Navessa Allen's Lights Out is a viral dark romance that swept BookTok in 2024. Blending heat and humor, it's dubbed a "stalker rom-com" and has garnered a huge following. Curious about the hype or how to read it for free? You've come to the right place!
Story Summary
Lights Out follows trauma nurse Aly Cappellucci, who becomes obsessed with the masked "Faceless Man," Josh Hammond. After a drunken DM leads to a thrilling meetup, their relationship blurs the line between fear and desire. When a rapist targets Aly, Josh steps in as her protector, drawing them into a chaotic and dangerous situation that solidifies their unconventional bond.
Main Characters in Lights Out
Aly (Protagonist)
- • Age: Mid-to-late 20s
- • Ethnicity: Not specified, likely white American
- • Hair Color / Eye Color: Not explicitly described
- • Identity: ICU nurse with a sharp tongue and a dark sense of humor
A cynical nurse with a penchant for gallows humor who gets entangled in romance with a masked stalker.
Josh (The Masked Man)
- • Age: Early 30s
- • Ethnicity: White, implied
- • Hair Color / Eye Color: Handsome features noted, no hair/eye color specified
- • Identity: Social media "masktoker," stalker-turned-love interest, son of a serial killer
A dangerously charismatic masked man whose dark family legacy shadows his strange but magnetic romance with Aly.
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Complete List of Spicy Chapters
The spice level in Lights Out is off the charts (5 out of 5) – this book is explicit and plentiful with its steamy scenes. Allen doesn't shy away from kinks (breath play, knife play, primal dynamics – you name it), but every spicy moment also serves the character development, blending emotional depth with heat. Below is a rundown of the key spicy chapters and what decadent surprises they contain:
Chapter 8
Their first face-to-face encounter drips with sensual energy. Josh, still masked and silent, surprises Aly by showing up to drive her home one night. He hands her one of her own knives and even returns her gun (which he unloaded) – a wordless challenge to see if she wants him to stay or go. The car ride is thick with primal chemistry.
"You're so hard that I need two hands to get your zipper open. Will you behave if I set the knife down?"
Chapter 11
By this point, Aly knows Josh's identity (or strongly suspects it) and their cat-and-mouse dynamic heats up. Expect flirting over surveillance cameras and a lot of dirty talk via text. Chapter 11 in particular has a teasing video-chat scene that blurs the lines between anger and lust – a prelude to the real fireworks soon to come.
"I want to feel you come," I said, unable to keep my mouth shut any longer. "I want to feel you brand my throat where your hand just was, marking me."
Chapters 14 & 15
BookTok is buzzing about this two-chapter scene where Aly, after a traumatic day, is comforted by Josh, leading to an explosive smut-filled scene with dark themes of intense prop play.
"Come here, Aly," I said, wrapping my other hand around the knife handle so there would be no mistaking my intent. "I want to watch you ride it."
Chapter 20
Adrenaline meets passion in the aftermath of violence. Chapter 20 occurs just after the duo's deadly showdown with Brad. In the chaos of covering up the incident, Aly and Josh share an unexpected moment of intimacy (because what's hotter than disposing of a bad guy, right?).
"Relax, baby," I told her, brushing her hair from her neck. "You can take it."
Chapter 25
The final chapter continues to deliver on steam while wrapping up the story. By now Aly and Josh are an established couple, and Chapter 25 gives us a passionate culmination of their journey. They've been through hell together and come out stronger – and the physical intimacy reflects that newfound trust and love.
"You're so wet, I don't even need lube," he rumbled, the words deliciously rough because of the modulator.
Epilogue
Yes, even the epilogue has spice! This short follow-up is set a few months later and serves as a peek into Aly and Josh's future. Without giving everything away, let's just say the kink isn't going anywhere. The couple is shown thriving in their unconventional relationship – engaged to be married and still very much enjoying their nocturnal "games."
"You're soaked, Aly," he said, his voice rough with lust. "Did you like being hunted?"
(For quick reference, confirmed spicy chapters in Lights Out include chapters 8, 11, 14, 15, 20, 25, and the Epilogue. If you're "just here for the spice," these are the sections to flag – though skipping the plot would mean missing the emotional build-up that makes these scenes so satisfying!)
Lights Out Reviews & Ratings
Lights Out averages 4.2★ across major platforms, with 4.1★ on Goodreads and positive Amazon reviews. Its reception is mostly favorable but has sparked some debate.
Praise for the Humor & Chemistry:
Lights Out blends spice and romantic comedy, featuring witty banter between Aly and Josh. Reviewers praise Josh's transformation from stalker to lovable character and highlight Aly as a strong lead. Their chemistry captivates readers from the start.
Common Reader Reactions:
Lights Out is deemed "darkly funny" by TikTokers and "raw and spicy" by a Facebook book club. One Lemon8 reader found it "HILARIOUS," calling it a thrilling rom-com. The audiobook has received praise for its flirty tone.
