A Little Love for the "Necessary Evils" Series
Apologies if this has been mentioned here before, but I just wanted to show a little love for the Necessary Evils series by Onley James.
I've read a few books like these in the past (morally grey MCs, dark storylines, murder/thriller-esque plots) but this series has really stuck out to me, because honestly, they're just really fun to read. The characters are well developed, and each book has its own identity, so you don't feel like you're reading the same scenes over and over again. The background plot(s) are also intriguing and have been twisty/turny enough to keep me interested, but not so much so that they've stressed me out.
I find that James treats the sensitive topics she weaves into her books as plot devices with a lot of respect and knowledge, and each character feels like they're genuinely a complete person, rather than just a conglomeration of ideas/tropes/shitty dialogue. I find myself empathizing with characters who are, how shall I put it, a little unhinged, because they're just so likable and relatable despite their diagnoses (this will make sense if you pick up the books.)
There are a few little moments that have tripped me up, but it's mostly just phrasing of things that I find stick out to me as a little off-putting, but nothing egregious. She uses the word "unalive" a few times, but I can look past it because the books are just so damn fun to read. Also, as with any dark romance, you'll have to suspend belief a little bit, but these books have made doing so easier than ones I've read in the past, because of the things I've listed above.
Anyway, just wanted to show the books a little love here, and if you have any recommendations for similar books please feel free to let me know, as I'm always looking for new stuff to read :)