Step into the captivating realm of dark romance books, where forbidden love beckons!
Dive into the shadowy world of dark romance books, where passion and danger intertwine in unforgettable stories. These intense reads will captivate you with their irresistible anti-heroes and forbidden desires, perfect for readers craving a thrilling escape.
Unlike contemporary romance, dark romance books explore the complex dynamics of power, obsession, and moral ambiguity, making them perfect for readers who enjoy more intense, boundary-pushing love stories with darker themes.
What is dark romance?
Curious about dark romance books? Here’s what you can expect:
- Genre-defying romances, rich in mature content.
- Dive into intense, taboo relationships and raw emotions.
- Encounter antiheroes and morally ambiguous figures.
- Embrace obsession, danger, and unorthodox backdrops.
Whether you’re a genre enthusiast or a newbie explorer, here are five dark romance book recommendations for you!
Twisted Love by Ana Huang is the first instalment in the gripping Twisted series, a New Adult romance filled with steam, suspense, and dark themes. It follows the torrid relationship between Alex Volkov, a devil with an angelic face and a haunting past, and Ava Chen, a free spirit haunted by childhood nightmares. Their love, born against all odds, sets off a chain of secrets that could shatter their worlds.
With billionaires, bodyguards, and forbidden love, this series has gained a massive Bookstagram following. It is known for its intense storylines and compelling characters. The series continues with Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies.
Bad Apple is a standalone romance novel by Elle Kennedy who is known for her signature strong heroines and alpha heroes. It follows Maggie Reilly, a busy college student with a unique arrangement for occasional lovers. However, a mix-up leads her to Hollywood bad boy Ben Barrett for a steamy encounter. As they navigate the aftermath, Ben realises he wants more than a fling, setting the stage for a charming, no-strings-attached love story that challenges Maggie’s relationship aversion. Elle Kennedy’s tale blends heat, humour, and danger, promising a compelling romance filled with unexpected turns and sizzling chemistry.
The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romance novel. Set in the thrilling world of organised crime, it centers on the electrifying clash between Senator’s daughter, Francesca Rossi, and ruthless mobster Wolfe Keaton. Their lives intertwine when he forces her into an arranged marriage, igniting a tumultuous love-hate relationship filled with passion and betrayal. As secrets unravel and power plays intensify, Francesca must navigate a treacherous path to find her true self and love in a world dominated by danger and desire. This steamy and suspenseful story captivates readers with its complex characters and fiery romance.
Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods series is a dark, new adult romance collection and a spinoff of her popular Royal Elite and Mafia World series. It centers on the next generation—the sons and daughters of the original characters—who navigate their own intense, often dangerous relationships. Known for her compelling enemies-to-lovers stories, Rina Kent creates a world filled with unapologetic anti-heroes and morally grey characters. Her complex narratives dive into themes of power, obsession, and passion, blending the darkness of mafia and elite societies with emotionally charged romance. Rina is a bestselling author, renowned for writing captivating and unpredictable villains.
Book 3 in the Highest Bidder series, Owned by Lauren Landish follows the story of a tormented, dark-hearted man with a haunting past who meets Lilly, a woman craving the thrill of danger. Their intense attraction spirals into a dominant-submissive relationship when Lilly signs a contract. However, as the allure turns into reality, she wants to leave, but the possessive man refuses to let her go. This dark tale explores their complex relationship, filled with seduction, control, and emotional turmoil, as the lines between fantasy and reality blur.
The other books in the dark romance series include Bought, Sold, and Given.
