Reader Recommendations – Books that took us out of our comfort zone…

This post is inspired by an old comment I found from my book-twin Amy. And wow!!! I absolutely LOVE her idea. I LOVE books that do this to me. Make me feel so uncomfortable but enrapture me to the point of being unable to put it down long enough ’cause I’m so hooked. Uncomfortable or not, I am IN!!! They always end up being unforgettable, whether I loved them, hated them, or hated that I loved them. 😉

They may be dark reads, forbidden or risqué, situations we wouldn’t normally live or accept in our own lives, maybe something scary or simply something that takes us out of our element in a large enough way… maybe even enlightening us in the process.

Amy: Hey guys, I have a … challenge for us if anyone is interested? Read a book which takes us totally outside of our comfort zone.

I’m not talking about one we have been putting off “just because” or one that is a genre outside of our norm for reading, but rather one we have been avoiding because we just KNOW it is going to make us all kinds of uncomfortable or make us go off on a rant. Actually, I would love this because I WANT to see the rants. 😛

So, maybe it would be something dark (Her Master’s Courtesan) or something you know is going to make you question your morals (Forbidden) or, like in my case, something I know is going to p!ss me the heck off (True Love Story or Ground Rules Rewritten).

Who’s game?

…something that is going to make you *completely* uncomfortable in some capacity. Whether it’s because your tummy is twisting or your chest is clenching or your heart is about to plop out onto the floor or the topic is something right the hell out of your comfort zone, as long as it makes you question why you do this to yourself then it counts!!

In a book-rut? This “out of our comfort zone” book list might just fix it! 😉

Maryse: For me… probably half of the books I read take me out of my comfort zone as I specifically seek those out. You’ll see the majority of my 5 stars and 4.5 star sections (and my yearly favorites lists) are loaded in psychological mind-f**ks, or love stories gone wrong. And then, right? Hopefully. But… *shrugs* an HEA is not an obligation for me. 😉

Crazy, shocking storylines, explorations of real love/life turmoil, and ugly-cries are books that generally hook me and make me so thankful for the sweet and calm life I live. Ahhhh how I greatly appreciate it. Probably why I can indulge in the super-stressful reads.

Cheryl: I expect a HEA, so like you when it doesn’t happen I’m blown away and realizing I may not have read the book in the first place had I known and missed out on a wonderful story nonetheless. Bittersweet.

Jeannie: I pretty much want a HEA too, but these books did take me out of my comfort zone and I am glad I read them. And some of them had a different kind of HEA. But I have to admit, I don’t want EVERY book to be like that, which is why I have to mix it up. These were all 5 star reads for me.

Nicky: I’m a wimp when it comes to dark reads! So my out of my comfort zone reads are more of the smutty type 🙂

Maryse: But if I were to choose one, I’m going with… Comfort Food. OMG I read that one looking over my shoulder praying nobody was reading what I was reading. Now that was one heck of a mind-f*ck and when I started crying at one point, I knew I had just developed Stockholm Syndrome. YIKES!!! OH I HATED LOVING that book. SO FREAKING CRAZY. And a few twists that I didn’t even see coming. Just AMAZING to me and one I will never ever forget. Made me feel bad for reading it, and even worse for loving it. That was my very first in that genre… P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Melissa: I loved Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas…..was a short read but has stayed with me still…..way loved it even if I really shouldn’t have.

Annaleigh: Comfort Food! I felt so conflicted after I was done with that book. Chicken noodle will never seem innocent again!

Joy: Comfort Food really did a number on me!

Lisa: I have to say Comfort Object by Annabel Joseph. This book made 50 Shades look like child’s play.

Jennifer: …my all time favorite/appalling dark read is Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas. I don’t really consider it a love story, more of an obsessive, psychotic, terrifying journey that made me question my sanity for remotely feeling anything towards the male lead! That story f-r-e-a-k-e-d me out and sucked me in too! I wanted him to fall madly in love with her and make up for every horrific act he committed against her! Definitely one of my more disturbing reads.

Nadia: Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas. So good, but so messed up! …I think I developed Stockholm syndrome reading it. It’s the only way I can understand enjoying it so much..🤣🤣

Michaela: Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas was another that really pushed me but despite reading it a while ago, I’m still unsure if I actually enjoyed the book or not!

