in fast cars. With the whole alpha male vibe going on, the book does pen some steamy erotic scenes with Wrath and Beth, that is blended seamlessly with their budding romance.

15. Kiss of Midnight

Gabrielle Maxwell’s life and her vision of the world changes completely when she encounters a man being murdered outside of the club she was just at. It was a sight she had never seen before – the murderers had their victim’s blood dripping down their teeth as their eyes shined with an otherworldly glow. Even as she takes a picture, she knows in the heart of her hearts that no one will believe her.

Lucas Thorne is a vampire of the Breed brethren, who witnessed the same murder – but was waiting for his own chance to kill the perpetrators. Belonging to an elite group of warriors, he fulfilled the destiny of protecting good vampires and humans from the Rogues.

In the first book of the Midnight Breed trilogy, we are introduced to the unusual circumstances in which these star-crossed lovers meet. Gabrielle is destined to be Lucas’ mate, but his bloodlust – for both Gabrielle and her blood might just be what drives him over the edge.

16. Evernight

When Bianca is sent to the elite Evernight Academy after being uprooted from her small-town family, her vampire parents must have breathed a sigh of relief but she did not. A smart, sleek paradise for perfectionists, Evernight however renders a creepy vibe to Bianca.

A social misfit who is neither fully accepted by the popular gang nor by the band of outcasts, she stages a poorly executed runaway plan which goes awry. At this point, she meets Lucas – with whom she feels undeniable chemistry and goes against insurmountable odds to stay his friend.

Lucas on the other hand is determined to not fit into any social typecast at the school – rather stand out in his individuality. He is set out to uncover the secrets that lurk around the grounds of Evernight while covering his own. While Bianca also has a few secrets to hide of her own, they both realise how it can change the courses of their lives – and those they know – forever.

17. Night Pleasures

In the first novel of the Dark Hunter series, we find Kyrian of Thrace – a loner with an unlimited amount of wealth and power. He plays the hero in the story of a lot of people but no one knows who he is. His is the existence of a dark, mysterious and immortal soul that has been scorned before in love.

Amanda is an accountant from a family of witches, psychics and vampire hunter – craving a life of normalcy. While doing a chore for her identical twin sister, she gets accosted and abducted. When she wakes up, she finds herself handcuffed to the seductive, handsome man that is Kyrian.

Hurt and lost in love, Kyrian has made the ultimate sacrifice of his soul the last time he fell in love thousands of years ago. But his attraction to Amanda defies all logic, all reasoning that he stands for. Read this book to enjoy the slow-burn yet passionate romance that piques with every turn of the page.

18. Keystone

Raven Black is a half-vampire and half-mage who hunts evildoers for fun. Ironically, she is also hiding from the law for all the years she spent as a rogue to survive. When she gets an opportunity to be part of a covert operation to hunt outlaws, she starts seeing the dreams of finally living a dignified life.

However, she is partnered with Christian Poe, a vampire with whom she locks horns from the first go. But as they start working together, the heat starts building up.

But the only problem? Christian does not mix business with personal. And keeping him on her good side will assure that she stays on her path of redemption and good deeds.

Take up the first instalment of the Crossbreed series to see how Raven manages to track down a human killer who is leaving a trail of bodies while trying to manage the growing attraction between her partner and herself.

19. Dead Until Dark

The first part of the Southern Vampire Mysteries serves as the inspiration behind the hit TV series True Blood. It follows the story of Sookie Stackhouse, a cocktail waitress from a small town in Louisiana with a disdain for going out. It is not because she is ugly or has a difficult personality – she is actually a pretty blonde who could be quite fun.

The problem is her psychic-like ability to read other people’s thoughts. Just as she thought that she was done with everyone in her small town – walks in Bill, the only person who drew a blank.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Bill is a vampire, and quite a charming one at that. Tall, dark, handsome and someone that Sookie cannot predict, he is exactly the kind of guy she has been waiting for.

But with a murder shaking up the town and Bill hanging out with shady people, it looks like Sookie could easily be the second victim. In this hearty vampire romance, find out if true love wins over every possible obstacle.

20. Tempting Raven

Life is not turning out to be what she wanted at eighteen years old. Now Raven has to give up the life of an ordinary vampire and take up the mantle of a queen because Fate chose her.

To make things even more difficult for her, she has to rule alongside her sworn rival – Rhyland Midnitgale, who has been chosen as the king. Even when every cell of her being did not want to, she had to step up to stop the chaos that was rampant in the vampire world.

Soon enough she realises that there are rules that bind her to Rhyland in ways she could not even imagine. And they both realise that Raven may be trapped in a deadly curse that they did not know how to break. The only way to find a solution is to keep working together as King and Queen, till their task comes to fruition.

Conclusion

Vampire romances are as insatiable as they come, once you start enjoying them – you are hooked for life. A heady mix of romance, passion, forbidden attraction and a dash of fantasy elements, they will instil in you unfathomable standards of love. Most popular in the genre of paranormal romances, they deliver on the promise of intrigue and seduction in a way that is easily relatable to teenagers as well as adult readers.