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21 editor’s picks matching Dark Romance
A good pick for readers who like morally gray love interests, stalker romance, dark humor, and spicy bookish fantasies.
To Have and to Stalk
Romance · Dark Romance · RomCom
Our take
From USA Today bestselling author Mary Catherine Gebhard comes a dark romantic comedy about a woman whose dating profile brings her twisted book boyfriend fantasies to life. Her masked, tattooed stalker is possessive, obsessive, and involved in a bloody, illegal hobby. A good pick for readers who like morally gray love interests, stalker romance, dark humor, and spicy bookish fantasies.
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About the book
From USA Today Best Selling author Mary Catherine Gebhard comes a brand new dark romcom about a girl who makes a dating profile to live out all of her spicy, bookish fantasies.
He was all my twisted, dark book boyfriend fantasies come to life. Masked. Tattooed. Dirty talking—and totally unhinged.
Morally grey? Check.
Stalker? Check.
A very illegal, very bloody hobby? Check.
Possessive, obsessive, and calls me a good girl? Check. Check. Check.
I should probably call the police.
I definitely shouldn’t take dirty selfies because I know he hacked my phone.
But what’s a girl to do?
It’s my very own stalker romance.
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A strong match for readers who like why-choose contemporary romance, complicated relationships, brooding love interests, and heroines who refuse to choose.
Bound
Romance · Dark Romance
Our take
In the second Highgate Preparatory Academy novel, Lilly's relationship with her Knights is tested by an unknown past and the personal demons threatening to consume them. As questions multiply, she struggles to hold onto her multiple lovers. A strong match for readers who like why-choose contemporary romance, complicated relationships, brooding love interests, and heroines who refuse to choose.
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About the book
"I do."
Two words that taste bittersweet, their meaning conflicting within me. They roll off my tongue, tasting both right and wrong, as if the hand that gives also seeks to take away, uncaring and unapologetic.
Can I truly have it all? Can I keep them, these pieces of my heart?
Shakespeare knew true love's path is anything but smooth, especially when it collides with an unknown past, while our own demons threaten to consume us.
Questions multiply, each answer giving rise to more as history, that unpredictable force, repeats itself, and we are mere passengers on this wild ride.
Bound, the second book in the Highgate Preparatory Academy series, an electrifying contemporary romance where choices need not be made and our courageous heroine finds solace in multiple lovers. Swords clash, both figuratively and literally. If your heart yearns for broken, tantalisingly handsome men who thrive in darkness, a fierce young woman unafraid to wield colourful language, and intimate encounters that ignite your desires—each chapter ablaze with temptation—then Bound awaits.
Embark on the next chapter of Lilly's story. Download Bound today and discover what lies ahead for her and her enigmatic Knights.
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A strong match for readers drawn to extremely dark erotica, controlling power dynamics, paranormal elements, and prolonged psychological intensity.
The Life of Anna
Horror · Dark Romance · Psychological Horror
Our take
The Life of Anna follows Anna, whose life was planned before birth so those in power could use her gifts and control others. As one man seeks to take those gifts for himself, Anna’s vision of another man draws her into a world of greed, political conspiracy, paranormal power, and taboo encounters, with a 4.5-star rating from more than 3,000 Amazon reviewers. A strong match for readers drawn to extremely dark erotica, controlling power dynamics, paranormal elements, and prolonged psychological intensity.
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About the book
A dark, twisted, depraved story of hope and love.
Anna’s entire life was planned out before she was born. Her entire purpose is to serve those in control and be the perfect tool to control everyone around them. One man will seek to take her unique gifts into himself and become both the source of power and the hand that wields it.
But Anna has a vision of a man. A man whom her Master is determined to discover and destroy. A man who will change Anna's life forever.
The Life of Anna follows the naive and innocent Anna as she enters a dark world of greed, politics, and an evil puppet master who pulls the strings to her world. And beyond.
Readers be warned, for this journey is not for the faint of heart. You are about to venture into a world of dark plots, sinister villains, and deeply erotic taboo encounters.
Are you brave enough to enter the Life of Anna?
What Readers are saying about The Life of Anna:
“Holy f*%#! ... the author, has quite the imagination. This series is dark, darker than dark, and disturbing, an unbelievable emotional roller coaster ride with strong characters in every twist and turn and you can't help but hold on to the ride.”
“This story has changed the definition of dark erotica for me.”
“I literally could not put this book down.”
“The Life of Anna The Complete Story is the best story I've ever read. Marissa Honeycutt takes you on an intense emotional roller coaster that is Anna's life. This book is the most intense, thrilling, and addictive book I've had the privilege of reading.”
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A sharp fit for readers drawn to dark romance with serial killers, obsession, mind games, and lovers-or-enemies tension.
Born, Madly
Mystery · Romance · Thriller · Dark Romance · Psychological Thriller · Romantic Suspense
Our take
From USA Today best-selling author Trisha Wolfe and called “deliciously twisted” by readers, Born, Madly follows Dr. London Noble and Grayson Sullivan as a buried past, psychological warfare, and a copycat killer threaten their bond, with a 4.2-star rating from more than 2,300 Amazon reviewers. A sharp fit for readers drawn to dark romance with serial killers, obsession, mind games, and lovers-or-enemies tension.
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About the book
From USA Today best-selling author Trisha Wolfe comes her most dark and dangerous romance that readers say is: "deliciously twisted"
Duet: a performance by two.
But who is acting, and who is devolving?
A buried past is unearthed, and Grayson Sullivan--AKA The Angel of Maine--retaliates against the system who made him, deploying psychological warfare on the woman who initially set him free. Dr. London Noble probes deep into the mind of the killer she's fallen for, searching for answers, as a copycat killer threatens their unity. Are they partners, lovers, or enemies? One final trap will reveal all.
*CW: Find a complete list of content information on the author's website
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Thomas Mulvaney has spent years trying to atone for a mistake that cost him everything.
Maniac
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance · Gay Romance
Our take
Thomas Mulvaney has spent years trying to atone for a mistake that cost him everything. Aiden is the man he pushed away and never stopped wanting. When a dangerous secret threatens their family, they must confront the past and each other. Maniac by Onley James is a dark, obsessive romance about love, guilt, and second chances.
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About the book
Thomas Mulvaney has spent his life atoning for one unforgivable mistake. He follows every rule, carries every burden, and keeps his distance from the man he once refused to love.
Aiden Mulvaney is a ghost built from lies and rejection. Years ago, he begged Thomas for love and was left with nothing but anger. Now he is back, and he is done waiting.
When a buried secret threatens to destroy the family that made them both, Thomas and Aiden must decide what is worth protecting—their past, their name, or each other. Old wounds reopen, and the cost of redemption may be love itself.
Onley James’s Maniac is a dark, emotional romance of guilt, obsession, and the second chance that burns too bright to survive.
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When crime blogger Zane Scott meets Asa Mulvaney, his plan to expose a family of killers turns into a dangerous obsession.
Headcase
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance · Gay Romance
Our take
When crime blogger Zane Scott meets Asa Mulvaney, his plan to expose a family of killers turns into a dangerous obsession. Drawn into Asa’s world of murder and desire, Zane must decide what he is willing to risk for the story of a lifetime. Headcase by Onley James is a dark, high-heat, obsessive romance.
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About the book
Asa Mulvaney is one half of a perfect monster. Separated from his twin for the first time, he is learning what it means to kill and live alone.
When crime blogger Zane Scott lands beside Asa at a charity event, his plan to expose the Mulvaney family takes a dangerous turn. Their encounter is instant combustion, a collision of curiosity and desire that neither man can forget.
Asa’s next assignment leads them into a web of staged suicides and buried secrets, and Zane becomes the perfect leverage. But obsession cuts both ways, and loving a Mulvaney might be the most dangerous headline Zane will ever write.
Onley James’s Headcase is a dark, high-heat romance of obsession, control, and the cost of surrender.
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Avi Mulvaney is a ruthless killer and a fashion icon.
Mad Man
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance · Gay Romance
Our take
Avi Mulvaney is a ruthless killer and a fashion icon. Felix Navarro is the sharp-tongued intern who swore he hated him. Forced to work together and trapped by danger, their rivalry burns into raw, undeniable need. Mad Man by Onley James is a filthy hot, enemies to lovers romance about obsession, control, and impossible attraction.
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About the book
Avi Mulvaney is a killer in a tailored suit. Brilliant, dangerous, and perfectly controlled. Until Felix Navarro walks into his world.
Felix is sharp-tongued, stylish, and stubborn, the last man who should catch Avi’s attention. Forced to work together at Gemini, Avi’s fashion empire hides darker pursuits, and Felix soon discovers that the man he can’t stand might also be the one he can’t resist.
When they are sent on a mission to dismantle a violent crime ring, their constant sparring turns into something hotter and far more dangerous. Hatred blurs into desire, and desire turns to obsession.
Onley James’s Mad Man is a filthy hot, enemies to lovers romance about power, lust, and the twisted freedom of loving a monster.
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Archer Mulvaney is a charming gambler with a talent for trouble.
Lunatic
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance · Gay Romance
Our take
Archer Mulvaney is a charming gambler with a talent for trouble. Mackenzie Shepherd is a wildlife photographer running from a past that will not stay buried. Forced to work together on a secret project, their rivalry turns electric as old enemies close in. Lunatic is a filthy hot enemies to lovers romance of danger, obsession, and trust.
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About the book
Archer Mulvaney gambles with everything: money, danger, and the hearts of men who should know better. His biggest risk is not at a poker table.
When photographer Mackenzie Shepherd takes a secret government job, he is running from a past that will not stay buried. Meeting Archer was not the plan, yet the spark is instant. They clash on every decision, yet the pull between them only grows.
They disagree on everything, and danger keeps closing in. As old enemies circle, Archer insists on keeping Mac safe, but Mac is used to going it alone. Desire makes every decision harder. Trust could save them, or break them.
