10 Sultry Dark Romance Books for Those Who Like Love Stories With a Little Bite (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The dark romance genre has become wildly popular in the last few years, attracting readers who are looking for mature content and darker themes in their love stories. Think romance, but with a bit of a bite. And that popularity is well-earned — with high stakes, sweeping character arcs and simmering romantic tension, dark romance pulls no punches in the exploration of trauma, redemption, morality, justice and the nature of love.When I started writing theRuinous Lovetrilogy, it began with a single question: what would happen if I combined traditional romcom tropes with dark romance staples? The final book in the series,Scythe & Sparrow(on sale Feb. 11) asks: can a small-town doctor and an injured circus performer find love, even though they’re both murderers?WhileScythe & Sparrowmight sound intense, the comedy and endearing friends-with-benefits romance lightens the tone, making it a good entry point for the genre. The books below span the range of darkness, from lighter “enemies-to-lovers” forced proximity tropes to pitch-black love that blossoms from toxic obsession, there truly is something to match your freak. Just do yourself a favor: always check the content warnings!

The dark romance genre has become wildly popular in the last few years, attracting readers who are looking for mature content and darker themes in their love stories. Think romance, but with a bit of a bite. And that popularity is well-earned — with high stakes, sweeping character arcs and simmering romantic tension, dark romance pulls no punches in the exploration of trauma, redemption, morality, justice and the nature of love.

When I started writing theRuinous Lovetrilogy, it began with a single question: what would happen if I combined traditional romcom tropes with dark romance staples? The final book in the series,Scythe & Sparrow(on sale Feb. 11) asks: can a small-town doctor and an injured circus performer find love, even though they’re both murderers?

WhileScythe & Sparrowmight sound intense, the comedy and endearing friends-with-benefits romance lightens the tone, making it a good entry point for the genre. The books below span the range of darkness, from lighter “enemies-to-lovers” forced proximity tropes to pitch-black love that blossoms from toxic obsession, there truly is something to match your freak. Just do yourself a favor: always check the content warnings!

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H. D. Carlton

Every dark romance aficionado knows the name H.D Carlton, and her groundbreaking stalker dark romanceHaunting Adelineis one of the staples of the genre. And now, there’s a prequel!Phantomfollows the story of Gigi, a fierce woman who will do anything to protect her daughter, and Ronaldo, a stalker mobster who embraces his darkness. I recommend readingHaunting AdelineandHunting Adeline,Carlton’s Cat and Mouse Duet, first! Heads up: this is one of the darkest options on this list.

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Nisha J Tuli

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Nielson

If you’ve read Rivers’ popularThe Edge of Darknesstrilogy,Psychotic Obsessionis set before the series and can be read as an interconnected standalone. Coming March 2, it follows infamous psychopath Tobias and and genetic scientist Aria, who are introduced in the primary series. Much of the plot is still under wraps, but we suspect it will follow Aria’s attempt to diagnose and treat a young patient, putting her in the path of the enigmatic and obsessive Tobias. It promises to be equally as dark and twisty as the trilogy it precedes. Now is the perfect time to pick upInsatiableand start the trilogy so that you’re done in time for this release!

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Independently published

Toxicis a dark, second-chance romance that’s part of a series of interconnected standalones. This book follows Hisashi and Taylor, who meet at Sophia University and develop an instant attraction (or, for Hisashi,obsession). Though circumstances force them apart for a decade, that obsession never dies, and Hisashi aims to exact punishment Taylor for leaving him. For those who have read theBlood Legacyseries, you should expect more of the twists, turns, and surprises that Goree-Bell is known for. But don’t forget to check those content warnings — Goree-Bell does not shy away from difficult and traumatic experiences in her stories.

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Sourcebooks Casablanca

Cate is one of my all-time favorite spicy dark romance authors. She writes complex characters and heart-wrenching stories with a deft, thoughtful touch, andKeep Meis a great example of her skill. The Scottish Killian Barclay is a man who’s suffered so much heartbreak that he wants nothing to do with love. Until scrappy New Yorker Sylvie Devereaux comes along, of course. Cate has also announced a new series coming later this year, so start her extensive list while you wait!

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Molly Doyle

If you prefer thriller and horror, this dark romance novella might suit your tastes. This is the newest release in Doyle’s popularOrder of the Unseenseries, which includes three masked men, a secret society and a woman named Quinn who seems to attract trouble. The twists and turns are super fun, and you’ll find yourself blasting through the pages.

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978-1

For those looking for a more paranormal vibe, tryFeast Of Fools, the second book in Loud’sPerverse Cityseries of interconnected standalones. It’s a dark captor/captive slow burn romance between a couple so morally gray they’re basically charcoal. The book starts with a bang, following Gemini, the God of Trickery’s servant, as he hunts Veil, a petty thief who finds herself an unwilling participant in the “Feast of Fools.” There’s spice, groveling, pining and plenty of chaos, all set in an exceptionally rendered world. Loud’s writing is atmospheric, immersive and totally unique.

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Bebe’s Reads LLC

If reimagined fairytales are your thing, try Reid’s wild retelling of Goldilocks. Celebrity Aurelia George is forced out of the spotlight after a PR nightmare, and she suddenly finds herself stranded in Northern Canada after her plane crashes in a blizzard. As the only survivor, Aurelia happens across three men who live in a remote cabin. And why choose one when you can have all three? If you know B.B. Reid from her popular bookLilac, expect some masterful storytelling.

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Baneful Ink

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This unusual story is so unique, and if it sweeps you away like it did me, you’ll be happy to know the follow-up in the two-book series is also out! Think wedding party, escape rooms, mysteries and spice. When the bride and groom set the stage for a series of games, everyone in the wedding party wants to win the “ultimate prize,” especially maid-of-honor Evie and best man James. It’s a great entry into dark romance. Dae is a talented storyteller poised for a big break, so hop on her train early so you can say you read her when.

source: people.com