dark romance books
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31 Best Dark and Twisted Romance Books

If you’re sick of traditional contemporary romance, it may be time to move on to dark romance books.

dark romance books

Depraved, addictive, and gritty, dark romances are bound to take you out of your comfort zone. Featuring over twenty of the best dark romance books out there, you’ll have no shortage of books to read in the upcoming months.

It’s time to sweeten up your weekend with these twisted dark romances! Also, quick side notes, if your book addiction is making quite a dent in your wallet.

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dark romance books

Whispers and the Roars by K. Webster

Before Yeo departed on her insistence to attend college, Kady and Yeo were childhood sweethearts. He goes back to his hometown after finishing medical school with the goal of winning his girl back, no matter how much she fights him.

It’s clear that Kady had experienced unspeakable child abuse, which left her psychologically and emotionally wounded and filled with feelings of inadequacy.

Kady believes that Yeo would be better off without her, but he intends to show her that she is incorrect. Whispers and the Roars is a thought-provoking, compelling, and unorthodox page-turner that features stunning prose and enormous plot twists.

I advise into this one with no expectations.

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dark romance books

Pennies by Pepper Winters

Tasmin, a college student, has lived a life of privilege at the age of 18. She is kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery while at one of her mother’s formal events.

She was bought by Aldrik, a cruel and sadistic guy, and now she lives in constant terror of the horrors her worst tormentor and his companions will subject her to.

When Elder Prest enters her life, she is at her lowest moment. Prest had come for business and had no desire to make things difficult. That is, until he catches a glimpse of the silent female.

Will Pimlico be free, though, if Prest kidnaps her? Will she merely be switching cages, or what?

Pennies is disturbing, reprehensible, and gloomy; it will force you to leave your comfort zone and shatter all of your limitations. Not recommended for those with weak hearts. I do, however, recommend adding it to your TBR pile because it’s one of the best dark romance books.

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dark romance books

Suit by Jettie Woodruff

Imagine discovering your husband to be the handsome devil with the sharp tongue and finding out that you had two daughters after waking up one day with no memory of your past or identity.

In Gabriella Pierce’s case, that occurs. Furthermore, she was never capable of being adequately prepared for the life she chose with Paxton.

I suggest seeing Suit if you want to experience a sinister love story centered around a tortured hero and an amnesic heroine. You’ll adore Jettie Woodruff’s dark romance if you’re a BDSM and erotica addict.

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dark romance books

Ecstasy by K.V. Rose

Three college students named Zara, Alex, and Eli are weary of life. Eli is an outstanding athlete with a dark secret, Alex refuses to address his anger issues, and Zara relies on drugs to feel normal.

The popular quarterback Alex and the party girl Zara are in their senior year and have been involved in a violent, destructive relationship for the past six months.

When Zara enters and catches him kissing another female, everything changes. After that, events rapidly spiral out of control, leaving ruins in their path as those three crash.

Ecstasy will surely be your cup of tea if you’re looking for an extremely dark romance with toxic relationships, self-sabotage, murder, violence, and drug usage. I recommend you add this to your TBR list because it’s one of the best books on dark romance.

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dark romance books

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Erika “Rika” Fane has had it up to her with everyone and everything. Rika moves to a different place to attend college in the hopes of starting over.

Those aspirations are dashed when she learns that Michael Crist, the older brother of her ex and a current professional basketball star, literally lives next door.

Michael believes it’s time to exact revenge for what Rika did three years ago when he learns that she is in his city. His three closest buddies were imprisoned as a result of this choice.

Rika has no idea what she’s in for when Michael and his cronies come after her because he has vengeance on the brain.

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas is the ideal choice if you’re in the mood for some dramatic, dark bully romance novels. Be prepared for an unpredictable voyage that will make you question your morals.

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dark romance books

Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

Speaking of Devil’s Night, Kill Switch is the third book in this sinister trilogy, which is dark and twisted and features a seemingly unredeemable villain and a tough heroine who isn’t afraid to confront the hero.

Over the course of three books, you change your opinion of Damon from a ferociously abhorrent person to one who is pulling for him, in typical Penelope Douglas flair.

Having recently been released from prison, Damon Torrance is prepared to exact revenge on Winter Ashby, the person who placed him there.

