Tom Holt’s books. I particularly like the ones that involve J. W. W. Wells and Co. (Practical and Effective Magicians, Sorcerers and Supernatural Consultants). They’re quite funny, and good at making elves, goblins, werewolves, giants and so on seem normal.
Faerie Tale by Raymond E. Feist. There’s romance involved, but not the kind with sexy monsters. A human boy and girl fall in love while elves torment her family.
I thought of her but came to the conclusion that she didn’t fit the genre. But now I can see how see just sort of might. And even if not, I’ll take half an excuse to recommend the brilliant, excellent, superb ms Wynne Jones.
I’m in the UK; I’m not sure if the US edition is out yet…
Yup, it’s available here. (I’m trying to hold out for the paperback edition.)
Seanan McGuire’s Toby Daye books - I call them faerie noir and think they are brilliant!
I came in to recommend these ones! Love Tanya Huff not just her Urban Fantasy but her straight Fantasy also, I can always read over and over again the tales of Magdalene, the most powerful (and laziest) wizard in the world. There are vampires and werewolves in the first two Keeper books (a vampire is a secondary character for a couple chapters, and werewolves are guests at the Elysian Fields Guest House for a short time), and a bit of a romance, but they are all secondary to the main thrust of the books, which are definitely not romance. She also has a story called Gate of Darkness, Circle of Light which is much grittier and less comedic than the Keeper books.
Great thread jsgoddess.
I came in with a bunch of recommendations, and dang it if just about everybody beat me to the punch! All I have left to add is Martin Millar. Oh and Tad Williams has one urban fantasy book, War of the Flowers. Human guy gets caught up in a war between elves and fairies. Good stuff.
Speaking of Richard Kadrey, there’s Butcher Bird. Also having a lot to do with Hell, but nothing like Sandman Slim. I nearly went into shock when I found out they were by the same person. Anyway, Butcher Bird is a lyrical, surreal story about… well, here. Has the coolest Lucifer ever.
This thread is old I know, but I just found it so I’ll add something I’m surprised no one mentioned (unless I missed it). Kat Richardson’s Greywalker series has very little romance. It’s about a private investigator and is mostly about the mysteries she investigates. The paranormal stuff is interesting and original.
If you’re looking for a rising star in the field, check out Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts. The link takes you to the author’s website, where he has a blurb for the book. The blurb is good, but it won’t tell you that there is a climactic battle scene that is simply among the top three I have ever read.
There is a bit of romance in it, but it may not bother the OP because the protagonist is a lesbian.
The really good news is that the second book in the projected four-book series, “Honeyed Words,” hit bookstores just a few weeks ago, and it does NOT suffer from sophomore slump. This guy is good, and getting better as he goes.
Not an author suggestion, but a suggestion to look at who publishes the books you have enjoyed, and see what else they publish.
For example, Angry Robot do really interesting science fiction, fantasy, and stuff in-between. Disclaimer: my husband is shortly to have his first novel published by them, so I am biased.
Charles Stross’s Laundry series is good, if it counts as “urban fantasy”. The fantastic elements are Lovecraftian horror rather than things like vampires and werewolves; it’s the sort of series where the governments of the world have a secret treaty with the Deep Ones.
I’m trying to write a book that the OP would probably like. Urban crime thriller meets folktale-based horror with a dash of conspiracy theory.
If you intend to live another 100 years, I’m sure I can send a copy when it’s done. 
I recently enjoyed A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin. There’s pretty much no romance in that. I also have to second the suggestion of Emma Bull.
Also thought about starting a similar thread. Glad to see so many suggestions.
There’s some decent YA urban fantasy out there, if you don’t mind being that reading level. Kinda less sexy romance stuff there, by default.
-Brandon Mull
-Rick Riordan
-Cinda Williams Chima
-Michael Scott
I’ll second (third, whatever) the October Daye and the Nightside books, though both take place more in other ‘places’ than our own cities.
And calling this Urban Fantasy is more a lie than a stretch, but there are a lot of similarities, thematically: Steven Brust’s Vlad Taltos series.
For medieval urban fantasy, try the Thraxas series.
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
My mouth just fell open at this. Wow.
I guess anything’s possible, eh?
I heard a review of this book where it was described as blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). I adore blank verse.
I was really disappointed to find out it was actually free verse, or prose poetry. I’ll get back to the book when I get over my disappointment.
Old thread, I know, but wanted to mention Esther Friesner. Same genre-ish as Robert Lynn Asprin, so if you liked the MYTH books, you’ll probably like her stuff too.
Another +1 for Charles Stross’s Laundry Series (his Merchant Family series is supposed to be good too, and should fit the OP) and Tim Powers (especially Declare, though Expiration Date is interesting too. For both of his that I mentioned, keep reading through page 150 or so, and then it’ll all start to make sense. Aggravating style, but worth it, I think.)
Oh, and I don’t believe that Jasper Fforde has been mentioned, either his Thursday Next series or his Nursery Crimes series. Both are very well written and worth your time.
Peter S. Beagle has written several fine urban fantasy novels and stories. Most people never think of him outside of “The Last Unicorn”, but I love “A Fine and Private Place” and his short story collections, most of which are smack in the middle of urban fantasy territory. Many of the stories read like very superior “Twilight Zone” episodes.