20 BEST Reverse Harem Books That Defy Conventional Love

Last Updated on November 12, 2023 by Louisa

Who loves reverse harem books with strong female characters? I do! Who loves a woman who’s dominating over men? Even better. If this is you, then you’re going to swoon over reverse harem books.

Reverse harem romance books are a great way to channel your inner feminist and explore polyamorous relationships in a fun, lighthearted way.

Whether you’re looking for a reverse harem book with a badass female lead, something cute and comedic, or a storyline that’s intense and passionate, there’s something out there for everyone.

Get your cold towels at the ready, it’s time to check out what I consider to be the best reverse harem romance books.

But not before we look at some of the common features of the genre to make sure this romance trope is right for you…

Fair warning, many of these sultry and steaming hot romance books are written for mature audiences (18+) and are packed full of sizzling scenes that really turn up the heat.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links. 

The 3 Best Reverse Harem Romance Books

Need a book fast but don’t have a lot of time? Here are my three favorite reverse harem books right now. You can read my full list further down the article by clicking here.

What is a Reverse Harem Book?

The term reverse harem is used in romance fiction to describe a romantic situation where a woman has three or more male lovers.

Why is it called reverse harem? A harem is a word used to describe a household of women, often the wives or concubines of one man. A reverse harem is the opposite. It’s where a group of men devote themselves to one woman.

However, in romantic fiction, the term harem doesn’t have religious connotations. In most novels, the protagonist and other characters are not specified to any particular religion, it’s just a term used to describe the relationship between one woman and her many many male lovers.

It’s also not a love story that ends with a happy ending, where the woman picks one of her many lovers to share a monogamous relationship with. Usually, a woman doesn’t end up choosing anyone and is happy to continue her reverse harem relationships.

What makes a good reverse harem romance book?

One aspect that makes this genre so popular is that it often puts characters in unique and unexpected situations as they navigate the complex scenario and emotions that come with being part of the reverse harem.

One moment readers will be laughing at silly jokes between characters, and the next moment they’ll be sympathizing with an awkward love triangle.

The reader is often taken on a rollercoaster ride, experiencing both the highs and lows of each relationship as the characters come to terms with the complexity of their relationship.

Because the idea of a reverse harem might be too far-fetched for mainstream society, it’s quite common for reverse harem books to also fall into paranormal or high fantasy genres.

Whether it’s various species of mythical creatures or humans from different communities or backgrounds – the diversity of the groups helps form meaningful bonds regardless of differences.

You can also expect reverse harem books to contain important messages about standing up for yourself and following your dreams despite what society thinks about you.

A reverse harem relationship may not be common in the real world, but in these stories, the reader learns valuable life lessons about how love is complex and complicated.

These books are usually very steamy, but also have some heartwarming moments, heartfelt messages, and plenty of drama.

Best Contemporary Reverse Harem Books

If you’re not sure if the reverse harem genre is for you, then you might want to begin with the one off this list of the best reverse harem standalone books.

1. Frozen Hearts – R.A. Smyth

Frozen Hearts by R.A. Smyth is a perfect example of a dark and twisted storyline that defies the boundaries of conventional romance novels.

From the very first page, I was captivated by Smyth’s ability to weave a dark and seductive tale that left me yearning for more.

The story follows Riley, who has just started her first year at Halston University, but instead of concentrating on her studies, she finds herself captivated by three hot, but totally different, guys.

There’s Logan, the star hockey player who believes in soul mates, Royce, the unpredictable bad boy, and Grayson, the estranged stepbrother who’s plotting revenge.

What makes Frozen Hearts unique is how each hero has such diverse personalities, and makes you want to root for all of them.

Frozen Hearts is a refreshing and unique reverse harem and is a must-read for any lover of passionate and enthralling romances.

Trigger warning: this book contains scenes of violence, bullying, revenge, stepbrother romance, sexual assault, history of self harm, degradation, kidnapping, blood play, PTSD. This book is recommended for ages 18+.

2. Devils’ Day Party – C.M. Stunich

Devil’s Day Party is a well-written, interesting “Groundhog Day” type story with a time loop, that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Every year, the students of Crescent Reform Prep School hold a massive part in the town of Devil Springs to celebrate Devils’ Day. People wear masks, play tricks, and party hard.

