20 best books on villains falling in love – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you ready to explore the dark side of love? If you’re a fan of twisted romances and unexpected pairings, then this list is for you. We’ve curated the top 20 books on villains falling in love, where the line between good and evil becomes blurred in the throes of passion. From dangerous liaisons to forbidden desires, these captivating tales will leave you rooting for the bad guys. Get ready to delve into a world where love knows no boundaries, and villains steal the show.


Vicious

by V.E. Schwab

Vicious by V.E. Schwab is a thrilling and addictive book about two former friends turned bitter enemies. This captivating story explores the darker side of human nature, with a twist – it’s a book about supervillains falling in love. Victor and Eli, once inseparable, are now consumed by their desire for power and revenge. As they manipulate and outwit each other, the line between hero and villain becomes blurred, and their deadly game of cat and mouse takes a passionate turn. Schwab’s masterful storytelling and complex characters will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for these villains to find love amidst their destructive paths. Vicious is a must-read for anyone craving a unique and thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and the thin line between good and evil.

Heartless

by Marissa Meyer

Heartless by Marissa Meyer is an enchanting tale that explores the origins of the infamous Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In this captivating book, Meyer takes us on a journey into the heart of darkness, revealing the untold story of a young girl named Catherine who dreams of opening a bakery and falling in love. However, fate has other plans as she finds herself caught in a web of politics and betrayal, ultimately transforming into the merciless Queen of Hearts. With its lush world-building, rich characters, and a captivating plot, Heartless is a must-read for fans of villains falling in love. Prepare to be bewitched by this spellbinding tale of love, power, and the choices that shape us.

The Cruel Prince

by Holly Black

Welcome to the captivating world of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, a spellbinding tale that will transport you into a realm where villains and love intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey that explores the intricate lives of cunning miscreants, where deception and desire entwine like tendrils of a forbidden love affair.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

by Gregory Maguire

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire is a spellbinding novel that delves into the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood and complex character known as the Wicked Witch of the West. This captivating book offers a fresh perspective on the land of Oz, exploring the origins and motivations of its iconic villains. Set in a world where magic and politics collide, Wicked is a mesmerizing tale of power, friendship, and the intricacies of good and evil. With its richly imagined characters and thought-provoking themes, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a unique twist on the classic tale, providing a deeper understanding of the villains’ journey and even a touch of romance.

The Wrath and the Dawn

by Renée Ahdieh

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh is an enchanting tale of romance and revenge, where love blossoms in the most unexpected places. Set in a land of ancient mystique, this captivating story follows Shahrzad, a courageous young woman who volunteers to marry the fearsome Caliph, only to seek vengeance for her best friend’s murder. Little does she know that Caliph Khalid is harboring a dark secret, which gradually unravels as their relationship deepens. This book on villains falling in love is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, passion, and betrayal. Ahdieh’s exquisite writing transports readers into a world of lush landscapes and intricate palace politics. With its rich tapestry of characters and breathtaking plot twists, this villains falling in love book will leave you breathless until the very last page.

The Young Elites

by Marie Lu

The Young Elites by Marie Lu is an enthralling book about the unexpected and captivating tale of villains finding love. Set in a dark and fantastical world, this novel follows Adelina Amouteru, a young girl with a troubled past and extraordinary powers. After surviving a deadly fever that left her scarred and with newfound abilities, Adelina becomes part of the Young Elites – a group of powerful individuals with dangerous gifts. As she navigates the treacherous world of political intrigue and rebellion, she finds herself drawn to a fellow Young Elite, forming a forbidden bond that challenges everything she knows. With its gripping storyline and complex characters, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure about the complexities of love and the power of darkness.

The Darkling

by R.B. O’Brien

The Darkling by R.B. O’Brien is an enthralling book about two nefarious souls entangled in a web of passion and darkness. This captivating tale explores the forbidden territory of villains falling in love, delving into the depths of their twisted desires and sinister motivations. With a touch of suspense and a dash of romance, O’Brien takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hearts of these complex characters. Set against a backdrop of danger and intrigue, this villains falling in love book will leave you utterly spellbound. Prepare to be seduced by the allure of forbidden love in The Darkling.

The Queen of All that Dies

by Laura Thalassa

The Queen of All that Dies by Laura Thalassa is an captivating book about the unexpected romance between two formidable characters. Set in a dystopian world, this novel delves into the lives of two individuals who are known for their villainous tendencies. As fate would have it, they find themselves drawn to each other in a mesmerizing and dangerous dance of power. Thalassa’s expert storytelling weaves together elements of suspense, passion, and redemption, creating an enthralling read that will leave you craving for more. If you’re searching for a book about villains falling in love, then The Queen of All that Dies is a must-read. Prepare to be spellbound by this tale of unexpected romance amidst a backdrop of chaos and darkness.

The Shadows Between Us

by Tricia Levenseller

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller is an electrifying tale of cunning, seduction, and unapologetic ambition. Set in a world ruled by darkness, this book on villains falling in love follows the captivating journey of Alessandra, a young noblewoman with a secret agenda. Determined to become queen, she sets her sights on the powerful and enigmatic King, hoping to use her charm to win his heart and eventually seize his throne. But as their dangerous game of deception unfolds, Alessandra finds herself unexpectedly falling for the very man she seeks to conquer. With its enthralling plot and richly drawn characters, this spellbinding novel is a must-read for anyone craving a deliciously wicked and unpredictable tale of love, power, and redemption.

The Black Witch

by Laurie Forest

The Black Witch by Laurie Forest is a captivating book about the unlikely romance between two characters steeped in darkness and villainy. Set in a world where magic is feared and discrimination runs rampant, this spellbinding tale follows the journey of Elloren Gardner, a young woman with a renowned lineage of powerful mages. As she navigates a treacherous society, Elloren finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and alluring Lukas Grey, a charismatic rebel with a shadowy past. Together, they defy expectations and challenge the rigid barriers of their world, forging a connection that transcends their roles as adversaries. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, The Black Witch is a must-read for anyone who craves a thrilling and unconventional love story.

The Star-Touched Queen

by Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi is a mesmerizing tale of love, destiny, and the power of second chances. This enchanting fantasy novel follows the journey of Maya, a young princess with a horoscope that predicts a marriage of death and destruction. As she navigates a treacherous world of political intrigue and mythical creatures, Maya finds herself drawn to Amar, a mysterious and captivating ruler of a magical kingdom.

With lush prose and vivid imagery, Chokshi weaves a spellbinding story that explores the complexities of love and explores the question of whether villains can find redemption. The Star-Touched Queen is a book about villains falling in love, but it is also a tale of self-discovery, where Maya must confront her darkest fears and embrace her own power. This is a must-read for fans of lush, atmospheric fantasy and those who believe in the transformative power of love.

The Cruel King

by K.A. Linde

The Cruel King by K.A. Linde is a captivating book on villains falling in love. Step inside a world of darkness, power, and forbidden desire as two notorious enemies find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. In this thrilling tale, Linde explores the complexities of love and redemption, blurring the lines between good and evil. Prepare to be entranced as the cruel king and his equally wicked counterpart embark on a dangerous dance of seduction and deception. With each page, the tension rises, leaving you breathless and yearning for more. If you crave a book about villains falling in love that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than The Cruel King.

The Evil Queen

by Gena Showalter

The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter is a captivating book about the unexpected love story between two villains. Set in a magical kingdom, this thrilling tale explores the forbidden romance between the notorious queen and a dark prince. As they navigate the treacherous world of power and deception, their hearts become entangled in a web of desire and danger. Showalter’s vivid storytelling and complex characters will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets of this enchanting world. With its unique twist on the classic fairytale, The Evil Queen is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a book about villains falling in love.

The Prince of Shadows

by Rachel Caine

The Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine is an enthralling book about a forbidden love story between two unlikely protagonists. Set in a world of darkness and deceit, this captivating tale revolves around the compelling notion of villains falling in love. The book delves into the complex emotions and intricate relationships that develop between these characters, exploring their hidden depths and challenging societal norms. With its gripping narrative and irresistible charm, The Prince of Shadows is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Embark on this journey through the shadows and discover the captivating allure of this villains falling in love book.

The Wicked Deep

by Shea Ernshaw

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw is an enchanting tale of love, betrayal, and revenge set in the haunting town of Sparrow. Every year, the spirits of three sisters, accused of witchcraft centuries ago, return to seek vengeance by drowning innocent boys. When outsider Bo arrives in Sparrow, he becomes infatuated with Penny, a local girl haunted by the town’s dark past. As Penny and Bo uncover the truth behind the curse, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, despite the dangers that surround them. This bewitching novel weaves a spellbinding narrative of villains entangled in a forbidden love, captivating readers with its atmospheric setting and heart-wrenching romance.

The Queen of the Tearling

by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling is an enthralling fantasy novel about two unlikely heroes who find themselves on opposite sides of a brewing conflict. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Kelsea Glynn, a young queen with a strong sense of justice, and the enigmatic and mysterious Fetch. As Kelsea fights to reclaim her throne and protect her kingdom from outside threats, she discovers a forbidden love that challenges everything she thought she knew. With its captivating world-building, complex characters, and a unique blend of politics and magic, this book about adversaries finding love is a thrilling page-turner that will keep readers hooked until the very end.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

by Kiersten White

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a captivating book that delves into the twisted and dark world of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. It is a thrilling tale of obsession, manipulation, and the lengths one is willing to go to protect the ones they love. Set in the 19th century, this novel offers a fresh perspective on the classic story of Frankenstein, focusing on Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s childhood companion and eventual wife.

Elizabeth is a complex and cunning character, portrayed as both fragile and fierce. She has been groomed by Victor to be the perfect companion, and throughout the story, her loyalty to him is tested as she unravels the truth behind his monstrous experiments. As secrets are revealed, Elizabeth must confront her own dark desires and make difficult choices that will shape her future.

The relationship between Elizabeth and Victor is a central theme in the book, and it is a dynamic that is both captivating and unsettling. Their connection is one of manipulation and power, as Victor uses Elizabeth as a pawn in his dangerous games. The novel explores the blurred lines between love and obsession, and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of villainy and the lengths one is willing to go for love.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a mesmerizing book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and dark atmosphere, it is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and anyone intrigued by stories of villains falling in love. Prepare to be enthralled by this chilling and haunting tale.

The Wrath of the Dawn

by Renée Ahdieh

The Wrath of the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh is an enchanting story that delves into the captivating realm of love and deception. This mesmerizing tale revolves around a young caliph, Khalid, who is known for his ruthless nature and his habit of marrying a new bride every dawn, only to have her executed at sunrise. Shahrzad, a fearless and intelligent young woman, decides to take a stand against this tyranny and volunteers to be Khalid’s next bride. Little does she know that behind Khalid’s villainous facade lies a tormented soul. As Shahrzad unravels the mysteries surrounding Khalid, a forbidden love begins to blossom between them. With its rich Arabian setting and complex characters, this book about villains falling in love will leave readers spellbound.

The Cruel Prince

by A.J. Vrana

The Cruel Prince by A.J. Vrana is an enthralling dark fantasy that delves into the captivating world of villains finding love. This mesmerizing tale takes readers on a thrilling journey where treachery and romance collide. Set in a realm where darkness reigns, the story follows a group of intriguing characters who are destined to defy expectations and challenge their own wicked natures. With its vivid world-building, complex relationships, and unexpected twists, this book about villains falling in love will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Vrana’s masterful storytelling and richly developed characters make The Cruel Prince a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and those who crave a love story that defies conventions.

The Shadows

by J.R. Ward

The Shadows by J.R. Ward is an electrifying and captivating book that delves into the forbidden love story between two unlikely characters. This thrilling novel explores the unconventional romance between villains who find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other against all odds. Set in a world of danger and darkness, The Shadows takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as these two complex characters navigate their way through their forbidden desires. With its enticing storyline and compelling characters, this book about villains falling in love is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next.

Conclusion

In the realm of literature, there is something uniquely captivating about stories that explore the forbidden and unexpected love between villains. These tales of passion, desire, and redemption offer readers a chance to dive deep into the hearts and minds of characters who are often shrouded in darkness. Whether it’s a reimagined fairy tale or a twisted romance set in a dystopian world, the 20 best books about villains falling in love take readers on a thrilling journey that challenges their perceptions of good and evil. So, if you’re ready to delve into the complex emotions and twisted relationships that lie at the heart of these stories, grab one of these books and prepare to be spellbound.