TRIGGER WARNINGS

• Camwork

• Sex work

• Mafia and organized crime

• Blackmail

• Coerion

• Religion

• Blood

• Violence

• Gore (brief)

• Graphic sex (including multi-partner)

• Breath play

• Primal play

• Fear play

• Voyeurism

• Exhibitionsm

• Bondage

• Light BDSM

• Stalking

• Child abuse

• Domestic abuse (remembered)

• Bullying (remembered)

• Slut-shaming

• Alcohol

• Gambling

• Smoking

• Mention of serial killers and their crimes

• Cannibalism (off-page, alluded to)

For everyone ready to play

Caught Up is the second book of The Into Darkness Trilogy. First we have Lights Out, and Caught Up. In Lights Out we get to know Aly’s uncle and her four siblings. The Trocci family. I was fully invested in the Trocci family ever since they showed up on the first page. Which is why I’m so happy to know more about them in Caught Up. And Navessa Allen never let us down.

In my opinion, I guess high school sweetheart to lover to enemies then back to lover is not one of my most favorite tropes. Don’t get me wrong, Navessa Allen really did an amazing job in combining a yearning with a slow burn together. If you’re looking for enemies to lovers but with a slow burn plus mafia romance, this book is definitely for you.

Caught Up is a book about Junior and Lo. They used to date in high school, but something happened, they broke up and eventually met again years later. Junior wants a second chance to make things right this time. But it’s not that easy for Lo. He broke her heart once, what’s going to stop him from breaking her heart again?

As we may all know already, Junior is a dangerous man. He came from a mafia family. He is giving the mysterious guy, morally grey vibe. That we know. So let’s talk about what we don’t know. Lo—the female main character.

Lo used to be a shy girl when she was teenager. She’s had a crush on Junior since forever. But he broke her heart. Her whole life changed because of him. Years later their paths cross again. And the secrets in the past were revealed piece by piece. Until there’s nothing left to hide but two souls who love each other so desperately.

I believe what makes Navessa Allen stand out is her choice of the character’s career. Especially the female main character in Caught Up. I’ve never read its review. I don’t have to. All I know is the author’s name and it’s enough. And again, Navessa Allen proved me right. I was caught off guard when I learned what Lo does for a living. Surprisingly? Yes. Disappointed? Never.

Long story short—Lo is a sex content creator.

At least once or twice, we all must have watched porn in our life. I do too. A lot. Well, not as much as I used to, but occasionally, yes. However, how many times do we actually know what’s going on behind the scenes? Was it as sexy as in the video? How was it made? 

All the answers are in Caught Up.

There are so many things that I love about Caught Up. Mainly is the dedication and the respect toward sex workers. I’m certain Navessa Allen has spent hundreds of hours doing research and interviewing sex workers one on one to make this book more realistic and authentic. She didn’t just write the book based on assumptions or stereotypes about sex workers. This book is real. It’s like the awakened and enlightening and refreshing at the same time. I’ve learnt so many things from Caught Up. Like I’m literally stepping my foot into a whole new world. AND HOLY MOLLY.  It’s even kinker than Lights Out. How is it even possible? 

At this point, I’m gonna name Navessa Allen “The writer who makes the impossible possible.” Whatever she writes, I’m in.

The Trocci family is as interesting as much. They have four sons and each and everyone of them has their own characters. We’ve read about them briefly in Lights Out, in Caught Up we get to actually know them. If Navessa Allen were to write a book about the Trocci brothers, I know I would be the first one in line. Especially for Stefan. He is the most quiet one which makes his character the most interesting to me. But I have a hunch the last book of this trilogy isn’t going to be about him.

On the other hand, I’m 99% sure the last book, Game On, is going to be about Tyler. He was a support character in Lights Out but take an important role in Caught Up. There’s no way he doesn’t have his own story. If Game On isn’t about him, I’m going to be so sad. (But I will read it anyway) 

Navessa Allen never leaves anyone behind. Even though Lights Out already has its closure, we still get to see Josh, Junior, and Tyler hanging around. It’s awesome. Truly. Just because their book has ended doesn’t mean they have completely vanished. Which is another reason why I love Navessa Allen and her books as much as I do. And a great reason for you to buy and read Caught Up. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

What's even better? The kink exploration.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve learnt so many things from reading Caught Up, and I’ve discovered my variosity. It’s amazing how I thought I know myself, I know what I want and what I need, I know my kinks, but turns out, there are many things that I like—or would like to try to see if I actually like it or is it just something cooked up in my head. Caught Up shows me how little I know myself. It shows me how big the world of BDSM and sex actually is. It also comforts me that I’m not alone. In the world of variety taste, there is someone out there who shares the same interest as me, who understands me without me having to explain myself, who shares the same passion and dedication. If that’s not comforting I don’t know what is.

In the world full of judgment, Navessa Allen makes us feel safe, seen, protected, included. She is and forever will be my safety blanket.

10/10

This is one of the most comforting dark romance books. One of the best trilogy ever written. You probably learn a few things about yourself. Things you never know you’re into. And if you don’t, I’m sure you will fall in love with Lo and the Trocci family anyway. Either way it’s a win-win. And if you’re in love with Stefan, we are the same team.