Blog
This blog is your behind-the-scenes look into the minds of the Saints of Sorrow. In this blog you’ll find reviews of independently published dark romance books, articles on controversial or taboo bookish topics, and reading lists curated by dark romance readers for dark romance readers.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or lover of all things dark romance, here you'll find inspiration, resources, and community!
-
If you’re looking for articles on Parasocial Behavior In The Book Community, Kink and Fetish’s Role In Dark Romance, or The Positives of Reading Smut, AND SO MUCH MORE. Look no further! Find all LA articles right here.
-
Have you ever wondered what new independently published books you should pick up? Never fear! Library of Angels focuses on reviewing books by indie authors in the dark romance field. We do the research so you don’t have to! Find your newest read here.
-
Have you had a friend ever ask you for a beginner friendly dark romance list and have you been stuck? Never fear, find lists for 5 Dark Romance Books for Beginners, 9 Dark Little Mermaid Retellings, and new releases each month right here!
-
Ever wanted to know what the Library of Angels founder is working on? Check out her what this week series to stay up-to-date. She will occasionally drop hints for new LA Services, Merch, and site updates.
The Community You Build
Finding your tribe can be a slow and steady process, but once you find the people who were made to be your chosen family — you’ll never be able to let go. Take a look at what Jay has to say in her final opinion-piece of the quarter. Have you found your community yet?
Pride In All Things
The Angel’s Ledger, Vol. 3
From secret middle school kisses to co-founding an LGBTQ+ safe space, this essay explores identity, acceptance, and the complicated experience of never feeling the need to come out
Booktok: The Same Book Posted 200 Times
We tend to find the same repeat of books on Booktok, with endless “This was the best book I have read in a while!” - it leaves us wondering, is it actually that good, or is it only being hyped up and said it’s amazing because Booktok has deemed it popular?
I See Me: Diversity In Literature
Reading characters that depict an array of rich, deep complexions with wide noses or angled bridges, unlocks a deeper level of emotional connection familiarly seen in our cultural circles. With narratives, particularly dark romance, complex emotional draws are an essential feature to endear readers to the main characters despite any unique plight—and establish empathy in the reader's mind. Remember the booger-nosed inner kid from earlier? Well think of how seeing their features being held in reverence and power, could strengthen who they become tomorrow.
Review: Heartstring Duet by Liv Zander
Reviewed by Lebi, Heartstring Duet by Liv Zander, a dark, fantasy romance.
Tropes include: Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Marriage of Convenience, Death/Grief
Editing or Martyrdom: Cult Qualifications
The Angel’s Ledger Vol. 2
This week’s ledger is coming in HOT with a think piece on what qualifies you to be an editor. Aside from that, catch a first glimpse of details surrounding our riding club The Midnight Martyrs, a look at shipping updates for Gothic Angel Society, and the June release schedule for The Pomegranate and The Mic.
Review: Killer of Mine by Alexis Grace
Reviewed by Aubrey, Killer of Mine by Alexis Grace, a dark, why choose romance.
Tropes include: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Found Family, Bratty Badass FMC, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, “Who Hurt You?”, Criminal Minds Vibe
Review: How to Make a Love Potion by R.A Moreau
Reviewed by Laya, How to Make a Love Potion by R.A Moreau, a dark college, monster romance.
Tropes include: Fake Dating, College Romance, Monster Romance, Friends with Benefits, Spiderpunk Inspired MMC
A Cult Mama’s Vengeance
The Angel’s Ledger Vol. 1
Welcome back to your weekly L.A. Update. Cult Mama has been gone for a while, but she’s BACK. Catch this week’s ledger with updates on L.A. Leadership, the newest Gothic Angel Society theme, and details on the official return of The Pomegranate and The Mic.
It’s Okay Not to Be
TW: Brief discussion of depression and anxiety.
“Gotta take the good with the bad, smile with the sad. Love what you got and remember what you had” - Life We Live by Project Pat
The sunshine will come.
Bookish Socials - Is There a Difference?
Booktok, Bookstagram, and Bookthreads.
And if you don’t think there is a difference, you haven’t seen how wild it can get on all sides.
Review: Sick Bargain by Nordika Night
Reviewed by Laya, Sick Bargain by Nordika Night, a dark MM, masked man romance.
Tropes include: Masked Man, Forced Proximity, Possessive and Obsessive, Deranged Love, Fear Kink, Primal Play, Touch Him and Die, Surprised Identity Reveal
I Learned to Bleed Beautifully
I used to believe devotion was a soft thing.
Petal-skinned. Gentle. Something you cupped in both hands like water.
I was wrong.
It is tectonic. It rearranges fault lines beneath your ribs. It fractures what you thought was stable and calls it destiny.
To Our Cult Mama…
A love letter from us to you, cult mama ♥ Happy birthday to you, and to Library of Angels!
Review: Dead of Summer by A.J. Merlin
Reviewed by Aubrey, Dead of Summer by A.J. Merlin, a dark enemies-to-lovers, stalker romance.
Tropes include: Enemies to Lovers, Stalking, Serial Killer, Touch Her and Die, Slasher Vibes, Summer Camp
Review: Marrow by Trisha Wolfe & Brynne Weaver
Reviewed by Lebi, Marrow by Trisha Wolfe and Brynne Weaver, a dark enemies to lovers
Tropes include: enemies to lovers, dual pov, rival serial killers, spice with kinks, morally grey MMC
Review: Crawl Space by J.N. Bamforth
Reviewed by Jay Depraved, Crawl Space by J.N. Bamforth, an erotic horror.
Tropes include: Haunted Inheritance, Stalker MMC, Obsession/Possession, Forced Proximity, Erotic Horror, Morally Corrupt MMC
Review: Prey Drive by Jen Stevens
Reviewed by Talahia, Prey Drive by Jen Stevens, a dark stalker romance.
Tropes include: Serial Killer, Stalker, Secret Society, Masked Man, “Who Did This?”
Review: The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia
Reviewed by Giorgia, The Poisoner is a gothic romance.
Tropes include: victorian era, vampires, horror, and obsession.
The Kink In Me: The Existence of Identity in Perversion
Why is the modern world so freaking obsessed with kinky smut? Now before you click that X and exit this article, don’t worry folks—this girl has two thumbs, loves to use them to crack open book spines, and read characters getting to the nitty gritty. This isn’t a campaign to end the reign of spice, it’s just a girl with her gentle readers trying to get to the bottom of why the community lives for freaky nasty motherfuckers.