You’ve heard a lot of talk about “dark” romances, some have even been suggested to you, but you’ve never been positive just what that encompasses and, at this point, you’re afraid to ask.

Don’t worry! I’m giving you a quick and dirty Dark Romance rundown, complete with suggestions that range from dipping a toe in to diving headfirst, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Let’s Define “Dark Romance”

Dark Romance doesn’t really have a definition. There is no Merriam-Webster explanation about the genre. There are, however, thousands of folks online explaining how they define that category, even Dipsea has gotten in on the action.

Since we don’t have a definition readily available, I’m going to craft my own.

Dark romance is a sub-genre of romance that is unafraid to explore darker aspects of relationships, human experiences, and romance. Dark romance brings in kink of all kinds, even consensual non-consent and dubious consent. Dark romance will typically feature morally grey characters, taboo kinks and themes, graphic scenes of violence, graphic scenes of sexual acts, characters with a strong moral compass (even though it might not look like our own), and explorations of trauma.

Is Dark Romance Trauma Porn?

The short answer is no.

The long answer? It can be.

Dark romance is a particularly challenging genre to tackle. Because it involves heavier, darker situations and relationships, it can pretty easily veer into the realm of trauma porn. But a good dark romance writer won’t let it go there.

Instead, a good dark romance author will use the trauma they discuss as a way to show character growth, explore deep, challenging topics that are often ignored in romance, (and plenty of other genres, too!) and to create storylines that really resonate with people who don’t often see themselves represented.

Why Do Some People Hate the Sub-Genre?

It’s important to note that dark romance isn’t for everyone and, in fact, some people are strongly against the sub-genre.

Dark romance, as we’ve already discussed, covers a lot of challenging territory. Oftentimes, dark romance can walk a very thin line when it comes to glorifying behavior that is, unequivocally, dangerous.

However.

Many folks who love dark romance suggest that, much like believing violent video games promote violence, it comes down to the reader. Dark romance is never something I recommend to anyone under the age of 18, and, honestly, is something I usually don’t recommend unless someone is actively seeking it. It can be far too easy to get into a story that reopens trauma or exposes you to subject matter you’d rather never read.

For that reason, the sub-genre has been trashed online, with many suggesting it’s no better than revenge porn or actual scenes of rape. There are certainly authors who mishandle the writing of such a touchy genre, but the writers I’ve chosen are writers who are generally considered respectful and responsible when it comes to the dark matter they deal with.

What, Exactly, Is a Morally Grey Character?

Good question!

A morally grey character can be defined in lots of ways, but the way I view them is similar to an anti-hero.

When I think “morally grey” I think of a character who has a really strict moral code, but it’s a code that doesn’t really line up with most people in my every day life. These characters, typically men, will do things like stalk their love interest to keep them safe or kill someone who threatens their family because they were a bad person.

The darker you go with romance, the more grey these characters tend to get. In dark romance, “touch her and you die” becomes a real threat.

Is Dark Romance for Me?

That’s a question you’ll have to sit with, because it’s certainly not for everyone!

My best recommendation is to start light with dark romance. Don’t jump straight into the deep end, as it were, but dip your toes in with something a little lighter.

My top recommendation for those just starting out is Navessa Allen’s “Into Darkness” series. The series features some violence (not between the love interests), kink play, trauma exploration, taboo sexual acts, and some characters that are definitely morally grey (light stalking, anyone?).

Some Popular Dark Romances I Recommend

Okay, so the recommendations!

I’ve listed these from lightest to darkest as I know them. It’s important to note that dark romance isn’t my bag, but I do read it! (I try to read a little bit of everything.) These recommendations are based on my community of readers and my own experiences.

Please, please be aware that these all come with trigger warnings. Dark romance is, as we’ve discussed, not for everyone. Proceed with caution and care before you pick any of these up. I do not recommend novels that feature dubious non-consent or non-consensual acts, so you won’t find those here. But those themes are very common in dark romance. I do however, feel fine recommending consensual non-consent novels to the right person. Make sure you always check author trigger warnings before you read, just to be sure!

Hooked by Emily McIntire

This is the first in McIntire’s “Never After” series.

Lots of dark romance lovers have roasted this book, claiming it doesn’t really have “dark” elements, but Hook’s character is definitely morally grey. The Peter Pan retelling is a really interesting premise, with Hook featured as the sexy, smoldering love interest and Wendy as the daughter of the violent and vicious Peter. There are some super steamy scenes, but the darkness is actually pretty light in this one, so it’s a good place to start!

Lights Out by Navessa Allen

This is the first in Allen’s “Into Darkness” series.

I really loved this one! It’s steamy, like steamy steamy, it’s exciting, there’s a lot of intrigue and mystery, masked TikTokers, the MMC (male main character) is all about “touch her and you die,” there’s knife play, stalking, threats, and more! It doesn’t hurt that the love story is actually really lovely and easy to get behind.

Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

This is the first in Weaver’s “The Ruinous Love Trilogy.”

If you like your violence graphic, this one is for you. This novel is giving Dexter vibes, complete with the serial killer who kills serial killers (and other bad people). The scenes are spicy, the back-and-forth between the main characters is fantastic, there are all sorts of piercings (I’m a big fan), and who doesn’t love an MMC who recognizes just how strong and powerful the FMC (female main character) is?

Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux

This is book one in Laroux’s “Souls Trilogy.”

This is where things start to get really dark. This novel does feature consensual non-consent, so approach with caution. Reviewers say this one is so spicy, so hot, but also, so dark. This dark romance is a little fantasy, a little paranormal, dealing with both a total different world and with ghosts. Enjoy witchy vibes, hot, explicit sex scenes, and dark twists.

Already love dark romance? Tell us your favorites!