A Touch of Taboo: The Ultimate Guide to Penelope Douglas
Welcome back, romance readers!
If you are looking for a delectable blend of romance, drama, and suspense, I have an author for you! Let’s jump into the dark, forbidden world of Penelope Douglas.
But before getting started, this is a friendly reminder to be aware of your triggers and to check for any necessary trigger warnings associated with the titles below.

Meet Penelope Douglas
Penelope Douglas is a bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, and went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. After working as a financial planner for several years, she decided to pursue her passion for writing and published her first novel, Bully, in 2013. Since then, she has published several other successful romance series, including Fall Away, Devil’s Night, and Birthday Girl. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and have earned her a dedicated following of readers around the world. Douglas is known for her compelling characters, steamy romance, and intriguing plot twists, and continues to be a rising star in the world of romance fiction.

Where to Find Penelope Douglas

Let’s Start with the Series

Fall Away
Bully follows the life of Tatum “Tate” Brandt, a high school senior who is forced to move back to her hometown after her parent’s divorce. There, she reconnects with her childhood friend, Jared “Jax” Trent, who has become the school’s most notorious bully. Despite their history, Jax continues to torment and humiliate Tate, making her life a living hell. As the two of them navigate their complicated relationship, Tate begins to uncover the secrets and vulnerabilities that lie beneath Jax’s tough exterior. As they grow closer, they both must confront their past and learn to forgive each other for their mistakes.

Devil’s Night
When Rika becomes the target of a dangerous stalker, the four former friends come together to protect her. However, as they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the stalker’s identity, they begin to realize that they are all connected in more ways than they thought. As their past comes back to haunt them, the group must confront their darkest secrets and the corrupt forces that threaten to destroy them.

Former tennis player Easton Bradbury is trying to be the best teacher she can be, trying to reach her bored students, trying to forget her past. But now one parent-teacher meeting may be her undoing….
Meeting Tyler Marek for the first time makes it easy for Easton to see why his son is having trouble in school. The man knows how to manage businesses and wealth, not a living, breathing teenage boy. Or a young teacher, for that matter, though he tries to. And yet…there is something about him that draws Easton in—a hint of vulnerability, a flash of attraction, a spark that might burn.
Wanting him is taboo. Needing him is undeniable. And his long-awaited touch will weaken Easton’s resolve—and reveal what should stay hidden….
Misha and Ryen were mistakenly paired as pen pals when they were children and had been inseparable since then, sending letters and telling each other everything even though they’ve never met. However, when a tragic accident happens, Misha stops replying. Ryen will do anything to have her pen pal back.
After an unfortunate circumstance, Jordan’s boyfriend Cole lands in jail, leading her to move into his dad’s house with Pike, a 38-year-old father. With Cole being absent, the relationship between Jordan and Pike quickly develops.
Tiernan becomes orphaned and is placed under the care of her estranged step-uncle and his two sons in the isolated mountains of Colorado. Tiernan develops relationships with the two sons, Kaleb and Noah, and the lines between them begin to blur.
Clay seems to be a good Catholic girl. She looks like perfection and always has control. But behind her innocent ruse is a bully. Olivia works hard toward her Ivy League dreams. But will Claire get in the way of a better future? Could she survive a night in Olivia’s shoes?
A short story written for the Scouts Anthology. 17K+ words. This book is not currently for sale or in paperback.

A dark enemies-to-lovers in a contemporary setting
Corrupt
When Rika becomes the target of a dangerous stalker, the four former friends come together to protect her. However, as they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the stalker’s identity, they begin to realize that they are all connected in more ways than they thought. As their past comes back to haunt them, the group must confront their darkest secrets and the corrupt forces that threaten to destroy them.
Get your copy of Corrupt from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
A dark, bully romance
Punk 57
Misha and Ryen were mistakenly paired as pen pals when they were children and had been inseparable since then, sending letters and telling each other everything even though they’ve never met. However, when a tragic accident happens, Misha stops replying. Ryen will do anything to have her pen pal back.
Get your copy of Punk 57 from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
An erotic, forced proximity, forbidden romance
Credence
Tiernan becomes orphaned and is placed under the care of her estranged step-uncle and his two sons in the isolated mountains of Colorado. Tiernan develops relationships with the two sons, Kaleb and Noah, and the lines between them begin to blur.
Get your copy of Credence from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Which book will you add to your TBR? Let me know in the comments below!

Add these books to your TBR if you love Penelope Douglas!

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
For readers who enjoy
- College Romance
- Suspense
- Bully Romance
- Force Proximity
- Enemies-to-Lovers
In this college town lies a secret society run by the Lords. The Lords are the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And when a Lord enters their senior year, they are offered a chosen one. Blakely is the chosen one.
Get your copy of The Ritual from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

Flock by Kate Stewart
For readers who enjoy
- Dark Romance
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Age Gap
- Contemporary
- Erotica
Nineteen-year-old Cecilia Horner moves to the small town of Triple Falls to live with her estranged father and work at his factory. But there’s more to Triple Falls than what meets the eye.
This book is available with Kindle Unlimited.

Deviant King by Rina Kent
For readers who enjoy
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Alpha Male
- Bully
- Sports Romance
- Virgin FMC
Deviant King is a dark high school bully romance novel that follows Elsa, a strong heroine with a mysterious past, and Aiden. Elsa is determined to get through her new elite school with her head down and all focus on her studies; only then will she be able to get into college and escape her past. However, Aiden has other plans for her, and he is not someone to be ignored.
Get your copy of Deviant King from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

Vicious by L.J. Shen
For readers who enjoy
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- New Adult
- Alpha Male
- Dark Romance
- Erotica
Vicious follows Emilia, a sassy and sweet girl who is fascinated by Vicious, the school’s bad boy and a rich spoiled brat. Vicious is a bully and a total Class A A-hole. He is obsessed with Emilia but also hates her. He wants her out of his life, and he does succeed by using his nefarious ways. Ten years later, fate brings them back together.
Get your copy of Vicious from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Thirsty for more book recommendations? Check out Series, Spice, and Everything Nice: Sixteen Books I Devoured in July.
Don’t forget to share which book you will add to your TBR and what authors you would like to see a guide for. Comment below!
Stay spicy,
AJ đź’‹