Book picks similar to
A Ritual of Fire by J.L. Hendricks


paranormal
urban-fantasy
fantasy
dragons

Cursed by Fire


Danielle Annett - 2015
    The victims are innocents, chosen to pit the shifter Pack and the vampire Coven against one another.If war breaks out, humanity won’t survive.But controlling fire is my thing, and I won’t let that happen.I’m a mercenary, but this is about so much more than money. It’s my city and someone is threatening it. I won’t stop until I find them.When the good guys start to look more like villains, I have no choice but to question everything I knew, including the people I thought I could trust.It turns out the humans might not be as helpless as they seem, and I'm in more danger than I realized.If you like K.F. Breene, Annette Marie, Patricia Briggs, McKenzie Hunter, CN Crawford, Leia Stone, or Linsey Hall, then buckle up buttercup, and get ready for a fast paced adventure you won't be able to put down.

Nightfall


L.H. Cosway - 2012
    None of them, however, have anything on the handsome stranger who comes in one night and helps her fend off an armed robber. He looks the thief directly in the eye and without confrontation convinces him to turn around and walk out the door.Tegan has never seen anything like it, nor does she understand why he then lays those mesmerising eyes on her and tells her to forget they ever met. She shrugs it off as just another weird night shift encounter, until the following evening when her best friend produces free passes to a new club in the city. Tegan agrees to go and is pleasantly surprised by the tasteful, classy décor and oddly beautiful, intensely ethereal clientele. To her surprise, her mysterious stranger is sitting smack dab in the VIP section. What are the chances?!Tegan is struck by the coincidence of bumping into him again so soon, while he is furious that she remembers him when he insisted she forget their meeting. Tegan has no idea that she’s taken a misstep into a whole new world inhabited by vampires, slayers, dhampirs, witches and warlocks. All of whom display a wholly disconcerting interest in what makes her unique from the rest of the clueless humans who populate the city. On top of this, her handsome stranger keeps turning up at her work and seems intent on getting to know her a whole lot better.Nightfall is book one in L.H. Cosway’s Blood Magic Series. A previous, unedited version of this story was published under the title Tegan’s Blood.

Stroke of Fire


Kira Nyte - 2019
    She has fun new friends and the promise of a showing at a small New Orleans art gallery. The fact she can listen in on other people’s thoughts and has the occasional, freakily accurate premonition is the little secret that inspires her work. Syn Terravon is content with his vagabond life, never staying in one place too long. It’s a good way to forget about the horror that drove Syn and his fellow Firestorm dragons from their homeland three decades ago. He’s ready to leave the Big Easy when he spots her. His lifemate. And she’s in danger.Briella is more annoyed than afraid when a tall, dark and dangerously attractive man with flames — actual flames — in his eyes accosts her outside her apartment. Yeah, sure he’s there to protect her. She’s shocked to learn the safe life she enjoys is nothing more than an illusion. For a woman to whom hard-won independence is sacred, putting her faith in a chivalrous stranger might just be riskiest challenge she’s ever taken on.

Gathering Water


Regan Claire - 2014
    It was all Della ever knew of her mother. No identification. No family to tie her to. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Della's life was flipped upside down by one thin, manila folder. Growing up in the foster system, she never really had anything to call her own, not even a last name revealing any real association to anyone. Now, the truth was exposed, but there was still so much she didn't know. Hoping to learn more about the mother she never knew, and maybe discover a bit more about herself along the way, Della travels across the country seeking answers-and finds far more than she bargained for. An unimaginable world-one on the brink of war-is pulling her in, and making her claim a birthright she never knew she wanted. There's a storm brewing on the horizon, and as the pressure builds, it will take everything Della has not to drown in a destiny she didn't choose.

Entangled


Nikki Jefford - 2012
    Not until her diabolical twin sister decided to go on a rampage that could expose them all. To add to the aggravation, coven reject Raj McKenna catches Gray performing a complex spell and is convinced they would make a powerful couple. He can delude himself all he wants. Gray has sworn off dating warlocks, especially delinquents who play with fire.  But even Gray’s mysterious death won’t deter Raj, not after Gray is brought back from the great beyond. Only she’s not truly back. Her body’s still six feet under and she’s on borrowed time. There are forces threatening Gray’s existence and a powerful wizard willing to help . . . for a price. Gray doesn’t know who to trust or how long she has left before she vanishes for good, but she’s determined to stick around no matter what the cost.

