Best Dark Romance Books
Reader-approved dark romance recommendations. Updated for 2025.
Haunting Adeline
by H.D. Carlton • Cat and Mouse Duet #1
The one that started it all for many readers. Zade is a shadow — watching, waiting, obsessing over Adeline. Extremely dark with heavy content warnings.
Twisted Love
by Ana Huang • Twisted #1
A lighter entry into dark romance. Alex Volkov is cold, calculating, and hiding dark secrets. Perfect gateway book.
Den of Vipers
by K.A. Knight • Standalone
Four dangerous men. One debt. Ryder owes them everything, and they plan to collect. Ultra-dark reverse harem.
Corrupt
by Penelope Douglas • Devil's Night #1
The book that defined bully romance. Michael, Kai, Damon, and Will are back for revenge. Atmospheric and intense.
Credence
by Penelope Douglas • Standalone
Tiernan is sent to live with her father's stepbrother and his two sons in an isolated cabin. Very taboo — check warnings.
Kingdom of the Wicked
by Kerri Maniscalco • Kingdom of the Wicked #1
A witch makes a deal with a demon prince. Slow burn, beautiful world-building, morally grey romance.
Butcher & Blackbird
by Brynne Weaver • Ruinous Love #1
Two serial killers meet and fall in love. Surprisingly funny and romantic. Murder + banter + spice.
Tears of Tess
by Pepper Winters • Monsters in the Dark #1
Tess is kidnapped and sold. Q buys her. Extremely dark — not for the faint of heart.
Captive in the Dark
by CJ Roberts • Dark Duet #1
Caleb kidnaps Livvie for revenge. One of the OG dark romance books that started the genre. Devastating.
Rhapsodic
by Laura Thalassa • The Bargainer #1
Callypso made 322 bargains with the King of the Night. Now he's come to collect. Fae romance with excellent world-building.
The Sweetest Oblivion
by Danielle Lori • Made #1
Elena is promised to one Russo brother but wants another. Classic mafia romance with great tension.
Fear Me
by B.B. Reid • Broken Love #1
Keiran has tormented Lake for years. Now he's back and more dangerous than ever. Intense bully romance.
More recommendations coming soon...
Last updated: January 2025
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