I picked Lights Out by Navessa Allen up after seeing a TikTok describing the MMC (only referred to as MMC to keep the spoiler at bay) as less “sexy brooding Batman” and more “pink LEGO Batman.” That description was so hilariously specific I couldn’t resist… and let me tell you, it was spot on.

Yes, this book leans into insta-love, a trope I’m usually wary of, but here? I could look past it for the chemistry and also because my crush on the MMC was fervent for more of him in whatever way I could get it. Maybe it’s because of the MMC’s razor-sharp wit and chaotic charm, or maybe it’s the way his humor balances his carnal, destructive desire to tear down the FMC and rebuild her in the process. There’s an unhinged energy to their dynamic that feels both magnetic and strangely grounded. It’s the kind of guilty pleasure read you devour in one sitting, knowing full well you’re going to grin the entire time.

What really stands out is how Lights Out updates and modernizes familiar tropes without losing their appeal. The MMC’s humor and self-awareness are a refreshing twist on the archetype. He’s not brooding in the usual dark romance way; he’s clever, unpredictable, and delightfully chaotic; an antihero who doesn’t take himself too seriously but still manages to carry a raw intensity that keeps you hooked.

The only real surprise? It wasn’t as dark as advertised. For a book with a reputation for being edgy, I found the story more playful than sinister, which was a pretty neutral surprise. It’s steamy and addictive, yes, but it’s not as gut-wrenching as some of the darker romances I’ve read. I guess sometimes it’s ok to just read something that’s fun and unapologetically entertaining (dripping sarcasm here).

If you’re looking for a romance that’s sharp, modern, and will have you actually laughing out loud, Lights Out is a must-read. It’s not perfect, but it’s the kind of book you’ll want to gush about with friends while simultaneously recommending it to anyone who’ll listen. Navessa Allen has crafted something wickedly fun, and I’m already excited to read the next book in this series.