Top 10 Dark Romance Books to Add To Your TBR Right Now
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Welcome to The Diary of a Reader, the land of all books. Ones that will get you swooning, battling side by side in an adventure tale, and sweating from how hot a scene just played. This week we are jumping into the world of dark romance and all things that require you to read a trigger warning before you dive in (I love it when books come with warnings, makes me want to read them even more). So if you’re easily offended I suggest you turn back now. But if you’re looking for dark romance (something filthy asf) then strap yourself in and hang on! It’s going to be a wild ride!
Dark romance has been a trend on the likes of BookTok and Bookstagram. Navigating the hashtags associated can be a daunting task. While most of the dark romance books on this list can venture into the taboo, nothing is quite off-limits when it comes to dark romance books(I am likely to make this a monthly series, let me know in the comments). As always you should check trigger warnings if you need to. And yes, all of these are spicy dark romance books.
The Sinner by Shantel Tessier
“Do I need to fuck that attitude out of you, little demon?”
While I have to say that I am obsessed with the entire L.O.R.D.S series by Shantel Tessier, there is something about Sin. This dark standalone is extremely dark and unhinged (this isn’t one to start with if you are just getting into dark romance). In a world of Lords, Easton Sinnet (Sin) is tasked with choosing a lady, but there is only one lady that Sin wants Ellington Asher. The Sinner unexpectedly had me crying. And while Sin is no Saint he would go to the ends of the earth for Elli! If you are in the mood for something that will have your toes curling and is so hot it will have your Kindle’s cheeks turning pink then you have to read The Sinner (really the entire L.O.R.D.S series Ryat and Tyson are also top-tier).
The Sinner is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Credence by Penelope Douglas
“Let’s fight and laugh and make babies someday and go insane because I’m fucking in love with you.”
A list of dark romance book recommendations would be remiss without Ms. Penelop Douglas. And, out of all of her books, I would say that Credence has to be on your list of dark romance books to read.
Tiernan, the daughter of a film producer and a starlet, has always had everything she wanted—except love and guidance. Her parents’ tragic double suicide leaves her feeling as alone as ever. Moving in with her “uncle” and “cousins” to finish her remaining time as a minor, Tiernan slowly discovers herself and what it means to be part of a family as they teach her to work and survive in the woods.
I dove into this book without any prior knowledge, except that Penelope Douglas is a well-known author. Going in without expectations helps form a unique perspective on the story. I listened to this on Audible and, despite wishing for a more diverse cast (with narrators not voicing both genders), I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend this format. This was also my first reverse harem book. It’s important to note that although the characters call each other uncle and cousins, they aren’t blood-related—her uncle is her father’s stepbrother. The dynamics between the characters are compelling and the story is captivating, keeping you engaged and wanting more. It was phenomenal. If you want a dark romance book for beginners start here.
Den of Vipers by K.A Knight
“So you have demons? Baby, they match mine.”
Den of Vipers is a book that has officially ruined me for all other dark romances. A year later and I still think about picking this book up and rereading it several times over.
I laughed, cried, and swooned. Wishing I had each of these men’s personal brand of venom coursing through my veins… well maybe not “Captain Crazy” (iykyk) but then again, maybe even him too.
I adored this book! As my first experience with this author, I’m now eager to binge-read all her previous works. This dark reverse harem novel delves into the complex relationships between Roxy and her men, blending sweetness with intense, unconventional dynamics. Each character contributes uniquely, forming a messed-up yet solidly loyal family unit. The Vipers run the city, and when Roxy’s estranged father indebts himself to them, he offers her as payment. Despite her rough background, Roxy is a resilient, no-nonsense dynamo running a dive bar, and she’s far from thrilled to become the Vipers’ property.
The Vipers are a formidable group, led by Ryder, who is both their calm, collected leader and a deeply responsible figure. Kenzo, Ryder’s younger blood brother, controls the city’s gambling scene and balances emotional depth with ruthless sadism. Garrett, an ex-boxer and the group’s enforcer harbors a deep-seated mistrust of women due to past trauma. Diesel, the group’s psychotic torturer, offsets his penchant for pain and death with a tender side towards Roxy, whom he affectionately calls “Little Bird.” Each man is distinct, and their relationships with Roxy are intensely erotic, graphic, and brilliantly characterized, making this novel much more than just steamy scenes. It’s a violent, uncompromising page-turner that captivated me completely. This book stands out as one of my favorite reads of the year and possibly my favorite reverse harem novel ever.
