I genuinely love a good dark romance book! While sweet, predictable romances can be a comfort to read, sometimes you need a major change-up, and that's where this genre shines. Dark romances strip away all the fluff and instead dives right into raw, deep emotional connections, and high-stakes relationship dynamics. You often get truly unique (and sometimes intense) story lines, though of course we still enjoy running into some of those familiar tropes we love along the way! If you're ready to switch things up, check out my list below of the top 10 books that are currently available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited. Get those Kindles ready ladies!
Leave Me Behind by K.M. Moronova
Leave Me Behind follows Nell Gallows, who is the sole survivor of a dark forces squad called Riot. Two years after the attack that left her squad dead, Nell is the main candidate for Malum, a secret special ops team that goes where no one else will. However, there's one big issue, Malum blames the Riot squad for the casualty of a beloved squad member in a previous mission. With one last night of freedom, Nell proceeds to engage in a one-night stand with a stranger she meets during her plane ride to base.
But what she doesn't know is that her fling is actually with Bones, her new comrade and superior. He makes it clear he despises her for being a Riot soldier, and makes her life miserable as she attempts to integrate into the new squad. But when a mission goes sideways, Nell won't abandon him. Stuck behind enemy lines, they must rely on each other, even though they both are holding secrets closer to their hearts then they'll admit.
I highly recommend this one if you haven't picked it up yet! You can read more of my thoughts and full review here.
Hooked by Emily Mcintire
Hooked is a dark and dangerous retelling of the classic Peter Pan fairy tale, where the villain gets the girl. James "Hook" has one goal: to destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter's innocent daughter, Wendy, walks into his life, Hook sees the perfect way to get his revenge. He'll seduce her and use her as a pawn in his dark game he's been playing. But as their explosive love affair ignites, Hook finds himself questioning his own motives. As Wendy is drawn deeper into his world, she must decide if she's falling for the man or the monster.
If you are anything like me and love a good retelling, the Never After series is a great place to start. It's dark and action packed, while still delivering the romance. This first book Hooked I gave 4 stars, and I am looking forward to continuing the series. All the books in the series are also currently available to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington
Charlotte's first love ended in tragedy. The second began with his brother. On Valentine's day Charlotte had went to the roof feeling helpless, and was met by Kellan Marchetti. Bonding over the tragedies of their lives they form a bond, and form a secret pact to meet on that same roof every year on that same day. For three years they both keep their promise, but a devastating turn of events on the date of their fourth meeting changes everything. Just when Charlotte begins to think their story is over, a new and forbidden one begins with Kellan's brother. It's a story laced with angst, grief, and past secrets.
I really enjoyed this one, though I know it's a polarizing read. Be sure to check the trigger warnings for this one before diving in, as it covers some sensitive topics. What I really liked about this story was how emotional it was, and the characters felt believable. This is the first book in a series, and the other installments are also available to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
For years, Erika Fane has been secretly watching Michael Crist, her boyfriend's intimidating older brother. She knows the dark secrets he and his friend group have hidden - secrets that landed them in prison. Now, Michael's friend's are out, and he's finally taking notice of her. He's a man seeking revenge, and the girl he's been watching from a distance is now his target. He wants to make every one of her nightmares come true, and yet she can't seem to look away.
I read the Devil's Night series a few years ago and was absolutely obsessed. However, I will admit this first book in the series is probably my least favorite, but the second and third books Hideaway and Kill Switch were 5 star reads. If you haven't read any books by Penelope Douglas let this be your wake up call, because she writes fantastic dark romances that are definitely worth picking up, and great for beginners to the dark romance genre. Last but certainly not least, these are perfect for spooky season since the characters celebrate "Devil's Night" which is held on October 30th, the night before Halloween, in which they cause mischief throughout their town.
Bound By Honor by Cora Reilly
Aria Scuderi was born into Chicago's mob elite, a world where choices are non-existent. At just fifteen, she was betrothed to Luca Vitiello, the terrifying heir of the New York Cosa Nostra - and nicknamed "The Vice" for crushing a man's throat with his bare hands.
Now eighteen, Aria is terrified of her approaching wedding day. Luca is wealthy, magnetic, and drop-dead gorgeous, but underneath his striking gray eyes lurks a monster who kills as easily as he kisses. Despite her fear, Aria decides to go through with the marriage. She grew up among the most dangerous, and knows that even the most cold hearted have hearts - and she intends to find Luca's and claim it for herself.
