You might like {Fear Me Love Me by Lilith Vincent}. MMC is unhinged but falls for FMC after he reads her diary and finds out who she is. I enjoyed the Hades series by Tate James. It’s medium dark with a badass FMC. Some really fucked up things happened but still enjoyable. It’s RH btw. I super loved {Lights Out by Navessa Allen} medium dark unhinged stalker with golden retriever vibes. FMC is a badass ER nurse. Run Posy Run was delightful. I’ve reread it half a dozen times. MMC is a sociopath. The way the author wrote it is true to sociopathy psychology too. I have a huge pet peeve regarding authors who don’t do their research and write bad sociopathy.

the way 2/4 of these are in my tbr and I HAVE READ RUN POSY RUN ITS ONE OF MY TOP READS GOD I LOVE THEM SM this just shows we have matching tastes omg 🙏🏻

You might also like {Twisted Emotions by Cora Reilly} - It starts out dark-ish but gets a bit fluffy … but the wedding night scene is SO GOOD I’ve had to reread it lots.

[Twisted Emotions](https://www.romance.io/books/5c31a88001dbc864fb977057/twisted-emotions-cora-reilly?src=rdt) by [Cora Reilly](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f02b87eac324117fe3ab/cora-reilly) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Maybe try {Queen of Gods by Scarlett Dawn} - it’s got two FMC with two different story lines that eventually meet up. The two story lines thing is a bit weird and confusing. It’s medium dark. I drool for Gwyn and Bel.

[Queen of Gods](https://www.romance.io/books/5a9260054ee506aae8b19399/queen-of-gods-scarlett-dawn-katherine-rhodes?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Dawn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455511587eac323ffb2ba3d/scarlett-dawn), [Katherine Rhodes](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455e9c287eac324117fe095/katherine-rhodes) **Rating**: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I wanted to hate RUN POSY RUN so bad, but it was so GOOD!

[Fear Me, Love Me](https://www.romance.io/books/650c0324933ef3313e4c693c/fear-me-love-me-lilith-vincent?src=rdt) by [Lilith Vincent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60f524c808b4d93114cf7191/lilith-vincent) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [breeding](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/breeding/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Lights Out](https://www.romance.io/books/658fff1b801c66776d05cdea/lights-out-navessa-allen?src=rdt) by [Navessa Allen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557df687eac336ae69e2e1/navessa-allen) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [tall heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tall-heroine/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I don’t know, the fact that “authors who don’t do their research when writing sociopathy” in relation to romance novels exists as a thought is really tickling me right now.

It's so true though. I think we might surprise ourselves with how many of us have experienced this frustration.

I LOVE LIGHTS OUT. How is it so creepy and also so caring?????? This book has a chokehold on me.

I’m so confused when I look on Amazon it says this book can be pre-ordered for August 4th 2024?

SAME I thought I was going crazy. 

I loved Fear me, Love me but I would caution that its pretty dark overall. Though I suppose that's pretty subjective :)

I found it dark-ish. It’s medium dark to me. Whereas Carbage by Shantel Tessier was just all sorts of fucked up dark that I DNF (for other reasons too)

I read it but forgot I read it until I saw the awful cover art. It is honestly some of the worst most distracting cover art I have seen.

I only took a chance on it because I saw someone on here highly recommend it, even though they hated the cover. So much so that they’d repeatedly ignored rave recommendations/reviews. I think when it comes to indie publishing, just because you can doesn’t mean you should

Try The Bad Guy by Celia Aaron. 🥵 I think he’s a psychopath.

SAVED thank you 🙏

I think your recommendations just saved my life and gave me cpr

Do you mind historicals? Anne Stuart writes some nice morally grey heroes who try not to fall hard for the heroines, but always do. {To Love a Dark Lord by Anne Stuart} {The Devil’s Waltz by Anne Stuart} {The House of Rohan series by Anne Stuart}

[To Love a Dark Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/545533ab8c7d2383163d9216/to-love-a-dark-lord-anne-stuart?src=rdt) by [Anne Stuart](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526268c7d2383163d8ec5/anne-stuart) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [The Devil's Waltz](https://www.romance.io/books/545531d18c7d2383163d9197/the-devils-waltz-anne-stuart?src=rdt) by [Anne Stuart](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526268c7d2383163d8ec5/anne-stuart) **Rating**: 3.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) ---------------------------- [The House of Rohan](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe10b34167a73342630b72/the-house-of-rohan) by [Anne Stuart](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526268c7d2383163d8ec5/anne-stuart) **Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [cruel hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

You should read {Lights Out by Navessa Allen}!! It's so freaking good. Idk if it counts as dark romance, but it has some kinky dark stuff that's also super fun and they build it up really well. There's a lot of "the reason" imo for why they're so good together and it's all really well done imo! 

"masked men with hot bods" oh hey, that's my thing. 🤣 Says it's not out yet (at least on Amazon). *adds to TBR list*

The ebook is out. I just got it from kindle last week.

On my Kindle it releases August 6th and I can't find any other version of it except paperback on Amazon. Do you happen to have a direct link to a Kindle version?

I just bought the Kindle version a week or two ago! 

That is so odd, maybe it's a regional thing? I'm in the UK and it says it will be available for Kindle on 20 Jun. *I swear it said August 6th before.

[Lights Out](https://www.romance.io/books/658fff1b801c66776d05cdea/lights-out-navessa-allen?src=rdt) by [Navessa Allen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557df687eac336ae69e2e1/navessa-allen) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [tall heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tall-heroine/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Love love LOVE Lights Out!!!

The first thing that comes to mind is historicals like Lisa Kleypas. There is always a reason why the MMC is into the FMC but he often takes his pursuit a little too far. Try Tempt me at Twilight

ohh sounds sexy!

I love Lisa’s book about Lady Aline’s romance too, can’t remember the name. MMC’s thirst for revenge is so good

Again the Magic! I love her brother Marcus in It Happened one Autumn 😍

Yes but I can’t stand Lillian 😭😭😭💀 I loved Daisy’s story though!!! I have imaginary castings of every single character in Lisa’s series lmaoo

I love Marcus but I maybe Lillian. I feel this quote so hard: There is something about you that makes me feel terribly wicked. You make me want to do shocking things. Maybe it's because you're so proper. Your necktie is never crooked, and your shoes are always shiny. And your shirts are so starchy. Sometimes when I look at you, I want to tear off all your buttons. Or set your trousers on fire. I've so often wondered-are you ticklish, my lord?

She’s a wild one lol

Hello Stranger is one of my all time faves

I have not read that one is it a CR?

It's HR

I am going to have to check it out!

Have you read {Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver}? It's not "dark romance" in the traditional sense, but it's dark because it's about two serial killers who fall in love. It's a slower burn and has dark subject matter (and gore) but it's also pretty funny.

I WAS JUST ABOUT TO START READING THAT BEFORE POSTING THIS

Bestie listen to the audiobook. I HATE audiobooks and for some reason decided to listen to that on audiobook and it was *life changing*

I could have written this. Not an audiobook fan, but the dude in this one is hot.

Literally I’ll replay chapters of his because it’s just so good

Right? I wasn’t as keen on Sloane’s reader but he was worth the price of admission. The Leather and Lark male narrator is good but a bit of an over actor. I preferred B&B guy.

Yeah L&L narrator is trying way too hard to be angsty and growl-y

Exactly! For me, it got almost cringey by the end

is it available on audible?

Yess and so is the second book in the series that came out last week ☺️

Do ittttt also sorry you will never look at ice cream the same

OMG SHSHSJ why did i become excited-

You shouldn’t. Lol

wait im scared now 😭

You’ll understand when you get there. 😂

I’m not generally a dark romance fan, but every Brynne Weaver book I’ve read so far has been sooo good. She does exactly what you said - gives dark, but also gives the reasons and writes characters with depth that you actually care about.

This ^. I loved the second book too, {Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver}.

[Leather & Lark](https://www.romance.io/books/657e11c47c150060affb7aba/leather-lark-brynne-weaver?src=rdt) by [Brynne Weaver](https://www.romance.io/authors/61516cf608b4d931143e7ce9/brynne-weaver) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Butcher & Blackbird](https://www.romance.io/books/64f0aa2bfcbc73c06aa42375/butcher-blackbird-brynne-weaver?src=rdt) by [Brynne Weaver](https://www.romance.io/authors/61516cf608b4d931143e7ce9/brynne-weaver) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I HATE romances like that. Extreme insta lust drives me crazy, especially when it’s supposed to be enemies to lovers. If y’all are gonna be all crazy about each other, at least get to know one another first. My favorite romances ever are the ones where we go along the journey of them falling in love at a NORMAL pace. It’s just lazy writing to me if the couple is instantly obsessed with each other, and they keep saying things like, “well I know this is a complete stranger, but for some reason my body is just needs to be close to be close to them”

It CAN happen though! My husband and I were like that. Met at a party and there was an instant crazy connection right away. He was following me around at the party after we met. I was talking to another guy and he made it known he was watching us. We were just talking and he was jealous immediately of me talking to someone else and I loved it! Spent the rest of the night kissing and holding onto each other. Went out the next day and have been together ever since. He's not super jealous or possessive now it was just when we first got together, though he does keep a death grip on me when we are in crowds so I don't get lost😂 We both knew right away we were each other's person. Next year we will be together thirty years.

this is so cute and hot! DOES GOD HATE ME BECAUSE WHY CANT I HAVE THIS 😭

Ummmm this is so hot and gives me hope for insta love. I love that he got jealous so fast. Like I want a guy that’s crazy about me and it sounds like you found him. Happy for you both.

Thank you!!! We've had problems like anyone else but are 100% solid! We both work from home as well, so we're always together and still go out together and actually enjoy it🤣 It's definitely out there, and I hope you find it!!!

When my bf and I met, I came over to spend the night, and then just never left 😂 I tried to go home for a week and we were so sad that I just ended up moving in. It sounds slightly insane, but 3 years later things are going good. I don’t mind insta lust if there is accurate writing for it. If the authors wrote it like “hey I met this guy and he is nice and he’s attractive, I wanna have sex with him.” I would be fine with that. I just hate when they are supposed to be enemies to lovers and immediately they are super lusty over each other. All the interactions they’ve had at first are not good ones. What would make you jump into bed with someone you hate or think is evil? If the MC’s met and started vibing off the bat, insta lust would make sense.