Twin Souls


K.A. Poe - 2012
    What generally means a step into adulthood instead opens its way to a terrifying truth about not only her family, but herself. She comes from a long line of vampire hunters, and her real dad wants her to carry on the family quest. At the same time, she is falling for a new boy at school who has his own secret. He is a vampire. Alexis is forced to make a decision from which there is no turning back. - Will she deny this newly discovered heritage, or embrace it.

Lost in Shadow


Cynthia Luhrs - 2013
    A relaxing vacation to Scotland turns deadly when a chance encounter with a ghostly highland warrior leads to murder. When Emily witnesses a murder no one else can see, she learns she possesses an extraordinary ability allowing her to interact with the dead. WITH A GHOSTLY HIGHLAND WARRIOR Lord Colin Campbell prowls the streets of Edinburgh, a barren shell, eviscerating those who prey on humanity. No longer believing in love, unable to trust, Colin is rocked to the core when fate intervenes. UNLEASHES A DEADLY CURSE AND A CHANCE AT ETERNAL LOVE... Unwittingly drawn into Shadow when she saves Colin, a terrible curse is unleashed. Now with only a week to break the curse, time is running out. Locked in a deadly fight with forces that will stop at nothing to destroy her before she succeeds, Emily must find the key. Intensely romantic and thrilling, Lost in Shadow portrays the struggle between redemption, retribution and the desire to find a love that transcends time. If you enjoy persnickety gods, supernatural creatures and ghosts with the ability to manifest physical bodies, then Lost in Shadow is for you. This is the first book in the series though they all may be read stand alone.

Claire Beckett and the Transfer of Power


Molly Chase - 2021
    And I can see runes around dead bodies. Life would be perfect if I didn’t have to deal with the werewolf mayor and finding out that my mother lied to me about her ties to this place.Bodies are dropping throughout the city, similar to a group of cold cases I’ve found. The killer’s ready to kill again and if history has anything to do with it, he’ll continue to hunt until he’s had his revenge.But the more we keep digging, connections to both me and my partner amp up the need to find this killer and get him behind bars before the city begins to panic.

Rippler


Cidney Swanson - 2011
    Handsome Will Baker offers help and secrecy, but soon Sam will have to choose between keeping her secrets and keeping Will in her life. Suspenseful and romantic, Rippler and its sequels capture the collision of the beautiful with the dark.Two further sequels form a complete trilogy. Four additional books in series for those who fall in love with the Ripple world and want even more!RIPPLER is the free first book in a teen and young adult paranormal fantasy series set in a contemporary world where invisibility has long been a well kept secret. It combines the heart pounding action of a thriller with a touch of clean romance and a science fiction twist.

Dark Promise


Julia Crane - 2012
    But on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, her perfect little world shatters. A stranger claiming to be her real mother appears with a secret: Rylie is a faery whose powers will be unleashed on her birthday. Captured and forced into a new life, Rylie struggles to keep everything she loves and discovers a terrifying truth: some promises cannot be broken.

Shadow Born


Alex Gates - 2020
    This story isn’t for the feint of heart. It’s not for the sensitive. I know what you’re thinking, reader. You have handled the daring Harry Dresden, the foul-mouthed Nate Temple, the pulpy violence of James Stark. Well… let me tell you something right now… You’re dead wrong if you think you can handle Joseph Labrador Hunter. I’m more of the third, forgotten Winchester brother. In the words of my old pal, Lemony Snicket, “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.” He’s not really a pal of mine, more a hero, but the sentiment rings true. My story isn’t one of happiness. It has a sad beginning…In the middle, there’s a lot of violent, sad things that happen…And the end, well, that’s the saddest part. I’m not a hero. I’m not a wizard. I’m not Superman with a wand. If you’re looking for light-hearted fun, go sniff up someone else’s magical staff. I’m a nightmare to my best friends, and a death wish to my worst enemies. And I’m also very melodramatic, and I will sometimes break into a running commentary with my reader… because, it’s the only time anyone will ever listen to me!Grab your favorite drink. You’ll need it if you ever want to forget this story.