Penelope Douglas spins a dark, intricate web that is brimming with tension, steam, and surprises that will keep you engaged and eager to see more of Damon. The final piece of cake? One of her best contemporary dark romance novels, in my opinion.

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dark romance books

Raphael by Tillie Cole

Raphael, the wicked fallen angel who enjoys strangling his victims, is on a mission to kill a notorious sex trafficker. However, when he spots the kill of his dreams, he is overcome with passion.

Raphael can’t help but breach the first rule of the Fallen: thou shall not bring prey back to Eden Manor, as they overcame him with an indescribable desire. He will also break every rule for his “little rose” once he has her.

Though her days may be numbered, Sister Maria Agnes, Eden Manor’s newest resident, intends to do the unthinkable and bring her dark angel back to life. Death is at Sister Maria Agnes’ door, but she has no intention of giving in.

Raphael is a dark romance that is heartbreaking, tragic, and terrible. It is the story of two damaged souls who will either find comfort in each other’s arms or in the icy grip of death. I suggest reading The Fallen: Genesis, the prequel, to get a deeper sense of the characters.

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dark romance books

Does It Hurt? by H.D. Carlton

Sawyer Bennett is on the run. For the 27-year-old wanted man, guys have been nothing more than a means to an end for the past six years. She receives a new identity and additional funds in addition to a night of mind-blowing sex.

Nothing could have prepared her for the tragic consequences of her last-minute decision to book a flight to Australia, despite the inherent danger of her lifestyle.

She knows a night in bed with the sexy devil is the last thing she should do when fate bestows her with a panty-melting male specimen who exudes danger. Because Enzo Vitale, the man who swims with sharks, is the only one who has the ability to breach Sawyer’s barriers.

With her bestselling book Does it Hurt from 2022, H.D. Carlton didn’t hold back. Does it Hurt? is without a doubt one of the best dark romance books of the year, brimming with off-the-charts passion, heart-pounding suspense, and limitless emotion.

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dark romance books

Periculum by Natalie Bennett

On the final night of their weeklong vacation, Liliana and her two closest friends indulge in a few too many Tequila shots as a last hurrah before they have to return to stuffy social outings and snobby relatives.

It’s already a victory when they manage to drag their inebriated selves onto the shuttle the next morning. The driver makes a diversion, leaving them stranded, and things quickly get worse.

The passengers are forced into a deadly game that would rather extinguish their flame than see them through to the other side alive with nothing but cryptic clues to lead them. Greetings from the Devil’s Playground. At your own peril, delve in.

This crazy adventure is a cross between Saw and The Purge. You’re about to embark on a thrilling journey to the dark side, Buttercup, so fasten your seatbelt. For the weak of the heart, the periculum is not for you.

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dark romance books

Vicious by L.J. Shen

A fan of the bad guy? Vicious will win your heart then. Among all fictional jerks, Vicious is one of the most brutal. He basically treats everyone like dirt and has a heart of stone; this guy is a great winner.

Emilia LeBlanc, the daughter of the hired help residing on the grounds of his father’s estate, is the target of his teasing and derision the most. When she eventually leaves town, he treats her like complete garbage.

A decade later, they cross paths once more. Vicious is determined to win her back, and he won’t relent until he does.

Look into Vicious if you want a dark bully romance with an apparently unredeemable hero and a chip the size of Mount Everest on his shoulder and a strong heroine who has an inescapable attraction to the hot hole who makes her life a living hell. Between love and hatred is a narrow line.

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dark romance books

Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe

Until she discovers who the patient is—the notorious serial killer Grayson Pierce Sullivan—London Noble, a leading expert in her profession, has no time for another patient (aka the Angel of Maine).

With each visit, London gains more insight into Grayson’s past and develops a stronger connection to him as a patient.

Their days are numbered though, and with Grayson’s high IQ, it won’t take him long to come up with a scheme to manipulate London as he sees fit—and perhaps even to flee.

If you want to read a book about a notorious serial killer who is always one step ahead and a criminal psychiatrist, read Born, Darkly.

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dark romance books

Untouchable by Sam Mariano

With her dark romance book Untouchable, Sam Mariano elevates uncomfortable situations to a whole new level.

Zoey never imagined that her senior year would begin with lube in her locker, but she is now an outcast in society after she was responsible for a football player’s suspension for harassment.

