What does everyone consider dark romance? > Likes and Comments

I’m very curious what is everyone’s take on what books are considered dark romance and extremely dark romance? Cause if my TBR is missing dark romance and extremely dark romance books I need to add those immediately. Please give titles and authors. I read from kindle unlimited but if it’s really good and not available on there I will buy the physical book.

Ummm, Den of Vipers I feel like could be considered, and Haunting/Hunting Adeline

Den of vipers is on my TBR and I’ve read haunting Adeline all of them absolutely loved them😍

They are really good! What’s your opinion on the movie? I say “yes!”
Honestly, I base what is dark romance on how long the content warnings are lol

Absolutely yes to the movie!! I’m taking my boyfriend to watch it with me if it hits theaters. lol how long the trigger warnings are 🤣 I read the trigger warnings but they don’t phase me it just makes me want to read the book that much more lol

Seriously! The warnings make it so much better! What are you most looking forward to in the movie? It’s the hall of mirrors for me

Does your bf know anything about Haunting Adeline?

The gun scene the seatbelt scene lol anything really. He doesn’t. I will have him read all the books before we see the movie, he’s read some dark romance books before we got together so he’s into them.

I love that for you! Those are good scenes. Honestly, I want absolutely everything in the movie. I’m nervous to see who they are going to cast as Zade though. I feel like if they don’t do him justice, then I might not watch it.

I will watch it either way cause I don’t want to miss it lol

Lol, fair!

oou you want taboo and dark as hell… read little stranger and little liar by leigh rivers. by far my favorite duet right now 😍🙂‍↕️

This is a hard question because IMO there are so many shades of dark romance.
I personally think it all counts.
I really liked 'Lights Out', did i think it was a VERY light, dark romance - yes. But it still counts.
And on the other hand, I love the Hollow Series (currently re-reading Hollow Wrath, in anticipation of Hollow Soul coming out soon... ish), and this is more on the Horror side of dark romance, but still counts.
And then everything in between.
There are so many different shades.
I think the Edge of Darkness trilogy is the closest thing to a perfect example of Dark Romance, but it all comes under the overall genre.
Right?

I'm a big fan of the mafia side of things - but really, if it has a serial killer, a psychopath, an assassin, a stalker, an possessive millionaire, a sociopath... or even just someone a little bit weird/off, I'll probably read it - haha.

My fave reads recently have been:

My Dreadful Darling - HD Carlton
Hollow Hellion - Jodie King
Unhinged - Steph Macca
Twisted Pawn - LJ Shen
The Monster Trilogy - Rina Kent
Graves - Katelyn Taylor
Until Death - Nicole Blanchard
Devil you know - Harmony West
Hunt the Villain - Rina Kent

Little stranger is on my TBR. And I’ll read anything but nothing with vampires, wolves, ancient times, kings and queens stuff like that. I want real people (yes I know it’s fiction lol) I’ll take mafia, stalkers, masked men, hockey players, rich men things like that.

And I just bought lights out and the second one

Twisted Pawn was really good! I really enjoyed it.

Is Lights Out worth the read? I’ve heard mixed things about it, and want your opinion on it

I enjoyed 'Lights Out' personally, but you have to go into it knowing that it is a LIGHT, dark romance.
If you have been reading dark romance for a long time, then i recommend using it as a palate cleanser, or if you feel like something a bit lighter.
Its rom-com, dark romance - kind of like Butcher and Blackbird, but lighter.
Its a good book if you enjoy good banter, and a bit of humor.

It is one of those 'you have to be in the mood for it' books.
The audio book is apparently really good, but i read it personally - i heard the audio was great afterwards (I have heard that Jacob Morgan brings it to a whole new level).

I really like Jacob Morgan’s narrations. I’ll keep that in mind for when I read it. Thank you!

Ashley wrote: "Little stranger is on my TBR. And I’ll read anything but nothing with vampires, wolves, ancient times, kings and queens stuff like that. I want real people (yes I know it’s fiction lol) I’ll take m..."

I am the same - I like real people (haha, fictional real people).
I do not do romantasy at all. I have been tempted but I love dark romance too much and so I stick to that.

All of my suggestions above are dark romance (except maybe Hollow Hellion - that is more on the horror/erotica/romance side. Darker than the standard dark romance).

The Monster Trilogy is not monsters as such, its Mafia/Military.
Rina Kent was the first author that really sold me on Dark Romance, and I will still read anything she writes. haha.

Little Stranger is definitely worth the read.

