The best romance books with strong, confident female main characters

Why am I passionate about this?

I definitely wouldn’t say I’m an expert…but I definitely have a passion for the topic of dominant, strong women! Especially when it comes to kink and BDSM, but in all aspects of life. I think most readers would agree, we are sick of seeing the Damsel in Distress and want someone who can kick some serious butt. I connect strongly with those stronger, sassier characters, and aim to write the same for other readers to connect with.


I wrote...

Book cover of Edgeplay

What is my book about?

Ava Goode leads a double life, working in insurance during the day and dominating her clients at night. Then she starts getting strange phone calls, a bouquet of white roses, unsigned notes…she doesn’t have time for some secret admirer, especially when she meets her father’s employee, Gabriel Burton…will he resist Ava’s dominance or kneel before her, like a good boy?

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Lessons on Seduction

Annabel Allan Why did I love this book?

I definitely recommend Lessons On Seduction because not only is main character Julian Richland a perfect book boyfriend, but main character Sapphire Blake is confident, sexy, and whip-smart. She’s not your typical “church mouse” but so relatable to those who have grown up in a sheltered world. She can be both spicy and sweet, unleashing her vulnerability while being dominant in the bedroom. She’s everything you want your heroine to be!

By Estelle Pettersen,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When college student Sapphire Blake finds herself fresh out of a breakup, she is ready to embark on a new journey in her life. A dark, sensual journey. Freeing herself from the expectations set by her family, friends, and church, an innocent and unworldly Sapphire begins experimenting with her new casual lover, Vera Richland. Julian Richland is ridiculously handsome, smart, and intimidating. This university professor finds himself enthralled in a sensual relationship with a woman willing to pay top money for his time in the bedroom. To pay off his debts and continue leading his lavish lifestyle, Julian discovers the…


Book cover of Joshua

Annabel Allan Why did I love this book?

Joshua's main character and fiery Italian babe Bella is spot on! She’s got the confidence, she’s sassy, and has that typical Italian hot temper. Not dominant per say, but she’s powerful and has a certain charisma and charm. She’s relatable to those who know what they want and seek it out. I also like her softer side…which you will have to read to find out about!

By Callie Carmen,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Bella had watched her friends find the men of their dreams, while she'd wasted the last year with a man that had barely touched her. After meeting the mysterious business man, Joshua, she was hopeful he’d add some passion to her life. Only he kept leaving town, and had his longtime friend, Ava, house sit for him. What was up with that?

Joshua was finishing up a two-year expat assignment overseas and couldn’t wait to get back home to the USA for good. Especially after meeting the sexy Italian beauty, Bella, who he hoped would still be single when he…


Book cover of Paging Dr. Turov

Annabel Allan Why did I love this book?

Paging Dr. Turov may seem like an odd choice because it doesn’t feature a dominant woman, but a submissive one. Abby Shea has the vulnerability of a submissive, yes. But what’s important about being a submissive in the BDSM world is having the strength to be one. Though it seems strange to some, being submissive means you’re the stronger of the two in the dynamic. Abby has the softness but shows she’s strong enough to submit to the hero, Victor. It’s definitely one of the better BDSM romances out there!

By Gibby Campbell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Dr. Victor Turov is at the top of his game. A world-renowned heart surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, he is also wealthy, good looking, and in complete control of his life. The only problem is he needs the right kind of woman, and a good submissive is hard to find.Enter Abby Shea, a young and beautiful widow, who runs into Dr. Turov while volunteering. Sparks fly between the two, but something about the good doctor scares Abby off. Victor has to aggressively pursue her until she agrees to a date. Now he just needs to convince Abby his lifestyle is…


Book cover of Out of the Ashes

Annabel Allan Why did I love this book?

In Out of the Ashes our heroine, Jenna Morgan, is another great example of the strength needed…this time to preserver. She starts over, which can be scary, but does it with confidence. She enjoys her newfound freedom and gets a new tattoo…which leads to meeting our hero, Nate. Drama and tension ensue, Jenna proving she’s a strong, confident woman. 

By Keren Hughes,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

After the divorce from hell, Jenna Morgan swears off men. But could the town “bad boy” Nate, be the one to make her break that oath?Freeing herself from the constraints of her ex, she decides to do the one thing she always wanted to but was never allowed; get a tattoo.Nate Peterson is the town bad boy and owner of the Blank Canvas tattoo parlour. Walking into his shop could change her life forever.At a speed-dating event, Jenna meets the business-savvy lawyer, Levi. Surely it couldn’t hurt to go on one date, with both men? Conflicted by the choice, she…


Book cover of Music for a Merman (Sea of Love Book 2)

Annabel Allan Why did I love this book?

We’re going a little paranormal for my last recommendation! Music for a Merman is the second in the Sea of Love series. Our heroine, Charlie, is another who is confident, strong, and definitely has an attitude to boot! But that’s what you want in a main character—you want the flaws, the defiance, going against the grain. Alice captures that with Charlie. You want a main character with their own personality and opinions, to help capture and connect with readers!

By Alice Renaud,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Music for a Merman (Sea of Love Book 2) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Rob Regor knew that humans were trouble. All the shape-shifting mermen of the Morvann Islands knew it. And human women were double trouble, especially when they were lying on the road in front of a digger.”
Rob has a mission. Go to the mainland. Work as a policeman. Find out as much as possible about the mainland humans. Report back to his father, the head of the Regor Clan. It should be easy.
Until he has to arrest Charlie. Rob can’t fight his attraction to the sexy eco-warrior, and it puts him on one hell of a collision course with…


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The Pact

By Lisa Darcy,

Book cover of The Pact

Lisa Darcy Author Of The Pact

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Cat lover Traveler Reader Amateur tennis player Foodie

Lisa's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

The Pact is a contemporary fiction novel about Australian sisters, Samantha and Annie, who are doubles tennis champions. This story amplifies the usual sibling issues and explores their professional partnership and personal relationships – similarities, differences, motivation, competition, abandonment, and grief – and how they each respond to the stress of constantly being under the media spotlight.

What happens when, at the pinnacle of fame, it all falls apart?

With dreams shattered and egos destroyed, how do they cope?

I have an older sister and although our rapport isn’t as dramatic, or as close, for that matter, I was able…

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