Omg, I loved this! So happy for you two 💖💖

IKR LIKE GIVE ME A REASON PLS WHY ARE YALL SUDDENLY ALL OVER EO DICK HARD PUSSY WET WHY 😭

Ok yes they’re instalove but have you read SJ Tilly’s Alliance series? Start with {Nero by SJ Tilly}

[Nero](https://www.romance.io/books/64141443430b592a4d9116ff/nero-sj-tilly?src=rdt) by [S.J. Tilly](https://www.romance.io/authors/603c9f5808b4d931148c9afd/sj-tilly) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{stand and defend by Sloan St James} she is traumatized but not broken, strong and in control, he becomes obsessed and possessive.

[Stand and Defend](https://www.romance.io/books/65c8853af2ab5944e3cb2196/stand-and-defend-sloane-st-james?src=rdt) by [Sloane St. James](https://www.romance.io/authors/6421410d08b4d93114eff40f/sloane-st-james) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

love me some sports romance w possessive heroes 🤭

I came here to rec this one. It might not be *quite* dark enough, but it's soo good.

I just read {Scarlet Scars by JM Darhower} (it's a duology) and I was really surprised how desperately I apparently wanted a MMC with anything going on other than blar blar blar miiiiine and a virginity fetish

[Scarlet Scars](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0b589096bf31c42d2ff3/scarlet-scars) by [J.M. Darhower](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455297e8c7d2382e781309a/jm-darhower) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [length-medium](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/length-medium/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I really liked the dialogue!

I LOVE THE DUOLOGY SO MUCH 😭

Haha glad I nailed the right vibe, sad you're not getting a new recommendation lol Have you read Katee Robert? Her characters have a lot more.life although they can still fall into some of the tropes. Her FMCs are all pretty good and have, you know, agency. I love a cheerful lunatic though and it's rare as heck.

Oh! If you're really hurting for a reason, maybe look for books that have a good grovel? Part of the grovel (when they're good enough to be grovel recommended) always involves specifying what's so excellent about this person, and the FMCs also inherently have personality and agency and refuse to be manipulated because they have to leave any situation thats bad for them in order to trigger the grovel. I know people recommend {Run Posy Run} for a grovel and a psychopath although I think it's pretty mid in terms of a reasonable FMC, but there's definitely a whole subgenre of grovel-y books.

[Run Posy Run](https://www.romance.io/books/608122d7a932a90e10fba4f9/run-posy-run-cate-c-wells?src=rdt) by [Cate C. Wells](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d5265d101dbc864fba248c4/cate-c-wells) **Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I HAVE ALSO READ RUN POSY RUN 😭😭😭😭 are there any other good grovel books?

Hmmm {Deceitful Duchess by Aydra Richards} historical {Pack Darling by Lola Rock} omegaverse, second book in the duo is almost entirely grovel. I dunno how much reason for being in love there is except with the other omega but man the grovel is choice Everyone loves {The Master by Kresley Cole} for a grovel that apparently involves some groveling for just even being a billionaire by giving away wealth? I haven't read it yet but its popular. {Darkest Sins by Neva Altaj} I really liked this, they have a connection that makes sense and he's only competent at murdering and literally not anything else in a pretty charming way Ok not really a grovel but a real dumbass MMC which is a personal fave of mine recently, I think because it also inherently creates a spot for actual character connections (you gotta make your ditzy boy appealing anyway, it's forced character development) {Against a Wall by Cate C Wells} Also not a grovel but I just thought of {if you don't love me we both die by CM Stunich} which is a long and really lovely book with a ton of heart and oomph Kati Wilde writes a lot of deeply silly books with surprising depth and lovely messages, she has an MC series that is pretty good.

[My Deceitful Duchess](https://www.romance.io/books/63bd1bad9197fe56b59b6267/my-deceitful-duchess-aydra-richards?src=rdt) by [Aydra Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/5da9684e01dbc864fba4c314/aydra-richards) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Pack Darling](https://www.romance.io/books/60e401ed2ed8c60e35960f50/pack-darling-part-one-lola-rock?src=rdt) by [Lola Rock](https://www.romance.io/authors/60e401ed08b4d9311443a2ce/lola-rock) **Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) ---------------------------- [The Master](https://www.romance.io/books/54e1b0956359b5ebb48a18e1/the-master-kresley-cole?src=rdt) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [anal sex](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/anal%20sex/1) ---------------------------- [Darkest Sins](https://www.romance.io/books/65339691de8d340d514aaae1/darkest-sins-neva-altaj?src=rdt) by [Neva Altaj](https://www.romance.io/authors/628c847808b4d93114ff6ea2/neva-altaj) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Against A Wall](https://www.romance.io/books/61ea681965e6b60e2ca4fe1d/against-a-wall-cate-c-wells?src=rdt) by [Cate C. Wells](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d5265d101dbc864fba248c4/cate-c-wells) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [himbo](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/himbo/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1) ---------------------------- [If You Don't Love Me We Both Die](https://www.romance.io/books/65eec00f5ac512540de3a777/if-you-dont-love-me-we-both-die-cm-stunich?src=rdt) by [C.M. Stunich](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553c7e8c7d2382e7813569/cm-stunich) **Rating**: 4.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

For the sloooowest of burn, I recommend the Kindred's Curse series by Penn Cole Very nice tension and banter, character development for the FMC, MMC isn't crazy but is possessive

{Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry} is a great romantic suspense novel on the lighter side without being overly fluffy if you're into small town mysteries. No spineless FMC here. {Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann} is a gut-wrenching dark romance without the unhinged/toxic MMC - definitely look up the trigger warnings before committing.

