17 Shocking Romance Novels Not For the Faint of Heart

Some deem simple romance novels to be so utterly boring compared to the enthralling alternative options (zombie falls in love with human, anyone?). It's a niche audience, but I would argue that the depraved-love-genre fan base is growing larger by tge day. Thus, I've gathered up 17 of the weirdest, most twisted, most corrupt romance books I could find — your mouth will form an "O" in surprise.

01
Raw by Belle Aurora

Raw by Belle Aurora

A woman falls in love with her stalker in Raw. This quote, pulled from the book, had me so intrigued: "'You feeling uncomfortable?' I immediately nod. Squeezing my ass once more, he places his lips at the shell of my ear. 'Good. Get used to it. Because I’m going to do bad things to you.'"

02
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

The mystery-horror-romance conglomerate Darkfever centers on MacKayla, an average 21st-century girl whose sister is murdered. She travels to Ireland in search of answers, where she encounters a supernatural realm in which otherworldly creatures cause women to become sex addicts.

03
Love Bites by Angela Knight

Love Bites by Angela Knight

If you're into dragons, seductive vampires, BDSM, and serious bloodthirst, Love Bites will be your new favorite book.

04
Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

Boy meets girl in Into the Darkest Corner — but said boy, who is very attractive and charming, is actually dark and violent by nature. You'll be rooting for Cathy like your own sister.

05
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

Totally not for the squeamish, Flowers in the Attic follows the story of children who are hidden away in an attic by their mother and grandmother. Two of the siblings fall in love (cringing hardcore). Note, though, that the book has sold over 40 million copies worldwide — there's obviously something good about it!

06
Misery by Stephen King

Misery by Stephen King

A total horror classic, Misery might not be considered "romantic" per se, but I think it's fairly obvious that Annie has a huge crush on Paul Sheldon. The ultimate example of fandom gone off the charts, this one makes me shudder every time.

07
Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Disclaimer: I read Dracula in college and thoroughly enjoyed it. The whole mixed-up-letters format is interesting, plus the overall hunt for Dracula and the sweet love affair between Mina and Jonathan make for an exciting novel. And that near-romantic relationship between Lucy and Mina? #BallsyForTheNineteenthCentury

08
Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

"Twisted" is a nice way of describing the relationship between Anastasia and Christian in Fifty Shades of Grey.

09
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

In Warm Bodies, R is a flesh-eating boy zombie who meets a very-alive girl, Julie. Instead of eating her, he chooses to save her for reasons unknown, and a tender relationship ensues.

10
The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Demon-sexing human? Interesting. Check out this clip from The Demon Lover: "I gasped, or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn't draw breath. His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked my breath in and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh."

11
Watchers by Dean Koontz

Watchers by Dean Koontz

In Watchers, a man and woman get caught up in a weird genetic experiment in a top-secret lab involving a dog and violent hybrid monster.

12
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

In Rebecca, the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter starts a new life as a young bride to a husband she barely knows in a lonely stone mansion, where evil threatens the very rooms because of a disturbing past involving Maxim's first wife.

13
Debt by Nina G. Jones

Debt by Nina G. Jones

One woman on Amazon describes Debt as "reckless. Irresponsible. Dirty. Dangerous. Exhilarating. Erotic." In summary, a woman hires a man to "attack" her, with the promise of a safe word to make it all stop should things go too far. And then it gets complicated, and sh*t hits the fan.

15
You by Caroline Kepnes

You by Caroline Kepnes

Joe Goldberg works at a bookstore. A gorgeous aspiring writer strolls in, and the total obsession begins. Without a doubt, You will keep you on your toes.

16
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

A demon disguised as a doctor seduces a demon-slayer in Pleasure Unbound. Pretty creative, in my book.

17
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty

Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty

Successful scientist Yvonne Carmichael is charged with murder after a love affair with a mysterious unnamed lover in this thriller. Yvonne's future will be determined by one night in a dark alley called Apple Tree Yard.