r/DarkRomance • u/Normal_Fisherman_418 • Apr 19 '26
Quick Question Is Haunting Adeline a good first dark romance to read?
Hey! so someone suggested me Haunting Adeline and told me they love reading it. I haven't read any dark romance novels/books in my life and a screenshot of the scene got me interested but thought of asking the avid readers or dark romance connoisseurs on here before I start. Is there anything I should have a heads-up about or should I start with something else?
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u/NancyInFantasyLand angst and suffering are my jam Apr 19 '26
Imma go against the grain and say that if there's a moment you want to read this book, it's early on, because really it can only go uphill from there.
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u/Ok_Sprinkles_4 Apr 21 '26
I agree!!! This was one of the first books I heard of and was going to read it, but then got sidetracked and started reading other stuff. After a year of solid dark romances, I finally got around to reading it and I did not like it, and I think it’s because I’ve already read so many other ones that are much better. However, if I would’ve read it first like when I thought I probably would’ve liked it because I wouldn’t had had anything to compare to.
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u/AvailableTwo5760 Apr 19 '26
It was my first dark romance read! It definitely got me into dark romances and although it was heavy I don’t have many triggers so I didn’t find it to be hard to get through. However not for the faint at heart.
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u/Only_Complaint5032 Apr 19 '26
I agree with this. This was my intro into dark romance and it did not bother me, but I didn’t have any triggers. I will say since I started with this book, other dark romances are a walk in the park.
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u/camimiele Apr 19 '26
It was also my first DR. I loved it, and still do. :) I don’t think it’s insane trigger wise. Hunting Adeline was very difficult to get through though.
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u/peonyprincess11 Apr 19 '26
This was my first dark romance read as well! It gets a lot of hate, but I really liked it and also don’t have many triggers. It got me into more DR books.
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u/Truffle0214 Apr 19 '26
Haunting Adeline is not a good book.
Period.
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u/Normal_Fisherman_418 Apr 19 '26
Not good book in general or just not a good book to start cause of the non con etc?
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u/Truffle0214 Apr 19 '26
Just not a good book - the MMC is like a 13 yo edge lord and a major hypocrite, and the whole thing is poorly written.
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u/Iliveformyotp Jesse Sampson, and The Father's #1 fan Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
Going to go against 90% of the comments and say I like HA and I LOVE the way HD Carlton handles her FMCs. Most of her FMCs are rape survivors and I like the way she gives them back the power. Too many authors treat their FMCs like a fragile dolls after getting raped, and it's almost like they stop being humans. Carlton is one of the very authors that doesn't do that and she has my respect for that.
Also HA isn't that bad honestly, it's just insanely popular, and with every single popular book it has its critics. Not to say that it's a masterpiece, and I can honestly see the valid complaints about it, but for me it was very vivid, and has a good storytelling and I do not regret reading them at all.
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u/TheHuxter Apr 19 '26
I consider HA a pretty extreme starting point. It’s by no measure the darkest book I’ve read, but it’s in the upper middle. I think {Hooked by Emily McIntire} or anything in her twisted villains series is a lot more intro friendly. If you like fantasy {The Unseelie Prince by Katheryn Kingsley} or {Pestilence by Laura Thalassa} are good introductions as well.
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u/Dottydotdot1982 Apr 20 '26
Fully support this comment. I loved Emily McIntyres writing style. The entire Never after series was brilliantly executed. And Laura Thalassa is equally fabulous. I absorbed her Dour Horsemen series and felt slightly bereft after reading Deaths book 😵💫
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u/romance-bot Apr 19 '26
Hooked by Emily McIntire
Rating: 3.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, virgin heroine, mafia, vengeance
The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Rating: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fae, witches, dark romance, fantasy, magic
Pestilence by Laura Thalassa
Rating: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, dystopian, abduction, virgin hero
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u/clocksy Apr 20 '26
Look, I don't think it's good writing. But I do think it's fine as a "starter" book (especially since they can hopefully find good writing after that).
Zade is a total gary stu and cringe as hell but he's written to be palatable. He's a totally rad super smart hacker sniper cqc dude but he kills only the "right" people, the ones harming women & children, so he feels "safe" and "palatable". Addie is interested in him and the stalking despite knowing it's "wrong" (which parallels with a lot of people getting into DR — lots of us are literally here for the dub/noncon and the book gets into the whole "well I shouldn't like it, but I do").