Onley James’s Lunatic is a filthy hot, enemies to lovers romance of obsession, loyalty, and two men who learn to want what they fear. And it does not blink.
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Best for readers who like dark second chance romance with obsession, forced proximity, secrets, violence, and cliffhanger endings.
Ruining Her
Romance · Dark Romance · Romantic Suspense
Our take
Emily seeks shelter and a place to hide after escaping danger, but her plan falls apart when Josh finds her and becomes determined to uncover the secrets she cannot reveal, with a 4.5-star rating from more than 4,500 Amazon reviewers. Best for readers who like dark second chance romance with obsession, forced proximity, secrets, violence, and cliffhanger endings.
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About the book
This Book contains scenes and discussions of non-consensual sexual acts, profanity, sexual content and violence. If any of these are triggers for you, you should consider skipping this read. This is book 1 in a 2 part duet, a cliff-hanger can be expected.
Emily
I never thought I would be seeking shelter here of all places.
I’m out of options though. I needed a place to hide out.
Somewhere I could get my bearings and develop a plan to get myself out of the mess I’ve landed in.
It was a fail-proof plan. Then he found me.
I’ve escaped one monster, only to be captured by another.
He’s determined to break me, to uncover the secrets I’m hiding. But this is one secret I can’t let him discover.
Can I escape him before he ruins everything? Before he ruins me?
Josh
She was meant to stay away.
Emily, the only person in the world who’s made me feel like I actually have a heart.
She made me hope that my soul wasn’t as black as people say.
Hope’s a dangerous bitch though, one I killed before those embers ever had a chance to flame.
Now she’s back. And she’s keeping secrets, ones I plan to uncover using any means necessary.
I warned her that if I ever laid eyes on her again, I’d keep her.
In keeping her, I know I’m going to do the one thing I never wanted to do.
RUIN HER.
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Perfect for fans of vigilante justice and messy, dangerous hearts.
Moonstruck
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance
Our take
With 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, Moonstruck by Onley James is a dark, explosive M/M romance where a closeted scientist and a vigilante mechanic turn an accidental hookup into an unstoppable partnership. Together, they hunt predators, fight for family, and try to survive the chaos of falling in love. Perfect for fans of vigilante justice and messy, dangerous hearts.
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About the book
Atticus Mulvaney is a scientist, a psychopath, and a man who likes order. Jericho Navarro is chaos in a leather jacket, a mechanic by day and vigilante by night. They meet over a shared enemy. They collide in a hookup that neither can forget.
Atticus isn’t built for relationships. Jericho isn’t looking for rules. But their lives intertwine as Jericho’s hunt for his sister’s killer pulls them both into a brutal war against predators hiding in plain sight.
As two violent families circle their prey, Atticus and Jericho must learn to fight side by side, and maybe stop running from the pull between them.
Onley James’s Moonstruck is a scorching M/M romance where found family meets ruthless justice, and love is messy, bloody, and impossible to ignore.
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With 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, Psycho by Onley James is a darkly addictive M/M romance where obsession cuts both ways.
Psycho
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance
Our take
With 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, Psycho by Onley James is a darkly addictive M/M romance where obsession cuts both ways. When a clairvoyant FBI dropout collides with a vigilante killer hiding behind a professor’s smile, sparks—and danger—fly. Smart, twisted, and full of heat, this is romantic suspense where love walks a razor’s edge.
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About the book
August Mulvaney is a genius. He’s also a killer.
As a beloved college professor and a ruthless vigilante, August lives in the space where brilliance and bloodshed collide. Justice is a system he no longer trusts—so he corrects its failures one body at a time.
Lucas Blackwell used to be the FBI’s golden boy, a psychic who helped hunt monsters. But when his gift exposes a killer inside his own team, his life implodes. Now he’s hiding in plain sight, teaching at a small college until he literally crashes into August.
The spark between them is instant and dangerous. Lucas sees what August is. August sees what Lucas could be.
Onley James’s Psycho is a dark, addictive romance where trust is a risk, and obsession might just save them both.
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A vengeful cinnamon roll.
Unhinged
LGBTQIA+ · Romance · Dark Romance
Our take
A vengeful cinnamon roll. A possessive psychopath. And one very dead father. Unhinged is a brutal, filthy, and deliciously twisted romance that kicks off the Necessary Evils series. Think found family, vigilante justice, and enough steam to short-circuit your Kindle. With 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this dark MM romance pulls no punches and takes no prisoners.
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About the book
Adam Mulvaney is a killer. Raised by a billionaire with a twisted sense of justice, he’s one of seven psychopaths trained to eliminate the worst of the worst. It’s not personal—until it is.
Noah Holt has spent years preparing to avenge his father’s death. But when he finally confronts the man responsible, he learns the truth: his father deserved what he got.
Now Noah is questioning everything. His memories. His past. Even his morality. And the one person willing to help him figure it out is the very psychopath who pulled the trigger.
Adam doesn’t believe in love. He doesn’t feel it. But he wants Noah, and he’s not going anywhere.
What begins as vengeance becomes obsession. And maybe, just maybe, something a little like love.
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