Let’s be honest-we all love to love some traits people have that we really shouldn’t. We love the bad boys, the wild girls, and the ones that are here for a fun time…not a long time. We all have a type. Sometimes our types…just come with a few red flags. But what if your relationship red flags didn’t just affect your love life-but they picked your next read as well?
From emotionally unavailable love interest to full-on gaslighting, this reading list is based on the chaos we say we don’t want, say they are not good for us…but somehow keep reading anyways. So if your red flag chose your next read, here’s what would end up on your TBR.
The “I Can Fix Him” Red Flag
Hunting Adeline- H.D. Carlton
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I think this was one of the first books that got me into the dark romance series. I heard about it because I was on Bumble and I was asking this girl what she was reading at the time. I find out a lot about a persons personality by what they read.
So this book is a book about morally gray decisions made by both Adeline and Zade. This relationship is not for the faint of heart to say the least…if you know the gun scene-you know what I mean. Zade may push past just gray behaviors on multiple occasions. The entire dynamic sits in that uncomfortable space between obsession and attraction. You spend most of the book wondering if he can be “redeemed” or not. The other half is questioning Adeline’s behaviors and her realizing she may not even want him to be redeemed or not.
The Shadow Between Us- Tricia Levenseller
I was honestly sure about this book when I read it because I felt like I knew what was going to happen along the way-but it was presently surpising.
This book is about Alessandra who’s sister finally get’s a husband so she is allowed to go out and about into society now. And the Shadow King, who his people want to get hitched-holds balls to entertains all the eligible bachelorettes. But guess who catches our King’s eyes? You guessed it. The Shadow King is not here to be the “good guy,” and that’s exactly what makes this so fun.
She literally goes into this planning to manipulate him, and somehow… feelings get involved *wink wink*. Their relationship feels like a game of power where both of them are trying to stay one step ahead.
It is very much a Slytherin romance if there ever one was. Magic and questionable behavior all throughout this book.
A Court of Mist and Fury — Sarah J. Maas
This book series has gone viral for a reason. If you haven’t read this book yet-well, let me fill you in. Feyre and Rhysand are the blueprint for “morally gray but make it irresistible.” Rhys comes off secretive, calculating, and very much in control, and you’re constantly questioning his intentions. Like are you an asshole? Are you not? Have you never heard of being decent before? But the slow reveal of who he really is? That’s what pulls readers all the way in.
Reading With a Side of Life take:
If your favorite trope is “he’s toxic but I see potential,” and you don’t mind being put in very questionable situations…this section is speaking directly to you and your red flag attraction is you think you can “change” him…honey, you won’t be changing anything but your body count. So just enjoy it while it last.
The Love Bomber Red Flag
Look-I love love. It is beautiful. Everyone is in a great mood. Everything is new and sparkly. But isn’t it crazy when you just meet someone and you are more emotionally invested than you normally would be? It feels great to receive those “good morning” text and asking you what you had for lunch because they just simply want to be the first thing on your mind in the morning and innocently just want to make sure you are taking care of yourself. But honestly-it is often not sustainable. And that is when your in a relationship and its six months down line, after they hook, line, and sunk your ass-wondering why they don’t make time for you anymore. Where are the random flowers? Where are the good morning and good night calls and texts? It’s because…you have been love bombed. But if you just also love love… these books may be for you.
Twisted Love — Ana Huang
Alex and Ava’s relationship wastes no time pulling you in. Alex is intense, protective, and very all-in from the start, and it creates that feeling of being completely swept up before you’ve even had time to think twice. It’s giving “I just met you but I would ruin my life for you.”
The Love Hypothesis- Ali Hazelwood
Okay-this one starts off with good ole’ fake dating trope. But let’s be honest…the emotional attachment shows up way too fast. Adam’s quite, steady attention paired with their growing connection makes everything escalate quickly in the best way.
Beautiful Disaster- Jamie McGuire
Abby and Travis are super chaotic and this often comes out in romance form. Travis attaches faster than a tick in the middle of summer. Their relationship unravels to an intense, dramatic, and emotional ball of chaos from the very beginning.
Reading with a Side of Life take:
If you love a “we met yesterday but we’re already everything to each other” type of vibe…well then-your welcome. No need to thank me for these book recs.
The “Hot and Cold” Red Flag
Bully- Penelope Douglas
Tate and Jared have a questionable past with being friends when they were kids. But then…something happens and everything changes. One minute Jared is tearing her down, the next he’s watching out for her, and you never quite know which version you’re going to get.
Ugly Love- Colleen Hoover
Tate and Miles have chemistry you can’t ignore, but miles makes it very clear that emotions are off-limits. Except…his actions don’t quite match up with his words. You get the honor of watching Tate struggle with trying to keep up with the emotional whiplash of inconsistency.
Normal People- Sally Rooney
Connell and Marianne are the definition of right person, wrong timing. They keep finding their way back to each other, but something always pulls them apart. Whether it’s miscommunication, insecurity, or just life itself.
Reading with a Side of Life Take:
If you’ve ever said “this time it’ll be different”-then maybe…just maybe you will understand these reads just a little too well.
The Gaslighting Red Flag
Gone Girl- Gillian Flynn
Nick and Amy may seem like your typical couple but they are far from it. This relationship is built on manipulation, control, and carefully crafted lies. What is real? Who is the asshole? And how dare they….or did they? This book makes you wonder who is really telling you the truth.
The Silent Patient- Alex Michaelides
Alicia and Gabriel’s relationship is mostly seen through fragments and perception, which makes everything feel slightly off from the beginning. As you learn more, you realize just how much of the truth has been hidden or twisted into what they want you to think is the truth.
Blood Orange- Harriet Tyce
Alison and Carl’s marriage looks functional to everyone who knows them. But the deeper you get into their relationship-the more unsettling it becomes. Carl’s behavior slowly chips away at Alison’s sense of reality in a way that feels quite…but incredibly disturbing.
Reading with a Side of Life take:
If you like your thrillers with a side of “wait…am I crazy or am I just being made to feel crazy?” Then this is your section of book choices for sure.
The “Still Talking About Their Ex” Red Flag
Love and Other Words- Christina Lauren
Macy and Elliot are that “first love” that never really leaves you. Even when you think that Macy is off building a totally different life being all happy…think again. It is clear that she is still just letting Elliot just live just under her skin.
One True Loves- Taylor Jenkins Reid
Let’s talk about this love triangle. Emma, Jesse, and Sam. This situation is messy. Emma thought she was totally over Jesse, but when he comes back into her life… everything that she has built with Sam goes into question and the debate is…really one sided.
People We Meet on Vacation- Emily Henry
Poppy and Alex spend years dancing around what they actually mean to each other. Even when they try time after time to get over each other…other people do not live up to what they had with each other.
Reading With a Side of Life take:
If their ex is still the standard…you already know how these books end.
The “Emotionally Unavailable” Red Flag
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me- Mariana Zapata
Vanessa and Aiden’s relationship is the definition of a slow burn….a very….very slow burn. He is so quite, distant, and keeps everything so locked down so tightly you almost want to shake him to act even slightly normal. He is wound so tight you are trying to read between the lines of even the smallest signs of care.
Beach Read- Emily Henry
January and Gus have chemistry from the start and yet Gus keeps parts of himself at such a distance it might has well sunk to the bottom of the ocean. He’s dealing with his own emotional weight, and instead of talking about it like a normal human-he tends to deflect and run away from all the feels.
Archer’s Voice- Mia Sheridan
Bree and Archer’s story is less about avoidance and more about absolute fear. Archer has spent so long isolated that opening up doesn’t come naturally. Which makes every moment of connection feel significant but you just want…more.
Reading With a Side of Life Take:
If you’ve ever said “he just needs time to open up…”Then these reads are waiting for you as you hold your breath for them to open up.
The Control Freak Red Flag
The Sweetest Oblivion- Danielle Lori
Elena and Nico’s relationship is a little off center since it is a constant power struggle between the two. Nico loves control. He has to have it. His protective nature often crosses into possessiveness, and he’s not exactly the type to let things happen without his input. And it if does…well-things don’t end well.
King of Wrath- Ana Haung
Dante and Vivian’s relationship starts as an arrangement…so you would think that this a fake relationship trope. But nope. Wrong category. Dante approaches it likes everything else in his life- strategically. He’s used to controlling outcomes, people, and challenges. Which makes him a big guess of emotional unpredictability to everyone he tries to control.
Ruthless People- J. J. McAvoy
Melody and Liam (great character names, right?) have something in particular in common. Control. Which makes their relationship a constant power struggle between the two. Neither one is quick to give up control, and that tension drives everything between them.
Reading With a Side of Life Take:
When both people want to be in charge…things get interesting and a little spicy.
Final Thoughts: What Do Your Red Flags Say About Your TBR List?
At the end of the day, we might not want these red flags in real life…but in books? Yes please.
We eat it up every single time.
But there’s just something about messy, complicated, and very chaotic relationships that make a story impossible to put down.
Be honest with me:
Which red flag is picking your next book? Let me know below.
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