If you’re a dark romance reader, you might have a penchant for stalkers. Or masked men. Or maybe even the taboo. Whatever your flavor of DR, I’ve got you covered in this post on the best dark romance books on the market today! If you’re new to this subgenre of romance or you’re advanced (wink wink), I’ll provide you with my favorite recs below. And I’ll also note whether they’re good DR starter books or not. Go ahead and take a bite out of these sexy, spicy, sometimes dangerous reads!
The Best Dark Stalker Romances Today
What is it about a stalker in the literary realm that really gets us going? It’s not like in real life we’d want some dude to follow us around, terrorizing our every move…right? There’s just something so damn thrilling about a dark stalker romance. So…let’s dive in.
1. Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton
Now, I know what you’re thinking. If you’re here and you’re a seasoned DR girlie, you might be thinking this is the obvious choice. Or that it’s even “tame”, as I’ve heard from some of you freaks out there (don’t worry. Freaks is me. I’m a freak). But the beginner dark romance readers might find this a good first choice. Is it tame, though? No, not in my opinion. If you’ve read some of the other best dark romance books on the list, then maybe. I will tell you this…this book was twisted but also super sexy. I couldn’t get enough of the main characters relationship. And, of course, there’s a healthy amount of stalking. Check the content warnings before reading! I’d rate this intermediate level Dark Romance, but often folks will say it’s a good starter book.
2. Resurrect Me: A Dark Stalker Romance (Book 1 of the Create & Destroy Duet) by Cherri Meraschino
Well, now you know I’m going to have to give a shameless little plug here (not that kind of plug. Get your head out of the gutter!) Resurrect Me: A Dark Stalker Romance by Cherri Meraschino is fun, fast-paced, and features a sexy vigilante who also stalks his wife. Wild concept, right? That a husband would stalk his own wife? I thought it was hott. It was a part of my own fantasies, so I figured I’d write the book. In addition to being a stalker, our MMC is also masked, an MMA fighter, and has some pretty wild kinks. Great starter book into Dark Romance.
You can find Resurrect Me on Kindle Unlimited or order the paperback (releases February 14th, 2025) on Amazon. Stay tuned for the second in the Create & Destroy Duet, Release Me: A Dark Conspiracy Thriller Romance coming Spring 2025!
3. Lights Out by Navessa Allen
This is one I haven’t read yet, but hear good things about. Apparently there’s a stalker, and loads of Trigger Warnings…so check those out before engaging. But, according to the GoodReads reviews on this one, it’s one of the best dark stalker romance books out there today.
Sinfully Seductive BEST Dark Taboo Romance Books
Who doesn’t love a little taboo in their dark romance reads? I hate to admit it, but I often like to explore those naughty topics that most people don’t even want to talk about in my fiction. You know those romances that are forbidden by either family or society? Yep. Let’s jump on it.
4. Little Stranger: A Dark Taboo Romance by Leigh Rivers
Oh my Holy Lord. This book did it for me. It was one of the rare 5 stars rated books on my list. Little Stranger follows male and female main characters who happen to be “siblings”. Keep in mind, this is taboo and it is explained they are not siblings by blood but through foster-care/adoption. The MMC becomes dangerously obsessed with the FMC, and…what do you know? Ends up stalking her. This one comes with EXTREME trigger warnings, so check those out before engaging. But if you’re looking for taboo dark romance with stalkers and spiders and siblings…this is it. Don’t sleep on it. I wouldn’t consider this a beginner’s dark romance read.
5. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
For my girlies with a Daddy kink, and those interested in age play, Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas might hit all the right spots. I just love Douglas’s writing style, and her ability to weave the sexiest stories. This dark romance book is about a young woman who begins to grow feelings for her boyfriend’s father. Don’t judge. Just read it.