There’s something undeniably captivating about a story set in a world where whispers echo through candlelit corridors, secrets linger behind velvet drapes, and magic hums beneath the surface of polite society. C.J. Archer knows how to conjure that feeling — and hold you there, breathless and bewitched.
Her books are a masterclass in historical fantasy romance, full of spooky mysteries, slow-burn love, and heroines who refuse to stay quiet in a world that wants them invisible. Whether you’re diving into necromancer conspiracies, cursed palaces, or secret government ministries, her stories always deliver an intoxicating blend of suspense, sensuality, and supernatural intrigue.
If you’re craving romantic paranormal fantasy that balances emotional stakes with lush worldbuilding and just the right touch of danger, these books are for you.
Step Into a World of Mystery, Magic, and Forbidden Love
The Palace of Lost Memories (After The Rift Book 1)
by C.J. Archer
A kingdom without history. A palace full of secrets. A heroine determined to uncover the truth — even if it destroys everything.
The Palace of Lost Memories introduces us to a richly imagined world where the past has been mysteriously erased. When a clever, curious apothecary is brought to a newly constructed royal palace, she soon realizes something is wrong. The romance here builds slowly and deliciously, full of mutual respect, intellectual sparring, and a chemistry that simmers beneath every glance.
This story blends mystery, court intrigue, and slow-burn fantasy romance, all with the haunting atmosphere of a place that knows more than it reveals.
Ideal for fans of gaslamp fantasy, enemies-to-allies dynamics, and historical romance with magical secrets.
Ashes to Ashes: A Ministry of Curiosities Novella
by C.J. Archer
Short, sharp, and spellbinding, this novella is a bite-sized return to the world of The Ministry of Curiosities — and it packs a punch.
Set between full-length novels, Ashes to Ashes gives us a glimpse into the darker corners of this Victorian paranormal world. There’s a mystery to solve, a magical undercurrent, and all the tension, wit, and charm fans of the series adore.
While the romance here is more of a subplot, it still carries the emotional weight that makes this universe so addicting. The novella is perfect for fans who want to dive deeper into the world — or need a quick, satisfying fix of paranormal mystery with romantic undertones.
Best for readers who enjoy compact supernatural adventures, ghostly mysteries, and clever heroines who take no nonsense from the living or the dead.
The Wrong Girl: Book 1 of the 1st Freak House Trilogy
by C.J. Archer
Trapped in a house filled with secrets, one girl’s life changes forever when she’s mistaken for someone else — and taken to a place where the paranormal is all too real.
The Wrong Girl kicks off the Freak House Trilogy with a bang, introducing readers to Hannah — a heroine with a strange gift and a fire in her heart. Kidnapped and confined in a sprawling gothic estate, she forms an uneasy alliance with a brooding young man who may be hiding just as much as she is.
This classic gothic romance has a supernatural twist: candlelit hallways, dangerous powers, and a slow-burning connection that smolders with every secret revealed.
A perfect pick for lovers of Victorian-era paranormal romance, opposites-attract tropes, and emotional enemies-to-lovers arcs.
The Last Necromancer (The Ministry of Curiosities Book 1)
by C.J. Archer
Imagine being hunted for a gift you never asked for — and desired by a man you can’t trust.
In The Last Necromancer, we meet Charlie — a former street urchin hiding a powerful secret: she can speak to the dead. When she’s captured and dragged into the world of a mysterious gentleman and the shadowy Ministry of Curiosities, she must navigate a maze of danger, betrayal, and a romance as forbidden as it is irresistible.
This book delivers intense slow-burn chemistry, magical tension, and emotional vulnerability that hits just as hard as the supernatural stakes.
A must-read for paranormal romance fans with strong heroines, Victorian dark fantasy, and brooding love interests with dangerous pasts.
The Wisdom of Madness (The Ministry of Curiosities)
by C.J. Archer
The stakes are higher, the magic darker, and the romance more emotionally layered in this later entry in The Ministry of Curiosities series.
In The Wisdom of Madness, alliances are tested, enemies creep closer, and long-buried truths begin to surface. The heroine’s journey is not just magical — it’s deeply personal as she confronts her past, her power, and the people she’s come to love and trust.
This book deepens the central love story in satisfying, emotional, and occasionally heartbreaking ways. For returning fans, it’s a rich continuation of a story that started with death — and found life in love.
Ideal for readers invested in series-long romantic development, dark fantasy adventure, and plot twists that leave you breathless.
Final Thoughts
C.J. Archer crafts paranormal romance stories that feel like falling into a velvet-draped dream — lush, haunting, and impossible to put down. Her heroines are smart and resilient, her worlds are full of gothic beauty and magical danger, and her romances? Slow-burn perfection with the emotional payoff we all crave.
If you’re looking for your next historical fantasy romance binge filled with necromancers, ghostly mysteries, secret societies, and love that defies every rule — this list is your perfect starting point.
Light a candle. Open the book. And let yourself be enchanted.
