𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝

EP - 01

DARK ROMANCE: A POPULAR YET CONTROVERSIAL GENRE

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Dark romance has become a favourite on platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram. This genre isn't about simple kisses, butterflies, or happily-ever-afters where the heroine rides off into the sunset with her love interest. Instead, it dives into darker themes, exploring complex relationships and characters with morally gray or troubled pasts.

If you search online, you'll find definitions like this: "Dark romance is a subgenre of romance novels with mature, often intense content. These stories frequently come with content warnings and explore themes like trauma and violence. Popular tropes include mafia, stalking, and kidnappings."

Now, am I here to criticize the entire genre?

No.

Am I here to judge readers?

Absolutely not.

However, some recurring themes, especially certain harmful tropes, deserve a closer look. For example, I've seen the concept of a "r**e kink" in some stories, which is difficult to understand. Why are some harmful dynamics being romanticized, and why is this becoming normalized?

Next is the trope of dark academia romance. While dark academia has is okay, the concern is often with the ages of the leads. Why portray dark romance dynamics, sometimes with BDSM undertones, between teenage characters? And considering that many readers of these books are teenagers themselves.

Wattpad's "dark romance" section also often doesn't quite live up to the genre. Some stories are repetitive: the male lead is a grumpy mafia type, and the female lead is delicate and innocent. There's little plot or character development in many cases, so some editorial oversight on platforms like Wattpad could really help. There's a troubling trend of morally gray male leads being excused for harmful behaviour toward female leads. These stories sometimes blur lines between fantasy and real life, and that can be a concern.

The ease with which these female characters forgive serious harm makes you wonder about messages on self-respect and boundaries. Dark romance is supposed to explore flawed characters, but sometimes it crosses into glorifying abusive or non-consensual relationships. And if these stories influence real-life expectations of relationships, that's where it gets tricky. Fiction shouldn't replace real sex education, which should be about consent, respect, and safety.

Dark romance has evolved beyond dark themes and morally gray characters to sometimes glorifying abuse or non-consensual acts. And when these stories blur lines between fiction and real-life expectations, it's concerning that readers may begin to view these narratives as a form of "sex education" or relationship guidance.

To some extent, BookTok has unfortunately normalized SA (sexual assault) and abuse under the guise of dark romance, making it seem like these experiences are universal or even acceptable. While trigger warnings are often included, they sometimes overlook mentioning these critical themes, leaving readers unprepared.

There's a reason a writer's pen is often compared to a soldier's sword—it has the power to shape readers' perspectives and influence how they understand relationships and boundaries. Readers, too, should learn to spot red flags and to distinguish between morally gray characters and truly immoral actions.

If you want to write dark romance then it is your responsibility to research about it, understand its elements.

Some might say, "It's just fiction, so why take it seriously?" But if that's the case, then why is there criticism of authors like Colleen Hoover? She, too, writes fiction, yet her work stirs intense responses because readers are deeply affected by it.

This isn't to shame fans of dark romance or authors who write it. Dark romance itself isn't the issue—it's the trend of letting harmful dynamics slide without examination. Maybe it's time to think about where to draw the line between thrilling fiction and potentially harmful portrayals.

Writers should take the responsibility to understand the genre they're writing, and readers should feel empowered to question narratives and respect their own boundaries.

At the end of the day, dark romance can be a fascinating genre that explores the shadows of human nature and complex relationships. It's okay to enjoy it and even to get swept up in the intensity of these stories. But let's be mindful as readers and writers. It's important to remember that fiction can shape perspectives and even influence real-life expectations.

When we engage with dark romance, let's appreciate the thrill of the genre, while also recognizing the difference between fantasy and healthy, respectful relationships in reality. After all, enjoying a story doesn't mean we have to embrace everything it portrays. It's all about finding a balance that respects both creativity and personal boundaries.

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Now, I'd love to hear from you!

What are your thoughts on dark romance and its themes?

And is there a topic you'd like to dive into next?