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Graciously His
Compliance nearly killed her. His obsession might save her.
Grace has been sick all her life, and she’s always complied with her mother’s care.
Even when it hurt.
Especially then.
She marries Nick, hoping for distance from both her illness and her mother. Instead, her new husband moves them into the house next door, and shows her the same type of suffocating care.
When Nick is killed in a hit-and-run, his twin brother arrives within hours. Nate is not there to care for Grace in her grief, but to steal her away before her mother can close in.
Nate forces Grace into marriage, then flies her to the North Island, where he has built the house she designed during her abandoned degree in architecture.
His rescue becomes her prison, while his care becomes her temptation. All she has to do is find a way out, or give in completely.
Graciously His is a full-length, pitch-black romance set in New Zealand, featuring taboo subject matter, psychological horror, catastrophic love scenes, and an absolutely feral literary style. Read at your own risk.
Note: This novel is part of a loosely-connected series, and features a fully-realised ending.
Grace has been sick all her life, and she’s always complied with her mother’s care.
Even when it hurt.
Especially then.
She marries Nick, hoping for distance from both her illness and her mother. Instead, her new husband moves them into the house next door, and shows her the same type of suffocating care.
When Nick is killed in a hit-and-run, his twin brother arrives within hours. Nate is not there to care for Grace in her grief, but to steal her away before her mother can close in.
Nate forces Grace into marriage, then flies her to the North Island, where he has built the house she designed during her abandoned degree in architecture.
His rescue becomes her prison, while his care becomes her temptation. All she has to do is find a way out, or give in completely.
Graciously His is a full-length, pitch-black romance set in New Zealand, featuring taboo subject matter, psychological horror, catastrophic love scenes, and an absolutely feral literary style. Read at your own risk.
Note: This novel is part of a loosely-connected series, and features a fully-realised ending.
- GenresDark Romance
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2026
About the author
A.M. Duskwolf
2 books2 followersA. M. Duskwolf draws on her MA in English Literature, her Honours BA in Creative Writing, and years of editorial obsession to craft romances that would make your mother scream and your grandmother smile. After cutting her authorial teeth as DuskyWolfDaemon in the fanfiction world, she's now bringing entirely original—and feral—stories to her beloved readers.
Originally from Canada, she's now held captive by the beauty of New Zealand.
Ignore her content warnings and weep.
Originally from Canada, she's now held captive by the beauty of New Zealand.
Ignore her content warnings and weep.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Graciously His is a dark, obsessive romance packed with manipulation, deception, psychological trauma, and murder. From the very beginning, you’re left questioning who can be trusted as Grace slowly uncovers the horrifying truth about the people she’s depended on her entire life. The twists surrounding her illness kept me hooked, and every revelation made the story darker than the last.
Nate is the definition of a possessive, demanding antihero. He’s wanted Grace since they were children, and once fate finally puts her within reach, he has no intention of ever letting her go. His obsession drives every page, creating an intense push-and-pull between protection, control, and devotion that dark romance readers will devour.
The Munchausen storyline added a disturbing psychological element that made this book stand out from the typical dark romance. Combined with betrayal, death, and layers of deceit, the suspense kept me turning pages long into the night.
If you enjoy obsessive heroes, morally gray characters, psychological twists, and romances that explore the darkest corners of love and obsession, Graciously His is definitely worth adding to your TBR. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Graciously His is a dark, obsessive romance packed with manipulation, deception, psychological trauma, and murder. From the very beginning, you’re left questioning who can be trusted as Grace slowly uncovers the horrifying truth about the people she’s depended on her entire life. The twists surrounding her illness kept me hooked, and every revelation made the story darker than the last.
Nate is the definition of a possessive, demanding antihero. He’s wanted Grace since they were children, and once fate finally puts her within reach, he has no intention of ever letting her go. His obsession drives every page, creating an intense push-and-pull between protection, control, and devotion that dark romance readers will devour.
The Munchausen storyline added a disturbing psychological element that made this book stand out from the typical dark romance. Combined with betrayal, death, and layers of deceit, the suspense kept me turning pages long into the night.
If you enjoy obsessive heroes, morally gray characters, psychological twists, and romances that explore the darkest corners of love and obsession, Graciously His is definitely worth adding to your TBR. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
September 16, 2026
There are books with spice, and then there are spicy books. Graciously His is very much the latter, with the spice front and centre - not just as erotica, but as a vehicle for control, caretaking, and, ultimately, healing.
