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The Nocturne #1
Antiletum
Delaney has lived a quiet life, hiding from her past at an estate that deals in the reversal of magic. But her sequestering has little to do with the lie of legacy her parents sold. She holds a secret gift. Taboo. Arcane. Previously thought to be as extinct as the owl they pray to. After untimely deaths pull her away from all she knows, Delaney finds herself in a position meant for her sister: bride to a Lord. Head of their faction. But her sliver of hopefulness is shattered by a dream.
Don’t trust him.
Val’s driving desires are inarguably reasonable: for his arranged wife to love him and to use his necromancy—held on a pedestal unlike Delaney’s—to make a difference and set his people free. If only he can get through the veil of denial his darling wife clings to like a lifeline. And the gentle suggestions of his deceased sister-in-law that he is not to be trusted. With his obsession at war with his secrets, Val races against a ticking clock to opportunity, a chance to change the world.
Don’t trust him.
Val’s driving desires are inarguably reasonable: for his arranged wife to love him and to use his necromancy—held on a pedestal unlike Delaney’s—to make a difference and set his people free. If only he can get through the veil of denial his darling wife clings to like a lifeline. And the gentle suggestions of his deceased sister-in-law that he is not to be trusted. With his obsession at war with his secrets, Val races against a ticking clock to opportunity, a chance to change the world.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
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July 31, 2025
I am so excited to share my first gothic romance story with the world! I started writing this book as a creative exercise when I desperately needed a break from my epic fantasy series. I was heavily inspired by 2 different 6⭐️ reads for me. One with bird shifters and one with arranged marriage. The idea really took off in my mind shortly after drafting the prologue showing the macabre wedding of an arranged marriage and I really leaned into this story as a healthy outlet during a very difficult season of life. Loneliness is a huge theme because while drafting, that’s the most intense loneliness I have experienced in a lot of years and I found comfort and solace in this world and these characters.
This book is a dark gothic fantasy romance with necromancers, a barn owl shifter, a tyrannical government and underground resistance that wants to take them down. Magic is bound and measured by clocks. The gods are nocturnal animals. Wedding rings can’t be removed even when you ☠️ and will slowly, painfully end you if you’re unfaithful. Secrets. So much angst and trauma. Make out sessions in a graveyard. An unhinged, delulu absolute walking 🚩of an MMC with a gut wrenching back story whose devotion knows no bounds. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but I think Val is my favorite out of all my books.
This book is the most fun I have ever had writing and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
This book is a dark gothic fantasy romance with necromancers, a barn owl shifter, a tyrannical government and underground resistance that wants to take them down. Magic is bound and measured by clocks. The gods are nocturnal animals. Wedding rings can’t be removed even when you ☠️ and will slowly, painfully end you if you’re unfaithful. Secrets. So much angst and trauma. Make out sessions in a graveyard. An unhinged, delulu absolute walking 🚩of an MMC with a gut wrenching back story whose devotion knows no bounds. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but I think Val is my favorite out of all my books.
This book is the most fun I have ever had writing and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️- sloowww burn but WHOA
“𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭.”
Do you love a morally (Dark) grey man who is obsessed with her? Who would unalive for her? Look.no.further. This is hands down the BEST book I have ever read.
Val will come in and make you blush just by being in the room, right from the incredible Prologue. (Seriously the prologue is my favorite maybe ever) You will question your morals as you fall deeply in love with him and Delaney.
“𝙇𝙞𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙮,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨. 𝙃𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙚. “𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
I had the absolute privilege to Alpha, Beta, and ARC read this book, and I’m here to tell you it went straight to the top of my All Time Favorites list. Lindsey truly shines as an author in this book, and it has stolen my morally grey heart. From the unique magic system, political intrigue, conflicted emotions, and a love story for the ages, it is truly a spectacular work of art.
The political intrigue and world building is so unique, interesting, and well built but easy to follow! It kept me guessing from the beginning and the plot twists had me gasping in surprise. I am frothing at the mouth to find out what happens next.
Lindsey has never shied away from the darkness, or from emotional pain in her work and this is no exception. Both Val and Delaney have gone through so much, are both grieving…especially our girl Delaney. Her internal struggle to balance her grief and guilt over wanting to acknowledge her husband but feeling like she can’t is so realistic and so gut wrenching.
Val’s desperation to have Delaney and have a life together pushes him to reckless and obsessive behavior, and I am HERE.FOR.IT! Their push and pull banter had me giggling and cackling several times, when I wasn’t blushing and squealing from the tension between them.
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
Please do your dark heart a favor and pick up this book IMMEDIATELY! You will not regret it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️- sloowww burn but WHOA
“𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭.”
Do you love a morally (Dark) grey man who is obsessed with her? Who would unalive for her? Look.no.further. This is hands down the BEST book I have ever read.
Val will come in and make you blush just by being in the room, right from the incredible Prologue. (Seriously the prologue is my favorite maybe ever) You will question your morals as you fall deeply in love with him and Delaney.
“𝙇𝙞𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙮,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨. 𝙃𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙚. “𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
I had the absolute privilege to Alpha, Beta, and ARC read this book, and I’m here to tell you it went straight to the top of my All Time Favorites list. Lindsey truly shines as an author in this book, and it has stolen my morally grey heart. From the unique magic system, political intrigue, conflicted emotions, and a love story for the ages, it is truly a spectacular work of art.
The political intrigue and world building is so unique, interesting, and well built but easy to follow! It kept me guessing from the beginning and the plot twists had me gasping in surprise. I am frothing at the mouth to find out what happens next.
Lindsey has never shied away from the darkness, or from emotional pain in her work and this is no exception. Both Val and Delaney have gone through so much, are both grieving…especially our girl Delaney. Her internal struggle to balance her grief and guilt over wanting to acknowledge her husband but feeling like she can’t is so realistic and so gut wrenching.
Val’s desperation to have Delaney and have a life together pushes him to reckless and obsessive behavior, and I am HERE.FOR.IT! Their push and pull banter had me giggling and cackling several times, when I wasn’t blushing and squealing from the tension between them.
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
Please do your dark heart a favor and pick up this book IMMEDIATELY! You will not regret it.
July 31, 2025
I am extremely grateful that I was able to beta read this book, and let me tell you, this story blew me out of the water. One of those stories that pulled me out of a slump just to throw me right back into one, and left me thinking about it for weeks.
A hauntingly beautiful book with Owls, magical clocks, Victorian era setting, a slow burn for the ages, Valledyn—VALLEDYNNNNN, & piercings—PIERCINGSSSSS. Goodness. I need everyone to read this as soon as it drops.
Lindsey, you savage, thank you for continuing to grace us readers with amazing stories.
