My Duke in Darkness Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Duke in Darkness by Nicola Davidson introduces Colonel Gabriel Jordan-Ives, a war-scarred recluse who unexpectedly inherits a dukedom and must face the ton he despises. Lady Lilian Nash, raised to be dutiful and obedient, finds herself pressured into agreeing to a marriage of convenience, arranged by her domineering grandmother. As they enter the marriage, both guarded and hesitant, they slowly discover each other—and the possibility of healing, intimacy, and love in unexpected places. Their journey is anything but simple, and neither is their connection.
Why I Love This Book
I love the way Gabriel’s pain feels real—his PTSD and scars don’t define him, but they shape every moment. I love how Lilian isn’t perfect; her repression and loyalty both break my heart and show her strength when she starts to unlearn everything. I love that their intimacy builds slowly but never feels forced—it’s messy and tender, honest and wicked all at once. I also love how the heat doesn’t just sizzle—it stings. And I love that beneath the passion is real growth: two damaged people learning to trust, to want, and to save each other.
Who Will Like This Book
If you’re drawn to historical romance with emotional depth, flawed characters, and scorching scenes that still feel grounded, this is for you. If marriage of convenience, wounded heroes, and a heroine who finds her own fire call to you—you’ll connect with this.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book includes themes of PTSD, emotional trauma, emotional abuse, and overtly explicit sexual content. It’s intense and raw—read with awareness.
Tagged As
historical romance, Regency, marriage of convenience, wounded/vulnerable hero, emotional healing, steamy romance, PTSD representation, alpha male, repressed heroine, intense intimacy, hot erotica, indie romance, series starter
Steam Level
The chemistry here is intense and unapologetic. The physical connection is bold, raw, and deeply erotic—it's not just there for shock. It serves the characters and their emotional journey.
