Craving More Dark Romance After Sasha Byrne? These Authors Deliver the Perfect Blend of Heat and Heart Just devoured Sasha Byrneâs latest and already missing that intoxicating mix of steamy scenes and emotional depth? Youâve discovered an author who knows exactly how to balance scorching chemistry with genuine character developmentâa combination that keeps readers coming back for more. Byrneâs talent lies in creating relationships that feel both intensely passionate and authentically real. Her characters face genuine obstacles and emotional growth while delivering the kind of romantic tension that makes your heart race. Whether itâs enemies-to-lovers, second chances, or forbidden attraction, she crafts stories that satisfy both your need for heat and your desire for meaningful connection. If youâre searching for authors who can deliver that same perfect storm of sizzling romance and emotional substance, youâre about to discover some incredible new favorites. These writers understand that the best romance novels donât just make you swoonâthey make you feel deeply invested in the charactersâ journeys. Ready to fall in love all over again?
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Must-Read Authors Like Sasha Byrne
1. Cari Silverwood
Cari Silverwood is known for dark and kinky romance novels, often covering sci-fi themes. A New York TimesandUSA Todaybestselling author, Silverwood is known for writing relatable characters who often fall into challenging situations, questioning their morals as they go through affairs and flings. Some of Silverwoodâs books venture into the paranormal realm, exploring how monsters from myths and fairytales interfere with the lives of her characters. Fan-favorite book*The Bride Collector: A Multi-Monster Paranormal Romance *combines the sci-fi and contemporary romance genres, creating a story that leaves readers wondering whether the protagonists will make it out alive.
âThen I woke in the shade of the fig tree in my favorite park, with the gun barrel in my mouth.â
Cari Silverwood, Wicked Ways
2. Lucy Monroe
Lucy Monroe is a USA Todaybestselling author known for writing steamy romance stories with serious emotional depth. Readers are especially into Monroeâs historical fiction offerings, like 2023âs Masquerade in Egypt(set in the 1920s).
The author has published over 80 books throughout her career. In addition to the deep emotional relationships between her characters, Monroeâs readers love the snappy dialogue passed back and forth. Her novels work to incorporate the struggles of day-to-day life with fantasy romance, allowing readers to mentally transport themselves to a world where her characters follow their hearts, no matter what gets in the way.
âI would consider it a great blessing, but some of us are cursed to love unwisely and do so until death.â
Lucy Monroe, For Dutyâs Sake
3. Kelly Moore, 1956-
Kelly Moore began publishing her work in 2015 following a friendâs encouragement. In nine years, Moore published more than 30 books. The authorâs books can be read as standalone novels, or readers can go through various series, including the Whiskey River Westseries, theWhiskey River Roadseries, andThe Revenge You Seekseries. Readers love how Moore creates flawed characters that have a sense of humor and self-awareness. While Mooreâs novels are undoubtedly steamy, she also writes with a solid dose of humor, making her books a great pick-me-up when you need a distraction from the real world.
âAs far as I know, I have no family to ask. My accident left me without a lot of memories. Memories I used to spend hours chasing but could n ever find or even touch. Pure blackness is all I see when I try to look back. Itâs like walking into a dark room. You know where things are, but you canât make them out no matter how hard you try.â
Kelly Moore, Say You Wonât Let Go
4. Jessica Gadziala
Romance author Jessica Gadziala is a USA Todaybestseller who has published over 100 romance novels. She works to create strong female characters and leading men who treat a woman right. While many of Gadzialaâs books can be read as standalone novels, readers love following her various series, including TheNavesink Bank Henchmenseries, theSavagesseries, theProfessionalsseries, and theMallick Brothersseries. Readers can also search for works by Gadziala under her recently developed pen name, J. Gala.
âThe grief that was so strong it shook like continental shifts, dividing what was now from what was, forcing me to acknowledge that I was going to have to build a life on foreign soil.â
Jessica Gadziala, The Stars Landing Deviant
5. Cate C. Wells
Cate C. Wells is known for writing within various romance sub-genres, including paranormal, biker, and mafia romance. Readers love how Wells works to develop characters that are raw and emotionally satisfying. The author believes in keeping it real regarding the highs and lows of love and often takes her protagonists on a long road to redemption after theyâve done wrong.
Wells has authored several series, including the Underboss Insurrectionseries, the Five Packsseries, theSteel Bones Motorcycle Clubseries, and theStonecut Countyseries. Wellsâ most popular book thus far is*The Tyrant Alphaâs Rejected Male**, which follows the paranormal romance of Una and Killian.
