Weekly Book Recs 32-2025: Dark/BDSM Romance
- Apollo Imperium
- Aug 8
- 5 min read
WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book suggestions every week
This weekly book recs, we're showing you six Dark/BDSM Romance books. If you're tired of regular romance novels and are looking for something with a bit more bite, these will do it for you. Featuring indie authors and traditionally published authors.
“The Siren” by Tiffany Reisz
Tropes/Genre: Erotica, BDSM, Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Erotic Romance, Fiction
Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book... if it ever sees the light of day. Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.
Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining... and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him... or returning to his bed? Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.
“The Menagerie” by J.P. Caruso
Tropes/Genre: BDSM, Romance, M M Romance, LGBT Erotica
Rowan Campbell loves his life, finally. He’s happy. He’s happy, but… there’s something missing. Some itch under his skin he can’t quite scratch through his work as a paramedic or hobbies or family gatherings or casual hookups alone. Then one day he responds to a 9-1-1 call at an exclusive BDSM club, the Menagerie, and immediately splurges on a membership. He isn’t expecting much… until he meets the notoriously hard-to-please club veteran, Malcolm Savaryn. Mal is a firecracker of a man: Sharp and witty with a take-no-shit attitude, he fascinates Rowan from the start. Their chemistry is immediate and unmatched, though, and they quickly enter into a steamy Dom/sub relationship, meeting weekly at the club. It’s just sex, right? But can they keep things strictly sexual, or will one or both of them develop feelings along the way? The Menagerie is a compelling exploration of BDSM, trust, and the slow evolution of friendship and love between two complex characters.
“His Revenge” by C.J. Willis
Tropes/Genre: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, indie
As a mafia heir, Leo has one goal and a promise to keep. His arranged marriage to the enemy's daughter is just a means to an end. Between his technically savvy best friend and loveable secret sister, Leo may not have room in his heart for anyone else. His beautiful betrothed is far more than he ever expected, with beauty and brains. She may be the daughter of his enemy, but the enemy of your enemy is your friend. Will she be a thorn in his side or his secret weapon?
As a mafia princess, Ella has spent her whole life knowing that she would have an arranged marriage, but she never expected to marry the enemy's son. When her past starts to unravel, some of her biggest secrets are brought to light. Her scars are on full display whether she wants them to be or not. She has to figure out who are her enemies and who are her friends. Will she transfer from one cage to another or is this her opportunity for freedom?
“Addictive Love” by Black Rose
Tropes/Genre: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, indie
AHANA STOKES
Her life has just been uprooted and her world altered. Now, she is forced to fit herself into a new and unknown place. When her family packs bags and moves to Arlington, Ahana is unaware of all that is waiting for her on the other side. Balancing life and school, she finds herself in some really troubled situations.
GABRIEL LEE MILLER
He had his life uprooted years ago, when he was just a kid. That one tragic night, changed his life as he knew it. Now, he is entirely someone else and dead-set on not letting anyone into his dark world, full of lies, secrets and deceits. Especially, after the ones he loved left him behind to shoulder the burden alone.
What happens when the two of them collide? Will they find their way to each other or will half truths and hidden lies entangle them in its dangerous and inescapable web?
This is the first book in The Deathly Love Series and is a high school, mafia romance. Some contents might be triggering for some readers. Read the content warning before proceeding further.
“Natural Law” by Joey W. Hill
Tropes/Genre: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary, M F Romance, Suspense, Adult, Romantic Suspense
Mackenzie "Mac" Nighthorse is a highly respected homicide detective and a career cop. There isn't a dangerous situation that can back him down. However, the personal becomes uncomfortably entangled in the professional when he goes undercover in a high class BDSM club as a male submissive to find a Dominatrix who is winning the trust and then murdering her chosen partners. When his path crosses Violet Siemanski's, he realizes he's found a Mistress willing to be his ally in finding the murderess. But Violet is also going to shatter Mac's shields and make him question who he is and what he wants, a challenge more disturbing than any case he's ever worked.
“Feathers that Bleed ” by Sana Khatri
Tropes/Genre: Dark Romance, indie
"I'll see you at midnight, Little Swan."
Dorran Ledger exudes danger.
His hands know how to mend, but also how to break. His thirst for thrill is insatiable, and so is the skin-deep madness that makes him who he is. The Bloody Prince, the people of Riverside call him, and rightfully so. One doesn't, after all, draw breath if they cross him or the ones he cares for...
Cignette Adler exudes wild beauty.
Her eyes can pierce a soul, but fix it just as well. Her addiction to adrenaline is voracious, and so is the defiance that describes her very existence. The Flawed Princess, the people of Riverside call her, and rightfully so. But it is her, and her alone, who knows the stories behind the pages of her past...
Author's Note: This book consists of detailed mentions of various dark topics. Please heed the list of trigger warnings at the very beginning of the book before venturing ahead. Thank you.
We're giving classics and new releases a home. First and foremost an online book- and art store. Committed to cataloguing real, human stories & art in the age of the artificial, and to leave our ecological footprint as small as possible. All of our products are created or printed only when an order is placed, so no item ends up in a landfill.
Our collection spans across multiple mediums, including novels, art works (and prints), poetry collections, bookish items like stickers & clothing, photography works, home decor, meditation, zines and more.
Work with us
Interested in working with us? Our artist and author submissions are always open. Click the links below to find more information. If you want to pitch a zine or partnership, please reach out through an email.
Review our books
If you're interested in becoming a reviewer, contact us at info@apolloimperium.com with the subject REVIEW. If we think you're a good fit for us, you will receive the books you wish to review for free, either as an EBook or a physical copy for you to keep, depending on the book and its availability. In most cases, you'll receive the EBook version. In the rare case of a physical copy, we will cover shipping costs, too.
Mention why you think you're a good fit for our reviewing program, where you're active (bookstagram, goodreads, etc.) and your account, where you're from (country suffices), and which books or genres you enjoy most.
Contact Us
For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or any assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
Email: info@apolloimperium.com
Comments