Are you looking for a thrilling and addictive read that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Then look no further, the world of dark romance books is meant for you. These novels delve into the complexities of relationships that are far from cookie-cutter perfect, with characters who are flawed, complex, and often dangerous.
From forbidden love affairs to twisted obsessions, these stories are sure to take you on a journey through the depths of desire and the consequences that come with it. These books are not for the faint of heart, as they often tackle mature themes such as violence, betrayal, and even death. So if you’re ready to explore the grittier side of romance, pick a book from our list below and prepare to be swept away by its hauntingly beautiful story.
1. The Wives
by Tarryn Fisher
Your husband has two other wives whom you have never met before. Due to this unconventional arrangement, you can only meet him once a week. But you love him so much that it does not matter to you. However, one day, while doing laundry, you discover a piece of paper in his pocket with the name Hannah on it. You suspect that she is another of your husband’s wives.
Unable to resist your curiosity, you befriend Hannah under false pretenses. To your surprise, you find out that she is being abused by her husband, who is also your husband. You never knew him to be violent. This discovery raises questions about your husband’s true identity and the identity of his mysterious third wife.
“Every now and then a book comes along with a plot so twisted it blows you away… This is that book! From the get go I was hooked and this book just kept reeling me in. The plot is so cleverly crafted and intricate that you have no idea where it’s going. My mind was working overtime and for the most part I thought I was going crazy!!” – Five Star Review
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2. Verity
by Colleen Hoover
Lowen Ashleigh, who is a struggling writer, is offered a job opportunity by Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford. Despite her financial struggles, Lowen is hesitant but eventually accepts the job. She arrives at the Crawford home to go through Verity’s notes and outlines to find enough material to finish the remaining books in a successful series. However, Lowen stumbles upon an unfinished autobiography that contains some bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s account of the night her family was forever altered.
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing that its contents could devastate him. As she begins to develop feelings for Jeremy, she realizes that the manuscript could benefit her if he reads it. Nevertheless, she is aware that the truth revealed in the manuscript would make it impossible for Jeremy to continue loving his injured wife, who he is devoted to.
“I have never read a book that makes me wake up in the middle of the night to check the end of my bed but Colleen has achieved this. I read this book with anxiety, fear and pure horror at what I was reading… and when you think you have worked out the plot BAM a bend in the road appears. I have not been able to put this book down!” – Five Star Review
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3. Behind Closed Doors
by B.A. Paris
Everyone has come across a couple like Jack and Grace at some point. Jack is handsome and wealthy, while Grace exudes charm and sophistication. Jack’s record as a successful lawyer is impeccable, and Grace is a masterful homemaker who is also a skilled gardener and cook. She also takes care of her disabled sister with utmost care. Despite their new status as a married couple, they seem to have it all. You may not want to admit it, but you find yourself drawn to their comfortable home and their gracious dinner parties. You wish you could get to know Grace better.
However, you start to realize that Jack and Grace are always together, making it difficult to form a closer relationship with Grace. Some people believe it’s true love, but others wonder why Grace doesn’t answer the phone or meet for coffee when she doesn’t work. They wonder how she manages to cook such elaborate meals and still maintain her slim figure. Additionally, they wonder why she never carries any personal items when she leaves the house, not even a pen. They also notice the high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows and start to question what happens after the dinner party ends and the front door closes.
“I was immediately hooked by the plot and barely put it down until i finished. i felt raw emotion pouring from these pages and i’m still left in awe. its rare i put words into reviews because im clearly not skilled in writing them! but I just had to share and hope that it’ll boost the book and give the author another reader.” – Five Star Review
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4. The Perfect Marriage
by Jeneva Rose
Sarah Morgan is a well-established and influential defense attorney based in Washington D.C. She holds a high position in her firm and is flourishing in her professional life. However, her husband Adam, a struggling writer, is feeling disheartened by his lack of success and frustrated with the distance in their relationship due to Sarah’s busy schedule.
While staying at their secluded lake house, Adam enters into a heated affair with Kelly Summers. Tragically, Kelly is discovered murdered, leaving Sarah with the daunting task of defending her own husband in court.
“The Perfect Marriage” is an enthralling and suspenseful thriller that will keep readers captivated. The twists and turns throughout the story will keep you on edge, and the ending is sure to surprise you.
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5. My Lovely Wife
by Samantha Downing
Our love story is straightforward. I met a stunning woman, and we fell in love. We started a family and moved to the suburbs. We shared our deepest desires and secrets with each other. However, boredom eventually set in. We appear like any regular couple. We could be your neighbors, or the parents of your child’s friend, or perhaps just acquaintances you plan to have dinner with. Every couple has their own way of keeping their marriage alive, and ours is unique.
“Great book! Catches you and reels you in right away. Character development is great and the plot thickens every chapter. Only time I stopped reading this book was when I fell asleep.” – Five Star Review
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6. The Wife Between Us
by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
When flipping through the book, it’s highly likely that you will create a multitude of assumptions. You may believe that it’s a story centered around a resentful ex-wife. It’s possible that you’ll assume she’s fixated on her successor, a stunning young lady who’s just about to tie the knot with the man they both adore. You might even assume that you have a good understanding of the complex love triangle at play. However, it’s crucial to keep an open mind and “assume nothing.”
Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s The Wife Between Us is a twisted and delightfully spine-chilling book, which exposes the intricate secrets of an admirable marriage, alongside the dangerous truths we often overlook in the name of love. It’s imperative to read between the lies.
“This book had so many twists & turns, it kept me guessing the whole time! Not what I expected when I chose it but so much more!” – Five Star Review
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