The 14 Best Dark Romance Novels You Need to Read

There was a time when all I craved were those cheesy, feel-good romance novels. You know the type… small-town love stories, cute flirty banter, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after. Total comfort reads. No stress, no heavy drama. Just pure cozy vibes.

And honestly? I still adore them. Those lighthearted romance books are perfect when I just want something easy and heartwarming. But lately… I’ve been obsessed with something spicier. The kind of steamy romance novels that make your heart pound, keep you awake at 2am, and maybe even make you blush a little. Yep, I’m talking about dark romance books.

And it’s not just me. If you scroll through BookTok or Bookstagram, it’s everywhere. Readers are trading lists of the best romance novels on Kindle Unlimited, the ones that aren’t just sweet fluff but have morally gray heroes, unexpected twists, and those jaw-dropping plotlines. These are the trending romance novels 2025 that hit different—deeper, hotter, and way more addictive.

If you’re bored of the same old small-town romance, trust me, these dark, spicy romance books will hook you from page one. Once you start, you won’t stop.

1. Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

Haunting Adeline is hands down one of the best dark romance books to read in 2025. Seriously, it’s the kind of book that lives rent-free in your head long after you close it.

For Adeline Reilly, moving back to Seattle was supposed to be a clean slate. A new chapter. She inherits her late grandmother’s old gothic mansion, Parson’s Manor, thinking it’ll be her safe haven. But nope. Fresh start? Not exactly. Because Adeline isn’t alone in that massive, creepy house… she’s got a stalker watching her every move.

This is where Haunting Adeline really flips the switch from spooky gothic vibes into full-blown dark, spicy romance. The tension is insane, the slow-burn obsession keeps you hooked, and let’s be real—it’s the kind of story that makes you question your own taste in fictional men. If you love morally gray heroes, enemies-to-lovers energy, and steamy scenes that toe the line between dangerous and addictive… this book is it.

And here’s the kicker—it’s not just some random creep stalking Adeline. The deeper she digs, the darker it gets. Her own family’s history is twisted up with secrets, obsession, and straight-up bloodshed. Her great-grandmother’s old journals reveal a chilling truth… a phantom who wouldn’t let go, and a brutal murder that still lingers like a curse.

Now the past is clawing its way back. And unless Adeline does the unthinkable—fall for the very man who’s stalking her—history might just repeat itself.

This book? It’s not your soft and fluffy romance. Haunting Adeline is twisted, addictive, and dangerously sexy. No wonder it’s blowing up on BookTok dark romance recommendations and trending like crazy on Bookstagram romance reviews.

2. Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

If you’re obsessed with dark romance books that throw you morally gray heroes you can’t help but love… this one’s gonna sink its claws into you quick.

It kicks off with a wild chance encounter—two rival killers, Sloane and Rowan. Both dangerous. Both a little unhinged. And somehow, both magnetically drawn to each other. What starts as a deadly rivalry flips into something darker… a bond. Because these two don’t just share chemistry—they share a “hobby.” Hunting down and killing other serial killers.

But here’s the catch—this isn’t just about blood and vengeance. The connection between them starts to burn hotter. The banter gets sharper. The tension? Off the charts. And before you know it, this twisted alliance spirals into full-blown obsession. It’s attraction, it’s obsession, it’s maybe even love… the kind that’s dangerous, forbidden, and addictive as hell.

If you’re craving the kind of spicy enemies-to-lovers dark romance that BookTok can’t shut up about, this is it. One of the best dark romance novels in 2025—perfect for fans of twisted plots, unhinged love stories, and morally gray heroes who ruin you in the best way.

Of course, love doesn’t come easy when restless ghosts follow your every step. The trail of bodies they’ve left behind is closing in, and the question isn’t if—but when it all catches up. Can Rowan and Sloane outrun this deadly game of graves? Or is their twisted connection the very thing that’ll destroy them both?

