The Tied Man - Tabitha McGowan
I'm not an avid reader of 'dark' romances but I've read some of the most "popular" books in this "genre" and I have to say that 'The Tied Man', in my opinion, stands out. I'm impressed with this story's originality, the character development and the writing quality.

In terms of disturbing books, at this level, I can only think of one book [Taming the beast by Emily Maguire] that made me feel this shocked,disgusted and simultaneously frustrated and heartbroken as this one did. 'The Tied Man' is a deeply disturbing and violent read and it is definitely not for the faint of heart, however, this being a romance we are left with a sense of hope, that said, I'm looking forward to read book 2 and upcoming books by Tabitha McGowan.