Charlene is looking for a very specific “Dark” genre… and oooooohhhh yes! I LOVE going through that whole “in love with a very bad guy” dark kind of story, and having no clue how it’s going to end. There are a few that end *ahem* in a loving way, for sure, but not all of them do. All that attachment and wanting to please (even if it’s so wrong) and in the end…?
Hrmmmm… I certainly have a few that come to mind!! Okay I’m going to dig into my reviews, and see what I can pull up, but BEWARE!!!!! These recommendations are sort of “spoilery” in that Charlene is looking for a particular kind of ending. We might not know exactly how it ends (twists etc), but if it’s recommended here, there’s a chance it doesn’t end sweet. Er… well, I guess it depends on the character. 😉
She asks:
Hello! I’m hoping someone can recommend some books to me. I was so excited about this list because I love smart, dark novels (so many novels feel like they only go skin deep with their characters and everything is so ‘wholesome’).
I would love to read a novel about Stockholm syndrome, but I am more interested in the dark elements and exploring the thought process of the characters, and would prefer it be less focused on erotica and romance.
I could see myself being disappointed if it ends as a “happily ever after” and the guy never gets what he deserves. I’m worried these seem more romance focused but I’m not sure.
Can anyone please make a recommendation? Thank you so much!
Anyone have a recommendation?
Amy: How about Stolen by Lucy Christopher.
Robyn: Yes! Stolen. Grrr on that ending. I’m the opposite, I like HEA endings. I can’t help with any because of that! LOL
Dee: I’m a third for Stolen.
Leslie: I have Stolen on my “do not read” for the same reason! 
Maryse: Leslie, you’re missing out!! Stolen is one of my absolute FAVORITES!!!!
McKenzie: Born to be Bound (Alpha’s Claim Book 1) by Addison Cain. It’s SUPER dark (too dark for me, tbh) and has a captive/captor plotline as well as some paranormal/dystopic elements. Enjoy!
Joy: Addison Cain’s Alpha’s Claim series. It includes Born To Be Bound, Born To Be Broken and Reborn. The story continues with Stolen (Alpha’s Control Book 1). There’s also her new series, which is a reverse harem titled Branded Captive: A Reverse Harem Omegaverse Dark Romance (Wren’s Song Book 1). I read that first and got hooked on Addison Cain. Then I went on to devour the others that I mentioned.
Ericka: Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas?
Nadia: Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas.
Maryse: I LOVED that one… and that ending, I guess, can be up for interpretation. 😉
Helen: The Tutor by K. Larson
Amy: Oooooooh…right up my twisted, non-traditional alley!! How about Held by Edeet Ravel? Maryse recommended this one to me because of the Marmy-ish ending, and it did NOT disappoint.
All I will say about the ending is it is…different. SO different. I flipped out. I freaked out. Told “them” they were wrong. So wrong. Weren’t they? My tummy still turns when I think about it.
How about Stolen by Lucy Christopher.
Yes! Stolen. Grrr on that ending. I’m the opposite, I like HEA endings.
I can’t help with any because of that! LOL
I’m a third for Stolen.
I have Stolen on my “do not read” for the same reason! 😉
Born to be Bound by Addison Cain. It’s SUPER dark (too dark for me, tbh) and has a captive/captor plotline as well as some paranormal/dystopic elements. Enjoy!
Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas?
You should honestly try it. It’s not romantic at all. More like mind fuck.
Addison Cain’s Alpha’s Claim series. It includes Born To Be Bound, Born To Be Broken and Reborn. The story continues with Stolen (Alpha’s Control Book 1). There’s also her new series, which is a reverse harem titled Branded Captive (Wren’s Song). I read that first and got hooked on Addison Cain. Then I went on to devour the others that I mentioned.
Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas.
Oooooooh…right up my twisted, non-traditional alley!!
How about Held by Edeet Ravel?
Maryse recommended this one to me because of the Marmy-ish ending, and it did NOT disappoint.
All I will say about the ending is it is…different. SO different. I flipped out. I freaked out. Told “them” they were wrong. So wrong. Weren’t they? My tummy still turns when I think about it.
The Tutor by K. Larson
I’m late to this one…..but what about Captive in the Dark (CJ Roberts)!!!! One of the best! And, Tears of Tess (Pepper Winters)!
Thank you all so much! I am so excited to read (likely all) of these. I really appreciate it 🙂
I have my own non-fiction story I just started in the form of a website blog memoir that involves a relationship that some might find dark, or at least gritty, that touches on Stockholm Syndrome, as well as lust, vices, depression, and lost love. Its free, I’m not selling anything, I’m not seeking hits, I am seeking some meaningful feedback should it interest anyone. Its called “142 Days of Daphne – A Memoir Of My Only Love.”
http://www.onlylovememoir.com