I’m always a sucker for a good love story. Emotional tension, pining, soft kisses in a rainy field, you know the vibe. So when I picked up Lights Out by Navessa Allen, I wasn’t expecting it to veer quite so hard into Fifty Shades territory.
In fact, when my friend asked how the book was going, I told her: I haven’t read anything this graphic since I read Fifty Shades of Grey 13 years ago.
And so… I kept listening.
This post could contain affiliate links, which means I would receive a small commission at no cost to you should you shop using the links.
Yes, listening with the book in hand. TikTok not only recommended the book but also highly recommended it via audiobook. Yes, I once again took TikTok’s advice and went in blind with a book… and I’m really glad I did.
It made the whole experience so much more vivid and entertaining.
The narration brings Aly and Josh to life in a way that feels equal parts intimate and cinematic.
Cats Know Best
Aside from the very detailed spice, there was one unexpected detail I adored. Josh’s affection for a certain four-legged roommate. I didn’t think a book this spicy would also make room for sweet cat banter, but here we are.
The way Josh talks about the cat actually made me laugh out loud. I’d listen to a whole bonus epilogue just about those two.
I’m a Happily-Ever-After kind of reader — I proudly own it. So when we got to the end of this wild, spicy ride and Josh chased Aly through the woods (yes, literally), I was all in. The line that sealed it for me?
Will you marry me so I can spend the rest of my life chasing you?
Lights Out, Navessa Allen
Come. On. Somehow, in a book that’s got serious spice, this one line brought everything home for me.
It reminded me why I love love stories in the first place: the devotion, the playfulness, the feeling that someone wants all of you, exactly as you are.
Final Thoughts
Lights Out isn’t my usual read, but I have to admit, it was fun. The audio made a huge difference, the spice was relentless, and underneath it all was a surprising love story.
And apparently, according to my friend, I am missing out by not reading more in this genre.
If all of them end with proposals like that, maybe I’ll be convinced.
