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A gothic, suspense-filled romance with intense vibes and a captivating setting. It’s not perfect - expect some clunky writing and polarizing tropes - but if you love dark academia with a paranormal edge, it’s a wild ride worth taking.

If you liked Gothikana, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Nocticadia by Keri Lake
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    Nocticadia is a beautifully twisted gothic romance that immerses you in secrets, science, and slow-burning chemistry - perfect for anyone looking for something dark, smart, and utterly addictive. If the premise intrigues you, it’s absolutely worth the wild ride.

    'Nocticadia' by Keri Lake is a gripping gothic romance novel that delves into the world of a forbidden teacher-student relationship intertwined with university secret societies and dark mysteries. The story follows Lilia, a brave and intelligent young woman, as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her mother's death, leading her to the enigmatic Professor Devryck. As their magnetic connection grows stronger, they are drawn into a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals, all set against the backdrop of a sinister atmosphere filled with murder and darkness. The book expertly weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and captivating writing style.

    Keri Lake's 'Nocticadia' is praised for its depth, detail, and world-building, offering readers a dark and tantalizingly twisted tale that captivates from beginning to end. The book is lauded for its brilliant storytelling, unique and unputdownable nature, and its ability to seamlessly blend fiction with reality. With compelling characters, intense chemistry, and a slow-burn romance, 'Nocticadia' immerses readers in a world filled with secrets, sin, and forbidden desires, creating an unforgettable reading experience that leaves a lasting impact.

    Too-crisp Spam sizzled in a pan as I held my arm to my nose. The popping sound of fatty meat was loud enough to carry over Jean Valjean’s heartfelt plea to Javert from Les Misérables playing in the th...
    April 2023
    682 pages

  2. #2

    The Coven - Coven of Bones by Harper L. Woods (Adelaide Forrest)
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    Come for the magic school and twisted romance - stay if you love villainous heroes, heavy spice, and don’t mind a dark, sometimes unsettling vibe. Not for the faint of heart, but it’s a page-turner if you’re into the dark side.

    'The Coven' by Harper L. Woods is a dark romance novel set in a witch academy with elements of demons, vampires, and morally grey characters. The plot revolves around a true villain male main character (MMC) and a thick female main character (FMC) in a spicy and steamy romance. The story features a mix of betrayal, toxic relationships, and a touch of student x professor romance dynamics. As the series progresses, the plot twists keep readers engaged, and the writing style delves into themes of vengeance, trauma, and dark relationships.

    The whispers at my back existed within a bubble, as if I’d managed to separate myself from them. Even as all the people who’d murmured behind my mother’s back waited for their turn to say goodbye to t...
    March 2023
    298 pages

  3. #3

    Master of Salt & Bones by Keri Lake
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    Atmospheric, twisty, and dark as midnight - Master of Salt & Bones is a daring gothic romance that’s as unsettling as it is gripping. If you crave deeply layered stories and can handle heavy subjects, add it to your TBR; if not, maybe steer clear.

    'Master of Salt & Bones' by Keri Lake is a dark and suspenseful romance novel that follows the story of Isa, a 19-year-old with a troubled past, who becomes the companion of Lady Blackthorne in a gothic castle. The book is told in dual character perspective and dual time periods, revealing deep backstories and mysteries surrounding the characters. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. The writing style is described as atmospheric, raw, and emotional, with elements of suspense and dark romance that challenge readers with serious themes like mental illness, abuse, and trauma.

    Cigarette smoke mingles with the warm, salty sea air that’s breezing through the cracked window, as my aunt taps her thumb like a metronome against the steering wheel. “Yeah, you would be, too, if you...
    April 2020
    551 pages

  4. #4

    Fairydale by Veronica Lancet
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    An epic, atmospheric, twist-filled gothic romance that’s as immersive as it is intense. Fairydale is a wild ride - perfect if you love big books, bigger feelings, and stories that keep you guessing.

    'Fairydale' by Veronica Lancet is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery. It follows the intertwined stories of Amon and Sela, filled with elements of Gothic, paranormal creatures, and epic love. The writing style is described as flawless, unpredictable, and immersive, with intricate storytelling that keeps readers hooked from the first few pages. The plot unfolds with layers of mystery, suspense, and action, revealing a world filled with monsters, mayhem, and a hero willing to go to great lengths for his woman.

    'Fairydale' is praised for its unique storyline that spans different eras and worlds, connecting characters like Amon to ancient Egypt and exploring themes of love that last lifetimes. is commended for its dark Gothic atmosphere, intricate character development, and a love story that is both epic and infinite. Readers are drawn into a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartbreak to redemption, as they uncover the depths of the story that touch on dark taboos and different twists.

    Saint Russell Boarding School is one of the top boarding schools in the country, and though a requirement of my position had been to live on its premises, I'd been more than happy to do so considering...
    August 2022
    748 pages

  5. #5

    Enigma by RuNyx
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    Enigma by RuNyx is a hauntingly beautiful romance set in the eerie atmosphere of Mortimer University. The story follows Salem Salazar, a student obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her sister's mysterious death, as she encounters Cazimir van der Waal, a talented artist with secrets of his own. Their journey intertwines as they delve into the dark mysteries surrounding the university, discovering a profound connection that transcends the ordinary.

    The writing style of RuNyx captivates readers with its poetic prose. Each sentence paints vivid imagery, immersing the reader in the emotional landscape of the characters. The slow build of tension throughout the story pulls you in, making it hard to put down. Salem and Caz's relationship evolves from a shared understanding of loneliness to a deep bond that feels as if they have known each other forever. Enigma leaves a lingering impact, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life, love, and the shadows we must confront.

