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The Prince Corin ... Decadent, seductive, master of the love affair.

Corin is crown prince of Alfheim, the Elven lands. Considered the handsomest man in the land, he is well used to the females in his life indulging his every desire. But after losing the first woman who ever touched his heart to his best friend, he swears he'll never let anyone get that close again.

Under pressure from his royal family to marry and produce an heir, he decides the only solution is to take a woman from the human realm, someone who poses no threat ... Someone he could never love.

Running from a fate that promises power and pain in equal measure, all he needs is for her to accept three gifts and she will be totally under his control. But sometimes hearts are not so easily managed.

531 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2013

182 people are currently reading
442 people want to read

About the author

Emma V. Leech

114 books800 followers
Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Varsi Appel.
33 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2016
Under tremendous pressure from the queen to find a wife and produce an heir, , Prince Corin of Alfheim flees to the mortal world The problem? Between having loved and lost himself and watching his father, the king, lose his heart ... and his power to the queen, Corin vows never to let anyone to have his heart again. Unbelievably handsome and seductive, he should have no trouble finding a willing woman. After all, Corin has everything to offer ... except his heart. And Corin has the perfect woman in mind. The witch, Jéhenne Corbeaux’s best friend, Claudette. Sweet, kind, pretty, and pliable, she is the perfect choice. All he has to do is get her to accept three gifts and she will be his to command. But commanding their hearts is a completely different story.
The Dark Heart by Emma V. Leech is the second book in Les Fees: The French Fae Legend. Having read the first book, The Dark Prince, I have eagerly awaited this book. I was not disappointed. It is no secret that I am a huge Emma Leech fan, and this book shows why.
Emma breathes amazing life into the french countryside, the fae lands and all the characters and despite the shows of magic throughout I completely forgot I was reading a fantasy novel. The entire story moves along at a wonderful pace and I was kept on a rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish. Predictably, (having read her other books) I found myself laughing and crying with and for Corin and Claudette as their journey progressed. Parts were difficult to read through the tears and I was really hoping I didn’t short out my kindle! And at other parts I laughed out loud and received a few eye rolls from my family. Yet other parts had me screaming into my pillow!
The biggest thrill for me was to make this journey with Corin and Claudette and to experience the changes in each. Corin began to realize what Claudette truly meant to him and with each experience Claudette metamorphosed into a strong and confident young woman.
Flipping the last page in the story, I not only felt emotionally drained, but bereft; as if I was saying goodbye to cherished friends. That, readers, is the sign of not just a good book ... but a GREAT book! A rousing 5 stars all around!!!
Profile Image for Shelby.
43 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2016
The Dark Heart is yet again another Magical journey by Emma Leech into the land where Corin's calling is becoming more than just to his land, he has to make up his mind.. can he love or just live. I love how the chapters flow and make you feel like you are in their world and your heart races as each situation finds another twist and turn. I could not put this book down.. Such an amazing book. A must Read...
Profile Image for Erin Dall.
280 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2019
So many emotions and feelings towards the characters

After a rough start trying to get into this book, mentally I wasn’t prepared, I found that it seemed rather long and almost like two different books based around the same characters.

I enjoyed reading the emotional development of Corin towards Claudette. Almost hating how he acted for most of the story but ending up loving him at the end. Claudette is such a strong young woman, I kept forgetting she was only 19, to have dealt with everything that got put in her path and what she had to overcome.

I most definitely will be reading the next installment.
Profile Image for Chumchum_88.
556 reviews45 followers
August 2, 2016
Decadent, seductive, master of the love affair...

Corin is crown prince of Alfheim, the elven lands and used to the females in his life indulging his every desire but after losing the first women who ever touched his heart to his best friend, he swears he'll never let anyone get that close again.

Under pressure from the royal family to marry and produce an heir, he decides the only solution is to take a woman from the human realm, someone he has no fear of falling for... and he'll use every trick in the elven book to get exactly what he wants.

All he needs is for her to accept three gifts... and she will be under his control.

Claudette knows appearances can be deceptive. After her boyfriend, the kind of guy you'd be happy to take to meet your parents, betrayed her in the worst way; she decides from now on, nice boys are out. That way she'll never again be disappointed by the rat bag's bad behaviour and there will be no nasty surprises as she'll always be expecting the worst...