One day, Zoey discovers that Carter Mahoney, an all-star quarterback, has taken an interest in her. At that point, things take a turn for the worse, and Zoey finds herself in the clutches of a demon hiding behind the golden boy façade.

Are you looking for dark, twisted romance novels with villainous protagonists and brave heroines? Look no further than Untouchable by Sam Mariano.

Your degree of comfort will be put to the test in the first two scenes involving the hero and the heroine, so proceed with caution and pay attention to the author’s warning.

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Crow by A. Zavarelli

Things do not turn out the way Mackenzie had hoped as she attempts to infiltrate the Irish mafia in search of her missing best friend Talia. Finding work is one thing, but how about catching the mobster’s attention who will one day rule the land? Not in the plans was that.

Lachlan Crow is suspicious that Mackenzie is hiding something since he doesn’t believe her when she tells him how much she needs a job.

Mackenzie must determine if he is responsible for her friend’s disappearance as they become more intimate before she loses her heart to the upcoming Irish mob boss.

I suggest adding Crow to your must-read list because it’s one of the best dark mafia romance novels.

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Deviant King by Rina Kent

I’m going to ruin you. Elsa Quinn’s life is made into a living hell with those four words from the King of Royal Elite Academy, who then declares war on her for the following two years.

Their senior year is when everything finally comes to a head when Elsa loses it and challenges the rebellious king directly, forcing him to accept it.

However, she could never have anticipated Aiden’s chillingly planned thinking and horrifyingly twisted thoughts. Furthermore, he is infatuated, which is bad news for her.

Deviant King is a controversial, dramatic, and delectably twisted dark bully romance you don’t want to miss.

For everyone who like domineering alpha holes, heroines who give as good as they get, and steamy, steamy, steamy romances, Rina Kent’s trilogy is ideal. Make care to read the warning before moving forward and proceed with caution.

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The Risk by S.T. Abby

Logan Bennet, the FBI’s resident golden boy, is assigned to the investigation after a violent run of killings and finds himself in the middle of a lethal game of cat and mouse with a sadistic serial murderer who is always one step ahead.

Logan doesn’t have time for relationships because he spends all of his time on the inquiry, certainly not with Lana Myers, who is his complete antithesis.

Lana’s perspective on the world became permanently jaded after a terrible experience left her at death’s door and her brother dead.

Lana is adamant about dispensing her own brand of justice, and she won’t let anyone stand in the way of her bloody reign of terror—not even the mysterious criminal profiler who’s tracking her down.

S.T. Abby creates a wonderful dark romance in The Risk that enthralls readers and leaves them with a terrible book hangover and a hunger for more thanks to the book’s tragic love story and horrifying premise.

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In Peace Lies Havoc by Amo Jones

Tragic events are nothing new to Dove Hendry. Dove, who was orphaned at an early age and bounced about foster homes, is now eking out a living as a stripper. The only thing that can drive away the shadows is dance.

Dove discovers that the fascinating things she imagined as a child are true as the shadows she imagined as a child come to light.

Dove finds herself on stage in the middle of Midnight Mayhem, close to the four fascinating Brothers of Kiznitch, plunged headfirst into the shadowy realm of Midnight Mayhem.

Kingston Axton, the attractive devil with a darkness that speaks to her own, is the only one who sends her heart racing.

Dark, sinister, and compelling You’ll be left guessing right up until the very conclusion of the dark romance books In Peace Lies Havoc. I’m telling you, once you start reading this, you won’t be able to stop.

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Rough Edge by C.D. Reiss

The first chapter of Rough Edge describes retired army major and psychiatrist Greyson Frazier visiting her spouse Caden St. John at their residence.

The two lost souls who met while fighting a war are having a hard time adjusting to normal life since there are no more deployments in the near future.

It will take all of Caden’s resources to put his broken mind back together when Greyson returns home to a new version of the husband she married.

Rough Edge is an addictive series that will keep you up way past your night since it is captivating, entrancing, and wicked. I strongly advise purchasing this outstanding work of literature if you want a unique dark romance books starring BDSM.

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The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

Elena Abelli loses her status as a mafia Principessa and is thrown under house arrest after a shocking encounter leaves her reputation in ruins.

The last thing she expects to experience is an irrational attraction to her prospective brother-in-law when her father reveals her sister’s impending wedding to the notorious King of the Cosa Nostra.

However, fate spins a complex web that foretells their eventual doom with every passing glance and fierce argument.

The Sweetest Oblivion is one of the best dark mafia romance stories available and is gritty, fascinating, and impossible to put down. You’ll adore Danielle Lori’s charming series if you’re a sucker for enigmatic antiheroes, plenty of sexual tension, and forced weddings.

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Verity by Colleen Hoover

When she is presented with a proposition that seems too good to be true, Lowen Ashleigh is on the verge of financial collapse. For a popular series that his disabled wife Verity is unable to finish, Jeremy Crawford hired Lowen to finish the remaining novels.

To do this, Lowen visits the Crawford home where she intends to read over Verity’s notes and outlines but instead discovers Verity’s unfinished autobiography.

Lowen gets skeptical of Verity and wonders if it really hurt her… or if it’s all an act. Verity makes alarming confessions and unnerving thoughts, which make Lowen wary of her.

Verity is a disturbing, diabolical, and twisted dark romance that is impossible to put down and is full of wicked turns and turns that will make your head spin. I advise adding this gem to your TBR list because it is one of Colleen Hoover’s best works of dark romance books.

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Angry God by L.J. Shen

No one can get beyond Vaughn Spencer’s walls because he is unforgiving, haughty, and untouchable—except for Lenora, that is. Since Lenny and Vaughn have a history, Vaughn decides to make Lenny’s life miserable when she enrolls in Todos Santos for her senior year.

He is completely at odds with Lenny. She maintains her position and keeps pace with him. Her chance to obtain a renowned art internship, where she will go off against Vaughn, is the only thing keeping her going through her senior year.

Lenny is unsure whether she should go to London when she discovers that they will both be doing internships there. Although Lenny has never been one to back down in a battle, she is certain that Vaughn not be given this round’s victory.

For those who can’t get enough of dark, brazen love stories, Angry God is among the best books about bullies and dark romance.

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The Bandit by B.B. Reid

Mian Ross, a 19-year-old single mother, has experienced far more misfortune than is reasonable. She was homeless and penniless as a result of her father’s actions, and her only source of support was herself.

However, Mian’s desperation drives her to break into Angeles “Angel” Knight’s house when she discovers she is jobless.

After learning of the break-in, the merciless mob boss repays the favor by capturing Mian’s infant and holding her prisoner.

Angel has Mian exactly where he wants her now that the two are living in his home. She will go to any lengths for her son, after all.

The Bandit is the book to read if you’re looking for a dark, erotic romance where the heroine is kidnapped.

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Resurrection by Siobhan Davis

Harlow (Low) Westbrook is determined to use sex and drink to numb her grief following the passing of her father. The worst day of her life was made even worse when she discovered her lover trading spit with a different female.

This discovery set off a chain of events that led to Low getting down and dirty with the junior Sainthood chapter, a notorious gang.

It is said that Saint, Galen, Caz, and Theo never ask for seconds. As soon as they enter Low’s new school, that rumor is promptly put to rest as they “laid claim” on Low.

As she contends with four confusing people, long-buried truths that were never meant to be revealed, and a new “dad” who is the definition of the devil, Low’s life then abruptly turns around and heads off into uncharted territory.

If you enjoy reading dark, bully-reverse-harem romances where the heroine has no issue giving it straight back, you should read Resurrection.

I really do mean off the charts when I say the smut scale is off the charts. With this story involving former adversaries who became lovers, buckle up because you’re in for the journey of your life.

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Dark Notes by Pam Godwin

Ivory Westbrook, who is currently seventeen, is a survivor who longs for a better existence. And as one of the most remarkable pianists to have performed in the halls of her esteemed university, she has an opportunity to make those ambitions come true by obtaining a sought-after position at Leopold, one of the most prominent performing arts universities in the world. Ivory is obviously at a disadvantage in a world where avarice and nepotism are the norm.

Ivory worries that all her efforts have been in vain when she learns that her biggest supporter is retiring just before she returns for her senior year. She would be correct if a different person assumed the position of her new instructor than Emeric Marceaux.

Dark Notes is one of the best dark teacher-student romances to date. It is heartbreaking, erotic, and nasty. You’ll adore this dark romance if you can’t get enough of age gaps, BDSM, and fascinating characters.

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The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent

The arrogant and moody artist, Thomas Abrams, provides Layla Robinson with the much-needed diversion that she so desperately needs. Firstly, he is her professor, and secondly, he is married, which presents two issues.

