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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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 Ban of ‘Mommy Porn’
Celebrate Banned Book Week by exploring the controversy behind the so-called “mommy porn” series, Fifty Shades of Grey. This article examines why the trilogy faced widespread bans, the debates over censorship and adult sexuality, and how public libraries navigated challenges to keep the books accessible for adult readers.
Review: Scream Little Sister by Willow McQuerry
Reviewed by Nina, Scream Little Sister is a dark taboo romance.
Tropes include: taboo (step-brother), biker boy x cam girl, and a mask kink
A Banned Book Is A Book Worth Reading
Happy Banned Books Week! Need a good place to start your banned books week and don’t know where to start? Read along as Jay shares her perspectives on literacy in the US and its relation to a decline in accessible reading materials! Also, find a list of banned dark romance books that you should absolutely add to your TBR!
Why One Bad Event Doesn’t Ruin Your Love for Conventions
Thinking about which book conventions are worth your time? Jay is sharing her real experiences from this year. Both the hits and the misses. As a PA, influencer, and book lover, from events that didn’t make it to day-of to ones that created unforgettable memories, she’ll help you navigate the convention scene and remind you to find the ones that are truly worth it.
Review: Play Dirty by Luna K. Wicked
Reviewed by Paula, Play Dirty is a dark sports romance.
Tropes include: enemies to lovers, best friends bf, and forbidden romance
Review: Distorted Obsession by P.H. Nix
Reviewed by Paula, Distorted Obsession is a dark enemies to lovers romance.
Tropes include: enemies to lovers, mental health rep, and obsession/ possessiveness
Book Burnout and Reset: How Dark Romance & Fall Reads Help Reset the Soul
Burnout doesn’t just happen in our work lives—it can creep into our passions, our creativity, and even our reading. At Library of Angels, we know the book community can feel overwhelming, especially when algorithms, endless TBRs, and pressure to keep up start to dim the joy. But just like the cycles of fall, burnout can be a reminder to pause, reset, and rediscover what made you fall in love with stories in the first place. Sometimes, that reset comes in the form of a comfort re-read, a dark romance escape, or simply letting yourself breathe again.
Review: Clandestine by Ava Jay
Reviewed by Aubrey, Clandestine is a why choose rockstar romance that’s explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. There is also MFFM and step brother shenanigans!
Tropes include: no third act break-up
Review: For Cowgirls & Kings by Landyn hill
Reviewed by Paula, For Cowgirls and Kings is a dark millionaire cowboy romance.
Tropes include: friends to lovers, trauma/healing, forced Proximity
Review: Summertime Madness By Luna K. Wicked
Reviewed by Nina, Summertime Madness is an erotic horror story.
Tropes include: taboo, why choose, and blackmail.
The K-Pop Demon Hunters Effect
Why are dark romance readers obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters? This heartfelt post explores the movie’s unexpected emotional depth, its ties to generational trauma, and why fans of morally grey demons, healing arcs, and bookish community vibes can’t get enough.
What This Week: Onus not Anus (Vol. 13)
Onus Not Anus. Read up on Library of Angels’ Founder, Angel’s, think-piece on the duty of professionalism in the book space! Follow it up with all of this weeks updates!
10 Tips for Writing Dark Romance
A tough-love guide for dark romance writers battling self-doubt, creative blocks, and imposter syndrome. Real advice, no fluff. Let’s get to work.
Omegaverse: Literature’s True Alpha
Discover how Omegaverse flips power, pleasure, and primal instinct in dark romance fiction, redefining the dynamics of desire and dominance in ways that challenge traditional narratives. This bold take on literature’s most feral subgenre explores complex hierarchies, emotional vulnerability, and the raw, often dangerous interplay between characters. Through intense relationships charged with tension and taboo, Omegaverse stories delve deep into themes of control, submission, and the pursuit of identity, pushing boundaries to create immersive worlds where power is fluid and passion is both a weapon and a refuge. Whether confronting society’s constraints or examining the primal urges that drive us, this genre invites readers to explore the darkest corners of human and sometimes supernatural connection with unflinching honesty and intensity.
Review: Contentment by Tilly Ridge
Reviewed by Aubrey, Contentment is a dark rockstar novella story explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. There is also pansexual awakening.
Tropes include: forbidden and one-bed.
If you don’t like it - Scroll
In a world where algorithms feed us what we like, why do we still waste energy being hateful online? This article explores the toxic habit of leaving negative comments on Bookstagram and social media and it makes a powerful case for doing the simplest thing instead: just scroll.
What This Week: Updates For Days (Vol. 11)
Long time…no update! Missed something this week and don’t feel like searching for it? Not down for the newsletter, but want to stay up-to-date? Or are you just forgetful and could use an easy follow-up page? LOOK NO FURTHER! The What This Week series has returned and will be published on Fridays now for a comprehensive update not only on what I’m working on and who I’m woking with, but site updates as well!
Review: Contrition by C.S. Silverne
Reviewed by Aubrey, Contrition is a dark rockstar romance story explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. Tropes include: age gap, second chance, and strong fmc.
Reflection: Chaos and Clarity
Take a look at a raw and reflective letter from the shadows of burnout, survival, and self-discovery. As the world spins into chaos, this piece explores how dark fiction, inked skin, and midnight concerts can still be portals to peace. This is a personal check-in for readers who carry both softness and fire deep within their bones.