Hate to Love These Dark Romance Books
It’s okay, we love them too!
Are you a reader who loves romance novels – but not the fluffy, sugary-sweet romance novels that your friends are all reading? Do you enjoy books that delve a little deeper into the darker, sultrier side of romance – perhaps exploring more taboo topics like stalking, kidnapping, or paranormal?
If so, dark romance might be the genre you need to consider. These books admittedly aren’t for everyone, as they tend to contain characters who walk the line of morality and plots that are speckled with violence, trauma, and mature content.
If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you need to click “add to cart” on these six books immediately
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
A Top Indie Pick!
Written by H.D. Carlton, a USA Today bestselling author, this book follows indie author Adeline, who inherited Parson’s Manor from her family. After moving in, she starts feeling like she’s being watched – soon, she discovers that she has a stalker: The Shadow. It’s a game of cat and mouse as the shadow has twisted thoughts and decisive moves all while keeping Adeline trapped – romantically and more.
Bonus! There’s a sequel and prequel if you don’t want to end here. (Especially since there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end really drawing you in for more!)
Just as a note before you read, some readers found the darker, more sexual elements of the book to be a bit triggering, it’s worth a read for any fans of the dark romance trope. But doesn’t that darkness only make it more alluring?
“This book was everything I have ever wanted in a stalker romance. The suspense, the mystery, the multitude of emotions. It pulled me in a million different directions, each one even better than the last.” – Starred Review
“The dark and sensual allure of becoming the target of one man’s dangerous obsession is on graphically raw display in this compelling read.” – Zoe Blake, USA Today Bestselling author
Our Little Secret by Lisa Jackson
New York Times Bestselling Author
Lisa Jackson doesn’t disappoint in this dark romance book. If you enjoyed the book Fatal Attraction or any of Stacy Willingham’s books you will definitely enjoy this. More twisted, mysterious, and full of suspense, this book will take you down a dark alley that you want to follow.
It describes the story of Brooke Hastings, who ends the affair she is having with the charming Gideon Ross. Ending it selfishly though to save her marriage, if there is anything worth saving. Unfortunately, the break-up doesn’t go as planned – Gideon is hanging on at all costs. Fighting for her love and to keep Brooke in his life, we see the intense passion and surge or desire from Gideon that awakens Brooke but also sometimes frustrates and scares her.
“A twisty, suspenseful romantic thriller that keeps you on your toes and your heart beating” – Publisher’s Weekly
“There is no need for a bookmark. Once you start, you’ll not want to stop.” – Goodreads Reviewer , Laura
The Absolutes by Molly Dektar
“In truth, the idea of evil didn’t worry me at all. There were all these checks on it, of romance and restraint. In such a context, evil was intriguing.”
Molly Dektar delivers this dark romance trope that follows the story of a woman’s journey into a dangerous affair that threatens her sanity and brings her morality into question. Teetering the line between obsession and lust you may found out a little about yourself and where you would draw the line. Or see how other’s get roped in to a point of no return. Remember, there is no one who is ever absolutely in the right. An exploration of sexual desire , the book is a must-read for dark romance lovers.
“This read had me straying a bit from my norm, it pushed boundaries, made me uncomfortable, and had me shaking my head more than a few times,” – starred review
“The Absolutes is a mesmerizing, deeply felt portrait of one woman testing the moral limits of intimacy and obsession. In continually stunning prose, Dektar brings to life a thrilling exploration of love and sexual desire.” – Lynn Stegar Strong, author of Want
The Hunter’s Gambit by Ciel Pierlot
Pierlot has written one of my favorite dark romance novels, bringing to the table all the best of this trope. It gives seduction, sadism, and yes – vampires. Who hasn’t had a romantic dream about being with something superhuman, so unique and strong that they could protect you from anything and everything.
If you loved Twilight but looking to go beyond young adult fantasy romances, this is it. This book isn’t your garden-variety vampire romance though. Instead, it’s spicy and dangerous, keeping you captivated until the very last page. It’s everything you wanted from Edward Cullen and more.
“If you’re a fan of more plot based than romance based novels then this would be for you, even though there is romance and superbly slow-burn, the main premise of the novel is based around the MCs endeavors!” – Goodreads Review
“The writing flowed easily and even with all of the different threads of storylines, the book flowed well and all threads wove intricately together. You can feel the love and passion that Ciel Pierlot poured into this book from page one.” – Emma Reece
The Last Mrs. Parrish by LIV Constantine
A REESE WITHERSPOON HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK – NATIONAL BESTSELLER
I would describe this one as borderline dark romance book. All the ingredients for the it, but not quite as dark and spicy. This recommendation is fresh, and juicy. An utterly addictive thriller with intense billionaire romance.
The Last Mrs. Parrish follows the story of Amber Patterson, a self-described “invisible woman” who is tired of being taken for granted. She desires power and superior socialite status. There’s nothing that money can’t buy though right?
It’s not quite as scandalous as some of the other books on this list, but the complexity of the story’s protagonist is something that’s truly unique and worth mentioning, especially compared to other dark romance novels. ALSO… sequel alert!!! The next book just dropped this summer. Check out The Next Mrs. Parrish next!
“Filled with envy, deception, and power, it’s a great reading escape. And there is a thrilling twist at the end!” – Reese Witherspoon
Gothikana by RuNyx
Instant New York Times and USA Today Bestseller!
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but if you’re going to, then this one should definitely be judged positively! It’s one of the most ornately illustrated and designed books I’ve ever read, not just in the dark romance book trope, but overall.
It follows the story of the outcast Corvina Clemm, who is invited to attend the enigmatic University of Verenmore and later meets a part-time professor who welcomes her into a centuries-old mystery. A mystery? Well, that’s seductive AF! Dig into this dark romance ASAP.
“Erotic and dark love story,” – Entertainment! Tonight
“This book changed my brain chemistry. I can’t promise that will happen to you, too – but it’s definitely worth the read.” – Goodreads Review
Each of these books promises a journey into the heart of darkness, with a thread of passion and love that shines even in the most shadowed places. Dare to indulge in these tales of dangerous desires and unyielding affections – where the only certainty is the unpredictability of the human heart.