Our MMC whisks away his twin’s widow for some decidedly dark caretaking, ostensibly to protect her from a mother who has been slowly poisoning her in order to control her. What I found most interesting was the counterpoint between the different ways we can hurt the people we claim to love - and, especially, which forms of control we romanticise versus which we condemn.
The book repeatedly nudged me toward the uncomfortable question: Who is actually doing more harm to Grace, and do their motives matter? I found that surprisingly effective, particularly because the story doesn’t let the question settle easily, and her agency doesn't solidify until the final pages.
It also lived up to its content warnings, so definitely check those if you need to know what you’re getting into. And the side characters were unexpected little splashes of humour and philosophy who added some welcome levity. I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in future installments.
Our MMC whisks away his twin’s widow for some decidedly dark caretaking, ostensibly to protect her from a mother who has been slowly poisoning her in order to control her. What I found most interesting was the counterpoint between the different ways we can hurt the people we claim to love - and, especially, which forms of control we romanticise versus which we condemn.
The book repeatedly nudged me toward the uncomfortable question: Who is actually doing more harm to Grace, and do their motives matter? I found that surprisingly effective, particularly because the story doesn’t let the question settle easily, and her agency doesn't solidify until the final pages.
It also lived up to its content warnings, so definitely check those if you need to know what you’re getting into. And the side characters were unexpected little splashes of humour and philosophy who added some welcome levity. I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in future installments.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There have only been a few times where I have mourned a story being over before I believe it to truly have begun - this is one of those stories.
“Graciously His” by A.M Duskwolf takes the genre of Psychological Dark Romance and twists it all around into what is a beautiful story of escaping medical and family abuse, and accepting the love and care you deserve from others.
As the reader, we go through the story of our FMC Grace as she comes to terms with losing her husband and being facing with the reality that the family (her mother) that has always been the “caring and loving” parental figure in her life while battling illness after illness is not as caring and loving as she first thought.
Then we have our MMC, Nate who has been watching and waiting since they were kids to take the perfect opportunity to help Grace escape the abuse and mysterious illnesses she has faced her whole life. That day comes sooner than expected with the sudden death of her husband - said husband who just so happens to be Nate’s twin brother.
A.M Duskwolf captures perfectly the emotional and mental toll of chronic illness and not knowing what is exactly wrong brings. The story is written in such a way that you as the reader are both sad and angry for the FMC and feel as protective over her as the MMC does.
“Graciously His” will have you chomping through each page and chapter to find out how the story ends - will both leads get their HEA?! You will have to read to find out.
(I have received an advance review copy from Book Sirens. I have left this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
“Graciously His” by A.M Duskwolf takes the genre of Psychological Dark Romance and twists it all around into what is a beautiful story of escaping medical and family abuse, and accepting the love and care you deserve from others.
As the reader, we go through the story of our FMC Grace as she comes to terms with losing her husband and being facing with the reality that the family (her mother) that has always been the “caring and loving” parental figure in her life while battling illness after illness is not as caring and loving as she first thought.
Then we have our MMC, Nate who has been watching and waiting since they were kids to take the perfect opportunity to help Grace escape the abuse and mysterious illnesses she has faced her whole life. That day comes sooner than expected with the sudden death of her husband - said husband who just so happens to be Nate’s twin brother.
A.M Duskwolf captures perfectly the emotional and mental toll of chronic illness and not knowing what is exactly wrong brings. The story is written in such a way that you as the reader are both sad and angry for the FMC and feel as protective over her as the MMC does.
“Graciously His” will have you chomping through each page and chapter to find out how the story ends - will both leads get their HEA?! You will have to read to find out.
(I have received an advance review copy from Book Sirens. I have left this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I didn't know what to expect when reading this book- but boy was I in for a surprise. I loved the uniqueness this story gave. The esy they met, the background of each character. The manipulation and brainwashing was all chefs kiss. One of my all time favorite dark romance reads was Mansions by Whitney Bianca. I haven't found anything since then that gave me that feeling while reading and this one reminded me SOOOOO much of that book. Not in the storyline but the feeling if that makes sense. I don't want to give anything away because this is the type of book you really should go in blind. It gives that eerie feeling in the beginning and everything falls into place as you go. I swear there is literally nothing like reading a dark obsessed MM written the right way. I find reading that same repetitive type of hero in each new romance is exhausting and takes away from the story. I love when authors dig deep to find new storylines instead of taking the easy way out. I only find those authors on ao3- so this was dope on so many levels to read something a bit diff from your average dark romance. Can't wait to continue reading this authors work in the future. Def recommend to our dark romance girlies if they want to try something new, spicy with a semi Gothic feel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
*Review of Advanced Copy received from the Author. This is an honest review.*
This was such a fun book to read I finished it in one day! This is a dark romance that is filled with obsession, trauma, and manipulation
I really enjoyed the authors writing throughout the book. The banter between Nate and Grace is so funny sometimes it had me giggling. The book had me so hooked from the beginning that I spent literally all day reading it! New things kept being added to the list of things she went through and it really kept me invested. There were points where I thought I knew what was going on, but then the author just threw something in and shocked me. There were quite a few twists in turn in the book, but I also found it to be predictable at times, especially the stuff with her mom.
Nate is a very manipulative person, but I think deep down he meant well and just did not go about it the traditional way (obviously). Grace was also a very strong character, but was not ready to trust Nate right away, and then I felt like she never really trusted him even at the end of the book which kinda threw me.
Overall, this was not my favorite book I have ever read, but I did reallt enjoy reading it, though it was predictable at times. 3.75, but rounded up to 4.
This was such a fun book to read I finished it in one day! This is a dark romance that is filled with obsession, trauma, and manipulation
I really enjoyed the authors writing throughout the book. The banter between Nate and Grace is so funny sometimes it had me giggling. The book had me so hooked from the beginning that I spent literally all day reading it! New things kept being added to the list of things she went through and it really kept me invested. There were points where I thought I knew what was going on, but then the author just threw something in and shocked me. There were quite a few twists in turn in the book, but I also found it to be predictable at times, especially the stuff with her mom.
Nate is a very manipulative person, but I think deep down he meant well and just did not go about it the traditional way (obviously). Grace was also a very strong character, but was not ready to trust Nate right away, and then I felt like she never really trusted him even at the end of the book which kinda threw me.
Overall, this was not my favorite book I have ever read, but I did reallt enjoy reading it, though it was predictable at times. 3.75, but rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Aotearoa dark romance book and I need this on my bookshelf ASAP! I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in 2 days. My poor girl Grace not only wanted to be seen and heard but she also wanted to be loved the way she deserved to be! Nate comes in and swoops her away even though it could be considered a very questionable way to do so 🤭
I loved over the time Grace spent with Nate she managed to find her own voice and stand up to her mother (don't get me started on her 🤬).
The side characters were the best! Mihi seemed so genuine and I absolutely adored how she took Grace under her wing. The way Dare and nate talk to each other gives me such best friend vibes and I love that for Nate who comes off very guarded around others.
Also Shep needs his own moment! That was one loyal boy and I want to give him the biggest cuddle!
It was such a well written book and touching on subjects I haven't read before like chronic illness. They spice scenes were just 🥵🥵 and in a very questionable way you can tell just how much Nate cares for Grace right from the beginning
I loved over the time Grace spent with Nate she managed to find her own voice and stand up to her mother (don't get me started on her 🤬).
The side characters were the best! Mihi seemed so genuine and I absolutely adored how she took Grace under her wing. The way Dare and nate talk to each other gives me such best friend vibes and I love that for Nate who comes off very guarded around others.
Also Shep needs his own moment! That was one loyal boy and I want to give him the biggest cuddle!
It was such a well written book and touching on subjects I haven't read before like chronic illness. They spice scenes were just 🥵🥵 and in a very questionable way you can tell just how much Nate cares for Grace right from the beginning
August 23, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this New Zealand based book takes you on from a meet-cute at age 12 until 2 decades later. One girl and 2 twins that are the antithesis to each other but each want to own her in their own way. One abusing her by proxy and one with an unhinged obsession to make her better. The book also dives into the FMCs toxic relationship with her mother and husband so check your trigger warnings.
The relationship between the MMC and FMC is charged and d/s without taking it too far. It was realistic in its obsession - more dubcon than noncon and the manipulation is glorious.
Also important to note - The quality of writing in this book is so far apart from the dark romances I normally read. For those of you who read this genre and sometimes wonder if anyone edited the book - you know that this is not the norm.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The relationship between the MMC and FMC is charged and d/s without taking it too far. It was realistic in its obsession - more dubcon than noncon and the manipulation is glorious.
