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Duke of Thorns: A Gothic Victorian Fae Romance
Liora has three days before she belongs to a monster.
Sir Edmund Hargrave is respectable. Wealthy. A magistrate. His first wife lasted two years before she died. No one asks questions about men like him.
So when another monster offers her a way out—a Duke who appears from nowhere, who watches her like prey, who promises safety in exchange for marriage—she takes the bargain. What choice does she have?
But Thornwood Hall keeps secrets in its stones. The Duke keeps secrets in his blood. And Liora is beginning to suspect that the cage she chose might be worse than the one she escaped.
He cannot lie. He can only deceive.
She just doesn't know it yet.
Sir Edmund Hargrave is respectable. Wealthy. A magistrate. His first wife lasted two years before she died. No one asks questions about men like him.
So when another monster offers her a way out—a Duke who appears from nowhere, who watches her like prey, who promises safety in exchange for marriage—she takes the bargain. What choice does she have?
But Thornwood Hall keeps secrets in its stones. The Duke keeps secrets in his blood. And Liora is beginning to suspect that the cage she chose might be worse than the one she escaped.
He cannot lie. He can only deceive.
She just doesn't know it yet.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 16, 2026
Duke of Thorns is a darkly enchanting and atmospheric romance that blends Gothic Victorian aesthetics, fae mythology, and brooding romance into a story that captivates from the first page. Delilah Duvall crafts a world dripping with shadow, intrigue, and subtle magic, perfectly suited for readers who love their romance with a touch of danger and the supernatural.
The book’s strongest feature is its atmosphere and world building. The Victorian setting is richly detailed, from candlelit halls to foggy streets, and the fae elements are beautifully woven into the plot, adding layers of mystery and danger. The story’s Gothic tone is consistent and immersive, drawing the reader into its moody elegance.
The romance is passionate and compelling, with chemistry that simmers and tension that keeps the reader engaged. The characters are well-drawn, particularly the enigmatic Duke, whose brooding charm and hidden depths make him unforgettable. The heroine is equally engaging, balancing strength, intelligence, and vulnerability in a way that makes the romance feel earned and satisfying.
Where the book slightly falls short is in pacing and plot predictability. Some sections linger on internal monologue or description, and a few plot beats follow familiar Gothic romance tropes. However, the immersive setting, character depth, and rich atmosphere more than compensate for these minor flaws.
Overall, Duke of Thorns is a gothic, romantic, and beautifully atmospheric read with a strong sense of mood, compelling characters, and an enchanting fae twist. It earns a solid four-star rating, perfect for fans of dark romance, Victorian settings, and fae intrigue.
The book’s strongest feature is its atmosphere and world building. The Victorian setting is richly detailed, from candlelit halls to foggy streets, and the fae elements are beautifully woven into the plot, adding layers of mystery and danger. The story’s Gothic tone is consistent and immersive, drawing the reader into its moody elegance.
The romance is passionate and compelling, with chemistry that simmers and tension that keeps the reader engaged. The characters are well-drawn, particularly the enigmatic Duke, whose brooding charm and hidden depths make him unforgettable. The heroine is equally engaging, balancing strength, intelligence, and vulnerability in a way that makes the romance feel earned and satisfying.
Where the book slightly falls short is in pacing and plot predictability. Some sections linger on internal monologue or description, and a few plot beats follow familiar Gothic romance tropes. However, the immersive setting, character depth, and rich atmosphere more than compensate for these minor flaws.
Overall, Duke of Thorns is a gothic, romantic, and beautifully atmospheric read with a strong sense of mood, compelling characters, and an enchanting fae twist. It earns a solid four-star rating, perfect for fans of dark romance, Victorian settings, and fae intrigue.
January 15, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens and Delilah Duvall for the eARC!
3.0! There was a lot of romance with little plot. Most of the story was about the MMC and FMC having the hots for each other. Which I am all for, but I would’ve liked some more plot. The chemistry of the FMC and MMC was good, as well as their love for each other. The spice was pretty spicy. Overall, a good read!
Tropes:
♥️ fae x human/ forbidden love
♥️ fated mates
♥️ forced proximity
♥️ secret/ hidden identity
3.0! There was a lot of romance with little plot. Most of the story was about the MMC and FMC having the hots for each other. Which I am all for, but I would’ve liked some more plot. The chemistry of the FMC and MMC was good, as well as their love for each other. The spice was pretty spicy. Overall, a good read!
Tropes:
♥️ fae x human/ forbidden love
♥️ fated mates
♥️ forced proximity
♥️ secret/ hidden identity
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews