Ep 242: Dark vs Gothetic Romance Explained
On this episode, Leah, Lindsey, and Becky break down the key differences between these genres, where they overlap, and (most importantly) the darkness scale in Dark Romance. Because let’s be real—not all books labeled “dark” are created equal, and if you’re thinking about exploring the genre, it’s good to know what you’re signing up for!
Term of the Week-
Gothic Romance: Rooted in mystery, atmosphere, and the supernatural. Common tropes: isolated settings (mansions, castles), a sense of doom, heroines in peril, tragic or tormented love.
- Examples: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Dark Romance: Defined by morally gray or outright toxic relationships, high angst, and emotional intensity. Themes include dubious consent, manipulation, trauma healing, obsession, and power imbalances.
- Examples:
- What draws readers to each genre?
- Where do these genres overlap?
- Key difference: Gothic Romance often hints at supernatural elements, while Dark Romance leans into psychological or emotional darkness.
- The Dark Romance Scale: Not all books are the same level of “dark.”
Watch on Youtube
Book of the Week:
Thank you to Swag Pack Sponsoring author Annie Carlisle and something a little extra from Melanie Moreland
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
- P. Rayne (the ritual room series) Dark Retellings
- Sam Cresenct –Nasty Alpha (most of her books actually)
- MIchelle Heard—Mafia Series
- Rebecca Sharp –The Vigilantes
- Amanda Kinney – Buried Deception
- AL Jackson – Redemtion Hills
- Emily Rose – The Lost Deluca Sisters (mafia…but mystery with the sisters)
- Claire Contreras – Until I get you
- Jasinda Wilder –Club Sin
- Lexi Foss—Andorra Sector (omegaverse)
- Sherdian Anne – Haunted Love
- Gabriella Sands –the Fallen SEries
- Sadie Kincaid – Chicago Ruthless/Manhattan Ruthless
- Zoe Blake –Cavaleri Billionaires
- Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alvarez — Kings of Retribution
- Marie James – Mission Mercenaries
- BJ Alpha
- Sarah Bale—Villianous World
- J. Wilder
- S. Cole
- Midnight Dynasty World
Authors:
- Sadie Kincaid
- Shantel Tessier
- HD Carlton
- Rina Kent
- Penelope Douglas
- Nikki St. Crowe
- Harley Laroux
- Emily McIntire
- Sav R Miller
- Sierra Simone
- Monty Jay
- Parker S. Huntington
- Penelope Sky
- CR Jane
- Pam Godwin
- LJ Shen
- Geer Rivers
- AMo Jones
- Zoe Blake
- Alta Hensley
- Sin City Mafia by Lane Hart
- Zoe Blake
- Butcher and Blackbrid
- Tyler Paige- Slash or Pass
- Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1) by Navessa Allen
- Brutal Prince (Brutal Birthright, #1) by Sophie Lark
- Until I Get You (Fairview Hockey, #1) by Claire Contreras
- Hate (Madison Kate, #1) by Tate James
Gothic Books-
- Grimstone (Grimstone, #1) by Sophie Lark
- Phyllis A. Whitney
- Hollow (A Gothic Shade of Romance, #1) by Karina Halle
- The Coven (Coven of Bones, #1) by Harper L. Woods
- Blood Orange (The Dracula Duet, #1) by Karina Halle
- Monarch (Grimstone, #2) by Sophie Lark
- Heartless Heathens (Paperback) by Santana Knox
- Her Soul to Take (Souls Trilogy, #1) by Harley Laroux
Patreon: https://Patreon.com/bookcaseandcoffee
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Instagram: @buzzingaboutormance
Music by Cambo
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