A hauntingly beautiful book with Owls, magical clocks, Victorian era setting, a slow burn for the ages, Valledyn—VALLEDYNNNNN, & piercings—PIERCINGSSSSS. Goodness. I need everyone to read this as soon as it drops.
Lindsey, you savage, thank you for continuing to grace us readers with amazing stories.
March 10, 2026
“I might just melt in his hands Because I know that he will catch me. Never let me fall.”
Wow. What a unique page turning gothic romance?! I’m not sure i’ve ever read anything quite like this, which made it super fresh & enjoyable to read for me. Talk about an mmc with manic devotion, who’s super intense, and would do quite literally anything to win over the fmcs heart, no matter what it takes.
The slowest of slow burns, and banter that kept a smirk on my face. THE PIERCING SCENE?! My jaw?! The floor. lol.
Also finding out a piece of history as to who someone really is? Such an emotional moment.
I’m so glad I picked this one up!!
Wow. What a unique page turning gothic romance?! I’m not sure i’ve ever read anything quite like this, which made it super fresh & enjoyable to read for me. Talk about an mmc with manic devotion, who’s super intense, and would do quite literally anything to win over the fmcs heart, no matter what it takes.
The slowest of slow burns, and banter that kept a smirk on my face. THE PIERCING SCENE?! My jaw?! The floor. lol.
Also finding out a piece of history as to who someone really is? Such an emotional moment.
I’m so glad I picked this one up!!
October 3, 2025
Just three things.
1.) Necromancy
2.) Owl Shifters
3.) DOWN BAD MMC
I mean….do you REALLY need something else to convince you to read this? BECAUSE I SURE DIDN’T.
And if you like dark fantasy, you shouldn’t either.
Go read this.
1.) Necromancy
2.) Owl Shifters
3.) DOWN BAD MMC
I mean….do you REALLY need something else to convince you to read this? BECAUSE I SURE DIDN’T.
And if you like dark fantasy, you shouldn’t either.
Go read this.
February 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I don’t even know how to rate it on the spice scale. There wasn’t a ton but it was INTENSE (In a good way)
I’m flabbergasted and trying to collect my thoughts.
This was so BEAUTIFULLY written. It was so intense and thoughtful and I don’t understand how this hasn’t blown up yet. I went in blind and I do love dark romance but the prologue THREW ME FOR A WHIRL I WAS SO UNPREPARED. It was one hell of a way to start a story. The romance in this book is unmatched. I love it so much. Will definitely be doing down the rabbit hole of her books!
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️⬇️⬇️
I’m amazed but how easily I was convinced Delaney was delusional and a loon. But then we meet her and it switches and I’m convinced Val has lost his marbles. For a lot of the book I was almost annoyed because I’m like there’s NO CHANCE he will be able to redeem himself. But lo and behold he did, everything he did he did for a girl he fell in love with when he was young. He worked so hard and was taken advantage of and he spiraled because of it which led to all the shit he did to get her back. This is the type of shit I read romance books for.
But also DELANEY HOW DARE YOU ABANDON HIM IN HIS TIME OF NEED. YOU BROKE HIS LITTLE HEART FOR A MINUTE YOU TWAT.
Also, wth how dare she leave us on those breadcrumbs at the end. RUDE. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW LINDSEY
I don’t even know how to rate it on the spice scale. There wasn’t a ton but it was INTENSE (In a good way)
I’m flabbergasted and trying to collect my thoughts.
This was so BEAUTIFULLY written. It was so intense and thoughtful and I don’t understand how this hasn’t blown up yet. I went in blind and I do love dark romance but the prologue THREW ME FOR A WHIRL I WAS SO UNPREPARED. It was one hell of a way to start a story. The romance in this book is unmatched. I love it so much. Will definitely be doing down the rabbit hole of her books!
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️⬇️⬇️
I’m amazed but how easily I was convinced Delaney was delusional and a loon. But then we meet her and it switches and I’m convinced Val has lost his marbles. For a lot of the book I was almost annoyed because I’m like there’s NO CHANCE he will be able to redeem himself. But lo and behold he did, everything he did he did for a girl he fell in love with when he was young. He worked so hard and was taken advantage of and he spiraled because of it which led to all the shit he did to get her back. This is the type of shit I read romance books for.
But also DELANEY HOW DARE YOU ABANDON HIM IN HIS TIME OF NEED. YOU BROKE HIS LITTLE HEART FOR A MINUTE YOU TWAT.
Also, wth how dare she leave us on those breadcrumbs at the end. RUDE. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW LINDSEY
February 9, 2026
An “inconvenience her and d!e,” delusionally obsessed, owl shifter MMC steals the show in this dark gothic romantasy. Two necromancers try to navigate their feelings for one another in their politically arranged marriage while also trying to undermine the corrupt Parliament that arranged it in the first place.
Antiletum is SCRUMPTIOUS. Sarcastic inner dialogue, witty banter, dirty talk and the slowest third degree burn you will ever receive. You will be blushing from the Prologue on. Just like the FMC, you will be distracted by the words that fall out of Val’s mouth while Lindsey masterfully builds her world (think Bridgerton vibes with a gothic twist) and feeds you foreshadowing (unbeknownst to you).
The magic system in this world and the plot built around it is clever and intriguing. Magic that is controlled/shifting abilities that are suppressed by Parliament. Marriages that are permanent throughout life… and death. Deceased nocturnal gods. Consequences for using magic outside of your marriage. Lindsey really packs a punch in Book 1 of the Nocturne Duet.
If you can appreciate a few red flags, a morally grey MMC, and *dark* gothic romantasy.
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.
𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
x Spicy, dark, gothic romantasy
x Arranged Marriage
x Red flag, morally grey mmc
x Necromancy
x They pierce each other
x Shifters
x Political rebels
x Found family
Antiletum is SCRUMPTIOUS. Sarcastic inner dialogue, witty banter, dirty talk and the slowest third degree burn you will ever receive. You will be blushing from the Prologue on. Just like the FMC, you will be distracted by the words that fall out of Val’s mouth while Lindsey masterfully builds her world (think Bridgerton vibes with a gothic twist) and feeds you foreshadowing (unbeknownst to you).
The magic system in this world and the plot built around it is clever and intriguing. Magic that is controlled/shifting abilities that are suppressed by Parliament. Marriages that are permanent throughout life… and death. Deceased nocturnal gods. Consequences for using magic outside of your marriage. Lindsey really packs a punch in Book 1 of the Nocturne Duet.
If you can appreciate a few red flags, a morally grey MMC, and *dark* gothic romantasy.
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.
𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
x Spicy, dark, gothic romantasy
x Arranged Marriage
x Red flag, morally grey mmc
x Necromancy
x They pierce each other
x Shifters
x Political rebels
x Found family
February 8, 2026
If you love gothic atmospheric vibes and a delusional, devoted, depraved MMC this book is for you boo.
Our FMC Delaney has been cloistered away at her family estate for possessing a rare gift that her parents want nothing to do with. They show her not one once of love, focusing all their attention of her sister who is being primed to be a Lady of Nocturne. Delaney has only known complete solitude, until the day her family dies and she is trust into the marriage and life her sister was meant to have.
Our MMC Val is a walking red flag with a mysterious past and an obsessive devotion to his new wife. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe, while simultaneously working towards his life's purpose - dismantle parliament and give the citizens full control of their magic once again.
This was a heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster and I ate it UP - I'm so ready for things to blow up on book 2!!'
Our FMC Delaney has been cloistered away at her family estate for possessing a rare gift that her parents want nothing to do with. They show her not one once of love, focusing all their attention of her sister who is being primed to be a Lady of Nocturne. Delaney has only known complete solitude, until the day her family dies and she is trust into the marriage and life her sister was meant to have.
Our MMC Val is a walking red flag with a mysterious past and an obsessive devotion to his new wife. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe, while simultaneously working towards his life's purpose - dismantle parliament and give the citizens full control of their magic once again.
This was a heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster and I ate it UP - I'm so ready for things to blow up on book 2!!'
February 3, 2026
Dark, romantic, and intricately layered fantasy that had me hooked from the first chapter! Honestly the prologue. Set in a world where necromancy is tightly controlled by a corrupt Parliament, the story follows Val and Delaney, two powerful necromancers whose arranged marriage sets off a chain of events that could reshape their entire hold on magic.
Val is determined to win the heart of his new bride. His obsession runs DEEP, fueled by a history that Delaney has yet to remember. Together, they awaken forces long dormant, starting with the heartstone, a magical relic central to the fate of their world.
The novel weaves political intrigue, rebellion, and ancient magic with a romance that is dark and dangerous. The hints of shifter lore, with Val’s rare owl form, add another layer of mystery to this world where magic is both a gift and a weapon.
Antiletum is perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, obsessive romance, and slow-unfolding secrets. I can’t wait to see where the next heartstone leads them!!
Val is determined to win the heart of his new bride. His obsession runs DEEP, fueled by a history that Delaney has yet to remember. Together, they awaken forces long dormant, starting with the heartstone, a magical relic central to the fate of their world.
The novel weaves political intrigue, rebellion, and ancient magic with a romance that is dark and dangerous. The hints of shifter lore, with Val’s rare owl form, add another layer of mystery to this world where magic is both a gift and a weapon.
Antiletum is perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, obsessive romance, and slow-unfolding secrets. I can’t wait to see where the next heartstone leads them!!
August 12, 2025
A dark, whimsical world filled with dark secrets and dark pasts. The story is rich and unique with a very intriguing twist to necromancy as a “gift.” The characters are rich and complicated and stubborn at times, but the slow burn is worth all that 1,000 times over. If you want something darker, intense, and deliciously spicy, then this book is for you!!
March 17, 2026
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
🦉 arranged marriage
🤎 hidden powers
🦉 owl shifters
🤎 gothic romantasy
🦉 slow burn
🤎 necromancy
🦉 political intrigue
🤎 he falls first
🦉 morally grey MMC
🤎 unique magic system (tied to 🕰️)
🦉 forced proximity
Starting out, I was a little confused by the magic system in this world, but once I started to figure it out (somewhere around 1/3 of the way through), things started making a lot of sense. I actually forgot for a while that this is the first book in a series and isn’t a standalone. It felt like it COULD have been a standalone in regard to the romance, but the magical plot / V for Vendetta type suppression in the society definitely are going to take longer to sort out.
In hindsight, I shouldn’t have read this immediately after Child of Shivay since that book was both incredible detailed and vastly different in “vibes” to this one. That start contrast made it a little hard for me to fully immerse myself in this story.
The “barn owl” shifter concept is SO INTERESTING and unique. I am VERY excited to see some of these characters pursue that magical ability in the coming books. Val and Delaney are such unique and passionate characters. And WOW the devotion that Val feels for Delaney is 🥵 AND THE MF PIERCING SCENE WAS EVEN MORE 🥵🥵🥵
Anyways, this book was spicy and interesting and fun and I’m very thankful for my bookstagram friends for encouraging me to read it!
🌶️ 4/5
🦉 arranged marriage
🤎 hidden powers
🦉 owl shifters
🤎 gothic romantasy
🦉 slow burn
🤎 necromancy
🦉 political intrigue
🤎 he falls first
🦉 morally grey MMC
🤎 unique magic system (tied to 🕰️)
🦉 forced proximity
Starting out, I was a little confused by the magic system in this world, but once I started to figure it out (somewhere around 1/3 of the way through), things started making a lot of sense. I actually forgot for a while that this is the first book in a series and isn’t a standalone. It felt like it COULD have been a standalone in regard to the romance, but the magical plot / V for Vendetta type suppression in the society definitely are going to take longer to sort out.
In hindsight, I shouldn’t have read this immediately after Child of Shivay since that book was both incredible detailed and vastly different in “vibes” to this one. That start contrast made it a little hard for me to fully immerse myself in this story.
The “barn owl” shifter concept is SO INTERESTING and unique. I am VERY excited to see some of these characters pursue that magical ability in the coming books. Val and Delaney are such unique and passionate characters. And WOW the devotion that Val feels for Delaney is 🥵 AND THE MF PIERCING SCENE WAS EVEN MORE 🥵🥵🥵
Anyways, this book was spicy and interesting and fun and I’m very thankful for my bookstagram friends for encouraging me to read it!
March 17, 2026
well tie me down & pierce my clit — this book slapped so hard 😩
February 28, 2026
4.5 If you would have told me at the beginning of this vear that I would be obbbbbsesssed with an owl shifter romance. I would have thought you had totally lost it and vet here we are!
Official review to come
Official review to come
March 17, 2026
This book was definitely something.
If you’re reading this, I’m telling you now, go in blind. Don’t even read the blurb. It will be a much better experience because the blurb somewhat spoils a plot point.
That said, this book was a wild ride. I had so many opinions on the characters and questioned if I wanted to continue, but I’m honestly so glad that I did because the payoff was well worth it.
This book legitimately had me crying so much I had to take a break before going back to it. This book covers some dark topics and themes. The MMC is definitely morally grey, maybe even morally black. Don’t let the prologue fool you though, it’s definitely a slow burn but man once it burns, it BURNS. 🥵
The final spicy scene we get I felt dragged a bit too much and personally, I’m not a fan of a lot of “dirty talk” during spicy scenes, but I’m not a fan of it irl either. It comes off as a bit cringy and I will make a joke out of it because that’s how ridiculous it sounds TO ME! But if that’s your thing, then you’ll have a wonderful time lol. But this was honestly the only part I sort of skimmed because that chapter was long af.
This is definitely more of a character driven story than plot driven. You’re kind of just thrown into the world and it can be jarring at first, but things are explained in time or you just naturally figure it out. This book had me thinking of multiple theories and flipping back and forth to piece things together and I absolutely love when a book accomplishes this!
I thought this was going to be a 3 star read, but as I kept going, once I hit a certain point it quickly became 5 stars. I’m so excited to continue this series, I just hope the next book ends up being a bit more plot driven.
I definitely recommend this, but you have to let the author do their thing and just trust the journey.
If you’re reading this, I’m telling you now, go in blind. Don’t even read the blurb. It will be a much better experience because the blurb somewhat spoils a plot point.
That said, this book was a wild ride. I had so many opinions on the characters and questioned if I wanted to continue, but I’m honestly so glad that I did because the payoff was well worth it.
This book legitimately had me crying so much I had to take a break before going back to it. This book covers some dark topics and themes. The MMC is definitely morally grey, maybe even morally black. Don’t let the prologue fool you though, it’s definitely a slow burn but man once it burns, it BURNS. 🥵
The final spicy scene we get I felt dragged a bit too much and personally, I’m not a fan of a lot of “dirty talk” during spicy scenes, but I’m not a fan of it irl either. It comes off as a bit cringy and I will make a joke out of it because that’s how ridiculous it sounds TO ME! But if that’s your thing, then you’ll have a wonderful time lol. But this was honestly the only part I sort of skimmed because that chapter was long af.
This is definitely more of a character driven story than plot driven. You’re kind of just thrown into the world and it can be jarring at first, but things are explained in time or you just naturally figure it out. This book had me thinking of multiple theories and flipping back and forth to piece things together and I absolutely love when a book accomplishes this!
I thought this was going to be a 3 star read, but as I kept going, once I hit a certain point it quickly became 5 stars. I’m so excited to continue this series, I just hope the next book ends up being a bit more plot driven.
I definitely recommend this, but you have to let the author do their thing and just trust the journey.
March 20, 2026
What is there to say about this book that hasn't already been said in reviews?! It's so loved and it deserves every ounce of its praise. The intricacy and haunting nature of ANTILETUM was weaved so well I'm foaming at the mouth to know what happens next in this web of deceit, devotion, and diabolical chaos.
Lindsey Willingham truly delievered something so unique. The beautiful prose, the scene setting, the owl shifters, the clocks and Heartstone, the political mind games, the devotion of one man through time loving one woman so wholly...that was just *chefs kiss*
We all look for that in the MMC - the one that would lick dirt off the ground at her feet just to feel an ounce of her love. And Val? He's that man. Though the ground he'd lick would be caked in old bl**d because of the people he unalived to please her. Oops!
There was just something so TANGIBLE about this story. It may have been how it was crafted. Like to put it best, it was done in an invisible string - every choice, every step taken, every characters' motivations, every timeline...is connected. And that was bloody brilliant in every facet!
You get the depth of world-building, magic, and plot but all done so simply that you can connect the dots without overdoing it - it's deep but not mentally crushing. And when some of the dots get connected...MINDBLOWN. The pace is great and pulls you along with a stunning multi POV. If anything I loved Val's POV chapters more than Delaney's but I also may be a villian apologist so...do with that what you will.
This is gothic romance at its most depraved, but also most hauntingly beautiful. Well done, love. Sign me up for the next one's ARC!!!! Please, I beg!
Lindsey Willingham truly delievered something so unique. The beautiful prose, the scene setting, the owl shifters, the clocks and Heartstone, the political mind games, the devotion of one man through time loving one woman so wholly...that was just *chefs kiss*
We all look for that in the MMC - the one that would lick dirt off the ground at her feet just to feel an ounce of her love. And Val? He's that man. Though the ground he'd lick would be caked in old bl**d because of the people he unalived to please her. Oops!
There was just something so TANGIBLE about this story. It may have been how it was crafted. Like to put it best, it was done in an invisible string - every choice, every step taken, every characters' motivations, every timeline...is connected. And that was bloody brilliant in every facet!
You get the depth of world-building, magic, and plot but all done so simply that you can connect the dots without overdoing it - it's deep but not mentally crushing. And when some of the dots get connected...MINDBLOWN. The pace is great and pulls you along with a stunning multi POV. If anything I loved Val's POV chapters more than Delaney's but I also may be a villian apologist so...do with that what you will.
This is gothic romance at its most depraved, but also most hauntingly beautiful. Well done, love. Sign me up for the next one's ARC!!!! Please, I beg!
February 10, 2026
I am so incredibly grateful that I stumbled into a group read of this incredible book. I already know that it’ll end up on my “favorite books I read this year” list.
What a phenomenal representation of shared trauma. Lindsey does an incredible job of setting up this unique world of “government” controlled arranged marriage, and how and when people can use magic. The banter is DELICIOUS (said with many clapping hands and high kicks). The tension is everything you want in a romantasy, and I wish I could read this beautiful book again for the first time.
The spice depicted in Antiletum is hands down some of the most elegant writing I’ve ever seen, I devouuuuured this in basically one sitting.
If you like dark gothic romance, great banter, a tragic backstory, and a truly morally gray/black down bad delulu MMC, this is a must read. MUST. I cannot wait for book two.
What a phenomenal representation of shared trauma. Lindsey does an incredible job of setting up this unique world of “government” controlled arranged marriage, and how and when people can use magic. The banter is DELICIOUS (said with many clapping hands and high kicks). The tension is everything you want in a romantasy, and I wish I could read this beautiful book again for the first time.
The spice depicted in Antiletum is hands down some of the most elegant writing I’ve ever seen, I devouuuuured this in basically one sitting.
If you like dark gothic romance, great banter, a tragic backstory, and a truly morally gray/black down bad delulu MMC, this is a must read. MUST. I cannot wait for book two.
August 30, 2025
This book is PERFECT. NO NOTES.
love the gothic vibe, the unique magic system, the politics, EVERYTHING.
This MMC is everything. He’s a beautiful traumatized murdery simp and I love him. Lindsey is the queen of the imperfect hero, and she gives such depth and complexity to her characters. Her world building and magic systems are always tied up so neatly with no loose ends. 10/10
love the gothic vibe, the unique magic system, the politics, EVERYTHING.
This MMC is everything. He’s a beautiful traumatized murdery simp and I love him. Lindsey is the queen of the imperfect hero, and she gives such depth and complexity to her characters. Her world building and magic systems are always tied up so neatly with no loose ends. 10/10
March 23, 2026
A unique take on a dark gothic romance with the truest of slow burn tension that will literally have you screaming for more! I’m so glad I picked this book up and found this author 🖤
August 3, 2025
Dark Romantasy with gothic vibes, necromancy, and shifters! So good!
October 12, 2025
5 ⭐️
3.5🌶️
This book was GOOOOD. Though the story was dark, the writing was poetic & had plenty of lighthearted moments (mainly the inner workings of Val’s mind) that had me giggling more than once. I adored Val & his manic devotion to his new wife from the start. Poor Delaney was so conflicted in how to feel, but I just loved the push/pull between the two (and the slow burn was delicious). The ending was utterly satisfying, while still leaving us with a plethora of new questions to be answered in book two. I cannot wait for this series to continue.
3.5🌶️
This book was GOOOOD. Though the story was dark, the writing was poetic & had plenty of lighthearted moments (mainly the inner workings of Val’s mind) that had me giggling more than once. I adored Val & his manic devotion to his new wife from the start. Poor Delaney was so conflicted in how to feel, but I just loved the push/pull between the two (and the slow burn was delicious). The ending was utterly satisfying, while still leaving us with a plethora of new questions to be answered in book two. I cannot wait for this series to continue.
March 18, 2026
Yup…. Lindsey did that! Holy moly, that was such a great read.
I’m going to have to collect my thoughts and come back to write more, but for now just know that I’m swooning, I’m BLUSHING from all that 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and slow burn, the setting, the magic, all of it is just so good.
The end literally had me saying “you little shit” because Lindsey just does cliffhangers that well 👏🏼
I’m going to have to collect my thoughts and come back to write more, but for now just know that I’m swooning, I’m BLUSHING from all that 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and slow burn, the setting, the magic, all of it is just so good.
The end literally had me saying “you little shit” because Lindsey just does cliffhangers that well 👏🏼
August 17, 2025
A deliciously gothic tale of taboo gifts, obsessive love, and rebellion: slow burn romance has never been this worth it!
Easily the BEST story I've read in a long time! Lindsey Willingham has truly outdone herself, her writing just keeps getting better and better. Antiletum is dripping with Victorian gothic vibes; the setting feels like stepping straight into the gloom, grime, and grandeur of that era. The atmosphere alone will transport you, but it’s the characters and romance that stole my entire dark little heart.
Delaney, our quiet and sheltered FMC, has spent her life hidden away, haunted by anxiety and the secret taboo gift she carries. And then there's Val…Oh, Val. A rags-to-riches Lord that reminds me of an unhinged Victorian version of my beloved street rat Aladdin. He's DELULU to the max, emotionally reckless, obsessive, absolutely a walking red flag; and yet you will LOVE him with every fiber of your being. His devotion is gut-wrenching, his obsession is dangerous, and I couldn't get enough of him!
The magic system is fascinating: Certain magic is revered, other arcane gifts bound or forbidden, and creepy clocks ticking as markers of power. It's unique, easy to follow, and seamlessly woven into the story. Add in gods tied to nocturnal animals, owl shifter lore, wedding rings that punish betrayal, and political intrigue with a corrupt Parliament? This book is bursting with originality.
What about the romance you ask? It is perfection. The slowest of slow burns that nearly brought me to tears, but oh, the payoff is so worth it. The banter, the angst, the graveyard make-outs, the devastating tenderness between them! It's everything I crave in a romantasy. Lindsey never sacrifices plot for spice; instead, she balances political rebellion, grief, secrets, and obsession with one of the most addictive love stories I've read in ages.
I need book two immediately!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Points:
💀 Dark gothic romantasy
🧟♀️ Victorian-inspired world with necromancy & forbidden gifts
🎩 Morally grey, obsessive MMC (your new fav book boyfriend 🚩)
🥀 Sheltered FMC with a secret taboo power
💍 Wedding rings with deadly consequences
🕰️ Political intrigue + rebellion
❤️🔥 The slowest of slow burns (but trust me, SO worth it)
Easily the BEST story I've read in a long time! Lindsey Willingham has truly outdone herself, her writing just keeps getting better and better. Antiletum is dripping with Victorian gothic vibes; the setting feels like stepping straight into the gloom, grime, and grandeur of that era. The atmosphere alone will transport you, but it’s the characters and romance that stole my entire dark little heart.
Delaney, our quiet and sheltered FMC, has spent her life hidden away, haunted by anxiety and the secret taboo gift she carries. And then there's Val…Oh, Val. A rags-to-riches Lord that reminds me of an unhinged Victorian version of my beloved street rat Aladdin. He's DELULU to the max, emotionally reckless, obsessive, absolutely a walking red flag; and yet you will LOVE him with every fiber of your being. His devotion is gut-wrenching, his obsession is dangerous, and I couldn't get enough of him!
The magic system is fascinating: Certain magic is revered, other arcane gifts bound or forbidden, and creepy clocks ticking as markers of power. It's unique, easy to follow, and seamlessly woven into the story. Add in gods tied to nocturnal animals, owl shifter lore, wedding rings that punish betrayal, and political intrigue with a corrupt Parliament? This book is bursting with originality.
What about the romance you ask? It is perfection. The slowest of slow burns that nearly brought me to tears, but oh, the payoff is so worth it. The banter, the angst, the graveyard make-outs, the devastating tenderness between them! It's everything I crave in a romantasy. Lindsey never sacrifices plot for spice; instead, she balances political rebellion, grief, secrets, and obsession with one of the most addictive love stories I've read in ages.
I need book two immediately!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Points:
💀 Dark gothic romantasy
🧟♀️ Victorian-inspired world with necromancy & forbidden gifts
🎩 Morally grey, obsessive MMC (your new fav book boyfriend 🚩)
🥀 Sheltered FMC with a secret taboo power
💍 Wedding rings with deadly consequences
🕰️ Political intrigue + rebellion
❤️🔥 The slowest of slow burns (but trust me, SO worth it)
February 16, 2026
What a unique story! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
If you like dark gothic setting, unique magic system, shifters, murder here and there, found family trope, lots of political scheming, with a nice little cliffhanger that feels like ending of any Season 1, this is for you.
📝 No spoiler summary (it’s all in the prologue):
Two necromancers enter an arranged marriage not knowing that their union will activate an antient power surpressed by the current rulers. The story is completely based on mistrust, miscommunication, secret identities, lots of murders, forbidden magic, shifters, and scheming.
