Lights Out (Into Darkness #1) By Navessa Allen|Dark Romance with Banter and Bite
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Synopsis
Lights Out follows trauma nurse Aly and cybersecurity expert Josh, whose dark online flirtation tips into something much more intense when fantasy, obsession and real danger begin colliding. What starts as a charged, taboo-leaning connection turns into a romance that is equal parts wild, funny and addictive to read.
Review
Lights Out is dark, filthy, fast paced and very funny. The trigger warnings are not there for filler and this is absolutely not one to wander into blind, but beneath all the smut and kink there is a romance here between two people who seem actually, quite perfect for each other.
It knows how to be provocative without feeling hollow and it has far more personality than a lot of books trying to do similar things. What really carries this book are our two main characters, Aly and Josh. On paper, Josh should be far too over the top, yet the book gives him enough humour and emotional vulnerability that he becomes somewhat irresistible and a more realistic character. Aly also works well because she does not feel like she is there simply to react to him. She has her own wants, her own baggage, and can equally and often overtake Josh’s banter. Together, they have that very specific kind of intense yet well matched chemistry where every interaction feels like it could either end in flirting, an argument or one of them stalking the other.
I also appreciated that the book never relies on spice alone to carry the whole thing. Yes, there is A LOT of spice in this book but the banter, pacing and escalating tension are what kept me hooked. There is a slightly ridiculous streak running through it, but in this case that helps rather than hurts. It knows that the premise is completely unhinged and unrealistic and it doesn't try to be anything else.
Audiobook
The audiobook is narrated by Elena Wolfe and Jacob Morgan and they are a big part of why this story comes to life so well in audio.
The performances suit the tone beautifully, especially because this book has to juggle dark desire, troubled family dynamics and high tension.
Josh in particular benefits from audio because the performance helps sell that dangerous-but-devoted energy without making him feel cartoonish.
Aly’s voice is well matched and really brings out the fire in her that needs to be shown in this type of story.
If ever there was an audiobook designed to have you walking around with your headphones with a perpetual look of shock and awe on your face, this is it. 🎧
Verdict
Lights Out is spicy, twisted yet oddly irresistible. At the centre is a relationship that is completely overblown, yet so compelling that it is impossible not to get invested. If you enjoy dark romance with strong chemistry, sharp banter and a completely unhinged plot, this is definitely one that you should pick up!
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
You can buy this book on Amazon (Affiliate Links):
Paperback - https://amzn.to/4tgos1C
Hardcover - https://amzn.to/4tehhXx
Kindle: https://amzn.to/48yL450
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/41xRw8H
