#10 Greatest thrilling books like Haunting Adeline – Destructoid

Haunting Adeline was revealed in 2021, and has gone on to be one thing of a cult traditional amongst readers who crave the extremely darkish, twisted romance that unfurls inside the pages. With non-con, abuse, and spicy romps aplenty, followers of the style are at all times thirsty for extra. 

I’ve to confess that Haunting Adeline and its ilk should not my favourite sub-genre of romance. I choose one thing extra pure, and whereas angst is nice, I imagine there may be such a factor as an excessive amount of. Nevertheless, I’ve learn sufficient darkish, twisted romances in my time to know which books will enchantment to readers of Haunting Adeline. 

I imply, if a guide comes with set off warnings included earlier than the story even begins, then you recognize you’re in for an fascinating journey, proper? The darkish romance sub-genre undoubtedly isn’t for everybody, but it surely has its personal viewers.

Listed here are 10 books to learn for those who devoured Haunting Adeline and need one thing much like dive into. 

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

In order for you a narrative of intense manipulation and gaslighting that begins as romance and finally ends up unbelievably darkish and twisted, The Ritual has you coated. It’s a part of a collection of books depicting the Lords, an elite secret society that may solely be entered by giving your blood. Undoubtedly intense, however for those who’re a fan of Haunting Adeline, then you definitely’re going to be pulled in by The Ritual in the identical method. 

Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Lights Out takes the themes of the darkish romance style and provides a contemporary twist by throwing within the algorithms of social media and their capability to offer viewers precisely what they need. Admittedly, this isn’t as darkish as Haunting Adeline, but it surely undoubtedly follows the identical themes, and there are even some moments of comedy to be discovered, which serve to interrupt up the darkness. 

Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers

I’m unsure what it’s in regards to the darkish romance subgenre that calls so closely for the theme of “man owns girl although girl doesn’t understand it but,” however that’s principally the whole premise of Little Stranger. Malachi is obsessed together with his former foster sister in a method that he undoubtedly shouldn’t be, and he’ll cease at nothing to own her. Extremely darkish, insanely twisted, and comes with some excessive set off warnings. 

Hooked by Emily McIntire

I by no means thought I’d reside to see the day when the story of Peter Pan was re-imagined right into a darkish and steamy romantic thriller, however that’s what you get while you learn Hooked. It may be tough to beat nostalgic childhood recollections of Hook and Wendy, however when you get by that half, there’s a twisted story of affection, betrayal, and double lives ready to be uncovered. 

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Butcher & Blackbird is a part of the Ruinous Love trilogy by Brynne Weaver, and of all of the books on this checklist, I’d advocate it above any of the others as a result of it’s the one one I’ve ever gone again to re-read. It’s a narrative of two folks wrapped up in a contest to kill as many individuals as they will, however love can bloom on the battlefield, and it makes life a hell of much more sophisticated, contemplating they’re meant to be competing in opposition to one another.

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

With themes of infidelity, non-con, and violence all wrapped up in an unhinged storyline, Corrupt is certainly up there with Haunting Adeline by way of its darkness. Erika is obsessed together with her boyfriend’s older brother, Michael, and is accountable for his mates going to jail. Michael has been watching Erika and now has the chance he’s been ready for to destroy her life in each method he presumably can. 

God of Malice by Rina Kent

God of Malice makes it to this checklist as a result of it’s not as darkish as Haunting Adeline. No, it in some way manages to be impossibly darker. There are moments on this guide that can make you are feeling ashamed to be studying it, however for those who just like the subgenre, you’ll end up unable to place it down. Excessive set off warnings for this one, together with non-con and abuse. Don’t go into this anticipating something apart from the darkest themes. 

As soon as You’re Mine by Morgan Bridges

The stalker theme is powerful in As soon as You’re Mine, with a person obsessed and a lady who is aware of she’s in peril however, for some purpose, finds it unimaginable to observe her intestine. The checklist of set off warnings for As soon as You’re Mine is in depth, together with homicide, kidnapping, and tampering with contraception. It ought to go with out saying by now that this isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, however you wouldn’t be right here if that utilized to you. 

Hostage by Piper Stone

If it was the spice in Haunting Adeline that actually hooked you, then let me introduce you to Hostage. It’s a reverse harem darkish romance, which ought to inform you every little thing you should know, and there are, after all, heavy non-con themes and an enormous variety of twisted sexual encounters. Nevertheless, there’s additionally an intriguing story that can preserve you hooked as effectively. 

There Are No Saints by Sophia Lark

There Are No Saints is the right morally gray anti-hero story of a serial killer who out of the blue finds himself obsessive about a possible sufferer. The issue is he’s not the one killer out to finish her life, and now he has a selection between taking her life himself or defending her in any respect prices. Though there’s a redemption arc factor, the emphasis could be very a lot on the twisted thoughts of the serial killer preventing to retain management.