Le Duc des Epines (Princes of Nocturne - French)

by Delilah Duvall

Liora a trois jours avant d'appartenir à un monstre.

Sir Edmund Hargrave est respectable. Riche. Magistrat. Sa première épouse a tenu deux ans avant de mourir. Personne ne pose de questions sur les hommes comme lui.

Alors quand un autre monstre lui offre une échappatoire-un Duc qui surgit de nulle part, qui l'observe comme une proie, qui promet la sécurité en échange du mariage-elle accepte le pacte. Quel choix a-t-elle?

Mais Thornwood Hall garde des secrets dans ses pierres. Le Duc garde des secrets dans son sang. Et Liora commence à soupçonner que la cage qu'elle a choisie pourrait être pire que celle dont elle s'est échappée.

Il ne peut pas mentir. Il peut seulement tromper.

Elle ne le sait pas encore.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dark Fantasy

262 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read, but unfortunately it never quite managed to sweep me away.

I’m usually a fan of morally grey heroes and villainous love interests, so the Duke had plenty of ingredients that should have worked for me.
However, his overly dominant nature and the way he keeps Liora in the dark about what is really happening made it difficult for me to connect with him, or with their relationship.

My biggest issue was the "insta-love. "
I understand that the story is built around the idea of a fae "blood calling," an almost invisible force that identifies a person as your destined mate and drives the fae to do whatever it takes to keep them.
So I understand why the relationship develops so quickly, and I can see how it fits the mythology of the story.
It simply isn’t a dynamic I particularly enjoy.
Everything felt very rushed, and because of that, I never really had the chance to become emotionally invested in the characters or in their romance.

Liora, at least, was a positive for me.
She is strong, determined, and doesn't simply become a helpless heroine despite everything being thrown at her.
I also enjoyed being introduced to the Duke’s fae brothers.
They seem to have interesting personalities and stories of their own, and honestly, they were one of the elements that made me curious about the wider world.

The plot itself wasn’t bad either.
There are secrets, a creepy Gothic setting, fae mythology, and plenty of "Beauty and the Beast" elements, with the wicked stepmother and stepsisters included.
"Beauty and the Beast" has always been one of my favourite Disney stories, so I really wanted this retelling to completely win me over.
Sadly, it didn't quite get there.

The spice was also a little excessive for my taste.
I can understand that the whole "blood calling" is probably meant to explain at least some of that intensity... but even so, there was more of it than I personally needed.

So, overall, this wasn't a terrible book.
I can see what it was trying to do, and there were definitely elements I enjoyed.
It just didn't give me that emotional connection or sense of excitement I was hoping for.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good! First I HAVE to say I really hope Izzy is Ash’s Blood-Chosen. He is suffering so badly, and he’s so sweet ❤️‍🩹 Getting back to Duke of Thorns, Vex and Liora’s story kept me glued to the pages. Vex steps in to protect Liora several times and saves someone she loves—because he’s just that awesome. I finished Duke of Thorns in one sitting, with time passing quicker than expected. This is a great cornerstone for the Princes of Nocturne series to build off of. I cannot wait for Book
*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Vex
FMC:
✨Liora
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA, interconnected storylines
Series:
✨ Princes of Nocturne — Book 1
Tropes:
👉gothic monster romance
👉dark Victorian romance
👉fated/blood-chosen
👉touch her and ☠️
👉fae mmc x human fmc
Triggers: 🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open🚪sex
💥profanity
💥violence, abuse
💥death
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Lisa Gainers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

A quick paced read. The FMC is promised away to a cruel man and all she wants is to escape. She meets the MMC the night she plans to escape and he offers her a safe place to stay for a week until she makes a decision on her future. There is tension, some banter, secrets and spice. I enjoyed the story.

[Bone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically, I'd give it 3.5 but I can't actually do that on book sirens.