Suspended


Sarah Noffke - 2016
    The once orderly grounds of the circus become riddled with hidden threats. And the ringmaster realizes not only are his circus and its magic at risk, but also his very life. Vagabond Circus caters to the skeptics. Without skeptics, it would close its doors. This is because Vagabond Circus runs for two reasons and only two reasons: first and foremost to provide the lost and lonely Dream Travelers a place to be illustrious. And secondly, to show the nonbelievers that there's still magic in the world. If they believe, then they care, and if they care, then they don't destroy. They stop the small abuse that day-by-day breaks down humanity's spirit. If Vagabond Circus makes one skeptic believe in magic, then they halt the cycle, just a little bit. They allow a little more love into this world. That's Dr. Dave Raydon's mission. And that's why this ringmaster recruits. That's why he directs. That's why he puts on a show that makes people question their beliefs. He wants the world to believe in magic once again.

Beautiful Demons: Shadow Demons Saga 1-3


Sarra Cannon - 2013
    She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she's lost count. Shadowford Home for Girls is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs.But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret.Inner DemonsHarper Madison is willing to do whatever it takes to get answers about the disappearance of her mother and about her own strange powers. Even if it means joining the Demons cheerleading squad, a secret training ground for witches. The training opens up a new world for Harper. It's a world of beauty and magic beyond her wildest dreams, but it's also a world of sinister expectations. A world where every secret hides an even darker secret.Bitter DemonsSo far, life in Peachville has been tough for Harper. She's survived attacks on her life, learned how to control her magic, and met the most gorgeous guy with an unbelievable secret. After her latest stunt at Brighton Hospital, life has gotten even more complicated. The Order of Shadows is determined to tighten their control on her life.When a future Prima from a nearby demon gate comes to town, she and Harper decide to use glamours to switch places at a party. All Harper wants is to have a little fun.But the night will end in blood.And Harper will find out the attack was meant for her...

Brand New Blade


Riley London - 2019
    Fall in love. Save the world. Welcome to Angel Academy. My name is Celeste Venoix and I’m no angel. I never had a family, so I’ve been taking care of myself ever since I was a kid. One night, some creep decides to follow me home from work, and I use my fists to put him in his place. After the brawl, a handsome stranger approaches me and tells me that I might be an angel. What the hell? The next thing I know, I’m enrolled at the Angel Academy. The academy is a place for angels-in-training to learn how to fight demons and become fluent in an ancient language or two. It’s hard enough trying to keep up with my classes, but somewhere between working on my swordsmanship and my Latin prepositions, I find myself falling for my best guy friend... And falling for a handsome stranger. And falling for a guy who totally hates my guts. All at the same time. Oh, and did I mention that demons keep trying to kill me and I have no idea why? God. It’s going to be one hell of a year. *Angel Academy is a university-age reverse harem series. 18+ #WhyChoose

Deadly Intent


Kate Allenton - 2016
    Just ask her mother. Her people-pleasing skills could use some work, which is why Quinn prefers working with the dead over the living. Ghosts take her as she is, but when people experience Quinn’s sharp tongue and sassy attitude, there is no in between. They either love her or want to throw her off the nearest bridge, with the latter being more typical. Good thing she knows how to swim. When a Scottish ghost invades her home and insists she resolve his earthly issues, banishing his ghostly presence becomes priority number one, and a battle of wills and wits ensues until she ultimately agrees. Her task is easy enough. Return a gem to its rightful owner and then return home, minus the aggravating ghost. Quinn should know things are never as easy as they seem. Scottish laird Collin Menzie has lived through his share of problems and is still currently dealing with the aftermath of a fire that nearly destroyed his ancestral home. When a beautiful American shows up to return his emerald, her presence starts an unavoidable collision course, in which he questions not only his destiny but also hers. When dealing with an annoying ghost, an emerald worth a small fortune, and a sexy-as-hell Highlander, what could possibly go wrong? Quinn is about to find out just how deadly the combination can be.