Picked by Ribbon Duet fans

Here are 9 books that Ribbon Duet fans have personally recommended once you finish the Ribbon Duet series. Book DNA is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of The Mister

Paige Weaver Author Of Promise Me Darkness

From my list on romance that stays with you after the last page.

Why am I passionate about this?

I read many different genres, but my favorite to write and read is romance. I love ones that have angst, adventure, danger, and a passionate push and pull between the love interests. Those seem to stick with me long after I turn the last page. In my own writing, I like to do the same, giving readers a love story they want to visit again and again. The books I’ve listed are just some of the wonderful, unforgettable novels I’ve read, and I hope you enjoy them too! Happy reading!

Paige's book list on romance that stays with you after the last page

Paige Weaver Why Paige loves this book

E.L. James always delivers steamy, entertaining novels and The Mister is no exception. Maxim is a “spare” to an earldom but that changes when tragedy strikes his family. He’s left with a responsibility he doesn’t want and feelings for someone on his staff he shouldn’t have. What develops is a love story that has stayed with me. The novel reminds me of regency novels but it is set in modern times. If you’re a fan of E.L. James and haven’t read The Mister or if you’ve never read one of her novels, I recommend this one. It is a wonderfully written love story.

By E L James ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mister as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Packed with passion ... a love story full of charm, music and soul-mates ... a classic E L James combo of the sweet and erotic with the perfect ending for romantics. I think it's her best by far!' - Milly Johnson, The Sun
___________________
The thrilling new romance from E L James, author of the phenomenal #1 bestselling Fifty Shades trilogy

London, 2019. Life has been easy for Maxim Trevelyan. With his good looks, aristocratic connections, and money, he's never had to work and he's rarely slept alone. But all that changes when tragedy strikes and Maxim inherits his family's…


Book cover of Bared to You

Rose Thorgaard Author Of Treasured

From my list on action packed romance makes you feel larger than life.

Why am I passionate about this?

From the first time I snagged a romance book off my mother's shelf as a teenager, I've always been a hopeless romantic. I'm fascinated by love stories that feel like real life, entwined with the good, bad, and sometimes ugly. This is why I enjoy exploring the duality of life and love in my own novels as a romantic suspense author.

Rose's book list on action packed romance makes you feel larger than life

Rose Thorgaard Why Rose loves this book

This was one of the first romance books I read, and I was immersed in the fast-paced life of the characters from the first page. It's always satisfying to see two similar yet opposite people fall in love and heal together through any obstacle.

The high stakes and drama pulled me in and kept me engaged until the very end.

By Sylvia Day ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Bared to You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bared to You will take you to the very limits of obsession - and introduce you to a hero you'll never forget . . .

One of the bestselling love stories of the century from the No. 1 bestselling Crossfire series
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Our journey began in fire . . .

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness - beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white hot.

I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life.

I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me.

I was…


Book cover of Red Thorns

Paige Weaver Author Of Promise Me Darkness

From my list on romance that stays with you after the last page.

Why am I passionate about this?

I read many different genres, but my favorite to write and read is romance. I love ones that have angst, adventure, danger, and a passionate push and pull between the love interests. Those seem to stick with me long after I turn the last page. In my own writing, I like to do the same, giving readers a love story they want to visit again and again. The books I’ve listed are just some of the wonderful, unforgettable novels I’ve read, and I hope you enjoy them too! Happy reading!

Paige's book list on romance that stays with you after the last page

Paige Weaver Why Paige loves this book

Rina Kent writes hot, dark, erotic novels that stick with you for a long time. Her writing is spectacular, and her male characters are the types that I love to hate. Red Thorns is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers novel, and is not for the faint of heart but it’s a wild ride on the dark side that will make your heart race and require you to keep an ice cold drink nearby.

By Rina Kent ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Red Thorns as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A bet turned into a disaster.

Sebastian Weaver is the star quarterback and the college’s heartthrob.
Rich. Handsome. Bastard.
Everyone’s attention flocked toward him and all the girls dreamed to be with him.
Not me.
At least, not until he made a move on me.
See, I thought I was stronger than Sebastian’s charms.
I thought I could survive being his target.
I thought wrong.
Little did I know that he will make my most twisted fantasies come true.
Fantasies I didn’t know existed...

