Culture & Society3 min read

Books like Haunting Adeline to “make you hurt, make you cry, make you laugh and sigh”

If you are caught up in “Haunting Adeline,” you're not alone. H.D. Carlton's dark romance novel has taken the book world by storm with its emotional mixture of psychological thriller, morally ambiguous characters, and a dangerously seductive dark romance. For those of you looking for more spine-chilling dark romance, here are eight such books you should take note of.

Books like Haunting Adeline to “make you hurt, make you cry, make you laugh and sigh”

The Ritual (L.O.R.D.S., #1) by Shantel Tessier

Those who can't seem to have enough dark and taboo romances will enjoy every page of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier. Set amidst the aura of Barrington University, it chronicles the life of Blakely Anderson and her entrance into the sinister secret society known as L.O.R.D.S. Ryat Alexander Archer, a dominant yet fascinating man, claims her as his Chosen One, forcing her down the path of power, manipulation, and submission. As their intense, enemies-to-lovers dynamic unfolds, Blakely must decide whether to resist or surrender to the darkness around her.

The Ritual

The Ritual

by Shantel Tessier
2021
Books Buy on Amazon

Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1) by Navessa Allen

Here is another thrilling mix of suspense and passion. Do you have any kinks? Aly Cappellucci, the female lead of Lights Out, does. She’s passionate about the masked men, she follows them online, she dreams of being chased by them, and is willing to do all the dark things they can offer her. Only one drunken text message and all her hidden desires turn into reality. Of course, some scenes may be disturbing to readers. But if you wish to take a gamble or crave darkness, Lights Out is a love story you’ll be enchanted with.

Lights Out

Lights Out

by Navessa Allen
2024
Books Buy on Amazon

Hooked (Never After, #1) by Emily McIntire

Hooked, by Emily McIntire, is a remake of the Peter Pan legend. Here, Captain Hook is reinvented as James, a ruthless man set on revenge against Peter Michaels. He has a simple plan — use Peter's daughter, Wendy, to get back at him. But the seduction soon turns into something deeper when Wendy gets seated in a web of intrigue, charm, and danger. She discovers James’s secret motives for seeking revenge, taking her through a world of crime, deception, and twisted desires. The hook is that the villain gets his chance at a happily ever after. Will love conquer everything?

Hooked

Hooked

by Emily McIntire
2021
Books Buy on Amazon

Corrupt (Devil’s Night, #1) by Penelope Douglas

Corrupt is one of the best young adult novels that depicts the thinly veiled line between hate and love. Michael, along with his affluent and dangerous friends, has a history of tormenting a girl called Rika. Many years after a traumatic event during their youth, Michael returns, and they will meet again. He sets in motion his well-planned campaign of psychological prey upon Rika, and it blurs the thin lines of both revenge and twisted desire. But, although she is afraid, Rika finds herself pulled into his dangerous game. Only then does she discover dark secrets from their intertwined childhood.

Corrupt (Devil's Night)

Corrupt (Devil's Night)

by Penelope Douglas
2015
Books Buy on Amazon

Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers

This novel offers a sinister yet captivating romance with psychological depth. In Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers, upon seeing his foster sister, Olivia, Malachi Vize is obsessively drawn to her. Although Olivia's actions lead to his imprisonment, Malachi manages to escape prison years later, bringing vengeance and his desire to put his mark on her. The novel delves into dark and taboo themes, riddled with issues of forbidden desires and possession at any cost.

Little Stranger

Little Stranger

by Leigh Rivers
2023
Books Buy on Amazon

God of Malice (Legacy of Gods, #1) by Rina Kent

In God of Malice, art student Glyndon King is grieving the loss of her best friend and battling dark thoughts. But she suddenly encounters Killian Carson, a fourth-year medical student known for his cold-blooded and manipulative nature. Their one-in-a-million chance of meeting at a cliff's edge initiates a dangerous and obsessive relationship. As their connection deepens, Glyndon becomes lost in Killian's world. Will she ever escape? And does she even want to escape?

God of Malice

God of Malice

by Rina Kent
2024
Books Buy on Amazon

His and Mine by Aubrey Dark

A deeply psychological and steamy read, His explores the line between obsession and love. The male protagonist, Gav, exhibits possessive tendencies, which ultimately leads to him captivating Kat. Despite Gav’s shady character, she starts to feel something for him.

His

His

by Aubrey Dark
2014
Books Buy on Amazon

Mine is a continuation of the first part of the story His. Kat remains entangled with Gav, and the story explores the power dynamics of their relationship. Gav's possessive nature intensifies, and the narrative focuses on his desire to control every aspect of Kat's life. What awaits them in the future? More pain or peace?


If you’re looking for more books with intense and dark romances, these eight best steamy romance novels will take you on an emotional rollercoaster with love, obsession, and darkness. These books explore the very essence of dark taboo romance and reveal the different sides there might be to love.

about the author

AdvanceMe Team

Mobile App Screenshots

Find out how to learn quickly and efficiently with our app!

Incorporate the habit of reading into your daily life.

Start your free trial