    She couldn’t say with full certainty, not with the lack of light on the moonless, cloudy night. But from her vantage point at the top of the cliff, seeing the dark lump suspiciously shaped like a huma...
    April 2025
    480 pages

  6. #6

    Hollow Heathens: Book of Blackwell - Tales of Weeping Hollow by Nicole Fiorina
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    Atmospheric, emotional, and spooky - a poetic, slow-burn gothic romance dripping with dark secrets and magic. If you love haunted towns and intense love stories, give it a shot!

    "Hollow Heathens: Book of Blackwell" in the series "Tales of Weeping Hollow" by Nicole Fiorina is a dark and magical tale set in the mysterious town of Weeping Hollow. The story follows Fallon as she returns to her hometown after receiving a letter from her estranged dying grandfather, only to be pulled into a world of witch covens, curses, and forbidden love. She meets Julian, a Hollow Heathen cursed to wear a mask, and their connection leads to a powerful and tragic love story. The writing style is described as hauntingly poetic, with a gothic feel reminiscent of classic supernatural tales, creating an immersive and captivating reading experience.

    The plot of "Hollow Heathens" is unique and gripping from the very beginning, with a love story that is described as one for the ages. The connection between the main characters, Julian and Fallon, is powerful and beautifully portrayed, drawing readers in with its depth and complexity. The imagery in the book is praised for being out of this world, and the writing is highlighted for its beauty and poetic nature, making it a story that readers will never forget.

    Bouncing off the refrigerator's glass door, which housed numerous caffeinated drinks options, I caught myself staring at my ghostly reflection. My white hair and pale blue eyes looked opalescent, almo...
    October 2020
    480 pages

  7. #7

    Grave Matter by Karina Halle
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    Utterly gripping, freaky, and unique - "Grave Matter" is a wild ride for dark romance and thriller lovers. Go in blind for maximum impact!

    Grave Matter by Karina Halle tells the story of Sydney, a grad student who travels to a secluded research island to study fungi. As she arrives, strange occurrences unfold, including the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student and the enigmatic presence of her professor, Kincaid. The book masterfully blends elements of gothic romance, psychological thriller, and science fiction, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.

    The writing style is gripping and immersive, creating a dark, eerie atmosphere that draws readers into Sydney's world. The suspense builds steadily, and Halle's incorporation of scientific concepts adds depth to the narrative. While some readers may critique certain elements, like the inclusion of BDSM, the overall storyline captivates with its complexity and compelling character dynamics, ultimately leaving a lasting impression.

    I’ve stepped off the floatplane, the propellers still sputtering in rotation as I take the hand of a lanky man in a rain jacket who introduces himself as David Chen, manager of Madrona Lodge. But as I...
    October 2024
    377 pages

  8. #8

    The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
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    Deliciously dark, romantic, and atmospheric - a must for gothic romance fans who love secrets, haunted histories, and slow-building suspense. Stick with it past the slow start; the payoff is well worth the chills!

    'The Cruel Dark' by Bea Northwick is a gothic romance set in the 1920s that follows the story of Millicent Foxboro as she takes a job assisting a professor in a mysterious, haunted estate. As Millie delves into the estate's history, she uncovers dark secrets, hauntings, and twists that keep the reader on edge. The writing style is immersive, with detailed descriptions that bring the setting to life, and the plot unfolds with suspense, mystery, and a touch of sensuality that keeps readers hooked until the unexpected bittersweet ending.

    I’d never questioned the presence of my wits more than the moment I stood in the frigid morning air and watched the hired car arrive. The vehicle, sleek and ostentatious, was said to be capable of goi...
    October 2023
    255 pages

  9. #9

    Nightshade by Keri Lake
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    A sweeping, imaginative, and spicy gothic romance that excels at worldbuilding and character depth. Not for everyone, but a must-read for dark fantasy lovers who appreciate intense, epic love stories.

    Nightshade by Keri Lake is a dark paranormal gothic romance that explores the powerful and intense love between the characters, Jericho and Farryn. The story spans centuries, delving into themes of sacrifice, evil forces, reincarnation, and the complexities of relationships. Lake's writing style intricately weaves together elements of horror, romance, and fantasy, creating a world filled with angels, demons, witchcraft, and dark religious orders. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, keeping readers engaged with its suspenseful and enchanting narrative.

    Lustina took the hand of the robed man, noting the cold wrinkled skin against her palm. Her mother had told her never to trust them, the ones with crosses and stern faces, but when they’d taken her mo...
    October 2021
    677 pages

  10. #10

    The Isle Of Sin And Shadows by Keri Lake
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    Twisted, immersive, and not for the squeamish - this southern gothic romance will leave your heart pounding and your mind racing. If you dig dark and moody romantic suspense, don’t miss it!

    'The Isle Of Sin And Shadows' by Keri Lake is a dark romance novel that follows the story of Celeste, a resilient and strong woman who seeks answers about her past while dealing with pain and loss. She crosses paths with Thierry, a bad ass living a life of crime, who promises to never love but finds himself entangled in chaos when Celeste enters his life. The book is set in Chevalier, Louisiana, with references to voodoo, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as haunting, thrilling, and full of suspense, with unexpected twists that keep the readers guessing till the very end.

    Hooking my fingers beneath my shirt, I peel the clingy burgundy turtleneck over my head and toss it onto the frozen sand beside me. Long tresses of exceptionally unruly curls fall around my shoulders,...
    March 2021
    542 pages

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