Also important to note - The quality of writing in this book is so far apart from the dark romances I normally read. For those of you who read this genre and sometimes wonder if anyone edited the book - you know that this is not the norm.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2026
A bit too heavy on the bdsm dynamics for my taste, I'm not a huge fan of it. This had that outside the bedroom, a lot of caretaking and controlling from the mmc. Main reason it's not a 5* from me, but that is just a preference thing maybe. Idk, found him way too controlling and gaslit her constantly.
Other than that, this was caretaking galore. We have a physically ill fmc, that is being abused by her mother that suffers from Munchausen by proxy. Bit unique touch to the abduction stalkerish trope. Our mmc is dark, and only have eyes for her. He is the kind that have made sure he planned ahead for a few years. Morally grey, and will do anything to make sure she is his, with the attitude that she will come along eventually. He loves to take care of her, and there is a lot of pleasure and little pain overall.
Other than that, this was caretaking galore. We have a physically ill fmc, that is being abused by her mother that suffers from Munchausen by proxy. Bit unique touch to the abduction stalkerish trope. Our mmc is dark, and only have eyes for her. He is the kind that have made sure he planned ahead for a few years. Morally grey, and will do anything to make sure she is his, with the attitude that she will come along eventually. He loves to take care of her, and there is a lot of pleasure and little pain overall.
Review of advance copy
This is one of those stories you really do need to read the trigger warnings. I found it hard reading in places, and felt sorry for Grace's character who had grown up living that way. Grace's life was far from simple, happy or even eventful. All she hoped for was love and escape from her mother's rule. Marrying was supposed to make things better. Until her husband moved next door to her mother. Nate met her first. Nate decided she was his. But as always he wasn't the twin people chose. Can he finally get his wish. Or will his possessive, manipulating behaviour and his secret watching her be a step to far. Will Grace ever be able to live a normal life. Is it even possible to get away from her controlling mother. This is a brilliantly written story
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is on the TOP of my re-read list!! The characters are really well written, I was hooked right from the first chapter, and I now I have new book husband. Without spoiling anything (because I tend gush about a book that usually ends up with some spoilers), I was able to perfectly imagine every single chapter and what was happening. There was some points were I teared up, some where if I had a physical copy I would've ended up throwing the book across the room, and parts where even I was blushing! I love it. I can't get enough of Grace and Nate. I. Need. More!!!
As someone who lives with chronic pain and has a condition that targets my joints (RA), I feel like the author perfectly captures what it's like to live with pain. Even though it's "just a book", I felt validated
As someone who lives with chronic pain and has a condition that targets my joints (RA), I feel like the author perfectly captures what it's like to live with pain. Even though it's "just a book", I felt validated
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow this novel was not what I expected, in a good way! I really thought it was going to be another run of the mill dark romance where he stalks her and forces her to love him.
The illness part makes it a lot more unique and really shows how celiacs disease can be harmful to the body. Also talks about munchausens was really interesting to learn. This is definitely one of the better dark romances out there even though I felt it could have been better built upon for past connection between Nate and Grace.
Overall would recommend and I finished this in one day!
The illness part makes it a lot more unique and really shows how celiacs disease can be harmful to the body. Also talks about munchausens was really interesting to learn. This is definitely one of the better dark romances out there even though I felt it could have been better built upon for past connection between Nate and Grace.
Overall would recommend and I finished this in one day!
August 26, 2026
Graciously His is a unique take on a dark romance with a dash of medical thriller. And, while the thriller aspect worked really well, the romance left me a bit cold. I felt like the MMC's sudden and all encompassing obsession with the FMC came out of the left field. I needed a lot more to make this situation believable. Overall, the author is promising and I will definitely keep an eye on their future work.
September 16, 2026
An intense psychological dark romance follows the FMC as she heals from intense trauma after her husband dies. She has a very controlling mother that she seeks refuge from in the form of her husband's twin brother.
The story was very tense and had me wondering which is worse, the mother that is trying to rule her life or the new husband that seems to be trying to heal and protect her. But what are his true intentions?
The story was very tense and had me wondering which is worse, the mother that is trying to rule her life or the new husband that seems to be trying to heal and protect her. But what are his true intentions?
September 30, 2026
OMG. The morally grey love interest that saves her from her mother but also may have some of his own red flags….. teaching her that it’s ok to want what she wants and helping her to lose the shame behind it. Soooo hot!!! But could have also done without the overbearing control personally. Would have made it that much better. Highly recommend reading this though!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
At the beginning, I wanted to hit Nate for what he said. But then later on, it started to piece together. As I was reading, I genuinely felt like this was the start of a true crime case. I love how Grace can still defend herself. Thinking about it, Nate seems morally black, although he does try to protect Grace in his own way. The characters were well-developed, along with the pacing.
