2 Must-Read Historical Paranormal Romance Series for Fans of Magic and Mystery
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2 Must-Read Historical Paranormal Romance Series for Fans of Magic and Mystery
Historical paranormal romance is the perfect escape for readers who crave a mix of gothic atmosphere, supernatural intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance. Whether it's Victorian London shrouded in fog or the glitz and mysticism of the Roaring Twenties, these stories transport you to a past where the impossible feels real. If you love a good blend of history and the paranormal, these two must-read series will completely enchant you.
Want to learn more about paranormal romance? Check out our complete paranormal romance genre guide on the blog.
Steampunk often falls under the historical paranormal umbrella, blending advanced steam-powered technology with supernatural elements. Many steampunk romances, like Bec McMaster's London Steampunk series, incorporate vampires, shifters, and secret societies, making them a perfect fit for fans of historical paranormal romance. Have you read a steampunk romance?
Why Historical Paranormal Romance Works
So why does historical paranormal romance hit so perfectly? There's something about the eerie candlelit halls of old mansions, the secrets hidden within Victorian society, and the glamour of the Jazz Age that makes them the ideal backdrop for supernatural intrigue. This subgenre thrives on:
Brooding, immortal heroes with centuries of secrets
Cursed love stories that transcend time
Hidden magic and secret societies lurking in plain sight
Gothic mansions, séances, and forbidden knowledge
A blend of real-world history with fantastical elements
These elements heighten the stakes of romance, making every touch and every longing glance feel even more intense. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, let’s dive into two of the best series that master this blend.
Must-Read Historical Paranormal Series
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Darkest London by Kristen Callihan: A Paranormal Victorian Romance Series
One series that blends these two genres beautifully is Darkest London by Kristen Callihan. This series has it all—vampires, shifters, demons, and an irresistible Gothic vibe, all set against the moody backdrop of historical London. The setting alone adds an extra layer of intrigue, and when you pair that with complex characters and swoon-worthy romance, it’s a winning combination.
The Darkest London series includes seven books, each exploring different characters and paranormal elements within the same immersive world. If you love a richly detailed setting filled with dark romance, adventure, and supernatural intrigue, this series should be on your radar.
Where to Start: Darkest London by Kristen Callihan
Firelight (#1)
Miranda Ellis, cursed with a powerful gift, is forced to marry the enigmatic Lord Benjamin Archer, who hides his disfigured face behind masks. Together, they navigate dark magic and intrigue to save his soul.
Read this if you like: Beauty and the Beast retellings, masked heroes, and fiery heroines.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Moonglow (#2)
Widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore seeks newfound freedom but becomes entangled with Ian Ranulf, a marquis hiding his primal nature, as they investigate a series of unexplained murders in London.
Read this if you like: Werewolf lore, protective heroes, and murder mysteries.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Winterblaze (#3)
Poppy Lane's secret life with the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals is exposed when her husband, Winston, is attacked by a werewolf. Together, they confront dark forces threatening their rekindled love.
Read this if you like: Second-chance romance, secret societies, and strong marital bonds.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Shadowdance (#4)
Mary Chase, an agent for the Society, teams up with the brooding Jack Talent to catch a vicious murderer. Their fiery rivalry turns into undeniable passion amidst the hunt.
Read this if you like: Enemies-to-lovers, detective duos, and simmering sexual tension.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Evernight (#5)
Holly Evernight, a brilliant inventor, becomes the target of assassin Will Thorne, whose sanity is slipping away. Their unexpected connection might be the key to saving each other.
Read this if you like: Inventor heroines, redemption arcs, and unlikely alliances.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Soulbound (#6)
After being rejected by his soul mate, Adam is doomed to eternal anguish. Eliza May, fleeing from danger, realizes Adam might be her only refuge, challenging their past decisions.
Read this if you like: Fated mates, immortal heroes, and redemption stories.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Forevermore (#7)
Sin Evernight, an angel of vengeance, vows to protect his long-lost friend, Layla Starling, from sinister forces. Their reunion sparks old feelings and new dangers.
Read this if you like: Friends-to-lovers, protective angels, and music-inspired settings.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
The Roaring Twenties by Jenn Bennett: A Glamorous and Ghostly Romance Series
If you’ve already devoured Darkest London, then let me introduce you to another gem: The Roaring Twenties series by Jenn Bennett. While Bennett is perhaps best known for her Arcadia Bell series, this historical paranormal romance series is my personal favorite.
Instead of Victorian London, we’re transported to 1920s San Francisco, where ghosts, magic, and romance intertwine. The Roaring Twenties aren’t a common setting in romance, which makes this series even more special. It brings a fresh and unique energy to the historical paranormal subgenre while still delivering the supernatural intrigue we love.
With three books in the series, The Roaring Twenties takes readers through a glamorous and eerie world of spirits, forbidden magic, and undeniable chemistry. If you love flappers, speakeasies, and a touch of the supernatural, you need to check this one out.
Where to Start: The Roaring Twenties by Jenn Bennett
Bitter Spirits (#1)
Aida Palmer, a spirit medium performing in a Chinatown speakeasy, is hired to help bootlegger Winter Magnusson break a deadly hex. As ghosts and danger close in, so does the sizzling chemistry between them.
Read this if you like: Bootleggers, medium heroines, and enemies-to-lovers romance.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Grim Shadows (#2)
Archaeologist Lowe Magnusson needs to deliver a powerful Egyptian artifact, but its guardian, museum curator Hadley Bacall, is cursed with violent spirits. Their reluctant partnership soon turns into something more—if they can survive the dark forces at play.
Read this if you like: Indiana Jones vibes, reluctant allies, and museum mysteries.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Grave Phantoms (#3)
Astrid Magnusson is off-limits to Bo Yeung, her brother’s right-hand man, but when a mysterious yacht washes ashore, they’re thrown into a world of dark magic, old money secrets, and forbidden love.
Read this if you like: Forbidden romance, flappers, and supernatural mysteries.
Grab book on Amazon | Our review
Which One Should You Read First?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide:
Pick Darkest London if you love... brooding Gothic heroes, a Victorian setting, and deep, slow-burning romances full of supernatural intrigue.
Pick The Roaring Twenties if you love... fast-paced, flirty romance with a ghostly twist, speakeasies, and a more modern (but still historical) setting.
Final Thoughts
Both series expertly balance historical world-building with supernatural elements, making them perfect for readers who love genre mash-ups. If you’re in the mood for something immersive, atmospheric, and just a little bit otherworldly, these books are must-reads.
Have you read these series? Do you have a favorite historical paranormal romance? Let’s chat in the comments!
This post was originally published on Under the Covers Book Blog on August 24, 2018
Sharing our love for books as Under the Covers Book Blog since 2011, running the Romanceopoly yearly reading challenge since 2019 and hosting the Reading Under the Covers podcast since 2020. Join our Substack community and have access to all paid member features.
I adore a good blend of historical and paranormal romance. Loved both those series!