Devourer of Men by Nikki St. Crowe
“Please accept my apologies.” I reach across the table and pat her hand. “I plan on fucking him tonight so I must decline.”
Roc and Hook embark on a thrilling adventure across Everland, following a lead to find the woman they both once loved. As they travel together, the close quarters and their lowered inhibitions ignite a powerful chemistry between the mortal enemies. When their journey catches the Queen of Everland’s attention and she summons them to her court, the situation takes an unexpected and spicy twist.
Devourer of Men is a book that I wish I didn’t have to wait until it was published and the release date to read. And after just turning the last page and sitting now to make this list I immediately want to go back and reread 10 more times. This book was everything and the wait was worth it. I am obsessed with villains as a love interest, and Roc fits the bill. He is dangerous and powerful. Hook although he hates to admit it (poor form) wants Roc so bad he can barely stand it. Their chemistry was palpable. The banter and tension between the two were all that I needed and more. Now more than anything I am bummed that I have to wait for the next book in the Devourer series, and after that ending I don’t know how I will live!
Hitched by Lauren Bell
“But now that I’ve been inside you, no one else will ever be, including your fucking husband.”
I absolutely loved this! Lauren Biel knows how to craft a smut scene and weave unexpected events into her stories. Hitched is a wild ride, brimming with surprising twists and scorching hot sex.
Lex is an absolute hottie! His reckless disregard for life and ethics makes him a compelling yet unconventional hero. He acts on impulse and enjoys it, never second-guessing himself or feeling remorse—until he meets Selena.
Selena might seem weak at first, but she turns out to be one of the strongest characters I’ve encountered. With Lex, she makes choices based on her desires, finding her place and where she belongs. Despite their unlikely pairing, Lex makes her feel safe, and she trusts him like no one else.
These unexpected lovers create an exciting and captivating read. Five HUGE stars for dark romance excellence! This story isn’t for the faint of heart, so be sure to check for content warnings and possible triggers. I highly recommend it for fans of dark romance who enjoy a morally gray hero—someone who is only soft for his girl, and even then, not very soft at all.
God of Malice by Rina Kent
“Oh, my God,” she breathes out. “That’s right, your god. Worship at my altar, baby.”
I want to learn how to go back in time so I can read this for the first time again. That’s all I want to do! It’s all I need to do. God of Malice is one of my favorite dark romance books.
I don’t even know where to start. I want to gush about it endlessly, yet I also want to say nothing because everyone needs to experience this book for themselves. IT’S JUST SO FLIPPING GOOD. I didn’t want it to end, but I couldn’t put it down.
The relationship dynamics, the rivalries, the way everyone interacts—oh my god, I was on the edge of my seat. Every time a new character was introduced, I got so hyped. Each character is so unique, and seeing them interact and speculate on potential pairings was incredibly exciting. My favorite pairings definitely changed by the end!
Honestly, I’m keeping plot details under wraps because you have to go in blind. I’m a huge fan of author Rina Kent’s work and always have sky-high expectations, but this book? It blew me away.
Killian Carson is EVERYTHING! He is KING!
Glyn and Killian meet at the edge of a cliff, and it’s anything but friendly. Killian, a stunning man with a taste for cruelty, doesn’t hold back during their first encounter. Both attend rival colleges on Brighton Island, off the coast of England..
Prepare for Killian and Glyn to rock your world. They’ve completely turned mine upside down. Their story is an absolute MASTERPIECE
Losers Part I by Harley Laroux
“I wanted to ride this man like a goddamn rollercoaster and then take his friends for a spin too.”
Though coherence might elude me, I have to express how this book has taken over my life. Surprisingly, despite the trigger warnings, the romance was sweet, with consensual BDSM scenes and respectful dynamics. The four men who cared for Jess were attentive, constantly checking in on her, making consent incredibly sexy. Their devotion and the way they simped for her is exactly what I crave in a dark romance—intense, caring, and unapologetically passionate.