I absolutely love the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles and highly recommend checking this first installment out! This series is a true mafia romance classic that still stands as one of my all-time favorites. The books are incredibly easy to binge-read and fly through, making the commitment to what appears as a long series actually pretty easy. Plus, with multiple books and spin-offs available, you'll have plenty of high stakes, passionate reading material to keep you busy!
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Author Adeline Reilly thought moving back to Seattle and inheriting the sprawling, gothic Parson's Manor was her fresh start. But her new beginning is quickly shattered when a stalker begins leaving her disturbing gifts and eerie messages. Adeline soon discovers she's not the first woman in her family to be tormented by a shadow while living in the Manor. Left behind are her great-grandmother's haunting journals describing her encounters with her own phantom, whose story ended in a brutal murder. As history threatens to repeat itself, Adeline finds herself in a terrifying game with her dangerous pursuer.
While I enjoyed Haunting Adeline, I must stress that this series is not for the faint of heart or beginners to the genre. This book sets a chilling atmosphere, and I was fully invested in the overarching mystery surrounding the manor's dark history. However, be warned: the series becomes significantly darker as it progresses. Please ensure you check the trigger warnings before diving into this one, as some of the content can be intense.
God of Malice by Rina Kent
The moment Glyndon King caught the attention of Killian Carson, she knew she was dealing with a monster. Killian is the ultimate predator: a cold-blooded, manipulative psychopath whose savage nature is masked by sophisticated charm - a devil side only Glyndon sees. This insight costs her everything, forcing her into a desperate fight for survival. She runs, but as she quickly learns, the worst thing about monsters is that they always chase.
I totally get why so many people are obsessed with this series. For me, this book was like watching a train wreck - it was toxic and messy, yet I couldn't look away. That intense, chaotic feeling is what made Killian and Glyndon's story so addictive. Although I haven't continued the series, this first book had me hooked and I think would appeal to a lot of Dark Romance readers.
The Initiation by Nikki Sloane
The Hale family owns everything in town, and to save her own family from ruin, Marist is forced to make a devil's bargain. She must sell herself to the Hales by participating in the mysterious, sordid rite of initiation by the Hale Banking board. Her primary tormentor is the heir of the company, Royce Hale. He is charming, seductive, and ruthless, earning him the title of the "prince of lies". Though her body has a mind of its own and reacts to his gaze, she is determined to protect her heart at all costs. She may be forced to play his wicked games, but she refuses to let Royce truly own her.
I remember loving this series! The Initiation had so many twists and turns that my jaw was practically on the floor by the time I finished this first book. If you're looking for quick, addictive reads, Nikki Sloane is a great author to pick up. Her shorter books might not bring a lot of complex plot, but they certainly always deliver on the spice and drama, making them perfect for a quick read.
Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin
Father Magnus Falke is the headteacher of a strict Catholic boarding school, having become a priest specifically to control his darker impulses. He has spent years suppressing his cravings, and has yet to be tempted be a student - until he meets Tinsley Constantine. The bratty princess challenges his rules, and awakens the dark nature he vowed to suppress. As his desire spirals out of control, he risks his faith, his redemption, and even his life. Yet he cannot stop. He needs her pain, and she desperately needs his dark lessons in sin.
I know this book won't appeal to everyone due to the taboo nature of the dynamic, so please make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and that has everything to do with Pam Godwin's captivating writing style. This was an incredibly addictive read that, despite the challenging content, was honestly really well executed within the dark romance genre.
The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
Barrington University is secretly ruled by the Lords, an ancient secret society of the most powerful and ruthless men in the world who demand blood for payment. During their senior year, they select a "chosen one" to become their trophy. When the protagonist finds herself chosen, she views it as a way to escape her planned life and win freedom through Ryat Alexander Archer, the man who has captivated her.
However, his offer is just another manipulation - a lie used by the Lords to to suck her farther into their dark and twisted world. Forced to play her new role as a trophy, she soon realizes that this isn't just a game, and the fight for survival has just begun.
Although I'm guilty of not having read this one yet, the Ritual feels like the perfect book to end this list with. It's been sitting on my tbr for ages, and I've seen so many readers obsess over the dark, secret society plot. The synopsis itself is so vague and slightly confusing that it leaves me completely intrigued - I genuinely have no clue whether there's fantasy elements or what! Based on the overwhelming amount of love it gets though, this looks like a high-stakes dark romance that I need to dive into soon.
Bonus
Now that you have more books added to your probably never-ending tbr, I've come up with another fun tbr game to help! I recently launched a new Bingo Board on my Etsy that is exclusively for Dark Romance books, you can get it now by clicking here.
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