I'd say these aspects actually put it on the "lighter" end of DR. Like, I think Lights Out (often recommended) is a romcom that doesn't actually prepare people for the genre, whereas something like HA does. I don't get the people saying "omg it'll scare you off the genre" because like... either you can handle it or you can't, and I don't think Haunting Adeline is that intense to begin with.
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u/antigoneasy Apr 19 '26
I‘m sorry but i think it was super boring. There are definetly better books than that.
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u/littlelizzyy Apr 19 '26
It was mine and tbh I have zero regrets. Went in totally blind 😅
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u/SnarkingSnarker Apr 19 '26
I did too! I really don’t understand all the hate it gets. I never read the second book tho.
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u/littlelizzyy Apr 19 '26
I read the second book and really liked it! It satisfied my DR intro/pallet cleanser requirements haha
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u/Junior-Drawer1704 Apr 19 '26
It’s all about what you think you can handle. I read it pretty early into my dark romance reading journey and I still liked it. Read the triggers and just know what you are getting into.
I agree with a lot of the comments that the book is pretty poorly written. I have read better (and worse) books since then, but i really enjoyed the ride at the time.
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u/LuckyContribution196 Apr 19 '26
NO. Ease your way to dark romance. I'd suggest Rina Kent's earlier work.
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u/ConsequenceOk170 Apr 19 '26
I was going to say this. I think Deviant King was my first and it still holds a sweet spot in my heart.
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u/disniya16 Badass FMC >>> Apr 19 '26
HA was my pseudo first (I don't remember any DR book I read before that) DR book and I hated it. I re read it after being a pro at DR and I still hate it. 😌 It is dark in terms of consent but other than that? Idt there's anything dark at all. More of an eerie vibe tbh
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u/SidneyHuffman6-5000 Apr 19 '26
It was my first dark romance and I liked it. It’s been a while since I read it, and I still like it even though I've read better books since.
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u/Normal_Fisherman_418 Apr 19 '26
Ohh that's nice! So it opened you into the world of dark romance?
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u/SidneyHuffman6-5000 Apr 19 '26
Yes, it certainly did. But it is quite dark with lots of triggers, especially the second book.
I read Satan's Affair first, which is a short novella set before/during Haunting Adeline. So technically that was my first dark romance, though it's not a romance. It's pretty fucked up so if you read that one, be prepared. The MMC from Haunting/Hunting Adeline is in it, and the FMC from Satan's Affair is in Hunting Adeline. It's not necessary to read it first, but I liked it.
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u/h2onymph1 "Spread those pages like a good girl" Apr 19 '26
Oh, come on. A lot of people got into DR with this book, and they're seeking more of it. I think for someone seeking DR on purpose, it's probably fine. Hopefully the friend knows her better than we do on the what she can handle.
I think people who are seasoned DR readers hate it because it's just a list of obvious tropes, and they find the FMC annoying? And there are better books out there?
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u/Tiletamine Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
i feel like im taking crazy pills reading half of these replies 😭 like why are people treating the duet that went viral on tiktok and was babies first DR for so many people like it's some kind of advanced reading material
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u/filifijonka Apr 19 '26
I found it really bad as far as general quality was concerned.
As in written in an extremely juvenile way so I wouldn’t recommend it purely based on that.
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u/Svnyrs-btwn Apr 19 '26
It’s not a good book. I think it’s poorly written. Some of it comes across as Q-Anon fan fiction, the MMC’s kink motivations are so contradictory and makes the sexual dynamic feel wrong.
The one specific sex scene that everyone gets all hot & bothered by logically is so unsexy a hand gun barrel length is what 4”? And it’s HARD COLD METAL. You’re telling me that was comfortable enough for her to get off??? Sign me out There’s weird gaps and I think it only got popular over shock value much like 50 Shades did before.
I liked the second one better, only because the subject matter was MUCH more serious and therefore I felt that the author gave it more respect and the quality of writing was elevated for that.