âTrust doesnât feel like leaping. Itâs like sinking back, knowing in your soul that whatâs beneath you is solid.â
Cate C. Wells, Charge
6. Jessa Kane
Jessa Kane has more than 50 published romance novels and novellas. Most of her books are less than 100 pages long, making it simple for readers to read each story in a day or two. Kaneâs protagonists are often alpha-type males who want to be in charge. Many of Kaneâs books feature unlikely couples and follow the enemies-to-lovers trope.
One of Kaneâs most popular books, When You Know, takes readers on the journey of an age-gap romance between a college student and a firefighter. Known as her readersâ âfavorite peddler of naughtiness,â Kaneâs books arenât for those who blush easily. Other popular novels of Kaneâs includeDebutanteâs Curse, When the Farmer Met the Girl, andHis Prize Pupil.
âI canât breathe without having her close. And I canât breathe with her close. Itâs a strange condition, this obsession, but sheâs an addiction Iâm never giving up.â
Jessa Kane, Breaking the Bully
7. Zoey Ellis
Zoey Ellis takes a different path from typical romance writing, creating stories that focus on characters who would typically be anti-heroes. Her dark writing often involves elements of magic and fantasy, blending whatâs possible in real life, and whatâs part of a fictional world. Ellis writes both series and standalone stories - her most popular series include the Beholden Duet, theEmpire of Angelsseries,The Last Dragorai series, and theMyth of Omega: Crave Trilogy*. Readers love the alpha male and sassy female characters in Ellisâ books and that her books can be read individually or as a series.
âThere wonât be anybody that will love you the way I love you, Thea. And I donât believe that anyone will love me the way you do. And you still do, you just need to remember that.â
Zoey Ellis, Awakened by Power
8. Lilith Vincent
Lilith Vincentâs mafia romance books are known for their intensity and strong male characters. Jealousy is a heavy theme in many of Vincentâs novels. While many of her books focus on mafia themes, she also includes paranormal factors (such as zombies). Vincentâs books lean on the dark side, and readers root for underdog heroes to find the love theyâre looking for. Many of Vincentâs books focus on reverse harems (a situation in which a female protagonist has multiple love interests). In her novels, the woman does not have to choose one - sheâs working to navigate multiple relationships without making a sole person her top priority.
âI donât want a healthy relationship. Being insane for you is my love language.â
Lilith Vincent, Brutal Conquest
9. Sadie Kincaid
Romance author Sadie Kincaidâs readers love how she creates characters who would do anything for love. Her books are often dark, and she follows passionate, strong heroines as they work to get what they want. Kincaidâs books often include mafia romance and marriages between crime families. Her books are full of secrets revealed slowly, keeping readers hooked with every chapter.
While Kincaidâs novels can be read as standalone, many prefer to read each of her series in order. Popular series from Kincaid include the L.A. Ruthlessseries, theNew York Ruthlessseries, and theChicago Ruthlessseries. Kincaidâs books are a fantastic combination of suspense, crime, and relationships, perfect for romance fans looking for multiple storylines that venture outside of love.
âI looked up as the fifth candidate walked into the room and my breath caught in my throat. He was much younger than the previous interviewees by a good twenty years and I guessed was closer to my age. He had the brightest blue eyes Iâd ever seen and the cutest dimples beneath his stubble, which were obvious because he was smiling as he walked in.â
Sadie Kincaid, Fierce King: An Enemies to Lovers Romance
10. Sasha Cottman
Sasha Cottman is a USA Todaybestselling author. Cottman saw success from the start of her career with 2014âs Letter from a Rake, her debut novel. The letter was a finalist for the 2014 Romantic Book of the Year. Like many romance authors, Cottmanâs books can be read as single stories, or readers can work through her novels in series order. Popular series from Cottman include theRogues of the Roadseries, theLondon Lordsseries,* The Noble Lordsseries, andThe Duke of Strathmore*series. The authorâs novels walk the line between steaminess and romance, creating the perfect combination for those looking for both heat and love.
âIt is possible not to touch alcohol and still survive,â replied Reid. The look of horror on Callumâs face told him that his friend thought otherwise.â
Sasha Cottman, Love Lessons for the Viscount
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great romance book?
Great romance books feature well-developed characters, emotional depth, and believable relationships. They should create genuine emotional connection between characters and readers, with satisfying character growth and relationship development.
Are romance books only for women?
No, romance books are for anyone who enjoys stories about relationships and emotional connections. While the genre has traditionally been marketed to women, many men enjoy romance books, and the genre is becoming more diverse in its readership and representation.
What are the different types of romance books?
Romance books include contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and many subgenres. Each type offers different settings, themes, and levels of heat, allowing readers to find stories that match their preferences.
Why do people love romance books?
People love romance books for the emotional satisfaction, hope, and escape they provide. They offer stories of love, connection, and happy endings that can be comforting and uplifting in a complex world.
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