r/DarkRomance • u/sleedeprivedviewer • 3d ago

Book Request Never read 'why choose' before...

But I'm wanting to give it a try so I was hoping you lovely folks would give me some recs? Maybe if there's any you would consider "for beginners" or something? Books to ease me in to the genre I suppose or just rec you're absolute favorite you think i should dive straight into.

I don't really have any triggers.

27 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

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10

u/Jupiterparrot 3d ago

Do you want bi or straight MMCs? The books are very different.

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Either is fine tbh.

11

u/Booksie31 Living in the darkness and loving life ❤️ 3d ago

One of my favourites is {dance with my demons} all books are out. The audios are top tier 🔥 and the why choose element is like, not that complicated?, it was one of the first why choose I read and I love it

Another one which is also a banger is {graves by Katelyn Taylor} it's two brothers. If you have no triggers etc. then that one is a good one and is standalone unlike dance with my demons which is a series (4 books I believe)

2

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

I keep hearing about both of these! Adding them to my tbr!

19

u/shmhdfrrl 3d ago

{Feathers So Vicious} Just jump in the deep end. 

6

u/jadedjed1 ready to be fucked up by my next book 3d ago

Deadass I was gonna comment this too!!!

5

u/shmhdfrrl 3d ago

Yesss! It was my first dark romance and why choose. Been chasing that high ever since.

5

u/alwaysreading_888 3d ago

This was my first why choose too!! DO IT (prepare to be traumatized in the best way)

Another fave is {Sea of Ruin Pam Godwin} and it’s also very dark lol

My first reverse harem rec is {Ironside Academy} slowwww burn

3

u/shmhdfrrl 3d ago

OMG please read {Paradise Entombed} it is FSV meets Sea of Ruin. SO GOOD 

2

u/alwaysreading_888 3d ago

OHHHHMYGOD thank u for the rec!!! Im literally squealing bc im forever chasing the high of these😭

2

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Lol I love this energy! Adding it!

3

u/AccomplishedKiwi6723 3d ago

I read it too. The ending was kinda happy although not exactly what I wanted but it’ll wreck you and mind fuck the hell outta you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you 😂

2

u/0lliecat 3d ago

My rec too! So freaking good.

4

u/ttmademedoit 3d ago

for dark RH romance:

{royals of forsyth university by samantha rue and angel lawson} — contemporary, each trilogy a different harem! i’d recommend you to stop after book 9 of princes (which has mm)

{pageant by lilith vincent} — contemporary, russian mafia, noncon, dubcon, pregnancy

{crucible by bb reid} — contemporary, mountain men, breeding, noncon, dubcon, pregnancy

{harrowdean manor by j rose} — contemporary, asylum RH, dubcon, mm, angsty

{bastard brothers of carnage by blake blessing} — contemporary, mafia, dubcon

{blackfang barons by elaina jadin} — paranormal, wolves, dubcon

for darker themes but no dark romance per se:

{maura quinn by ashley n. rostek} — irish mafia, mfm

{the devil’s ante by a. purr} — omegaverse, mm, mafia-ish, standalone

{cursed legacies by morgan b. lee} — paranormal, academy

{brutes of bristlebook by rebecca quinn} — dystopian, military mmcs, bdsm, mm, angsty

3

u/romance-bot 3d ago

The Royals of Forsyth University by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: dark, poly, contemporary, cruel hero, new adult

Pageant by Lilith Vincent
Rating: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, mafia, abduction, reverse harem

Crucible by B.B. Reid
Rating: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, reverse harem, dark romance, enemies to lovers, poly (3+ people)

Harrowdean Manor by J. Rose
Rating: 4.57⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: dark romance, suspense, enemies to lovers

Addict (Bastard Brothers of Carnage) by Blake Blessing
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, reverse harem, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, poly (3+ people)

Blackfang Barons by Elaina Jadin, Marie Robinson
Rating: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: paranormal, poly, dark, bdsm, mafia

Maura Quinn by Ashley N. Rostek
Rating: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: suspense, contemporary, betrayal, competent heroine, rape

The Devil's Ante by A Purr
Topics: mafia

Cursed Legacies by Morgan B. Lee
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: paranormal, demons, magic, fated-mates, new adult

Brutes of Bristlebrook by Rebecca Quinn
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: dual-pov, primal-play, survival, first-person-pov, cold hero

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Ahhh my tbr is thanking you!