I really enjoyed the story, even though it was quite gray terms of setting.
- World building was quite good, along with very cool, dark and twisted magic system. Never have I read a book with owl and fox shiters.
The only reason I dropped the star was the FMC. She was just pathetic from page on, up until 90%. Too much denial, too much of self-sabotaging, and overall indecisiveness.
One can argue she was sheltered, she didn’t know, she was in constant grief - yes, but she was still super whiney and faceless. I don’t like weak characters like this.
The MMC was realy interesting - multi-lagered character with too many secrets to count. His story is actually the main focus here. I think that the next book will be the same as he is the leader of the plot.
The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5, very detailed, but not cringy or copy-paste from other books. For those who seek spice in books, this one is for you, but the plot never suffered!!!! It’s equal.
‼️ One of the things that bothered me was the plot twist around 85%. It was just out of the blue piece of information, no easter eggs that let us to it. It felt like it was added later as a haste decision, which is ok, but it felt meh.
The book ends with a good cliffhanger and I will definitely read the next one.
✅ Kudos the the writer and indepent publishing this one. It’s definitely worth the time.
➡️ Available on KU, 1 person dual POV.
If you like dark gothic setting, unique magic system, shifters, murder here and there, found family trope, lots of political scheming, with a nice little cliffhanger that feels like ending of any Season 1, this is for you.
📝 No spoiler summary (it’s all in the prologue):
Two necromancers enter an arranged marriage not knowing that their union will activate an antient power surpressed by the current rulers. The story is completely based on mistrust, miscommunication, secret identities, lots of murders, forbidden magic, shifters, and scheming.
I really enjoyed the story, even though it was quite gray terms of setting.
- World building was quite good, along with very cool, dark and twisted magic system. Never have I read a book with owl and fox shiters.
The only reason I dropped the star was the FMC. She was just pathetic from page on, up until 90%. Too much denial, too much of self-sabotaging, and overall indecisiveness.
One can argue she was sheltered, she didn’t know, she was in constant grief - yes, but she was still super whiney and faceless. I don’t like weak characters like this.
The MMC was realy interesting - multi-lagered character with too many secrets to count. His story is actually the main focus here. I think that the next book will be the same as he is the leader of the plot.
The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5, very detailed, but not cringy or copy-paste from other books. For those who seek spice in books, this one is for you, but the plot never suffered!!!! It’s equal.
‼️ One of the things that bothered me was the plot twist around 85%. It was just out of the blue piece of information, no easter eggs that let us to it. It felt like it was added later as a haste decision, which is ok, but it felt meh.
The book ends with a good cliffhanger and I will definitely read the next one.
✅ Kudos the the writer and indepent publishing this one. It’s definitely worth the time.
➡️ Available on KU, 1 person dual POV.
September 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gothic romance is right at the top of my favourite genres. So when lindsey sprung secret project ‘hoot hoot’ on her street team several weeks back, I jumped at the chance to beta read. And OH. MY. GOTHIC. LOVING. GOSH!!! 🙌🧎🏻♀️➡️
Antiletum is a hauntingly beautiful, poetic, dark, gothic, slow burn romance, with necromancy magic and owl shifters! DO I NEED TO CONTINUE FURTHER?? I don’t think so, but I will….
We are thrown straight into a deliciously dark atmospheric Victorian-vibe world, amongst THE most crazy, beautiful, spicy wedding scene I’ve read.
Delaney has been hidden away her whole life and told her magic is forbidden from others' knowledge.
Until one day after certain events, she is to be married.
Val has sad-boy energy and is utterly unhinged, has a past that uncurls throughout the story. The pining this man does. The devotion to Delaney is *chefs kiss*. However, some of the ways Val tries to receive Delaneys love is just hilariously funny, totally insane and completely delusional. He had me laughing out loud so many times.
I absolutely bloody loved this book, and I can’t wait for book two. Thank you, lindsey, for having me on your street team and gifting me your incredible, stunning, amazing books!🧎🏻♀️➡️🙏🖤
This book is a perfect spooky season read! 💀🖤
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground-together.”
Gothic
Victorian Vibes
Political Intrigue
Bound/Forbidden Magic
Necromancy
Spicy piercings
Spooky Clocks
Owl Shifter
Unravelling Secrets
Sacrifices
Unhinged, Morally Black MMC
Slow Burn
Spice
‘Swept from the floor, Delaney’s legs kick in the air. For a brief moment, she screeches. Caught. Angry. Fighting with all her might. It’s fucking glorious. I think I might have moaned into her neck.’
Gothic romance is right at the top of my favourite genres. So when lindsey sprung secret project ‘hoot hoot’ on her street team several weeks back, I jumped at the chance to beta read. And OH. MY. GOTHIC. LOVING. GOSH!!! 🙌🧎🏻♀️➡️
Antiletum is a hauntingly beautiful, poetic, dark, gothic, slow burn romance, with necromancy magic and owl shifters! DO I NEED TO CONTINUE FURTHER?? I don’t think so, but I will….
We are thrown straight into a deliciously dark atmospheric Victorian-vibe world, amongst THE most crazy, beautiful, spicy wedding scene I’ve read.
Delaney has been hidden away her whole life and told her magic is forbidden from others' knowledge.
Until one day after certain events, she is to be married.
Val has sad-boy energy and is utterly unhinged, has a past that uncurls throughout the story. The pining this man does. The devotion to Delaney is *chefs kiss*. However, some of the ways Val tries to receive Delaneys love is just hilariously funny, totally insane and completely delusional. He had me laughing out loud so many times.
I absolutely bloody loved this book, and I can’t wait for book two. Thank you, lindsey, for having me on your street team and gifting me your incredible, stunning, amazing books!🧎🏻♀️➡️🙏🖤
This book is a perfect spooky season read! 💀🖤
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground-together.”
Gothic
Victorian Vibes
Political Intrigue
Bound/Forbidden Magic
Necromancy
Spicy piercings
Spooky Clocks
Owl Shifter
Unravelling Secrets
Sacrifices
Unhinged, Morally Black MMC
Slow Burn
Spice
‘Swept from the floor, Delaney’s legs kick in the air. For a brief moment, she screeches. Caught. Angry. Fighting with all her might. It’s fucking glorious. I think I might have moaned into her neck.’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
🦉 Antiletum🦉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There is no world, no lifetime in which I would ever let you go.”
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground—together.”