...but some surprises can never be prepared for.

You can find it in Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/story/5991377-...

Anyway, I started reading this novella after some insistence from my friends, she isn't the type to read romance (in fact she is the type who detest romance and think it's stupid) so I was a bit intrigued. At first I was hesitant because from the cover it felt a bit dark and angst-ish.

But I started slowly bit by bit, making progress, even though it was a short novella, I felt it was long maybe because it had 26 chapters XD. With the development of the story my feelings toward the characters started to develop as well. Like first even though I felt sorry for both the main characters, I felt the guy was a bit too arrogant and self confident, but later throughout the story I loved both the Hero and the heroine and felt sorry for both of them and felt their pain. For a novella, it make me feel all kind of the whirlwind of emotions, especially the snow part, I literally cried, which shows how good the writer is.

Overall, *thumps up*
22 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2016
The Dark Heart reads like Little Red Riding hood from the perspective of the big bag wolf, and this is no children's fairy tale.

Corin Albrecht, Prince of Alfheim, has been given a ultimatum by his mother to marry someone of his choosing within three weeks, or she will chose a bride for him, and the woman she has in mind is cruel and power hungry. With little options available, he sets his sights on a human woman who he'd met before, a woman who is already half-way in love with him. He uses Claudette's feeling to manipulate her into travelling to the land of the elves and become his wife.

This book leaves you feeling sorry for the wolf as he devours the innocent Claudette, and hating the woman who pushed him into this wicked role. It is a book wrought with sexual tension, regular tension and tear-jerking scenes.

I thoroughly recommend his book to anyone who likes ambiguous characters, beautiful writing and brilliant plots.
Profile Image for Yarelis Martínez.
230 reviews
February 15, 2016
Just Another Amazing book!! I was bitting my nails almost all the way through the book.
Is was sweet but bitter, hopeful but full of despair, and fill with love but also hate.
It's really a journey to the heart of Corin & Claudette.
Also, a truthful meaning of friendship.

I just simply Love The Book!
Profile Image for Varsi Appel.
33 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2016
Under tremendous pressure from the queen to find a wife and produce an heir, , Prince Corin of Alfheim flees to the mortal world The problem? Between having loved and lost himself and watching his father, the king, lose his heart ... and his power to the queen, Corin vows never to let anyone to have his heart again. Unbelievably handsome and seductive, he should have no trouble finding a willing woman. After all, Corin has everything to offer ... except his heart. And Corin has the perfect woman in mind. The witch, Jéhenne Corbeaux’s best friend, Claudette. Sweet, kind, pretty, and pliable, she is the perfect choice. All he has to do is get her to accept three gifts and she will be his to command. But commanding their hearts is a completely different story.
The Dark Heart by Emma V. Leech is the second book in Les Fees: The French Fae Legend. Having read the first book, The Dark Prince, I have eagerly awaited this book. I was not disappointed. It is no secret that I am a huge Emma Leech fan, and this book shows why.
Emma breathes amazing life into the french countryside, the fae lands and all the characters and despite the shows of magic throughout I completely forgot I was reading a fantasy novel. The entire story moves along at a wonderful pace and I was kept on a rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish. Predictably, (having read her other books) I found myself laughing and crying with and for Corin and Claudette as their journey progressed. Parts were difficult to read through the tears and I was really hoping I didn’t short out my kindle! And at other parts I laughed out loud and received a few eye rolls from my family. Yet other parts had me screaming into my pillow!
The biggest thrill for me was to make this journey with Corin and Claudette and to experience the changes in each. Corin began to realize what Claudette truly meant to him and with each experience Claudette metamorphosed into a strong and confident young woman.
Flipping the last page in the story, I not only felt emotionally drained, but bereft; as if I was saying goodbye to cherished friends. That, readers, is the sign of not just a good book ... but a GREAT book! A rousing 5 stars all around!!!
Profile Image for Susan Saltos.
369 reviews8 followers
March 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the second in the series and the first book was seriously lacking in the relationship of the two main “romance” characters. But, in this book, Ms Leech gives a good amount of time (though I think more would have been much better) between the two main characters spending time together. I felt in some ways they got to know each other a bit before the chaos began. While, I find some of the relationship lacking for them feeling so strongly for each other, it was much better done in this book. I liked the scenes where it showed Corin taking care of her cousins as it showed her the softer side of him, that he’d make a good father, and he truly let his guard down to show her that he was a good person deep down behind all the superficial stuff he shows the world. The world building is exquisitely done. Some predictable plot/subplot lines but there were some surprises as well. I admire Ms Leech’s vivid imagination.
168 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2022
Prince Corin of the Eleven Fae lands as be given an ultimatium by hi mother the Queen of Alfheem that he must marry in 3 weeks to the Lady of her choice unless he can find someone of his choosing before hand. This sets Prince Corin on a journey to find a the Lady of his choosing. Corin travels takes him into the human world in search of her. He finds a someone he thinks will suit him and seduces her to fall in love with him, then kidnaps her back to his relm there a journey of twists and turns take them on a love affair, that's filled with intrigue and danger. Prince Corin doesn't want to love her feeling that it will make him weak and at her mercy like his father but Lady Claudette will except nothing but his heart. So does the love story of all time. Read it! You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Melissa.
30 reviews
October 2, 2019
The books just keep getting better!!

