Books like 'Darkness Matters'
Readers who enjoyed Darkness Matters by Jay McLean also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance new adult forbidden love college m-f
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Enrage by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsEnrage is the next standalone in the international best selling mafia series, Eagle Elite.Part of a world I loathe.Part of a family who hates me more than I hate myself.Living with a girl who reminds me of my darkness.I'm. In. Hell.Also known as the Cosa Nostra.My life was over the minute I stepped off that plane.Son to a murdered mob boss.Heir to a throne of murder and lies... -
![Dylan by Jaymin Eve, Tate James]()
Dylan by Jaymin Eve, Tate James
Dylan Grant.One of Forbes’ 30 under 30.One of the most eligible yet unattainable men in the country.One of the Delta Five.Together with his friends, Beck, Riley, Jasper and Evan, Dylan runs half the damn world. He is the epitome of power... and the definition of emotional baggage. Too damaged from his shitty upbringing. Too hung up on his best friend's girl... -
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![Cardinal of Hope by Mia Smantz]()
Cardinal of Hope by Mia Smantz
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsCallie Jensen has officially taken a step into the world of romance, but even that can't be uncomplicated. She's pretty sure that more than one guy is showing interest in her, and with no experience on the matter, she's not sure how to handle it. It certainly doesn't feel normal. However, the harem she seems to be building with the Delta members is the least of her worries... -
![Easy to Fall by W. Winters]()
Easy to Fall by W. Winters
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes the epic conclusion to the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense, Hard to Love series.With her I was always on the highest high. That's why it was so easy to fall. I never stood a chance without her. The two of us were made for one another. It's as simple as that. The world could try to rip us apart, but it would fail... -
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![Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia]()
Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBeckett Taylor’s quest to be a better man has brought Eve Hartt back into his life, but sometimes it feels like they’re bound together with barbed wire. Though he longs to love her without causing pain, the wreckage of their past continues to crash down around them. Yet with the help of this brothers—and for his brothers—Beckett won’t stop trying... -
![Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken]()
Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA mafia romance about love and loss by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.…When you awaken in the morning's hushI am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry;I am not there. I did not die. — Mary Elizabeth Fyre "I'm sorry for your loss... -
![Tempted to Kiss by W. Winters]()
Tempted to Kiss by W. Winters
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author W Winters comes an emotionally-gripping, romantic suspense. I fell for someone I shouldn’t have. I’m not the only person to ever do such a thing. I know that. And I’m not an awful person for desiring his touch, his kiss, his everything… but I knew I shouldn’t have indulged. There’s something about knowing it’s wrong that tempts me that much more... -
![Wrath of Rage by R.E. Bond]()
Wrath of Rage by R.E. Bond
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBeing Archer Hendricks’ little sister has always had its problems.My dates ending up dead, kids at school shunning me, and every aspect of my life controlled.I’ve always been kept on the outside of the crew life, always watching, and never participating.I craved to be a part of my brother’s world, no matter the danger.Looks like my wish has been granted because Rage Evans knows I exist... -
![Thrasher by K.L. Savage]()
Thrasher by K.L. Savage
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHome is where the heart is.That’s what I was taught.Until I met her...We’ve been traveling all over the country, recruiting new members for our club.Before we call it quits, we make a pitstop in Las Vegas.I’m owed a debt and I’ve come to collect.It’s been awhile since I spoke to the President of the Ruthless Kings.And I’m calling in my marker... -
![Falling by E.K. Blair]()
Falling by E.K. Blair
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsSometimes it takes someone else to show us what we are truly capable of becoming. Suffering from years of violent abuse, Ryan Campbell has learned how to keep people from getting too close. But when you shut yourself off, people get hurt along the way. Never caring much about others, Ryan creates a world in which he doesn’t have to feel... -
![Cake by J. Bengtsson]()
Cake by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsJake McKallister was famous for more than just being a rockstar. When he was thirteen-years-old, he would survive a crime so brutal and so harrowing that his name would forever be linked to tragedy. And, although he had managed to put the horrors of his youth behind him in order to find success as a musician, the memories of his past still haunted him... -
![Breathless by Willow Winters]()
Breathless by Willow Winters
Her lips tasted like Cabernet and her touch was like fire. I was blinded by what she did to me. I so easily fell for something I thought I’d never have. I was weak for her and should’ve known better. I should’ve known she could never love a man like me. She brought out a side of me that I wish had stayed dead. I won’t make the same mistake twice. I don’t care how much she begs me... -
![Into Ruin by S. Massery]()
Into Ruin by S. Massery
Hockey guys are off limits—and yet, one has set me in his sights, and I have no chance of escaping. Camden Church is the guy I should’ve stayed away from. But when he mistakes my identity, I don’t correct him. I let him break all my rules. It’s a night I’ll never forget—not that he’ll ever let me... -
![Andrey by LeAnn Ashers]()
Andrey by LeAnn Ashers
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNicoleSince I was a little girl, raising my younger sister had always been my main priority. I never imagined, however, that taking care of her would put me in danger.Men came for her, but kidnapped me instead by mistake.Then he rescued me, and on that day, he claimed me.Andrey is mine just as much as I am his.AndreyThe second her eyes met mine I saw the fear in them... -
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![Heartless by Willow Winters, W. Winters]()
Heartless by Willow Winters, W. Winters
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author W Winters comes an emotionally captivating and thrilling, romantic suspense. At first, his words were harsh and his touch cold. I didn’t want to be in his presence any more than he wanted me there. I knew he was a dangerous man and he could destroy me if only he wanted to. That’s not what he wanted though. It’s not what he needed... -
![Hear No Evil by Ivy Fox]()
Hear No Evil by Ivy Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsEvil cannot take hold of an unconsenting soul.Do not be amazed that hell is empty, since all the devils live here.One by one, they will meet their hellish fate.One down…Three to go.EastonA tyrannous society has discovered our most atrocious secret and decided to wage war on us.They’ve had their fun with Finn, and now it’s my turn to be their little puppet...Categorized as:
new adult college suspense dark mystery from hate to love contemporary length-medium -
![SCARS by Jaimie Roberts]()
SCARS by Jaimie Roberts
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsI had the perfect school, the perfect friends—the perfect life ... At least, that’s what I thought. But you changed all that. You are always there ... Always watching ... Always waiting in the shadows. You send me flowers and messages. You stalk me, trace my every movement.. -
![Endless by W. Winters]()
Endless by W. Winters
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author W Winters comes an emotionally captivating and thrilling, romantic suspense. He holds a power over me like no one else ever could. Maybe it’s because my heart begs to beat in time with his. Maybe it’s because my body bows to his and his alone. Maybe it’s because he thought he loved me before he even laid eyes on me... -
![The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward]()
The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsWhen Avery realizes that her latest client wasn't Sean she doesn't know what to do. This person has invaded her life on a personal level and to make matters worse she doesn't even know who he is. The only good thing that came from it has been seeing Sean again, but now that he's in front of her, she doesn't want to let him go...Categorized as:
new adult college contemporary alpha male dark super rich hero cruel hero length-novella -
![When Darkness Ends by Marni Mann]()
When Darkness Ends by Marni Mann
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn all new angsty, dark, stand-alone Contemporary Romance in the Moments in Boston Series ...You never forget your first love … even when he becomes a memory.There was before.When we were together, when we were happy.When we had nothing but dreams.When not a single bad thing could ever happen because we were young and in love.And there was after... -
![A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles]()
A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsEveryone should have something to rebel against. Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job... -
![Mercer by Ruby Vincent]()
Mercer by Ruby Vincent
Saint, Cash, Brutal, and Mercer are everything to me. A fact I should not have let slip.A battle rages and only the last man standing claims victory.I must take back what's mine amid deception, lies, and a city-wide gang war laying waste to all in its path.The question is will the men I love be standing with me?Mercer is a dark contemporary reverse harem romance... -
![Tethered Souls by Beth Flynn]()
Tethered Souls by Beth Flynn
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMy family has secrets. I’m always the good girl, doing what’s necessary to keep my loved ones safe. I've kept the darkest secrets from everyone I know. As painful as it is to hold them all inside where they live and gnaw away at me, that’s where they must stay. I haven't seen my closest childhood friend, Christian Bear, since I was a teenager—he hasn't changed a bit... -
![Cross + Catherine: The Saga by Bethany-Kris]()
Cross + Catherine: The Saga by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOnce upon a time, a wild boy fell in love with a sly girl … From high school sweethearts to a criminal King and Queen, Cross Donati and Catherine Marcello’s love became a force—even destructive, it was unstoppable. They were meant to be. Even when everything stood in the way. Always. Fall in love with the saga of Cross + Catherine, and their story of a love revered, and a life lived so unruly... -
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![Possessed by Lies by Ella Miles]()