Will Layla act on her sentiments given that Thomas is off-limits to her? We all know she will, therefore it’s a stupid question. The real query is whether Thomas will still award her a perfect score in the class.

If you’re looking for a dark romance books that focuses on a teacher-student connection between two souls who seem to be beyond redemption, pick up a copy of The Unrequited.

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King by T.M. Frazier

Doe has turned to living on the streets ever since she awoke without any recollection of who she was or where she came from.

When she stumbles upon King during his welcome home party from prison in a vulnerable situation, it’s at one of her lowest points.

But when her friend steals $6000 from the notorious career felon to pay for her next habit, Doe finds herself in the firing line. King also wants cash in return.

The popular dark romance books by T.M. Frazier has it everything, whether you’re a fan of mafia romances, forced relationships, anti-heroes, amnesiac heroines, or MC romances. I also suggest getting King, which I think is one of the best books on dark erotic romance.

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Bitter Heat by Mia Knight

James Roth and Jasmine Hennessy reunite after five years of radio silence thanks to a fortunate encounter.

When Roth discovers Jasmine spending time with his mother, he thinks it’s time to reintegrate Jasmine into the group in order to seek revenge on those who destroyed his life seven years earlier.

Want a dark and smoldering second chance love story that will blow your socks off? Try Bitter Heat if you answered yes.

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Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Lachlan, 17, and Maya, 16, have always felt more like friends than sisters; this is especially true considering that they had to take up and nurture their three younger siblings in place of their erratic alcoholic mother.

They were compelled to mature quickly and bond closer than siblings should ever be as a result of being their siblings’ de facto guardians. what transpires once they come to terms with their affections for one another.

One of the best dark romance books to get your hands on if you’re searching for the pinnacle of achievement in terms of taboo love stories is Forbidden. Your comfort zone will be completely destroyed, and it will go beyond all boundaries in the most devastating way possible.

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Debt by Nina G. Jones

A lot of people would say Mia Tibbett has it all, including the career of her dreams, financial stability, and a best friend who has her back at all times.

If you questioned Mia, she’d likely respond that both her life and her sex life have become boring. Well, that doesn’t exist.

So when her best friend Tiff reveals that the most intense and animalistic sex she has ever had was provided by a company that specialized in fulfilling clients’ dreams of being raped, she knows she should be ashamed of herself for even considering it.

Nothing could have possibly prepared her for the guy who attacks her, however, when curiosity triumphs.

Debt is anything but sweet; it’s edgy, captivating, and downright filthy. Nothing could possibly have prepared you for this contentious, convoluted love story.

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Sparrow by L.J. Shen

When Boston’s notorious Irish mob boss known as The Fixer asks the free-spirited Sparrow to walk down the aisle with him, she doesn’t back down from his cold glare or let his reputation for ruthlessness make her want to flee.

Troy is determined to keep his word and will do whatever it takes, even if it means severing Sparrow’s wings.

Sparrow is the ideal enemies-to-lovers story for readers who are mob-obsessed, and it will fulfill all of your gritty, twisted, underworld requirements.

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I Dare You by Shantel Tessier

The newcomer in town is Austin. Austin moved in with her dad in an effort to get away from her unemployed mother and her controlling boyfriend. Austin had hoped to maintain a low profile, but her preparations go apart when she sees something she ought never to have seen.

She is forced into joining a group of risk-taking men after the criminals who committed the crime capture her. Lines blur as the dares get out of hand, and the games become dangerous. Will Austin and Cole manage to keep their relationships intact?

I Dare You delivers all of everything in this bully love tale that will have you reading right up to the very end, complete with a game of wild dares and some incredible sexual tension.

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Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann

Corabelle is more than eager to leave the slimy sleazeballs prowling the bar for the lovely fluff-ball waiting for her back home after a late night out celebrating her sister’s birthday.

When she finds out that her money has been taken, those preparations come to a screeching halt, leaving her stranded and reliant on her arch-enemy Dean. A potential nightmare

When she finds herself in chains in a monster’s cellar, the horror only gets worse. And the icing on the cake? The same thing happens to Dean.

Still Beating is a heartbreaking story that will captivate you from the first line to the last. It is lovely, terrible, and strong. With this captivating dark romance books, get ready for a restless night.

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