Except for some reason, Karma experiences the same day over and over again, like Groundhog’s day.

The ultrarich prep school is located in the middle of the woods, where wealthy families can exile their troublesome children. But Karma’s parents sacrificed everything to send her there. 

Calix Knight, Barron Farrar, and Raz Loveren have bullied her for years. When Karma crashes her VW Beetle into Calix’s Aston Martin, the boys are angry.

This is the part where she keeps waking up. She can’t escape the bullies.

This is a mature new adult romance set in a high school, with themes of enemies-to-lovers romance. The story is fast-paced and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion. Though fair warning, this book is quite long at over 500 pages.

Read my full review of Devil’s Day Party by C.M. Stunich

3. Faking With Benefits – Lily Gold

If you’re looking for something more lighthearted, then you should consider Faking With Benefits, which is a romantic comedy about a girl who has never had a boyfriend before and is then faced with multiple options.

Layla Thompson is 28 years old and never had a boyfriend. Now she’s losing her patience.

She has three friends who are too eager to help her with her dating life; Zack, the rugby player, Josh, the boy next door, and Luke, the divorcee, and her former professor. 

The three men are determined to help her find a boyfriend and agree to be her practice boyfriends.

With a series of fake dates, make-out sessions, and steamy texts, soon her lessons start to become more intense.

What’s more, is that she talks about her progress on a weekly podcast.

As things start to get too deep, she realizes friendship isn’t what she wants anymore. The guys have taught her how to be boyfriends, and she wants all three.

This is a sizzling fake relationship romance novel with a multiple friends to lovers romance interests and lots of heat!

4. Baby & the Late Night Howlers – Kathryn Moon

Do you like bad boy alpha males with a motorcyle club romance storyline? Then Baby & The Late Night Howlers may be perfect for your bookcase.

After years of assuming she was a beta, Baby finally learns her omega designation in a biker bar surrounded by alpha males. This revelation isn’t fulfilling any fantasies she had for herself.

Baby wants to have a fun night out, and not get stuck in any uncomfortable situations. Her whole life is about to change.

With her heat on the way, she looks to find a trusty companion in the pack, a next, and a group of alphas. 

After years of being overlooked by omegas, this motorcycle club of alpha males is ready to move on with their lives. Until one woman gives them a chance.

The Howlers, a pack of alpha wolves who run a rundown bar and apartment building on the outskirts of town, are determined to do right by their new omega Baby when she needs them.

All they have to do is resist the temptation to bite and bond with her whilst also satisfying her cravings. But when a rival alpha comes sniffing around, Baby’s safety is at risk.

I enjoyed the character development in this story, and even though there were some descriptive intimate scenes, the plot didn’t falter and there was some solid relationship building throughout.

If you love alpha male romance books, then you might want to check out my list of the best alpha male romance books here.

5. Lilac – B.B. Reid

I love a musician, and so I couldn’t resist this rock star romance novel about a woman falling in love with all of her new bandmates. This can only get complicated, and that’s what makes it brilliant.

Braxton Fawn is chosen to fill the shoes of lead guitarist in a band named Bound after the former member disappears.

But these are no ordinary musicians, they’re gods. And Braxton’s new bandmates are about to turn her dream of being a rock star into a nightmare because they’re all so hot.

The members didn’t want Braxton to join the band, but the label wanted a new image.

As such, her bandmates became her enemies. But there is one thing keeping them all together – their undeniable attraction.

Now the hardest part about touring with Bound wasn’t ignoring her bandmates, Houston Morrow, Loren James, and Jericho, but trying to get through the tour resisting them. Only ninety-nine shows go.

Lilac is a contemporary reverse harem novel and is suitable for audiences over the age of 18+.

6. Reaper’s Pack – Rhea Watson

I promised diversity on this list, and so now it’s time to introduce you to a paranormal reverse harem book with supernatural characters. Love reverse harem fantasy books? Then you’ll swoon over Reaper’s Pack.

Imagine this; there is one grim reaper and three hellhounds who refuse to bow down to her. A monster hunting them in the shadows looms large.

Ten years ago, Hazel was judged and given a second chance at life after death and returned to Earth as a grim reaper.

Now promoted, her new territory is triple the size of her previous ones.

