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The Thorns We Endure
Where there’s a cursed forest, there’s a town keeping its deadly secrets and the people who feed it.
Accursed with a gift he does not want, Dorian Belrose has turned his ability to see ghosts into a career as a paranormal author. Tasked with investigating a cursed forest, he uncovers a town built on secrets and sacrifices. He encounters Theo, a cynical young woman whose family is tied to the forest's dark past.
‘Raze it to the ground’ were her mother’s last words. Theo Hawthorne has kept her head down to keep from ending up with a worse fate than her mother and sister. When a stranger comes into town, threatening to unearth their long-buried secrets, she realizes this is her chance to burn it all down.
As they investigate the cursed forest, they must also navigate their burgeoning relationship. To free the town and its trapped souls, including Theo’s sister, they will have to confront not only a malevolent ancient power but also the people who protect it.
Accursed with a gift he does not want, Dorian Belrose has turned his ability to see ghosts into a career as a paranormal author. Tasked with investigating a cursed forest, he uncovers a town built on secrets and sacrifices. He encounters Theo, a cynical young woman whose family is tied to the forest's dark past.
‘Raze it to the ground’ were her mother’s last words. Theo Hawthorne has kept her head down to keep from ending up with a worse fate than her mother and sister. When a stranger comes into town, threatening to unearth their long-buried secrets, she realizes this is her chance to burn it all down.
As they investigate the cursed forest, they must also navigate their burgeoning relationship. To free the town and its trapped souls, including Theo’s sister, they will have to confront not only a malevolent ancient power but also the people who protect it.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2026
About the author
Elsie Madison Le
2 books1 followerI remember sitting in my high school classes writing stories in my notebook and carrying it around with me everywhere. Those stories will never see the light of day, but in whatever free time I can carve out while caring for my wonderful son, I have found my passion for writing once again. My journey as an author has only begun, but I hope for it to continue, evolve, and improve for many more stories to come.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 9, 2026
Dorian Belrose was MADE specifically for goth girls with parental trauma and a love of occult nonsense 🖤
An occult author?
Can see and speak to ghosts?
Necromancer reveal??
GHOST CAT???
Yeah, this book had me.
What really worked for me though was Dorian’s emotional core. His complicated family dynamics hit hard and made him feel so much more human beneath all the supernatural elements. He’s lonely, guarded, carrying emotional weight everywhere he goes, and that resonated with me a lot.
Also Brats the ghost cat deserves his own fan club immediately. I adored that other ghosts could interact with him, and the way he refused to leave Dorian’s side despite Dorian trying to keep emotional distance? DEVASTATINGLY SWEET.
The atmosphere in this book is fantastic too - cursed forests, trapped souls, ancient evil, secretive townsfolk, generational horror. It feels moody and haunted in the best way.
I also realized after finishing that this is actually book two and now I desperately need book one because apparently it’s about Dorian’s parents and I need every scrap of Belrose family lore immediately.
Perfect for readers who love:
🖤 gothic paranormal romance
🖤 necromancers
🖤 haunted forests
🖤 ghost animals
🖤 emotionally damaged MMCs
🖤 small town secrets
An occult author?
Can see and speak to ghosts?
Necromancer reveal??
GHOST CAT???
Yeah, this book had me.
What really worked for me though was Dorian’s emotional core. His complicated family dynamics hit hard and made him feel so much more human beneath all the supernatural elements. He’s lonely, guarded, carrying emotional weight everywhere he goes, and that resonated with me a lot.
Also Brats the ghost cat deserves his own fan club immediately. I adored that other ghosts could interact with him, and the way he refused to leave Dorian’s side despite Dorian trying to keep emotional distance? DEVASTATINGLY SWEET.
The atmosphere in this book is fantastic too - cursed forests, trapped souls, ancient evil, secretive townsfolk, generational horror. It feels moody and haunted in the best way.
I also realized after finishing that this is actually book two and now I desperately need book one because apparently it’s about Dorian’s parents and I need every scrap of Belrose family lore immediately.
