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I know I’m not the only one who read Neon Gods and was absolutely enthralled.
For the longest time, I’ve been obsessed with Greek mythology and nothing (I mean, nothing!) could have stopped me from reading this lovely Hades & Persephone retelling.
I loved every bit of it, and if there’s something in particular that made my time spent worth it, it was the romance that was dark in the best way possible.
This might sound super vague, but dark fantasy romance novels literally feature the most morally grey characters doing entirely questionable things.
The romance in these books could very well be described as toxic and, trust me, you’re going to be hooked from start to finish.
So, if you’ve been looking for new-ish dark fantasy romance books to sink your teeth into, I’ve got you covered — Here are 15 perfect recs you won’t regret reading.
1. King of Flesh & Bone
Enosh is a ruthless king who’s feared by all and then he meets Ada, who fears him even more.
He offers her pleasure even though darkness looms over him and needless to say, the romance sweeps them off their feet soon enough.
2. Rhapsodic
Indebted to a faerie Bargainer, Callie is on a mission to save the missing fae warriors.
But, this will entangle her with her past and desires in this captivating fantasy novel.
You guys, this is literally the peak of dark fantasy romance books and you’re going to root for Callie all the way.
3. A Ruin of Roses
Finley is caught trespassing by Nyfain, the last dragon shifter, and she learns she could save his cursed kingdom but at the cost of her ruin.
The chemistry between Finely and Nyfain is to die for (metaphorically), and this is hands down one of the most popular dark fantasy romance novels you’d ever read.
4. River of Shadows
Hanna goes into Tuonela to rescue her father and this is when she meets Death himself.
He then offers her a grim bargain for her father’s freedom which she agrees to, but it will mean losing her soul and personhood in the process.
5. Hooked
James has plans to take revenge on Peter Michaels, so he decides to use his daughter, Wendy but finds himself torn between his vendetta and unexpected feelings.
If you like the Peter Pan fairytale, you’re going to love Hooked – It’s a dark fantasy romance fairytale retelling that puts the s in smut and it’ll keep you hooked all through.
6. To Bleed A Crystal Bloom
Orlaith survived a massacre when she was a child and ever since then, Rhordyn had kept her hidden in his castle.
When she eventually ventures out, she makes some bad choices, trusts the wrong people, but at the end of the day, she ends up in his arms in the sweetest way possible.
7. From Blood and Ash
Poppy is a Maiden who must decide between her duty and desire when she meets Hawke, while a rising threat tests their world and her choices.
From Blood and Ash is another super fantasy addition to this list of dark fantasy romance books with adult themes that’ll leave you thrilled and warm all over.
Also See: 15 Best Standalone Fantasy Books You Won’t Regret Reading
8. Gild
In this book, Auren discovers the truth behind her gilded cage.
The thing is that she had been kept there by Midas for the longest time, but with war and betrayal slowly encroaching on the kingdom of Orea, she will need to make some hard decisions.
Just as an aside: Make sure you check the trigger warnings before you start reading this book (it deals with some very heavy themes).
9. Malum Discordiae
Cassius and Graeme come from rival witch families, but they are forced to work together when demonic murders start threatening their university.
And just as you’re probably thinking, an unlikely romance blooms between these two adversaries when they get sucked into this world of danger.
This dark academia paranormal romance features the sweetest queer leads and I was rooting for their HEA from the very beginning.
10. A Dawn of Onyx
Arwen, a healer imprisoned by the Onyx King, forms an uneasy alliance with a fellow prisoner to escape their enemy territory.
Without dropping any spoilers, just know that this book has fae magic, the enemies-to-lovers trope, and the primary plot is the most sublime thing.
You May Also Like: 20 Best Romantic Steampunk Novels To Add To Your TBR In 2024
11. Fortuna Sworn
Fortuna is the last of her kind, but she’s on a mission to find and save her brother.
This mission will thrust her into an unpredictable and dangerous world with creatures hidden at every corner.
12. Haunting Adeline
Adeline has the power to manipulate the mind of anybody, but it doesn’t work on Zade.
Soon enough, they’re pulled into a dangerous game of desire and obsession that threatens to swallow them whole.
This is another super intense and incredibly popular dark fantasy romance book that I read and loved and I know you will too!
13. The Sin of Saints
Petra’s life is upended when she learns of her true purpose, but her city is on the brink of chaos.
To confront her destiny and figure out the other non-truths and half-truths she has been told becomes her singular mission in this absolutely gripping book.
14. The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Oraya enters a deadly tournament and she soon forms an alliance with a rival vampire.
Now, both of them have to keep their heads attached to their bodies with the war that’s underway and fight to stave off their forbidden attraction.
I love, love, love vampire books and TSATWON is one of those dark vampire romance novels you won’t forget in a hurry (I promise).
15. Desire In His Blood
Gemma agrees to marry Azur to save her family, but she soon starts developing feelings for him even though she’s low-key terrified.
This dark, steamy alien romance made me hot and bothered in the best possible way and if you need a series starter that’ll take you on a journey, this is it.
Up Next: Top 10 M/M Historical Romance Fantasies That Will Blow You Away
What do you think? Will you read any of these dark fantasy romance books? Let me know what you think in the comment section below!
There are loads of other fantasy recommendations below, so check them out and you’re definitely going to find a new fave.
If you have any more recommendations, don’t hesitate to drop a comment and I’ll read it immediately.