The high death rates in a particular area mean that there is a lot of work to be done, and the only way to keep up is by hiring a pack of hellhounds.

Hellhound shifters are often relied upon to be the reaper’s right hand in the field, shepherding and guarding souls until they can be reaped.

Hazel has her choice of the litter from the best breeders in Hell, but for some reason, she’s drawn to the runts of the litter.

Run by an alpha who refuses to bow down, a beta who thinks everything is a joke, and a runt who’s scared of every command.

She wants them because they have hunger in their eyes – a hunger that says they want her.

The handsome trio can’t be trained, they don’t know if they love her or hate her. But they need each other to pass the trials, or they get locked in a cage by a cruel demon master.

Reaper’s Pack is a standalone paranormal reverse harem romance that is part of the All The Queen’s Men series, but each book ends without cliffhangers and can be read in any order.

Each book in the series is a full-length standalone and features a layered hero and headstrong heroine. The books are part of the same supernatural universe.

7. Scarlett XOXO – Autumn Reed

Scarlett XOXO is a reverse harem romance novel that follows the story of multiple characters who all fall in love with Scarlett.

It is the first book in a series of standalone reverse harem romances, and each one can be read without knowing any other books in the series.

Since moving back to Hastings, Texas, Scarlett has been called all kinds of names, from whore to tramp. And maybe she’s all of those things and more.

But Scarlett has one goal in mind – to protect her little brother. To give him what she never had, she returns to her hometown.

Soon, her little brother’s teacher and the town’s golden boy take a shine to her, and strive to break down her walls. 

This book is slow-burning and also has elements of self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. It’s set in a small town, and so it has many features to it that are often found in small town romances such as prejudice.

This book focuses on the passionate relationship building over the hot, steamy scenes in the books I’ve mentioned before.

8. Peridot – M. Sinclair

Are you perhaps looking for a best friends to lovers book with a reverse harem that you can devour in one sitting? Then Peridot might be a good fitting for you since it’s only 100 pages.

Peridot lives with her three best friends, Ruslan, Oryn, and Reaghan. They are super cute and all of them are fae.

Since they are already cohabiting, this novel jumps straight in there with the steamy scenes.

If you’re looking for a fae romance book with a reverse harem, then this will be sure to win you over. The characters are engaging and the storyline is pretty solid. At just 89 pages, it’s short and sweet and can be devoured in one sitting.

Disclaimer: This novel is meant for a mature audience of 18+ and has some scenes of violence, swearing, and steamy scenes.

9. Dying to Love – Reese Rivers

Another refreshingly different reverse harem book is Dying to Love. It follows the story of Kelsey who has survived the apocalyptic outbreak and thrived in the new world.

However, she lost her friends and has been alone for almost a year.

She struggles with high anxiety but pushes through every day to find a way to keep going.

One day she meets three men who help her rebuild her life and one man who’s a bit of an ass, but still, she can’t stay away from him…

Her best friend, Tara is not thrilled about her antics, but Kelsey has had enough of dying day by day, so she grabs these hot men who offer to help her.

If you’re looking for a zombie novel, though this is set in an apocalyptic world, it really focuses on the reverse harem relationship.

It’s a comedic apocalyptic romance book with a reverse harem and yet has a ton of steamy scenes. 

Best Reverse Harem Book Series

If you know that reverse harem romance is for you, then you’ll want to dive right into the best reverse harem series!

10. The Dark Side Series – Kristy Cunning

For paranormal romance fans, here’s another one to add to your TBR.

Keyla is a ghost, and has been following four guys for five years. She’s sharp and witty, and adds a comedic element to this story with lots of jokes and puns.

She has a goal, find her body. When she finds it, and she returns to the world of the living, she plans to bed all four guys.

At first, the guys don’t know she exists, but soon they can hear and see her. They each have a goal of their own, trying to obtain something that has been lost for centuries.

They decide to let her stay, but make her known she is not trusted.

After following them into danger and saving their butts, they start to realize they might need her around.

She can’t remember anything before these men came into her life. Will she find her body and have her way with these men?

This is a refreshing read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The stakes get higher, emotions become more intense, and hard decisions must be made in order for a happy ending.

