Exploring Dark Romance

Well, well, here we are again, indulging in our guilty pleasures. Craving new recommendations in the realm of dark romance, are we? Have you exhausted all of Cora Reilly's books? Finding mainstream suggestions falling short of satisfying your appetite? Look no further, because you've landed in just the right spot.

What do I first look for in a dark romance?

Is it the exploration of taboos and territories untouched by contemporary romance?

The allure of obsession and an assertive male lead?

Or does the enemies-to-lovers trope hold the key to drawing me in?

Perhaps it's the profoundly psychological aspect, the attraction to extreme situations - not necessarily liking them, but entwining myself in the mental landscapes they offer. It could be the thrill of something adventurous, the allure of the forbidden, or the compelling need to witness characters navigating through the most devastating of circumstances.

Maybe, deep down, I'm a sinner. But then again, aren't we all?

While I enjoy reading dark romance, I'm still uncertain about what exactly draws me in. I believe it's the third option that resonates with me the most. Let's delve into that. Now, I'm going to recommend some books I've thoroughly enjoyed reading.

1. The Five Points Mob Collection by Serena Akeroyd

This series comprises 11 books in total, and I kid you not, every book is worth it - better than the previous one! It's replete with family bonds, brotherly love, and badass heroines who stand up for what they believe in. Each book in this series presents a different type of setting - sometimes it's enemies-to-lovers romance, while other times it dives straight into complex situations. There's also age-gap romance woven into the mix. It's wonderfully messy; characters mess up in real-time, and many times they can be annoying. However, there's a thread of bond that ties them all together very effectively.

If you enjoy stories about a band of brothers, not just pure romance but a narrative centered around a mafia family, a kingdom, an emperor, ruler, and soldiers, then this is the perfect choice for you. Prepare to immerse yourself in these beautifully crafted books.

The writing is well-executed, effectively conveying its story, and maintaining an engaging pace.

2. Boston Underworld Series by A. Zavarelli

I won't lie,after reading the Five Point Mob series, a hunger stirred within me that no other book could satiate. I was truly famished for a read of such caliber once more. That's when I stumbled upon this series. However, I must admit, this series ventures into darker territories, dealing with strong themes of violence, trafficking, and erotica. If you've experienced any trauma related to these themes, I kindly urge you to disregard this recommendation. The content delves deep into these areas, and it might be unsettling.

The series encompasses a total of six books, yet it doesn't follow the conventional path of brothers. Instead, it revolves around a group of interrelated individuals within the same community. The female leads stand out as daring and strong characters. Even as they fall for the MMCs (main male characters), they maintain a strong sense of individualism. The MMCs themselves aren't flawless; they often come across as jerks, to put it mildly. However, their transition from such attitudes to becoming lovers is depicted quite seamlessly.

This series provided an intriguing read, a bit distinct from my usual book preferences, as I tend to steer clear of heavier themes. I usually lean towards books that lean more towards romance.

3. Queens & Monsters Series by J.T. Geissinger

This book is in four parts, but I think it didn't really need a fourth part. The writer thought differently, I guess. What I really liked was that each book focused on the couple's story more than the mafia world. That was cool. I also liked that the main guys in the story (MMC) were strong but didn't treat the main girls (FMC) badly. That's important to me.

I enjoyed the characters, the story moved fast, and the funny parts made it even better. The mix of story and spiciness was interesting. I really like the steamy scenes written by Geisinger. They felt both exciting and full of feelings at the same time.

Overall, I really liked the series, but the fourth book didn't end things well like the rest of the series.

4. Vrisha Warriors Series by Olivia Riley

Honestly, I didn't read the first book - sounds strange, right? I actually started with the second book in the series, and it turned out to be nice and interesting. It's not super dark, but it has that forbidden kind of vibe. You know, humans falling for aliens and all. If you're into stories about romance with aliens, this is a good one.

The series mostly has that "enemies to lovers" thing going on. The main female characters are smart and strong-willed, while the alien main male characters are powerful and have ruby eyes - cool, right? Oh, did I just give something away? Well, either way, I think you'll enjoy reading these. Have a good time!

Feel free to drop a comment and let me know if you're interested in discovering more books like these or if you'd like individual reviews for specific books. Your feedback and preferences are important, and I'm here to help you find more enjoyable reads! Thankyou for reading :-)