Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews are determined by the author and/or reviewer. There is no guarantee of content. Reader discretion is advised.
CLEAN PARANORMAL
In a world increasingly filthy, we help you keep your reading clean.
Avoid the "It's a
good novel except for that one scene" scenario.
Sign up
for our Newsletter
Our Featured Books!
Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. This is a Wonderland where beneath each smile lies a secret, each tart comes with a demand, and only prisoners tell the truth.
All Ani has ever wanted is to serve the Temple of Anubis and learn the art of mummification.
Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop by Genre
OTHER
Authors A - F
At a Glance
(contains mild romantic themes, brief sensuality, emotional family trauma, and occasional swearing)
AUTHOR ERICA BAUERMEISTER
THE SCENT KEEPER
Erica Bauermeister, the national bestselling author of The School of Essential Ingredients, presents a moving and evocative coming-of-age novel about childhood stories, families lost and found, and how a fragrance conjures memories capable of shaping the course of our lives.
Emmeline lives an enchanted childhood on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses. What he won’t explain are the mysterious scents stored in the drawers that line the walls of their cabin, or the origin of the machine that creates them. As Emmeline grows, however, so too does her curiosity, until one day the unforeseen happens, and Emmeline is vaulted out into the real world--a place of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge. To understand her past, Emmeline must unlock the clues to her identity, a quest that challenges the limits of her heart and imagination.
Lyrical and immersive, The Scent Keeper explores the provocative beauty of scent, the way it can reveal hidden truths, lead us to the person we seek, and even help us find our way back home.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister could be a good choice for families who appreciate lyrical writing, thoughtful coming-of-age stories, and gentle explorations of identity and emotion. The novel centers around a young girl raised in isolation by her father, surrounded by mysterious scent-capturing technology, and follows her journey into the wider world as she uncovers secrets about her past. The story delves into themes of memory, family, love, and discovery in a way that invites thoughtful discussion. While there is some romance and a few emotionally intense moments, the overall tone is reflective rather than graphic, making it suitable for mature readers who enjoy emotionally rich storytelling. That said, some families might find the book less suitable depending on their sensitivity to certain content. There is some mild sensual content—nothing explicit, but suggestive enough that parents of younger readers may want to preview those sections. In addition, the story includes references to trauma, abandonment, and emotional manipulation, which could be unsettling for more sensitive readers. There is also some light swearing. While the content is generally handled with care and nuance, it may not be the best fit for readers looking for lighter or more straightforward narratives.
(contains moderate romance, implied sexual content, strong violence, crime themes, and frequent swearing)
AUTHOR HOLLY BLACK
THE CURSE WORKERS: WHITE CAT
A “dangerously, darkly gorgeous fantasy” (Cassandra Clare), from New York Times bestselling author Holly Black.
Cassel comes from a family of curse workers—people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, all by the slightest touch of their hands. Since curse work is illegal, they’re all criminals. But not Cassel. He hasn’t got the magic touch, so he’s an outsider—the straight kid in a crooked family—as long as you ignore one small detail: He killed his best friend, Lila. Now he is sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat. He also notices that his brothers are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of one huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Holly Black’s White Cat, the first book in The Curse Workers series, offers a gritty, noir-inspired twist on urban fantasy with a compelling mix of magic, crime, and psychological tension. The story follows Cassel Sharpe, a teen from a family of “curse workers”—people who can manipulate others’ luck, emotions, or memories with just a touch. The morally gray world, filled with con artists and criminal syndicates, gives the book a fresh, mature edge that sets it apart from many other fantasy series. Readers who enjoy suspense, layered plots, and flawed but sympathetic protagonists may find this series both thought-provoking and addictive. In terms of content, White Cat includes some romantic elements and mild sensuality, but nothing explicit. There are a few scenes with kissing and romantic tension, though the emotional stakes often outweigh any physical intimacy. Violence is present, including references to murder, abuse, and psychological manipulation, but it's handled within the dark tone of the story rather than for shock value. There’s also occasional swearing. Families concerned about mature themes—such as manipulation, criminal activity, or moral ambiguity—may want to preview the book, but for many older teen and adult readers, the series offers a smart, stylish story with depth and originality.
(moderate violence/horror, non-graphic sexual reference)
AUTHOR TEYLA BRANTON
FIRST TOUCH (BOOK 0-PREQUEL NOVELLA)
Detective Shannon Martin believes Autumn Rain’s gift is a hoax. But he is desperate to find the missing little girl. Can they put aside their differences and find her before it’s too late?
Autumn Rain didn’t always possess the ability to read emotions imprinted on objects. If you’ve enjoyed the Imprints series or are just beginning the adventure, you don’t want to miss this new prequel about Autumn's first case as a consultant to the Portland Police Bureau. See how she came into her ability, and how Detective Shannon Martin reacts when he realizes this crazy so-called psychic might just be telling the truth.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Teyla Branton’s First Touch, the first book in the Imprints series, blends mystery, romance, and supernatural suspense in a clean and engaging way. It follows Autumn Rain, a woman with the rare ability to read emotions and memories from objects—an ability that proves both a gift and a burden as she becomes entangled in solving crimes. The storyline is fast-paced and intriguing, and the paranormal element adds a fresh twist to the traditional detective narrative. The writing is accessible, making it a great pick for readers who enjoy a strong female lead, light romance, and a touch of the uncanny without venturing into heavy or graphic territory. In terms of content, First Touch is very family-friendly. There’s romantic tension and developing chemistry between characters, but any sensual content stays mild and appropriate, with no explicit sexual scenes. Violence is present in the context of crime-solving but is not overly graphic or disturbing. There’s minimal to no swearing, making it a solid choice for readers who are looking for clean content with a mature tone. This series is ideal for families who prefer mystery and romance stories with wholesome values and a supernatural twist.
(mild romance, some kissing, supernatural violence, ghostly peril, and occasional mild swearing)
AUTHOR LIBBA BRAY
A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY
The first book in the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling Gemma Doyle trilogy, the exhilarating and haunting saga from the author of The Diviners series and Under the Same Stars.
It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one.
To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?
“A delicious, elegant gothic.”—PW, Starred
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Libba Bray’s A Great and Terrible Beauty offers a dark, atmospheric blend of historical fiction and fantasy that might appeal to readers who enjoy richly imagined worlds with a gothic twist. Set in a Victorian-era boarding school, the story follows Gemma Doyle as she discovers a magical realm and uncovers secrets tied to her mother’s mysterious death. The series explores themes of power, identity, friendship, and the role of women in society. Its lyrical writing and moody setting make it a compelling read for those who enjoy introspective heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a touch of romance woven into a coming-of-age tale. Content-wise, the series includes some mature elements that may be a consideration for more cautious families. There are romantic scenes, including kissing and some sensuality, as well as thematic elements such as grief, betrayal, and abuse of power. While there are no explicit sex scenes, there are moments of emotional and physical intensity. The tone can be dark at times, and some supernatural scenes involve unsettling imagery or danger. For readers comfortable with nuanced, occasionally heavy themes and mild sensual content, this series could be a meaningful and immersive experience.
(features mild peril and light romantic elements appropriate for younger readers)
AUTHOR JEN CALONITA
ISLE OF EVER
Two hundred years ago, an island disappeared. Benny has just two weeks to find it.
Everly "Benny" Benedict and her mom have always managed to get by, though they're broke most of the time. But all that could change. Benny's just learned she's the sole heir to the vast fortune of Evelyn Terry, a mysterious ancestor from the 1800s!
There's a catch, though. First Benny needs to play―and win―a game: following clues that are more than a century old, she must find her way to the tiny island Evelyn wrote about in her diary. It was somewhere off the shoreline of Evelyn's home town, but according to legend, it vanished long ago and hasn't appeared on maps for hundreds of years. Yet Benny has only a couple weeks to locate it.
If she's successful, she'll collect the inheritance. But what if there's more than a fortune at stake in this game? What if Benny has to break an ancient curse to win?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita is a great choice for families looking for a wholesome, adventurous read with strong moral themes and a magical setting. The story focuses on courage, friendship, and personal growth, making it a solid pick for readers who enjoy imaginative quests without the darker elements sometimes found in fantasy. There’s light, innocent romance, but nothing overt or mature—just the kind of sweet interactions that many young readers can relate to or enjoy without discomfort. For families who prefer more intense action, edgier themes, or complex romantic subplots, this series might feel a little tame. There’s no explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or strong language, which may be a plus for some but a drawback for readers seeking more mature or high-stakes drama. Overall, Isle of Ever offers a magical escape that emphasizes character values and adventure over intensity, making it a comforting and age-appropriate read for fans of light, family-friendly fantasy.
