Books like 'The Darkness Within Us'
Readers who enjoyed The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy young adult from hate to love m-f sassy heroine political-intrigue competent heroine suspense independent heroine cold hero
-
The Apothecary Diaries (Manga), Vol. 2 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage
After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated period mystery series! Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace...Categorized as:
political-intrigue m-f slow burn competent heroine historical young adult mystery fantasy -
![The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 4 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga]()
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 4 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
MAOMAO STUMBLES ONTO AN EVEN BIGGER MYSTERY...The trail of the garden banquet leads Maomao to the Garnet Palace! Aiming to uncover the identity and motives of the culprit who nearly succeeded in turning the festivities into a tragedy, the young apothecary-turned-lady's maid temporarily takes up there at Jinshi's behest... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 1 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga]()
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 1 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
THE GREAT DETECTIVE OF THE INNER PALACE IS BORN...?!Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace... -
![Silent Night by Robert Thier]()
Silent Night by Robert Thier
A dark night. An even darker mission. Mr Rikkard Ambrose is stalking the wintry alleys of London, doing something he has never done before...But does he do it for himself - or is it a sacrifice for someone special?This tale tells the story of an extraordinary moment in the relationship of Lilly Linton and Rikkard Ambrose... -
-
![I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang]()
I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang
Snarky and romantic, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.Sadie Wen is perfect on school captain, valedictorian, and a "pleasure to have in class." It’s not easy, but she has a trick to keep her model-student smile plastered on her face at all she channels all her frustrations into her email drafts... -
![These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi]()
These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi
Instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Full of explosive magic, searing romance, and heartbreaking betrayal, this breathtaking sequel to This Woven Kingdom is from the award-winning and bestselling author of the Shatter Me series and is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sabaa Tahir, and Tomi Adeyemi... -
![The Phoenix by Jillian Dodd, Hayden Bishop]()
The Phoenix by Jillian Dodd, Hayden Bishop
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the sixth book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.A single sentence is muttered from the lips of an assassin dangling from a four-story building, “It starts in Montrovia... -
![Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 05 by Rei Tōma]()
Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 05 by Rei Tōma
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsPrincess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat only married each other for the sake of peace between their two warring countries, and no one expected there to be love between the unlikely couple... -
![Eye of the Wolf by A.E. Rayne]()
Eye of the Wolf by A.E. Rayne
Book 1 of 6: The Lords of AlekkaAlys de Sant has never revealed her secret, knowing it could get her killed… but what if that secret could save a kingdom?Trapped in a small village, Alys makes plans to escape her cruel husband, unaware of the growing danger in the turbulent Kingdom of Alekka...Categorized as:
independent heroine m-f slow burn from hate to love commander fantasy young adult historical -
![The Echelon by Jillian Dodd, Hayden Bishop]()
The Echelon by Jillian Dodd, Hayden Bishop
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the seventh book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society. The Echelon’s plan to change the shape of the world is succeeding. The disease was released. People are dying... -
![The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes]()
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery’s fortune, life, and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about.To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers... -
![Royal Magic by K.M. Shea]()
Royal Magic by K.M. Shea
Gwendafyn is slowly suffocating. As the second princess of the elves of Lessa she is the acting regent of her people and is expected to behave with the serene grace and poise of a model elf. But that is not who she is. Instead, her very character is constantly criticized as being too passionate, too fiery, and overall “too much”...Categorized as:
m-f aristocratic heroine slow burn christian fantasy young adult glimpses-kisses contemporary -
![Basara, Vol. 5 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 5 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSecretly taking her late brother's identity, Sarasa must gain support as the "Boy of Destiny." Remarkably, she and her followers not only survived being surrounded by the Red king's forces, they emerged victoroius. Now Sarasa and Shuri have been captured on their way to the Blue King's capital... -
![To Sway A Soul by Ireen Chau]()
To Sway A Soul by Ireen Chau
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA passionate painter's apprentice. An art thief without a soul. The bargain that brings them together.When Zhi Lan turned down the opportunity to become a nobleman’s concubine, she vowed to make her own fortune—not marry into it. But as a lowly farm girl, becoming a self-sustaining artist like her master Dan Li Chen is a lofty goal...Categorized as:
forced proximity sassy heroine fantasy historical high fantasy young adult length-short -
-
![Basara, Vol. 1 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 1 by Yumi Tamura
Series Description: In the future, an apocalypse all but destroys the world, making Japan a pretechnological desert wasteland where fierce kings use murder and destruction to keep the terrified peasantry in line...Categorized as:
slow burn m-f from hate to love young adult dystopian futuristic length-short glimpses-kisses -
![Basara, Vol. 25 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 25 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSarasa has led her army to victory, faced down King Ukon, and won the hearts and minds of her people. Now, in the final hours of battle, her actions--and Shuri's--will decide Japan's ultimate fate. Sarasa began her quest in Tatara's shadow... -
![Basara, Vol. 6 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 6 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAfter Sarasa and Shuri are separated in the flood, a shocking battle takes place and important secrets are revealed. In Seiran, Sarasa helps the rebels with the flood recovery effort and is reminded that no matter how hard she pretends otherwise she is still an ordinary girl. Asagi stages his own mock execution and Sarasa saves him... -
![Basara, Vol. 23 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 23 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWar will determine who wins control of Japan--but the bonds of love and loyalty will decide the nation's future...Categorized as:
suspense political-intrigue from hate to love fantasy young adult angst dystopian war -
![Basara, Vol. 21 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 21 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAllies from all over are gathering at Tatara's base camp in preparation for a massive assault. Meanwhile, Shuri has a plan to establish his authority in Kyoto and deplete his rivals' funds. On a reconnaissance mission, Taro finds information crucial to the war effort... -
![Basara, Vol. 22 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 22 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs war breaks out in Kyoto, Taro races to warn Sarasa about Project Pomegranate, a secret plan launched by Hagiwara. But a traitor has betrayed Taro to the Yaro-Gumi, Kyoto's feared elite police force...Categorized as:
political-intrigue suspense from hate to love fantasy young adult angst war length-short -
![Basara, Vol. 20 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 20 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA curfew law has been passed in Kyoto to suppress the rebellion. Sarasa's ally Ageha seeks to destroy King Ukon's senior officials, while Asagi, the real Blue King, gains Sasara's trust and leads a daring asssault...Categorized as:
political-intrigue from hate to love fantasy young adult war historical length-short -
![Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 25 by Sorata Akizuki, Sorata Akiduki]()
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 25 by Sorata Akizuki, Sorata Akiduki
Shirayuki and company track Kageya and Ryu to their supposed whereabouts, but all they find is an empty house and signs of a scuffle... -
![Basara, Vol. 9 by Yumi Tamura]()
Basara, Vol. 9 by Yumi Tamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSarasa has been blinded, and the Red King's rule has finally been torn apart by outside influences. Now both find themselves in Okinawa--she to heal her eyes, he to heal his soul... -
![Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 1 by Aka Akasaka]()
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 1 by Aka Akasaka
As leaders of their prestigious academy’s student council, Kaguya and Miyuki are the elite of the elite! But it’s lonely at the top… Luckily for them, they’ve fallen in love! There’s just one problem—they both have too much pride to admit it. And so begins the daily scheming to get the object of their affection to confess their romantic feelings first… Love is a war you win by losing...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f competent heroine independent heroine cold hero slow burn humor contemporary -
-
![Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 26 by Sorata Akiduki, Sorata Akizuki]()
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 26 by Sorata Akiduki, Sorata Akizuki
The remaining villains loyal to Toka Bergat have been exposed and dealt with, and Shirayuki and company have at last received permission from Lord Eisetsu to spread the light-bringing phostyrias plant... -
![Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 24 by Sorata Akiduki]()
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 24 by Sorata Akiduki
Obi and Eisetsu are undercover at a masked ball, but they’re not acting like themselves! Most of the other partygoers also seem a bit off, except for one noblewoman... -
![Once Upon A Rose by Gabrielle Landi]()
Once Upon A Rose by Gabrielle Landi
A cursed lord, a feisty librarian, and their disguised pet dragon.Being the first librarian in their small town is everything Beatrice Montgomery has ever dreamed of–except no one in town knows what to make of her, or the library. But spending her days surrounded by books is an occupation beyond her wildest dreams, and she'll do whatever it takes to make the library a success... -
![Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 22 by Sorata Akiduki, Sorata Akizuki]()
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 22 by Sorata Akiduki, Sorata Akizuki
Hoping for permission to line the roads between the wintry cities with the glowing phostyrias plant, Shirayuki, Obi, and Ryu arrive at the Oriold checkpoint. The knight captain there won’t stand in their way, but due to political instability in the northern region, they’ll have to win over a certain Lord Lugiria...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn fantasy young adult length-short class difference royalty glimpses-kisses -
![The Black Crow Flies: by L.B. Perdan]()
The Black Crow Flies: by L.B. Perdan
Ten years ago, their city burned around them. Now they are on opposite sides of a country crumbling into war. Catrice Aetos, a Follower of the Creator, has been on the run since her family was wiped out and home burned to the ground. Blaze Laskaris is a High Crow, an elite soldier, and commissioned by the Commander to hunt the Followers down...Categorized as:
from hate to love slow burn fantasy young adult christian high fantasy war length-medium -
![Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter Vol. 2 by Suki Umemiya, Reia]()
Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter Vol. 2 by Suki Umemiya, Reia
Iris used to be an ordinary office drone addicted to otome games... then she woke up in one! Now, Iris is determined to use her real world smarts to start her own business. But for Iris's plans to succeed, she'll have to overhaul the entire country's feudal system... -
![Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 23 by Sorata Akizuki]()
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 23 by Sorata Akizuki
After the soiree at the Lugiria estate, Eisetsu asks Obi for a favor. He’s been informed that a Bergat loyalist might be lurking in his territory, and he wants Obi’s help verifying the intel. The next day, Obi is off for a visit to Tsuruba’s manor... -
![Royal Decoy (Fate of Eyrinthia) by Heather Frost]()
Royal Decoy (Fate of Eyrinthia) by Heather Frost
A SERVANT blackmailed into becoming a princess’s decoy.A BODYGUARD determined to keep her alive. A PRINCE forced to execute his father’s brutal laws.A PRISONER used to keep him compliant. A WORLD on the brink of war. In one horrible night, Clare goes from kitchen maid to royal decoy. She has three months to become the princess's perfect double so she can ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince... -
![Once Upon A Pumpkin: A Cozy Fantasy Cinderella Retelling by Gabrielle Landi]()
Once Upon A Pumpkin: A Cozy Fantasy Cinderella Retelling by Gabrielle Landi
A missing duchess, a stable boy, and a magical ball.Years ago, Dietrich failed to prevent the disappearance of the Duke’s daughter, and the guilt has eaten at him ever since. His persistent searching has finally paid off, but now that he's found the missing girl, he doesn't know what to do...Categorized as:
m-f aristocratic heroine young adult fantasy dual-pov found-family bodyguard-hero glimpses-kisses -
![The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen]()
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
What if you fell in love with the one person you'd sworn to destroy?Lara has only one thought for her husband on their wedding day: I will bring your kingdom to its knees. A princess trained from childhood to be a lethal spy, Lara knows that the Bridge Kingdom represents both legendary evil - and legendary promise... -
-
![The Queen With No Name by JJ Makenzie]()
The Queen With No Name by JJ Makenzie
She was born to be a queen, yet she’s nothing more than a political pawn. With no name and no place to call her own, she’s doing her best to hold on to the only thing that belongs to her and her alone—her soul...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love slow burn m-f aristocratic heroine alpha male fantasy royalty -
![Alexander by TheBibicalSinner]()
Alexander by TheBibicalSinner
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratings"We could be more than just friends, Soph." • • •He was a player with the brain of a genius.She was his best friend, the only one who could resist his charm. And yet...- Hold on to your panties, because a genius is loose... -
![Love At First Lance by Gryffin Murphy]()
Love At First Lance by Gryffin Murphy
An innocent was about to be sentenced to death!(Actually, marriage, but that mattered very little, as the two words were synonymous for the princess.)Every year, the seasonal kingdoms in the realm of Lore gather together for a tournament of whimsical games. The winner’s reward? The marriage to a member of the hosting court... -
![Meeting Thomas Cresswell by Kerri Maniscalco]()
Meeting Thomas Cresswell by Kerri Maniscalco
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA short excerpt that takes place during the beginning of Stalking Jack the Ripper in Thomas' perspective. It leads up to the moment where Audrey Rose and Thomas first meet...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love mystery horror historical young adult fantasy length-novella -
![The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee]()
The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee
Now nearly a full-fledged member of the Agency, the all-female detective unit operating out of Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls, Mary Quinn is back for another action-packed adventure. Disguised as a poor apprentice builder and a boy, she must brave the grimy underbelly of Victorian London - as well as childhood fear, hunger, and constant want - to unmask the identity of a murderer...Categorized as:
suspense slow burn m-f competent heroine independent heroine heroine sleuth historical mystery -
![The Deadliest Wish by Pavla Leitgebova]()
The Deadliest Wish by Pavla Leitgebova
A frozen heart made him an emperor. A prophecy made him a murderer.It's foretold that the only way to end the centuries-old war is by killing the holy emperor Akim Anslav. But the young royal has never learned to accept his role as history's martyr. Hunted by friends and foes alike, he has grown to resent Fates and the mysterious hero they have chosen to be his executioner...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f independent heroine female-rake sassy heroine cold hero fantasy young adult -
![Water Spell by Lizzy Ford]()
Water Spell by Lizzy Ford
A water mage and the protector she never wanted. Rare water mage Sela is given no time to mourn the loss of her longtime protector and father figure before she’s faced with the one man standing in the way of her freedom: her new guardian, mage-warrior Tieran. An Inlander with no honor, Tieran is loyal to no man, priest, king or god...Categorized as:
cold hero m-f competent heroine sassy heroine alpha male commander young adult fantasy -
![Fractures by Alice Reeds]()
Fractures by Alice Reeds
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThey survived a plane crash.They survived life on a deserted island.They survived being hunted.Now they must survive the truth—they are not who they think they are.One minute they’re in Poland, subjected to gruesome tests they keep failing. No friends to support them. No family to claim them. No hope of ever living a normal life again...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love mystery fantasy young adult dystopian length-medium audiobook -
![Wild Rock by Kazusa Takashima]()
Wild Rock by Kazusa Takashima
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsMeet Emba and Yuuen, two very different heirs to two very different warring clans. When they meet, it's love at first sight...and a wild romantic odyssey is about to unfold... -
![The Calling by L.C. Pye]()
The Calling by L.C. Pye
Answering the calling may be the last thing she does.For thirty years, the people of Landore have been segregated by the five callings, living in disunity and isolation.But for 18-year-old Talia Caffrey choosing one of the five is her hope at finding a place in a society that has rejected her. When her best friend, Jules, is kidnapped on the eve of her calling ceremony, everything changes...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity slow burn sassy heroine cold hero from hate to love fantasy dystopian -
-
![Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche]()
Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche
From popular content creator Kelsey Impicciche, Voice of the Ocean follows a daring young siren who defies her people to save a human prince, unearthing ancient magic and igniting a dangerous romance amid treacherous waters.As the youngest daughter of the siren queen, Celeste's life is tightly controlled... -
![The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea by Melanie Cellier]()
The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea by Melanie Cellier
One dark and stormy night, lost and alone, Alyssa finds herself knocking on the door of a castle. After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side. What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn political-intrigue competent heroine alpha male cold hero young adult fantasy -
![A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee]()
A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
Introducing an exciting new series! Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this diverting mystery trails a feisty heroine as she takes on a precarious secret assignment. Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation...Categorized as:
suspense slow burn m-f competent heroine independent heroine historical mystery young adult -
![Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor]()
Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor
For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique. All her life, Jani has dreamed of Elsewhere...Categorized as:
suspense m-f slow burn forced proximity political-intrigue independent heroine fantasy young adult -
![An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker]()
An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker
When Lady Katherine's father is killed for being an illegally practicing Catholic, she discovers treason wasn't the only secret he's been hiding: he was also involved in a murder plot against the reigning Queen Elizabeth I. With nothing left to lose, Katherine disguises herself as a boy and travels to London to fulfill her father's mission, and to take it one step further--kill the queen herself... -
![이중첩자 [Ijungcheobja] by Piececake, Hayeon]()
이중첩자 [Ijungcheobja] by Piececake, Hayeon
Rated: 3.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratings전쟁으로 모든 걸 잃은 후 첩자가 된 사샤,전쟁의 일등공신, 천사의 얼굴을 한 악마 장교 요한에게 발각되는데…!적국에 사로잡힌 첩자, 이중첩자가...
![이중첩자 [Ijungcheobja] by Piececake, Hayeon](https://s3.amazonaws.com/romance.io/books/small/64c38cf5d33bf40b86453bfb.jpg)
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
