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As a self-proclaimed Twihard who’s now in my mid-twenties, I will firstly say that Twilight is still one of my favorite series. Part of that is because of the nostalgia, and the other part of that is that I just freaking love a vampire.
Secondly, I will say that reading about vampire teens being angsty over each other is not always what I am looking for now as an adult reader (though, tbh, sometimes it SO is).
Here, I have collected some books that hit some of the same feels as the Twilight series books but for a more adult reader!
If you like small town romance…
Magical Midlife Madness by K. F. Breene
Jesse finds herself an empty nester with her son going off to college. However, the nest is SUPER empty because her husband also left her!
She decides to move to a small town in California and starts taking care of a centuries-old house that she’s been drawn to since she was a kid. However, there is much more to the house than she could ever know…
This book is filled with paranormal romance, a leading female character, a small-town aesthetic, and so much more to love!
Also, like Twilight, it is a complete series, so if the first book leaves you wanting more, there is so much more to love!
The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews
The first book in the Innkeeper Chronicles is Clean Sweep, where we find Dina Demille, who runs a bed and breakfast in a small town in Texas.
This book is definitely more out there than Twilight with a more sci-fi element. I mean, these vampires come from space!
However, for the paranormal, vampire, small-town loving readers, this is a super fun series with a baddie main female character!
If you like vampire vs werewolves…
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf by Heather G. Harris
Bunny, who’s a recently turned vampire (and is not happy about it), finds herself in a paranormal town and partners up with the local Sheriff.
As she learns how to control her new powers, she also begins using her abilities to help the police solve murders.
However, this town is full of all sorts of paranormals, witches, necromancers, vampires, and shifters, and tensions between the different groups are at an all-time high after a werewolf is killed.
This book is excellent for readers who love murder mystery, fantasy, paranormal romance, and political interest between the magical councils.
If you like vampire lore…
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
This is a must-read for all vampire novel lovers. It has some of the best vampire gothic aesthetic, and the world Anne Rice creates is rich, seductive, and bloody.
Louis tells the reporter the story of his life, how he became a vampire, and his relationship with Lestat, his creator.
Louis and Lestat have a complicated relationship, and to make it even more complicated, Lestat also creates a young vampire, Claudia. This book is equally suspenseful and sensual, as are all vampires!
There is so much lore and world-building about how the vampires in this world operate within society. It is page-turning seeing our characters throughout different time periods from the 1700s to the twentieth century.
For anyone who loved all the vampire origin stories and flashbacks of the Cullens, there will be so much you’ll love about this book.
If you like paranormal romance…
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
This book is about vampires vs vampire slayers, but this time, we are sooooo rooting for the vampires (partly cause the slayers are undead and so so icky).
Wrath is the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and also the only pure-blood vampire left.
He is caught between his lifelong blood feud with the Lessening Society and helping his recently dead friend’s half-vampire daughter, Beth, who is approaching her vampire coming of age and has no idea about the paranormal world.
This book is fun, sexy, and thrilling, and if you love the intoxicating relationship Edward has with Bella, you will love this dark romance.
If you like vampire transition…
License to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
Jane Anderson gets turned by a hottie vampire, Ethan Devereaux, on a girl’s trip. Ethan has love at first sight, with Jane mistaken for his ex-fiancee.
However, once she’s turned vampire, Ethan realizes that she is not who he thought she was and is actually a sassy travel blogger who is queasy at the sight of blood. Now, he’s very annoyed that he has to help her ease into her new vampire life.
Though, once he gets to know her, his feelings about having Jane around start to change…
This book is a funny take on vampire transitions and is a much lighter read than some of the others in this post. If you love a lighthearted vamp book, this is perfect for you!
I can’t recommend vampire books and not include…
Dracula by Bram Stoker
This is one of my all-time favorite books, and I can’t not include it in this post! The found footage, the way this book reads, and the suspense keep the reader turning page after page.
Don’t let the fact that it’s a classic turn you off from reading Dracula, because Dracula is the IT GIRL of vampire novels.
Set in the late 1800s, Jonathan Harker has a strange encounter with Count Dracula.
After his escape, his life back in London is filled with mysterious event after mysterious event, including his wife falling very sick after discovering puncture marks on her neck…
This book is a great read and perfect for any vampire lover!
If you have any Twilight-like books that you’ve found, please leave them in the comments, because you know I am ALWAYS in the mood for a new vampy book! 🧛
Hope you enjoy your next vampire read, and as always, happy reading!
-Paisley
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