wine, candles, & villains oh my
every villain deserves their perfect lair, and every reader needs their perfect nook...
My deliciously dark darlings, let's talk about something near and dear to our blackened hearts—creating the perfect reading sanctuary for all your morally grey adventures.
You know those moments when you're deep in a scene where the MMC is teaching his enemies about consequences, and suddenly, real life intrudes like an unwanted plot twist? Not anymore!
Today, we're crafting a space worthy of housing your darkest literary desires.
Setting the Mood: Lighting is Everything
Listen up, my nocturnal butterflies—ambiance is crucial when you're diving into worlds of darkness and desire.
Just like our favorite antiheroes know how to set the stage for their carefully planned revenge, we need to master the art of atmospheric lighting.
Nobody wants to read about blood-soaked revenge scenes under harsh fluorescent lights—that's like wearing white to a murder scene. Rookie mistake.
The Perfect Light Recipe
Candles: Not just any candles, darlings. We're talking about those deliciously scented ones that transport you straight into your book's world. Currently, I'm obsessed with combining vanilla and leather scents—it's giving "trapped in a mafia don's office" energy. Position them strategically around your space, but remember: we want to create ambiance, not a fire hazard. Your MMC might enjoy burning things down, but your landlord won't appreciate the commitment to character.
Salt Lamps: These babies emit the perfect murderous glow while supposedly cleansing your air. Mine sits like a sentinel beside my reading chair, casting just enough light to see my book while maintaining that "something wicked this way comes" aesthetic.
Fairy Lights: For when you're feeling whimsically wicked. String them around your bookshelf or drape them over your reading nook. They're especially perfect for those lighter moments between all the stabbing and stalking.
Reading Lights: for those 3 AM "just one more chapter" moments. If you're struggling with eye strain (because we all know "one more chapter" means five more hours), try positioning your light source behind you rather than directly overhead. Your eyes will thank you, and you'll still maintain that deliciously dark atmosphere.
Pro Tip: While reading in complete darkness with just your Kindle's glow might feel atmospheric AF, your optometrist would like a word. Take breaks, my dark angels—we want you seeing clearly for all those thirsty TikTok book reels.
The Comfort Chronicles
My sweet sinners, let's talk about the uniform of our people. Because you can't properly enjoy your favorite MMC's murderous rampage unless you're dressed for success.
Just as our favorite villains have their signature looks (I'm looking at you, every mafia don in a perfectly tailored suit), we readers need our own power outfit for maximum immersion. Think of it as cosplaying comfort with a dash of "don't you dare interrupt my reading time" energy.
The Tried & Tested Reader's Power Outfit:
The Base Layer: Those high-waisted yoga pants that have witnessed more emotional damage than your therapist. They're not just pants—they're emotional support compression wear. Pair them with that oversized sweater that's basically a wearable hug. You know the one—it's got those convenient sleeve holes perfect for wiping away tears when your favorite character gets stabbed (again).
The Accessories: Those blessed fuzzy socks aren't just for warmth—they're a warning system. Mine literally say, "Shhh! I’m reading." It's like a restraining order for your feet. And trust me, when you're deep in a dubcon scene, the last thing you want is someone asking what's for dinner.
Optional: That one blanket that's basically your emotional support animal.
Sustenance for the Soul (and Stomach)
Speaking of dinner, let's talk about the art of reading refreshments. Because nothing ruins the momentum of a knife fight quite like a rumbling stomach.
The Hydration Station:
Water (boring but necessary) – Keep it in a spill-proof container because paperbacks and liquids mix about as well as rivals in a dark romance
Wine (for when things get spicy) – Remember, we're aiming for "pleasantly buzzed," not "drunk texting the author at 2 AM"
Coffee/Tea (your choice of poison) – Because sleep is for people who don't need to know what happens next
Snack Strategy: Learn from my mistakes, darlings. That time I tried to eat spaghetti while reading? Let's just say my book now has a very authentic blood-splatter effect. Stick to:
Dark chocolate (bonus points if it's 70% or higher—we like our chocolate like we like our heroes: bitter and intense)
Popcorn (pre-portioned to avoid the endless handful trap)
Fruit snacks (they're basically adult candy and I'll die on this hill)
The Strategic Reading Arsenal
If there's one thing we've learned from our favorite antiheroes, it's the importance of being prepared. Your TBR pile should be as carefully curated as a hitman's weapon collection.
