Romance Books for Readers Who Want the Villain to Win | The Black Concord.

She broke his kingdom. Then she made him king beneath her rule. The Black Concord is a dark fantasy duology for readers who love gothic romance books, villain romance, forced political marriage and morally compromised love. No easy redemption. No heroic overthrow. The conqueror wins—and keeps her crown. Save for your next dark read.

One throne, one warrior, and one very unwilling prince...

PRE-READING THOUGHTS

After The Shadows Between Us and The Darkness Within Us, I was ready for more of Levenseller’s signature morally grey romances—but I wasn’t expecting this. What starts out as enemies-to-lovers with a dash of political maneuvering turns into something much sharper, steamier, and darker. I’m intrigued. And slightly alarmed. Let’s go!

POST-READING

As I thought...

The concept absolutely delivers: women in power, men as political pawns, and a fierce main character who sees marriage as strategy, not surrender. The gender-flipped power dynamics are well-drawn and consistently followed through.

It surprised me by...

How adult this one is. There’s sex, violence, and a real sense of consequences here—both political and personal. A rapist loses his penis. An actual, surgical consequence. It’s handled with clarity, not voyeurism, but it makes clear: this is not a YA novel. Olerra is not a teen queen, and Sanos is not a boy with a crush. These are adults grappling with generational trauma, expectations, and the terrifying possibility of actual love.

MUSIC PAIRING

🎵 Featured Song: “You Don’t Own Me” – Lesley Gore (Olerra’s anthem, obviously)

🎶 Vibe Album: WARRIOR by Kesha – fierce, stomping, unapologetic energy with moments of emotional clarity

🎧 Artist Recommendation: Banks – sultry, edgy, and knows how to mix sensuality with sharpness

VIBE CHECK

🎨 Colour Palette: Royal purple, steel grey, blood red

🎬 Soundtrack: Gladiator meets Bridgerton but with less embroidery and more stabbing

🌦 Season: High summer—hot, heady, and occasionally violent

🧠 Mood: Dominance-and-defiance slow burn

🕯 Scent: Spiced wine and cold iron

TAROT PULL

The Empress – from the Moon Dust Tarot. She’s serene but commanding, hand raised, overseeing her domain with quiet certainty. Olerra is a woman who knows her own power—and what she’s willing to sacrifice for her country.

FOR FANS OF:

📚 The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen