85 books like I Dare You

By Shantel Tessier,

Here are 85 books that I Dare You fans have personally recommended if you like I Dare You. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Untouchable

Lindsey Iler Author Of Glass Heart Savage

From my list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author who always finds something redeemable in the most chaotic characters. I not only love to write broken characters, but I search them out while reading. There’s something beautiful in their redemption and their growth. It’s simple to fall in love with the easy heroes, the ones that can do no wrong. The ones that make you stop reading because you don’t think you can take it anymore and cause your heart to race in the middle of the night as you devour their story, those are the heroes that I love. They usually end up being the ones you love to hate.

Lindsey's book list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate

Lindsey Iler Why did Lindsey love this book?

I often wonder what made Sam write a character like Carter Mahoney, but all I can say is I’m so happy she did. This is not the book to go into with sunshine and rainbows on the brain because you will get the exact opposite, but in the best way possible. If you love cruel heroes that make you question your own sanity while reading like I do, this is the perfect read for you.

By Sam Mariano,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Untouchable as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

AN AMAZON TOP 100 BESTSELLER

The bully isn't supposed to win...

Senior year was off to a rough start: lube in my locker, panties on my front porch, unimaginative name-calling. See, I got a player suspended from the football team for harassing me, and in my small Texas town, you don't mess with the football players—even if they mess with you first.

I didn't care if it was an unpopular thing to do; I stood up for myself... and in doing so, opened Pandora's Box.

I never dreamed I would attract the attention of locally worshipped star quarterback, Carter Mahoney.…


Book cover of Trick Me Twice: An Enemies to Lovers High School Bully Romance

Lindsey Iler Author Of Glass Heart Savage

From my list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author who always finds something redeemable in the most chaotic characters. I not only love to write broken characters, but I search them out while reading. There’s something beautiful in their redemption and their growth. It’s simple to fall in love with the easy heroes, the ones that can do no wrong. The ones that make you stop reading because you don’t think you can take it anymore and cause your heart to race in the middle of the night as you devour their story, those are the heroes that I love. They usually end up being the ones you love to hate.

Lindsey's book list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate

Lindsey Iler Why did Lindsey love this book?

Becca Steele can do no wrong in my eyes. She has a way of twisting a story into this perfectly addicting, delicious tale that you don’t want to end. In Trick Me Twice, we meet Raine and Carter. She’s the loner, the quiet type. He’s… well, he’s not, which only makes this story that much more intriguing. You get this push and pull between them that feels like coming up for a breath you didn’t know you were desperate for.

By Becca Steele,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trick Me Twice as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Keep my head down and make it through my final year of school without attracting any attention. That was my plan.
The thing about plans? They change.
One day, I was an invisible loner, the next, my name was on everyone’s lips.
Why?
I caught the attention of the wrong person.
I tricked Carter Blackthorne, the king of Alstone High.
He found out.
And now?
Now, he’s making me pay.


It’s time for you to pay the price.
You tricked me once, but you won’t trick me twice.


Ready or not, here I come...



Trick Me Twice is a standalone…


Book cover of Boys of Brayshaw High

Danda K. Author Of You Broke Me First: The Savage Love Duet Book One

From my list on smutty romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a woman, wife, and Mom, I’m always looking to get lost in a good fictional romance. I’ve always been drawn more to the messy kind of love stories than the sappy sweet. If you’re like me, and need a bit of flaw in your characters and lots of steam, then you’ll want to read all of these books for sure. Always make sure to check trigger warnings before reading these books, though! 

Danda's book list on smutty romance

Danda K. Why did Danda love this book?

Boys of Brayshaw will absolutely consume you! There is so much suspense, swoony guys, strong female leads, and twists and turns that will have you rushing to the next page. I’ve read this series so many times and will never get enough. These characters will stay with you forever.

By Meagan Brandy,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Boys of Brayshaw High as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the world of morally corrupt teenagers, only the strongest survive...

"Simply UNPUTDOWNABLE ... all the feels cranked up to eleven. Five stars for this delicious page-turner!" - BB Easton, bestselling author of the Netflix adaption Sex/Life

 
From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Meagan Brandy comes an enemies-to-lovers, New Adult romance full of morally corrupt and power-driven teenagers.

"Girls like you aren't exactly welcomed at a place like this, so keep your head down and look the other way."

Those were the exact words of my social worker when she dropped me in my newest hellhole, a…


Book cover of Bully

Lindsey Iler Author Of Glass Heart Savage

From my list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author who always finds something redeemable in the most chaotic characters. I not only love to write broken characters, but I search them out while reading. There’s something beautiful in their redemption and their growth. It’s simple to fall in love with the easy heroes, the ones that can do no wrong. The ones that make you stop reading because you don’t think you can take it anymore and cause your heart to race in the middle of the night as you devour their story, those are the heroes that I love. They usually end up being the ones you love to hate.

Lindsey's book list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate

Lindsey Iler Why did Lindsey love this book?

Jared quickly leaps onto the pages and makes you want to root for him. This has everything to do with Penelope’s undeniable ability to weave a story so beautifully that even when you should hate the hero, you find yourself willing him into the type of character that is worthy of our heroine, Tate. This is an oldie, but a goodie. Personally, this is the original bully romance for me and has set the steppingstones for all the rest.

By Penelope Douglas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bully as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable romance that toes the fine line between love and hate…. 
 
My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me by a friendly nickname. No, he’ll barely even speak to me. But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I was humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I…


Book cover of The War in Heaven

Stephen J. Smith Author Of The Sabrael Confession

From my list on the war between angels and demons.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been fascinated by the idea of the war in Heaven. As a storyteller, the eternal struggle between angels and demons fighting for the fate of creation has been a source of perpetual inspiration for me. But finding stories about angels that aren't YA or paranormal romance can be challenging. So, channeling my love of historical fiction and action-packed adventure, I set out to craft a thrilling, realistic tale that puts the reader right on the front lines beside a peaceful angel forced into becoming a warrior fighting against his former brothers. This list reflects my favorite books that paved the way and inspired my own work.

Stephen's book list on the war between angels and demons

Stephen J. Smith Why did Stephen love this book?

This is actually the second book of Zeigler's Tears of Heaven series, but I read this one first and it stands perfectly on its own. There's so much I love about it, from the concept of rebel dark angels working to overthrow Satan with the help and ingenuity of human scientists and soldiers they rescue from Hell's torments to Zeigler's masterful world-building based on scripture and classic depictions of Hell. He pulls no punches in vividly describing the agonies of damnation. But it's his clever use of scientific principles to explain Hell's supernatural rules as well as arm his protagonists that truly stands out for me. I strove to achieve that level of logic in my book, but Zeigler manages to weaponize it as only a trained scientist could.

By Kenneth Zeigler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The War in Heaven as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Satan and his minions have declared war on the most beautiful planet in the universe his purpose is to depose Michael the archangel and become second only to God in command of all creation. Standing in Satan's way are a scattered and disorganized host of angels, a group of inexperienced saints, a small band of humans, and some angelic rebels in Hell. Armed with faith full power, Abaddon the Destroyer creates a formidable army to challenge the evil targeting Earth. Author of best selling Heaven and Hell, Kenneth Zeigler again draws from his research to create a realistic tale where…


Book cover of Working for the Devil

Philip Palmer Author Of Version 43

From my list on fantasy with a detective hero.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a science fiction and fantasy novelist and also a screenwriter and prolific writer of audio dramas for BBC Radio. I began my career many eons ago writing for the crime drama series The Bill and during that period I spent a lot of time mixing with coppers & villains and attending crime scenes. I have a great passion for detective and crime writing as well as all forms of speculative fiction, and I’m a sucker for crime/fantasy mash-ups.

Philip's book list on fantasy with a detective hero

Philip Palmer Why did Philip love this book?

Dante Valentine is a Necromance who works as an investigator for the police—solving murders by conjuring up the spirit of the dead person then asking, ‘Hey, who did this?’ Like Jim Butcher, Lilith blends humour and action, and she locates her stories in a unique futuristic/fantasy world in which demons wear black jeans. These books are afire with narrative energy and also brim with passion and love and eroticism. Dante Valentine is a superb kick-ass heroine and if you like a walk on the dark side, I’d warmly recommend the five volumes in this series. 

By Lilith Saintcrow,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Working for the Devil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When the Devil needs a rogue demon killed, who does he call? The Player: Necromance-for-hire Dante Valentine is choosy about her jobs. Hot tempered and with nerves of steel, she can raise the dead like nobody's business. But one rainy Monday morning, everything goes straight to hell. The Score: The Devil hires Dante to eliminate a rogue demon: Vardimal Santino. In return, he will let her live. It's an offer she can't refuse. The Catch: How do you kill something that can't die?


Book cover of The Devil is Dead

Donnally Miller Author Of The Devil's Workshop

From my list on fantasy that features the devil.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a lover of fantasy fiction ever since as a 12-year-old boy I lived in Oxford near the great J. R. R. Tolkien and read The Lord of the Rings and loved it so much I wrote to the author and he wrote back to me. I have no interest in the current commercialized fantasy genre. When I came to write a novel I wanted to write one that was actually imaginative, that had some philosophical heft, that an intelligent adult could enjoy. I wanted to write a book that mattered, that had some of my ideas about the nature of God and – yes – the devil.

Donnally's book list on fantasy that features the devil

Donnally Miller Why did Donnally love this book?

Anything by Lafferty is well worth reading. This was intended as the second book of a trilogy, but got published on its own. This tells primarily of Finnegan, an astonishing hero who is searching for the devil. If you haven’t made the acquaintance of R.A. Lafferty, this would be a good place to start. Imagine a cartoon world modeled on the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas. Lafferty writes in a tall tale mode that disguises much of his literary ambition. It’s hard to describe Lafferty’s writing. It might be described as Calvino with no pretension. Or maybe, just read a sample:

A night-dune imaginary: there was a world full of people with pumpkin-heads for heads, and candles burning inside. Then Seaworthy and the Devil and their spooky crew came along, lifted the top off each head, blew out the candles inside and put the tops back. The pumpkin-headed people…

By R. A. Lafferty,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Devil is Dead as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Paperback, 1971 First Avon Printing..."This is the first publication of The Devil is Dead in any form."--from the copyright page. This copy is a 1st Edition, First printing, Out off Print. Now the book:Triangle cut across top right corner, dog ear on lower right corner. Cover front and back well rubbed, artwork is intact but not as bright due to rubbing.Printed number on bottom end . The spine is tight and very intact ,but the paper cover on the spine is broken and peeling. Spine paper has been glued where possible, this copy needs a clear cover or it will…


Book cover of The Devil Rides Out

C.E. Marshall Author Of Quadseers: Preposterous Journey

From my list on having your heart racing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Books have been with me all my life as my father was a librarian and fed me books from an early age; I cannot remember being taught to read, I just could. Adventure and detective were my favourites. Then I found my local library and the horizons expanded; when I worked in a library there was the joy of being able to ‘stop’ a book I wanted to read but couldn't find. I graduated as a Biochemist and then got into computer programming. I completed my first novel in 1980 but put it away for thirty years before rewriting and publishing it. I got the writing bug and four more books followed as a series.

C.E.'s book list on having your heart racing

C.E. Marshall Why did C.E. love this book?

One of a series that can be read in any order. I found this spine-chilling as it is so easy to put yourself in the place of the characters. I could feel, and live, their fear and desperation. This is not a ghost story. I found it easy to imagine a group of ne’re do wells indulging in these rituals and bringing terror to themselves and others. Not a book I could put down.

By Dennis Wheatley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Devil Rides Out as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The aristocratic Duke de Richleau faces new, sinister challenges in this macabre tale of the dark arts. When his good friend Simon Aron's naive curiosity is tested, the Duke, along with his ever-patient friends Rex Van Ryn, and Richard Eaton, must intricately plot a means of both physical and spiritual rescue. But with Van Ryn's affections for a beautiful woman caught in the web of Satanists, and Eaton's ongoing scepticism, they all risk being brought to the verge of madness through dabbling with the powers of evil.

From London to the West Country, the slums of Paris to a Christian…


Book cover of Mister B. Gone

David Yurkovich Author Of Glass Onion

From my list on reads that stick with you long after you finish.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a writer, editor, and publisher. As a child in the 1970s, I first discovered a taste for adventure stories in the pages of Marvel comics. This lead to a wider interest in fiction, particularly sci-fi, horror, and adventure tales. I believe one of the basic tenets to becoming a good writer is to read…a lot. I gravitate toward well-known but also lesser-known stories. My main criteria: is the writing engaging, does it inspire me to keep reading? As a writer, I ask myself these same questions about my work. The titles in this list are among the benchmarks I aim for when writing and editing. 

David's book list on reads that stick with you long after you finish

David Yurkovich Why did David love this book?

Clive Barker’s 2007 novel is the sort of book that, as soon as you read the first page, you know you’ve found something special.

The narrator is a demon named Jakabok Botch who desperately wants you, the reader, to burn the book you’re reading. Throughout these pleas we learn about Jakabok’s history, beginning with his childhood in Hell, how he was pulled into the human world in the fourteenth century, and his many exploits since.

What really elevates this book from good to great is the first-person narrative. Barker does an exquisite job in giving a wholly original voice to his demon. Barker has described the novel as, “a different kind of scare, very brutal and very intimate,” and he isn’t exaggerating.

Mister B. Gone is a quick read, especially by Barker standards, but one that’s well worth your time and will have you reflecting upon long after you’ve finished…

By Clive Barker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mister B. Gone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The long-awaited return of the great master of horror. Mister B. Gone is Barker's shockingly bone-chilling discovery of a never-before-published demonic 'memoir' penned in the year 1438, when it was printed - one copy only - and then buried until now by an assistant who worked for the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg.

This bone-chilling novel, in which a medieval devil speaks directly to his reader-his tone murderous one moment, seductive the next-is a never-before-published memoir allegedly penned in the year 1438.

The demon has embedded himself in the very words of this tale of terror, turning the…


Book cover of The Devil in a Forest

Donnally Miller Author Of The Devil's Workshop

From my list on fantasy that features the devil.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a lover of fantasy fiction ever since as a 12-year-old boy I lived in Oxford near the great J. R. R. Tolkien and read The Lord of the Rings and loved it so much I wrote to the author and he wrote back to me. I have no interest in the current commercialized fantasy genre. When I came to write a novel I wanted to write one that was actually imaginative, that had some philosophical heft, that an intelligent adult could enjoy. I wanted to write a book that mattered, that had some of my ideas about the nature of God and – yes – the devil.

Donnally's book list on fantasy that features the devil

Donnally Miller Why did Donnally love this book?

I remember picking this up, not expecting much since it was marketed as a novel for adolescents, but what I found was a gripping story, very dark, about a time when there was a struggle between paganism and Christianity. It was a lot more than I’d expected, and so, like all the books on my list, it’s one I’ve returned to, to reread. It’s set in a simple village, and there’s a dark presence in the woods that surround the village, that might be a devil. The lead character is a young man trying to define the boundaries between good and evil. The writing is excellent, as is everything by Gene Wolfe, and the story is one that will stay with you. 

By Gene Wolfe,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Devil in a Forest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

He lives deep in the forest in the time of King Wenceslas, in a village older than record. The young man's hero-worship of the charming highwayman, Wat, is tempered by growing suspicion of Wat's cold savagery, and his fear of the sorcerous powers of Mother Cloot is tempered by her kindness. He must decide which of these powers to stand by in the coming battle between Good and Evil that not even his isolated village will be able to avoid.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.


5 book lists we think you will like!

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