We know what you’re thinking—why are so many people into the dark romance trope? After all, romance is usually portrayed in bubbly rom-coms with quotable one-liners or sweeping, passionate dramas that leave us in tears (looking at you, Nicholas Sparks!).
Yet, #darkromance has racked up 2.2 million views on TikTok and there are nearly 50,000 books shelved under the trope on Goodreads, so clearly, people are loving it. But what is it about dark love that has captivated so many?
Well, let us break it down for you. Here’s why dark romance is so deliciously intoxicating.
Why readers (and listeners) love the dark romance trope
It might seem counterintuitive—why would people want to read about things that are intense or scary? Especially when it comes to romance. But there's so many elements at play in these stories that make them compelling. Here's just a few...
Complex, flawed characters
Most romance novels center on characters who, sure, have problems, but they’re good people at the end of the day. The same can’t be said for dark romance. Some of these characters are often violent at worst, or manipulative and criminal at best. But, being human is messy, complicated, and raw. While we may not support their actions, we often relate to their internal struggles, attempts at overcoming trauma, and desire to be better.
Exploration of taboo themes
Some rules are meant to be broken, and that’s especially true for dark romances that touch on taboo themes. Age gaps, forbidden romance, and unbalanced power dynamics are just a few subgenres of romance that can be found within the dark romance trope. Taboo love stories have an element of risk that adds to the drama, while also challenging societal norms. It dares readers to defy the expected and follow their hearts.
Tension and danger
Imagine that edge-of-your-seat thrill you get from watching suspense movies, but applied to a love story. Dark romance books thrive on high-stakes situations—life-or-death realities, dangerous feuds, or characters teetering on the edge of destruction. Whether it’s a murderous vigilante or a supernatural battle, the ever-present danger stokes the flames of desire, making every stolen kiss or whispered endearment all the more intense and meaningful.
Redemption arcs
The “I can fix him” trope might raise red flags in real life, but in fiction? We’re here for it! Watching a character who seems beyond saving slowly change for the better because they’ve fallen in love is such a satisfying resolution.
Sub-genres of dark romance
Another thing we love about dark romance is that it’s not one size fits all. There are so many shades of the genre to explore, but here are some of our favorites.
Paranormal dark romance
Remember the scene from “Twilight” when Edward saved Bella from getting killed by James? It was an intense, high-stakes, life-or-death scenario that was par for the course in this world of vampires. But it was also crazy romantic. If you want that vibe all the time—featuring not only vampires, but werewolves, witches, and other things that go bump in the night—paranormal dark romance is for you.
Post-apocalyptic dark romance
“Walking Dead” Rick and Michonne shippers, this one’s for you. Whether it’s zombies, an alien invasion, or a mysterious contagion, this type of dark romance sees people falling in love even when the world as they know it is over.
Mafia romance
We’re going to make you an offer you can’t refuse—mafia romance. This sub-genre usually follows a member of an organized crime family who falls for an outsider or a member in a rival family. There’s themes of loyalty, family, forbidden love, and sacrifice. Curious about more? Add “The Sweetest Oblivion” by Danielle Lori to your Kindle!
Gothic romance
Gothic romance is all about atmosphere. We’re talking eerie moors, haunted castles, and spooky forests. Think “Rebecca,” “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” or the more recent “Crimson Peak.” Gothic romance has an element of mystery, brooding heroes, and just a tinge of horror.
Psychological thriller romance
If you love Colleen Hoover and Gillian Flynn, you love psychological thriller romance. This sub-genre has dark themes like secrets, obsession, manipulation, stalking, and more. Exploring all the dark parts of the human psyche, this one has twists and turns that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!
Historical dark romance
Imagine a dark romance set during a time when there’s limited technology, societal constraints, class divisions, and more. A setting where even a touch of the hand or sight of an ankle could be taboo adds a whole other layer to the conflicts and stakes of a dark romance.
Alluring anti-heroes in pop culture
Now, what if we told you you’ve watched the dark romance trope play out in your favorite TV shows and movies...and didn’t even realize it?
Take “Killing Eve,” for example. Yes, it’s a dark spy thriller that features a serial killer assassin and MI6 investigator caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse. But in their game of chase, Eve and Villanelle become obsessed with each other, transforming their hunt into a sapphic dark romance. The danger, life and death stakes, and morally gray characters had fans tuning in every week. (If you want a book recommendation with this vibe, check out “Haunting Adeline.”)
Or consider Netflix’s “365 Days.“ The spicy Polish thriller may have been panned by critics, but it was viewed over 25 million times the month of its release. The mafia romance is about a woman who’s kidnapped by a mob boss and held prisoner for 365 days until she falls in love with him. You’d think the dubious consent and criminal MMC (male main character) would deter people, but the “touch her and die” and “who hurt you” tropes hit every time.
Kylo Ren and Rey? “Star Wars” fans know exactly what we’re talking about. Kylo Ren is the epitome of a dark romance anti-hero—a tortured soul drawn to the light by Rey, his natural enemy. Even though he’s committed heinous acts, their complex connection through the Force brings them together.
Fans of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic will love “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood, an academia romance loosely inspired by Kylo and Rey’s relationship.
We know, we know. “Beauty and the Beast” is a cherished classic, and we would never besmirch it. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that this is technically a dark romance fairytale. A prince cursed into being a beast holds a young woman prisoner while an angry mob hunts him down? Sounds pretty dark to us. But, it’s also one of the best love stories out there because of its sweet redemption arc and happy ending.
How do we make dark romance?
At Dipsea, we approach making dark romance with lots of care and always with the female gaze front and center. That means creating excitement, drama, and even a bit of danger without compromising our characters. We want to create a character universe that feels equal parts exciting and empowering and we work hard to find that balance.
Ready to check out some dark romance? These original spicy audio stories from Dipsea are a great place to start!
If you’ve ever read “Harry Potter” fanfic about Hermione and Malfoy (“Manacled” girlies rise), you’ll love “Avalon Academy.” This original spicy dark fantasy romance follows Evie Blackwell, a new student at a magical college who plans to study as a Healer alongside her overprotective boyfriend—until the sorting ceremony reveals she actually has the power of Seeing. Soon she finds herself entangled in not only dark magic, but also a love triangle with her boyfriend Elliot…and the mysterious and rebellious Rory.
“Wicked Words” centers on Adrienne Stone, a celebrity biographer who gets roped into writing a book on bad boy billionaire Alexander Blackwood when he helps her family out of a financial bind. At first, the two don’t get along. But when Adrienne moves into his English estate, the ice between them thaws and the chemistry heats up...especially when Adrienne discovers Alexander’s BDSM bunker.
Fans of paranormal romance and Greek mythology should bite into “Forbidden Fruit.” The spicy retelling follows the God of the Underworld, Hades, and the Goddess of Spring, Persephone. Uninterested with her newfound responsibilities on Olympus, Persephone follows Hades to the Underworld for a hedonistic vacation that turns into a passionate forbidden romance.
From a public library to a box at the opera, “Truth or Dare” features two strangers, Quentin and Nadia, having weekly spicy meetups in public places. They use this steamy challenge to explore parks, art galleries, music festivals, their workplaces, and even an open house. Forbidden feels so good when you’ve met your adventurous match!
Embracing the dark side
Ready to explore dark romance yourself? Whether you’re captivated by brooding anti-heroes, tantalized by forbidden love, or addicted to high-stakes drama, dark romance has something for every reader who craves intensity—and Dipsea’s original audio stories let you experience these tropes in a completely immersive, audio-first way.
Sign up for a free 30-day trial and discover a whole new side of romance—one that’s dangerous, thrilling, and utterly irresistible.
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