Before we dive into the epic world of dark romance... I want to disclaim that this blog mentions topics that readers may find triggering. While I will not be discussing any heavy topics in depth, if you are not currently in a good headspace I urge you to protect yourself and close this blog. You're welcome to return any time, but please look after yourself first!
What is 'Dark Romance'?
Dark Romance is a sub-genre of romance that often explores some heavier themes. Being under the romance genre, you can always expect a happy ending. It just might not be the kind of happily ever after you'd expect... And it certainly won't be an easy ride getting there.
From stalkers to serial killers, dark romance books perfectly blend suspense and danger with lust and love. For those of you who like a little spice with your sugar... Let's just say you'll often be left burning after reading these books.
How did Dark Romance become so popular?
Thanks to BookTok, dark romance has really taken off in recent years. Readers quickly took to the platform to discuss many popular titles and authors, including Rina Kent's Legacy of Gods series and Sav R Miller's Monsters & Muses series.
As for why the category has resonated so much with readers, that answer is subjective. Dark romance books often cover very heavy topics including (but not limited to) sexual assault, stalking, violence, drugs, abuse and much more. Many report that they find reading dark romance books to be comforting. Reading about characters who have shared similar experiences to their own and then found a happily ever after, reminds them that they are worthy of the same love (hopefully with less red flags irl).
Common Dark Romance tropes?
Dark romance offers a large variety of tropes to explore. Some are far more light-hearted than others, but among the most popular are...
1. Morally Grey Characters
While you may sometimes find a 'morally grey' character in a contemporary romance book, dark romance takes it to a whole new level. We're not just talking about a classic 'touch-her-and-die' situation, this is more of a 'look-at-her-and-I'll-bury-your-family-alive-and-make-you-watch' vibe.
Despite the extent of violence often carried out by these characters, morally grey characters do still tend to adhere to a pretty strict moral code. It might just look a little different from mine or yours. Nine times out of ten, you will be left thinking "I'd do the same thing.", or maybe that's just me...
2. Enemies to Lovers
Another staple trope found in contemporary romance books that has, once again, been multiplied by a million when found in dark romance books. Enemies to lovers in a dark romance setting is much more twisted than just glares from across the room or snarky comments.
Enemies to lovers in dark romance is often absolutely brutal. With anything from physical violence to emotional manipulation or situations of arguably dubious consent (I'm looking at you, Beautiful Venom).
Some of our most popular Enemies to Lovers books include...
- Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
- The Book of Azrael by Amber V Nicole
- The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig
- God of Wrath by Rina Kent
- Arrows and Apologies by Sav R Miller
3. Stalking
Seriously, you'd be surprised at how often this trope pops up in dark romance books. Something about a love interest who's so obsessed they literally can't take their eyes off of you just hits different. Partners, do not take note, this is only attractive in a fictional setting (unless you're into it in real life too, then fill your boots! #consentmatters).
If you're looking for a love interest who is *criminally* obsessed, you should check out these books...
- Lights Out by Navessa Allen
- Caught Up by Navessa Allen
- Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
- Now You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
- Vipers and Virtuosos by Sav R Miller
- God of Wrath by Rina Kent
Kinky Dark Romance Books
Dark romance books can cater to the darkest and most depraved desires you can think of. No, seriously, if you can think it, I guarantee there's already a book out there about it.
But, there's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting something a little extra from your smut. We're all for owning and embracing it. You should explore dark romance books to your kinky heart's desires. So here are some of our kinkiest dark romance books...
Primal Kink:
- Lights Out by Navessa Allen
- Caught Up by Navessa Allen
- Beautiful Venom by Rina Kent
- Wolf.e by Paisley Hope
- Arrows and Apologies by Sav R Miller
- God of Wrath by Rina Kent
- God of Ruin by Rina Kent
Praise Kink:
- Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
- Now You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
- Oaths and Omissions by Sav R Miller
- God of Pain by Rina Kent
- God of War by Rina Kent
Knife Play:
- Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R Miller
- Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Whether you have read this blog and are ready to find your perfect dark romance read, or it's completely put you off dark romance books altogether, Literary Lane Bookshop can cater to all preferences. From small-town romance to mafia romance and romantasy, you'll certainly find your next 5-star read when shopping with Literary Lane!