11 angsty romance books that hurt so good

We all love cracking open a new book and getting lost in a cute love story, but once in a while, the standard formula doesn’t exactly scratch the itch. Sometimes you want your heart to be torn out.

Lucky for us, romance novels come in all shapes and sizes, and that includes books full of twists and turns that leave you distressed between reading sessions. Where the main characters wound each other so badly that you wonder how the author can possibly fix this mess. Where you’re yelling at the pages and hurting for the characters.

Are you looking for something to read or listen to that explores some of the more angsty and emotionally wrecking components of romance? We’ve got you covered.

1. “Sinner” by Sierra Simone

Oh, I adore a best friend’s sibling trope. That along with a, shall we say, challenging set of circumstances tick the angst box very neatly. Or not so neatly. You decide. There’s also an age gap. And a “teach me about intimacy” dynamic. Enjoy.

The second book in Sierra Simone’s Priest series, “Sinner” follows Sean Bell, an admitted and prolific playboy whose belief system revolves around sex, booze, and money. No, it’s not a billionaire romance, but Sean sure isn’t hurting for cash, let’s just say that. When he runs into Zenny, he’s immediately attracted before he recognizes her...as his best friend’s little sister.

Did I mention Zenny is also planning to become a nun? There’s that, too. Talk about complicated.

2. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

In the world of historical romance, I can’t NOT mention “The Song of Achilles.” I’ve only read it approximately 85 times, after all.

This angsty romance book is a retelling of “The Iliad” from the perspective of Patroclus, a young prince exiled to Phthia, who becomes the close companion and lover of Achilles—yes, THAT Achilles.

This book is gut-wrenching in all of the best ways. Love, honor, fate, unwavering devotion that leads to a poignant and tragic conclusion? Sure feels angsty to me! Preemptively reaches for tissue box.

3. “The Surrogate” by Penelope Ward

Okay, I am not a surprise pregnancy trope girly. Like...at all. I really thought I wouldn’t be into a romance book about a surrogate falling in love with a donor/widower, but here we are!

In this contemporary romance, Sig is persuaded by his in-laws to honor his late wife’s dying wish: to use her eggs and his sperm to have a child. Well, what happens when Abby arrives on the scene, fully prepared to carry the baby but unprepared to fall in love with Sig?

4. “Bittersweet” by Sarina Bowen

Second chance romances and small town love stories go hand-in-hand pretty often, but only this one has the honor of being my most frequently recommended romance novel of all time. I stand by my opinion that this is not only one of the best books for tried and tested romance book lovers, it’s also a good one to bring new readers into the genre, too.

Audrey can’t seem to get her life together, no matter how hard she tries, and the last thing she needs is to make a fool of herself in front of Griffin, the guy she had one gloriously steamy night with back in college.

Griffin definitely does not have time for a relationship, but he just can’t seem to keep his eyes (or his hands) off Audrey.

Heart-wrenchingly angsty? Hot farmer trope? HEA (happily ever after)? Check, check, check.

5. “What Lies Beyond the Veil” by Harper L. Woods

Fantasy romance (aka “romantasy”) has climbed in popularity recently, and honestly, I completely get it. It’s just so addictive! Fantasy books fill my Kindle to the point that my Amazon recommended list looks an awful lot like a dragon pit...or a dating app for hot, shirtless Fae men.

This one, however, was a #BookTok find. What happens when the Veil, a magical barrier that separates the Fae of Alfheimr and the humans of Nothrek, suddenly falls? What happens when the Fae, who have long yearned for their destined human mates, can suddenly reach them? And what happens when Estrella, a young woman on the run from the terrifying Fae, begins to fall for another human man who is also marked to be claimed by a Fae mate?

Don’t worry. It’s a whole series with a fourth book expected soon. You’re welcome.

6. “Night School” on Dipsea

I see the words “vampire” and “professor” in a description of a romance story, and I ask exactly zero questions. I go straight for the download button.

Dipsea’s “Night School” is an audiobook that follows Helena as she begins working with the mysterious and enigmatic Nicholas Whitlock. As they find themselves intensely drawn to each other, though, some serious conflicts emerge, not the least of which is the fact that Nicholas is a vampire.

7. “Sempre” by J.M. Darhower

Emotional romances that veer toward the edge of what’s conventionally acceptable? Hey, I’ll read anything once, and I read this one (ahem) more than once. High school romance meets mob story? Say less.

Haven Antonelli has been through some of the most difficult circumstances life could have thrown at her while Carmine DeMarco leads a pretty spoiled life within a powerful mafia family.

When they’re suddenly thrown together under the same roof, sparks fly instantly, but their connection unravels questions that people in power have fought to keep hidden. Please be prepared to sob uncontrollably through this angsty romance book. (I sure did.)

8. “Rhapsodic” by Laura Thalassa

“Bargainer, I would like to make a deal.” They don’t seem like dangerous words, but when desperate people need something done, they turn to the Bargainer, a powerful and mysterious supernatural figure who can always find a way to help…for a price.

Callypso owes favors that are marked on her wrist with a beaded bracelet, each bead representing an IOU to the Bargainer. It’s been years since she’s seen him, but now he’s come to collect.

The Bargainer series continues with “A Strange Hymn,” “The Emperor of Evening Stars,” and “Dark Harmony,” so there’s more than enough to sink your teeth into.

That said, if you like these books, check out her Four Horseman series, too. You wouldn’t think a supernatural/god-like character like Pestilence would be particularly sexy, and yet...

9. “River of Shadows” by Karina Halle

This is for all my readers who just can’t resist a Hades and Persephone retelling (I’m one of you). A darkly steamy take on Finnish mythology, the Underworld Gods series follows Hanna as she journeys to the Tuonela, the Realm of the Dead, to find her missing father. What she finds instead is Tuoni, the God of Death. (I think you see where I’m going with this...) Real talk, though: this one is on the darker side. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

10. “Bad Things” by R.K. Lilley

The Tristan & Danika series is a contemporary romance saga with a...let’s say tumultuous and passionate relationship.

When Danika meets Tristan at a party, she’s drawn to him despite her initial reservations, and Tristan, who is battling some major demons, is equally captivated by Danika.

Intense attraction, deep connection, and inevitable conflicts? Sounds like all my favorite ingredients for a compelling emotional roller coaster of a love story.

The pair confront personal insecurities, past traumas, and the fear of vulnerability along with the rougher aspects of Tristan’s volatile personality (to put it politely).

11. “Secret Rooms” on Dipsea

Phew. Okay. I have to write a coherent sentence about this series?? I’ll do my best...

Full of intrigue, suspense, and passion, “Secret Rooms” has one major rule: As soon as you enter, you do exactly as Freddie says. This audiobook series will twist you up in knots (figuratively and literally), so if it’s emotional turmoil you’re after in an angst-riddled story, let the master take your hand and put you through your paces. Yes, I’m so serious. Just trust me.

Looking for more angsty romance books like these? Take a tumble down the rabbit hole with Dipsea’s collection of romantic and steamy audiobooks here.