Possessed by Lies by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fought my way back, and now I’m possessed. I’ve healed the wounds that kept me trapped. I’m done fighting it. I’m hers. Completely. I just don’t know if she feels the same. What if the empire we’ve been building crumbles along with our love?Possessed by Lies is book 5 in the Truth or Lies series. It continues Enzo and Kai's story... -
![Consumed by Truths by Ella Miles]()
Consumed by Truths by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEnzo is my heart. My soul. My breath. I never thought I could be so dark. Never knew love meant losing myself and getting reborn. The lies and truths have finally caught up with us. We may have stolen an empire, but we aren’t ready to give it up. It’s ours. He’s mine. And our love will find a way to the truth. Consumed by Truths is book 6 and the final book in Enzo and Kai's story... -
![Merciless Union by Faith Summers]()
Merciless Union by Faith Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEverything changed overnight.Truth became my enemy, and the sting of betrayal dragged me into a web of lies.I’m damned if I fight to live and damned if I die. Both will be dangerous for the child growing inside me. I can’t trust Lucca to save us.Love is a myth we shouldn’t have explored.He was always my enemy.Love just made me forget and blinded me to the truth... -
![Break by Angel Devlin, Tracy Lorraine]()
Break by Angel Devlin, Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMine no more.I thought my heart beat for Jackie Chambers, but it was just a placebo effect.As I return to B.A.D. Inc, I’m a changed man. Ready to face the future on my own, to find out who Oliver Ward really is and stand on my own two feet for the first time in a long, long time.Yet I’ve only been at work one day when Zoey comes crashing into my life... -
![Sloth by Giana Darling]()
Sloth by Giana Darling
I don’t give a fuck. Not about money or fame, beauty or power. I’ve had all those things since birth, and trust me, they’re a fucking snooze. I don’t give a fuck about anyone, not even myself. Until my father proves evil can exist in the most holy of places. For the first time ever, something like interest stirs in my soul. He wants me to enroll at St. Augustine. Join The Elite... -
![A Single Glance by W. Winters]()
A Single Glance by W. Winters
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense. I saw her from across the bar. My bar. My city. Everything in that world belonged to me. She stood out from the crowd like she was looking for someone to blame for her pain. That night, I felt the depths of my mistakes. I felt my scars... -
![Respect by Jay Crownover]()
Respect by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOnce upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who called a corrupt kingdom home sweet home. Protected and sheltered from the worst the world had to offer, she fell in love with the crumbling city that burned and blazed around her. Every dirty corner, every scary shadow, found a place within her heart. So did a man who was violent and dangerous, just like the streets she claimed as her own...Categorized as:
forbidden love new adult suspense contemporary dark friends to lovers bad boys competent heroine -
![Tame Me by J.L. Beck, C. Hallman]()
Tame Me by J.L. Beck, C. Hallman
She was a broken angel that had the light beat right out of her.I was the man responsible for her life, her protector… Rescued by my brother and shoved into my arms I never expected to fall for the fragile woman, with soft eyes, and lips that begged to be kissed... -
![Mercy by Ruby Vincent]()
Mercy by Ruby Vincent
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMaverickThe more answers I unearthed, the less I understood. I stepped into this game not knowing the rules, and now, they’re playing me to their beat.Old faces reappear. New friends circle. I got closer to the puppeteer as they got ever closer to me. And when they struck, I wasn’t ready.ValentinaA queen sacrifices for her subjects. A president makes the hard decisions... -
![Chaos Crown by Ruby Vincent]()
Chaos Crown by Ruby Vincent
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsChaos Crown description will be published closer to the release date to prevent spoilers... -
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![The Society by Erin Mc Luckie Moya]()
The Society by Erin Mc Luckie Moya
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when you're born into a secret society? When your great-grandfather was a founding member? Do you have a choice whether you stay or not?And the benefits that befall you with such a position? The easy college access and high powered positions - the multinational firms... -
![Provoke by Angel Devlin, Tracy Lorraine]()
Provoke by Angel Devlin, Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMine to push, mine to tease, mine to provoke.I live for domination. In the boardroom and the bedroom. But while I thrive in business, my personal life is in disarray. It’s always been Jackie and Oliver. It’s all the others have ever known. The two of us, seemingly perfect... -
![Until You by K. Bromberg]()
Until You by K. Bromberg
A single dad, forced proximity, standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg. Crew Madden needs to find a place to recover. For his twin girls. For himself. From the woman who left them without a backward glance. Recovering from a traumatic event, a summer in the small town of Redemption Falls was the perfect solution for him. For his family...Categorized as:
forbidden love new adult contemporary open-door single-father men in uniform humor dark -
![Black Widow by Sheridan Anne]()
Black Widow by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho said prison was going to stop me from getting what I wanted?I thought breaking out of there was going to be the hardest thing I ever did. I should have known. Being the leader of The Black Widows is never that easy. Someone should have warned me that the woman I was about to kidnap was going to bring me to my knees...Categorized as:
new adult m-f forbidden love dark contemporary from hate to love cruel hero bad boys -
![Darkness Lurks by J.L. Drake]()
Darkness Lurks by J.L. Drake
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsEmily McPhee has struggled to overcome her father’s death... It’s not easy, but Emily finally has the life she wants. She’s an A student at Orange University and has a comfortable home and a great circle of friends. She’s also in love with handsome Orange PD officer Seth Connors. He doesn’t seem to return her feelings, though, so she tells herself his friendship is enough... -
![Regrets by Nicole Dykes]()
Regrets by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHealing after a tragedy is hard enough. Doing it when you’re haunted by past betrayal and so many things left unsaid?Feels nearly hopeless... -
![Royal Bully by Rachel Van Dyken]()
Royal Bully by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsSomething dark this way comes. He's gorgeous, mean, and mine. He catches me dreaming about him, and then just like my dream, he decides to make me his. I should have said no when he asked me to swear fealty to him. The knife clued me in first. The blood second... -
![Kept by Cate Corvin]()
Kept by Cate Corvin
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI already had to leave college once to care for my sick mother. Thanks to the Second-Chance Scholarship, I have one last shot to finish my degree at Bourdillon University, a prestigious academy for the arts. But the three professors who control my future don't see a student, or an assistant librarian. They see prey.The Dean of Students, gentleman on the outside, beast on the inside...Categorized as:
new adult forbidden love reverse harem contemporary dark age difference cruel hero alpha male -
![Thorn in the Dark by A.R. Breck]()
Thorn in the Dark by A.R. Breck
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRose I thought I had life figured out. Until I crashed into the brink of tragedy. That peak in which you teeter on the line of sanity versus insanity. The moment where you look forward and see darkness, then look over your shoulder and see more darkness... -
![Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones]()
Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones’s heart-pounding thriller of a woman’s secrets—and a past that’s about to come out of hiding… As an FBI profiler, it’s Lilah Love’s job to think like a killer. And she is very good at her job... -
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![Thin Lives by Bethany-Kris]()
Thin Lives by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe Final Donati Bloodlines Novel *** Emma Donati Some days, it felt like Emma had just imagined it all. Like maybe everything she had been with Calisto was just a dream. Emma knew it was crazy—it was impossible to forget what she had shared with Calisto Donati. All their love, the stolen moments, their foulness together, and the beauty underneath it all were real. They were real... -
![THE INITIATION: Secret Society Dark Romance by Elena Monroe]()
THE INITIATION: Secret Society Dark Romance by Elena Monroe
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 13 ratings𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴.𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐋LA wasn’t home… just home for now.Transplanted here to model I learned Hollywood isn’t where dreams survive the harsh reality of millions all sharing that same dream... -
![Merciless Vows by Faith Summers]()
Merciless Vows by Faith Summers
When I was sixteen a gypsy fortune teller told me my future held darkness and death.She was right.But what she didn’t tell me was the devil himself would rise from hell in the form of Lucca Dyshekov and take everything from me with a gun held to my head. He’s the Bratva assassin they all call Merciless.On our wedding day, he taught me real monsters aren’t the ones who hide in the dark... -
![The Purest Addiction by Danielle Lori]()
The Purest Addiction by Danielle Lori
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis is the last book in the Made series, but that doesn’t mean I won’t write spin-offs in the future. As of right now, I will not be writing novellas or second books for these characters, BUT you will get to see the entire MADE cast in this final installment, including babies and more... -
![Taken by Lies by Ella Miles]()
Taken by Lies by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Miles comes a new dark romance series! At 16 I was taken. Kidnapped by a boy I thought I could love. Then he sold me as if I were property. For three years I endured. Beatings. Torture. Pain. I never broke. I was strong, determined, resilient. But then one day it happened...I broke. Setting me free... -
![Desperate to Touch by W. Winters]()
Desperate to Touch by W. Winters
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense. I ran from him, even though my heart knew better. Love was one thing, but survival another. He chose a life of crime. I never wanted any of it; I only wanted him. I left when the danger bled into my life, taking more than I was willing to sacrifice...
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