It’s dark, it’s hot, and it keeps you hooked until the last page. Honestly, it’s easily one of the best dark romance books to read in 2025. No surprise it’s blowing up with nonstop buzz on BookTok romance recommendations and trending hard among spicy Bookstagram reads.

This is the kind of story that doesn’t just entertain—it drags you into its obsession. If you want a romance that’s equal parts seductive and spine-chilling, this one deserves a spot at the very top of your TBR.

3. Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Lights Out is not your average romance—it’s one of those taboo dark romance books that pushes limits in the best (and hottest) ways. It dives into kinks you don’t usually see in mainstream romance, so yeah… you gotta be a little open-minded. But if you are? Trust me, this story slaps.

Aly Cappellucci looks like she’s got it all together—trauma nurse by day, saving lives. But at night? Her fantasies own her. She craves the thrill of being hunted, chased by masked men she follows online. And there’s one man who completely consumes her thoughts—Josh Hammond.

Josh isn’t just some random guy. He’s the mask-wearing star of the dark corners of the internet. Posting thirst traps for millions of fans, feeding their desires. But Aly? She’s different. She’s the follower who actually gets under his skin. And when their worlds finally collide, it’s not just fantasy anymore. It’s raw, dangerous, addictive. Their darkest cravings become real—and neither of them can stop.

If you’re hunting for the best steamy romance novels of 2025 that blur the line between obsession and love, Lights Out is a must. No wonder it’s all over BookTok spicy romance recommendations and climbing its way up every “most addictive reads” list.

But here’s the twist—Aly isn’t just being watched by Josh. Nope. Someone else has their eyes locked on her too. And this guy? He’s not about harmless stalking or playful fantasies. He’s darker. More sinister. The kind of obsession that turns deadly fast.

That’s what makes Lights Out so damn addictive. It’s not just another spicy romance—it’s obsession, danger, and heat all tangled together. If you love taboo dark romance books that keep you wide awake at 2 a.m., flipping pages like your life depends on it, this one needs to be on your radar.

No wonder it’s blowing up on BookTok taboo romance recommendations and getting crowned as one of the best dark romance books of 2025. It’s messy, it’s dangerous, it’s hot—and honestly? It’s impossible to put down.

4. The Predator by RuNyx

Mafia dark romance books are basically a rite of passage for anyone who loves the genre—and this one? Hands down one of the best mafia romance novels of 2025.

Tristan Caine is a total enigma. The only non-blooded member of the mob’s high circle. His reputation? Untouchable. His morals? Questionable. His motives? Yeah… no one really knows. Which makes him just as dangerous as he is addictive.

Then there’s Morana Vitalio—the razor-sharp, ruthless daughter of a rival mafia family. Tristan plays with weapons, but Morana? She rules with code. Brilliant, fearless, and every bit as deadly.

When a decades-old mystery comes crashing back to the surface, Morana steps into Tristan’s world with a single goal—kill him. But what she doesn’t expect is the secret thread tying them together. Hate turns into fire. Enemies turn into lovers. And every brutal clash between them? It sparks off-the-charts heat you can literally feel burning through the pages.

If you’re craving an enemies-to-lovers mafia romance packed with danger, obsession, and steam, this book is a must-add to your TBR. No wonder it’s blowing up in BookTok mafia romance recommendations and trending as one of the best dark romance books 2025 for readers who want spice with their suspense.

But here’s the thing—this story isn’t just about revenge or forbidden attraction. Something way bigger is brewing in their world. And like it or not, Tristan and Morana are gonna have to face it side by side.

If you’re in the mood for steamy dark romance books with sky-high stakes, explosive chemistry, and that addictive enemies to lovers romance vibe, this mafia love story needs to be on your TBR ASAP. It’s dangerous, it’s passionate, it’s messy in the best way.

No shocker it’s blowing up on BookTok mafia romance recs right now and being called one of the best dark romance novels of 2025. If you want mafia drama, twisted passion, and heat that doesn’t quit—this one’s got it all.

5. A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane

IMO, some of the best dark romance novels aren’t just mafia or contemporary—they’re the fantasy ones and those gritty, epic period pieces that totally sweep you away. And A Heart of Blood and Ashes is one of those absolute gems that nails every craving.

Maddek is a barbarian warrior hellbent on vengeance. His parents were murdered, and the corrupt king behind it sits at the top of his kill list. But when he discovers it was the king’s daughter who lured them to their deaths? Yeah, his fury finds a brand new target.

He’s ready to make her suffer. Ready to destroy her. But the woman he captures isn’t the monster he expected. Yvenne isn’t ruthless or power-hungry—she’s small, fragile-looking, the total opposite of the traitor he imagined. Her weapons aren’t blades or bloodshed—they’re her wit, her mind, and that razor-sharp tongue that slices deeper than steel.

If you’re obsessed with enemies to lovers fantasy romance packed with passion, betrayal, and that raw edge of danger, this book is a must. No wonder it’s everywhere in BookTok fantasy romance recommendations and being called one of the best fantasy dark romance books of 2025.

And then comes the twist—Yvenne doesn’t beg. She doesn’t plead. Instead, she throws down the ultimate curveball: marriage. A deadly alliance to claim their thrones and take down the corrupt king together. Turns out, her hunger for vengeance burns even hotter than Maddek’s—and honestly? That fire makes their chemistry even more explosive.

This is one of those fantasy dark romance books that has it all—betrayal, raw passion, brutal power plays, and that mouthwatering enemies to lovers romance tension that keeps you glued to every page. It’s savage, it’s seductive, and it’s unforgettable.

If you’re craving steamy fantasy romance novels in 2025 with epic stakes and addictive heat, A Heart of Blood and Ashes deserves the very top spot on your TBR. No wonder it’s blowing up in BookTok fantasy romance recommendations and getting crowned one of the best fantasy romance novels of 2025.

6. God of Malice by Rina Kent

We’ve all had that one classmate we can’t stand. But this dark college romance book? Oh, it cranks that tension way past petty rivalries.

Glyndon King is just trying to keep her head down and survive art school when she lands on the radar of Killian Carson. On the surface, he’s perfect. Smooth, charming, sophisticated. The guy professors trust, classmates admire, and everyone swears is harmless.

But peel back the mask? Yeah, Killian’s no golden boy. He’s a predator in disguise. A brilliant, psychopathic medical student who’s cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage to the core. The kind of antihero who makes you question why you’re even attracted to him… but you can’t look away.

If you’re obsessed with enemies to lovers dark academia romance and love a campus setting with a sinister twist, this one is a must-read. No wonder it’s exploding on BookTok college romance recommendations and being called one of the best dark romance books of 2025.

The worst part? Nobody else notices. To the outside world, Killian’s untouchable—golden boy, perfect student, the one everyone trusts. But Glyndon? She sees through him. She sees the devil hiding in plain sight. And knowing his truth? It might just cost her everything.

If you’re craving psychopath romance books dripping with obsession, tension, and that dangerous enemies to lovers energy, this one needs to be on your radar. It’s addictive, it’s unhinged, and it hits harder than your usual college romance.

No surprise it’s blowing up on BookTok dark romance recommendations and already being crowned as one of the best dark romance books of 2025. If you want twisted passion set against the backdrop of academia, this story is it.

7. The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

This book takes one of my fave genres—dark academia romance—and dials it all the way up. Darker. Hotter. Way spicier.

At Barrington University, power isn’t earned in the classroom—it’s taken in blood. The Lords, a secret society, run everything. Their currency? Violence. Their initiation? Brutal. And by senior year, every Lord is assigned a chosen one.

Blakely Anderson has always lived a perfect, polished, picture-perfect life. Everything mapped out, every move predictable. Until Ryat crashes in. Dangerous. Magnetic. The kind of man who offers temptation wrapped as freedom. For the first time, Blakely has an option—a way out. A chance to finally live a life that’s actually hers.

But Ryat’s world is no fairytale escape. Stepping into the Lords’ twisted games means stepping into chaos. Secrets that bleed. Brutality disguised as tradition. And once she’s in? Survival isn’t just an option—it’s the only rule.

If you’re obsessed with steamy dark college romance books that blend secret societies, obsession, and raw tension, this one’s a must-add to your TBR. No wonder it’s blowing up on BookTok dark academia romance recommendations and being hailed as one of the best dark romance books of 2025.

What starts as a game doesn’t stay that way for long. It twists into something brutal—a fight where the prize is freedom, and the price? Might just be death.

If you’re into dark college romance books with secret societies, obsession, danger, and all the spice you can handle, this one’s a no-brainer for your TBR. It’s bold, it’s addictive, and it’s easily one of the best dark romance novels of 2025.

No wonder it’s dominating BookTok dark romance recs right now and climbing fast on every “must-read” list. If you want twisted passion with a deadly academic backdrop, this one’s a ride you won’t forget.

8. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

This one’s a fan-fave dark romance book that’s perfect if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the genre. It’s not too overwhelming, but it’s definitely dark enough to hook you fast.

It leans into the dark fantasy romance vibe—so if you’re already obsessed with romantasy, think of this as the spicier, slightly more twisted version.

The story follows Persephone. The Goddess of Spring… at least in name. Truth is? Flowers literally die at her touch. She’s never lived up to the title, and all she really wants is a simple, quiet life. So she moves to New Athens, slipping into a mortal disguise. No chaos, no drama, just blending in.

Enter Hades. The God of the Dead. In the mortal world, he’s not just ruling shadows—he’s running a ruthless gambling empire where the stakes are brutal, and nobody ever wins against him. But when Persephone takes a seat at his table and plays her hand of cards? Everything shifts. The game changes. And so does her fate.

If you’re craving Hades and Persephone retelling romance with spice, obsession, and that slow-burn danger, this one’s a must for your TBR. No wonder it’s blowing up in BookTok romantasy recommendations and trending as one of the best dark fantasy romance books of 2025.

She loses. And just like that, Persephone is bound by a contract with the God of the Dead himself. Her task? Breathe life into the Underworld… or forfeit her freedom forever. No pressure, right?

But as Persephone fights against the impossible, something unexpected begins to bloom. Not flowers. Not life. But an attraction. Forbidden. Dangerous. Completely intoxicating. The kind of pull that feels like fire even in the shadows.

If you’re hunting for Hades and Persephone romance retellings or crave steamy fantasy romance novels that weave myth, magic, and spice into one addictive package, this is it. Hands-down one of the best dark romance books of 2025.

No surprise it’s everywhere on BookTok romantasy recs right now and trending as a must-read for anyone obsessed with dark, forbidden love stories.

9. Truly by Carmel Rhodes

The summer after senior year was supposed to be perfect. Carefree. The best summer of Truly’s life. Long nights, beach days, zero drama.

But that’s not how it went. She wasn’t supposed to end up at that party. She wasn’t supposed to get noticed. And she definitely wasn’t supposed to catch the eye of him—her ex’s half-brother.

Noah Tedesco. The hot jock with the trust fund, the bad attitude, and a chip on his shoulder big enough to crush anyone in his path. He’s dangerous, untouchable, and exactly the type of guy she swore she’d avoid. But resisting Noah? Yeah… easier said than done.

If you love forbidden romance books with tension, angst, and that addictive bad-boy energy, this one delivers. No wonder it’s popping up in BookTok forbidden romance recs and already being hyped as one of the best steamy new adult romance novels of 2025.

But now? Truly’s on his radar. And with Noah Tedesco, once he sets his sights on something… there’s no turning back. No escape.

This is one of those dark summer romance books that’s pure temptation and chaos—dripping with drama, obsession, and just the right amount of danger. Messy in the best way. Addictive as hell.

If you’re into forbidden romance novels that make your heart race and your stomach drop, this one belongs on your TBR immediately. It’s hot, it’s reckless, and it’s unforgettable.

No wonder readers are already hyping it up as one of the best dark romance books of 2025 and swapping recs like crazy across BookTok dark romance recommendations.

10. Hooked by Emily McIntire

This one’s a dark Peter Pan retelling, and I know—it sounds a little wild at first. But the second you dive in? You’ll get why readers can’t stop raving about it.

James has one mission: destroy his lifelong enemy, Peter Michaels. And when fate delivers Peter’s 20-year-old daughter Wendy straight into James’s bar, he sees his chance. Seduce her. Use her. Break Peter by breaking Wendy.

But revenge? Yeah, it’s never that simple. Because the more time James spends with Wendy, the harder it is to see her as just a pawn. She’s fiery, curious, stubborn—and way too tempting to resist. Suddenly, the game isn’t just about vengeance anymore. The lines blur, and James can’t tell if he’s winning… or losing himself completely.

If you’re into dark romance retellings with obsession, tension, and a dose of forbidden attraction, this is a must. No wonder it’s trending on BookTok dark romance recommendations and already being hyped as one of the best dark romance books of 2025.

As things heat up and Wendy gets dragged deeper into James’s shadowy world, she starts to wonder… who is she really falling for? The man named James? Or the monster everyone whispers about—the one they call Hook.

If you’re hunting for dark fantasy romance books with forbidden attraction, dangerous obsession, and that deliciously twisted retelling vibe, this one’s a no-skip. It’s seductive. It’s messy. And it’s easily one of the best dark romance novels of 2025 lighting up BookTok dark retelling recs right now.

11. Twisted Love by Ana Huang

The Twisted series is everywhere right now—and honestly? It deserves every bit of the hype. These aren’t just random viral books; they’re some of the most popular dark romance novels for a reason. Once you crack open the first one, you’ll binge them back-to-back and wonder where your weekend went.

It all kicks off with Alex Volkov. He’s basically the devil dressed up as an angel. Gorgeous, brilliant, ruthless—and haunted by a tragedy he can’t outrun. His entire life? Built on success, control, and carefully planned revenge. Love? Feelings? Yeah, not even close to being on his radar.

But of course, that’s before he meets the one woman who might break through the ice. And that’s where the obsession, angst, and steamy tension start pouring in—the exact stuff that makes this series blow up on BookTok romance recommendations and cement it as one of the best dark romance series of 2025.

But then comes Ava—his best friend’s little sister. Sweet. Off-limits. The one girl who slips straight past Alex’s walls. Watching her was supposed to be harmless. Just a favor. But instead, it sparks something in him he can’t contain. A fire so dangerous it could burn down everything he’s built.

If you’re obsessed with billionaire dark romance books featuring broody heroes, forbidden love, and that chaotic “I shouldn’t want you but I can’t stop” vibe, the Twisted series is your next binge. It’s got angst, it’s got obsession, and it’s got steam that’ll leave you wide awake at 2 a.m.

No wonder it’s dominating BookTok romance recommendations and being crowned one of the best romance series of 2025. If you haven’t started it yet… what are you even doing?

12. Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

Phantasma is one of the hottest new dark romance releases of 2025, and trust me—it deserves every ounce of hype it’s getting.

The story follows Ophelia, who will do anything to save her missing sister. Her only chance? Enter Phantasma—a deadly contest set inside a haunted mansion dripping with secrets. The prize? A single wish. The catch? Only one can win, and everyone else is fair game.

Enter Blackwell. Infuriatingly charming. Arrogant as hell. Darkly magnetic. He claims he can guide Ophelia through the twisted trials, but of course, his help comes with a price—a brutal one. Ten years of her life.

What follows is a deadly game of shadows, seduction, and survival. And with Blackwell at her side, Ophelia has to decide if he’s her greatest threat… or her only chance to make it out alive.

