The Novel Navigator

I’ve never done a book review before so stick with me through this first attempt…..

I put off reading the first book of the Into the Darkness series by Navessa Allen for months. Lights Out was all over Booktok and Bookstagram and I knew it would be good but it was everywhere and for some reason that turns me off from picking up a book. I’m not sure if it’s nerves that it’s overhyped and won’t live up to my expectations or if I’m just a rebel and like doing things differently, but here we are. Back in May, our Smut Club read Lights Out and it was 100/10. We all LOVED it; the witty banter had us all laughing out loud (literally), pop culture references (mention Gilmore Girls and you have my heart), SPICE, the pace… everything about that damn book was perfect. We loved Josh (the MMC) and the line he toes but also the work he puts into bettering himself, his hilarious inner monologue and thoughtfulness for Aly (and Fred), and the deep love he has for his people are chefs fuckin kiss. He is top tier book boyfriend material.

With such a high bar set, we were excited for Caught Up which released earlier this month and is June’s book of the month. However, I always feel a bit of trepidation when the first book in a series is SO good and it sets the bar crazy high. I get it though, the second can’t be a copy/paste situation with the exact same type of characters, balance of funny-spicy-dark, and plot… but damn do I always wish for that. While Caught Up and Lights Out are very different, it still has similar elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. The spice is actually next level and I can say for certain that it has 3 of my top 10 favorite spicy scenes I’ve ever read. Our side characters played a bigger role in book 2, we were introduced to Lauren’s grandma (Nonna) and her roomies/besties Taylor and Ryan. While Lauren is an absolute queen and possibly one of my favorite characters ever, her Nonna and Walter (dog) are top tier supporting characters, bringing the lighthearted funny moments that Josh gave us so effortlessly in book 1. Overall, I’d say that book 2 lived up to my hopes and expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Go read ’em and come back to commiserate on how long we’ll have to wait until book 3 with me!

Check out the series here