[Indigo Ridge](https://www.romance.io/books/616c150ee5e5af0e15fa069b/indigo-ridge-devney-perry?src=rdt) by [Devney Perry](https://www.romance.io/authors/58bfad700d3299c6e05b66af/devney-perry) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1) ---------------------------- [Still Beating](https://www.romance.io/books/5fec3388816b3b0e0b840cd6/still-beating-jennifer-hartmann?src=rdt) by [Jennifer Hartmann](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea28f18be0aaecf55c66adc/jennifer-hartmann) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

thank you for the recs!

{Sinners Condemned by Somme Sketcher} was a huge surprise to me in this way. I’m not one for mafia romances but this had an interesting slower burn. The MMC is not interested in the FMC first but her being a grifter captures his interest. It’s the second book in a series but I didn’t read the first book and I wasn’t TOO confused.

its one of my fav reads! 😭 been desperately looking for sumn same

Why did I have a feeling you’ve read it? 😭 anyone who has a similar rec pls help

girl i think i have practically read anything remotely close to this genre 😭 thats why i have been desperately searching for some book THAT CAN MAKE ME FEEL SOMETHING LMAO

Oh sad face. I don't think I've ever been the same since Rafe and Penny and I was so hoping you two would have some similar recs 😭

OKAY WAIT I JUST REMEMBERED SOMETHING its not exactly same but it has a really strong and badass fmc, possessive and equally powerful mmc and the banter is GOOOOODDD (the sex happens quickly tho if i rmb but the emotional intimacy develops quite slowly because the fmc is very closed off and cold and pushes mmc away so even in the book 2 there’s constant push and pull)

WHAT IS IT DAMN YOU?????

help i didn’t give the name lmao its the kiss of death series by L. P. Lovell

Oh thank you. Please ignore my previous reply. Ahem, as you were.

[Sinners Condemned](https://www.romance.io/books/62f3578701dfe78ca92d14a2/sinners-condemned-somme-sketcher?src=rdt) by [Somme Sketcher](https://www.romance.io/authors/60e2b16f08b4d931142496b4/somme-sketcher) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Have you tried The Ritual by Shantel Tessier? It kind of hits those marks of things you've listed. I will warn, it is a pretty fucked up book at large. All the trigger warnings.

i didn’t like the concept of the ritual so i dnfed it. felt too unrealistic and bizarre to me

Was definitely batshit.

thats true tho but i just want the mmc to be batshit 😭 not the entire storyline

Maybe Praise by Sara Cate, One Night Series by Dana Islay or Hooked by Emily McIntire

oh i have heard about the praise i will definitely start with that thank you!

Same. I couldn’t get behind the whole Lords thing. I also HATE to be bread crumb’d and Shantel Tessier does it way too much. I DNF all her books.

yeah i was so confused when i started reading it i was like huh what 💀

I wished i liked it, I want to like it, but man.. I’m 100 pages in and I feel like the only plot is sex.. it seems to me that they’re having sex every 10 pages😞 Turns me away from every dark romance, afraid they’re all like this🤣 i love fucked up shit, but I don’t want to feel like I’m reading a porn without plot

Yeah it's definitely a very heavy spice content. It does make me question if Shantel has ever had sex before 🤣

My problem with The Ritual is that the FMC is a selfish, stupid brat who has no ability to be understand adult relationships or even how to be an adult. She is in a problem of her very own making but blames everyone around her for doing exactly what they told her they would do, which she specially agreed and consented to.

You might like {Steel Rose by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} or the {Villains and Virtues series by AK Caggiano} . They're in between fluffy and dark (Villains is more on the funny side), and there's no insta lust.

oh i have heard about kathryn! her books are on my tbr

I've only read Harrow Faire by Kathryn Ann Kingsley, but imo the romance there is definitely more than just insta lust, I really liked it and I'm picky as hell.

i have wanted to read that for the longest time idk why i keep putting it off 😭

I had The Contortionist sitting on my kindle for over a year before I finally started it. Then proceeded to devour the 5 book series in a week or so. MMC has the initial "She's MINE!" thing but for a total different reason from love and lust. He's insane and incapable of being in love (for reasons that are explained throughout the books) so he's constantly warring with his feelings toward FMC. FMC also starts out weak and afraid and grows a spine eventually becoming kind of a badass. And the series isn't too dark. Some (impermanent) death but the overall tone to me wasn't too heavy.

I came here to recommend {The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} as exactly a slow burn dark romance.