Perfect for readers who love:
🖤 gothic paranormal romance
🖤 necromancers
🖤 haunted forests
🖤 ghost animals
🖤 emotionally damaged MMCs
🖤 small town secrets
Review of advance copy received from Author
3⭐️ Rating
1🌶️ Rating
This is a three star, neutral read for me. This story has some really strong bones and was just scrawny in the meat department. Mostly because while the story could be engaging in some areas, I didn’t have enough to really connect with the characters, I wanted more from the story overall.
Theo (our FMC) and Dorian (our MMC) are both carrying a lot beneath the surface, which made them compelling to follow. Dorian’s personal struggles feel more tucked away and slowly revealed, while Theo’s challenges are much more front and center, not just her own issues, but everything happening within her town. I appreciated that contrast between them. It created an interesting dynamic where they’re both burdened, just in very different ways.
That said, I can’t ignore how rushed everything felt. For a 340-page book with so many major events unfolding, it really seemed like the story barely had time to breathe. There was so much potential to dive deeper into the town’s struggles, the structure and roles of the gods, and how all of that truly impacts the characters. Instead, a lot of those elements felt glossed over when they could’ve added so much richness.
The romance especially suffered from this pacing. Theo and Dorian had the foundation for something really meaningful, but their development felt sped through. I wanted more build-up, more tension, and more time to actually see their relationship grow.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the ideas behind the story, but I just wish it had been longer and more in-depth to fully do them justice.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read their work. I received this book as an ARC and this is my true and honest review.
1🌶️ Rating
This is a three star, neutral read for me. This story has some really strong bones and was just scrawny in the meat department. Mostly because while the story could be engaging in some areas, I didn’t have enough to really connect with the characters, I wanted more from the story overall.
Theo (our FMC) and Dorian (our MMC) are both carrying a lot beneath the surface, which made them compelling to follow. Dorian’s personal struggles feel more tucked away and slowly revealed, while Theo’s challenges are much more front and center, not just her own issues, but everything happening within her town. I appreciated that contrast between them. It created an interesting dynamic where they’re both burdened, just in very different ways.
That said, I can’t ignore how rushed everything felt. For a 340-page book with so many major events unfolding, it really seemed like the story barely had time to breathe. There was so much potential to dive deeper into the town’s struggles, the structure and roles of the gods, and how all of that truly impacts the characters. Instead, a lot of those elements felt glossed over when they could’ve added so much richness.
The romance especially suffered from this pacing. Theo and Dorian had the foundation for something really meaningful, but their development felt sped through. I wanted more build-up, more tension, and more time to actually see their relationship grow.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the ideas behind the story, but I just wish it had been longer and more in-depth to fully do them justice.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read their work. I received this book as an ARC and this is my true and honest review.
May 3, 2026
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of The Thorns We Endure in exchange for an honest review.
This contemporary fantasy/paranormal romance follows Dorian, an author of occult books, who arrives in a mysterious town where no one born there can ever leave. While researching the disappearance of a young woman whose ghost he can communicate with, he meets the girl’s sister, Theo. As the two grow closer, they begin uncovering the dark secrets hidden within the town and the surrounding forest.
Overall, I rated this one 2.75 stars. I thought the premise was genuinely interesting, and I liked the overall direction of the plot. The atmosphere had a slow-building sense of unease that worked really well in the first half of the book, and I appreciated the mix of ghosts, gods, spells, and potions woven into the story. The magic system was definitely unique, even if it sometimes felt overly complicated.
My biggest issue with the book was the lack of emotional depth in both the characters and the setting. While the concepts were intriguing, I never felt truly connected to Dorian or Theo, which made it difficult for me to care about the outcome of the story or invest in the romance. The instalove aspect between them especially didn’t work for me because their connection developed so quickly without enough emotional foundation behind it.
