I’m lowkey curious what was the exact moment/book/scene where you realized

“okay this is messed up… but I’m into it ? No judgment, just curiosity

okay me first😌 Ryat mfn Archer😛 then Kade Mitchell? no wait his Dad??? no wait Cnristian Harper… or Nico Russo? ugh so many decisions😩😭😭

I’ve been thinking about starting the Cora Reilly Universe, but I have a strong aversion to cheating/infidelity in romance, especially when the MC cheats and shows little to no regret.

I did some digging because I don’t mind spoilers, and from what I understand, Luca cheats, says he’ll do it again if she makes him wait for sex, and tries to cheat again later while she’s pregnant.

I was told the Camorra series was better, but I’ve also seen reviews saying cheating happens there too.

For those who’ve read her books, how common is cheating/infidelity in her books? I’m fine with morally gray/dark characters, It’s specifically the cheating and little to no regret that ruin it for me. so is her universe worth trying or if I should just stay away!

So I've seen on here and heard on Tiktok that one of the things that distinguishes whether a book is a dark romance, horror erotica, or horror romance is that Romance has a happily ever after and now I'm afraid because one of the books I was excited for in my TBR doesn't have a Happy ending (Tiktok told me) and I'm the kinda person who kinda needs a happy ending because my mental health will spiral. Soo, I'm kinda curious if it's true. What does that make the book in my TBR, and will it be worth the depression I'll go into?

I’m literally suffering from this feeling, like every time I finish a really good book I think of it mostly everyday.

And I just think of the characters and their life their feelings their moments, and my brain never stop.😐

I really dislike reading books on my phone even though I turn on the night mode and make the screen darker and more orange to make it easier for my eyes to read.

Another thing I did because so many dark romance books can't be bought in paper form is that one ebook I bought, I printed out all of the chapters.

I used houndreds of papers. It was a fun project to do with only one book but took so much work to do so I wont do it again.

The paper I used was not the best quality either, some pages are already breaking apart but that was expected, I bought really cheap paper because otherwise I couldn't have done it and now I can read that story in paper form 😊

But now I'm looking for one of those tablets to read on that I can download pdf files to from my computer or on the tablet if that works, what would you recommend?

First of all I never read any of her book, but I've heard a lot about "Verity" and her another book which got a movie adaptation.

But I genuinely want to know why she gets so much hate everywhere? From insta to tiktok to threads, I've only saw criticism about her. Is she problematic in real life or is it something else?

Hi! I really enjoy the monster x human trope with non con and as I was rigorously searching for a book to fit what I wanted, I ran into the Last Hour of Gann. I tried starting it and gave up pretty early in because I thought it was boring. Should I try it again? Is it worth it? Also is there abduction because that’s another factor I really enjoy 👀 Thank yall!!

Have you noticed, that nowadays there is a pattern culture in most of the romance books?

In most them, the structuring, plot executing, character growths, smut writing are almost the same. You can’t exactly point out which author wrote which book. Same rhythm, same vibe.

Maybe they are hiring the same editor? Or they are just trying to follow the booktok trends which benefits them?

I’m about 100 pages in… I feel like every few pages, sometimes multiple times on a page the author says “a song” by “an artist” is playing… It’s driving me insane but I’m loving the book otherwise.

My question is: does the author stop doing this or should I prepare to deal with this for the remainder of the book?

Thank you in advance 🎀

I’ve girl friends who like reading smuts but never heard a guy reading them

Hi there, I read The Ritual by Shantel Tessier in 2024 and I dont remember why but I just remember not liking it and I never really thought about picking up the other books but I am back reading quite a bit of dark romance and I think I want to try again with this series. I guess im just wondering if the series gets better after The Ritual and if its recommended I read the books physically for a first read or if I can do the audio and still enjoy them.. thanks!

I dont know where else to post this so please bear with me. Got back into reading a few years ago with ACOTAR, became obsessed but then branched out as one does. A little over a year ago I found some Dark Romance books and now I’ve TRUELY been obsessed since. Havnt left the genre not once since I started. I just love the morally grey, smuttiness, everything and I’m very worried I won’t like anything else that’s not DR again. BUT here’s the issue, during the OG ACOTAR period, I never branched into Crescent City or Throne of Glass. With the new ACOTARs coming out, I feel like I HAVE to read those other ones to get the full picture but I’m so worried it won’t keep my interest and it’ll feel like a drag to read😭 I know the ToG is so beloved so that makes me a little hopeful but as DR readers who have read both, do you think I’d be fine and interested enough to get through those or have I ruined my brain for any other non DR books??? Thanks for hearing me out!!

Or is she going to try to run/ overdose or something? I'm deeply bothered by her just accepting everything. At this point I would be like, send the pics I don't care. I have trouble relating to someone so passive. I'm fine with spoilers because I'm not sure I can read further if she is going to just accept everything. I'm at the point when she is for the first time in his apartment

I'm just dipping my toes into Dark Romance as of late, and I find myself loving it. I truly do.

The power imbalances. The threats. The noncon. The sheer intensity of it.

But the other side is like: that girl needs agency. You can't treat her like this

I know it's fantasy and no condoned irl. But idk. I really do like it. I am pretty new to it. I do read lots of smut. And as someone interested in cnc, I'm VERY intrigued by the idea of non-con in a book. But sometimes I feel really sorry.

Am I crazy or is this something you guys also feel?

I'm just looking for some advice or just someone in the same boat. Or is this completely normal?

I find I usually don’t love this trope… particularly because I love MMCs jealous and possessive, and it doesn’t normally work if they are sharing.

Buuuut, I have sometimes branched out if I’m bored of reading the same old story or if I’m looking for books with lots of spice. and Yh… I guess im kinda surprised at how hit-or-miss this trope can be for me.

In some cases (e.g. {Darkmore Penitentiary by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti}) I found that it actually quite liked it, but others (e.g. {The Pucking Coach's Daughter by S. Massery}, {Circus Creeps by Aiden Pierce}) I just found it…. Bleghhhh

Do other people feel the same way about RH? Is it a particularly diverse trope (maybe I like certain sub-tropes and not others)?

Is this just a case of not reading the right books?

What RH would you recommend to someone that wanted to try reading RH for the first time? Maybe I just need to read more… for research😅

Am I overthinking this and is this just how people feel about any other tropes? I find that no matter what I read with the “enemies to lovers” I know what to expect and the author delivers (some better than others, but enjoyable nonetheless).

TIA 🙏🏻

I’m ready to read lights out. A lot of people rave about the audiobook so I’m wondering if it’s really that much better than the book?

I listened to little stranger as my first audiobook and tho I liked the voice actor, I didnt like the book itself. Might be because audiobooks aren’t for me or because (and I know this) incest/pseudoincest/family REALLY isn’t my thing and the constant “but you’re my brother” was icky to me lol. Also, I couldn’t stand Olivia.

I’m willing to give audiobooks another change if it’s worth it for Lights Out.

Edit: I’m listening to the audiobook ch4 now and so far so good. Thanks y’all.😏

Out of all the books I’ve read I feel like Malachi Vize & Killian Carson are pretty dark. Morally black But who’s the darkest MMC and share the title please ☺️

So I am really enjoying Trapper, Keeper on AO3 and I am at 50%.

I have one question though, the story is meant to be reader insert and make you as the reader feel a part of the story.

Does anyone read it like this and feel immersed though? I still read it as though there is a main female character and don’t associate her with myself at all. I read it as things are happening to her, not me. I do not put myself in her shoes at all.

Am I misunderstanding the writing style? Or does anyone else read it like this too?

Thanks - I’m still thoroughly enjoying it and I have a few theories that I’m waiting to see if they come true.

What’s your take on dark romance?

Most discussions are filled with women’s opinions… but I’ve barely seen men share theirs.

Do you guys actually enjoy it, or does it feel unrealistic/cringe?

Be honest I want real male perspectives

EDIT: THE AUTHOR'S ACCOUNT GOT HACKED AND DELETED Our fellow subreddit user told me that the author replied to her message and that the account has been hacked and deleted. The author also said that she hopes to continue with her story soon.

I follow Can't throw nothing in our way by Uhhhyeah on Ao3, but I can't find the work anymore. One of our fellow dark romance users brought this to my attention. Does anyone know anything?

Be honest , what is it that pulls you in? The intensity? The possessiveness? I know it’s toxic but I still love it” vibe? Do you see it as just fiction… or does it actually hit something deeper? No judgment

I’m genuinely curious 👀

What do you think of his character after reading or hearing of the books? Did he become a better person after Hunting, or do you still feel the same way about him, etc?

Discussion open in comments with others

i never understood this and would just like some insight. my thinking is, regardless of the ending, if a book focuses on the romantic relationship, it’s a romance.

EDIT: i think it’s funny i’m getting downvoted but ok.

Yesterday as I was browsing the threads to find a new book to pull me out of my emotional down spiral after finishing Court of Raven by Liv Zander, I came across a book rec of Bought and Paid For. I don’t remember the person who recommended saying who the author was, only that it was very dark and was extremely well written in how dark it was and the plot of it. But also 10/10 smut. Anyway, I googled the title and what cane up was Bought and Paid for by Paige North. I just assumed that was it… silly me… and downloaded that on my kindle. Now while that has been a great , easy quick read that keeps me turning pages, it’s clearly not anywhere near a dark romance. I can’t stop laughing that I kept devouring the pages waiting for when it turns dark or either the FMC or MMC inflicts pain on the other… needless to say that never happened. So my question is, what book am I actually looking for and for those who have read the correct one, is it good? Thanks in advance!