Bully romance has become a classic sub-genre of romance during the last decade, and there are plenty of stories to choose from. Here is a list of the 30 best bully romance books you might have missed.
Bully romance books are a popular subgenre of romance that features a hero or heroine who is a bully or is being bullied. These books often explore complex themes such as power dynamics, redemption, and forgiveness.
In this list, we have compiled 30 of the best bully romance books, both bestsellers and hidden gems. These books vary in heat level, from sweet to steamy, and feature a range of tropes, from enemies to lovers to forbidden love.
Whether you are a fan of angsty, intense romance or looking to explore a new subgenre, this list has something for everyone. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and dive into the world of bully romance.
Bully (The Fall Away Series Book 1) by Penelope Douglass
Jared and Tate were best friends and spent all their time together. Then something happened, and now Jared does everything he can to make her life miserable. He started horrendous rumors about her. He stole her keys and threw them in a pool where she had to go in fully dressed to retrieve them so she could leave the party. What’s with him? She doesn’t even know why he’s doing this to her, but she’s done with it and isn’t going to put up with it anymore.
You can read Bully (The Fall Away Series Book 1) here.
Untouchable by Sam Mariano
Untouchable is a gripping novel that explores the dark side of high school culture in small-town Texas. The story follows a strong-willed protagonist who stands up to harassment from a football player, only to attract the unwanted attention of the star quarterback, Carter Mahoney. Despite her best efforts to avoid him, Carter becomes fixated on her and begins to prey on her, turning her senior year into a nightmare. With a carefully constructed facade that hides his true, predatory nature, Carter becomes a dangerous and twisted force in the protagonist’s life. Untouchable is a thrilling and chilling tale that sheds light on the dangers of toxic masculinity and the importance of standing up for oneself, no matter the consequences.
A simple plan to finish Royal Elite School and attend a dream university is thwarted by Aiden King, the school’s dark and dangerous king. With one glance, he destroys everything and issues a death sentence. Provoking him was an irrevocable mistake, and now the price must be paid. In Deviant King, being hated by Aiden King is dangerous, but being wanted by him is lethal.
This is not your typical love-hate story. The boy really does hate the girl. From the moment they met on the playground, he taught her to fear him. For a decade, he tormented her, and now that he’s back, he wants revenge. He believes she was the reason for his departure, and he’s determined to make her pay. In No Fairytale, there’s no Prince Charming, only a boy seeking revenge.
Kings of Quarantine: (Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep Book 1) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
The ruthless boys of Everlake Prep never saw lockdown coming. Confined to a boarding school for the elite, I’m stuck in isolation with the boys who hate me most: Saint, Kyan, and Blake, also known as the Night Keepers. They act like beasts, but they’re also the most tempting creatures I’ve ever seen. With the virus escalating and my dad’s name splashed through the news, my world is falling apart. The Night Keepers want to make me pay for his crimes, and touching a sacred rock supposedly binds me as their slave. But I have secrets they don’t know. Cosying up to Coach Monroe, my hot P.E. teacher with a vendetta against the Night Keepers, might just help me destroy them. In this boarding school thriller, I’ll use my mind and body to bring these assholes to their knees.
My plan was to keep a low profile and get through my final year of school unnoticed. But plans change, and I found myself on everyone’s lips after catching the attention of Carter Blackthorne, the king of Alstone High. I tricked him once, but he found out, and now he’s making me pay. In this high school thriller, it’s time for me to pay the price for my mistake.
In this gripping tale, the truth comes at a cost before setting you free. Elsa’s quest for the past blinds her to the present, but I’ll fight for her, protect her, and bring her back. As masks drop and secrets unravel, I’m determined to keep our promise, even if it means playing one final game. Are you ready, sweetheart? Get ready to join us in this thrilling adventure of love and protection.
Ruthless Kings : A Dark High School Bully Romance (Windsor Academy Book 2) By Laura Lee
Survival of the fittest is the only rule in this world of deceit and brutality, and I’ve learned that the hard way. However, after being left to die, I’m not sure who to trust anymore. As I uncover more dark truths, the web of lies only gets more complicated. But I won’t back down, I’ll keep digging until I bring down those responsible.
Obsidian (A Lux Novel Book 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Moving to West Virginia for her senior year of high school wasn’t ideal, but when the hot boy next door turns out to be an alien with supernatural abilities, things get interesting. Despite their mutual dislike, the alien, Daemon, and the protagonist must work together to fend off his enemies and protect her from his touch, which marks her as a target. With danger lurking around every corner, surviving and escaping their enemies becomes their top priority.
Emilia, a talented artist, is haunted by a man who is both her lover and tormentor. He’s a brilliant lawyer, skilled criminal, and a beautiful liar. Ten years ago, he made her run away from their small town. Now he’s back in New York, and he won’t leave without her. Vicious, Emilia’s best friend’s ex-girlfriend, turned his life upside down ten years ago. Despite her knowing his darkest secrets, he can’t resist chasing her. She may hate him, but he won’t give up on her.
Until You (The Fall Away series Book 2) by Penelope Douglas
Anger and numbness have consumed me for years, with no in-between. Some hate me, some fear me, but I don’t care about anyone or anything except Tatum. I love her so much it hurts, yet hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends until I pushed her away. But she centers me. Now, she’s back, different, and pushing back. I’m not sure if we’ll ever be the same again.
Misha and Ryen were perfect pen pals until they met. The mistake pairing in fifth grade turned into a seven-year friendship of arguing, acceptance, and letters with three rules. However, when Misha discovers Ryen’s photo online, he breaks the rules and sets out to meet her, only to hate what he finds. On the other hand, Ryen worries when Misha stops writing and wonders if he’s gone forever or closer than she thinks.
“Girls like you aren’t welcome here, keep your head down,” warned my social worker as she left me at a place for troubled teens. But I didn’t listen and now I’m on the radar of the intimidating boys at Brayshaw High. They expect me to play by their rules, but I don’t follow rules. They’re determined to make me fit into their social order, but I won’t.
Angry God is a gritty bully romance novel that follows the story of Lenora and Vaughn, two opposite personalities. While Lenora stands her ground, Vaughn is ruthless and untouchable. When they both enroll in Todos Santos, Vaughn makes it his mission to make Lenny’s life miserable. Their rivalry intensifies as they compete for a prestigious art internship in London. Despite the obstacles, Lenny refuses to back down and fights to win. If you enjoy edgy love stories, Angry God is a must-read book.
Moving in with a billionaire playboy sounds like a fairytale come true, but for me, it’s been anything but. When my family lost our home, we had no choice but to move to Bellevue Springs – a place where the rich and famous reside. However, this “dream” location turned out to be a nightmare filled with dark secrets and the harsh reality of the one-percenters.
Despite feeling like we don’t belong, my mother and I must make do. But things get worse when I meet Colton Carrington, the son of Charles Carrington, who is also my new housemate. Colton is an arrogant and entitled individual who seems hell-bent on making my life miserable.
However, I’m not one to back down from a fight, and I plan to take Colton down. In my world, you don’t start a war unless you’re ready to finish it, and I have nothing left to lose. This may be Colton’s territory, but the game is mine.
Join me as I navigate this new world and show that even someone with nothing can come out on top.
My senior year took an unexpected turn when my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us. I didn’t expect him to be such a jerk, taking his frustration out on me and bringing girls from our high school back to his room. What I hated most was the way my body reacted to him, even though I knew it was wrong.
At first, all I saw were his tattooed abs and chiseled face. But as time went on, things between us changed. One night, everything came to a head, but just as quickly as he arrived, he left and went back to California.
Years went by, and I hadn’t seen Elec since that night. But when tragedy struck our family, I had to face him again, and he was no longer the teenage boy that drove me crazy. He was a man that drove me insane, and I knew my heart was about to get broken all over again.
Join me on this journey of forbidden love and heartbreak as I navigate my feelings for my step brother and try to protect my heart from being shattered once again.
Returning to Royal Manor for my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy was never something I imagined. But here I am, facing Jace Covington, my first friend, crush, and kiss. The same boy I left behind, except he’s not the same anymore. This new Jace is cruel and stunningly attractive, and he’s hell-bent on making my life miserable, along with his entitled family and group of bullies. They all expect me to bow down to them, but I’d rather not. Jace and his crew will have to try harder to get rid of me because I don’t play by the rules.
The Lies We Tell: An Enemy to Lovers College Bully Romance (The Four Book 1) by Becca Steele
After my father’s sudden death, starting over at Alstone College was hard enough. But the four dominant boys ruling the university, including my stepbrother Caiden Cavendish, made things even more challenging. They were determined to make my life a living nightmare, and the lies surrounding my father’s death and my safety only added to the chaos. As I try to navigate this new world, I find myself facing difficult choices and dangerous situations. The Four are closing in on me, and I can’t escape their grasp. Follow me on this thrilling journey as I fight to survive and keep my secrets safe from those who would use them against me.