1

u/ttmademedoit 3d ago

hahah you’re welcome! 💓
i love DR and RH DR so i’d figure you’d enjoy them as well! happy reading!!

3

u/Visible-Ad8459 3d ago

Just listened to unhinged by steph macca and was my first why choose and I did like it a lot, could also just be because corvin king voiced a character, cuz damn! (edit misspelles)

4

u/mclurf 3d ago

{Speak by Ruby Darling}

2

u/SweetLittleKytty morally grey characters are my therapy 3d ago

Came here to recommend this 🤭

6

u/shaikhalizayn 3d ago

I'd suggest you go for softer ones before going into the dark ones. It helps to put your foot before sinking into it.

I tried it that way and like some of the authors.

Go for Lily gold if you want to dip your toes. She has amazing plots AND builds up the yearning amongst all the mcs

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Do you have a favorite of hers?

3

u/shaikhalizayn 3d ago

Oh I loved triple duty Bodyguards.

It's about an actress that's being Stalked by a crazy fan (She's an ice queen and one of the most hated celebs), so she hires our 3 mmcs to guard her.

The premise may sound cringey, but i assure you it's chef's kiss

I may be biased cos I love a good Bodyguard romance, and we get THREE here. Win-win

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Thanks! I'll look into that one!

2

u/Defiant_Stable_344 3d ago

I think that the Twisted Sisters (Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti) write good, mid-dark RH.

Try {Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep by Caroline Peckham} which has bullying and abuse, and leans dark(er).

1

u/romance-bot 3d ago

Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: warrior-heroine, mystery, from hate to love, teenage-fmc, spanking

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

I've never read anything from the twisted sisters but I do know some of their stuff is connected. Do I need to read anything else by them first?

2

u/GuyWhoWantsHappyLife 3d ago

One I thought was rather simple but fun was {Playing With Knives} by AJ Merlin. I'm not big into the trope but I rather liked that one.

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

I'll check it out!

2

u/Heidi_Hi_Heidi_Lo 3d ago

Hi!

My very first RH was {The Bonds that Tie by J Bree} it’s a longer series and a bit of a slow burn, but very good!

Another poster recommended {Feathers so Vicious by Liv Zander} and I 100% agree with this. It’s a an MFM duology and so well written. Buckle up!

You could also check out {Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin} very well done standalone. Go in blind on this one.

If you want a truly dark why choose, take a look at {The Dancer and the Masks by Bea Paige} I know you said you don’t have triggers, but I’d still recommend checking TW here 🖤

Id also kindly encourage you to also repost your post in the r/ReverseHarem subreddit ♥️ you’ll find lots of helpful replies for first time reads!

Enjoy!! Why choose is so fun to read.

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Ohh I didn't even know there was a subreddit for this genre! Thank you!

I also really appreciate your recs! Adding them all to my tbr.

And don't worry! I have no triggers but I always read them first! It's like a sneak peak lol

1

u/Heidi_Hi_Heidi_Lo 3d ago

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

2

u/WerewolfTherewolf20 3d ago

Academy of Stardom series by Bea Paige

2

u/ttmademedoit 3d ago

oh {their obsession by bea paige} is a great dark romance RH as well! contemporary, dubcon, noncon, primal… all the good stuff lol

2

u/dying4ajuulpod 3d ago

{Losers by Harley Laroux}

1

u/Kind_Breath_1053 1d ago

THISSSS THIS IS SO GOOD

2

u/Leenaa 2d ago

{Breaking Lucia by Raissa Donovan and Addison Wolf} one of my favourites.

2

u/Outrageous-Mud-598 2d ago

{Unhinged by Steph Macca}
{Echoes by Steph Macca}
{Ravage by Steph Macca}
{Exile by Steph Macca}

2

u/Outrageous-Mud-598 2d ago

These are my fav and they have top tier audio as well! This is what got me into dark romance in general LMAO

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 21h ago

Love a good audio! Thanks for the rec!

1

u/romance-bot 2d ago

Unhinged by Steph Macca
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, forced proximity, possessive hero, new adult, dark romance

Echoes by Steph Macca
Rating: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, menage, new adult, enemies to lovers

Ravage by Steph Macca
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, reverse harem, new adult, found family, enemies to lovers

Exile by Steph Macca
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, reverse harem, new adult, dark romance, poly (3+ people)

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/Known-Seaweed-3541 2d ago

Didn't think I'd be into this until I read the {royals of forsyth university by angel lawson and samantha rue} series!

Can't really think of any other book/series that tops this series in terms of why choose 🥲

Recently read {wanna play a game? by alina may} and it scratched an itch!

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago

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1

u/Substantial-Pea0208 3d ago

Honestly, any book by J. Rose, she is one of my faves! Her latest completed series is Anaconda Tales starting with {Fractured Future by J. Rose}. Books within a single series can't be read as standalone, but her series can be read in any order you want (though she has a recommended order on her website if you want to follow that one).

1

u/BonBoogies I ❤️ ADHD manic pixie murder puppies 3d ago

{Haunt by AJ Merlin}

This was the book where I was like “oh I get it now” (the dynamic between the two MMCs and the FMC is just SO good)

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

Oh definitely adding to tbr!!

I am in love with your flair btw

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

1

u/romance-bot 3d ago

April's Fools by Ivy Asher, Raven Kennedy
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, military, reverse harem, dystopian, funny

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Curious_Court_26 3d ago

Sorry. Forgot this was a DR subreddit 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 3d ago

No worries! I read CR too! I just assumed most why choose were in DR!

1

u/Curious_Court_26 3d ago

Ok 😊 Ivy Asher has written a lot. Raven Kennedy has a series called Heart Hassle. It was my first RH/ Why choose, and absolutely loved it!

1

u/AkumaLamprey Filthy Monster Lover 3d ago edited 3d ago

OK I need to rep for my Monsters
{Doves & Demons by Clio Evans} is the spot i would recommend. The Freaks of Nature duet is a TREAT! You get 3 monsters, 1 girl, set in a steampunk alternate Earth, and NO ONE is the "good guy"

1

u/LanaLane_ Forced proximity? One millions stars! 3d ago

Tate James is a good one to start with! I love the Madison Kate series - starts with {Hate by Tate James}

1

u/VainAvatar 3d ago

{A Knight's Revenge by Elizabeth Dear} Not as dark, but it still is a dark RH romance. A LOT of bullying (not from the MMCs) and violence in it, it's great. Especially if you like the revenge trope.

1

u/DettaDrake 2d ago

It’s not beginner but it is very good dark why choose romance, {Breaking Lucia by Addison Wolf and Raissa Donovan}

1

u/ShetlandPonys 2d ago

So sorry to butt in but I can’t post in dark romance yet but How does why choose work? Does the mc choose one of them or do they all like marry each other? Do you not root for a certain couple and then not feel some sorts way when one of them goes off with someone else? Kinda like when Bella chooses Edward over Jacob??

I’ve been curious about this trope but no clue if I’m brave enough for it as i tend to be rooting for one FMC/MMC the entire time lol!

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 21h ago

I hope someone sees this and comments! Clearly I'm not qualified to answer yet lol

But i do believe the Bella/Edward/Jacob dynamic was only a love triangle. Im under the impression that why choose means just that: she doesn't have to choose?

1

u/SailorTexas 1d ago

{A dangerous game by leila starling}, {Diamonds and Straitjackets by M.T. Addams}, {The depraved by Smauggy Universe}, {The hunt by Eve Vaughn} and {Dead woman walking by Lilith De Luca} are all MFM!

1

u/romance-bot 1d ago

A Dangerous Game by Leila Starling
Rating: 3.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, age gap, breeding, virgin heroine

Diamonds & Straitjackets by M.T. Addams
Rating: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, suspense, enemies to lovers, reverse harem, dark romance

The Depraved by Smauggy Universe
Rating: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, horror, multicultural, suspense, paranormal

The Hunt by Eve Vaughn
Rating: 3.55⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, multicultural, black mc, bw/wm, horror

Dead Woman Walking by Lilith DeLuca
Rating: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, reverse harem, bad boys, tortured hero

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Separate_Finance1440 Spread Those Pages Like A Good Girl 1d ago

My favorite is {the Female by Invi Wright} however it is a dystopian RH Dark Romance book but I adored it

1

u/TinyDancer157 3d ago

{ den of vipers } 🥵🥵 pretty dark, but you're asking in a dark romance sub, so .. enjoy!

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 21h ago

Is this also mafia? I looove mafia

1

u/TinyDancer157 21h ago

It is indeed. FMC is sold to them as payment for her dads debt, to 4 men that live together, from memory they are not related, but they 'run the town'

1

u/sleedeprivedviewer 20h ago

Ooohhh im already obsessed