Top Dark Romance Releases for 2025
Top Dark Romance Releases for 2025
Dark romance fans, rejoice! The 2025 book release calendar is packed with thrilling, heart-pounding stories from some of the genre’s biggest names. From haunting tales of forbidden love to intense MM romances and captivating dark academia mysteries, this year promises unforgettable reads. With upcoming releases from bestselling authors like H.D. Carlton, Rina Kent, Leigh Rivers, and Sara Cate, there’s something for every dark romance enthusiast. Dive into our curated list of the most anticipated dark romance books of 2025 and get ready to add these must-reads to your TBR pile!
1. Phantom – H.D Carlton
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Set in November 1944, Phantom by H.D. Carlton is a haunting tale of forbidden romance and dangerous desire. Trapped in a loveless marriage and haunted by her husband’s cruelty within the eerie Parsons Manor, the protagonist’s world shifts when a mysterious phantom appears outside her window. Hypnotic and terrifying, he becomes her forbidden escape—but he’s no ordinary man. A mobster and a criminal, he offers solace in a love as intoxicating as it is perilous, promising an unforgettable dark romance from the bestselling author of the Cat and Mouse Duet.
Browse H.D Carlton Books Here
Browse H.D Carlton Reading Order Here
2. Ruined God - S.Massery
Release Date: February 6, 2025
In Ruined God, bestselling author S. Massery delivers a brand-new dark hockey romance that dives into the ruthless world of a man who’s both a god on the ice and a monster off of it. Known for her gripping storytelling and intense character dynamics, Massery teases an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat romance filled with dark passion and high-stakes tension. Though more details are coming soon, readers can look forward to an addictive and complex journey in this new standalone. Get ready for Ruined God to hit shelves on February 6, 2025.
Browse S. Massery Books here
Book 3 in the Dark Prince Road series.
From Wall Street Journal bestsellers L.J. Shen and Parker S. Huntington comes My Dark Prince, a dark and twisted second-chance romance that reimagines Sleeping Beauty like never before. She’s marrying a monster—a wealthy fraud who claims they’re in love, even as his kisses are filled with hate and lust. Trapped in a gilded nightmare, she remembers only one thing: he’s the enemy. But Oliver, a damaged billionaire with a shadowy past, will do whatever it takes to keep her in the dark. Set in the decadent Dark Prince Road universe, My Dark Prince is an enemies-to-lovers standalone bursting with passion, secrets, and betrayal. This is a romance that will leave you breathless.
Browse Parker S Huntington Books Here
Browse L J Shen Books Here
4. Scythe & Sparrow - Brynne Weaver
Release Date: February11, 2025
The Ruinous Love Trilogy concludes with Scythe & Sparrow, a dark romantic comedy blending murder, mayhem, and spice. Motorcycle performer Rose Evans, a restless circus star with a penchant for mischief, finds herself stuck in small-town Nebraska after a mishap leaves her injured. Enter Fionn Kane, the town’s reserved, nerdy doctor escaping his own heartbreak and the chaos of his past life. As their worlds collide, sparks fly, secrets surface, and both must confront old wounds and lingering ghosts. From the bestselling author of Butcher & Blackbird and Leather & Lark, this finale promises an unforgettable mix of romance and thrills.
5. Psychotic Obsession – Leigh Rivers
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Get ready to immerse yourself in a dark and dangerous love story that will captivate your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat. Psychotic Obsession introduces Tobias Mitchell and Aria Miller in an intense, twisted romance filled with passion, secrets, and obsession. Set before The Edge of Darkness Trilogy, this interconnected standalone offers a gripping tale of love and darkness you won't be able to put down.
Browse Leigh Rivers Books here
Browse Leigh Rivers Reading Order here
6. Kiss The Villain - Rina Kent
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Dive into the electrifying world of Legacy of Gods with this highly anticipated standalone MM dark romance. Follow Kayden and Gareth as their forbidden professor-student relationship ignites a tale of passion, secrets, and obsession. Perfect for fans of the series or new readers looking for a thrilling love story. Expected release: March 20, 2025.
