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Quick answer: If you loved Twilight as an adult, try Dead Until Dark, A Discovery of Witches, Midnight Sun, Kiss of Midnight, From Blood and Ash and Interview with the Vampire. They give you supernatural romance with more mature stories.
Stephenie Meyer's 2005 novel about Bella and the vampire Edward Cullen sparked a worldwide craze. Many adults who loved it still want that mix of forbidden romance and supernatural danger, now with grown-up characters. These 15 books include vampires, witches and fae, with adult storylines and romance. Many contain explicit content.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Sun | Stephenie Meyer | 13+ | fans who want more Twilight |
| Dead Until Dark | Charlaine Harris | Adult | readers who like fun paranormal romance |
| A Discovery of Witches | Deborah Harkness | Adult | readers who like academia |
| Kiss of Midnight | Lara Adrian | Adult | readers who like vampire warriors |
| Dark Lover | J.R. Ward | Adult | readers who like alpha heroes |
| From Blood and Ash | Jennifer L. Armentrout | Adult | readers who like spicy fantasy |
| Interview with the Vampire | Anne Rice | Adult | readers who want the classic |
| Fledgling | Octavia E. Butler | Adult | readers who want a different story |
| Sunshine | Robin McKinley | Adult | readers who like cozy fantasy |
| Bitten | Kelley Armstrong | Adult | readers who like werewolves |
| Vampire Academy | Richelle Mead | Adult | readers who like school fantasy |
| Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros | Adult | readers who like romantasy |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses | Sarah J. Maas | Adult | readers who like fae romance |
| The Historian | Elizabeth Kostova | Adult | readers who like history |
| Dracula | Bram Stoker | Adult | readers who want the source |
1. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight told from Edward's point of view. A fresh look at the same story, and a must for fans.
Best for: fans who want more Twilight.
2. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Sookie Stackhouse, a Louisiana waitress, meets a vampire. The first Southern Vampire novel, light and flirty.
Best for: readers who like fun paranormal romance.
3. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Diana, a historian and witch, finds a bewitched manuscript and meets a vampire. Long and bookish.
Best for: readers who like academia.
4. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Gabrielle meets a warrior from a race of vampires. The first Midnight Breed novel.
Best for: readers who like vampire warriors.
5. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
The first Black Dagger Brotherhood book follows vampire warriors in Caldwell, New York. Steamy and fast.
Best for: readers who like alpha heroes.
6. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy, the Maiden, is meant to be untouched, but a guard stirs her feelings. Fantasy romance with vampires.
Best for: readers who like spicy fantasy.
7. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Louis tells his story of becoming a vampire. A gothic classic.
Best for: readers who want the classic.
8. Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler
A girl wakes with no memory and learns she is a vampire. Smart and unusual.
Best for: readers who want a different story.
9. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
Rae, a baker, is kidnapped by vampires and forms a strange bond. Cozy, dark and quirky.
Best for: readers who like cozy fantasy.
10. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Elena, the world's only female werewolf, is pulled back into her pack. Fast and sharp.
Best for: readers who like werewolves.
11. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Rose, a guardian in training, protects her friend Lissa at a vampire school. Fast and funny.
Best for: readers who like school fantasy.
12. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Violet enters a war college for dragon riders. Fast, spicy and addictive.
Best for: readers who like romantasy.
13. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre is taken to a faerie land and falls for her captor. Popular, steamy and romantic.
Best for: readers who like fae romance.
14. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
A young woman follows a trail through history to Dracula. Long and atmospheric.
Best for: readers who like history.
15. Dracula by Bram Stoker
The original vampire novel, told in letters and diary entries. Still gripping.
Best for: readers who want the source.
How to Choose
For more Twilight itself, read Midnight Sun. For light, fun vampire romance, try Dead Until Dark or Vampire Academy. For steamy romance, read Dark Lover or From Blood and Ash. For depth and history, choose A Discovery of Witches or The Historian. A simple plan is to read one fun pick and one deeper pick each month. Many of these include open-door scenes, so check each one. If you want audiobooks, vampire romances are often well narrated, and long series like Black Dagger Brotherhood are popular for commutes. For a breather between heavier books, return to a lighter pick like Dead Until Dark.
Related: 15 Books Like Twilight You’ll Love: Paranormal Romance and Dark Fantasy · What Age Is Twilight Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there adult versions of Twilight?
Not exactly, but vampire romances like Dead Until Dark and Dark Lover are written for adults.
Is Midnight Sun a good read?
Yes, though it is long, and mostly retells the same events from Edward's view.
Which book is closest in tone?
Vampire Academy and A Discovery of Witches are the nearest in feel.
Are these books spicy?
Many are. Check the content notes before choosing.
Who is the best author of vampire romance for adults?
Charlaine Harris, J.R. Ward and Lara Adrian are popular names.
Is Twilight YA?
Yes, it is a young adult series, though many adults read it.