This article contains mentions of dark romance themes, including stalking.

This beloved dark perfect beach reads for summer 2025, no matter which genre you like. However, one release has truly taken the platform by storm, largely due to it being a new entry into the ever-growing dark romance genre.

While not as large as some genres, like romantasy, dark romance books have recently become popular due to titles such as Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton and The Ruinous Love Trilogy by Brynne Weaver, adding new twists to the genre's tropes. As a result, the genre has been on the rise, with many new releases adding even more for audiences to discover. That being said, one book has truly invigorated the book community and ed the ranks of books with shocking plot twists upon its 2024 release, increasing the anticipation for its sequel: Lights Out by Navessa Allen.

Lights Out By Navessa Allen Is Getting A Much-Anticipated Sequel In June 2025

Lights Out's Unconventional Dark Romance Approach Added To Its Popularity

Allen's dark romance novel Lights Out is set to get a sequel after its fascinating and well-executed story in 2024. The story follows nurse Aly Cappellucci, who slowly realizes that one of her favorite MaskTok creators has begun to stalk her, though not for nefarious purposes. Said creator, Josh Hammond, is using his considerable technological skill to set up the scenario for their various mutual kinks, which leads into an unconventional romance. Despite their darker urges, the two form a genuine connection, which comes in handy as a far more dangerous force enters their lives.

While more comedic-leaning dark romance books are not completely new, as seen by Weaver's work, Lights Out truly captured the attention of several audiences across BookTok. Both the well-done spicy scenes and the great individual character arcs made the novel compelling to audiences and expanded the tropes readers can find in the genre, earning Lights Out an impressive Goodreads score of 4.16 out of 5 with over 50,000 reviews. It is no surprise, then, that its sequel is getting just as much attention.

Caught Up Is One Of The Most Exciting Dark Romance Releases Of The Year

Caught Up Has Already Beaten Lights Out's Goodreads Score

Allen's second dark romance book, Caught Up, is set to be one of the most exciting releases of 2025, as the author's unique writing style and the rise of content involving her work from other corners of social media add to the anticipation. Caught Up is set to tell the story of Aly's cousin, Nico 'Junior' Trocci, a young mobster who rediscovers his first love, Lauren Marchetti, and tries to reconnect with her. However, Lauren has changed in the intervening years, becoming associated with a nearby play club and shedding her former, more innocent views.

Caught Up is set to be released on June 10th, 2025, in both physical and audiobook form.

The two soon become embroiled in a game of cat and mouse, each trying to seduce the other as they delve into darker desires. Anticipation for Caught Up has made it a top contender in the dark romance sphere, partly due to many BikerTok and MaskTok creators cosplaying Allen's first male lead and praising her work. That more widespread exposure has resulted in excitement from fans, Caught Up's 4.26 out of 5 score suring the first book on Goodreads. Even so, Lights Out continues to hang onto its well-deserved spot and is a worthy read before its follow-up's arrival.

There's Still Time To Read Lights Out Before The Next Book Hits Shelves

Lights Out Can Be Purchased In Multiple Formats

Though Caught Up is set to be released soon, dark romance readers who still have not read Lights Out still have plenty of time to do so, as there are multiple options to purchase the book. Lights Out's audiobook is likely the most popular form of Allen's work due to its large social media presence and would likely be your best bet at finishing the 27-chapter novel before Caught Up's ​​​​​​debut, even if Allen's works can be read as standalones. Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play all carry the audiobook, and all are charging under $10 for it.

No matter what way you read it, Lights Out's great storyline, fun characters, and various twists make Allen's work addictive.

For readers who are more partial to e-books or physical copies, Barnes & Noble carries both, with a new B&N Exclusive Edition of Light Out having been created in anticipation of the sequel. Amazon also carries both versions of Allen's work, with Kindle Books carrying the ebook for under $10, much like other online platforms. No matter what way you read it, Lights Out's great storyline, fun characters, and various twists make Allen's work addictive, making the task of finishing the dark romance book before Caught Up's release that much easier.