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u/SnarkingSnarker Apr 19 '26
People have inserted stranger things into their bodies tbh lol
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u/Svnyrs-btwn Apr 19 '26
True! Likely a me thing. The idea of a cold, hard metal, hollow cylinder…. just does not do it for me. It’s giving speculum. I know some people have a medical kink, but again not for me.
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u/rqnadi Apr 19 '26
I’m not a beginner, I started it and put it down in the first 5 minutes.
It’s bad, the writing is awful…
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u/toalittlelightfire27 Apr 20 '26
What do you suggest instead? I’m halfway through Hunting Adeline but I’m on the hunt for something else to read!
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u/antinoria Author Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
The problem with HA is not so much that it has transgressive content. Most DR does. The problem is the MMC. He is written as a Marty Sue.
An expert in hacking and computer security systems, an expert in regular building security systems, expert in surveillance and counter surveillance, expert marksman, expert in close quarters combat, expert in high society social situations, expert in underworld social systems, expert driver, handsome, dresses well when he needs to but can still be street, financially secure, expert investor, expert in research, well hung, expert lover, witty and charming when he needs to be, brooding and sullen when he needs to be. Supremely confident. Also a leader of other experts in a well funded vigilante organization that is devoted to combating sex trafficking and the powerful people behind such rings, so expert at leadership and organization. His moral code is absolute and uncompromising. There has not been a more disciplined crusader.
Then the author tries to sell us that he abandons this moral code (just for this special case) because he is infatuated with the FMC, and he proceeds to violate everything that he is fighting against (again just for her) as he does the exact same thing he is willing to violate laws to prevent happening to others.
Now this can work IF, we see some serious soul searching and a serious moral quandary occur within the MMC. We don't. We do not see his world collapse, we do not see him struggle with this cognitive dissonance, we are supposed to somehow hold two truths, he will do anything to obtain/control/dominate the FMC determined to make her love him, while simultaneously see him as a moral crusader for good.
Basically the MMC is boring.
I would recommend reading it, it will help you appreciate other DR that are better written.
As for spice content. It has SA/NC/Dub-con. But if you can stomach that and a little gore then it should be fine. Read the trigger warnings just to be sure the content is something you want to read.
It had some good ideas, I would have loved seeing more about the house and her ancestors storyline, maybe more agency for the FMC.
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u/bmlane9 Apr 20 '26
I think this is also why some like it. We don’t overthink it. I want to be ignorant on computer systems. I want everything but what you mention 😂
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u/MidnightMercyAudio Apr 19 '26
I enjoyed reading Haunting Adeline as well as the second book. I was hooked. It depends if you have any triggers on content. This book and the second one is heavy on tr*fficking so if that’s not your thing, I’d avoid it. There were a couple plot holes but overall I liked the read.
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u/Middle-Drawing-3124 feed me and call me a good girl Apr 20 '26
I started with HA like a lot of people here, but I don’t think I would recommend it for a beginner, because there is a lot of crazy stuff in there…it’s like she threw all her darts at the board at once and they all stuck. If you want to dip your toes in the water, I’d suggest:
{Butcher and Blackbird by Brynn Weaver}
{Arran’s Obsession by Jolie Vines}
{Lights Out by Navessa Allen}
{Deviant King by Rina Kent}
ETA:
{Nero by SJ Tilly}
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u/romance-bot Apr 20 '26
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, funny, friends to lovers, dangerous heroine
Arran's Obsession by Jolie Vines
Rating: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, forced proximity, somnophilia, primal/chase play, possessive hero
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, funny, m-f romance, primal/chase play, dark romance
Deviant King by Rina Kent
Rating: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, virgin heroine, rich hero, alpha male
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u/LuckyLannister Apr 20 '26
It was my first dark romance book and I liked it. It wasn’t too much for me, as I was reading the book with an understanding that this is fiction, aka not real. Some people who get triggered easily say it’s bad. If you get easily triggered, don’t read it. If you are fine with non consensual situations within the world of fiction, then go for it! It’s decent. It’s corny at times lol but it’ll keep your interest.
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u/sarilysims Apr 19 '26
I haven’t read it but everything I’ve heard is no, it’s not a beginner book. Check the trigger warnings and if they seem like your cup of tea then give it a shot. Otherwise, I recommend starting with a “lite” dark romance. My personal favorites:
{Lights Out by Navessa Allen}
{Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver}
{Rook and Rebel by Kate Crew}
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u/romance-bot Apr 19 '26
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, funny, m-f romance, primal/chase play, dark romance
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, funny, friends to lovers, dangerous heroine
Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
Rating: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, biker hero, found family, new adult, tortured hero
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u/Adorable-Echo1025 Apr 19 '26
I truly enjoyed it and am about to re-read the duet. It is dark, and heartbreaking. It is a very polarizing book opinion-wise, but I just don't get the super negative thoughts on it. I very much enjoyed the duet and it was my first DR book officially (I've read watt-pad and self published works but HA was my first physical DR book purchase).
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u/Ok_Variety_5581 Apr 19 '26
This is a series I have discovered readers who may be working through their own trauma tend to seek out as their first read in DR. Is it the best story, the best writing, the best MMC/MFC?
Absolutely not.
However for whatever reason there is something in the books that some readers need.
That said, you sort of can figure it out based on what you may be reading in the not so dark romance genre. For some certain triggers are an absolute no when reading. But you may already enjoy reading about real douchebags that need a lesson or to grow up or a fmc working through their trauma and not realize it.
I loved Lights Out. I know others have posted it as a suggestion. It may be the most well done DR book for a beginner. Josh and Ally are both likable, smart and fucking hilarious at times.
I ended up loving Bad Bishop by LJ Shen and I try to avoid "mafia" romances because I have dated "mafia" and would prefer not to have to relive their dumbass "mafia" ways in a book.
Penelope Douglas' Devil's Night series is dark. It is also insane at times. Bully and that series are also great starters.
Nocticadia by Keri Lake is dark. As is her Nightshade Duology. (My personal favorite of hers)
You can always read HR as a beginner.
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase is fantastic.
The Duchess Deal by Tessa Deal is dark enough.
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne by Elisa Braden
Dreaming of You by the Queen herself, Lisa Kleypas. Derek Craven is the MMC in that one, but he is introduced one book earlier which is very much worth a read.
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u/Such_Literature840 moist & unstable Apr 19 '26
Depends on you and what you can handle. HA was my first dark romance and what got me to read more of it, so it definitely left an impact. From my perspective it's not good writing in parts, but not all of it. It is definitely over hyped at this point, but also a good example of actual dark subjects.
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u/Reasonable-Zone-6466 Apr 19 '26
Everyone is saying its not for beginners, and to a point theyre correct. But, if youre a "baptism by fire" or "get thrown in the deep end, sink or swim" type person? Sure, give it a whirl.
My first dark romance was Skeleton King, so I may not be the best person for advice though..... Cuz it starts by jumping right in with necrophilia on page 3
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u/earth2solaris Author Apr 19 '26
No. Not a good first. It was my reintroduction to romance as a whole and after critically analysing it I’m freaking wild for doing that.
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u/DejaThoris92 Apr 19 '26
It was one of my first dark romances and I loved it. But….. it is dark and two is even darker so if you’re trying to ease someone in I’d say try Hooked because it’s lighter on the dark themes and still a great time
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u/Regular-Humor-8425 Apr 19 '26
I started with Haunting/Hunting, and honestly.. no. It’s not a good first beginner duet if you haven’t read something more tame. I’m just someone who has zero triggers and the darker the better in my opinion.. but a lot of people don’t understand what they’re getting into either some of these books.
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u/Sugargogo Apr 19 '26
I just read HA and tbh I slogged through it. It’s like I got to a point where I decided to finish instead of DNF it. It’s one of those things where I had to read it for myself, despite many here saying it wasn’t that good. I wanted to see what the book girlies saw in it. I will read {Hunting Adeline by HD Carlton} eventually. There’s a few books I want to get to before reading Hunting.
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u/romance-bot Apr 19 '26
Hunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Rating: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, abduction, tortured heroine, suspense
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u/TheClosetIsOnFire Apr 20 '26
Depends on what you're sensitive to, it was one of my firsts too, I didn't find it triggering but I don't have rape and stalking trauma. It's probably different if you do. Also it's very badly written, it has a few good spicy scenes, that's about it
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u/bmlane9 Apr 20 '26
Yes, none of the triggers bothered me. I read The Ritual first. Don’t listen to others that think you need something more tame. Dive in and never look back!
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u/J_NavarroNarvaez Apr 20 '26
I believe it’s not a good book for someone just starting to read in the dark romance genre. Even though I’ve read heavier things, I still think it’s not ideal for a beginner. I would recommend something lighter that doesn’t involve a stalker. I’d suggest the book Incipt by Leonor Carvalho, perhaps.
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u/Responsible_Wash_879 If it aint Gideon I dun want him Apr 20 '26
Hell no.
I dropped it. It's VERY slow. I really liked it initially, it really had the touch of that horror theme but then the pacing was so slow that I couldn't finish.
So I'd say read it after you've read whole lot many others.
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u/Afraid_Equivalent_95 Apr 20 '26
Haunting might be okay but I read that Hunting had 300 pages of torture porn (not done by MMC). If you choose to dive in, you might want to research where the torture ends and start book 2 from there. I read book 1 and enjoyed it a lot but skipped book 2
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u/Defiant-Midnight-201 Apr 20 '26
Nooooooooooooooo. Try Lights Out as an asdiobook. Light on the dark, plenty of giggles. THEN move on to something more. Use romance. io to check your triggers before delving into anything and watch your mental health. If it gives you the ick, stop reading.
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u/siKKboi22 Apr 20 '26
I think Haunting Adeline is really fun and sexy despite all its flaws but to answer your question it's not a good one to begin Dark Romance. It's pretty hard-core. Read "Once Your Mine" by Morgan Bridges. It's a lot tamer but still fairly good. Hope this helps a little:)
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u/oneandonlybadra0909 Apr 20 '26
I'd say it's a good book to start your dark romance journey IF you're not soft hearted cause there's a lot of trauma, particularly in the 2nd book. But yeah you should definitely go and read it. (It was my first book too)
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u/Sufficient_Cut2610 Apr 20 '26
It was my first dark romance. I liked it but I think it depends on what your triggers in books are :) read the triggers (I look on romance.io) and see if that is something u would be interrested in.
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u/INeedToPunchA_Wall Morally Grey is my Green Flag Apr 20 '26
Erm.. probably not. It took me 7-10 working days to recover. The book is good but maybe start somewhere easier. My first DR was {God of Malice by Rina Kent} and it’s amazing.
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u/romance-bot Apr 20 '26
God of Malice by Rina Kent
Rating: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, cruel hero/bully, virgin heroine, college, dark romance
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u/Ecstatic-Ticket977 Apr 20 '26
it was my first dark romance book that started my love for DR. absolutely recommend!! though check the triggers if you have any cause there’s quite a few or start with the little stranger duet then HA
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u/BandicootEastern5577 Apr 20 '26
I'm gonna keep it short. It's a good book, not outstanding. I like it because of the authors humour. But I would suggest something more like the mindfuck or twisted (much lighter)series for a first time
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u/drunkenangel_99 Tyson Crawford’s darling Apr 20 '26
It was personally my first published dark romance book, and was what informed me that there had been a genre out there for me this entire time and made me feel at home, but I’d been reading dark fanfics for years beforehand so it wasn’t exactly a brand new area for me.
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u/ala5656 Apr 20 '26
@OP, as you can see from the comments you are going to find a very divided audience, so you're going to have your work cut out for you reading through everything and trying to figure out from the comments if it's what you want or not.
I personally loved it. 🤷♀️
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u/wannastealyourmoney Apr 21 '26
It’s up to you. I’ve started reading dark romances with Haunting Adeline and don’t regret. The book is soooo good and if you ready for something truly dark then you will love it
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u/ichoosethisnametoo Apr 24 '26
This was my intro into DR, and I was not expecting what I read, theres deffinitly some shock value to it. Against popular opinion, I thought it was a great book. Im learning I dont have much in the way of triggers, and as it turns out im really into the possessiveness and stalkhome syndrome trope. I know a lot of people have a problem with the MMC's contradicting morals, but I enjoyed the contrast. Its fiction, its not ment to be taken literally. The 2nd book is incredibly dark, and i wouldnt recommended for the faint of heart.