Michele:  Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas….. well actually anything by Kitty!! 😳😂😂😂😂

Virginia: The most disturbing novel I’ve read to date has got to be Never Have I Ever by August Clearwing. I read it last month and I’m still DISTURBED! I had no hesitation rating it five stars though…it was INTENSELY AFFECTING!!!

Cindi: Never Have I Ever by August Clearwing! Difficult subject matter but couldn’t put it down. Reminded me of your “dark reads”!

Kelsie: Never Have I Ever by August Clearwing. AWESOME book! It is 50 Shades meets Bared to You. Great characters and great BDSM story.

Leslie M: I was just chatting with Nay on GR about Push/Pull (Part Two of Push) by Claire Wallis. That was a major mind f*#k and sooooooo not my usual but I really enjoyed it. Def way beyond my comfort zone. I highly recommend for anyone who can read about serial killers. I am basically a total book wimp so any intense feelings freak me out. I am sure I have many more to add…

Maryse: OMG YESSSS!!!!!!! One of the most unique, crazy, addictive stories EVER!!!!!!!! I. WAS. ROCKED. Here’s my Book Review!!!

Caisey: Voyeur and Filthy Vows but loved them both!!!

Shanna: Sharp Objects: A Novel by Gillian Flynn. One of the most disturbing books I have ever read but good. It stuck with me long after I read it.

Jen C: Sharp Objects. I will never understand cutting.

Elizabeth: Sharp Objects and Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. Very dark and twisty! She is one of my favorite authors, but her books are not romantic 😉 Oh and Before I go to sleep.

Elizabeth: Loooove Sharp Objects. Gillian Flynn is everything.

Alicia: The book that made me the most uncomfortable was probably Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn. I have never read about so much manipulation, eff’ed uppery in my life! Good book though!

Angie K: …one that REALLY took me out of my box and I ended up SECRETLY loving was Imprinted by Darcy Sweet.

Staci: RAW by Belle Aurora

Megan: The hardest boom for me was, In the Stillness by Andrea Randall. Once I continued to read I loved the story but struggled with the cutting and feelings towards her children!

Nikki: it’s stuck with me. Beautifully written.

Michele: Oh my what an emotional book, loved it!

Maryse: I loved it too, and yes… it was hard to read at times. P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Stephenie: Flawed by Kate Avelynn…I was surprised by how much I liked it.

Stacy: Flawed by Kate Avelynn: …it’s one that makes you pause and wonder what in the heck just happened. Every once in a while I like to deviate from my lovey dovey reads and read something that makes me question my sanity.

Lia: Taboo!!!! Flawed by kate avelynn at 45% of the book and can’t put down. I like taboossss.. yeeeeeep!

Danielle: I have to say Flawed by Kate Avelynn. I was a crying wreck by the end of it!

Amy: Flawed by Kate Avelynn? …That book kicked me in the gut…

Kimberly: The Dark Duet by CJ Roberts was my first foray in to the dark side.

Kendra: “Captive In The Dark” by C.J. Roberts took me so far out of my comfort zone and thrust me into a world full of darkness with a sadistic hero that you somehow grew to love and understand and sympathize with. It was the first “dark romance” I’ve ever read and it hooked me instantly. The writing was so amazing. I could NOT put this book down. ❤️

Heather: The Dark Duet series. I put off reading them forever because I couldn’t understand how everyone was enjoying them. I finally gave in and read both and I loved them!

Brandi: I agree with Heather, mine is the Dark Duet. I feel guilty that I loved and hated Caleb! lol

Sweeta: Um…The Dark Duet definitely. I recently read them and I am still just trying to take it day by day…..It was a mind mixer for sure! Even Tony and Claire didn’t get to me like Caleb and his kitten….

Leeann: I did find myself looking around to make sure nobody could see what I was reading! 😳

Steph: Definitely The Dark Duet series!

Diana: Steph me too! Then I became curious about other dark books. I can’t even explain why I like reading dark sometimes, I think it’s because I challenge my brain to go places it otherwise wouldn’t,

Steph: Diana I think I do it for the same reason. I’ve gone out of my comfort zone with a lot of different books since I read this series. It became like a catalyst for me to explore different literary arenas.

Sarah: books that take me out of my comfort zone are usually books like Captive in the Dark or Wanderlust. Where you don’t want to like the hero, because he’s a brute who forces himself on the heroine, but you can’t help yourself.

Maryse: Right there with all of you. This is definitely one where you FEEL what she is feeling for him, and chastise yourself the entire time. And yet you want them SO badly. Ugh. SO DARK & awful at times, you wonder how you could possibly fall in love… and yet you do. P.S. Here’s my Book Review of #1

Brandi M: Escape From Paradise by Gwendolyn Field was definitely a push out of my comfort zone never leave you type of story for me. I hated that I loved every second of it and as much as I read and the fact that I read it years ago and it’s still with me to this day speaks volumes!

Maryse: YESSSS!! DARK!!! Here’s my Book Review

Kimberly: One book that also took me out of my comfort zone yet was curiously arousing in the same way was Deliver by Pam Godwin.

Siana: dark and deliciously sexy. Deliver has some heart stopping twists and turns…

Angela: GAME MISCONDUCT (The Dartmouth Cobras Book 1) by Bianca Sommerland. Talk about steamy. I’m not usually into menage and this book definitely pushed my comfort zone, but it was a fantastic read

Siobhan: There’s a book called Big Sky and it took me waaay out of my comfort zone. And that’s why i loved it. It stayed with me for a long time after.

Michele: Camelot Series by Sierra Simone. It’s brilliant

Kooloo: OH BOY I just finished Author Anonymous by EK Blair. This is one of those Love to hate it – Hate to love it types for me for sure!!! Also, the hype around it being a “true story” was unnecessary me thinks. Do NOT want to give anything away as the book should be read going in blind (deaf and dumb for some part….. kidding!) 🙂 In the end, the character that felt most real to me was the best friend and so it is to Brooke and the superb writing of Blair that I give it 4 stars. Thanks Leslie for the ATF Challenge rec and for pushing me out of my comfort zone!

Maryse: Oh of COURSE this one!!! So many crazy situations, and appalling reveals, and really bad choices, and then you realize it’s a true story?!! GASP!!!!!!!! Oh out of my comfort zone BIG time with this one. Here’s my Book Review

Linda: Pressing thru The Life of Anna: The Complete Dark Romance Story right now. Really out of my “comfort zone.” But I’m determined to see where her story goes. Xoxo

Tessa: (about R. Renee’s favorite books list) Your books take me out of my comfort zone, which is always good. Though, your description of From Sand to Ash scares the living crap out of me. 😀

Alison: The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding. I never read historical anything, and that one changed my mind.

Amy: The Ground Rules …and HOLY MOLY!!! This one is kicking my a$$ all the way out of my comfort zone!!

Christina: Heartbreak Warfare

Angela: Take Me With You by Nina Jones

Nikki: I second this!

Nicole: Take Me With You by Nina G. Jones. Pretty heavy, dark, twisted and I can’t believe I loved it – but so good! My latest 5 star read. *peaking my eyes out from behind my shirt collar*

Amy: Take Me With You…OMG I am addicted!! I keep cringing and mentally squirming and yet…and yet…I’m oddly intrigued by her reaction to him and the inner conflict she is dealing with. …Just know the lines between consent and non-consent are often blurred and at other times erased completely.

Felicia: I desperately need a updated dark reads list. Especially after Nina G Jones Take me with you!!!

bev: I don’t think I can read Take Me With You, just probably rage at it.

Maryse: YESSSSSSSSSSS!!! I 5-STAR LOVED IT. P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Donna: Beyond the Masks (A Beyond Surrender Romance Book 1) by Nicky F. Grant

Tricia: I don’t usually prefer the dark reads, but I would have to say The Final Piece, as that one was not a comfortable read for me.

Chris: The Final Piece by Maggi Myers and it is a 5 star read all around!! Loved, loved this book. Beth, Ryan and Tommy captured my heart from the start! So well written. I smiled, laughed and cried!!

Rhonda: I think for me it would be The Final Pieces, about sexual abuse. … so good, but I ugly cried thru half the book..

Maryse: Definitely out of my comfort zone on this one. My Book Review

Meagan: The Fantasyland Series by Kristen Ashley is definitely one. I had trouble getting over the way the woman were treated in the beginning. (raped for example), but I looked past it and they are actually some of my favorite books now!

Maryse: Oh yess….. there was a HUGE “OH NO HE DIDN’T” moment in the one I read. I was furious. Here’s my Book Review

Tessa: …realized that there is a series that DEFINITELY should be recommended that is out of Maryse’s comfort zone. Tairen Soul series by CL Wilson. One of the best recommendations I’ve had, ever. I have to add that to my top five stars of the year. Just, wow.

Danielle: The most uncomfortable book that I’ve ever read has to be Nabokov’s Lolita. I know its an old classic but the subject matter and reading the story thru the eyes of a predator made the book difficult to read, definitely took me WAY out of my comfort zone.

Lisa: Final Debt…I NEED to read Pepper Winters last book. I rarely do cliffys or series for that matter or dark (like pitch black dark) reads so I’m out of my comfort zone. But its so so good.

Lisa: I think any story about siblings falling in love with each other is pretty scandalous. My first read into that type was Flowers In The Attic (Dollanganger Book 1)

Sarah: I’m going to go back a few years and say Flowers in the Attic. Course I was 12 at the time (ok maybe more than a few years) so it might not have quite the same impact on me now.

Nikki: Probably “Forbidden” by Tabitha Suzuma. It was so wrong, but you couldn’t help but root for them. That book ripped my heart out.

Marion: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma. The MOST uncomfortable read anyone will ever encounter but my goodness what brilliant writing!!!! …Forbidden drained me. Never has a book brought out such opposite reactions from me from beginning to end.

Jessica: Forbidden by Tabitha, Lochan and Maya were a story I will never forget. Such a wrong relationship but you couldn’t help but be captured by them!

Kim: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma is a heartbreaking story. You can’t help but pull for the main characters even though you know their “situation”.

Heather: Forbidden ugh I read that many years ago and it’s still with me!!!

Maryse: YES!!! I was so shocked by this one, and even more shocked by how much I was rooting for them! My Book Review

Vivian: I would have to say “Lost” by Varian Krylov…I would have never guessed “incest” to be so arousing & disturbing at the same time…I enjoyed it more than I should’ve…. 😉

Kristine: Just read Abduction by Varian Krylov. Extremely dark and a bit disturbing but what can I say??? Sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone 😉

Kim L: My book was Prisoner of My Desire. The first time I read it I was blown away. It’s pretty tame compared to some of the thing out now. I think FSOG was on the next level.

Nathalie: Is it Ok if I pick a manga? I don’t read a lot of scandalous books but My one guilty pleasure is Sensual Phrase by Mayu Shinjo. So wrong but so good.

Rebecca: Going Under by S. Walden. This book deals with suicide and rape. Somehow though, among both of those incredibly ugly topics it also has an absolutely beautiful love story as well.

Jen: Going Under…ripped me apart!

Nicole: Pam Godwin Trails of sin Trilogy. I don’t do a lot of dark romance but this series blew me away

Laura: The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies Book 1)…. it wasn’t at all what I expected or wanted, yet I still really liked it

Patrice: Dirty Red (Love Me With Lies Book 2)… I hated the main character of Leah and most of the story about her but I was waiting on glimpses of my favorite character Caleb

Nix: I have two series that had me out of my comfort zone. The second is the Love Me With Lies series. I have never read books where I dislike the main characters so much yet still understand them and empathise with them and cannot stop reading.

Danielle: OK, so The Opportunist completely screwed with my head. I could not get that book out if my head!

Maryse: Another total guilty pleasure for me, and what I loved is how much I loved being in Dirty Red’s head. 🙂 This whole trilogy was romance angst and indecision and betrayal at it’s best! P.S. Here’s my Book Review of #1

Brandy: Hmm, the most scandalous and maybe it was because I was 17 and a virgin when I read it, was probably Story of O: A Novel. It wasn’t the first book with sex I ever read, or even on the first darker book I read, but it went way beyond what I was expecting. I’ve read a little of everything since then, and even before then.

Kristin: The Girl in 6E (A Deanna Madden Novel Book 1) was outside of my comfort zone.

Nicki: Lily white: Her masters courtesan

Amy: Even though Her Master’s Courtesan freaked me out *shudder* I still don’t think it should have been banned. That’s just wrong. …*shudder* I don’t think anything is too dark for me after HMC. 😕

Ela: I remember when they banned Her Master’s Courtesan, which I loved but darn it was way dark and no I would not have banned it or even suggested that.

Maryse: Eeeeeeep!! Oh yeah… a few scenes are burned into my brain. P.S. Here’s my Book Review.

Danielle: She’s Come Undone

Jaime: 50 Shades!!! 🙈🙈🙈

Mindi: My 1st uncomfortable read was Fifty Shade so Gray-since then I’ve ready so many differnet things and love it!

Jen: Fifty Shades seriously changed my reading habits and completely changed what was a comfort zone for me!

Mick: I would have to go with 50 Shades. I had never read anything like that at the time. It stayed with me for weeks.

Gloria: I would have to say fifty shades! My reason to be reading!

Kim: I have to give credit to Fifty Shades for opening up my reading world.

Nix: Fifty Shades Trilogy. I had never read anything like that before, but to be honest, the scene with the NDA bothered me more than the BDSM. I nearly stopped reading at that point. I’m glad I didn’t.

Erin: I have to go with fifty! I loved the books, couldn’t put em down, but not my norm nor did I have the crush on the guy. Instead I was cussing at him & wondering why she would put up with it. Not my dream guy, but books were still 5 star for me.

Diana: I would have to say that 50 Shades is what first brought me out of my comfort zone, and there have been many more since!

Aimee: I would have to say, Shades of Grey series got me outside of my comfort zone and introduced me to a whole other naughty side I did not realize I had hidden in me.

Meagan: of course 50 Shades of Grey! I’m not a fan of the whole “punish” thing. And I found myself blushing while looking around the room to make sure no one noticed. It made me feel very scandalous! =) Lol. I just knew my husband could tell by my face what I was reading. But as everyone else knows, its a beautiful love story and I soon fell in love!

Maryse: Not so much out of my comfort zone as a total guilty pleasure for me!! But for sure… a totally new kind of sexual and romance dynamic. My Book Review (of #1).

Cynthia: Consequences and then Truth. I hate to say it but I still liked him after the first book and I am still hoping for their happy ending. I myself would have killed him after the first “accident”. I was uncomfortable the whole time I was reading them.

Cody: I would have to say Consequences and Truth. I had so many, “oh my god!!! This is so awful!!! I love it!! <—wait. What? 🙂

Denice: Most definitely Consquences. I was SO conflicted when I finished it.

Muriel: Consequences & Truth represent the ultimate in “dark” to me. My feelings about Tony have me totally conflicted!

Mara: Consequences by Aleatha Romig! I did not know what I got myself into until I came across the scenes that made me go O_O OHHH EM GEEE. I was shocked..intrigued and excitedly disturbed I could not put the book down as much as it made me feel uncomfortable that I pushed through it and eventually LOVED IT!

Serena: Definitely Consequences/Truth and the Dark Duet series. I wasn’t sure about them, but by the end, I was routing for the crazy guys! Can we say Stockholm Syndrome 🙂

Courtney: I’d have to say Consequences / Truth….I still can’t tell you if I like these books. But the way I felt while reading them was defiantly out of my comfort zone.

Nikki: Consequences and Truth by Aleatha Romig made me hate myself, because I actually found myself rooting for Anthony. It reminded me of the scene from Spaceballs when Dark Helmet is playing with the dolls and he has the princess say, “I hate you, I hate you. Yet, I find you strangely attractive.” lol. I despised Anthony, but by the end of Truth, all I wanted was for him to be with Claire. Yuck, I still feel kind of dirty, but I recommended the series to everyone….and they all loved it too.

Maryse: This one bothered me SO much. I was enraged and horrified and fuming… but I couldn’t put it down (except for needing to calm myself). However I was not one of the Tony-lovers. Grrrrrr HIM!!!!!! P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Jen P: The Tied Man is mine. Just recently read and LLLOOOOVVVEEEEEDDDD it!!!

Lezanda: Definitely “The Tied Man”

Rebecca: My favorite guilty pleasure that I read this year was The Tied Man. Great writing, intriguing story, and wonderful characters.

Amy: The Tied Man? It was SO good, and we had a super fun BR on here a while back with that one!! You should check out Maryse’s review. 😉

Maryse: *snort* Yep!!! I HAD to put this one down for my own sanity. I almost DNF’d it. It hooked me BIG time, but I was horrified. My Book Review

Tracie: Barely breathing series. The child abuse really got to me. I had a hard time reading it, yet I couldn’t put it down.

Cassi: Barely Breathing, I hated the situation but I couldn’t put it down.

Maryse: YES!! This one was so sad and so hard to get through in terms of the injustice of it all… the ending had me FERAKING out. P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Nicole: Any book with child abuse takes me out of my comfort zone. I’ve read so many but my first was Heart on a Chain by Cindy Bennett. It’s just something about these characters that have gone through so much and find there true love that gets me every time.

Sarah C: Mine would be “Vanilla on Top” by C.J. Ellisson. My first intro into the book’s subject matter and I am glad it was a light version. 🙂 I loved the female character and could see myself in her position. The male character was pretty hot.

Tina: Second Chances by D.L. Roan, three guys and a girl. Interesting but I wouldn’t be able to concentrate. ;-))

J.B. Salsbury: Without a doubt, Badger by CM McKenna. So uncomfortable but I loved it so much.

Amy: I freaking LOVED that book and it still makes my chest ache every time I think about it.

Maryse: Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. TOTALLY unique, and incredible and it got so emotionally dark at that one point… SO HARD to read. And yet, unforgettable. P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Dawn: I’ve recently read A Table For Three (New York Series Book 1) and The Barter System…never read ménage before…it.is.HOT! Lol! (Blushing!)

Stephanie: The Barter System by Shayne McClendon is a 5-star (in my opinion), sensual, erotic book! It is highly original and the heat jumps off the pages!

Andrea: “Table for three” by Lainey Reese. I never thought I could read a book about that; I found myself blushing but unable to put it down. Steamy love scenes!

Stephanie: Double Time (Sinners on Tour Book 5) by Olivia Cunning had me blushing cover to cover.

Joan: So the book that took me out of my comfort zone was Double Time by Olivia Cunnings. Now I love her books especially the Sinner’s Series but Trey’s story was crazy!

Jessica: Now lets see, I think I’d have to say Double Time by Olivia Cunning. Don’t get me wrong, I abso LOVED the book, but it’s one that made me blush more than once, which isn’t easy to make me do!

Timitra: Emma Holly’s Personal Assets definitely was out of my comfort zone but I absolutely loved it and seeked out other books like it when I finished reading it!

Heather: The Tied Man, Dark Duet series, The Ghostwriter, Verity, and Untouchable by Sam Mariano.

Michelle M: Flesh (Flesh Series Book 1) by Kylie Scott. Threesomes are usually hot and steamy (strictly speaking of the book world here!), but I was surprised how she developed the emotional connections between all three of them. And what better time to re-define the boundaries of a relationship and love than during the zombie apocalypse!

Maryse: YES!!! I loved it and I think it was the first book of this kind that I had ever read. I couldn’t fathom “sharing”. Out of my comfort zone, no doubt, but I devoured it. Here’s my Book Review

Selena: Ok this is easy! “Rode Hard (Rough Riders series Book 2)”  by Lorelei James. I read this book back in like 2006 or something & it was the first M/M book I’ve ever read. I LOVED IT! I couldn’t get enough. I’m pretty sure I read it like 10 times. The Male/Male sex scene was raw & hard & primal. Nothing like the beautiful Historical Romances or sexy Eroticas I’ve ever read. That book introduced me into a new type of Romance. I’m a M/M junkie now! Read M/M all the time! I will say, its still a very Taboo subjet. Most people I know, think I’m weird or sick for reading about it. I’m very vocal about what I’m reading & some friends tease me that I must have been a gay man in a former life 😉 So I’m thankful for my online book friends who read the same stuff as me & love it. Great question!!

Lisa: I think mine is going to have to be Undeniable & probably not for the reasons that others have about this book (near the end). The part that made me stop & put it away for the night (although it was probably time for sleep) was earlier in the book and had to do with a desk. I had a very hard time getting passed this part and the betrayal.

Brandy: I’d have to say Undeniable. The age difference, the use of the f word, the sex…it was all so bad, but so very very good!!

Allison: Undeniable by Madeline sheehan. The most messed up book you’ll ever love!

Donna: Undeniable with the blatant cheating was a bit much but I loved the book!

LauraB: Natural Law: A Nature of Desire Series Novel by Joey Hill… First BDSM novel I read. Excellent book, but not an easy or comfortable read for me.

Karen: …the one book that I can’t shake is Broken by Megan Hart.

Maryse: I feel like ALL of Megan Hart’s books that I’ve read (a ton of ’em!) take you out of your comfort zone. I LOVE her for that. She explores real life, but she can get gritty. Here’s my Book Review

Jen: Hmm. . . the first book that comes to mind about something totally out of my comfort zone is Me Before You: A Novel (Me Before You Trilogy Book 1). I had no idea you could schedule an assisted suicide.

Kvk: Me before you. Out Of comfort zone. Loved the writing…

Natalie: The Mighty Storm (The Storm Book 1) by Samantha Towle. It’s got sex, drugs and rock and roll and my taboo would be adultery and the drugs but this book is an amazing read and keeps you gripped. The background behind it all lets you forgive the mistakes made and keeps you hooked! Loved it 🙂

Maryse: Ohhhhh sooooo much guilt and tumultuous can’t-resist love. YES!!! Out of my comfort zone and yet a total guilty pleasure. P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Maureen: The Original Sinners Series by Tiffany Reisz…so many twists and turns. Great writing but WAY out of my comfort zone. I couldn’t put them down. 🙂

Christian: I would say Tiffany Reisz. Original Sinners Series. The Siren, The Angel, The Prince. They can make you uncomfortable but boy the writing and story’s are really good.

Mellisa: The books that make me *blush* admitting I loved them? The only book I find hard to admit I’ve read & reread them The Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice (can be bought in an all in one or separately)…. More specifically the book I loved in the series…. BEAUTY’S PUNISHMENT By Anne Rice (written under pen name: A. N. ROQUELAURE)

Linda: The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty. Loved it!!

Julie C: The Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice. I had to have had a look of horror on my face from the first chapter. I almost stopped several times and I had to take several breaks before it was done, but wowza it is one of those books I will remember forever. Really glad I stuck with it!!

Melissa: I hate reading books about cheating. So when I started reading Thoughtless, I actually had to put it down for awhile. I eventually finished it and I am so glad I did. I fell in love with Kellan Kyle! If I hadn’t finished the first one, I wouldn’t have been able to read the awesomeness that was Effortless and then conclude the series with Reckless.

Lucylou: ”Thoughtless” when Kellen and Kiera were having sex while Denny was in the next room asleep. That book drove me insanely, deliciously crazy!!

Rebecka: Thoughtless!!! Cheating is never right but I’d be lying if I didn’t have fun living vicariously through Kiera. Affairs are fun in fiction. And all those stolen moments drinking coffee in the kitchen … Gahhhh!!

Maryse: I think this is the first book I’ve read like this that had such an unapologetically blatant forbidden-love love story. This one was delicious and yet so wrong. I love that the author went there. P.S. Here’s my Book Review

Melissa: I would have to say the entire Hollows series by Kim Harrison. The relationship between Rachel and Ivy is just just well unique.

Rose: I think the first book to really “shock me” and put me outside my comfort zone was Generational Sins – first page had my eyes popping out and second guessing my purchase.

Alicia: Just finished Until I Break by Michelle Leighton, and loved it, though it was very dark in parts!

May: It would have to be Beyond Shame and Beyond Control for me, I couldn’t read these books around anybody without feeling guilty at how much I enjoyed them. The steamy scenes made me feel so dirty! in a good way 🙂

Jessilyn: Mine would be the Sweet Series from Maya Banks. Loved it! Thought the “club” scene would be too much for me, apparently it wasn’t. 🙂

Brandi: I loved Real (The REAL series Book 1) and its characters Remy and Brooke. It’s not something I would normally buy on my Kindle but your blog has helped me to branch out and read new things or find other things in my reader zone! I loved this story with all its imperfections!

sneumann: Faking It by Elisa Lorello.

Heather: And unknowingly, Kill Switch (Devil’s Night Book 3) and that series by Penelope Douglas…

Annie: I’ve read several books that when I start them I feel out of my comfort zone but by the time I finish them I’m jonesing for more.

Jean: You guys have seriously pushed me to step out of my box and I usually love the books you recommend and find them to be unforgettable because they are so different! Love yas for that!

Melanie: I agree that the recommended books push me out of my comfort zone but in a great way! I love reading everyone’s recs