Let's talk about backup plans, because nothing's worse than finishing a book at 2 AM and not having your next literary victim lined up.
The Essential Stack: Your current read should be front and center, like the crown jewel in a villain's lair. But surrounding it, you need 👇
The sequel (because cliffhangers are emotional warfare and we refuse to be caught unprepared)
A comfort re-read (like that one mafia romance where he's literally the worst, but you love him anyway)
A palette cleanser (sometimes you need a break between kidnappings)
Troubleshooting Tip: Create a "mood reading" system. Sort your TBR by spice level, trigger warnings, and emotional damage potential. There’s nothing worse than diving into what you think is a light enemies-to-lovers only to find yourself in the middle of a demon king's harem with no emotional preparation. (Actually, that sounds amazing, but you get my point.)
Crafting Your Villainous Lair
This is where the magic happens, darlings. Your reading space should be as carefully curated as your MMC's weapon collection.
Just as every dark romance hero needs their brooding mansion or penthouse suite, you need your perfect reading sanctuary. Let me guide you through creating a space that would make even the most territorial MMC jealous.
→ The Closet Cave: My personal favorite—there's something deliciously intimate about reading in a small, enclosed space. I've transformed my walk-in closet into a reading haven with floor pillows, string lights, and a "Do Not Disturb (Unless Someone's Actually Dying)" sign. It's giving hidden away in the monster's lair energy, and I'm here for it.
→ The Corner Kingdom: For those blessed with actual living space, claiming a corner as your reading domain is peak villain behavior. Layer different height pillows against the walls, add a weighted blanket (because sometimes you need to feel held down while reading those spicy scenes), and position your lighting just so. You're not just creating a reading nook—you're building your own personal chapter in the villain's lair.
→ The Bookshelf Bunker: If you're one of those blessed souls with a home library (and yes, we're all secretly plotting to steal it), make it work for you. Position your most-read dark romances at eye level—it's not just practical, it's a power move. Arrange your TBR pile like a shrine to future emotional damage.
Atmosphere Enhancement: The Final Touches
Ambiance is everything, darlings, and sometimes you need a little extra help getting into that dark romance mindset. Let me share my tried-and-true methods for maximum immersion:
Sound Design:
Rain sounds for those broody reading sessions
Dark academia playlists for the scholarly villain vibes
Thunderstorm tracks for dramatic revelation scenes
Complete silence for those "holy shit" moments that deserve your full attention
Scent Story: Layer your scents like you layer your traumas…
Base notes: vanilla or sandalwood (grounding)
Middle notes: leather or tobacco (for that MMC energy)
Top notes: something slightly dangerous (blood orange, anyone?)
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Nosy Family Members: Invest in noise-canceling headphones and a resting bitch face
Poor Lighting: Layer your light sources like a villain layers their threats
Comfort Problems: Rotate your reading positions (your spine will thank you later)
Interruptions: Train your loved ones like our favorite MMCs train their enemies—with clear consequences (kidding... mostly)
The Final Touches
Remember, my wicked ones, your reading space is sacred. It's where you escape to when reality becomes too...vanilla. Where you can safely explore all those deliciously dark desires through the pages of your favorite books. Treat it accordingly. Add personal touches that speak to your dark little heart:
Book quotes on the walls
Character art
That one skeleton 💀 decoration you refuse to take down after Halloween
Crystal collections (they're not just pretty—they're weapons in a pinch)
If you’re looking for a coven 👀, we share our reading nook photos and trade tips on creating the perfect villain's lair in Discord. You never know when you’ll need inspiration for your next reading sanctuary upgrade.
🖤 Stay Wicked,
Courtney Ann
P.S. Next week's newsletter: "From TBR to DNF: The Art of Knowing When to Break Up with a Book"—subscribe so you don't miss it!