Wicked Liars: A Dark Highschool Bully Romance (Windsor Academy Book 1) by Laura Lee
Join Jazz in this thrilling tale of vengeance and justice as I take on the wealthy and powerful kings and queens of my new high school, along with the father and stepmother I never knew. Despite their dirty secrets and their attempts to break me, I refuse to give up and will stop at nothing to make them pay for their sins. Follow my journey of empowerment and revenge in this riveting story.
The news of Joey’s death might have brought some relief, but it was short-lived. A box containing his head, wrapped with a bow and an ominous card, has been delivered to the protagonist, leaving them with more questions than answers.
To make matters worse, the notorious sadistic killer, Joseph Beaumont Sr., has teamed up with the Jackal to take down the protagonist’s family, blaming them for the death of his beloved child. The body count is only rising, and graduation seems like a distant dream.
In this thrilling story, Blaise must navigate the dangerous underworld of crime and try to keep their family safe. With their lives on the line, they must uncover who is behind the packages containing human heads and stop the Jackal and Joseph Beaumont Sr. before it’s too late.
Will they be able to survive long enough to see graduation day? And who is sending these gruesome packages? Find out in this gripping tale of suspense and survival.
Havoc at Prescott High (The Havoc Boys Book 1) by C.M. Stunich
Prescott High is ruled by the infamous Havoc Boys – Hael, Aaron, Victor, Oscar, and Callum. These boys are not to be messed with, and anyone who crosses them is in for a world of trouble. For one year, the protagonist endured their cruelty, but senior year is going to be different.
In this captivating story, Bernadette makes a deal with the devil to get the revenge she deserves. The Havoc Boys agree to help her get back at everyone who wronged her, but the price is steep. She must become a part of their gang and be at their beck and call, even in their beds.
As a Havoc Girl, Bernadette must navigate the dangerous game of power and control. With each move, the lines between love and hate blur, and the stakes get higher. Will she be able to keep her head above water, or will she drown in the murky depths of the Havoc Boys’ world?
In this provocative tale of betrayal and redemption, the Havoc Girls will stop at nothing to get what they want. With a dangerous game of power and control, they will do whatever it takes to get their revenge, even if it means betraying those closest to them.
Shunned: A Reverse Harem Bully Romance by Steffanie Holmes
Hazel Waite should have kept her mouth shut, should have let them win. But she couldn’t stay silent. And now, the kings of the school are out for her blood. After a devastating fire took everything she had – her parents, her best friend, and her life – she’s been given a second chance at a prestigious academy for rich snobs.
In this gripping story, Hazel must endure a year of being the charity case no one wanted, enduring taunts, insults, and bullying. But she didn’t count on Trey, Ayaz, and Quinn – arrogant, privileged, and dangerous boys who are determined to make her suffer. With their drop-dead gorgeous looks, they want her gone, and they’ll stop at nothing to make her nightmares real.
Despite the odds, Hazel refuses to hide away. She’s not afraid, but maybe she should be. In this story of strength and resilience, she must navigate the treacherous waters of high school bullying while holding onto her courage and determination. Will she survive the school year, or will the bullies break her?
Manson’s mistake leads to submitting to dominant men to pay off a debt. As she falls deeper, she questions everything and faces a difficult decision. Sacrifice her plans, pride, and independence, or embrace newfound freedom with the men who turned her world upside down? In “Debt of Submission,” desire, power, and submission collide.
They were rich, privileged, gorgeous, and cruel – the poster boys for rebellion. We worshiped them despite their dangerous games until the first dirty girl died. As the bodies pile up, I endure their wicked ways, wondering if I’ll escape. Wealthy boys used to getting everything they want, even at the cost of the lives around them.
Former best friends turned bitter enemies, Xander Knight and Kimberly Reed’s relationship is a nightmare. Xander is popular, cruel and breathtakingly beautiful, while Kimberly is innocent and hiding a secret. Despite their animosity, they are still drawn to each other. As they battle it out, they must come to terms with their feelings and decide if their love is worth fighting for. Will they forgive each other’s past mistakes and mend their broken relationship, or will they let their differences keep them apart forever?
Ellie McCallum was a bully who found happiness in making others miserable, particularly Flynn Hendrick, a boy with Asperger’s who suffered systematic cruelty. Years later, their paths cross again and they find a connection, leading to an unlikely love story. But their painful past and old wounds resurface, reminding them that the further you run from yourself, the closer you come to who you really are. In “The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window,” labels define them until they find themselves in each other, showing that love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Pretty Reckless (All Saints High Book 1) by L.J. Shen
Penn and Daria have a complicated past filled with betrayal and revenge. Penn was poor, Daria was rich, and he took her first kiss, while she took the only thing he loved. Years later, they are living under the same roof as foster siblings. Penn is now the captain of the rival football team and intends to make Daria pay for ruining his life. Daria is the queen of the school but is haunted by the way she treated Penn. She wants to make amends, but Penn is determined to make her suffer. They both have something to prove and a price to pay.
The Cruel Prince: A High School Bully Romance (Royal Hearts Academy Book 1) Ashley Jade
Returning to Royal Hearts Academy, the last place she ever wanted to be, Dylan is forced to confront her first friend, crush, and kiss, Jace Covington. However, Jace is no longer the sweet boy she left behind. He, along with his family and friends, is now cruel and tyrannical. They expect her to submit to their rule, but she refuses to play along. Despite Jace’s determination to make her life miserable, she will not back down easily.
Emilia and Vicious have a complicated history. He made her leave their small town years ago, but now he’s come for her in New York. Vicious is a brilliant lawyer and skilled criminal, while Emilia is a pretty and evasive starving artist. She is the daughter of his estate’s cheap Help and his best friend’s ex-girlfriend, which makes her off-limits. However, Vicious is not deterred and is determined to have her, even though she hates him. Their love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and he won’t stop until he takes her with him.
As Ella navigates the treacherous waters of the Royal family, she discovers that they have secrets of their own. Secrets that threaten to destroy them all. But as she gets closer to the truth, she also gets closer to Reed, the one boy she knows she should stay away from.
Despite the warnings, Ella can’t help but be drawn to Reed’s intense gaze, his razor-sharp wit, and his undeniable charm. But with each passing day, the stakes get higher, and the risks become greater. Ella knows that if she’s not careful, the Royals will ruin her just as surely as they ruined themselves.
In a world where money and power rule everything, can Ella find a way to stay true to herself? Can she survive the cutthroat games of the Royal family? Or will she become just another victim of their excess and deception? Only time will tell in this captivating tale of love, betrayal, and survival.
Bully romance books have become increasingly popular in recent years, with readers drawn to the intense emotions and power dynamics between the main characters. This list of 30 best bully romance books features both well-known bestsellers and hidden gems, providing a wide range of options for readers looking to dive into this subgenre.
While the concept of a bully romance can be controversial, many authors handle the subject matter with sensitivity and provide meaningful character development and redemption arcs. It’s important to note that healthy relationships should always be the goal, and these books should be approached with an understanding of the fictional nature of the relationships portrayed.
Whether you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, or angsty high school dramas, this list has something for everyone. So sit back, grab a book, and prepare to be swept away by the drama and passion of these bully romances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bully romance novel?
A bully romance novel features a protagonist who is bullied or mistreated by a romantic interest or love interest. The bully may be physically or emotionally abusive, but eventually, they may develop a romantic relationship.
Why are bully romance novels popular?
Bully romance novels often appeal to readers who enjoy the dynamic of enemies to lovers or a flawed hero. They can also offer a satisfying sense of catharsis when the protagonist stands up to their bully or overcomes their mistreatment.
Are bully romance novels problematic?
Some readers and critics argue that bully romance novels romanticize abusive behavior and may be triggering for some readers. Others argue that they can explore complex power dynamics and offer a way to address real-life issues in a fictional context.
What are some popular bully romance novels?
Some popular bully romance novels include “Bully” by Penelope Douglas, “Vicious” by L.J. Shen, “Paper Princess” by Erin Watt, and “Cruel Intentions” by Siobhan Davis.
Are there any content warnings I should be aware of before reading a bully romance novel?
Many bully romance novels contain explicit language, sexual content, and scenes of violence or abuse. It’s important to read the book description and reviews carefully before deciding to read a book and to prioritize your own mental health and well-being.
Hello there! I’m Mary, and I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. I love going to libraries and bookstores. I can spend hours looking for just the right book. I love diving into a good book, knowing for a few hours, I can escape the pressure of everyday life. I’m a monther of 4 and love writing and reading in my spare time.
