There was a time in my life when all I wanted to read were uplifting, cheesy romance novels. They were the perfect form of escapism, letting me leave behind whatever stressors existed in my reality and dive into worlds where the stakes were low, the banter was flowing, and happily-ever-afters were waiting on the last page. I still love these kinds of books when I need a feel-good read, but I’ve also come to appreciate romance novels that take you on a…wild ride. And it seems I’m not alone—BookTok and Bookstagram are buzzing about a niche romance genre that goes far beyond sunshine and rainbows: dark romance books.
Don’t let their unassuming covers fool you; dark romance books books are not for the faint of heart. They’re spicy, twisted, and definitely NSFW. Expect enemies-to-lovers plotlines, brooding book boyfriends, and smutty scenes that will absolutely make you blush. Always look up trigger warnings before picking them up, but if you’re down for something out of the box, they’re endlessly entertaining. Ready to set aside your grumpy-sunshine read for something a little darker? Here are the 14 best dark romance books.
1. Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Haunting Adeline is one of the best dark romance books to read in 2025. For Adeline Reilly, moving back to Seattle was supposed to be the perfect fresh start. With the inheritance of her late grandmother’s gothic mansion, there is nothing to stand in her way. But Adeline isn’t alone in Parson’s Manor; she has a stalker. She quickly discovers she’s not the first person in her family to fall victim to a shadow in pursuit. Left behind are her great-grandmother’s haunting journals detailing the story of her own phantom, and subsequently, her brutal murder. History may repeat itself…if she doesn’t fall in love with her stalker first.
2. Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
If you love dark romance books with morally grey heroes, this is the read for you. When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, they form a friendship of two like-minded, pitch-black souls who just happen to enjoy killing other serial killers. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match?
3. Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Lights Out is a bit of a taboo dark romance book, as it covers different kinks we don’t see every day. But if your open-minded, it’s an incredible read. Trauma nurse Aly Cappellucci dreams about being hunted by masked men she follows online, of one man in particular chasing her down and doing deliciously dark things to her willing body. At night, Josh Hammond posts masked thirst traps for his millions of fans to drool over, but one follower has caught his eye: Aly. Together, Aly and Josh live out their darkest fantasies, unaware that Aly has captured the attention of someone else. Someone with far more sinister intentions than a little light stalking.
4. The Predator by RuNyx
Mafia dark romance books are a staple in the genre, and this is one of the best. As the only non-blooded member in the high circle of the mob, Tristan Caine is an enigma to all—his skills unparalleled, his morality questionable, and his motives unknown. What Caine does with weapons, Morana Vitalio, the genius daughter of the rival family, does with computers. When a 20-year-old mystery resurfaces, Morana infiltrates Caine’s house, intent on killing him, unaware of a tie that binds them together. Hate, heat, and history clash together with unexpected sparks. But something bigger is happening in their world, and despite their animosity, only they can fight it down.
5. A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane
IMO, some of the best dark romance novels are fantasy books or period pieces like A Heart of Blood and Ashes. In the novel, Maddek vows to avenge his parents and kill the corrupt king responsible for their murder. But when he learns it was the king’s daughter who lured his them to their deaths, the barbarian warrior is determined to make her pay. Yet the woman Maddek captures is not what he expected. Yvenne is small and weak, and the sharpest weapons she wields are her mind and her tongue. Even more surprising is the marriage she proposes to claim their thrones—because her desire for vengeance against her father burns even hotter than his own…
6. God of Malice by Rina Kent
We’ve all had a classmate we can’t stand, but this dark romance book takes it to another level. Art student Glyndon King has caught the attention of a monster. Killian Carson is a predator wrapped in sophisticated charm. The psychopathic medical student is cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage. The worst part is that no one sees his devil side. But she does, and that will cost her everything.
7. The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
This book takes one of my favorite genres, dark academia, and makes it way darker and way spicier. Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one. Blakely Anderson’s entire life has been planned out for her. Until Ryat came along and gave her an option for a better life. After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, she embraced her new role. But what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival, and the only way out was death.
8. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
This popular dark romance book is perfect if you want to try the genre out, but aren’t fully sold yet. It’s a dark fantasy romance, so if you like romantasy, this slightly more twisted version should be right up your alley. It follows Persephone, who is the Goddess of Spring in title only. Flowers have only shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hoped to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist. Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world, and his bets are rumored to be impossible. After playing a hand of cards, Persephone finds herself in a contract with Hades and she must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. As she struggles to meet the terms, a love that is both captivating and forbidden grows.
9. Truly by Carmel Rhodes
The summer after senior year was supposed to be the best summer of Truly’s life. She wasn’t supposed to go to that party, and her ex-boyfriend’s half-brother, the hot jock with the trust fund and chip on his shoulder, wasn’t supposed to notice her. But now that she’s on Noah Tedesco’s radar, her life will never be the same.
10. Hooked by Emily McIntire
This book is a dark re-telling of Peter Pan, which may sound like a strange premise at first, but you’ll quickly learn how well it can be done when you crack open the book. James has always had one agenda: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s 20-year-old daughter Wendy shows up in James’s bar, he sees his way in. Seduce the girl and use her for his revenge. But his plan for revenge gets murkier as James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game. As their relationship grows more heated and Wendy learns more about the world James moves in, she finds herself unsure if she’s falling for the man known as James or the monster known as Hook.
11. Twisted Love by Ana Huang
The Twisted series are some of the most popular dark romance books, and for good reason. Once you start this series, you won’t be able to stop. Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can’t escape. Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart. But when he’s forced to look after his best friend’s sister, he starts to feel something in his chest: A fire that could end his world as he knew it.
12. Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Phantasma is a new dark romance release that took the internet by storm. It follows Ophelia, who, when her sister disappears, realizes there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals. Charming, arrogant, and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life. Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart.
13. An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
This dark fantasy romance book takes place at Saint Perpetua’s College, where secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold. Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine. But as their rivalry blossoms into something more, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge.
14. Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight
If you want a contemporary dark romance mixed with a mafia dark romance, you have to pick up Den of Vipers. The premise is definitely a bit shocking at first, but let me tell you, the amount of spice is insane. The Vipers run Roxy’s town, and everyone in it. Their deals are as sordid as their business, and their reputation is enough to bring a grown man to his knees, forcing him to beg for mercy. They are not people you mess with, yet Roxy’s dad did. The old man ran up a debt with them and then sold her to cover his losses. They want everything she is, everything she has to give, and won’t stop until they get just that. They can own her body, but they will never have her heart.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
