Admittedly, I had no clue what dark romance was a few years ago. Of course I’d heard of romance books, and admittedly, wasn’t a huge fan of reading them. Why? I’m just not a person who enjoys cheesy books…or movies…or anything corny, for that matter. But when a friend mentioned the genre of dark romance…I was intrigued. I had to know what these books were all about…and so began my descent into darkness.
Key notes
- Defining the dark romance genre
- Recs for the kinkiest, darkest of dark romance books
- Discussing my upcoming works in progress
What is Dark Romance?
Dark Romance is defined generally as a subgenre of romance books that explores dark themes, mature content, and typically features morally gray characters. A few of the more popular “tropes” in this subgenre include reverse harem, mafia romance, BDSM, taboo love, kidnapping, CNC, and other dark themes like government espionage, cults, serial killers, and the like.
In Defense of Dark Smut Readers
What draws readers to the dark romance genre of books? There certainly is a lot of judgment from readers and nonreaders alike when it comes to the explosive trend of “smut” reading. Some folks say you must have “something wrong with you” if you enjoy reading dark romance. While others criticize it for “glorifying” certain taboo or even dangerous scenes and situations.
Let me explain for those who have no fucking clue. The majority of the American people watch violence on TV on a daily basis. In fact, violence is woven into the very fabric of American culture. Yet no one seems to take notice when a man is blown away on a TV show. Or a woman is beaten on a movie. So why are these same people that are complacent to these things criticizing readers for indulging in books that explore darker themes?
For me, as a smut reader and writer, diving into darker themes and characters in a book is more than just thrilling. Sometimes it’s healing. Cathartic. Just because I enjoyed HD Carlton’s Haunting Adeline, does that mean that I welcome a man to stalk me and potentially SA me in the real world? Absolutely not. Let’s keep in mind, folks, this is FICTION. Fantasy. Not real life.
And, if I do so choose to explore the kinks or themes written in my favorite dark romance books, I would do so with a partner of whom I trust. With whom I can set limits and with whom I know would keep me safe and comfortable above everything else. Someone who can pretend with me…in a warm and welcome environment. That’s also not to say that everything I read I will try in my own life. That’s just not realistic, feasible, or safe.
Dark Romance Recs
Enough of the defensive dribble. Let’s get to the good stuff. My first EVER recommendation list for those who enjoy the darker side of romance. BEFORE READING, always check the content warnings at the front of the book or on the author’s websites. This way you are aware if any of the content might trigger you. (NOTE: most of the dark romance readers I know claim they have no triggers and actively seek out books with long trigger lists!)
~ Anything by HD Carlton including: Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline (The Cat and Mouse Duet), Where’s Molly?, and Phantom
~ The Never King Series by Nikki St. Crowe (fabulous on audiobook too! I devoured this series on Spotify)
~ Mine by AK Rose (check the content warnings on this one…it is VERY TABOO…but I found it extremely engaging and hott)
~ Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers (also taboo but amazingly hott!)
~ Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver (most readers already know the Ruinous Love Trilogy. It’s decent and a good place for someone who is new to the genre to start)
Cherri Meraschino’s Works in Progress
Now we’ve come to the part where I promote my work. Sorry, but if you’re here, I figure you might be interested? Currently, you can pre-order Resurrect Me: A Dark Stalker Romance on Amazon Kindle. The ebook will go live on January 24th, 2025. And the paperback soon after that.
I’m considering writing a second book as a follow-up…making it a duet. The next book would be titled RESIST ME.
In addition, I have a dark viking romantasy in the works and am looking forward to the Summer when I might begin working on a dark Arthurian romance that focuses on the villains in the Arthurian legends!
That’s all for now, my sweet little fruits.