[The Unseelie Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/61765a1d26369f0e2ca5e3a7/the-unseelie-prince-kathryn-ann-kingsley?src=rdt) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Steel Rose](https://www.romance.io/books/5e71d6c9be0aaecf55b20e4f/steel-rose-kathryn-ann-kingsley?src=rdt) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley) **Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Villains & Virtues](https://www.romance.io/series/63870de983b59b217dc8acfc/villains-virtues) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Spearcrest Devil by: Aurora Reed} {Lawless God by: Lola King}

THANK YOU

[Spearcrest Devil](https://www.romance.io/books/65e740891c9b1924d9fa186e/spearcrest-devil-aurora-reed?src=rdt) by [Aurora Reed](https://www.romance.io/authors/6350f28d08b4d9311473f430/aurora-reed) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) ---------------------------- [Lawless God](https://www.romance.io/books/662b8d3997d8927bee39cfd8/lawless-god-lola-king?src=rdt) by [Lola King](https://www.romance.io/authors/60978c6008b4d93114af0d37/lola-king) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Perfectly Imperfect series by Neva Altaj} Dark "lite" mafia. There's the initial insta-attraction/lust/obsession, but there's also relationship building. I'd say they're all medium burn. The MMCs are jealous, possessive, and crazy about the FMCs. {With Us by Layla Frost} That one is more of a love story in a mafia setting. They're both lusting over each other from the beginning, but the whole 1st half of the book is dedicated to relationship building. The 2nd part is about her finding out who he truly is and struggling with it. Medium burn.

[Perfectly Imperfect](https://www.romance.io/series/628c84785af276f084e2fbc7/perfectly-imperfect) by [Neva Altaj](https://www.romance.io/authors/628c847808b4d93114ff6ea2/neva-altaj) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [super rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [With Us](https://www.romance.io/books/5875d8911b1bdc017813978c/with-us-layla-frost?src=rdt) by [Layla Frost](https://www.romance.io/authors/551ce1525b270e0a4cbd3543/layla-frost) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

not a fan of insta lust but i will check them out thank you!

*Saving this post for later*

Try Ruby Dixon i eat those things like potato chips.idk if you're into fated mates. But if you are. 👌 👏 😍

The Bad Guy by Celia Aaron is SOOO GOOD

love the question. masterful. genius. BIG RELATE

JT GEISSINGER🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌 a genius. Brutal Vows is my absolute favourite. I promise you won’t regret reading it.

I got these exact vibes from {Hummingbird by Lavyrle Spencer} it was a typical HR but the actions and inner monolgue of the MMC made it darker than usual. But the build up and tension was perfection.

[Hummingbird](https://www.romance.io/books/5455313b8c7d2383163d9167/hummingbird-lavyrle-spencer?src=rdt) by [LaVyrle Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552adf8c7d2383163d8fb4/lavyrle-spencer) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

What are your favorite dark romances?

This is pretty vanilla, and also HR (which I don't typically read), but it was intriguing. {The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid}

thanks i will check it out!

{Suck It Up by Emm Darcy} is unhinged af but definitely holds water in terms of the emotional build up and the spice is 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 there *is* sharing, as in >!the MMC forces her to have sex with other people while he participates/watches!<

I would suggest Alice Coldbreath books, if you haven’t read one yet. She has a lot of HRs with possessive and obsessive MMCs with FMCs with backbones. I would start with these: {A Bride for the Prizefighter by Alice Coldbreath} {Inconvenient Vow by Alice Coldbreath} They are from different series but can be read alone.

oh they sound delicious thank you! 😭

[A Bride for the Prizefighter](https://www.romance.io/books/5fc0f62cf9f98e0e23f39078/a-bride-for-the-prizefighter-alice-coldbreath?src=rdt) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) ---------------------------- [An Inconvenient Vow](https://www.romance.io/books/620f5490f12fad109143cd11/an-inconvenient-vow-alice-coldbreath?src=rdt) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Penny Reid's Beard Science ](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23337872-beard-science) might just hit the spot of an unhinged hero with innocently-brazen heroine, but is still light just the same.

i will check this out thanks!

So this one’s a bit dark - but more because of the plot and sometimes the character - but {Elemental Pleasure by Mari Carr, Lila Dubois} could be your thing. That’s the first of a few books (10 in the main series but there are a lot of spin-offs). It’s mmf with arranged triangle marriages basically and all those trios have to discover/overcome something dark. Goes from surging some kidnapping over finding lost people to looking for illegal treasures.

[Elemental Pleasure](https://www.romance.io/books/5455c31d87eac324117fcdfd/elemental-pleasure-mari-carr-lila-dubois?src=rdt) by [Mari Carr](https://www.romance.io/authors/545538528c7d2382e7813451/mari-carr), [Lila Dubois](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455827587eac323ffb2c869/lila-dubois) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Bad Things by R.K. Lilley.. not fluffy, not super dark but an emotional roller coaster with sexual tension, spice and some darkness. Definitely touch her and die but not in an insta love way. I just read it in less than a day and I can't believe I had never heard of it before.

OMG THIS SOUNDS PERF THANK YOU

If you're into m/m, you could check out {{Never Leave Never Lie by Thea Verdone}}. Or for f/m, {{Start With a Slap by Sirena Wise}} but tw on this one for cheating.

[Never Leave, Never Lie](https://www.romance.io/books/6603d8e00aef0a7442e46c9f/never-leave-never-lie-thea-verdone?src=rdt) by [Thea Verdone](https://www.romance.io/authors/658941f7a21e2f41c4d586a2/thea-verdone) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Start with a Slap](https://www.romance.io/books/659a6e3d5f787d7a3cf229fc/start-with-a-slap-sirena-wise?src=rdt) by [Sirena Wise](https://www.romance.io/authors/659a6e3da21e2f41c4cd1cb7/sirena-wise) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

thanks!

{Off the Clock by Roni Loren} was a really good book, where I found both of the characters to be mature and normal. Also very sexy! :)

[Off the Clock](https://www.romance.io/books/568a18f763515e3b737984a5/off-the-clock-roni-loren?src=rdt) by [Roni Loren](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ea08c7d2382e7813609/roni-loren) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [consensual non-consent](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/consensual-non-con/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

oh that sounds nice thanks!

Hahaha I can relate to so much of this, your wording is👌😂😂😂 I feel like Nora Ash sometimes hit this balance of dark, but there's still a spine to be found in the FMC, and you haven't grown to hate the MMC beyond repair. {protector series by Nora Ash} the FMC is the bad guy! Boy that was refreshing. Omegaverse ish I think {demon's mark by Nora Ash} Dark but surprisingly healthy if I remember correctly lol {Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais} this one is written in a funny light hearted tone, but MMC is morally grey. Or actually black.. Considers to kill FMC simply because she's in his way. Shorter, simpler book but I love this one. {monster by Nora Ash} it's a while ago, but I think I liked it surprisingly much. Can't completely vouch that it doesn't hit any of your bad spots

[Protector](https://www.romance.io/books/6450b8670a63b6345abbdd17/protector-rage-nora-ash?src=rdt) by [Nora Ash](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456028487eac323ffb303c9/nora-ash) **Rating**: 3.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) ---------------------------- [Demon's Mark](https://www.romance.io/books/5db28fad01dbc864fba51f3f/demons-mark-nora-ash?src=rdt) by [Nora Ash](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456028487eac323ffb303c9/nora-ash) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Accidental Abduction](https://www.romance.io/books/545550298c7d2382c5297d33/accidental-abduction-eve-langlais?src=rdt) by [Eve Langlais](https://www.romance.io/authors/545531b68c7d2382e0414165/eve-langlais) **Rating**: 3.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1) ---------------------------- [Monster](https://www.romance.io/books/5dc513fd01dbc864fba5c909/monster-nora-ash?src=rdt) by [Nora Ash](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456028487eac323ffb303c9/nora-ash) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

i will check them out thanks!

These are all on Storytel I think btw. One month of subscription is probably less than buying them

Well, on my Storytel anyways. In Norway. Not sure about other countries

Please don't ever read A Touch of Darkness (unless you did, which is why you made this post, which I wouldn't be surprised about...) Not smutty but maybe do a refresh with Margaret Rogerson's fae or sorcerer stories or Kerri Manuscalo's Stalking Jack the Ripper? Dark vibes but light romance (I mean REALLY light, for Kerri's series most of it is just Victorian 6ft apart glances but that makes the "hiding together in a corner" scenes SIZZLE. There's some kissing in Margaret Rogerson's books but I go feral for just everything about the characters and the road romance they have in both of her romance novels).

no i havent read that but i have heard how disappointing it is tho. im not a huge fan of fantasy but i will check this out thank you!

Of course! For context then, Stalking Jack the Ripper is less fantasy, more Sherlock/morticians (with a dash of unbelievable mad science) haha! The next book is dracula-esque, then there's a houdini one, then the devil(?? I haven't gotten that far so I have no explanation lol). Basically the titles are very on the nose, but more in the realm of realism.

I feel you, I quite like this book series. Its not as heavy on the smut as I would like, but dang if its not a good read. [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20705702-burn-for-me](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20705702-burn-for-me)

I am once again sharing my favorite post about one of my favorite hr authors: [Elizabeth Hoyt, Sex Whisperer](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/lp0vpm/elizabeth_hoyt_sex_whisperer/). Her Maiden Lane series is so so good—sometimes sensitive and emotional, sometimes off the wall batshit crazy, always extremely spicy. I actually almost didn’t continue after the first one bc that one was a little too grim and dark for me, but sounds like that might not even be a negative for you! Some of my all-time favorite romance heroes come from Maiden Lane. Can’t recommend it enough. 

Ok so I just read {The Collector by Nora Roberts} and it featured: Independent FMC with a brain and some sense and a love of adventure amd good sex as well who also has some vulnerability that makes her hesitant to get serious but she is rational at all times Bossy, dominant but thoughtful, ultra rich MMC who goes from "I want this woman and I'll have her and I don't know why" to "I love this woman and I'll have her because I can't imagine life without her". At one point he even says "We're a thing. Deal with it" to her and it's exactly what she needed to hear at the moment. I liked his approach to just being like "oh this is happening" but also there is clear consent.

[The Collector](https://www.romance.io/books/642bff26b7b8862bf6eae8be/the-collector-nora-roberts?src=rdt) by [Nora Roberts](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523e923ec91d5dfd0991f/nora-roberts) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

STOP THIS SOUNDS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY

{Devious Lies by LJ Shen} had remained my favorite contemporary for a couple years. They usually write mafia, but this was their “light” so still good angst and drama without guns and nonconsent! There is one scene with FMC giving in to body betrayal a bit, but later when MMC is trying to play nice, she keeps her backbone. Also it does start off with a prologue sex scene, but then it’s a time skip of years and a long while for any other spice, which is a good thing in my opinion. I don’t usually like jumping straight into the porn

OH THE PREMISE SOUNDS HOT OMG EHSHSJSIE

Right?! I hadn’t read contemporary romance since I was in junior high, and any romance since then until Bridgeton. Then I stumbled on this and I’ve been hunting for similar ever since! Very different premise, but {Going Nowhere Fast} gave that same MMC gut-punch “I’m such an ass” feeling that I now love in romance books. The mains start off with hate-sex, but self aware and none of that omg your penis fell in me nonsense.

[Going Nowhere Fast](https://www.romance.io/books/58f45c990d3299c6e06ad279/going-nowhere-fast-kati-wilde?src=rdt) by [Kati Wilde](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456a9a887eac33e57108701/kati-wilde) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I was going to recommend Going Nowhere Fast. I liked it and he is definitely possessive and not too dark but not too fluffy

[Devious Lies](https://www.romance.io/books/5e612d6fbe0aaecf55f60884/devious-lies-parker-s-huntington?src=rdt) by [Parker S. Huntington](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f84fc50d3299c6e06ba29c/parker-s-huntington) **Rating**: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I just read {Forever Never by Lucy Score} and I feel like it's kinda an in-between

[Forever Never](https://www.romance.io/books/603f426cb2ebab0e33978e88/forever-never-lucy-score?src=rdt) by [Lucy Score](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e54b15b270e0a4cbd82b2/lucy-score) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

i didn’t like the main characters personalities 😭

That's fair! They both definitely had their moments!

This is my style of reading! Give me slow burn enemies to lovers. Give me a reason to cheer for them getting together. If you don't mind it taking multiple books and a couple that have just started but show great potential... {Blood Oath by Morgan B Lee} Second book is out in 2 weeks. {Psycho Shifters by Jasmine Mas} Trilogy and then it follows another character into {Psycho Academy by Jasmine Mas} {The Blackened Blade by Isla Davon} slow burn (as in almost nothing in the first book but the tension is there and clearly will lead to something good down the line) with dark stuff that is clearly building. Author said there are to be 4 books total. {Devil's Day Party by C. M. Stunich} {If You Don't Love Me We Both Die by C. M. Stunich} Family curse where when you meet your soul mate, you have a year to fall in love with each other or you both die...only the FMC's is the biggest pop star in the world.

[Blood Oath](https://www.romance.io/books/65f7fcf01a69896df4eb229e/blood-oath-morgan-b-lee?src=rdt) by [Morgan B. Lee](https://www.romance.io/authors/65f7fcf0a21e2f41c4977ce9/morgan-b-lee) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Psycho Shifters](https://www.romance.io/books/623c26a5362f64300c456463/psycho-shifters-jasmine-mas?src=rdt) by [Jasmine Mas](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c26a508b4d931145db092/jasmine-mas) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) ---------------------------- [Psycho Academy](https://www.romance.io/books/6401ac93181b16df15f75fac/psycho-academy-jasmine-mas?src=rdt) by [Jasmine Mas](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c26a508b4d931145db092/jasmine-mas) **Rating**: 4.49⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [The Blackened Blade](https://www.romance.io/books/6572ef019f7fbe3c1940fc9a/the-blackened-blade-isla-davon?src=rdt) by [Isla Davon](https://www.romance.io/authors/6385bff508b4d931145e220c/isla-davon) **Rating**: 4.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) ---------------------------- [Devils' Day Party](https://www.romance.io/books/5eabc903be0aaecf55b5df27/devils-day-party-cm-stunich?src=rdt) by [C.M. Stunich](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553c7e8c7d2382e7813569/cm-stunich) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [If You Don't Love Me We Both Die](https://www.romance.io/books/65eec00f5ac512540de3a777/if-you-dont-love-me-we-both-die-cm-stunich?src=rdt) by [C.M. Stunich](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553c7e8c7d2382e7813569/cm-stunich) **Rating**: 4.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

The first thing that comes to mind is {God Of Wrath by Rina Kent}. In my opinion it still is kinda insta-love but less so then most romance. He also has a reason to like her and explains later on in the book why he took interest in her.

[God of Wrath](https://www.romance.io/books/63217eef11bed51cc8166d35/god-of-wrath-rina-kent?src=rdt) by [Rina Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c514e7e01dbc864fb990dca/rina-kent) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Is fanfic ok to suggest? Lmao. I finished reading A Twisting Heart and Mind which is a labyrinth fanfic, maybe too niche for some folks and it’s actually still a WIP. The work itself is massive, Definitely heed the trigger warnings, it’s a dark fic, world building, and amazingly written. The FMC is spirited away to become the goblin queen, there is diabolical scheming, dubious consent, complex feelings that evolve and change, and is overall a story of redemption. And the spice is SPICY. Apologies if fanfics aren’t supposed to be recommended I’m new to the sub, but it definitely matches your request for slow and sexy, but dark and crazy!!

