Unhinged Female Protagonists Recommendations

Kill the Queen

The assassinations start immediately

In a royal family full of people with magical powers, Everleigh’s lack of ability regulates her to the edges of the Bellona court. When a series of assassinations happens, Evie escapes and becomes part of a gladiator troupe. This series is more fantasy than romance but you’ll see the relationship between Evie and Sullivan grow throughout the trilogy.

Agnes and the Hitman

She goes after a man with a frying pan

If you liked Tangled, you’ll love this one. Food writer Agnes just wants to be left alone, but when a dognapper breaks into her kitchen and a hitman breaks into her bedroom, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. A true rom com.

The Shadows Between Us

A cunning bitch who’s ready for her crown

Alessandra has a very reasonable plan. All she has to do is seduce the Shadow King, marry him, and kill him so she can take his kingdom for herself. But as others try to assassinate him first, Alessandra must save his life without falling in love.

Duke of Sin

She doesn’t redeem the villain

The Duke of Montgomery is a menace. He’s a blackmailer, he’s a rake…he’s a murderer? Housekeeper Bridget infiltrates Val’s home to look for evidence of his crimes and ends up joining his unhinged adventures. Instead of redeeming Val, she makes him worse.

Butcher & Blackbird

The first in a new trilogy

A dark romantic comedy where two serial killers compete to kill other serial killers. I’m not sure how Brynne Weaver got the golden retriever/black cat dynamic to work in this version of Dexter but somehow it does.

Stone Heart

Light kidnapping as a treat

Medusa is only spoken about in whispers as she’s known for making people disappear. When Athena sends Medusa after Calypso, Calypso does everything she can to seduce her assassin. Free on Amazon right now! You don’t have to read this novella to enjoy the Dark Olympus series, but it is a fun time.

An Innocent Obsession

Stalker alert

We can always rely on Jessa Kane for some unhinged characters, and I think Emery is the most unhinged. She’s been obsessed with Clarke forever, and is ready to go from the fantasy to the real thing.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

A BookTok favorite that’s worth it

As the adopted human daughter of a vampire king, Oraya must do whatever it takes to survive in a battle amongst warriors from three vampire houses. After all, she was raised to be ruthless.