I'm a total Emma V. Leech fan! That being said The French Vampire and The French Fae Legend series are my favorites! Many of the characters crossover from the vampire series into the fae series. This book in particular is about Corin and Claudette. Without giving too much away, I can say this- it will lift you up and bring you crashing back down, only to lift you up again and keep you on the edge waiting for what happens next! Definitely an emotional book as you feel connected to the characters! Highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for Richard Burlton.
733 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2025
It's too long, the whole idea of the Fae lands and the fraught interaction with human ways of living is fine but it just goes on and on with multiple layers of emotional angst.

Corin, who has appeared in the earlier books of both this series and the French Vampire series had seemed to be a balanced and sensible character, but now that he is front and centre to the series he has become unbalanced and stupid. This is a real pity, but I do feel a compunction to carry on and finish the series so that has to be a positive.
Profile Image for Gwamsa.
214 reviews
August 15, 2018
Claudette and Corin

I liked this book even better than the first one, and I liked that one a lot! Corin is such a delicious but damaged hunk. Claudette is a surprising handful and is a great deal more than first glance would reveal. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend wholeheartedly.
Profile Image for Angie.
308 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2018
So disappointed

I love Corin but this book portrayed him in a negative way that broke my heart. I see where the author tried to with him but I was so disappointed. The first 40% of the book I found a tad boring. The last 20% of the book was fairly predictable. I didn't enjoy this one as much as book one.
89 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2019
The Sexy Fae

The Sexy Fae Prince was not looking for love, but love was found with a sweet human young woman. I love reading about the Fae and their exploits. They know how to please! I look forward to the next book in the series. A good read, I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the first book, as well.
2 reviews
May 3, 2020
This author is very talented

I am an avid reader and it’s very rare that I’m struck with the writing talent of an author. Not demeaning the story of other novels and writers but the clarity and composition of this series is amazing. I felt every emotion and the reactions were authentic. Thank you for a time well spent. I will surely recommend.
23 reviews
November 11, 2017
Emma Leech is brilliant

Everything you want in a book, is here, betrayal, humour, sadness, happiness, beautifully written characters. What more do you want. This writer knocks me bandy every time and I do hope she never stops.
1 review
August 20, 2019
Captivating!

Just as entranced with Corin and Claudette's love story as Laen and Oceane's! I would definitely recommend to friends and family. I actually have already recommended to a sister and we equally love this series! Thank you Emma!
9 reviews
October 9, 2018
I love it!

I still believed in fairy tales! This story is a page turner, and I love loved all characters .. especially Prince Laen and Oceané..
I hope to meet them one da! (Joke) 😆
Profile Image for Alex.
15 reviews
July 21, 2019
Started well, ended okay, but the 80% in the middle was pure crap.
Profile Image for Tanis.
3 reviews
August 25, 2019
Beautiful

Beautiful story. I loved every minute and I could not put it down. From the moment I read it I was enraptured.
Profile Image for Jennie Kaplan.
63 reviews
November 15, 2019
Heart stopping, heart breaking

I was truly enthralled with this story! It was unpredictable, the characters were so good and I just did not want to put it down.
Profile Image for Holly Ortega.
580 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2022
Loved this book….didn’t think it could be bettered then the dark prince, but it was awesome.
Profile Image for Morgana James .
26 reviews
January 22, 2016
The Dark Heart, by author Emma V. Leech, is the second installment in the Les Fées: The French Fae Legend series and it´s a total keeper.

There aren´t enough words to describe this wonderful book so I´ll just keep it plain and simple:

Romantic. Beautiful. Magical. Powerful. Emotional.

Although this was a fantasy read I couldn´t ignore the fact that the story felt real. From the emotions the characters felt to the Fae Lands the author lovingly created- I was spellbound. It doesn´t happen often, but this book swept me off my feet and I ended up wanting nothing more than to pack my toothbrush and move to where the Elves lived.

The rocky road Emma V. Leech sent her characters on was bumpy and had me hoping, wishing for Corin and Claudette to find their Happily Ever After.

At first Corin needed a wife. He found one and thought she was a good choice. He knew it wouldn´t be completely easy but he still had faith that everything would turn out just fine. Until something like love crept it´s way into his soul.
I have to admit- I wasn´t Corins biggest fan when his character was first introduced ( which was in The Key to Erebus) but now I´m all #TeamCorin. His character was everything I expect a Hero to be, and so much more. Corin, the Prince, with so much untouched power, beautiful looks and a silver tongue, knew his way around women. He´s the type of male women would most definitely start wars over ( in and outside of the bedroom, if you know what I mean.). A total proper swoon-worthy Hero and he wanted only 1 woman. Claudette.

"let us not Play games, Ma belle, you are mine now. " - Corin Albrecht

Claudette ( Heroine ) was a 19 year old who had a simple life until Corin re-entered the picture. She was one of the most strong-headed characters I´ve had the pleasure to come across in a story. What I loved most about her character was how she grew with her tasks. She had no clue what was to happen with her yet she allowed it to happen and grew so strong, even I was proud of her.

In my humble opinion- Corin and Claudette are one of the fantasy genres perfect couple. Their journey was hard, but so worth it.

It´s more than obvious that I adored this story, but what really touched me was the authors ability to „show me the magic“. There´s alot of hocus pocus in fantasy but nothing compares to what Emma V. Leech has created. The world is a better place thanks to her colorful imagination and her ability to share the pictures she creates for us readers.

But- my personal highlight was finding bits and pieces from The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, in The Dark Heart. My heart swelled at the sight.

An outstanding read and I cannot wait for the next book to be released.


The Cover: 5 stars ( It´s simple and doesn´t give alot away. Neither does the title, which I love)

The Characters: 5 stars ( Corin, Claudette, Laen, Oceane, the Queen,... especially the Queen, All perfect.)

The Story: 5 stars ( really, it doesn´t get any better than this one. )

My emotional state after finishing this story: Emotionally drained from the angst ( oh yeah, the end was something totally powerful ), In love.

I´m giving The Dark Heart, by the fabulous Emma V. Leech, 5 out of 5 stars.

Don´t miss out on this one. I promise you won´t regret it.
Profile Image for Blanca.
454 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2016
**Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

Emma’s writing is superb I have read some of her other work and there is no doubt about it I am irrevocably in love with her talent.

I love how each story draws you in completely and the chapters flow and make you feel like you are in the world she created. This book was remarkably astounding it made my heart race as I experienced each situation there were so many unforeseen events full of twist and turns. I could not put this book down it was simply perfection the story felt so real.

Corin Albrecht, Prince of Alfheim, has been given a ultimatum by his mother to marry someone of his choosing within three weeks, or she will chose a bride for him, and the woman she has in mind is cruel and power hungry.
The only option he feels he has is to travel to the human world in search of a woman he has met before and is certain will be able to manipulate into becoming wife to do with as he pleases while not succumbing to his mother’s ulterior demands.
Claudette is a naïve yet very fascinating girl who will not let herself be influenced by Corin no matter the circumstances she tries so hard to not let her emotions lead her decisions but it can be very difficult when your heart belongs to the source of your heartbreak.