If you’re craving fantasy dark romance books packed with danger, obsession, and enemies-to-lovers energy, Phantasma should be at the top of your TBR. No wonder it’s blowing up on BookTok dark romance recs and already being crowned one of the best dark romance books of 2025.

Now, every step Ophelia takes is a gamble. Her life hangs by a thread, the haunted mansion itself seems to want her gone, and the monsters inside are closing in. But the deadliest risk of all? Losing her heart to the one man she swore she could never trust—Blackwell.

If you’re obsessed with fantasy dark romance books filled with danger, obsession, and twisted deadly games, this one is an absolute must. Seductive, haunting, and impossible to put down, it’s easily one of the best romance books of 2025.

No surprise it’s already a BookTok trending romance and getting hyped everywhere as a can’t-miss dark fantasy love story.

13. An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

This dark fantasy romance book throws you straight into Saint Perpetua’s College—a world where secrets are currency, ambition is everything, and strange, haunting ceremonies pull students deeper into its shadowy grip.

Laura Sheridan never imagined herself tangled up in such a brutal academic rivalry. But then came Carmilla—gorgeous, mysterious, and impossible to ignore. Their competition burns fierce, but so does the electric pull between them. Hate and hunger, tangled in every glance.

And then enters De Lafontaine—their poetry professor. Demanding. Charismatic. Dangerous in ways that go beyond the classroom. Under his influence, the line between knowledge, power, and desire begins to dissolve until nothing feels safe—or sacred—anymore.

If you’re into gothic dark academia romance books that mix sapphic tension, dangerous obsession, and eerie college rituals, this one needs to be on your TBR. No wonder it’s trending across BookTok dark academia recommendations and getting hyped as one of the best dark fantasy romance novels of 2025.

As Laura and Carmilla’s connection shifts from rivalry to something darker—and maybe even forbidden—they’re forced to ask themselves the ultimate question: how much would they sacrifice for brilliance, for power… for love?

If you’re hooked on dark academia romance novels packed with obsession, sharp tension, and that intoxicating mix of intellect + forbidden attraction, this one’s a must-read. It’s haunting, it’s seductive, and it’s easily one of the best dark romance books of 2025.

No surprise it’s blowing up in BookTok dark academia recs right now and earning a spot on every dark romance reader’s TBR.

14. Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight

If you’re craving a contemporary dark romance that’s dripping with mafia vibes, you have to pick up Den of Vipers. The premise? Wild. The spice level? Honestly, insane.

The Vipers rule Roxy’s town. Every deal, every business, every back alley secret runs through them. Their name alone is enough to make grown men drop to their knees. These aren’t guys you cross… unless you’ve got a death wish.

But that’s exactly what Roxy’s dad did. The old man racked up a debt with the Vipers—and then sold his own daughter to cover it. Now, Roxy’s their property. At least, that’s what they think.

What they don’t realize? Roxy doesn’t bow. She doesn’t break. And stepping into the vipers’ den might just make her more dangerous than all of them combined.

If you’re into reverse harem dark romance books with mafia grit, brutal antiheroes, and page-melting spice, Den of Vipers is a must. No wonder it’s blowing up in BookTok mafia romance recs and still being called one of the best dark romance novels of 2025.

The Vipers want it all—Roxy’s body, her soul, her submission. And they’ll stop at nothing until they take every piece of her. But here’s the kicker—they can own her body, sure. But her heart? That’s one thing they’ll never control.

If you’re hunting for spicy mafia romance books that don’t pull punches—where obsession, brutality, and dark desire collide—Den of Vipers is it. This isn’t soft, it isn’t sweet. It’s savage, it’s raw, and it’s one hell of a ride you won’t forget.

No surprise it’s everywhere on BookTok dark romance recommendations and still getting crowned as one of the best dark romance books of 2025. If you want mafia grit, dangerous antiheroes, and a heroine who refuses to break, this one needs a top spot on your TBR.