The positives: I've slogged through some very poorly written/edited books lately, so this was a breath of fresh air. Although the writing style doesn't match the Regency-era this is based in, I really enjoyed the author's writing style. The descriptions weren't too over-the-top or drawn-out, and I thoroughly enjoyed that she wrote a FMC who didn't make me want to hit my head against a wall repeatedly. For all that it is fairly chock-full of tropes, they are handled well for the most part, which to me make it a positive. Tropes are there for a reason, and it's how you incorporate them in that matters. The FMC is a good blend of traits and I enjoyed her inner-voice so much. That said…

The cons: I'm also going to put the FMC here for the pure fact that I have an issue not seeing her as a Mary Sue given the American mannerisms in a British aristocracy. It worked when I initially thought she was cinderella-turned-secret-fae, but something about it just irked me. I also love me some smut. A lot. But I didn't actually care to read it half a chapter in and so over-the-top. I think I made a face the whole time I was reading their initial meeting because it was that or roll my eyes over her instaheat. Even if its explained as to why, it took me out of it again.

The neutral: the MMC is a neutral for me. He's a Duke. He's not too dissimilar from the other 'elite' MMC I've read in romantasy before. Like I said, the tropes were done well, but at the end of the day it's still a lot of tropes.

Last positive: I'd actually read more on the Duke and his brother, gladly. That was initially what interested me.

Rating: 3.5/5

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vex: Duke of Thorns, Fae Prince hiding in plain sight amongst the humans.
Liora: needing to escape a marriage that her father is forcing on her.

This book is an amazing start to an incredible series!!

If you like romantasy (romantic fantasy) then you’ll love this book and the whole series. If you’ve never read a Romantasy story, this is a great book/series to start with! Before this series, I had only read one or two romantasy books (both wolf shifters stories) and enjoyed them but this book & series are on a whole different level.

Set in the Victorian era, it is a dark, very spicy, forced marriage (to save the female main character, Liora) romance with a fae prince and human female.

I couldn’t put this story down until I had finished it and wanted to go back for a second read but I wanted to get to the next in the series.

Since reading this book and now all 4 in the series, they have been living rent free in head and heart! I was thoroughly enthralled with all the characters, the plots and incredible writing!! I will say that these can all be read as standalone stories but the first books pulls you into their world and won’t let you go until the end of book 4!!

Ms Duvall has written such an epic series that I was sad to see it end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke of Thorns is the first book of the Princes of Nocturne series, and a standalone romantasy that exudes a Victorian era atmosphere of magic and intrigue.
FMC Liora is about to be forced into marriage with a wealthy evil magistrate whose first wife had died mysteriously, and it was never questioned.
The night of an upcoming ball when their engagement was to be announced was the night Liora had planned her escape.
Vex, Duke of Thorns couldn’t understand why he wanted to attend the ball other than a strange compulsion which has brought him there, and it was then the Fae blood choosing surged through him… FIND HER!
When he does it is Liora, not even a fae but human and an impossible choice.
But the blood choosing cannot be ignored. He gives her a choice, marry him to free herself from the magistrates clutches.
She offers him one week of her time to decide if he is the lesser of two evils
Enjoyed this first book as I have others in the series that are filled with magic, vulnerability, drama, intrigue, family dynamics, danger, and surprises.
Wonderfully written with well crafted characters their story became immersive, filled with secrets and the mystery of Thornwood Hall.
So glad to have been with them on their journey. HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Romance Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars in general; 5 for my subjective tastes (coerced dark bargain, possessive fae duke, gothic atmosphere, early heavy heat).

Tropes: dark fae bargain / marriage of convenience / coerced marriage, brooding & secretive lord, gothic Victorian aesthetic, high spice.

A quick, moody dark romantasy that hits all the right buttons if you want dark aesthetic tension and unapologetic heat.

The fantasy worldbuilding definitely takes a backseat to the historical romance structure in the second half, and the plot wraps up a little abruptly. It's clear the author is used to primarily writing regency romance. And the chase part near the end is a little lame/unnecessary.

But as a dynamic-driven read, it does exactly what it needs to do. The desperate bargain to escape an abusive human marriage sets up instant stakes, the gothic atmosphere feels properly dark and secretive, and the dynamic between a powerful, possessive fae duke and a defiant heroine gives the chemistry real bite.