You suggested twisted pawn so I read about it and the characters are related to the series I’m reading now so instantly adding that to my TBR. Of course twisted pawn is a series so I have to read the whole series lol but that’s ok.

Yes, its the Society of Villains series.
Start with Bad Bishop (then Twisted Pawn) when you get to the series.
There is only 2x books out so far, Fallen Rook (book 3) is due out soon-ish.

Are you reading the Forbidden Love Series?
Im sure that is the one prior to Society of Villains, but I didn't read it first (because whoops).

Are you enjoying it??

You were supposed to read something before Bad Bishop? Whoops, I didn’t know that

I am reading the forbidden love series. I’m on book 3 handsome devil. The author said it’s darker than the other two in the series and it is but it makes sense cause she has a whole other series to tie in other characters from this book!
When I’m done with this book I’m going to read something that’s been in my TBR for a long time lol maybe just smut and not dark lol

Lol

You didn't have to read it prior, but it was insight into some of the side characters in the Society of Villains, I believe.

Tate and Gia is one of the books, and Rhyland is another one of them, I believe.

I found out about it after I had already read Bad Bishop too. haha.
I may go back and read them though.
They are on my TBR I think. :)

Ashley wrote: "I am reading the forbidden love series. I’m on book 3 handsome devil. The author said it’s darker than the other two in the series and it is but it makes sense cause she has a whole other series to..."

Are you loving it?
Worth the read?

The TBR I have here on Goodreads is not even half of my TBR I have on Libby. I’ve thought about merging it all together, but I don’t want to blow up people’s dashboard, and I’d have to move search up over 1,000 books. That’s too much work lol

Elaina wrote: "The TBR I have here on Goodreads is not even half of my TBR I have on Libby. I’ve thought about merging it all together, but I don’t want to blow up people’s dashboard, and I’d have to move search ..."

I'm the same (its organised chaos - no regrets).
I have a book-tracker phone app that has my full TBR, but I add them on here as I see recommendations, discussions etc.
Then transfer them to my main TBR when I get the chance.

There is method to my madness... it makes sense to me.

I am in no position to judge. I have 3 separate lists on Libby. What is available in KindleUnlimited, my physical books that I haven’t read on KU, and everything else in between

Haha - I love that.
It means we have options when it comes time to start a new book.
Right? Nothing wrong with having options.

Hundreds and hundreds of options. haha.

Facts! What’s even worse, though, is I will go hunting for more books to add…as if I don’t have options! I’m pretty sure I have abibliophobia lol

Lights Out was good 🫣🔥 I fell in love with mmc. I 100% recommend.

Rhyland has his own book, wildest dreams that was more cute. I liked it. Tate and Gia have their own book also that’s the one I’m reading now, handsome devil. I’ve actually liked all the books I’ve read except one and it was by Gigi Styx I forgot the name.

It was called I will break you by Gigi Styx. I could not get into that book to save my life.

Would also definitely recommend Lights Out. Josh is absolutely lovely 🥰 But it is more Dark romcom than Dark romance.

How The Warrior Fell
Nicole René

Elaina wrote: "Facts! What’s even worse, though, is I will go hunting for more books to add…as if I don’t have options! I’m pretty sure I have abibliophobia lol"

Haha - same. I finish one book and add twenty new ones to the TBR.
Its a problem, but not one I'm willing to fix :)

Cole wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Little stranger is on my TBR. And I’ll read anything but nothing with vampires, wolves, ancient times, kings and queens stuff like that. I want real people (yes I know it’s fiction l..."

I'm with you on the liking the "real people". I want them to have flaws, say the wrong things, be flirtatious, etc. I want to be able to fall in love with the main character/s.

Dance with my demons series

Mindf*ck Series (SO GOOD)

Edge of Darkness trilogy (Favorite)

Insidious Obsession series. (Carnal Obsession was my fav) Does not have to be read in order.

Legacy of Gods series. I think book 3???? was my favorite of these. I dont think they have to go in order either.

Vipers Series... Dark... Prepare yourself.

If you want dark dark.... Buttons & Lace series.. the first 3 or 4 are good and then it gets dumb!! but... prepare yourself.

Corrupt was ok. i didnt love it.

If you want a masterpiece thats dark but also fantasy... Alchemised. It'll change your life its so good.

Ashley wrote: "I’m very curious what is everyone’s take on what books are considered dark romance and extremely dark romance? Cause if my TBR is missing dark romance and extremely dark romance books I need to add..."

Hi. I just bumped into this post. You may have seen my list before in other posts, but I thought I would add it here. This is my current list of favorites. Most are EXTREMELY DARK, so they would fit in your Extremely Dark category. Check triggers. I don't have many, so some of these go into places that you may not want to go. Anyway, hope you find a few. I also have a list of not-so-dark.

24690 - A.A. Dark - dark, graphic, horror, erotica
Garden of the Gods series – A.A. Dark – dark, graphic, horror, erotica

Chronicles of Anna Monroe – A.A. Dark – Pitch Black, serial killers, serial killers, serial killers, kidnapping, abuse, graphic horror erotica, absolutely fantastic, and serial killers

Infidelity - Aleatha Romig – Mildly dark, slow burn, lots of twists, page turner, really loved this one

Consequences – Aleatha Romig – Dark, kidnapping, abuse, graphic

Twist Me, Capture Me, Tormentor Series – Anna Zaires – Mafia/cartel, kidnapping, graphic,

Blaire - Anita Gray – Mafia/cartel, dark, BDSM, graphic

The Santiago World - Catherine Wiltcher - Mafia, erotica

Beauty in the Stolen or Crime Lord Duet - Charmaine Pauls - both I loved a lot, but anything by her as well

Filthy Wicked Psycho - Eva Ashwood - RH, lots of action in and out of the bedroom, a bunch more by her as well

The Losers - Harley Laroux - RH and really, really, really good

Adeline Duet - H.D Carlton - dark-dark, graphic, stalker...... (a bunch more books in this world)

Queens and Monsters - J.T. Geisinger - mafia, lots of banter, not too dark, but lots of fun reading, strong FMC's

There Are No Saints/There Are No Devils – Sophie Lark – Dark, 2 serial killers fall in love with the same woman, really good.

The 60 Days Series - Jade West - dark-dark, BDSM, graphic

Stronger Series - Jay Marie - really dark, mafia, trafficking, GR, strong FMC

Pretty Little Dolls - K Webster and Ker Dukey - dark-dark, graphic, crazy

Dark Hitchhiker Series - Lauren Biel - dark-dark, stalker, kidnapping (all her books are really dark)

Crime Lord Series - Mia Knight - mafia, not too dark, but still good

All The Pretty Things - Monica James - kidnapping, mafia, graphic

Beneditti Mafia World - Natasha Knight - dark, graphic, mafia

Devil's Night Series - Penelopy Douglas - dark, twisted, fun
Indebted - Pepper Winters - Dark, graphic, liked this one a lot

Hockey Gods Series - S Massery - dark, sports, college, kidnapping (last book in the series the best though)

Mindf*ck Series - S.T. Abby -- MUST READ if you like dark, graphic, serial killer, WTF moments

Merciless World/Cross Brothers - W.Winters - lots of books in this world - start with Merciless or Do You Want Me

Adicted to Sin – Emily Stormbrook – Graphic torture, abduction, liked this series a lot

Break Her – B. G. Harlen – Hostage, graphic, WTF ending

The Holding – M. A. Newhall – Sex trafficking, graphic, ending will kill you

I Know What Love Is - Whitney Bianca - Very Graphic

The Shadows – J. A. Owenby – Dark, violence & revenge, graphic

The Dominator Series – D D Prince – Dark, mafia, sex trafficking, graphic

Twenty One – Alice Anne Blackwood – Dark, sex trafficking, graphic, violence, (banned for 5 years, now republished, really good, loved the end)

Coerce and Compel – both by Candice M. Wright – Dark, stalker/serial killer, kidnapping, graphic, very good twist at the end of Compel.

What Lies – Willow Madison – Dark, captivity, psychological torture, mindfuck, extreme violence, - What Love continues Larissa’s story…….exceptional, twist you will not see coming

Escaping Paradise – Gwendolyn Field – trafficking, dark, unusual story

The Darkness Beyond the Daisies – Cori Zahara – you name it, it’s in this one….abuse, trafficking, multi personality, mental health, very, very dark, 500+ pages

Cheaters – DD Prince – blackmail, staking, dark, (not really cheating), one of those reads that stays with you, MMC is rising to my top five

Monsters in the Dark (Tears of Tess) – Pepper Winters – dark, graphic, kidnapping, trafficking, strong FMC, emotional

The Jewelry Box series – Pepper Winters – dark, graphic, kidnapping, trafficking, strong FMC, very emotionally charged, lots of action, one of my absolute favorites!

The Deliver Series – Pam Godwin – dark, graphic, kidnapping, trafficking, strong FMC’s, each book is a different couple, different kinks, one MMF, some BDSM, really great series, the momentum never stops.

Red Rabbit and Darling Wildfire – Devyn Rivers - dark, graphic, bloody, kidnapping, trafficking, military, FM, MFM, MM, debut books…really intense and really good.

Stay – Emily Goodwin – dark, emotional, trafficking, very realistic story. (few grammar errors, but still recommend)

Take Me With You – Nina G. Jones – dark, brutal, emotional, kidnapping, good twists, good ending.

The Frozen Fate Series and spinoff Rise of Ink and Smoke – Pam Godwin – dark, graphic, kidnapping, brutal, strong FMC, loved all the MMC’s, twisted family MMMF and then MFM with Wolfson. Absolutely loved this one

My Dreadful Darling – HD Carlton – College, bully, stalker, fun and not terribly dark, but anything by this author is great. More to come in this series

The Ravenhood - Kate Stewart – OMG will break your heart in book two. One of my favorite series of 2026 so far.

Pen Pal by J.T. Geisinger – go into this one blind. You need to experience the who story as it unfolds.

This is a lot I know but check them out and see what strikes your fancy. If you find something you really love, come back and I will have more closer to what you like. Got lots of them I would recommend.

Jessie- thank you for the recs but I have those on my TBR already except that last one so I will check that one out.

Karen- holy moly! You gave me a book of recs!!! Most of them I’ve never even heard of! H.D Carlton is my queen though! I read her books and love them all. I don’t read that fast so your list will last me for years lol.

Late to the post!
I think its so different person to person and i made a tiktok before asking for some new recs an i had at least 25 comments suggesting little stranger which sooooo many people love but i genuinly didn't find it dark in the slightest i thought it was so boring and malachi is such a golden retriever. I really enjoyed the edge of darkness trilogy/haunting an hunting adeline but for me personally i want pitch black and these are light too me so
I really loved in love with the devil by sky blu (ku)
to have and to hold and til death we part by hazel black (banned)
Darkest descent by Hazel again (banned off amazon)
Deviant by ellie sanders (ku)
Captured by Lauren Biel (banned off amazon)
Jagged souls by mirana Grant (not ku, unsure if banned)
A wife for silas/An heir for silas by tori sullivan (ku)
sick fux by tillie cole
Sutton asylum by kinsley kincaid
Fiery little thing by avina st graves
unsure on the last 3 as i have physical copies so no idea on their kindle status
if you want to dive straight into horror erotica fxkin entity by Jodie king is the way to go but be warned it's not romance in the slightest and has i think 70 TW's attached too it x

⬆️ Billie I have kindle unlimited since right now I don’t have the space for physical books so I will check out the books you recommended for kindle

I think dark romance is a book, movie, or real-life situation where the relationship is rocky, but later they fix their mess.

@Karen I’ve been going through your list and have been LOVING your recommendations. My absolute favorite so far has been Losers. The dynamic- bullying/teasing/obsession between the MCs is SO GOOD. Do you have any other books you would recommend that are similar? Thank you!!

Kris wrote: "@Karen I’ve been going through your list and have been LOVING your recommendations. My absolute favorite so far has been Losers. The dynamic- bullying/teasing/obsession between the MCs is SO GOOD. ..."

I loved Losers so much! Glad you loved it. Let me think about your question. I read some "why choose" and reverse harem, but not a lot. I am sure if I think about it I will come up with a few. I am thinking about one right now. I remember the story, but not the actual title...but I will. Any other specifics you are looking for? Does age matter? How dark do you like>

@Karen great questions!! Age does not matter. How dark would you consider Losers to be? Maybe I could share some of my other top top favorites that might help with narrowing things down:

HD Carlton - Does It Hurt & Adeline series, 10/10 - absolutely loved

Clarissa Wild - Sick Boys, 10/10

Shantel Tessier - Sabotage, 10/10; The Sinner, 9/10; The Sacrifice, 7/10

(Note: normally I do NOT go for fantasy, but have to share these because they are firmly on my top favorites ever list) Lexi Foss - Chastely Bitten, 10/10; Blood Day, 9/10

Caroline Peckham - Beautiful Carnage, 10/10

Angel Lawson - Devil May Care, 9/10

Poppy St. John - Twisted Devotion, 9/10

Also does not have to be reverse harem. More so I liked the dynamic in general that was in Losers, but would been just as good with just one MMC like if it were just Manson I would have loved it too. Maybe even more because their chemistry and the writing of their dialogue was so so good!