dark romance red flags that make us green light
the most delicious things in life come with a warning label...
CONTENT WARNING: Darlings, before we dive into this delightfully twisted newsletter, please note we'll be discussing themes including dubious consent, violence, stalking, and other potentially triggering content. Remember: what's sexy on paper should stay on paper. This is a safe space for our darkest fictional fantasies, not a how-to guide for real relationships.
Listen up, my sweet summer sinners, because today we're going to talk about something we've all experienced: that moment when you're reading a dark romance novel, and your rational brain is screaming "RED FLAG! RED FLAG!" while your dark little heart is whispering "...but what if?"
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
Those moments that have you questioning your sanity, your morals, and possibly your internet search history. The ones that make you glad no one can see your Kindle highlights. The scenes that have you texting your book besties at ungodly hours with messages like "IS IT WRONG THAT I FOUND THAT HOT?!"
Here's the thing about dark romance—it's our safe space to explore the shadows. Those delicious grey areas between right and wrong, consent and corruption, love and obsession. It's where we can indulge in fantasies that would have our therapists taking extra notes, all from the safe distance of fiction.
In today's newsletter, we're diving deep into those red flags that make us green light faster than a street racer with a death wish.
We'll explore why certain toxic tropes work so well in fiction (while remaining firmly in the realm of fantasy), share some of our favorite examples, and maybe help you feel a little less alone in your questionable reading choices.
Because let's be honest—if your FBI agent isn't concerned about your Kindle library, are you even reading dark romance?
Now, grab your wine, your emotional support blanket, and maybe a fan, because things are about to get deliciously dark...
The Art of Literary Choking
Let's start with everyone's favorite form of breath play, shall we?
There's something absolutely intoxicating about a MMC who knows exactly how much pressure to apply to those carotid arteries (in fiction, of course).
Like Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue’s Dimitri from the Lords of Pain series—these men turn what should be terrifying into something that has us all fanning ourselves at 2 AM.
Book Rec Corner: "New York Ruthless Series" by Sadie Kincaid—because sometimes the best necklace is made of fingerprints.
Possessive is Just Another Word for "Mine"
You thought you could hug your best friend? That's adorable. Our fictional alphas have something to say about that—usually with their fists first and their words never.
We're talking about that "touch what's mine and lose a limb" energy that would get you a restraining order in real life but makes us weak in the knees in fiction.
Toxic Tip: The more they growl "mine," the faster we fall. It's just science.
Forced Proximity: When Running Away Means Running Right Into Their Arms
There's nothing quite like that "oh no, we're trapped in this elevator/cabin/panic room" moment. Sure, in real life we'd be calling maintenance, but in fiction? We're secretly hoping the power stays out just a little longer.
Because nothing says "fall in love with me" quite like being forced to share body heat for survival, right?
Spicy Scenario: Two enemies, one bed, a snowstorm outside, and absolutely no cell service. Tale as old as time, yet we eat it up every single time.
Violence as a Love Language
Listen, darlings, in the real world, we solve our problems with therapy and restraining orders. But in dark romance? There's something devastatingly sexy about a 6'4" wall of muscle disposing of anyone who dared to hurt you in the past.
It's the "I'll protect you by any means necessary" trope that has us all swooning into our wine glasses.
MMC Energy Check: If he doesn't have a body count higher than your ex list, is he even trying?
Stalking: A Fine Line Between Creepy and Creatively Caring
Oh, you thought randomly showing up everywhere your crush goes was weird? Tell that to every dark romance reader who fell head over heels for our daddy Zade.
There's just something about an MMC who knows your coffee order, daily schedule, and social security number before you even know he exists.
Reality Check: Remember darlings, in real life, change your passwords and get a security system. In fiction? Let that man track your phone. 👏👏👏
The Art of "No Means...Maybe?"
This is where we get seriously serious for a moment. Safe words exist for a reason, and consent is always, ALWAYS sexy.
But in the safe space of dark romance? Sometimes, that initial resistance makes the eventual surrender so much sweeter. (Looking at you, every mafia romance ever written.)
Reminder: Fiction is fantasy, and fantasy is where we can safely explore these darker desires without real-world consequences.
Bullying With Benefits
Oh, the enemies-to-lovers pipeline. There's nothing quite like a bully romance where all that antagonistic energy is really just foreplay in disguise. For the most delicious example, check out Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti’s Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep series.
Because sometimes, "I hate you" really means "I want to push you against a wall and kiss you until we both forget our names."
Book Boyfriend Red Flag: If he's pulling your pigtails at 27, he's either desperately in love with you or needs serious therapy. In fiction, we're hoping for both.
Playing in the Dark
Some fantasies aren't meant for polite conversation, but that's why we have dark romance, isn't it?
Whether it's being chased through the woods or pushed past your limits, these books provide a safe space to explore the shadows of our desires.
Safety Note: Real-life kink requires trust, communication, and explicit consent. Save the spontaneous forest chases for fiction.
The Bottom Line
These red flags might send us running in real life, but in fiction? They're what keep us up until 3 AM, kindle in hand, wondering if we're slightly unhinged for finding it all so addictive. (Spoiler alert: we are, and that's okay.)
Looking for a place where you can discuss our favorite toxic tropes in a judgment-free zone? Join the Discord! Sometimes, the best therapy is admitting that we all have a thing for fictional men who are walking red flags.
If you're feeling seen (or slightly called out) by this newsletter, welcome to the dark side. We have cookies. And questionable morals.
🖤 Stay Wicked,
Courtney Ann
P.S. Next week's newsletter: "Mafia Daddies & Murder Husbands: Why We're All Going to Hell, But Make it Fashion"—subscribe so you don't miss it!