Caught Up

Into Darkness, Book 2

By: Navessa Allen

Narrated by: Kasi Hollowell, Teddy Hamilton

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the author of TikTok's favourite dark and steamy romance, Lights Out, comes Navessa Allen's second book in the New York Times bestselling Into Darkness trilogy
I want this woman, and I'm a man who always gets what he wants.

Nico 'Junior' Trocci knows Lauren Marchetti is off limits. Men like him don't get to have women like her. It's why he pushed her away in high school and still keeps his distance. But Junior follows Lauren online, and now that the shy, bookish girl he remembers is gone, he can't stop obsessing over the strikingly beautiful woman who has taken her place.

He's ruthless; a walking red flag. Good thing red is my favorite color.

Lauren 'Lo' Marchetti knows Junior is dangerous. He broke her heart once and she won't let him do it again. But as their flirtatious encounters escalate, Lauren starts to remember why she fell for the brooding antihero all those years ago.

As old obstacles resurface, Junior and Lauren are forced to face their true feelings for each other and decide just how far they're willing to go for a second chance at love.

Caught Up is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to listeners. Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.

18+ mature content. Not suitable for younger listeners.

©2025 Navessa Allen (P)2025 Quercus Publishing

Great story

I absolutely lovevthis series. I haven't laughed so much reading in a long time. really looking forward to reading the next book.

Hot stiff

I loved this, Navessa is great. This book is funny and hot. this story is awesome. Cannot wait for the next one.

Let’s descend Into Darkness. 🖤📖

Just finished Caught Up and yep, I devoured it in record time. Self-control? Never met her.😬📚

Let’s get this out of the way: no, it’s not Lights Out. It was never supposed to be. New characters, new dynamics. Different story, different energy. Nico and Lauren have history, trauma, tension, and a whole bunch of unresolved teen heartbreak. So no, she’s not Aly, and he’s definitely not Josh. Nico is more serious, quieter, with that dry, sharp-edged humor. And Lauren? She’s bold AF (hello, spicy content creator 📸🌶️).

But... here comes the “but.” Some parts dragged. Others felt rushed—especially the ending. Nico’s big plan? Needed way more development. I wanted more clarity, more depth… more oomph.
Also? For a book about a woman who films NSFW content? I expected a lot more steam. But it was a little softer than I hoped. We got... a slow simmer. Not bad, just not the fiery explosion I was bracing for, especially considering Lauren’s job. 😅

Overall? I liked it. Not my top fave (Lights Out still owns my soul 👑). That third book tease? Oh, I saw it. I’m ready. Let’s descend Into Darkness. 🖤📖

Ugh I loved it

Loved the narration, loved the story, loved the dog, loved the confessional, LOVED Nic. Do with that what you must.

Absolutely Loved this!!

Navessa is one of my favourite authors! I couldn’t wait for this book to become available. Nic and Lauren’s story was so good. The narrators did a spectacular job.

I like it

I like it, although the FMC got on my nerves most of the time with her jumping to conclutions and reacting without talking to the MMC. She keep complaining that she wanted answers but when he try to tell her she didn't let him explain, it was obnoxious. The story was bland but good enough.

5 stars aren't enough!

if Navessa Allen is my church then this book is my confessional ;) you totally rock, Navessa! but I'm blaming you for all these new kinks you've unlocked in me.

Is it too soon to re-listen to this IMMEDIATELY as I've finished? Or maybe too soon to ask when the next book is coming (I cant wait to hear how Tyler bagged such a baddie)

Either way, props to the amazing writing, amazing narrators, the artful way certain subject matter was handled and I have to say, this book brings awareness to so many causes in an incredibly tasteful way. I appreciated it all.

10/10

Only thing left to say is "Yaaaas, bitch!" iykyk

Frisky, fun, and 6

I love how sex positive this book was! And how pro-sex worker it is. Also, the storyline is sort of minimal with with a whole lotta spice. Definite PWP. 😉

Lauren and Nico are a couple of dummies. Their big fight just made me wanna bang my head on my desk, lol. Okay, they're obviously wrapped up in the heat of the moment, but COME ON! 😂 Like, she knew he was dangerous and still decided to try to get the drop on him.... And then Nico just letting those words tumble out of his mouth in anger. But the make-up sex was definitely good. 😏

Kasi Hollowell and Teddy Hamilton did a great job on the narration.

I'm hoping we get Tyler's story next, and then the rest of the Trocci brothers' stories. And maybe even a lil flashback novella for Moira and Nico Sr. 😉

Messy, addictive, and unexpectedly healing.

The audiobook is narrated in multicast duet by Teddy Hamilton, Kasi Hollowell & Jason June

The story of Nic “Junior” & Lauren gave me mafia angst, sex-positive feminism, found family, and emotional redemption all in one wild ride.
This book is another chapter of the “Into the darkness” triology and has to be read as such.

Tropes
Mafia
Stalker - OTT protective MMC
Sex worker FMC
Found family
Second chance
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Content warnings
Violence
Torture
No protection (IUD)

Nico “Junior,” the oldest son of a mafia capo — a man who’s tired of living under his father’s control and wants out. He’s dangerous, loyal, and totally messed up in the best way. Lauren, his high school love, is a smart, independent woman fighting for sex workers’ rights and working as a camgirl.
Nico is willing to do anything now to win her back.

This story isn’t exactly a dark romance or a mafia one — it sits somewhere perfectly in between.

I really liked how the characters were built and developed. Everything felt real. The way the book explores masculinity, sex work, shame, and power? Chef’s kiss.
For example, Ryan is a nonbinary character written so well and embodied perfectly by Jason June. I was so glad that finally, I can read some respectful representation!

Special shoutout to Nonna, whose life motto is “living for the shock and discomfort of others.” It’s now mine.
Thank you for that.

Navessa didn’t dissapoint! ☺️

Enjoyed lights out, and have to say the sequel didn’t dissapoint. The comedy was bit on the low, but the spice. Pfffiew!