These Tears: A dark psychological captive romance thriller

by N. von Wolf

Not wanting to face my demons, I turned to volunteering, which fed my craving for artistic photography. When I joined a prison rehabilitation programme, I didn't expect the silent inmate with the sky in his eyes, a murder charge stamped to his name and the tongue of a poet. One photograph became letters. Then more frequent visits. Then something far more dangerous.
Because the moment I realised what Elias Crane truly was…
He was no longer behind bars.
And I was no longer free.



These Tears is a dark psychological captive romance set in the frozen wilderness of Norway. It explores trauma, obsession, emotional manipulation, and morally grey love with – graphic content and non-con themes. Perfect for fans of Pam Godwin’s "Frozen Fate trilogy", Ana Huang’s "Twisted Games", and "Still Beating" by Jennifer Hartmann.
Please mind the trigger warnings on the author's website.

Genres: Dark

591 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2026

About the author

N. von Wolf writes dark, psychological romance set in worlds where myth bleeds into obsession and love walks a razor’s edge. Her stories explore the intimate territories of power, trauma, and fate – whether in vampire courts, ancient battlegrounds, or dystopian futures.

Rooted in the Balkans and shaped by years in Ireland and Scandinavia, she draws on haunted history, folklore, and cultural echoes to craft emotionally charged tales where the past never sleeps and the heart is never safe. Her favourite playgrounds are epic fantasy, historical and paranormal fiction – but she loves to dip her toes into sci-fi waters, as well.

By night, she writes of forbidden desires and fractured worlds; by day, she thrives as a Technical Engineering Team Lead, a wife, and a mother of two.

You can see what she's currently brewing on her website, or follow her on Social Media:

Reviews

[Erin E.]

Sigh. I love this author. Whole heartidly. If she writes it I'm going to read it and I'm going to buy it. All of the psychological elements she puts in her writing just completely immerses me. 


Leah- fmc- she's a very relatable character. Intelligent, overcoming obstacles, how she reacts, processes, and catalogues information in situations is realistic. I was genuinely rooting for her the entire time. 


Elias- MMC- welp he's complex. And that's putting it mildly. Troubled? Psychotic? Misunderstood? You'll have to read to find out more about him 🤐 love hate relationship with him for sure. I personally ended up loving him. I yelled I can fix him about a million times 😂🖤


One thing I love most about this author is you'll always understand the characters why. You might not agree with it or like it but you'll understand their view point, why they are the way they are, and why they do what they do no matter how depraved it might be. 


This one gripped me from the first page and gave me whiplash in the best possible way until the very end. It was a rollercoaster of mystery and emotions filled with obsession, and dark psychological elements that left me on the edge of my seat and jaw on the floor.  When the end finally arrived I didn't want the story to stop! This one left me yearning for more 🖤

I can't wait to add this one to the bookshelf and it's definitely an all time favorite for me


✔️Dark psychological captive romance 

✔️norway 

✔️frozen wilderness 

✔️obsession

✔️Morally grey love

✔️Emotional manipulation 

[Storied Conversation]

This was my first N. von Wolf book, and I wasn't even supposed to read it. I applied for a future book, accidentally ended up on this list, and decided to go with it. BEST accidental ARC mix-up. 😂

Leah immediately worked for me. She's intelligent and observant, and the way she processes what's happening around her felt believable. I spent the entire book rooting for her. Elias, meanwhile, had me going through it. I couldn't decide whether I wanted someone to rescue Leah from him or whether I was joining the "I can fix him" club. Eventually I became so very attached to this complicated man while remaining fully aware that no, I absolutely cannot fix him.

The psychological side was what made me fall in love with N. von Wolf. Details matter, and as someone who enjoys a good thriller or mystery I do my best to pay attention to the details. I started realizing that things I'd read earlier weren't nearly as insignificant as they appeared. Dark, obsessive, atmospheric, and impossible for me to put down. Definitely check the content warnings before jumping into this one though. The list is long but it's important.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rachael]

These Tears by N. von Wolf
Elias/Jakob & Leah
I was not expecting this book to make me feel as much as it did, especially about a character who, on paper, should be completely irredeemable.
I picked it up because it sounded like exactly my kind of dark romance: she’s taken captive, he’s a psychopath, and there are enough red flags to cover the entire country of Norway.
But this story is so much more than that.
Leah and Elias are both broken people, although they carry their damage in very different ways. Leah grew up with emotionally absent parents and is coming off a betrayal that left its own scars. She has learned to cope by taking care of other people, fixing what she can, and making herself useful.
Then she meets Elias while volunteering at a prison.
Elias is cold, controlled, and genuinely dangerous. But underneath all of that is a man who has never really experienced gentleness, kindness, or touch that didn't come with a price attached. He doesn't understand relationships because he has never been taught what a healthy one looks like.
And when Elias takes Leah captive in a remote, snowy part of Norway, the book becomes something I wasn't expecting.
It becomes a story about mutuality.
“I’ll take on your demons. But you’ll have to take on mine, too.”
Neither of them gets to be the sole damaged person while the other becomes their savior. They both have things to confront, things to learn, and things they need from the other.
It is also about healing without erasure.
“We are not exactly repairing each other…”
The story never asks you to forget who Elias is or ignore what he has done simply because you begin to understand him. His trauma explains pieces of him, but it doesn't magically make the black flags disappear. Healing here isn't about wiping the slate clean. It's about building something different on top of everything that already exists.
And probably the part I appreciated most was accountability without demanding absolution.
Forgiveness “is something another person may choose to give you.”
Elias has to recognize the harm he causes without treating remorse as a transaction. Being sorry doesn't automatically earn forgiveness, and loving someone doesn't mean they owe it to you.
That distinction mattered so much to me.
Somehow N. von Wolf took a psychopath, captivity, trauma, obsession, and a relationship that absolutely should not work and turned it into something surprisingly thoughtful about love, choice, trust, and what it actually means to change.
This is still a dark romance. Elias is still Elias. The book doesn't suddenly paint all those red flags green.
But it made me care about him anyway.
And honestly, I did not expect that at all.
Five stars.

[Amelia]

Endless stars! There are not enough words to describe how much I love this book. It was definitely one of those stories where I was sad when it ended! I stayed up to 3:30 am finishing it. 🙈

There were times when I nearly hated Elias at first, but there's a journey of discovering him through the book, and he's morally grey anyway. He's a dangerous and flawed man, but also a broken man.

Some of my favorite bits in the book were when Leah had small revelations into what made Elias tick. I definitely cried at the letter, who wouldn't! Oh, and I definitely got a bit of "beauty and the beast" vibes going on!

The story is pretty dark, and check the trigger warnings on the author's website because there's quite the list. The spice was fabulous, as it always is in Ness' books. I'd never read about a photography kink before, so that was original.

Ty to Ness for the advance copy! I would honestly read anything she writes, everything I've read from her has been amazing. I love how she really digs into her characters' psyches.

[Jeanette_Ava_Botanica S.]

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Morbid: 💀💀💀

Dark psychological captive romance for the unwell. 🖤

Obsessive, isolating, and disturbingly intimate — he breaks her down until survival means him. You should hate Elias, even fear him… and still, you’ll probably end up falling for him anyway.

North Norwegian wilderness. Twisted, toxic love. Control disguised as care.

Can two broken hearts make even one whole?

Check the trigger warnings — there are 127 of them!

[After Dark Chapters - Theresa]

“Like me, everything is caught between states: snow and water, winter and spring, silence and confession. That is where I always find the most honesty– in the instant before something has reached a point when it can no longer remain what it was.”

⭐️ 5/5

If you enjoy dark romance where the romance is deeply tangled up with elements of a psychological thriller, you MUST read this book. I have been waiting for months, and I was so excited to get the opportunity to read it early. The tension starts from page one, but it keeps changing as the story develops… especially when you realize the danger and motivations have shifted. The atmosphere is a huge part of the experience, from the starkness of the prison to the frozen Norwegian setting, and Leah's photographer's perspective made everything so incredibly visual. I could actually see this story as I was reading it. And the writing… there were so many times I stopped to highlight a sentence just because the prose was beautiful.

This story is dark, emotionally messy, and uncomfortable rather than soft or straightforward, and I loved that the author didn't try to make everything neat and easy. Elias will make you feel A LOT, and not all of it is good. I hated him at times. I was frustrated with him. And then, slowly, I started to understand him. I am so glad this was told only from Leah's perspective because not knowing what Elias was thinking made everything so much more intense. I wanted to understand him, but I also wanted him to stay a little bit mysterious. There is still an underlying wrongness to some of what happens, and I really appreciated that the author didn't just erase that because we eventually understood why.

Yes, the letter made me cry. It was the moment I knew it was 5 stars. It was all Leah at that point. Her redemption, acknowledgement, and acceptance in herself and what she wanted and what she had to do to get it. I was so proud of her. I wanted to be standing beside her with Inga (who I am going to have to insist gets her own book). I was so invested in these characters by the end that I didn't want to leave them. I would have loved more of the intrigue surrounding Elias's past and the current danger of their situation throughout rather than at the end, but honestly… I loved every minute of this reading experience.

[One Midnight Reader]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

These Tears is the kind of book that completely consumes you. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the story, and the more I read, the more emotionally connected I became to the characters. Every detail felt carefully considered, creating a story that was impossible to put down.

One of the strongest aspects of this book was its psychological depth. The characters’ inner struggles were portrayed with incredible sensitivity and authenticity, while the gradual revelations about their pasts helped me understand how they became the people they are. Ness von Wolf explores emotions that many of us experience but often struggle to express, making the characters feel deeply human and relatable. There is something comforting in the way this story reminds us that it is okay to struggle and that we are not alone in how we feel.

The Norwegian setting was beautifully brought to life. The vivid descriptions of the scenery, atmosphere, and culture made me feel as though I had been transported there alongside the characters.

And the plot? All I can say without spoiling anything is: pay attention. Every detail has a purpose, and nothing is included by accident. Ness has crafted the story with such care that, once everything begins to come together, you realize just how cleverly it has all been planned.

Emotional, atmospheric, and beautifully written, These Tears is a story that pulls you in completely and stays with you long after the final page. An unforgettable five-star read that I wholeheartedly recommend.

[Marina I.]

★★★★★

Okay, this was DARK.

Not dark just for the sake of throwing disturbing things at the reader, either. These Tears gets inside its character's. It’s messy, obsessive, uncomfortable, emotional and also genuinely funny at times.

Leah was probably my favourite part of the book. She’s sarcastic, stubborn, flawed and fully capable of recognising that she’s making weird decisions while continuing to make them anyway. And Elias… good luck putting that man into a neat little box. Every time I thought I understood him, another layer appeared.

Their chemistry is AMPED UP, but I loved that the relationship wasn’t rushed. So much of the tension comes from conversations, books, photographs, tiny gestures, arguments and all the things neither of them says.

And the psychological side of this book? SO GOOD. It actually explores trauma, control, shame, survival and the difference between understanding someone and excusing them. It's not just one of those "oh he's a psycho", there is a serious background to him and her, I have to say. I love how the author manages to balance two different troublesome histories and make them meet in between.

N. von Wolf also has a serious knack for taking you on a bumpy ride. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, something shifts, another event crashes into the picture, and suddenly you’re questioning everything again. There were several moments where I genuinely thought, "Oh, come on, what NOW?" — in the best possible way.

Also, I will never look at berry jam innocently again. Thanks for that.

This definitely won’t be for everyone. These characters are complicated, the morality is messy and the story gets heavy.

But if you like dark romance that actually makes you think while simultaneously making you completely obsessed with two deeply questionable people?

Read it.

[Laura La]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am NOT a fan of slow-burn reads. Give me obsession, bad decisions and questionable behavior as fast as possible. 😂 So the fact that this book managed to keep me on edge says a lot about the writing style.

The character development is gold. Both of them are incredibly complex, and I loved that their trauma isn't brushed under the rug or magically solved with a "love fixes everything" switch. Their pasts still affect how they react and what they fear.

Their insecurities aren't just spelled out for you either. The author has a way of getting you inside these characters' heads and making you understand them... even if you don't agree with what they're doing.
And the writing deserves its own mention. It's beautiful without trying too hard to be beautiful. The psychological parts have depth, the darker parts never feel like they're there just for shock value, and the emotional ones hit exactly when they need to.

Dark, obsessive, psychological and somehow this woman made me enjoy a slow burn. 😂🖤

ARC

[Freya]

If you're looking for a book to read to fill the chasm left behind by the Sovereign series, look no further.
I loved reading this book, it's one that will definitely stay with me long after reading. I never quite knew where the book was going, which kept me intrigued.
If you like a dark romance, where both characters are flawed, and find themselves drawn to each other despite everything telling them not to be, this is the book for you.
I love N. von Wolf's writing style, it is so descriptive and beautifully written that it draws you in. Few authors address all the senses while you are reading, like she does. I could picture the surroundings so clearly. Elias and Leah were perfect for each other; he slow burn romance, and spice were weaved so wonderfully into the plot.
Despite it being a little slow with the pacing at times, it is such a beautifully written book. I am glad to have received an ARC, and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[De Smith]

This book was so captivating and had me absolutely entrenched in the story until the very end. It was such a beautiful and well written story. Elias and Leah had me hooked on their stories both together and individually. It was a deep and meaningful journey that I was happy to be taken on. I devoured this book far too quickly but I adored every minute of it. This book is a complex story that refuses to sugarcoat things or forget their pasts. The slow burn between Elias and Vera ended with such intensity that I was blown away. And everything that happened was worth it for the ending of this story that I got so very invested in.

[Marci Simmons]

These Tears by N. Von Wolf was just 🤯 wow!! It was so beautifully written.
Like a person, this book was full of so many layers and she did the same to Elias and Leah.
Elias and Leah took you on an emotional journey.
This book completely consumed me and I read it nonstop until I finished it.
It also was a wonderful psychological thriller.
I can’t say much without giving the book away, but I highly suggest it.

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

[Michele B]

I will never be able to look at jam/preserves without thinking about this book and smiling.
I absolutely love this book! It's hard to put into words how it made me feel. Torn up, pissed, sad, hurting, laughing, envious, relating to it.
This is my first book to read by N von Wolf, and I can not wait to read more!

[Michele Bond]

Wild Ride!!!!

Wow. Layer upon layer with plot, characters, emotional depth. Didn’t know what I was getting into at the beginning but the story and characters start carving your heart apart before you realize it and you just can’t put it down. A challenging, sweet, sexy read. 5*****

[Cafedarc]

This book pulls you in from the very first page. Even Nessie's author's note about the story behind the book is enough to convince you that this is one worth reading.

As is typical for Nessie, this is not a book for sensitive readers. This time, she tackles some truly heavy and painful themes. Maybe there's something a little twisted in me because I absolutely love books like this, even though there's nothing light or easy about them.

For the longest time, Safe Word has been my favorite of Nessie's books, but oh boy... Elias showed up, growled his way into the story, took over completely, and might have even stolen the crown. 👀

I also loved that the story is set in Northern Norway. It's an area I can relate to more than many other settings. Readers who aren't familiar with the conditions there will probably be just as shocked as Leah is by some of the realities she encounters and has to learn to live with. And that one little detail that had me spraying water all over my Kindle screen from laughing? I was giggling about it for ages.

Elias is a devastatingly charming psychopath who shows absolutely no mercy. And when we're talking about a psychopath, we're definitely not talking about someone stupid. The fact that a major part of the book revolves around a meticulously executed kidnapping carried out in broad daylight, witnessed by multiple people, should already tell readers that this is not some simple "love conquers all" kind of story.

The book explores deeply painful traumas, the scars they leave behind, and the demons that continue to exist because of them. Nessie guides the reader through the story masterfully, keeping you constantly on edge. At the same time, I wanted to both strangle and hug Elias. And yell at Leah: "No, don't do that."

I won't say more because I don't want to spoil anything.
What I can say is that These Tears is a beautiful, painful, haunting work filled with anguish and anxiety. It gets under your skin through its events, its emotions, and the captivating journey of watching two broken people heal together.

[Victoria Golby]

Great psychological thriller

A great psychological read which really immerses you in Leah's struggles with Elias as they slowly get to know each other. A slow-burn romance which has a huge list of trigger warnings (please read these before you start). There's trauma, obsession, manipulation, control, captivity, forced proximity, forced engagement, threats, stalking, murder, kinks, survival, spicy dark romance, suspense and plenty of twists. I couldn't put this book down and kept having to remind myself to breath.

Leah is looking for something new to escape her worries over her ex and signs up as a prison visitor. But she wasn't expecting Elias who she slowly connects with through her photography, the books she brings/sends him and their letters between visits.

Elias is a wonderfully dark and complex character and as the reason he's behind bars slowly comes to light you see many sides to him. But there's far more to his story than he's letting on and after Leah becomes involved things take a turn and don't quite go as she'd planned when he stops her visits and she moves to Norway for photography.

His face brightens rather than falls. "Apologies," he says in English, glancing at Elias before returning to me. "You reminded me of my late wife just then." His smile turns softer. "Where did you meet?"
"Between the pages of a book," Elias says smoothly, wearing a smile of his own that could convince anyone of anything. Including me.
I remain perched stiffly on his lap.
The gentleman laughs. "Now that's a line that would get you far with a woman." He looks at me. "Am I right?"
"Far," I agree, then add beneath my breath, "All the way north, in fact."

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Sapriken]

This is a book I was not prepared for. This story was unrelenting, savage, and absolutely all consuming. My emotions were all over the place. I think I became more obsessed than Elias!

Elias and Leah are a seriously complicated story, that will mess with even the most stable of minds. My soul may never be the same. I honestly can’t wait to read this one again, or listen to it when it manages to get made into an audio.

Some from my notes:
That cake, and then the first kiss! That had me snuggling down in my covers, digging in for more.
That damn letter broke something so deep inside me that it cracked open the flood gates.

TROPES
❄️Captive Romance,
❄️Dub-Con/Non-Con,
❄️Possessive Antihero,
❄️Enemies-To-Lovers,
❄️Forced Proximity,
❄️First Person POV,
❄️Coercive Control,
❄️Amateur Sleuth,
❄️Claustrophobic Intimacy,
❄️Slow-Burn,
❄️Survival Romance,
❄️Prison Romance,
❄️Photography as K*nk/Exhibitionism,
❄️HEA,
❄️Cat-and-Mouse,
❄️Fake relationship

[Joy Johnson]

Leah and Elias are bound by the demons of their environment. Her by loving a man who in every way disrespected her. We all know that love is blind and it doesn’t care about respect or the elements of what love should be. Elias was used as a pawn by everyone in his life. He learned that being quiet was safe. Leah arrived on the scene and changes everything. He changes her too. This was a first read of this author, I liked it but expected something different. Expectation sometimes gets in the way of a good time! I think I expected a grittier, spicier version of this story.

[Raven Darkholme]

In which N. von Wolf makes you feel the icy chill of Norway from the comfort of your living room. Cruelty dancing from her fingertips, skating from her keyboard to your spine as if no time or space exists between her imagination and your chilled skin and battered heart. “These Tears” effortlessly slides us into the world of Elias and Leah and leaves us questioning what we would be capable of if left no other choice but to survive. What would you do for warmth?
Every book I read by N. von Wolf seems to improve upon the last, and it only took the first for me to recognize an author that I would follow whatever tale she wove without hesitation.