11. Curse of the Gods Series – Jaymin Eve

If you prefer your heroes to be of mythical origin, then here’s a great mythological fantasy reverse harem book for you featuring powerful gods and a hilarious heroine.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it’s a rom com, but I did find the main character to be witty and have excellent banter.

Willa is a dweller in Minatsol, an occupation that is considered dirt. Willa doesn’t want to serve the sols, the magic-blessed beings who are thought to become gods one day.

Willa has a rural village far from the cities on Earth, so she won’t ever have to present herself to the Sols. Until one day she makes a mistake and ends up serving at Blesswood, a top sol academy. 

Willa will be assigned to serve the Abcurse brothers, five sols built of arrogance, perfectionism, and power.

As almost gods, they have a lot of power. They will either end up sentencing her to death or ruining her so much she wishes for it.

12. Adamson All Boys Academy – C. M. Stunich

Although this is labeled a bully romance, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s really bully-ish. Our heroine gives as much as she takes and it’s quite tame. But if bullies aren’t for you, then feel free to keep scrolling.

Charlotte has a secret. She’s been disguising herself as a boy to attend the Adamson All-Boys Academy. The last female student at the Academy ended up dead, so she must keep her head low.

However, the five gorgeous members of the Student Council, pick on her because her father is the headmaster. They can’t ever find out.

This is a light-hearted reverse harem book featuring school bully romance themes and some mystery and suspense. It contains some steamy scenes but they are always consensual.

13. Haven Realm Chronicles – Mila Young

Another great reverse harem with fairytale themes, magic, wolves, and steamy scenes is Haven Realm Chronicles. It’s basically a fairytale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood who enters a reverse harem with a pack of wolves.

Scarlet lives alone in the forest that borders the land of wolves where she practices being a healer.

One night, she is stolen by a pack of shifters and told to perform her healing magic on three Alphas who have been plagued by a mysterious infection.

She attempts to save them but the dominating Alphas have her distracted. They look at her like she is their everything and it drives her crazy.

But there are dangers that threaten to tear them apart, and their dreams of being together may be shattered.

If you’re looking for an imaginative retelling with plenty of steamy, intimate scenes, some magic and violence, as well as love of course, then you’re going to enjoy this shifter romance read with a reverse harem.

14. Harem of Heart Series – C.M. Stunich

Allison’s Adventures in Underland is a reverse harem retelling of Alice in Wonderland and whoo boy, does it pack a bunch of steam! It’s only 158 pages, so you can devour this quickly if you’re looking for a quick read.

Allison was at a party when she fell down a rabbit hole and ended up in Underland, where there’s blood everywhere and all the men are attracted to her; the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the March Hare…all of them.

But soon, her enemies start hunting her and darkness follows her.

With some scenes of violence, romance, and scenes revolving around hallucinogenic tea, this is a dark and interesting take on the world-famous story. 

The Harem of Hearts series has three books, though just because it’s a retelling, don’t expect any fairy tales! These novels are written for mature audiences and are dark and twisted in all the right ways.

I really enjoyed the world-building in this book and the storyline was really spicey. Though fair warning, it does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared to get sucked into all three books!

15. Madison Kate Series – Tate James

Another sizzling enemies to lovers book I couldn’t put down is Hate, the first book in the Madison Kate series.

The story follows Madison Kate Danvers who was murdered. She wasn’t dead though, she was set up.

She was charged with a string of offenses made up by her political father and was eventually released back into life in Shadow Grove where she attends college.

But she’s angry, and someone is going to pay for ruining her future. That someone moved into the room down the hall from her.

His name was Archer D’Ath, who along with his make friends, is about to experience Madison’s wrath.

This is a mature enemies-to-lovers, college romance book that is packed with sexual tension and suspense. There are four books in the series and I enjoyed each one of them.

It was well written and had me on the edge of my seat throughout. The storyline has lots of action with many twists and turns. It doesn’t focus on the relationship, there is a real depth to the plot too.

16. Heart Hassle Series – Raven Kennedy

Heart Hassle is both funny and sexy, with some hilarious laugh out loud scenes and some scenes that have you grasping for the tissues.

Cupid’s job is to spread love and lust, but it sucks that Cupid doesn’t get to love herself. She decides to go on strike, which upsets her supervisors. 

