Summary
Lights Out by Navessa Allen is a dark romance blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. The story features trauma nurse Aly Cappellucci and cybersecurity expert Josh Hammond, who develop an unusual connection through social media. Driven by bold characters and incorporating elements of gallows humor, the novel delves into themes of obsession, power dynamics, and moral boundaries.
Plot
Lights Out follows the story of Aly Cappellucci, a trauma nurse, and Josh Hammond, a cybersecurity expert with an online persona and an infamous serial killer father. Aly seeks solace online through videos by "the.faceless.man," leading to interactions with Josh, whose masked presence aligns with her hidden desires. For Josh, the feeling is mutual.
As Josh's interest in Aly grows, he leaves subtle signs of his visits to her home, which both unsettle and intrigue her. This connection poses risks as Bradley Bluhm, a figure from Aly's past, begins to stalk her. Josh intervenes during a home invasion, leading to Brad's death and forcing Josh to confront legal and ethical dilemmas related to his father's legacy. Meanwhile, Aly’s attraction to Josh only grows stronger, raising questions about desire and safety.
Characters
Aly Cappellucci: A trauma nurse, Aly finds escape from her demanding career through fantasies involving masked men. Her reality shifts when these fantasies intersect with life, particularly through her complex relationship with Josh.
Josh Hammond: Josh, known online as the "Faceless Man," keeps his troubled history connected to his father's notorious past hidden. His character's mix of danger and gentleness prompts a reassessment of safety and familiarity.
Fred: Aly’s pet cat, Fred adds humor and insight to the story. His presence reflects the dynamics among human characters, offering commentary on events.
Brinley: A fledgling nurse, Brinley brings balance to Aly's life. Their friendship emphasizes Aly's nurturing nature amid personal challenges.
Brad: Brad triggers the story's darker elements, testing the moral boundaries of Aly and Josh’s relationship and significantly altering events.
Moira and Nico: As family members of Aly, Moira and Nico add layers of complexity and humor, raising moral questions and deepening the narrative.
Themes
Obsession and control
The relationship between Aly and Josh underscores themes of obsession and power dynamics. Aly is drawn to masked men, particularly Josh, whom she tracks online. This mutual interest leads Josh to exhibit possessive behavior, including monitoring Aly's social media and violating her privacy. Their dynamic examines the fine line between admiration and toxic control, exploring manipulation and ambiguous boundaries.
Trauma and mental health struggles
The characters' traumatic histories influence their actions and decisions. Aly, affected by the toll of her job as a trauma nurse, and Josh, burdened by his father's criminal legacy, navigate life through these experiences. The story shows how past trauma impacts present relationships, creating challenges and extreme responses.
The blurred lines between fantasy and reality
In Lights Out, digital interactions blur the line between fantasy and reality. Aly and Josh's relationship, which starts online and moves to face-to-face encounters, challenges their understanding of identity and intimacy. This transition questions the nature of their relationship and their emotional and psychological investments.
Consent, boundaries, and power dynamics
Consent and boundaries are central to the novel, presenting morally ambiguous situations where consent shifts with power dynamics.
Romance
Romance is a key element in Lights Out, despite its darker themes. Allen combines eroticism with emotional vulnerability, depicting how two troubled individuals find a semblance of healing. The portrayal of romance challenges conventional moral standards, illustrating a connection that explores unconditional love.
Quick facts
Published in 2024, Lights Out is the first book in Navessa Allen’s Into Darkness series.
The story features Aly Cappellucci, a trauma nurse, and Josh Hammond, the son of a notorious serial killer.
Josh Hammond has a massive online following as a masked personality called “the.faceless.man.”
Lights Out blends dark romance, psychological thriller, and comedic elements, creating a narrative filled with unexpected twists.
Themes explored include stalking, obsession, trauma survival, and complex moral dilemmas faced in crisis situations.
Navessa Allen utilized humorous Instagram reels effectively for marketing the book.
Main characters Aly and Josh share strong chemistry and witty character banter, making their dual narrative perspectives engaging.
The audiobook features acclaimed narrators Jacob Morgan and Elena Wolfe.
Allen is known for incorporating deeply researched backgrounds and inspirations drawn from her life on a 200-year-old farm.
Fred, Aly’s cat, is considered by readers to be one of the memorable stars of the book.
Trigger warnings for Lights Out include stalking, past abuse, violence, and explicit sexual content.
About the author
Navessa Allen is an author specializing in dark and spicy romance, focusing on complex character interactions and moral dilemmas. She became a viral TikTok sensation with Lights Out, a bestseller marking the debut of her Into Darkness Trilogy. She also written fiction in various subgenres, including paranormal and romantasy. Allen lives in New England on a 200-year-old farm with her husband, their cats, and an assortment of animals.