The found family dynamic melted my heart. The love and tenderness between these four men were beyond words, and their polyamorous, bisexual identities were refreshingly open and discussed with depth. Jess’s integration into their group has me eagerly awaiting the second part, where I hope to see more of their unique version of domestic bliss. Even the car races, something I usually overlook, became thrilling. Jessica Martin’s character development was flawless; Jess, an unapologetically complex female character, defied societal norms, and Harley Laroux beautifully crafted her journey from reluctance to acceptance. The rich backstories and the intricate portrayal of Manson’s and Lucas’s characters, from their vulnerabilities to their dominant and caring sides, added layers of depth that kept me captivated.
My Dark Romeo by Parker S. Huntington and L.J. Shen
“Sometimes, when I read, I realized I was happiest in a world that wasn’t mine.”
This book was an absolute delight! I’m genuinely surprised by how much it captivated me. Every aspect of it just clicked, and I couldn’t get enough.
The dynamic between Dallas and Romeo was pure entertainment. Their stark differences in personality, from Dallas’s chaotic nature to Romeo’s love for order, made for a compelling contrast. Witnessing Romeo fall for Dallas despite their initial animosity was a joy to behold. Their banter, filled with both wit and genuine emotion, had me laughing out loud and eagerly turning the pages for more. Even the moments of tension, like when Dallas tied Romeo to the bed, had me grinning from ear to ear.
Romeo, for all his rudeness, revealed layers of depth that endeared him to me by the end. His alpha demeanor and possessiveness, while intense, added a fiery allure to his character. Yet, beneath his tough exterior, his willingness to love Dallas unconditionally, even when he doubted her feelings, was undeniably sweet. Moments like standing in line for hours in the cold to get her a signed copy of her favorite book showcased his softer side, balancing out his more abrasive qualities. Despite the abundance of pop culture references, which usually irk me, they seamlessly integrated into the narrative, allowing me to fully enjoy this fun and effortlessly engaging read.
Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers
“No. You were mine when we were kids, and you’re mine now. You’ll always be mine.”
He loves you but will he fuck you in over your dying father’s body while he’s bleeding out all over the floor. Whew! Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers. A list of dark romance books wouldn’t be complete without a little blood and a night full of passion.
Adopted when he was just eight, Malachi found solace and connection with his foster sister, Olivia Vize. Their bond deepened swiftly, bordering on obsession.
Yet, when he senses a threat to his position in her life, Malachi’s response is swift and protective. He’s fiercely loyal, willing to wait patiently until the day when Olivia has to make a choice. Then, he’ll be there, ready for their reunion, no matter how long it takes.
I loved the dark vibes and the TABOO in this one. Malachi is psychotic and I love him for that. If you like Zade Meadows then you have to try Malachi Vize. He is Zade times 10. Honestly, he makes Zade look like a romantic!
That Sik Luv by Jescie Hall
“Beg for my cum, church girl.”
Now would a list of dark romance books be complete if I didn’t add a little stalker romance to the list.
The message is clear: sexual immorality is deemed a sin, one that should be avoided at all costs. Unlike other transgressions, it directly impacts one’s own body, emphasizing the gravity of its consequences. Society instills this moral code deeply, warning against the innate desires that lurk within us all, pushing us towards actions that promise fleeting satisfaction but everlasting guilt.
Aero is my new psychotic book boyfriend. This journey took me through some of the deepest, darkest, and most provocative territories I’ve likely ever encountered in literature. Some moments were so intense that I had to remind myself I was reading fiction, absorbing the rawness through my eyes. Yet, there were also instances where I found myself unexpectedly drawn in, feeling a rush of arousal from the pages before me. Reflecting on it all, I can’t help but think that if any of these events unfolded in reality, the individuals involved would surely warrant confinement in prison or psychiatric care.
In this narrative, the protagonist grapples with these conflicting forces within. Aero, a metaphorical embodiment of the protagonist’s inner turmoil and desires, relentlessly pushes them towards indulgence, towards succumbing to their darkest impulses. Despite the facade they wear to conceal this inner struggle, Aero sees through it all, serving as a constant reminder of the internal battle raging within. The protagonist faces a stark choice: to either confront and embrace their truths or to be consumed by the relentless pursuit of forbidden desires, with Aero as both the catalyst and the antagonist in this existential struggle.
That Sik Luv is available on Kindle Unlimited.
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