Red Thorns is a dark new adult book that contains dubious situations some readers might find…


Book cover of On the Island

Susan Cliff Author Of Stranded With The Navy Seal

From my list on romance novels for island lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved romance. I discovered the world of Harlequin one summer and never looked back. Now that I’m older, I appreciate female triumph and female-centered stories even more. I’ve read thousands of romances in my lifetime, so I know my stuff. As a San Diego area resident, I’m also an expert at “beach,” like Ken. When island vibes meet romance, it’s magic. The third element I can’t resist, exemplified by On the Island, is survival. I wrote my book with these passions in mind, and I make these recommendations with my whole heart. Happy reading! 

Susan's book list on romance novels for island lovers

Susan Cliff Why Susan loves this book

This is the OG of island romance. It’s also controversial due to the age difference between the characters. Anna (30F) and TJ (16M) get stranded on a deserted island together after their plane crashes in the Indian Ocean. Over the next three years, they stay alive against all odds and develop an unbreakable bond. Although TJ is enamored with Anna from the start, she doesn’t return his feelings or even see him as a man until he turns 19. By then, he’d become a strong survivor and an essential life partner.

I’m not a big fan of age-gap romance, but Graves makes it work without making it weird. This is an extraordinary story with grit and heart. I got totally swept away.

By Tracey Garvis Graves ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked On the Island as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It would always be summer on the island . . .

THE EMOTIONALLY GRIPPING AND ADDICTIVE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'I cannot put into words the love I have for Anna and T.J. I felt as though I was right there with them' 5***** Reader Review
'I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could! Will stay with me for a very long time' 5***** Reader Review
_________

When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a summer job tutoring T.J. Callahan at his family's holiday home in the Maldives, she immediately accepts.

T.J. wishes he weren't going. Almost…


Book cover of Tears of Tess

AJ Adams Author Of The Bonus

From my list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fiction lets me play with matches without real-world consequences. I’ve always been interested in the darker side of human nature, and so dark romance is the place where I can dive in and know it’s pure fantasy. Also, as the real world is plagued with plenty of unsolvable troubles, I love that dark romance guarantees a happy ending. Well, at least for the characters we learn to love!  

AJ's book list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love

AJ Adams Why AJ loves this book

I love Pepper Winters because she goes into dark places where very few authors are willing to go. In this story, Tess Snow falls from a perfect life into perfect horror. It’s a story that looks into identity being based so much on how others see us, so when Tess is sold, her soul is adrift.

It’s a very dark read, and I had to skip a few scenes but I love the fantasy of a loving trauma bond transforming captor and captive. Not for everyone, so tread carefully.

By Pepper Winters ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tears of Tess as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Top 20 Amazon Bestseller.

*6 STARS - BEST BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR!* Hook Me Up Book Blog

*6 out of 5 BRANDING stars!!! THE BEST BOOK OF 2013!* Prima Donna

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a…


Book cover of Reaper's Property

AJ Adams Author Of The Bonus

From my list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fiction lets me play with matches without real-world consequences. I’ve always been interested in the darker side of human nature, and so dark romance is the place where I can dive in and know it’s pure fantasy. Also, as the real world is plagued with plenty of unsolvable troubles, I love that dark romance guarantees a happy ending. Well, at least for the characters we learn to love!  

AJ's book list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love

AJ Adams Why AJ loves this book

I love how Joanna Wylde delves into biker club culture, making it appealing and yet not dialing down the violence. Horse, the hero, is a classic hero: tough, and yet he has a sweet side. Best of all, we have a great heroine!

I love that Marie is brave and independent. She has the sense to leave her awful ex and the guts to go it alone, and then she steps up to rescue her brother, who makes some bad choices. This is a fun read and a fast-paced one. 

By Joanna Wylde ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reaper's Property as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now. But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse. She doesn’t know his real name or where he lives. She’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talked with her brother wasn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he wasn’t…


Book cover of Carter Reed

AJ Adams Author Of The Bonus

From my list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fiction lets me play with matches without real-world consequences. I’ve always been interested in the darker side of human nature, and so dark romance is the place where I can dive in and know it’s pure fantasy. Also, as the real world is plagued with plenty of unsolvable troubles, I love that dark romance guarantees a happy ending. Well, at least for the characters we learn to love!  

AJ's book list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love

AJ Adams Why AJ loves this book

I first read this because the author received a raft of nasty reviews. That happens to many dark authors; it’s amazing how many people think they have the right to censor what other adults read, so I thought I’d have a go-and-see for myself.

What I found was a nicely tense mafia romance in which the heroine kicks off with a murder. I loved the set-up because I’m fascinated by morally grey people, and these two are definitely that! As for the style, it’s emotional, what I would call a Mills and Boon-style flow of feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it a fab read. 

By Tijan ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Carter Reed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Emma decided to skip the gym and went home early. It was the last easy decision she made because she found her roommate being raped by the boyfriend. She had two choices. Call the cops and be killed by his family’s mafia connections or kill him first and hope to survive. There was no choice to her. She killed the bastard first and went to the one person who could protect her. Carter Reed. He’s a weapon for the rivaling mafia family, but he’s also Emma’s secret. Not only was he best friends with her brother, but she’s the reason…


Book cover of Monster in His Eyes

AJ Adams Author Of The Bonus

From my list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fiction lets me play with matches without real-world consequences. I’ve always been interested in the darker side of human nature, and so dark romance is the place where I can dive in and know it’s pure fantasy. Also, as the real world is plagued with plenty of unsolvable troubles, I love that dark romance guarantees a happy ending. Well, at least for the characters we learn to love!  

AJ's book list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love

AJ Adams Why AJ loves this book

When it first came out, mob erotica was hugely popular. What set this one apart was that the gorgeous steamy bits were not overwhelming; there’s a story to this. You do have to set aside your principles, though, because Naz is a mobster in his mid-30s, and Karrisa is 18. That’s one of the things I love about dark romance. Loving a monster and a huge age gap is absolutely unconscionable in real life, but it's fabulous for a fictional tale.

What I loved about the book most is that mobster Naz loves Karrisa against his principles. That’s what makes the romance!

By J.M. Darhower ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Monster in His Eyes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ignazio Vitale is not a good man.

I suspect it, the first time I see him, sense the air of danger that surrounds the man. He has a way of commanding attention, of taking control, of knowing what I'm thinking before I even do.

It's alarming and alluring. It's dark and deadly. It's everything I've ever wanted but the last thing I truly need. Obsession.

It doesn't take him long to draw me into his web, charming me into his bed and trapping me in his life, a life I know nothing about until it's too late. He has secrets,…


Book cover of Dirty Angels

AJ Adams Author Of The Bonus

From my list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fiction lets me play with matches without real-world consequences. I’ve always been interested in the darker side of human nature, and so dark romance is the place where I can dive in and know it’s pure fantasy. Also, as the real world is plagued with plenty of unsolvable troubles, I love that dark romance guarantees a happy ending. Well, at least for the characters we learn to love!  

AJ's book list on dark romance lovers violence, depravity, and love

AJ Adams Why AJ loves this book

I love that Luisa sells her beauty to the highest bidder at the start of the book. It’s very rare to see a non-innocent heroine, and so this is tops for me. The icing on the cake, and I’m trying not to send spoilers here, is that Luisa doesn’t really understand that Salvador is and will continue to act like a cartel man.

Luisa realizes very quickly that the deal is a lousy one and that she’s sold herself to a predator. And this is what I love about the book: Luisa doesn’t hang about and wail; she acts, runs into even more trouble, and then learns to play the people she’s in with at their own game. It’s a fun book but very dark.  

By Karina Halle ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Dirty Angels as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the New York Times bestselling author of Black Sunshine and Sins & Needles comes an enemies-to-lovers dark romance between a ruthless cartel leader and the fiery woman he kidnaps.

For Luisa Chavez, a twenty-three-year-old former beauty queen, a better life has always been just out of her reach. Sure, she’s had men at her feet since she was a young teenager but she’s never had the one thing she’s craved – security. Having grown up in near poverty, her waitressing job in Cabo San Lucas can barely let her take care of herself, let alone her ailing parents. Every…