In this post, I’ll share my top recommendations based on my latest podcast episode, which was originally aired as part of our “Novel Nights” live show. Grab a cozy blanket and dive into some dark, twisty, and incredibly addictive reads!

What is Dark Academia Romance?

Dark Academia isn’t just a literary genre—it’s an entire aesthetic. It’s rooted in the academic world, often featuring elite universities, mysterious secret societies, and morally ambiguous characters. The backdrop usually involves some kind of institutional secrecy or privilege, creating the perfect environment for dark and twisted romance plots.

When romance comes into play, Dark Academia often features bully dynamics, power imbalances, and protagonists grappling with their own inner demons. These stories are intense, sometimes morally questionable, but they tap into the complex emotions that readers love to explore in their fiction.

Top Dark Academia Romances on Kindle Unlimited

These recommendations satisfy your craving for morally gray heroes, bully romances, and those addictive, can’t-put-down vibes. Here are my top Dark Academia Romance picks, all available to borrow on Kindle Unlimited.

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

This fantasy romance is an urban fairytale with a dark edge. The story follows twin sisters who discover they’re heirs to a magical kingdom and are sent to the Zodiac Academy to claim their place. Full of bullying, dragons, and steamy romance, this series has become a BookTok sensation. While the writing may not win any awards, it’s incredibly addictive. With 10 long books (and counting), getting lost in this world of morally gray characters and intense rivalries is easy.

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

If you’re looking for a dark and twisted secret society romance, The Ritual should be at the top. Set in college, this book features a male protagonist who is part of a secret society with deadly rituals. He’s paired with a woman as part of a ritualistic selection, and things spiral into a dark, obsessive relationship. Trigger warnings abound, so proceed with caution, but if dark and dangerous is what you’re after, The Ritual will deliver.

If you read and love The Ritual and would like to know what to read next, check out our post on Books Like the Ritual by Shantel Tessier.

Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

This reverse harem, or “why choose,” romance is set in a college where multiple love interests torment the female protagonist—her former bullies. The relationships are tumultuous and filled with red flags, but that’s the appeal for readers who love bully romances. Lords of Pain will be a gripping read if you’re drawn to toxic dynamics that somehow still give you all the feels.

If you love the Lords of Pain and want to read more Reverse Harem/Why Choose High School Bully Romance, check out our What to Read Next list.

Hannaford Prep by J. Bree

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

It is a four-book series that follows a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who receives a scholarship to an elite prep school. From the moment she arrives, she’s bullied by her classmates, but there’s more to her than meets the eye—she’s tied to the mob. This series combines the classic prep school setting with a twist of mystery and danger, making it a thrilling read for fans of bully romances.

Filthy Rich Boys by CM Stunich

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

Another high school bully romance, Filthy Rich Boys is packed with drama, jealousy, and steamy tension. The protagonist is tormented by a group of elite boys who run the school and despite their cruel treatment, romantic tension brews. This is another “why choose” romance, where multiple love interests compete for the heroine’s attention, each with dark secrets.

Deviant King by Rina Kent

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

Set in an elite English school, this trilogy follows a girl who catches the attention of the school’s most powerful bully. Their relationship is full of push-and-pull tension, with elements of dubious consent. It’s dark, edgy, and perfect for readers who want their romance with a side of danger. Rina Kent’s world-building is immersive, and once you start, you’ll find yourself devouring her entire backlist.

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

Corrupt is part of the Devil’s Night series, a thrilling collection of novels filled with dangerous men and even more hazardous games. The story centers on a college tradition gone wrong, where revenge and love are intertwined. With its spooky “Devil’s Night” vibes, this is the perfect October read for those who enjoy a mix of romance and revenge. And if you love it, there are three more books and a novella in the series.

All the Little Lies by S.J. Silvis

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

This high school bully romance brings a twist of betrayal and lost friendships. The female protagonist returns to school after five years, only to discover that her former best friend has become her bully. The dynamic is tense as they navigate their shared history and new relationships. With a few more books in the series focusing on different couples, this is a world you can get lost in for a while.

Why These Books Are So Addictive

What about these books makes them so hard to put down? The answer often lies in the intensity of the characters and the high-stakes dynamics. These are not light, easy romances. The heroes are flawed, usually exhibiting “red flag” behaviors, yet readers cannot look away. Watching these relationships unfold, even when they cross lines, can be a source of emotional catharsis.

Dark Academia settings also play a significant role in their appeal. The combination of elite academic environments, secrecy, and the pressure to succeed creates the perfect backdrop for these dramatic, sometimes dangerous, love stories.

How to Find These Books on Kindle Unlimited

If you’re new to Kindle Unlimited, accessing these reads is easy! Simply search for the titles directly in the Kindle Unlimited section of your Amazon account. You can borrow these books at no extra cost if you’re a subscriber. Not yet subscribed? Kindle Unlimited often offers free trials, so now might be the perfect time to jump in.

Join the Conversation

Want more Dark Academia and bully romance recommendations? Check out my podcast episode, where I discuss these books more thoroughly. You can also join our “Novel Nights” live show every Thursday at 7 p.m. EST on YouTube and Instagram for more weekly book recommendations and discussions.