(violence, abduction, dark psychological themes, and intense suspense)
AUTHOR DARCY COATES
WHERE HE CAN'T FIND YOU (BOOK 1)
DON'T WALK ALONE, OR THE STITCHER WILL FIND YOU.
Abby Ward lives in a town haunted by disappearances. People vanish, and when they're found, their bodies have been dismembered and sewn back together in unnatural ways. But is it the work of a human killer…or something far darker?
DON'T STAY OUT LATE, OR THE STITCHER WILL TAKE YOU.
She and her younger sister live by a strict set of rules designed to keep them safe―which is why it's such a shock when Hope is taken. Desperate to get her back, Abby tells the police everything she knows, but they claim their hands are tied.
DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES, OR THE STITCHER WILL REMAKE YOU.
From USA Today bestselling horror/thriller author Darcy Coates comes the chilling legend of a monster no one can escape.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Darcy Coates’s Where He Can't Find You is a fast-paced supernatural thriller that delivers a tense, eerie atmosphere with a strong survival story at its core. The book follows a teen girl in a town haunted by a terrifying urban legend known as the "Snatcher," and it blends horror, suspense, and emotional stakes in a way that keeps readers on edge. It's a good pick for those who enjoy psychological thrillers and paranormal mysteries with resilient characters and a breakneck pace. The story emphasizes courage, family bonds, and friendship amidst escalating danger, which makes it emotionally engaging as well as thrilling. From a content standpoint, this book leans heavily into horror elements, with some graphic descriptions of violence and intense scenes of peril. While the tone is consistently suspenseful and eerie, there's no explicit sexual content or sensuality, making it a relatively clean read in that regard. The emotional tension and frightening imagery might be too intense for readers sensitive to horror or themes of abduction and trauma. However, for families comfortable with darker fiction that leans into supernatural danger without veering into explicit content, this could be an exciting and satisfying read.
(moderate horror violence, occasional strong language, and no explicit sexual content)
AUTHOR BRENDAN DENEEN
THE CHRYSALIS
"Creepy, powerful, wonderfully twisted." —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times–bestselling author
Don’t go in the basement . . .
In a brutal spasm of bad luck, Tom and Jenny Decker lose both their cheap Manhattan apartment and their barely-above-minimum-wage jobs.
Their luck runs hot when they stumble upon a surprisingly affordable house in the suburbs, an old friend of Tom’s offers him an amazing opportunity, and Jenny discovers that she’s pregnant.
But there are dark secrets galore in the Deckers’ new/old house. The place has a violent past. There’s a thing in the basement, a bizarre chrysalis Tom conceals from Jenny.
Touching it makes him feel like a winner, like he can tackle any challenge—the mortgage, the commute, impending fatherhood.
Until the night everything goes horribly wrong and the Deckers’ dream life is exposed as the phantom it always was. The night the chrysalis starts to hatch.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Chrysalis by Brendan Deneen could be a compelling choice for readers who enjoy psychological horror with a slow-burn, domestic setting. The story explores how a mysterious chrysalis hidden in a suburban basement slowly exerts a disturbing influence over a seemingly ordinary man. With no explicit sexual content and only moderate swearing and horror violence, the book keeps its focus on creeping dread rather than graphic imagery. This makes it a good fit for mature readers looking for something unsettling and thought-provoking without relying on gore or shock value. On the other hand, The Chrysalis might not be the best option for readers or families sensitive to themes of psychological breakdown or possession-like influence, as the book delves into obsession, mental unraveling, and toxic behavior. Some scenes may feel disturbing due to the character's descent into madness, even without overtly graphic content. The horror is more atmospheric than monster-driven, which may not appeal to younger readers or those seeking traditional action or supernatural showdowns. Still, for fans of quiet horror with an eerie edge, this novel offers a chilling read that lingers after the final page.
