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The ReadDown

Morally Grey Characters in Romantasy Books

by Laurie Espino

Shadow wielders, brooding assassins, and mysterious warlords, there’s a long list of reasons why the paranormal romance and romantasy book community is head-over-heels in love with morally grey men. Maybe it’s their commitment to the “touch her and die” trope, or perhaps it’s their ability to carry just the right amount of soft for us to forgive – or at least justify – their crimes. So, if you find yourself longing for a new book or series to fill the void that Xaden, Rhysand, or Kingfisher left, here are ten men who toe the line between savior and sinner. Oh, and you’re welcome.

  1. 1
    Bride Book Cover Picture
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    Bride

    by Ali Hazelwood

    From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis comes a paranormal romance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf. To keep the peace between Vampyres and Were, Misery Lark is forced to marry Lowe, the ruthless and unpredictable Alpha of the Weres. Despite their initial distrust, a slow-burning connection grows between them. Can their arranged union survive long enough to become something real? Witty, sexy, and razor-sharp, Hazelwood weaves a darkly romantic tale of love, power, and unlikely bonds.
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    Hardcover
    $30.00

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  2. 2
    Tusk Love Book Cover Picture
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    Tusk Love

    by Thea Guanzon and Critical Role

    From the New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars comes a captivating, enthralling, and laugh-out-loud epic fantasy about Guinevere, a wayward merchant’s daughter, and Oskar, the hunky half-orc who saved her life. When this unlikely pair set off on an adventure, a tiny spark of attraction grows into a flame of passion. Heart-warming and captivating with just the right amount of spice, this epic fantasy will have you laughing out loud and giggling on your feet.
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    $30.00

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  3. 3
    A Cruel Thirst Book Cover Picture
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    A Cruel Thirst

    by Angela Montoya

    More than anything, Carolina wants to join her family in hunting the vampiros attacking her pueblo. Lalo is a vampiro determined to reverse the deadly curse cast upon him. The two may not like each other but team up to bring down their common enemy. Inspired by Mexican lore, this vampire and vampire-hunter adventure romantasy beautifully intertwines nail-biting action with a forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance.
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    $12.99

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  4. 4
    A Harvest of Hearts: Deluxe Stenciled Edges Book Cover Picture
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    A Harvest of Hearts: Deluxe Stenciled Edges

    by Andrea Eames

    Foss Butcher’s heart’s been stolen — literally! — and she wants it back. Sylvester might be a sorcerer, but he has no idea how to undo the heart-taking spell. Determined to stay close until she finds a cure, Foss becomes Sylvester’s housekeeper and learns unexpected secrets about the world of magic. Bright and clever, fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and The House in the Cerulean Sea will instantly fall in love with this immersive fantasy read.
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    $18.95

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  5. 5
    The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy Book Cover Picture
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    The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy

    by Brigitte Knightley

    Elite assassin Osric Mordaunt is ill, and Aurienne Fairhrim is one of the few healers who can help him. Desperate for money, Aurienne takes Osric’s bribe despite being his enemy. As they work together to find a cure, their undeniable attraction grows. Funny, witty, and creative, this romantasy has it all — an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance between a morally grey MMC and a grumpy FMC set in a magical world.
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    $30.00

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  6. 6
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    Blood Beneath the Snow

    by Alexandra Kennington

    Despite being the only member of her family with no magical abilities, Princess Revna must compete in the Bloodshed Trials — a competition to the death where the last sibling of the royal family takes the throne. When Revna is kidnapped by Hellbringer, the general of her country’s greatest enemy, she quickly becomes entangled in a dangerous game of court politics. Fans of The Shadows Between Us and A Court of Thorns and Roses will swoon for this fast-paced and action-packed enemies-to-lovers romantasy.
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    $19.00

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  7. 7
    A Fate Inked in Blood Book Cover Picture
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    A Fate Inked in Blood

    by Danielle L. Jensen

    Inspired by Norse mythology, this New York Times bestseller — and BookTok darling — has everything a #bookgirlie can ask for — an immersive, magical world, a fierce heroine, a brooding MMC, and a forbidden romance! It’s perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Trial of the Sun Queen. Be sure to catch up on book one before the sequel, A Curse Carved in Bone, out now!
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    $20.00

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  8. 8
    Bride of the Shadow King Book Cover Picture
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    Bride of the Shadow King

    by Sylvia Mercedes

    The Shadow King, Vor, needs a human bride to save his kingdom. Though reluctant, Princess Faraine agrees to the arrangement. But Faraine has a magical secret that can ruin not just their alliance, but the budding feelings growing between her and her new husband. Political intrigue paired with a slow-burn romance set in a rich, magical world, there’s a lot to love in this dark and haunting read.

    Be sure to finish the trilogy! Vow of the Shadow King and Heart of the Shadow King are now available in special editions with exclusive bonus materials!
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    Paperback
    $19.00

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  9. 9
    My Funny Demon Valentine Book Cover Picture
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    My Funny Demon Valentine

    by Aurora Ascher

    The first installment of the wickedly popular Hell Bent series comes from New York Times bestselling author Aurora Ascher! Asmodeus might be Prince of Hell, but there’s nothing he wants more than to become a jazz musician. He runs away to Earth, where he meets Ash, a beautiful violinist, and finds himself unexpectedly tangled in a romance. With a charming blend of dark humor and spice, this paranormal romance is perfect for fans of Butcher & Blackbird.
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    $19.95

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  10. 10
    The Monstrous Kind Book Cover Picture
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    The Monstrous Kind

    by Lydia Gregovic

    Inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and perfect for fans of House of Salt and Sorrows and Anatomy: A Love Story, this twisty gothic fantasy follows Merrick Darling, a daughter of the Manor Lord of Sussex. When her father suddenly dies, she’s forced to return to her childhood home. Things at the Darling estate of Norland House are off, and Merrick needs to find out what’s happening before it’s too late. Fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply emotional, this twisted tale will keep you guessing until the last page!
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    Paperback
    $12.99

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