Corin knew it wouldn´t be completely easy but he still had hope that everything would turn out just fine. What he didn’t count on was falling for the one person he shouldn’t fall for his wife.
There were so many instances where I wanted to slap some sense into Corin and Claudette they can both be very frustrating and stubborn. Despite Corin’s lies and deception Claudette knows deep down he is worth saving and will do anything in her power to help him.

The magic is beautifully thrilling and emotionally captivating so many powerful decisions to be made will their love surpass all obstacles.

Utterly breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time anxiously awaiting the next book!
Profile Image for Hellvis.
71 reviews37 followers
January 31, 2016
I loved it. The language is magical, lyrical, and the descriptions are spectacular. Not just of scenery, but emotions, actions and interactions. It's fresh and vivid, and although I've read other works by the author it all feels very much like it's brand new, and I'm seeing into these strange and wonderful worlds for the very first time all over again. The magic is spine-tingling, and Corin, is, well, as he appears in The Dark Prince, but more so.

There were, of course, numerous occasions where I wanted to hit Corin with a sack of hammers, to knock some sense into him, fool that he is, but there's levity woven through the story, too. The interaction between Corin and Laen is priceless, and Claudette, as young and naive as she is, behaves admirably. She's sweet, but has a steel core, and can cut to the bone with precious few words - she's a quiet girl, so she sees more than others do. As a 'quiet girl' I can definitely identify with that.

Although she's infatuated, she's seen enough to believe that Corin is worth saving. What follows, of course, is a riot of emotions, deceit, understanding and decisions; utterly breathtaking, and heartbreaking all at the same time, and when everyone is on the same page, well, it's like the sun has come out after a long winter. Tentative and hopeful, creeping over mountains and through gulleys, caressing the landscape, and warming it slowly before breaking into glorious, golden rays of brilliance. It's really quite wonderful.
Profile Image for EJ.
162 reviews
October 5, 2015

Part #2 of the famous Wattpad series, the Dark Prince. This has been my favorite for the entire series.


I've read this book while it was still under construction, so the changes the author may or may not have done, may affect the accuracy of this review.


It is filled with saucy, and sizzling hot scenes between the two that you would wish to be Claudette and bag the funny, but very alluring, Corin for yourself.

3 reviews
November 30, 2015
Powerfully decadent, coated in the art of seduction, Corin drives your senses mad. He is not basic, and not just your ordinary Elf Prince of Alfheim. He is everything you have probably never read before. Wildly charming and alluring, and thus, by the sound of his name in your pretty little mind, will cause shivers running down your dainty spine. Shivers for more, nothing less.
He is mighty crafted, and he most certainly sent me into a puddle of hearts.
But there's an underlying mystery that comes with Prince Corin, and Emma introduces the tale so lovingly well, your book-worm soul searches and craves for the need to uncover the story that awaits. The Dark Series is truly something to unravel !
Profile Image for Melissa Lucas.
12 reviews5 followers
March 20, 2016
Emma Leech's, The Dark Heart takes us deeper into the land of Alfheim and gives us the story of Prince Corin, the secondary hero of The Dark Prince. With the land and his mother both urging him down paths he'd rather not tread, Corin attempts to trick Claudette - Jehenne's friend from Emma's Key to Erebus series - thinking it an easy way to fixing his problems. However hearts are not so easily played with, as Corin comes to dsicover.

The Dark Heart is a beautiful story of learning to trust your heart. It helps to teach us not to run from the inevitable, but to face it and shape it into something worth having.

I would recommend this book to anyone with wistful souls and magic in their hearts.
Profile Image for Barbara Douglas.
309 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2016
Much better than the first volume in the series; the plot begins to thicken a bit, though it's still a romance with plot in the background rather than a fantasy with a romance included. Corin and Claudette are lovely, and while Corin is stupid, you can kid of see why. Having him buy a car as a flirtation device was very entertaining. Quite how she can morph from pretty-enough girl next door to gorgeous enough to dominate a ballroom of Fae is not adequately explained, but hey, it's a fantasy. Well written, enjoyable indulgence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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