This is the first book in a dark, gothic, fantasy romance duology; Nocturne. We follow Delaney, who lives in hiding at an estate that specialises in reversing magic, however she is hiding a secret - a forbidden, arcane gift once thought extinct, linked to the owl deity her people worship. When tragedy strikes, Delaney is thrust into an arranged marriage meant for her sister to the powerful necromancer, Val. Val seems noble but everything tells Delaney not to trust him.
Well this was exactly what I needed to kick off spooky season. It’s no secret I think Lindsey is one of the most talented fantasy writers currently and am obsessed with the Willowbane Saga so I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think I loved this even more. I am partial to a dark, gothic romance and this had me in a chokehold from chapter one, we have shifters, gods, necromancy, an insanely unique magic system and sumptuous world building. (Wedding rings are cursed to lead to a slow and painful death in the event of unfaithfulness which I would very much like to implement absolutely love this.) Val is twisted and unhinged in the best possible way and a perfect morally black MMC who absolutely yearns for Delaney plus the portrayal of her grief was so visceral and real. THE CLIFFHANGER JESUS CHRIST I need the next book injected directly into my veins immediately, definitely one of the best books of the year for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There is no world, no lifetime in which I would ever let you go.”
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground—together.”
This is the first book in a dark, gothic, fantasy romance duology; Nocturne. We follow Delaney, who lives in hiding at an estate that specialises in reversing magic, however she is hiding a secret - a forbidden, arcane gift once thought extinct, linked to the owl deity her people worship. When tragedy strikes, Delaney is thrust into an arranged marriage meant for her sister to the powerful necromancer, Val. Val seems noble but everything tells Delaney not to trust him.
Well this was exactly what I needed to kick off spooky season. It’s no secret I think Lindsey is one of the most talented fantasy writers currently and am obsessed with the Willowbane Saga so I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think I loved this even more. I am partial to a dark, gothic romance and this had me in a chokehold from chapter one, we have shifters, gods, necromancy, an insanely unique magic system and sumptuous world building. (Wedding rings are cursed to lead to a slow and painful death in the event of unfaithfulness which I would very much like to implement absolutely love this.) Val is twisted and unhinged in the best possible way and a perfect morally black MMC who absolutely yearns for Delaney plus the portrayal of her grief was so visceral and real. THE CLIFFHANGER JESUS CHRIST I need the next book injected directly into my veins immediately, definitely one of the best books of the year for me.
January 8, 2026
My heart is still tingling, and my soul is still reeling after finishing Antiletum, Book 1 of Lindsey's Nocturne duology. I feel the pulse drumming in my ears, and I don't want it to stop. Not after experiencing this gothic necromancer owl-shifter romance in all its gore and in all its glory. I want, no, I need this feeling to last, at least until the finale is safely in my arms.
So, Antiletum. A gothic, Bridgerton-esque setting, a society driven by power and politics, and a world where nobody is safe. A girl and a boy with necromancer powers: one driven into the spotlight, the other hidden and almost forgotten. But not by everyone.
She could never be forgotten by him, as there is no world in which he wouldn't find her. He is ruthless. He is unhinged. And yet, he is also a hopeless romantic, one who will grovel at her feet begging for mercy. He is pitch black, almost unforgivable. And therein lies his allure. His blackness shines.
And she? A girl hidden in the shadows, lost in her grief and desperation. Drowning in self-loathing, yet still needing to step into the light. Needing to learn to breathe again. Shackled by her doubts and fears, frightened by her own feelings. Wanting to be loved and running from it.
Yes, a girl and a boy destined to meet. Destined to change the world. They are not your typical heroes, nor do they need to be. They are raw. They are real. They bleed and hurt themselves and others. And they are relentless, each in their own way. They will haunt your days and your nights, and you will welcome them in.
Delaney and Val. Meet them. Remember them. They are here to stay.
So, Antiletum. A gothic, Bridgerton-esque setting, a society driven by power and politics, and a world where nobody is safe. A girl and a boy with necromancer powers: one driven into the spotlight, the other hidden and almost forgotten. But not by everyone.
She could never be forgotten by him, as there is no world in which he wouldn't find her. He is ruthless. He is unhinged. And yet, he is also a hopeless romantic, one who will grovel at her feet begging for mercy. He is pitch black, almost unforgivable. And therein lies his allure. His blackness shines.
And she? A girl hidden in the shadows, lost in her grief and desperation. Drowning in self-loathing, yet still needing to step into the light. Needing to learn to breathe again. Shackled by her doubts and fears, frightened by her own feelings. Wanting to be loved and running from it.
Yes, a girl and a boy destined to meet. Destined to change the world. They are not your typical heroes, nor do they need to be. They are raw. They are real. They bleed and hurt themselves and others. And they are relentless, each in their own way. They will haunt your days and your nights, and you will welcome them in.
Delaney and Val. Meet them. Remember them. They are here to stay.
May 3, 2026
“I have no doubt at all that you could absolutely destroy me.”
Delaney Thornridge has been sheltered, hidden, silenced, for as long as she can remember. And not for any crime she has committed, but simply because her gods-given magic is…different. Necromancy. It calls to her, and she to it. But why then, in the company of her new husband, Val, does she feel seen, understood, and protected for the first time in her life, by a man she barely knows? And what does he truly want from her?
Y’all, this book is AMAZING. For so many reasons. 1) the magic in this book (and how it has been tampered with, and controlled) is so unique. I want to know more, I’m so hooked! And 2) the relationship between the FMC, Delaney, and the MMC, Val. It doesn’t fit any mold we’re used to in romantasy. It’s not the typical arranged marriage, or marriage of convenience. It’s not enemies to lovers, and it’s not even the standard friends to lovers either. It’s something else — messy, thrilling, and heartbreaking. Their relationship is built on secrets and lies, devotion and mistrust, longing and loss. These two characters are imperfect, and it makes them irresistible. And there’s a piercing scene that I’m gonna think about for the rest of my days! 😮💨
Antiletum is the first book in The Nocturne series, and you best put it at the top of your TBR because it’s an unforgettable ride. Lindsey Willingham is also the sweetest and so much fun to chat with!🦉♥️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*Please check the content warnings before reading.
Delaney Thornridge has been sheltered, hidden, silenced, for as long as she can remember. And not for any crime she has committed, but simply because her gods-given magic is…different. Necromancy. It calls to her, and she to it. But why then, in the company of her new husband, Val, does she feel seen, understood, and protected for the first time in her life, by a man she barely knows? And what does he truly want from her?