(touch of romance [kissing, implied intimacy], moderate violence tied to WWII-era conflict, minimal swearing)
AUTHOR ELYSE DOUGLAS
TIME RISK (BOOK 1)
Hawaii - December 1941 - Saving the past, risking the future.
Eighty-three-year-old billionaire Andrew Whitlock recruits Rachel Hunt, a 33-year-old former homicide detective with a tarnished reputation, for a daring mission: to travel back in time to Honolulu, just days before December 7, 1941. Rachel's task is to locate and save Andrew’s father—a man he never met—from perishing in his fighter plane during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
As the mission begins to spiral out of control, Rachel finds herself hunted by Naval Intelligence and the Honolulu Police.
Amidst the chaos, Rachel discovers that she might have a fleeting chance to change the entire outcome of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor—if she can survive.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Time Risk by Elyse Douglas could be a good choice for families who enjoy time travel stories woven with historical intrigue, light romance, and adventure. The story transports readers to the 1940s, mixing real-world events with a fast-paced narrative that keeps things exciting. While there is a romantic thread, it remains relatively clean—limited to moments of affection and implied intimacy rather than anything graphic. The historical setting adds educational appeal, and the mix of mystery, suspense, and character growth can be especially engaging for readers who like a thoughtful yet entertaining journey through time. On the other hand, families who are sensitive to wartime violence or prefer completely clean reads might want to approach this book with some caution. The violence, while not overly graphic, reflects the danger and moral complexity of the WWII era, and the tone occasionally dips into serious territory. There is minimal swearing, but the intensity of some situations may be better suited for readers who can process emotional tension and the ethical dilemmas that come with historical conflicts. Still, the book avoids excessive darkness, making it a solid option for those comfortable with mild mature themes within a rich, imaginative story.
(no sexual content, minimal romance, and mild spooky themes,)
AUTHOR SHEA ERNSHAW
LONG LIVE THE PUMPKIN QUEEN
**THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**
Read Sally’s story in this young adult companion to Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Jack and Sally are "truly meant to be" ... or are they?
Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams-- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a different cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare?
Written by New York Times' bestselling author, Shea Ernshaw, this book is perfect for fans of the film, Disney's A Twisted Tale series and Wranglestone.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Shea Ernshaw’s Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is a charming and atmospheric continuation of The Nightmare Before Christmas universe, focusing on Sally’s journey as she adjusts to her new role as Pumpkin Queen. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy gothic fantasy with whimsical world-building, emotional depth, and a touch of romance. The story explores themes of identity, fear of inadequacy, and personal growth, making it both entertaining and meaningful. Fans of Tim Burton’s original film will appreciate the respectful expansion of the world, while new readers can enjoy the story as a standalone gothic fairytale. In terms of content, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen remains family-friendly. There’s no sexual content, and any romantic elements between Sally and Jack are sweet, understated, and appropriate for general audiences. The tone is gently eerie rather than frightening, with some scenes involving spooky imagery and supernatural danger, but nothing overly graphic or intense. This book is an excellent fit for readers who love darker fantasy that leans more toward magical melancholy than outright horror, and it’s a safe, enchanting choice for families who enjoy imaginative storytelling without mature content concerns.
swoony paranormal romance with implied off-page sexual content, mild violence, and occasional swearing—but no graphic sex
AUTHOR LILA FELIX
LIGHTNING KISSED (BOOK 1)
She will risk her life to protect him. But he will risk everything to protect them all.
Colby Evans can leap from one country to the next in a heartbeat. She can see every sunset in every time zone in the same day. The world can be covered from East to West in a flash. She defies gravity and physics with every breath she takes. She’s tested her abilities and found them limitless.
She is the lightning. She is Lucent. And nothing can stop her.
Except him.
Theodore Ramsey isn’t supposed to be able to flash like Colby. The power of travel is passed on from mother to daughter in their people. Except once in every hundred generations.
Theo is the one.
He can travel like Colby. And it makes him a target to their enemies and to himself. His abilities change everything he knows about life and throws his future into an uncertain tangent. In fact, the only thing certain in his life is the love he feels for Colby.
Their love defies time and space and has been the only constant thing in their lives since childhood. But even their infallible love will be stretched to its limits.
She will risk her life to protect him. But he will risk everything to protect them all.
Lightning Kissed is a paranormal romance with angsty, swoon-worthy characters and a story that will leave you thirsting for more. If you love Supernatural abilities, unique young adult romance and a chance to read about world travels, then this series is for you. This series features teleporting along with other supernatural abilities with a huge dose of romance and fated mates. And Lila Felix always guarantees an HEA.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Lightning Kissed by Lila Felix could be a great choice for readers who love emotional paranormal romance with a unique twist—time travel and supernatural powers. The story follows a strong female lead navigating a world where people like her, called Lucents, can jump through time. The romance is central and intense but mostly emotional and not graphic. While there’s definite romantic tension, any sexual content remains implied or off-page, keeping the focus on the characters’ bond rather than physical intimacy. For families who are comfortable with YA romance and a bit of supernatural drama, this book offers action, loyalty, and self-discovery in an engaging package. That said, parents might want to be aware of a few content concerns. There are moments of implied sexual coercion involving a villain character, which, while not explicit, may be unsettling or inappropriate for sensitive readers. Additionally, the story includes mild to moderate violence—mostly fantasy-style—and occasional strong language, including profanity. These elements aren't constant or gratuitous, but they are present enough that families who prefer cleaner or more uplifting content might find them problematic. Ultimately, Lightning Kissed fits well for readers ready for more mature themes handled with restraint, but it may not be the best fit for those seeking completely light or wholesome reads.
(contains romance, sensual content, a tragic accident with graphic injuries, and some swearing)
AUTHOR GAYLE FORMAN
IF I STAY (BOOK 1)
Heart-wrenchingly raw and heartbreakingly romantic, Gayle Forman’s international bestseller asks the ultimate question: What would you do if you had to choose?
“Beautifully written.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Every moment I spent reading Forman’s masterpiece drew me in more.”—NPR.com
Everything can change in an instant. For Mia, the day started like any other, surrounded by a loving family, an adoring boyfriend, and a bright future filled with music and infinite possibilities. What she never expected is the choice before her now. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an uncertain future, Mia has to contemplate everything she holds dear and make a choice: to go or to stay.
Adapted into a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Gayle Forman’s If I Stay is an emotionally powerful novel that explores grief, love, and the difficult choices we face in life and death. The story follows Mia, a talented young cellist, as she experiences an out-of-body journey after a tragic car accident, deciding whether to stay in the world or move on. It’s beautifully written and thought-provoking, with strong emotional resonance that can spark meaningful conversations about family, loss, and resilience. Readers who appreciate contemporary fiction with depth and heart will likely find it compelling and moving. However, families may want to be aware that If I Stay contains some content that could be sensitive for younger or more impressionable readers. There are references to death and trauma, and a few emotionally intense hospital scenes. Romantic content includes a loving teen relationship with some sensuality, including one brief, non-explicit sex scene handled with care and emotional context. There’s also some mild language. While the themes are poignant and the book is thoughtfully written, it’s best suited for readers ready to engage with mature emotional content and real-life challenges.
(some violence, kissing of same-sex and LGBTQ couples with mention of "feeling people up", and mild profanity)
AUTHOR NAMINA FORNA
THE GUILDED ONES (BOOK 1)
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.
Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki–near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.
Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be–not even Deka herself.
The start of a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Namina Forna’s The Gilded Ones is a powerful and imaginative fantasy novel that challenges societal norms and explores themes like identity, female empowerment, and systemic oppression. The story centers around Deka, a girl who is cast out for having gold blood and discovers a hidden strength within herself as she joins an elite group of warriors. The book is action-packed and thought-provoking, with a richly built world and a heroine who defies expectations. It’s a strong choice for readers who enjoy dark fantasy with a message and a courageous female lead. That said, The Gilded Ones contains some intense and potentially disturbing content that families may want to consider. The story addresses violence, including scenes of battle, executions, and references to trauma and abuse. While there’s no explicit sexual content, the book includes themes of gender-based violence and exploitation, handled with sensitivity but still quite heavy. It’s best suited for readers who can handle darker themes and are ready to engage with challenging questions about power, injustice, and survival in a brutal society.