If you’re a sucker for love stories with a side of danger (we’re not judging), dark romance books are about to steal your heart—and possibly your sanity. Think forbidden love, intense passion, and characters who are anything but perfect (and that's exactly why we love them). Whether you're into twisted plot twists, brooding heroes, or romance with a little edge, this ultimate dark romance reading list has everything you need to satisfy your craving for something a little darker. Get ready for a whirlwind of love, lust, and some seriously addictive drama!
Pen Pal
J.T. Geissinger
The first letter arrived the day my husband was buried. It was postmarked from the state penitentiary, and contained a single sentence:
I’ll wait forever if I have to.
It was signed by Dante, a man I didn’t know.
Out of simple curiosity, I wrote back to ask him what exactly he was waiting for. His reply?
You.
Haunting Adeline
H.D. Carlton
A fresh start turns into a nightmare for Adeline Reilly when she inherits her late grandmother’s gothic mansion in Seattle. Haunted by mysterious break-ins, roses, and chilling messages, Adeline discovers she’s being stalked by a shadowy figure. As eerie promises and her great-grandmother’s haunting journals reveal a deadly pattern, Adeline must confront a terrifying past that may lead to a deadly future—unless she falls in love with her stalker first.
The Predator
Runyx
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object in the world of organized crime? Tristan Caine, a deadly enigma in the Tenebrae Outfit, and Morana Vitalio, a tech genius from a rival family, are locked in a high-stakes battle of hate and passion. As a long-buried mystery resurfaces, the two enemies must face not only their fiery animosity but a larger threat that could destroy them both. In this dark, thrilling tale of power, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, only they can stop what’s coming next.
Does It Hurt?
H.D. Carlton
Who am I? A girl running from her past, searching for herself in a sea of forgettable faces—until Enzo Vitale, a mysterious man obsessed with the deep sea, changes everything. Lured onto his boat seeking vengeance, a shipwreck leaves them stranded on a desolate island with a twisted caretaker and a dangerous love-hate dynamic between them. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, it's no longer about identity, but about survival. Will she escape the storm that threatens to destroy them both?
Den of Vipers
K.A. Knight
Ryder, Garrett, Kenzo, and Diesel—the Vipers—control the town with their ruthless power and dangerous deals. When my father sells me to cover his debt, I become theirs in every way, trapped in a world of desire, violence, and dark obsessions. But I won’t be broken. Though they claim my body, they’ll never have my heart. In this reverse harem romance, vengeance and passion collide in a dark, thrilling story of survival, defiance, and twisted love. 18+ content. Contains dark themes, abuse, and graphic scenes.
God of Malice
Rina Kent
From USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a dark and steamy college romance featuring elite criminal families and morally gray heroes. Killian Carson, a cold-blooded predator, becomes obsessed with Glyndon King, a woman who sees through his facade. As their intense, possessive desire grows, they both face a past that may tear them apart—or bring them closer together. In this gripping tale of dark desire, broken souls, and twisted love, can they heal each other or will their dark history be their undoing?
Corrupt (Devil's Night)
Penelope Douglas
In the first novel of a dark romance series by New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas, Erika Fane’s worst nightmares come to life when her boyfriend’s older brother, Michael Crist, finally notices her. Once the star of his college basketball team, now a pro, Michael is terrifying and knows exactly the hold he has on Erika. With her past sins and his dark secrets intertwining, every moment spent with him drags Erika deeper into danger. Will she survive Michael’s obsession, or will her nightmares come true?
Hooked
Emily McIntire
A dark, contemporary reimagining of Peter Pan from BookTok sensation Emily McIntire, this fractured fairy tale brings new twists to familiar characters. James, driven by revenge against his enemy Peter Michaels, plans to use Peter’s daughter Wendy as a pawn in his game. But as their passionate affair deepens, James begins to see Wendy as more than just a tool for vengeance. Wendy, sheltered by her wealthy father, is drawn into a dangerous, addictive love with James, unsure if she’s falling for the man—or the monster he’s becoming.
The Ritual
Shantel Tessler
From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Shantel Tessier comes The Rital, a dark standalone romance that will leave you breathless. At Barrington University, the powerful Lords control everything—and during their senior year, they claim a chosen one. When Ryat Alexander Archer offers her freedom, she believes it, but soon learns it's just another lie in a twisted game of manipulation. Drawn into the dark world of the Lords, she must fight for survival, where death may be the only escape. This intense, possessive romance is filled with dark themes and triggers, making it a gripping read for fans of OTT heroes and twisted love.
Lights Out
Navessa Allen
Lights Out, is a fast-paced dark romance by Navessa Allen. Josh Hammond leads a double life—quiet by day, but a masked thirst trap star by night. When he sees Aly’s daring comment, he decides to turn her dark fantasy into reality. What begins as a risky encounter soon spirals into obsession, but Aly has attracted someone with far more dangerous intentions. As Josh becomes her protector, he must confront his own desires and what he’s willing to do to keep her safe. This morally gray romance explores dark themes and features a stalker romance, kink-friendly dynamics, and an intense, twisted love story. Warning: Disturbing themes included.
Credence
Penelope Douglas
In Credence, a steamy dark romance by New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas, Tiernan de Haas is thrust into a world of tension and desire after the sudden death of her parents. Sent to live with her step-uncle Jake and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, she discovers a new, dangerous dynamic. As the men grow closer to her, lines blur and forbidden desires awaken. With passion and control at stake, one man has her, one wants her, and the other will stop at nothing to keep her.
Neon Gods
Katee Robert
In Neon Gods, society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to escape the cutthroat world of Olympus, only to be forced into an engagement with Zeus, the city's dangerous power. Fleeing to the forbidden undercity, she makes a pact with Hades, a man she once believed to be a myth. As their dangerous connection deepens, Hades craves revenge and a taste for Persephone like no other. Together, they must battle the gods of Olympus in a dark, seductive mythological romance. Repackaged with new artwork, this is the ultimate way to experience the captivating tale.
A Hunger Like No Other
Kresley Cole
A Hunger Like No Other is the electrifying start to Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. Half-vampire, half-Valkyrie Emmaline Troy embarks on an adventure to Paris, only to be swept off her feet by Lachlain MacRieve, the powerful Lykae King. After being imprisoned for centuries, Lachlain finally scents his Fated Mate and will stop at nothing to claim her. Together, they must face ancient evil and ruthless creatures as their undeniable bond grows. Fans of Ali Hazelwood and Ruby Dixon will love this dark, seductive romance filled with passion, danger, and destiny.
King of Greed
Ana Huang
He had her, he lost her…and he'll do anything to win her back. In this emotionally charged romance, King of Greeds, powerful businessman Dominic Davenport has everything—wealth, success, and a beautiful wife, Alessandra. But in his relentless pursuit of more, he loses the one person who truly saw him. Now, as Alessandra takes control of her life and leaves him behind, Dominic realizes that love is worth fighting for. Will his efforts to win her back be enough, or is it too late to save their marriage? A gripping tale of love, ambition, and second chances.
Her Soul to Take
Harley Laroux
For fans of Buffy and The Vampire Diaries with a darker, spicier twist, Her Soul to Take brings together a deadly demon and a reluctant heroine in a thrilling dark romance. Leon, a ruthless killer with a dark reputation, is tasked with taking Rae’s life—but instead becomes obsessed with her. As supernatural forces awaken and monsters roam, Rae’s only hope for survival is the demon who craves more than just her body. Prepare for an electrifying, ritualistic journey into darkness.