Y’all, this book is AMAZING. For so many reasons. 1) the magic in this book (and how it has been tampered with, and controlled) is so unique. I want to know more, I’m so hooked! And 2) the relationship between the FMC, Delaney, and the MMC, Val. It doesn’t fit any mold we’re used to in romantasy. It’s not the typical arranged marriage, or marriage of convenience. It’s not enemies to lovers, and it’s not even the standard friends to lovers either. It’s something else — messy, thrilling, and heartbreaking. Their relationship is built on secrets and lies, devotion and mistrust, longing and loss. These two characters are imperfect, and it makes them irresistible. And there’s a piercing scene that I’m gonna think about for the rest of my days! 😮💨
Antiletum is the first book in The Nocturne series, and you best put it at the top of your TBR because it’s an unforgettable ride. Lindsey Willingham is also the sweetest and so much fun to chat with!🦉♥️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*Please check the content warnings before reading.
November 14, 2025
Antiletum is a dark gothic necromancer owl shifter fantasy romance! This is the first book in a new series by Lindsey Willingham. I saw the author recently describe it as dark/gothic fantasy Bridgerton and it is definitely that!
WOW this book is amazing, one of my favourite books of 2025 and one of the best dark/gothic fantasy books around. I devoured it!! The writing is beautiful, descriptive and immersive. It sucks you right in and you feel all the emotions. The magic system is unique and fresh. There is a corrupt government, restrained magic bound by clocks, necromancy and shifters!
The book starts with a bang, an arranged marriage followed by a deranged wedding ceremony between necromancers Val and Delaney. They are both complex characters with traumatic backstories.
Val is morally black, completely feral and to say I am OBSESSSED would be an understatement. They are combustible together (is that even a thing?). But hot damn, my new book boyfriend has arrived. This book has the slowest of burns and boy does it burn! There is so much pining, tension, secrets and betrayals. There is a hot graveyard scene and one that involves piercings that even made me blush.
I loved the ending! I cannot wait for Book 2 and to see how this world expands and develops.
WOW this book is amazing, one of my favourite books of 2025 and one of the best dark/gothic fantasy books around. I devoured it!! The writing is beautiful, descriptive and immersive. It sucks you right in and you feel all the emotions. The magic system is unique and fresh. There is a corrupt government, restrained magic bound by clocks, necromancy and shifters!
The book starts with a bang, an arranged marriage followed by a deranged wedding ceremony between necromancers Val and Delaney. They are both complex characters with traumatic backstories.
Val is morally black, completely feral and to say I am OBSESSSED would be an understatement. They are combustible together (is that even a thing?). But hot damn, my new book boyfriend has arrived. This book has the slowest of burns and boy does it burn! There is so much pining, tension, secrets and betrayals. There is a hot graveyard scene and one that involves piercings that even made me blush.
I loved the ending! I cannot wait for Book 2 and to see how this world expands and develops.
February 3, 2026
What a start to February! I devoured this Dark Gothic Romance. This had me all up in my feels. I was up past 1am reading and balling my eyes out. I couldn’t put it down. When the prologue starts with the most insane wedding including scarifies and s3x, you know you’re in for a wild ride. Also…I was completely blindsided by a huge plot twist that I didn’t see coming 👀
“Stay with me, Delaney. Choose me. It was always going to be you. It always will. Choose me again. Like we chose each other then. Right here.”
The begging…this scene, balling I tell you 😭😭
This book is full of pain, pleasure, and emotional damage. Lindsey knows how to break us and put us back together.
“Even if I succumb to your ruin, it was worth it. If only to be able to say that I had you for a single day. I am yours until the sun folds into itself in the sky.”
Tropes:
- Political Intrigue
- Barn Owl Shifter
- Magic System Tied to Clocks
- Gothic Bridgerton Vibes
- Necromancy
- Angsty Slow Burn
- Down Bad Morally Grey MMC
- Irremoveable Body Jewelry
- Arranged Marriage
I had so much fun buddy reading this with my girls, I think we’re gonna do a buddy read for @authorlindseywillingham other series later this year.
Do yourself a favorite and add this to your tbr asap!
“Stay with me, Delaney. Choose me. It was always going to be you. It always will. Choose me again. Like we chose each other then. Right here.”
The begging…this scene, balling I tell you 😭😭
This book is full of pain, pleasure, and emotional damage. Lindsey knows how to break us and put us back together.
“Even if I succumb to your ruin, it was worth it. If only to be able to say that I had you for a single day. I am yours until the sun folds into itself in the sky.”
Tropes:
- Political Intrigue
- Barn Owl Shifter
- Magic System Tied to Clocks
- Gothic Bridgerton Vibes
- Necromancy
- Angsty Slow Burn
- Down Bad Morally Grey MMC
- Irremoveable Body Jewelry
- Arranged Marriage
I had so much fun buddy reading this with my girls, I think we’re gonna do a buddy read for @authorlindseywillingham other series later this year.
Do yourself a favorite and add this to your tbr asap!
February 25, 2026
If you like MMCs that are obsessed, unhinged, and will grovel, this is the one. He is absolutely DEPRAVED
Any time the love interests were interacting with each other, I was blushing/giggling/kicking my feet. This author knows how to write tension (beyond just physical, though that is there also)
Spoiler free premise-
The world is set up that there is a parliament in charge and they decide who can get married to each other (essentially for control of magic/offspring of pairings). Her magic has been a secret until her arranged marriage. There is immediate trust issues in the marriage, and he has some scheming going on...
I adored the atmosphere and the interactions/dialogue between characters. At times there were a few things with the magic system I wanted more details about, and I may have completely overlooked the foreshadowing but there was something that happens that felt almost too left field to me. It was fine, it just took me out of the story for a second. Still, this author had me giddy over how delightfully unhinged the MMC was.
-Arranged Marriage
-Necromancy
-Very romance forward/mostly character driven
-Strict and controlling government
-underground rebellion
-obsessed MMC who begs/grovels
-owl shifter
-medium-ish spice (on k!nkier side)
Any time the love interests were interacting with each other, I was blushing/giggling/kicking my feet. This author knows how to write tension (beyond just physical, though that is there also)
Spoiler free premise-
The world is set up that there is a parliament in charge and they decide who can get married to each other (essentially for control of magic/offspring of pairings). Her magic has been a secret until her arranged marriage. There is immediate trust issues in the marriage, and he has some scheming going on...
I adored the atmosphere and the interactions/dialogue between characters. At times there were a few things with the magic system I wanted more details about, and I may have completely overlooked the foreshadowing but there was something that happens that felt almost too left field to me. It was fine, it just took me out of the story for a second. Still, this author had me giddy over how delightfully unhinged the MMC was.
-Arranged Marriage
-Necromancy
-Very romance forward/mostly character driven
-Strict and controlling government
-underground rebellion
-obsessed MMC who begs/grovels
-owl shifter
-medium-ish spice (on k!nkier side)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews