What does "dark romance" mean?

A book genre featuring romantic relationships in which characters act in unethical or abusive ways.

What is a synonym for "dark romance"?

Common synonyms include: gothic novel, gothic wato worldbuilding.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A book genre featuring romantic relationships in which characters act in unethical or abusive ways. neologism, uncountable
"Contrary to fears that dark romance promotes violence or unhealthy relationships, many readers engage critically with these narratives."

"Contrary to fears that dark romance promotes violence or unhealthy relationships, many readers engage critically with these narratives."