Dark romance is a subgenre of romance that explores themes of obsession, power dynamics, moral ambiguity, and intense emotional and psychological relationships. Unlike traditional romance novels, which typically focus on consensual and straightforward love stories, dark romance often delves into complex, sometimes taboo subjects, pushing characters to their limits and testing the boundaries of love and morality. 

One of the biggest dark romance series is The Ruinous Trilogy by Brynne Weaver. The interconnected stand-alone novels are dark romantic comedies that follow the Kane brothers and the fierce women they fall in love with. On February 11, 2025, the highly anticipated third book in the trilogy, Scythe & Sparrow, is being released. Pre-order the ebook or audiobook now! 

As readers wait for the release of the friends-with-benefits dark romantic comedy packed with murder, mayhem, and spice, libraries have an opportunity to add more dark romance and dark romantic comedies to their collection. Visit Marketplace now to shop Scythe & Sparrow readalikes. 

Why readers love dark romance 

  • The stories offer high emotional intensity and psychological depth. 
  • The morally grey characters are often deeply flawed but compelling. Characters in dark romance often engage in actions that challenge the reader’s perception of right and wrong. 
  • The romance is passionate, bordering on obsession, which can be both thrilling and unsettling. 
  • The plots include unexpected twists and high stakes, making them gripping page-turners. 

Recommended readalikes for your collection 

Readers captivated by The Ruinous Trilogy by Brynne Weaver are always craving more dark romance with morally gray characters and high-stakes tension. Whether drawn to witty banter between rivals, deadly romance, or antiheroes, these readalikes will keep readers enthralled. 

Lights Out by Navessa Allen 

The viral TikTok stalker dark romance, burning with high heat, hilarious banter, and a love story like you’ve never seen before.  

Buy the ebook here 

Buy the audiobook here 

Neon Gods by Katee Robert 

A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Hades and Persephone that’s as sinful as it is sweet. 

Buy the ebook here 

Buy the audiobook here 

Double Agents Never Lie by Emma Forouhari  

Flirty banter, hostile (but hot!) spy partners, and mind-bending plot twists with plenty of oh, so that’s how they did it! moments, Double Agents Never Lie is an unputdownable read. 

Buy the ebook here 

Distance by Luna Mason 

Look Beneath the Mask with #Booktok sensation Luna Mason’s scorchingly intense dark mafia romance series featuring elite criminal families, morally gray anti-heroes, and breath-stealing tension. 

Buy the ebook here 

Buy the audiobook here 

Catastrophe Magnet by J.B. Heller 

Sparks fly when an accident-prone bounty hunter mistakenly apprehends the wrong guy. 

Buy the ebook here 

The Deer and the Dragon by Piper CJ 

Hazbin Hotel meets Crescent City in this new fantasy romance series from USA Today bestseller Piper CJ. 

Buy the ebook here 

Buy the audiobook here 

These books offer dark, thrilling, and passionate storytelling, perfect for fans of The Ruinous Trilogy by Brynne Weaver. Find more dark romance in Marketplace. 

About the author: Jill is a Marketing & Communications Specialist on the North America Public Library Marketing Team. A former librarian, she joined OverDrive in 2015. Outside of the office she can be found writing, hanging out with her cats, collecting more Tarot decks than she has room for, and playing competitive pinball. Her favorite genre is something she calls “Murder at an educational institution that involves a close-knit group of suspicious characters.”