The spice starts early and carries genuine tension throughout rather than dragging through hundreds of pages of slow-burn stalling. If you're looking for a quick, atmospheric Kindle Unlimited binge with a lethal fae lord, dark Victorian aesthetics, and heavy spice, it’s a very satisfying read.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae and Victorian England, a combination that immediately caught my attention, and after the first few chapters, I was hooked. I love historical romances with mystery, intrigue, conflict, and if magic is involved, even better. I found the blood choosing intriguing and devoured the pages, reading nonstop. I liked Liora’s character, determined, inquisitive, and not easily intimidated and Vex kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how he would handle Liora's situation, which turned out to be more complicated than he thought. Much was coming to light, and it wasn't just secrets, but something previously unknown. I enjoyed the introduction of the princes, who stimulated my imagination with their unique characteristics. Magic, glamour, strong emotions, romance, passionate encounters, interesting secondary characters, the ever-present villains, kidnappings, a touch of violence, and a situation that alarmed me, but I have complete confidence that the author will address it when the last prince finds his wife. I enjoyed the story and it left me eager to read about the next prince. A new author for my favorites list.

[Alexis LaBine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it kept me intrigued, and I was engrossed in the plot. It’s a quick read with a moody, dark romantasy feel. The spice was delicious, and the arc was surprisingly more gentle than I expected it to be, given how the book starts. I definitely enjoyed the morally grey MMC and the switching perspectives between the MFC and MMC. The wording may make you raise a brow at first, especially with some repetition that seems off, but keep reading. The worldbuilding sometimes takes a bit to come together, while other pieces snap into place right away. As Vex’s secrets unfold and the story goes on, you’ll get to a point where you’re like, “Oh. That clicks.” Suddenly, the awkward wording turns into spicy tension, and you just want more!
The timeline of events was quick, but all the more exhilarating. I wanted to get to know all of the characters more because, honestly, I have questions. I was intrigued by everyone, even finding myself wanting to follow the servant maiden. I hope there’s more to this world and these characters.

[Ruxi Avram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh, yes! This book is the appropriate amount of dark and the appropriate amount of smut! The atmosphere is incandescent and dark, and breaks the boundaries of what is appropriate in the Victorian period, and is delicious!
The chemistry between Liora and Vex is astounding! The way they burn for each other, the level of desire is what a romantasy reader is here for! Perfect amount of it!
The story is a deviation from Cinderella , with an evil stepmother and stepsister that sell Liora to a monster of a man, a mix of folklore and myth with the evolution that the Victorian period brought.
I loved this book! And being a fantasy story of love, of yearning and of discovery makes it perfect!
Thank you Delilah Duvall for this book! I have received this book as ARC from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vex (MMC) and Liora (FMC) have their lives entwined the night Liora is attempting to run away from her betrothed. Liora has to decide which of the men that are demanding to possess her is the lesser of two evils and she has limited time to do so. I’m a big fan of the “Touch her and ☠️” trope and this was no exception. What would have made it a 5 ⭐️ review for me is some more character and plot development. Love the idea of this storyline (and I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series) but the relationship between Vex and Liora felt shallow and merely physical.

Thank you BookSirens for the eARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Princes of Nocturne series. You should read the books in order, you don't really need to but it helps make sense of some of the things that happen in the series. This book is about Vex and Liora. Liora is human and Vex is a fae Prince. His blood chooses her as his mate. They fall in love but have some communication problems. They find their HEA. I recommend this book to all paranormal dark romance readers

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. I thought this was a very engaging read that deviates a bit from the standard romantasy format with the Gothic setting and kept me hooked from the get-go until the end. Captivating world building. Intriguing characters. All-in-all, fairly quick and easy read.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Annette Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book, in a long time, that I can say I did not want the story to end! I loved Liora and her tenacity and strength. The relationship between her and The Duke is hot, steamy, and everything in between. I read this book in less than 12 hours because I could not put it down! I want more of their story!!! I would give this more than 5 stars if I could! If you like stories that leave you wanting more, this is definitely the one for you! Must read!!!

[Stephanie Shinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book from the first chapter. I almost read it in one sitting! I loved the characters, the world building, and there was one character in particular that I wanted to push in front of a bus! I liked this unique twist on the fae, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series! I wish the book would have been a bit longer, but it was a wonderful read!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Wow. Duke of Thorns is an excellent introduction to fae reading. I haven't read many books specifically about the fae. I really like this one. Its kinda dark….and spicy, with a story line that keeps you wanting more. I really want to see what others changes the bond will make.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Darkangel Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wild read. I will never look at faeries the same way again. Vex is a strong dark persona while Liora is strong willed but broken persona. This is a read of possessive longing and love. Hopefully there are more to add to this series soon.

[Danii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing gothic fae romance.

A strong and intelligent heroine with little resources to save herself from an arranged marriage. The fae hero who falls first and hard, wonderful prose, foggy moors, mysterious servants, magic, blood bonded mates, a bumpy road to the HEA and spice.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 ⭐️

Duke of Thorns is full of yearning, enemies-to-lovers, gothic, and magical moments as a human becomes bound to a Fae prince. Quick read and would recommend to anyone looking for a Beauty and the Beast kind of vibe.

Thank you to the author (Delilah Duvall) and Book Sirens for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC, and I'm providing my honest review!

[Kimsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was very repetitive and there wasn’t much development of the relationship between the main characters. He wants her because of the bond, she wants him because… of reasons I’m sure. Overall an easy and fast read but wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone personally se.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book. A lot of contradictions, but not a bad book.

[Marie smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful read. I loved ever single moment in this book l, I could not put it down. You could absolutely feel the emotion in the book and through the book.

[Patricia Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark, enemies to lovers romance where a human becomes bound to very old Fae Prince. It has magical moments, the castle has secrets and eyes everywhere.

[Amber Morgenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man who yearns is a man who earns

Lindos, perfeitos, maravilhosos. O livro reuniu tudo o que eu amo. Romances. Faes. Era vitoriana. Góticos. A questão dele não poder mentir, mas omitir, e às vezes até mentir mesmo, pq tinha coisa lá que não era omissão, não! KKK tbm achei muito radical a Liora ir pra Edimburgo. Egoísta, até. A Sr. O'Hara diz pra ele lutar por ela, mas isso poderia machucar ele. Mesmo assim, ele foi atrás dela. Só que, era realmente isso que ela queria? Que ele sofresse? Essa parte não me foi agradável mesmo. Pq ela pediu espaço, e ele deu. Detesto pessoas que pedem uma coisa, mas querem outra! Eu sempre vou focar na coisa que a pessoa pediu primeiro! Ela queria ter escolha própria, ele deu! Ainda bem que tudo se resolveu depois, mas mesmo assim, ela não sabia o que queria? Ele precisava realmente se ferir indo a Edimburgo? O lance da parceria. Ela leu tanto os livros antigos na língua antiga, e não havia entendido ainda que ela era parceira dele? Ela percebeu que se ela morresse, ele morreria também. Ele poderia cortar o laço, mas poderia morrer também. Ok, ele simplesmente disse que ela era noiva dele. Ele sabia malmente das coisas que aconteceriam com o vínculo, já que nunca havia acontecido parceria com humanas. Ele errou, claro. Devia ter dito, assim que percebeu ela se curando. Mas ele também não entendia. Mas foi só esse capítulo que me deixou irritada. (UM ÚNICO CAPÍTULO). De resto, é um livro perfeito, do início ao fim. Li numa sentada. Dito isto, já vou começar o segundo. ❤️🌷

[Caterina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Più spicy che storia.

Oddio, la storia c'è, poca, ma c'è. Soprattutto verso la fine.

Ma il libro è tutto un ti vedo, ti voglio, mi devi volere anche tu, sposiamoci dopo 3 minuti che ci siamo visti e rotoliamoci tutta la vita come ricci...

Il che va bene eh, per chi ama il genere, però 80% spicy e 20%storia mi sembra un po' sbilanciato.

Traduzione ni, ci sono una marea di errori, persone che dovrebbero fare e invece diventano il complemento oggetto della frase, ma comunque sono circoscritti e si capisce facilmente.

Lettura veloce e piacevole, ma non una storia epica.

[Laura Spadora · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world of Duke of Thorns was dark, harsh and full of intriguing charectars. The Cinderella like charectar Liora faced a future that only guarantees pain. She was brave to change her fate and run to the unknown . The storyline was interesting and the world unique. Vex was intriguing as the male main charectar. I definitely would like to know more about him and his family.

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entretenido y corto. La historia se pone buena en la segunda mitad, algunas decisiones que me hicieron renegar, pero esta lindo.