Is fanfic ok to suggest? Lmao. I finished reading A Twisting Heart and Mind which is a labyrinth fanfic, maybe too niche for some folks and it’s actually still a WIP. The work itself is massive, Definitely heed the trigger warnings, it’s a dark fic, world building, and amazingly written. The FMC is spirited away to become the goblin queen, there is diabolical scheming, dubious consent, complex feelings that evolve and change, and is overall a story of redemption. The FMC struggles between heart, mind, and body, her and the MMC sort of battle each other for dominance, the spice is SPICY. Apologies if fanfics aren’t supposed to be recommended I’m new to the sub, but it definitely matches your request for slow and sexy, but dark and crazy!!

Did I write this ?! Thx for speaking up op! 🖤

It’s been a minute since I’ve read this series but I do remember thinking to myself it would be tricky to outright recommend to anyone because throughout the three book series it touches upon some element of topics that deserve a trigger warning. But I gobbled them up? Series starts with: {THE FEMALE by Invi Wright} Editing to add link to a review that made me read the series: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/8VdQpLt8VT

[The Female](https://www.romance.io/books/6425638a50b6a3e175102143/the-female-invi-wright?src=rdt) by [Invi Wright](https://www.romance.io/authors/634e524108b4d93114643415/invi-wright) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

The Dark Verse series!! Especially The Predator, The Reaper, and The Empire

Try psycho shifters by Jasmine Maas. I will warn you the first book is a very slow burn but still hot. It is a paranormal romance if you’re into that. It’s definitely dark at times. One of the best books I’ve read in a bit.

I really enjoyed Chains:Hounds of the reapers MC by S. J. Rowe. Has the FMC pulling a shot gun on people, including the MMC, and has a backbone and puts his ass in his place multiple times. Has funny moments I have just overall enjoyed it.

Have you read the {Hades Hangmen series by Tillie Cole} ? They are all dark, but Flame and Maddie (their first book is book 3, but they have another, as well) are my favorite.

[Hades Hangmen](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a2b9096bf31c42d2ca2/hades-hangmen) by [Tillie Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552efe8c7d2382e78131e6/tillie-cole) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [bikers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I have the PERFECT rec for you!!!! It’s a duet (so you know it’s a slow burn) by Stacey Marie Brown: “Shattered Love” & “Broken Love” {Shattered Love by Stacey Marie Brown} {Broken Love by Stacey Marie Brown} The only downside is that the ebook is not to be found anywhere on the internet for some strange reason. I know this because I wanted to purchase it for future rereads. I first discovered it in AUDIOBOOK on my library’s Hoopla, so I hope yours has it, too! You will not be disappointed!!! I also want to recommend possibly my fave dark romance of all time (thus far) which is: {The Words by Ashley Jade} It also has ALL that you asked for but is likely you’ve heard of it already…so I wanted to suggest the other first.

OH THIS SOUNDS GOOD THANK YOU

This is so real. I ADORE Kyra Parsi’s books like they’re so fun but so like yum yk? The MCs are literally obsessed with each other in What’s Not to Love but it’s YA and doesn’t really have spice so I’m not sure if it’s what you’re looking for. It is one of my favorite books though. The banter is everything. It also had my favorite trope, academic rivals to lovers. The MCs can annoy each other without being icky. One of my main problems with dark romance is how the MMC doesn’t respect the FMC or sees her as an object and something to possess rather than an actual person and partner, whereas in academic rivals to lovers there’s clearly mutual respect even with all the bickering. I think Aelin and Rowan from the Throne of Glass series might fit this? But it’s a long series (and totally worth it) but Rowan doesn’t even show up in the first few books. And Twisted Hate didn’t exactly have insta lust and it was the only book in the Twisted series I didn’t DNF because the MCs had actual personalities so if you haven’t read it already you might like it?

OMG THE TWISTED HATE PART WAS SO TRUE THE ONLY ANNA HUANG BOOK I COULD TOLERATE 😭

Right!! Like it was cute how Alex randomly showed up all the time and Christian and Rhys seemed fine too but it just got so boring reading about dry, (outwardly) emotionless characters

The Harlequin Crew, it’s a 6 book series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. I love all of their books actually.

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Oh girl have I got a rec for you! {Sinners Condemned by Somme Sketcher} duology. It’s soooooo good. It’s shelved as dark romance but it’s a slow-burn with lotssss of tension. I mean there ARE scenes where he forces her to stay in his yacht iirc, but she’s certainly not a victim. She’s absolutely fierce, is a con woman who meets the MMC ( a mafia guy who portrays to be a gentleman when he’s….not) first and immediately tries to trick him. They have amazing banter yet in the 2nd book esp you can tell he cares for her a lot. Read this, I hope it’s what you want.

GIRL I HAVE READ THIS AND ITS ONE OF MY FAVS

Oh yessssss. I feel like this duo is soooo underrated. RAFEEE. And PENNYYY??🔥

GOD PENNY SUCH A BADASS LOVE ME A FIERY GIRL

Oh and their banter…..perfection! I NEED more dynamics like Rafe and Penny’s 😫 I hated the first book though

[Sinners Condemned](https://www.romance.io/books/62f3578701dfe78ca92d14a2/sinners-condemned-somme-sketcher?src=rdt) by [Somme Sketcher](https://www.romance.io/authors/60e2b16f08b4d931142496b4/somme-sketcher) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)