Man, I spent like six months just chasing that specific itch after finishing the 'Court of the Vampire Queen' trilogy. It's not just about the blood, you know? The books that really stick with you are the ones where the power dynamics are absolutely messed up in the best way, and the romance feels like walking a tightrope over a chasm. It's hard to explain.
For a true dark romance vamp vibe, you can't skip Katee Robert's 'The Beast'. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling but with a vampire mafia lord. The control, the obsession, the morally gray everything... it's chef's kiss. 'King of Battle and Blood' by Scarlett St. Clair also delivers that delicious blend of political intrigue and 'I should hate you but I don't' tension. If you want something that feels like a gothic, atmospheric punch to the gut, 'Empire of the Vampire' by Jay Kristoff isn't strictly a romance, but the relationship between Gabriel and his sire is a dark, twisted masterclass that haunts the whole narrative.
A lot of newer books try to soften the edges, but the best ones let the vampire be predatory and the human (or other) love interest have to wrestle with that reality, not just gloss over it.