I also struggled a bit with the pacing toward the end. The beginning had a strong slow-burn tension that kept me curious and uneasy leading into the final conflict, but after that climax the story continued for several more chapters and an epilogue focused heavily on healing and recovery. Normally I enjoy quieter emotional endings, but because I never fully connected with the characters, those sections felt drawn out rather than impactful.
In the end, I think this book had a lot of potential with its eerie premise and paranormal elements, but I ultimately needed more emotional depth and stronger character development to fully enjoy it.
This contemporary fantasy/paranormal romance follows Dorian, an author of occult books, who arrives in a mysterious town where no one born there can ever leave. While researching the disappearance of a young woman whose ghost he can communicate with, he meets the girl’s sister, Theo. As the two grow closer, they begin uncovering the dark secrets hidden within the town and the surrounding forest.
Overall, I rated this one 2.75 stars. I thought the premise was genuinely interesting, and I liked the overall direction of the plot. The atmosphere had a slow-building sense of unease that worked really well in the first half of the book, and I appreciated the mix of ghosts, gods, spells, and potions woven into the story. The magic system was definitely unique, even if it sometimes felt overly complicated.
My biggest issue with the book was the lack of emotional depth in both the characters and the setting. While the concepts were intriguing, I never felt truly connected to Dorian or Theo, which made it difficult for me to care about the outcome of the story or invest in the romance. The instalove aspect between them especially didn’t work for me because their connection developed so quickly without enough emotional foundation behind it.
I also struggled a bit with the pacing toward the end. The beginning had a strong slow-burn tension that kept me curious and uneasy leading into the final conflict, but after that climax the story continued for several more chapters and an epilogue focused heavily on healing and recovery. Normally I enjoy quieter emotional endings, but because I never fully connected with the characters, those sections felt drawn out rather than impactful.
In the end, I think this book had a lot of potential with its eerie premise and paranormal elements, but I ultimately needed more emotional depth and stronger character development to fully enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 🐧🐧🐧/5
Quick Reasons: intriguing magic system; compelling characters; sense of mystery that builds throughout; I was looking for more from this read
Huge thanks to Elsie Madison Le for the ARC! This review is voluntarily written and in no way altered by this gesture.
This was an interesting read written an intriguing, if not confusing, magic system. I found the characters to be compelling and easy to understand, and the pacing felt natural (though maybe a bit spotty on the build up) There was an interesting undertone, similar to the mysteries like the TV show FROM, to this world-- as if you're somewhere on the cusp of what we know and what lurks just beyond that knowledge.
I did have some trouble overall with connecting to either the characters or to the story. There were some pretty big questions I had while reading that I feel might have drastically changed my viewpoint knowing the answers to. It took a lot of the book for the hows behind the WHYs to become "apparent", and it felt that there were still some missing key points just waiting to be discovered. Because of this, I felt the characters and the story were more flat than I would want them to be, to fully grasp onto their secrets and make those connections. Dorian and Theo's romance felt built far more on insta- attraction than on true emotion.
Still, I would recommend this to readers of contemporary fantasies, the paranormal and occult, and "they save each other" romances. Do you dare enter the forest, Penguins? Keep your eyes peeled for thorns, if so.
Quick Reasons: intriguing magic system; compelling characters; sense of mystery that builds throughout; I was looking for more from this read
Huge thanks to Elsie Madison Le for the ARC! This review is voluntarily written and in no way altered by this gesture.
This was an interesting read written an intriguing, if not confusing, magic system. I found the characters to be compelling and easy to understand, and the pacing felt natural (though maybe a bit spotty on the build up) There was an interesting undertone, similar to the mysteries like the TV show FROM, to this world-- as if you're somewhere on the cusp of what we know and what lurks just beyond that knowledge.
I did have some trouble overall with connecting to either the characters or to the story. There were some pretty big questions I had while reading that I feel might have drastically changed my viewpoint knowing the answers to. It took a lot of the book for the hows behind the WHYs to become "apparent", and it felt that there were still some missing key points just waiting to be discovered. Because of this, I felt the characters and the story were more flat than I would want them to be, to fully grasp onto their secrets and make those connections. Dorian and Theo's romance felt built far more on insta- attraction than on true emotion.
Still, I would recommend this to readers of contemporary fantasies, the paranormal and occult, and "they save each other" romances. Do you dare enter the forest, Penguins? Keep your eyes peeled for thorns, if so.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a 3.5–4 star read for me. It took me a little while to fully understand what was happening in the story, especially regarding the gods, spiritual system, and magical abilities. While the answers were revealed gradually throughout the book, the initial confusion made it take a few chapters to really settle into the world.
Some parts of the story felt rushed or slightly forced, while others felt a bit flat. In particular, the connection between Theo and Drian felt underdeveloped in the beginning and then moved too quickly toward the end. I would have liked to see their relationship built more naturally.
That said, I really enjoyed the overall plot and the unique magical elements. The towns surrounding the forest being part of the cursed land added a strong sense of mystery, and the reveal of why toward the end was done very well. The mystery aspect was what kept me turning the pages—I constantly wanted answers, and that sense of curiosity kept me invested.
Overall, this was a unique and enjoyable read, and I’m very glad I had the chance to ARC read this book.
Some parts of the story felt rushed or slightly forced, while others felt a bit flat. In particular, the connection between Theo and Drian felt underdeveloped in the beginning and then moved too quickly toward the end. I would have liked to see their relationship built more naturally.
That said, I really enjoyed the overall plot and the unique magical elements. The towns surrounding the forest being part of the cursed land added a strong sense of mystery, and the reveal of why toward the end was done very well. The mystery aspect was what kept me turning the pages—I constantly wanted answers, and that sense of curiosity kept me invested.
Overall, this was a unique and enjoyable read, and I’m very glad I had the chance to ARC read this book.
August 22, 2026
Huge thank you to the author for gifting me an earc copy of this book!
I really enjoyed this book! it was a fun short read!
I rated this book a 3.75
This book follows Dorian Belrose. He is an author who can see ghosts. Dorian uses his gift to help break their curses! When he is asked to investigate a missing girl and a town. He ends up uncovering a cursed forest, a town full of secrets, and a history of dark sacrifices....
While investigating the town, he meets Theo. Her sister is missing and her family is deeply connected to the forests past. As they work together to uncover the truth. They also begin to develop feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed the spooky setting. This book had both mystery and a slow-burn romance. The cursed forest and town secrets kept me interested and kept me wanting to read more. I loved watching Dorian and Theo uncover all of the secrets together.
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy ghosts, curses, and a little romance!
I really enjoyed this book! it was a fun short read!
I rated this book a 3.75
This book follows Dorian Belrose. He is an author who can see ghosts. Dorian uses his gift to help break their curses! When he is asked to investigate a missing girl and a town. He ends up uncovering a cursed forest, a town full of secrets, and a history of dark sacrifices....
While investigating the town, he meets Theo. Her sister is missing and her family is deeply connected to the forests past. As they work together to uncover the truth. They also begin to develop feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed the spooky setting. This book had both mystery and a slow-burn romance. The cursed forest and town secrets kept me interested and kept me wanting to read more. I loved watching Dorian and Theo uncover all of the secrets together.
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy ghosts, curses, and a little romance!
May 6, 2026
2.5⭐️s for me - Received as an ARC from author
I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this story. It had such a unique story premise that piqued my interest where a paranormal writer discovers a cursed town with suspicious disappearances. I really wanted to like it, however the magical world building at the beginning was a bit disjointed/confusing and I struggled to connect with either MC.
There just wasn’t any real character development past surface level. There were so many elements thrown in throughout the story that could have been explored more only to have the ending feel rushed and jumping around to tie up lose ins during the last 10%. Not to mention the seemingly random s*x scenes in the last 10%.. I’m not against some spice in books but it just felt out of place or unnecessary for the trajectory of the story.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this story. It had such a unique story premise that piqued my interest where a paranormal writer discovers a cursed town with suspicious disappearances. I really wanted to like it, however the magical world building at the beginning was a bit disjointed/confusing and I struggled to connect with either MC.
There just wasn’t any real character development past surface level. There were so many elements thrown in throughout the story that could have been explored more only to have the ending feel rushed and jumping around to tie up lose ins during the last 10%. Not to mention the seemingly random s*x scenes in the last 10%.. I’m not against some spice in books but it just felt out of place or unnecessary for the trajectory of the story.
May 17, 2026
3.5⭐
Dorian is an author who can see ghosts and the supernatural; he's been tasked with visiting Ravenwood and looking into what's happening. Theo is a resident of the insular town alongside the ominous forest.
This book has several elements that I enjoy, but something about the execution didn't work well for me. There's a lot of downstairs elements here: ghosts/seeing them; spell casting; gods; potentially dystopian world (owning books is rare?); curses etc. You can expect 3rd person POV from two characters. You might like this book if you enjoy:
- urban fantasy (set in close to modern day)
- ghost cat companion
- unraveling a curse/mystery
- small town tension x outsider
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC; all opinions are my own. This book was published on 5/9/26.
Dorian is an author who can see ghosts and the supernatural; he's been tasked with visiting Ravenwood and looking into what's happening. Theo is a resident of the insular town alongside the ominous forest.
This book has several elements that I enjoy, but something about the execution didn't work well for me. There's a lot of downstairs elements here: ghosts/seeing them; spell casting; gods; potentially dystopian world (owning books is rare?); curses etc. You can expect 3rd person POV from two characters. You might like this book if you enjoy:
- urban fantasy (set in close to modern day)
- ghost cat companion
- unraveling a curse/mystery
- small town tension x outsider
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC; all opinions are my own. This book was published on 5/9/26.
Did Not Finish
May 1, 2026I unfortunately did not finish (DNF) this, therefore I did not provide a star rating. I tried a handful of times to read and get into the story and struggled each time. I am hoping to try again at a later date. For me personally I was confused right from chapter 1. I felt like there was so much introduced that I couldn’t quite get 1 character, incident, theme understood before the next person/theme was starting. Again, I will try to read it again in hopes that it was my personal headspace that was the roadblock.
I received this ebook as an ARC and appreciate the authoring allowing me the opportunity.
I received this ebook as an ARC and appreciate the authoring allowing me the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book. Firstly I want to say thank you.
I did find it hard to get into. Don't know why, it just took a bit to grab me. However once it did and I understood the magic system I really enjoyed it.
The characters are great and well written. It was my first paranormal romantasy.
The magic system and the whole world's god are fascinating.
Just due to how much I struggled with getting into it was the reason I gave it 3 star. Otherwise a solid story and lovely world.
I did find it hard to get into. Don't know why, it just took a bit to grab me. However once it did and I understood the magic system I really enjoyed it.
The characters are great and well written. It was my first paranormal romantasy.
The magic system and the whole world's god are fascinating.
Just due to how much I struggled with getting into it was the reason I gave it 3 star. Otherwise a solid story and lovely world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dorian is a paranormal author who was hired to investigate a cursed forest where people go missing. He he meets Theo, who has a troubled history of her own with the forest. As they investigate together, they develop a personal relationship as well. If you enjoy paranormal stories of curses and magic, this book is for you.
May 9, 2026
An enjoyable read filled with unique magic and meddling gods. There are curses and ghosts, including a ghost cat named Brat. There are sacrifices and acts of betrayal. My only issue was the pacing at the end that led to plot conveniences that left me saying “what?”
May 11, 2026
This book was so good! I loved Dorian and Theos story and how Theo finally figured out the curse and I loved that Theo united with Warren in the end! Little different from what I normally read but very good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
This is definitely a very slow burn romantasy. I wish it hadn't been quite so slow, but overall I really liked this book! It took me a bit to get into but once I did, I was invested. I wish there had been a little more fantasy elements but overall I thought it was a great story!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews