Books Like...

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort is a gender-swapped contemporary retelling of Phantom of the Opera set in a crumbling opera house turned brothel in Paris, Nevada. The story follows Broadway diva Erika Greene, who retreats to the opera house to recover from a scandal, and Christof Daae, the lead singer of a German hair metal band looking to write their English album. As Erika and Christof navigate their own personal struggles and secrets, they form an unlikely bond while dealing with financial instability, a curse, and the pressure to save the opera house from being taken over by a ruthless banker.

The book is a mix of humor, steamy romance, and quirky characters, including a dysfunctional band, secret voice lessons, a sex dungeon, and attempts to commune with spirits. Comfort weaves elements of the original Phantom of the Opera tale into a unique and bonkers storyline that keeps readers fully immersed in the improbable world of Erika and Christof.

'Phantom' by Greer Rivers is a dark romance novel that intricately weaves together themes of mental health, passion, and obsession. The story follows Scarlett, a strong yet vulnerable character who grapples with bipolar disorder while navigating a complex relationship with Sol, a mysterious and enigmatic man. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with twists and turns, exploring themes of darkness, love, and self-discovery.

Rivers masterfully blends elements of the classic 'Phantom of the Opera' tale with a modern twist set in New Orleans, creating a rich and immersive world that captivates readers from start to finish. Through Scarlett and Sol's intense chemistry and emotional depth, the author delves into the complexities of mental illness, love, and redemption, offering a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In 'Make Me, Sir' by Cherise Sinclair, the story revolves around Gabrielle, a victim specialist who volunteers to go undercover as a bratty submissive to help the FBI catch a ring of sex traffickers targeting rebellious subs in BDSM clubs. As Gabrielle navigates her dual role of being a decoy sub at Club Shadowlands and a trainee under Master Marcus, the plot unfolds with suspenseful twists and a blend of romance and BDSM dynamics. The writing style captures the complexities of the characters' relationships, the intense scenes of punishment, and the overarching theme of trust and submission in the BDSM world.

Phantom by Susan Kay is a retelling of the classic story of The Phantom of the Opera, focusing on the character of Erik as he grows up with a mother who hates him and follows his life until his death. The book delves deep into the emotional journey of the Phantom, portraying him as a sympathetic and complex character rather than just a villain. Readers find themselves deeply immersed in the intense and heartbreaking narrative, with the story resonating long after the book is finished.

The writing style of Susan Kay in Phantom is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, with many expressing how the book stays with them intensely for months after reading. Kay skillfully blends elements from the original Phantom of the Opera novel by Leroux and Lloyd Webber's adaptation, creating a rich and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the iconic tale while adding new layers to the characters and their relationships.

In "The Forgotten Phantom" by Kathryn Ann Kingsley, readers are taken on a modern twist of the classic Phantom of the Opera tale. The story follows Christine Gray, a member of a paranormal institute, as she delves into a cold case at a famous opera house rumored to be haunted by the Opera Monster. As she uncovers the mysteries of the past, she finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with the Phantom, Erik, who is portrayed as possessive yet true to his original character. The book weaves elements of the original story into a contemporary setting, capturing the essence of the Phantom's longing and Christine's transformation.

The author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, skillfully blends the familiar with the new, creating a narrative that resonates with fans of the Phantom of the Opera while offering fresh perspectives and twists. The writing style is described as deep and immersive, delving into the characters' emotions and relationships, particularly highlighting the growth of Christine and Erik as they navigate their unconventional bond.

'Captive in the Dark' in the series 'The Dark Duet' by C.J. Roberts is a dark and intense read that delves into themes of abuse, captivity, and complex relationships. The story follows Livvie, who is kidnapped by Caleb, her captor, in a tale that explores Stockholm syndrome and the blurred lines between captor and captive. The writing style is described as compelling, captivating, and twisted, with a plot that contains brutal and raw emotions, making it a challenging yet thought-provoking read.

In "The Red" by Tiffany Reisz, Mona, a gallery owner facing financial ruin, is offered a deal by a mysterious Englishman named Malcolm. The deal involves Mona being his toy for a year in exchange for valuable artwork to save her gallery, The Red. The story unfolds through a series of erotic encounters inspired by artistic masterpieces, blurring the lines between reality, fantasy, and desire. As Mona navigates this debauched journey, she discovers aspects of her own sexuality and emotions, leading to a transformational experience that challenges her perceptions of love and art.

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert is a dark and steamy retelling of Aladdin, focusing on the twisted relationship between Jafar and Jasmine. The book explores themes of power, revenge, and love, with a heavy emphasis on erotic scenes and primal play. The writing style is described as engaging and immersive, with a twist at the end that is highly praised by readers.

'Beyond Shame' by Kit Rocha is an erotic romance set in a dystopian world where men hold power, and the story revolves around characters exploring their sexuality and relationships within the O'Kane gang in Sector Four. The book combines themes of BDSM, found family, and love in a post-apocalyptic setting, with a focus on hot and explicit sex scenes intertwined with an actual plot that delves into power dynamics, consent, and polyamory.

The writing style in 'Beyond Shame' is described as sizzling and engaging, with well-developed characters, strong world-building, and a balance between erotic content and deeper exploration of themes like boundaries, communication, and understanding the complexities of relationships in a dystopic society. The book offers a mix of hot and graphic intimacy scenes, BDSM elements, and a storyline that goes beyond sexual encounters to explore the characters' emotional journeys and desires for connection and freedom.

'The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty' by Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquelaure, is a retelling of the traditional fairy tale through an erotic lens. The story follows Sleeping Beauty, who is awakened not by a kiss but through sexual encounters with a commanding Prince. She is taken to a kingdom where royals serve as sexual slaves, engaging in explicit acts of submission and dominance. The writing style is described as lush, erotic, and well-written, allowing for various erotic interplays to unfold within the narrative.