Browse Rina Kent Books here
Browse Rina Kent Reading Order here
Browse Rina Kent Family Tree here
7. Enchantra - Kaylie Smith
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Genevieve Grimm seeks answers after her mother’s death and is drawn to Enchantra, a cursed palace where deadly games await. Inside, she meets Rowin Silver, who insists she can’t enter—but she finds a way in. Trapped in a deadly game with Rowin’s family, Genevieve must pretend to be in love with him to survive. As they grow closer, Genevieve struggles with her growing feelings for Rowin and the danger of trusting him. Enchantra is a dark romance packed with fake dating, forbidden desire, and deadly intrigue. Perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Carissa Broadbent.
Browse Kaylie Smith Books Here
8. The Prodigal Son - Sara Cate
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Sara Cate returns with the highly anticipated fourth installment in The Goode Brothers series. While details are under wraps, fans can expect her signature blend of passion, drama, and unforgettable characters. With early ratings already glowing, this upcoming release promises to be a must-read for dark romance enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more!
Browse Sara Cate Books Here
9. Enigma - RuNyx
Release Date: April 29, 2025
RuNyx, the bestselling author of Gothikana, returns with a captivating dark academia romance set amidst secret societies and chilling mysteries. Salem Salazar arrives at Mortimer University seeking answers about her sister’s death, only to uncover a series of unexplained murders. Her investigation collides with Cazimir van der Waal, an enigmatic art student with secrets of his own. As their paths intertwine, they are drawn into a deadly game orchestrated by a powerful secret society. Forced to work together, Salem and Caz must navigate danger, unravel dark secrets, and face undeniable chemistry in this thrilling tale of love and suspense.
Browse RuNyx Books Here
10. Beautiful Venom - Rina Kent
Release Date: May 27, 2025
From USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes Beautiful Venom, the first book in her highly anticipated Vipers Series. This dark hockey romance introduces readers to a glamorous, secret world filled with passion, danger, and intense chemistry. Set apart from her other books, Beautiful Venom is a standalone novel, meaning it can be enjoyed independently with no prior knowledge of the Rinaverse required. Fans of Kent’s unique blend of suspense, romance, and complex characters will be drawn into this seductive new series. While more details are coming soon, the expected release date is May 27, 2025, though itissubject to change. Keep an eye out for updates as this thrilling new world unfolds
Browse Rina KentReading Order here
Browse Rina Kent FamilyTree here
11. Caught Up - Navessa Allen
Release Date: June 10, 2025
From the author of the TikTok sensation Lights Out comes Caught Up, the gripping second book in the Into Darkness series. This fast-paced dark romance introduces readers to a morally grey male lead whose intense, often unsettling journey is sure to captivate fans of Allen’s unique storytelling. Known for crafting dark, complex narratives, Allen warns that some themes and scenes may be disturbing, so readers are encouraged to check the content warnings provided. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions when Caught Up is released on June 10, 2025, as Allen delves even deeper into the shadows of dark romance.
Browse Navessa Allen Books Here
12. Sweet Venom - Rina Kent
Release Date: December 1, 2025
From New York Times bestselling author Rina Kent comes Sweet Venom, a standalone dark hockey romance set in a glamorous, secret world. As part of the Vipers series, this gripping story can be read on its own, promising intense drama and intrigue. Perfect for fans of dark sports romance!
Browse Rina Kent Books here
Browse Rina Kent Reading Order here
Browse Rina Kent Family Tree here
Whether you’re drawn to the twisted passion of H.D. Carlton’s Phantom, the emotional intensity of Leigh Rivers’ Psychotic Obsession, or the seductive mysteries of RuNyx’s Enigma, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for dark romance. With these top book releases, your reading list is guaranteed to be full of excitement, intrigue, and all the dark romance you love. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and prepare to be swept away by these unforgettable stories!
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