One day, she gets hit with fae magic and falls through the sky and into a nest of three hot genfins. She’s now hellbent on finding out what love is really about. 

Cupid one thousand and fifty is going to stop at nothing, not even a revenge-crazed prince until she gets her happy ending. 😉

I loved the world-building in this book and I really felt a connection to the characters, despite them being supernatural.

If you are looking for something more light-hearted than the other recommendations on this list, then this is a good place to start.

17. Power of Five Series – Alex Lidell

Another one of the top well-written fantasy reverse harem books with excellent world-building and a storyline with depth is Power of Five.

The series follows the story of Lera who was orphaned and sold to a harsh master, who forced her to work in the stables cleaning stalls.

She avoids her master’s advances and often goes into the mystical forest separating the mortal and fae worlds to get away from him.

Four brave warriors have ventured into the immortal realms. Their deeds and stories will be remembered for centuries to come!

River, Coal, Tye, and Shade have been waiting 10 years for their new fifth to be chosen, and when they are magically bonded with a mortal female, they are devastated.

The males bring Lera back to the fae lands to sever the bond, but they quickly realize that she is dangerously frail and beautiful.

They fear for her safety, especially because of how powerful she is over their souls.

I loved the character development in this series. Every character is very different from one another and yet they are all so lovable, which is what reverse harem is all about.

It’s about love conquering all no matter your differences and finding attraction in diversities in people. I loved how this book had a genuine plot and didn’t get lost in the romance.

18. For the Blood – Debbie Cassidy

Because I love books that have action and adventure along with romance, I have to recommend For The Blood, which is all about a post apocalyptic world with a fast-paced story, but a slow burning romance book.

The last thing Eva’s father gave her was key. No explanation, just a key. She was told to take the key to a set of coordinates, but she lives in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world, and survival is dangerous.

The vampires and werewolves were once the kings of society but are now a slave to the virus, and have turned feral.

But there is a new breed of monster — a breed of vampire and werewolves with both fang and fur. They are unaffected by the virus and crave one thing that flows through Eva’s veins. 

Eva knows the only way to survive is to make attachments. Her only way to survive is to follow the path in her blood. 

This reverse harem book is a cross between Vampire Diaries and The Walking Dead, and is a slow burn fantasy romance novel that you will struggle to put down.

19. Rebels Series – Julia Clarke

Last but not least is the Rebels series, which is a sports romance series about a coach falling in love with the players.

Blake has a dream of coaching in the NFL. She has a doctorate in sports psychology, but because she’s a woman, people assume she knows nothing about football.

Some even say a woman on the sidelines is a distraction. But Blake is a professional and certainly won’t fall for players. When she finally gets a job coaching the Boston Rebels, she realizes a hands-off approach will be difficult.

The team with their broad shoulders and ripped abs makes it hard to stay focused. Three players, in particular, catch her eye. 

These offensive players are breaking her defenses. Her heart is pulling a reverse play.

I really loved Blake as the female lead in this book. She’s strong and independent and knows how to make a man fall to her knees.

This book was quite slow-burning, but I personally like that as it means you don’t miss out on a tantalizing plot.

20. Unconventional – Rebecca Royce

Giovanna Amsel is a hard-working student. She’s editor of the Denberg University Literary Magazine, and a focused English major. After all, being the daughter of two academics has a certain pressure to do well.

Nothing is going to deter her from her studies…except maybe Maven Stone, who introduces her to his two frat bros, Chance and Banyan, who show her that making her parents proud is not the only dream to be had.

From the very beginning, you’ll be hooked by the intense chemistry between the characters. It’s filled with heartwarming moments, steamy romance, and a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Unconventional is the first in a trilogy of college reverse harem novels by Rebecca Royce. It’s exciting, suspenseful, and will have you fanning yourself over these steamy frat boys!

FAQs About Reverse Harem Books

Here’s what people usually ask me about reverse harem books…

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Final Thoughts on Reverse Harem Books

So there you have it, those are my top reverse harem books of all time.

If it’s your first time reading a reverse harem, I highly recommend you begin with a standalone novel (except Den of Vipers which may be too dark for most first timers).

If you know you love reverse harem already, then I hope that found something exciting to read from my above recommendations.

If you think I’ve missed anything, do let me know in the comments!