August 7, 2026
I loved the different edge to this dark romance ~ I’ll stay pretty tight lipped to avoid spoilers BUT I liked the aspect of a chronically ill FMC and the dominant MMC that had to wait in the shadows for her. I liked the push-pull of the dom/sub relationship and how perfectly it wrapped up by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really good book and I couldn't put it down. I really felt like the author took time to learn about the medical issues in this book which is so great and it really made this feel genuine and raw. I would 100% recommend this as your next read.
August 31, 2026
3.5 round up!! Dark, twisty and mind bending!!
I always love when an author makes you love and hate a character simultaneously!!!
The ending sorta felt flat and kind of rushed, but for the most part the rest of the book was great.
I always love when an author makes you love and hate a character simultaneously!!!
The ending sorta felt flat and kind of rushed, but for the most part the rest of the book was great.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was incredible, the dark caretaking was done beautifully, I havent read a book like it. The spice was top tier. AMAZING JOB and thank you so much for the ARC
September 17, 2026
It was meh 2 stars purely coz of the fact that the mmc was manipulative until his eyes started watering 😒
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.OMG 😯!!!! This was so good. I was not expecting so much psychological drama. Spice was off the carts🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. I'm definitely a fan bring on the next book.
August 20, 2026
ARC review
Graciously His is so uniquely unsettling, with plenty of manipulation, brainwashing, deception and psychological twists. From the beginning, the story gave me an eerie feeling and I had no idea what exactly was going to unfold.
Both Grace and Nate are complex characters and I found his obsession and the storyline very different to a lot of other dark romances I’ve read. In short, if you like a dominant MMC, Nate is your guy.
Check the trigger warnings before reading!
Graciously His is so uniquely unsettling, with plenty of manipulation, brainwashing, deception and psychological twists. From the beginning, the story gave me an eerie feeling and I had no idea what exactly was going to unfold.
Both Grace and Nate are complex characters and I found his obsession and the storyline very different to a lot of other dark romances I’ve read. In short, if you like a dominant MMC, Nate is your guy.
Check the trigger warnings before reading!
Review of advance copy
Grace has been trying to get away from her mother since she was young. Now, older, she marries Nick, who, instead of taking her away, moves her in next door to the very woman she needs to help escape from. In a turn of events, Nick is hit by a car and dies. His twin, Nate, finds out and takes Grace away from everything. He's always had feelings for her, has been waiting for the right time, but his chance to save her comes sooner than expected.
I loved how much Nate cared for Grace and, even though he was very OTT, helped her heal and eventually move forward with her life. Grace was strong in her own way despite her situation, but in saying that, I do wish she stood up for herself against her mother. But I think that was part of the disorder - she had a psychological hold on her.
This is a story of obsession, control, love, manipulation, fear, grief, and so much more. I really enjoyed reading it.
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Nate & Grace
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Multiple Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Dark Aotearoa Romance Collection (DARC) Series - Graciously His: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT: Possessive, dominant, fiercely loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Psychological Horror Dark Romance
*Taboo Romance (Twin's Widowed Wife)
*Captor/Captive
*Munchausen syndrome
*Catastrophic love scenes
*Death of Twin
*No cheating or sharing between the MCs once they can be with each other
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
I loved how much Nate cared for Grace and, even though he was very OTT, helped her heal and eventually move forward with her life. Grace was strong in her own way despite her situation, but in saying that, I do wish she stood up for herself against her mother. But I think that was part of the disorder - she had a psychological hold on her.
This is a story of obsession, control, love, manipulation, fear, grief, and so much more. I really enjoyed reading it.
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Nate & Grace
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Multiple Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Dark Aotearoa Romance Collection (DARC) Series - Graciously His: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT: Possessive, dominant, fiercely loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Psychological Horror Dark Romance
*Taboo Romance (Twin's Widowed Wife)
*Captor/Captive
*Munchausen syndrome
*Catastrophic love scenes
*Death of Twin
*No cheating or sharing between the MCs once they can be with each other
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 5, 2026
I received this arc read for free, and I couldn’t wait to leave my personal thoughts about it! I absolutely loved this book. The trauma and pain were so well written. I unabashedly was team Nick and the spice was perfect! I am so happy with how the story went and turned out in the end. Would love to read more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews