20 best books on bad relationships – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you tired of reading fairy tales with perfect love stories? It’s time to dive into the real world of messy, complicated, and sometimes downright toxic relationships. We’ve curated a list of the 20 best books about bad relationships that will make you question everything you thought you knew about love. From heart-wrenching memoirs to gripping fictional tales, these books on bad relationships will keep you turning the pages as you explore the dark side of romance. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the complexities of human connections.


The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a riveting and mind-bending thriller that delves deep into the dark and twisted world of toxic relationships. This psychological masterpiece will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about love, trust, and the human mind.

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a captivating book about tumultuous relationships that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This thrilling novel delves into the dark and twisted world of a marriage gone wrong, exploring the intricate dynamics of a couple trapped in a web of deceit and betrayal.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a book that delves deep into the dark and twisted world of dysfunctional relationships. This mesmerizing psychological thriller takes readers on a journey through the lives of three women, each grappling with their own demons and haunted by the ghosts of their past. With its gripping plot and masterful storytelling, The Girl on the Train is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a book that explores the intricacies of troubled partnerships, tumultuous connections, and the sinister secrets that lie beneath the surface. Prepare to be captivated by this spellbinding tale of love gone wrong, trust betrayed, and the tangled web of deceit that binds us all.

Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies is a tantalizing tale that delves into the intricate web of human connections, exploring the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect lives. Liane Moriarty weaves a gripping narrative that skillfully unravels the complexities of relationships gone awry. This is not just another book about bad relationships; it is a captivating journey into the tumultuous world of secrets, lies, and betrayal.

The Woman in the Window

by A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of unhealthy relationships. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride through the mind of its protagonist, Dr. Anna Fox, as she becomes entangled in a web of deceit, manipulation, and danger.

The Girl Before

by JP Delaney

The Girl Before by JP Delaney is a captivating book on toxic relationships that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This psychological thriller explores the lives of two women who have both inhabited the same eerie and minimalist house, One Folgate Street.

Emma and Jane, the two protagonists, are drawn to the house for different reasons, but soon find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and manipulation. As they navigate through the strict rules and mysterious past of the house, they also come face to face with their own troubled pasts.

The author skillfully delves into the complex dynamics of power, control, and obsession that define unhealthy relationships. With every page, you will unravel the twisted minds of the characters, questioning their motives and wondering who can be trusted.

This gripping novel about toxic relationships will leave you pondering the lengths people will go to in order to protect their own desires and the devastating consequences that can follow. Delaney’s writing style is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, making it impossible to put this book on bad relationships down until you reach its shocking conclusion.

The Perfect Couple

by Elin Hilderbrand

Are you ready for a deep dive into the tangled web of love gone wrong? Look no further than The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand, the ultimate book on tumultuous relationships. This gripping novel takes you on a wild ride through the lives of seemingly perfect couples, as secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to unravel their lives. Prepare to be captivated by Hilderbrand’s masterful storytelling as she weaves a tale of deceit, heartbreak, and redemption. Don’t miss out on this page-turning exploration of love’s dark side.

The Breakdown

by B.A. Paris

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris:

Get ready to dive into the dark and twisted world of deceit and obsession in this gripping psychological thriller. B.A. Paris delivers another heart-pounding page-turner that will leave you questioning your own sanity.

In this book on toxic relationships, we meet Cass Anderson, a woman haunted by guilt and paranoia. After witnessing a car breakdown on a desolate road during a stormy night, Cass is wracked with guilt for not stopping to help. But as she later discovers that the driver of the broken-down car was brutally murdered, her guilt turns into an all-consuming fear.

As Cass grapples with the aftermath of that fateful night, she starts receiving mysterious phone calls that leave her on edge. She becomes increasingly forgetful and begins to question her own sanity. Is she losing her mind, or is someone deliberately trying to make her believe she is?

This book about toxic relationships delves into the depths of Cass’s deteriorating mental state and her unraveling marriage. As she becomes more isolated and trapped in her own fears, she must confront the secrets and lies that have plagued her relationship with her husband. With every twist and turn, the tension builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

B.A. Paris weaves a masterful tale of manipulation and betrayal, exploring the dark side of human relationships. The Breakdown is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who enjoy delving into the intricacies of bad relationships. Prepare to be captivated and disturbed in equal measure as you navigate the treacherous path of Cass’s unraveling world.

The Wife Between Us

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

The Wife Between Us is a gripping and suspenseful book about toxic relationships that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It delves into the complexities and manipulations of love gone wrong, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you’re looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read about the dark side of relationships, then this is the book for you.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

by Liv Constantine

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine is an enthralling book about toxic relationships that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. Dive into the world of Amber Patterson, a cunning and manipulative woman who is determined to take down the seemingly perfect marriage of the wealthy Daphne Parrish. As the layers of deceit and betrayal unravel, you’ll be captivated by the psychological mind games and shocking twists that make this book on toxic relationships a must-read. Prepare to be immersed in a world where appearances can be deceiving and where the consequences of desire and envy can be devastating. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as you delve into this bad relationships book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

The Marriage Lie

by Kimberly Belle

The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle is a gripping book about tumultuous relationships that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its heart-pounding plot and relatable characters, this novel delves into the dark corners of deception and secrets within a marriage.

The story revolves around Iris and Will, a seemingly perfect couple whose lives are shattered when Will dies in a plane crash. Devastated and consumed by grief, Iris begins to uncover startling truths about her late husband that challenge everything she thought she knew about their relationship.

As Iris delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Will’s death, she realizes that their marriage was built on a foundation of lies and deceit. With each new revelation, she becomes more determined to uncover the truth, even if it means risking her own safety.

The Marriage Lie is not just a typical book on bad relationships; it is a rollercoaster of emotions that explores the complexities of love, trust, and the dark secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of any relationship. Kimberly Belle’s masterful storytelling will keep you guessing until the very end, making this a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and thought-provoking novel.

The Girl Before

by Rena Olsen

The Girl Before by Rena Olsen is a riveting exploration of the tangled web woven in the depths of toxic relationships. This gripping novel delves into the dark and treacherous territory of emotional abuse, manipulation, and control. Olsen skillfully crafts a chilling narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets hidden within the characters’ lives. With its raw and unflinching portrayal of the devastating effects of bad relationships, The Girl Before is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching tale.

The Woman in Cabin 10

by Ruth Ware

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense

Overview:

Prepare yourself for a riveting journey into the twisted depths of human relationships with Ruth Ware’s gripping novel, The Woman in Cabin 10. This heart-pounding psychological thriller explores the treacherous territory of deception, mistrust, and toxic connections.

Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist, embarks on a luxurious cruise ship to cover the maiden voyage of a boutique luxury liner. However, what starts as an exciting assignment quickly takes a chilling turn when Lo witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. Desperate to uncover the truth, she becomes consumed with the mystery of the missing woman, only to find herself trapped in a web of lies, manipulation, and danger.

Through Ware’s masterful storytelling, readers are immersed in the claustrophobic setting of the ship, where everyone seems to have something to hide. As Lo navigates the intricate network of passengers and crew members, the tension escalates, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.

The Woman in Cabin 10 delves into the darker side of human connections, exploring themes of jealousy, obsession, and the consequences of toxic relationships. With each turn of the page, the reader is left questioning whom to trust and where the story will ultimately lead.

Ware’s skillful portrayal of characters and her ability to create an atmosphere of unease make The Woman in Cabin 10 a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who crave a heart-pounding, unpredictable narrative. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you dive headfirst into this riveting tale of bad relationships, deceit, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

The Couple Next Door

by Shari Lapena

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is a gripping book on tumultuous relationships that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This thrilling novel explores the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect lives, unraveling secrets and lies that can destroy even the strongest bonds.

The Good Girl

by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is a riveting book on toxic relationships that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This gripping thriller explores the complexities of human connection and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.

The Girl Before

by Lisa Jewell

Looking for a gripping page-turner that delves into the murky depths of toxic love? Look no further than The Girl Before by Lisa Jewell. This electrifying thriller takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the twisted maze of bad relationships.

The Wife

by Alafair Burke

The Wife by Alafair Burke is a gripping exploration of toxic relationships that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about love, trust, and deceit.

This thrilling book on tumultuous partnerships follows Angela Powell, a successful businesswoman married to Jason Powell, a charismatic and renowned professor. On the surface, their relationship appears idyllic, but as the story unfolds, dark secrets and hidden agendas come to light.

As Angela’s world begins to crumble, she finds herself questioning her husband’s actions and motives. Is he the loving partner she believed him to be, or is he capable of unspeakable things? With each twist and turn, Burke expertly keeps readers on the edge of their seats, unable to trust anyone, not even Angela herself.

In this compelling book about troubled partnerships, Burke masterfully delves into the complexities of human relationships, exposing the lengths people will go to protect their secrets and maintain their facades. The Wife is a cautionary tale, reminding us that anyone can be capable of deception, and that sometimes the person we trust the most is the one we should fear.

If you’re looking for a bad relationships book that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Wife is the perfect choice. With its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, this psychological thriller will leave you questioning the true nature of the relationships in your own life.

The Other Woman

by Sandie Jones

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones is an electrifying rollercoaster ride through the twisted dynamics of a toxic relationship. This gripping psychological thriller delves deep into the dark underbelly of love gone wrong, making it the ultimate book on tumultuous relationships.

The Last Time I Lied

by Riley Sager

The Last Time I Lied: A Chilling Thriller of Secrets and Betrayal

Get ready to delve into the dark and twisted world of deceit, as The Last Time I Lied takes you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through a camp full of secrets. This heart-pounding novel written by Riley Sager will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

In this gripping story, you’ll follow the journey of Emma Davis, a talented artist haunted by a traumatic event that took place fifteen years ago at the prestigious Camp Nightingale. The camp, located deep in the eerie woods, is known for its picturesque landscapes and its notorious history of mysterious disappearances.

Now, as an adult, Emma receives an unexpected invitation to return to the camp as an instructor, with the hope of finally uncovering the truth about what happened all those years ago. Determined to find closure, she agrees to go back, unknowingly stepping into a labyrinth of lies, betrayal, and dangerous secrets.

As Emma navigates through the twisted maze of Camp Nightingale, she discovers that the truth may be more elusive than she ever imagined. With every revelation, she begins to question who she can trust and realizes that everyone around her may be hiding something.

Sager’s masterful storytelling weaves a web of suspense, leaving readers questioning the motives of each character and second-guessing every twist. This psychological thriller not only explores the dark depths of human nature but also delves into the complexities of relationships, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a book that delves into the intricacies of toxic connections.

Prepare to unravel the dark secrets of Camp Nightingale, as you become immersed in this chilling tale of deception, revenge, and the lasting impact of bad relationships. Can Emma uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will the secrets of the past continue to haunt her forever?

The Perfect Stranger

by Megan Miranda

The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the twisted world of toxic connections. This book on tumultuous and destructive relationships will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving for more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about bad relationships are essential reads for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges that can arise in romantic partnerships. Whether you’re going through a tough break-up or simply interested in exploring the darker side of love, these books offer a range of perspectives and insights that will leave you captivated and enlightened. From tales of toxic relationships to stories of redemption and growth, each book on this list will undoubtedly resonate with readers who have experienced the highs and lows of love. So, if you’re ready to delve into the world of complicated relationships, grab a cup of tea and pick up one of these captivating reads. Happy reading!