"Yes yes yes, and guess what YES. Tbh this book made me question my own morals bc literally everything that Josh did was justified, I loved him from his first chapter. The story was there, the spice was there (could've been a bit more) AND no third act breakup 💁🏼♀️"
"I had no idea stalker romances were a thing—let alone one so wholesome! Sign me up for more."
"Imagine a man with golden retriever vibes who wears a mask and stalks the girl he likes."
"This book was so funny; and any book that can have me LOL throughout the book is a five star for me. I loved both MCs. They were both so quirky, witty and unhinged af. Oh, and the spice did not disappoint! Great job Navessa!"
Critiques & Controversies:
Lights Out is well-rated but criticized for its abrupt shift in tone. Some find the early reveal of the Faceless Man's identity reduces suspense, and the spice may feel overdone. It's seen by some as a lighter dark romance, making it a decent entry point for newcomers.
Lights Out has a positive reception with a 4.2★ average and 75% of readers rating it 4 or 5 stars. Fans of morally gray heroes and spicy romance are loving it, while those preferring wholesome stories might not. The blend of humor and dark thrills has sparked lively discussions, making it a standout read.
Where to Read Lights Out: Free Download & Legal Sources
Wondering if you can find Lights Out as a free PDF download? 🕮 It's no surprise many readers are hunting for a free copy given the book's popularity. However, as with any bestseller, your best bet is to stick to legal sources – both to support the author and to ensure you get a quality copy. Thankfully, Lights Out is widely available through official channels (and even libraries). Here are the top ways to read it:
- Amazon Kindle: Lights Out is available as an ebook on Amazon. You can purchase it outright for your Kindle or Kindle app. Keep an eye out for discounts – it occasionally goes on sale during Amazon promos.
- Kindle Unlimited: Good news for KU subscribers – Lights Out has often been included in Kindle Unlimited. This means members can read it for free as part of their subscription. Availability can vary by region and time, but it's worth checking if you have KU. (At the time of writing, many readers report accessing it through KU.)
- Paperback & Hardcover: Lights Out is available in paperback and a Barnes & Noble Exclusive hardcover. Check major bookstores or order from your local shop if needed.
- Audible & Audiobook Platforms: The Lights Out audiobook features narrators Ava Erickson and Zachary Webber. It's available on Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play, with a free trial for new Audible users. It can also be found on Scribd and Audiobooks.com in some areas.
- Library Apps (OverDrive/Libby & Hoopla): Don't overlook your local library! Many public libraries have acquired Lights Out due to high demand. You can borrow the ebook or audiobook for free using apps like Libby (OverDrive) or Hoopla with your library card.
- Official Author Website/Patreon: Navessa Allen sometimes posts bonus content on her official website and Patreon. While the full novel isn't free on her site, you might find sneak peeks or extras there.
⚠️ Always support authors by purchasing or borrowing through legal channels. Not only does this ensure you get the correct and complete book (pirated versions can be missing chapters or have errors), it also rewards the creator for their work. Given how much entertainment Lights Out provides (not to mention the spine-tingling thrills!), it's worth the few bucks or the effort to borrow legally.
Related Books: Into Darkness Series & Similar Reads
If you're hungry for more stories like Lights Out – whether it's the dark stalker vibes, the spicy kink, or the laugh-out-loud romance – there are plenty of books to add to your TBR. First, let's look at Navessa Allen's own series, and then some popular BookTok-recommended dark romances in a similar vein:
Caught Up (Book 2 of Into Darkness, 2025)
Caught Up, the sequel to Lights Out, follows Lauren and Nico "Junior" De Luca in a dark second-chance romance filled with humor and danger. Fans find it lighter than the first book. Book 3, Game On, is expected in 2026.
Similar Dark Romances:
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
A dark romance often paired with Lights Out, this book follows a pair of serial killers in a witty, absurd love story. With vigilante justice and sharp humor, Butcher & Blackbird is perfect for fans of killer couples.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver is a standalone novel featuring a masked anti-hero and undercover heroine. With edgy BDSM elements, witty banter, and suspense, it's a great choice for dark romance fans!
Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
A dark romance with Rook, a mysterious man obsessed with bar owner Rebel. Expect stalking, humor, and a possessive hero dynamic, plus a familiar disguise for Lights Out fans.
The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby
The Mindfck series, starting with The Risk, features a female serial killer who falls for the FBI profiler chasing her. It's dark, graphic, and has a mix of tension and romance. If you liked the moral dilemmas in Lights Out, this is a gripping read—just be mindful of the violence.
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Haunting Adeline is a dark stalker romance featuring intense themes and a Gothic vibe. It's part of the Cat and Mouse Duet, with a sequel, and explores disturbing topics like human trafficking. Ideal for fans of extreme romance.
Of course, there are many more (Honorable mentions: Twist Me by Anna Zaires for a classic captive dark romance, There Are No Saints by Sophie Lark for an art-obsessed serial killer duo, or The Ritual by Shantel Tessier for secret society kink). The world of dark romance is vast and varied! But the books above should keep you busy with the same kind of thrills, spice, and surprisingly heartfelt storytelling that made Lights Out such a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Love Lights Out? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.