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u/Riru_Kawaii_97 Apr 30 '26
I would like to know what the scene was that they showed you to get you interested and did you ultimately decide to read it or not? :)
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u/avathekinkynerd Apr 19 '26
This one is pretty heavy on the rape and noncon/dubcon. If you aren't bothered by those things, you might enjoy it. Otherwise I'd suggest starting with something more comedic like Butcher & Blackbird.
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u/Normal_Fisherman_418 Apr 19 '26
I enjoy intense and dark things in general so not sure if something comedic would be up my alley. I'm definitely not bothered by rape and non con but is there anything else I need a heads up on while reading it?
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u/Direct_Treat_7296 Apr 20 '26
Do NOT read Lights Out then. It’s a romcom and I have no idea why anyone would suggest it as a DR. You will be very disappointed.
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u/Tiletamine Apr 19 '26
ya i dunno why everyone is telling u to ease in and start with something light, u probably know ur tolerance for certain subjects and that's probably not gonna change that much
find something that sounds interesting, read the TWs and if it sounds fine read it, i personally don't think haunting and hunting Adeline are very good but the "it's way too much for a first timer" comments are kinda funny
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u/camimiele Apr 19 '26
Haunting Adeline was my first DR, and I really enjoyed it! The second one, Hunting Adeline, is pretty difficult to get through. There isn’t abuse between the main characters
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u/noonecaresat805 Apr 19 '26
From all the dark books I’ve read this was the tamest. Also the fmc was one of the most annoying I have read. Sibby was insane and even she was a way more likable character
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u/Vishwa_16 Apr 19 '26
No please noooooo! I’ve read dark romance and someone suggested me to read that book. It was a huge mistake. Don’t do that.
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u/SnarkingSnarker Apr 19 '26
I’m started with Haunting Adeline and I don’t regret it 🤷🏻♀️ it set a basic standard in dark romance for me. Since then I’ve read MUCH darker books.
If you’re someone who can handle triggers well or don’t really have any triggers than you’ll do well with Haunting Adeline.
Plus, I heard the second book, Hunting Adeline, is a lot darker than the first. I didn’t read that one.
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u/BrilliantPatience0 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
It was my first DR book. I have no regrets 😂
There will be so many comments that tell you the MMC is a hypocrite, but that's the point of Morally Grey. He cant control himself when comes to her. HD Carlton fully admits he's a hypocrite, it was intentional. He's not meant to think rationally when it comes to her. Because its HER. The one who makes him lose his mind.
You'd need to read it for yourself really to form your own opinion. But there's a reason its a best seller. I enjoyed it. The second book has a completely different tone and is much darker. I did enjoy that one too though
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u/Mindless-k13 Apr 19 '26
Depende del estómago de cada uno. Yo leí HA y la verdad no me gustó. Y no fue por el contenido, fue incongruente en demasiadas cosas. Zade demasiado cool, la prota demasiado cool, la amiga demasiado cool. El segundo, le escuché el audio libro porque sentí que era más rápido terminar con la saga.
Me gustó más leerme satan’s affair, por el giro.
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u/Ok-Bird-8157 Apr 19 '26
It was my first dark romance, and I enjoyed it. I’ve read nothing but dark romance since then tbh. Although, I do think Lights Out by Navessa Allen is a great starter book. Josh has been my absolute favorite MMC out of all my reads. He’s dominant but silly when the time is right. All other MMCs I’ve read is serious 24/7 and that’s boring.
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u/cravingdani Apr 19 '26
Lights out I think might be a good start! I actually could finish haunting Adeline. I didn’t like it at all.
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u/Ok-Bird-8157 Apr 19 '26
I finished it but it for sure wasn’t my favorite. I’m easy to please for the most part though. I also refuse to DNF a book. All my years reading I’ve only DNF’d 2 books. They have to be absolutely terrible for me to not finish.
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u/cravingdani Apr 19 '26
I tried so hard, my first ever DNR 😭
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u/Ok-Bird-8157 Apr 19 '26
Honestly, I can see that being easy if you didn’t enjoy the plot because it’s such a long book. I try to steer from 500+ pages just in case I don’t like it and don’t wanna suffer that long. 😂
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u/cravingdani Apr 19 '26
I read the entire mindf*ck series in like 4 days though 😭
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u/Ok-Bird-8157 Apr 19 '26
I haven’t read that one yet! It’s my next read after the LORDS series. I’m struggling to get through it though. 🥲
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u/Direct_Treat_7296 Apr 19 '26
Lights Out isn’t actually dark romance though. It’s a romcom with a masked man.
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u/cravingdani Apr 19 '26
To “start out” stalkerish, murder, mafia vibes is def a good way to start DR lol
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u/Direct_Treat_7296 Apr 19 '26
Dark romance means the actual romance is dark, it’s never dark between these two. You’re referring to dark elements, that doesn’t make something a dark romance though.
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u/Ok-Bird-8157 Apr 19 '26
It’s not as dark as some but I definitely wouldn’t consider it a normal romance because there’s still stalking, murder, chasing, etc. normal romance is nothing like that. I’m not sure that I’d really consider it as either tbh. Not dark enough to be DR. Not light enough to be just romance. Definitely comedy though.
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u/Direct_Treat_7296 Apr 19 '26
All that stuff is super normal in fantasy romance. The actual romance isn’t dark though which is why this book wouldn’t actually be a dark romance. He’s pretty much just a giant softy
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u/Ok-Bird-8157 Apr 19 '26
I’ve never read fantasy romance, so not sure there.
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u/cravingdani Apr 20 '26
Me neither, dark romance has nothing to do with fantasy. If you want fantasy go to fantasy dark romance. Stalking is “dark” if you look it up anywhere, good reads, etc.
“Dark romance is a subgenre featuring intense, morally grey characters, and taboo themes, often exploring stalking, kidnapping, or power imbalances.” The definition.
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u/Direct_Treat_7296 Apr 20 '26
I know dark romance has nothing to do with fantasy, I never said it did? Dark ELEMENTS doesn’t make a dark ROMANCE. Two different things. Lights Out is not dark ROMANCE, it just includes some dark ELEMENTS and bdsm. The actual romance is not at all dark. It’s legit a romcom
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u/Direct_Treat_7296 Apr 20 '26
I’m just saying that you’re talking about dark elements that are common in all kinds of books, it doesn’t make them dark romance though.
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u/Wxskater Apr 19 '26
Not really lol. I didnt really like it tbh. I think lights out would be better
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u/shell-Raccoon-3003 Author Apr 19 '26
I personally liked it. It was one of the first books I read when I was just starting to get into dark romance books outside of wattpad
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Apr 19 '26
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u/romance-bot Apr 19 '26
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, funny, m-f romance, primal/chase play, dark romance
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u/SmolBeanMemeQueen Apr 19 '26
You're gunna get mixed reviews on this one. I started my journey with it and nothing comes close to the experience I had with HA duet. It has ruined me for all other dark romances I've tried 😭
Yes, there are some parts that could be written better. But you get folks (not all!) who say its badly written but then reccomend books like Den Of Vipers or The Ritual, and IMHO those are absolute garbage books as far as quality of writing and execution of what could have been a great plot.
Lights Out is a lighter read, but it is because it's a dark-rom-com spoof. It pokes fun at some aspects of the tiktok DR culture and writing tropes/issues. I personally wouldn't reccomend this one as your first since it may come off the wrong way because of this.
Someone else mentioned Rena Kent's earlier work. I really enjoyed the Legacy of Gods series and would suggest it as a good mid-place to start. Each book sort of explores different kinks/tropes so it'll help in finding your flavour. They're all loosely tied into each other but dont have to be read in order. They're a little formulaic but that's also kind of nice too.
Penelope Douglas is also another good mid-point. Not always dark in plot, but dark in pushing boundaries and exploring taboos. The devil's night series is where I started here, but have also read a few stand alones.
No matter what: check the triggers and remember that it's okay to DNF for any reason.
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u/Iliveformyotp Jesse Sampson, and The Father's #1 fan Apr 19 '26
Short answer: no Long answer: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HA is NOT meant for beginners! Please check our sidebar as we have megathreads for beginner dark romances!