Book Review: Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger
If you’re searching for your next dark fantasy romance with all the tension of an enemies-to-lovers story and enough heat to fog the windows, Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger delivers in spades. With its gothic atmosphere, forbidden love, mystery and shocking twists, this book blends paranormal fantasy and dark romance into an experience that’s as unsettling as it is addictive.
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Rating: 4/5
Spice: 5/5
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, grumpy/grumpy, revenge, gothic suspense, monster/shifter
Summary
When Maven Blackthorn returns to her eerie hometown for her grandmother’s funeral, she expects grief—not chaos. Instead, her grandmother’s body has vanished, reigniting the generations-old feud between the Blackthorns and the Crofts, two families bound by tragedy, power, and secrets.
At the center of it all is Ronan Croft—the son of Maven’s mother’s suspected killer and the only man she’s ever loved. Their reunion is a collision of grief, anger, and forbidden desire as Maven is pulled deeper into the dark underbelly of her family’s past. As old secrets rise and long-buried magic stirs, Maven must decide whether love can survive the shadows—or if some things are better left buried.
Part gothic suspense, part dark paranormal romance, Blackthorn is a story of revenge, obsession, and a love that refuses to die quietly.
My Thoughts
First Impressions
The deluxe edition of Blackthorn is a collector’s dream—sprayed edges, gothic illustrated map, and moody design that perfectly matches the story’s tone. The moment I opened it, I was completely drawn in and ended up finishing it within twenty-four hours.
Though I don’t often reach for dark romance, this one gripped me. It’s unsettling, atmospheric, and unapologetically bold—blurring the lines between love and danger, truth and illusion.
What Worked
Maven: A complex, well-drawn heroine. She’s determined, conflicted, and deeply human. Her journey—returning home to confront the trauma she tried to outrun—feels raw and compelling.
Ronan: The quintessential morally gray hero. Brooding, haunted, and intensely magnetic, Ronan embodies the “touch her and die” energy dark romance fans crave.
Atmosphere: The setting is practically a character in itself—gothic, mysterious, and charged with unease. Though the story takes place in modern times, Blackthorn Manor and Maven’s (fictional) hometown of Solstice, Vermont feel steeped in old-world charm and decay, like places frozen in time. The blend of paranormal elements with small-town secrets gives it a haunting, cinematic quality that lingers long after you close the book.
Emotional tension: The push and pull between Maven and Ronan is powerful. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is the danger, and that constant friction keeps the pages turning.
What Didn’t Work (For Me)
This story goes darker than my usual reading comfort zone. The author includes a content warning, and I’d strongly recommend checking it before diving in. Some scenes blur the line between consent and non-consent, which may be difficult for some readers.
I’d also note that Blackthorn edges into monster/shifter romance territory. Without giving too much away, there are intimate moments when the male main character isn’t fully in his human form. It fits the mythos and tone of the story, but it’s definitely something readers should know going in — it may not work for everyone’s comfort level. I personally don’t care for those scenes.
The ending also left me conflicted. While it isn’t unsatisfying, it’s open-ended enough to leave lingering questions. It’s clearly intentional, but I personally prefer romances that wrap up neatly with a clear HEA. Here, ambiguity reigns—and that will either fascinate you or frustrate you.
The Spice Factor
Let’s just say: this book does not hold back. The tension is off the charts, and the scenes are intense, emotional, and vividly written. It’s not playful spice; it’s dark, primal, and deeply tied to the story’s gothic tone.
For spice lovers, this easily earns a 5 out of 5 chili peppers rating.
Final Thoughts
Blackthorn is beautifully written, haunting, and impossible to put down. Even though it steps outside my usual reading preferences, I couldn’t look away. It’s the kind of book that keeps you up late, makes you uncomfortable in the best way, and lingers long after the final page.
For me, it’s a solid 4/5 stars—dark, compelling, and deeply atmospheric. For fans of dark romance or paranormal gothic fantasy, it’s likely a full five.
If you enjoy morally gray characters, forbidden love, and a touch of the supernatural, Blackthorn deserves a place on your shelf (preferably beside a candle and a glass of red wine).
Book Club Discussion Questions
How does Maven’s return to her hometown serve as both a physical and emotional journey?
The feud between the Blackthorns and the Crofts drives much of the tension. Do you think either family was ever truly innocent?
How did you interpret the paranormal and magical elements of the story—literal forces or symbolic manifestations of grief and trauma?
The romance blurs the line between passion and danger. Did you find that effective or unsettling?
Were you satisfied with the ending, or would you have preferred more resolution?
How does Blackthorn challenge traditional ideas of good vs. evil within romance?
If you were adapting this story for the screen, which scene would you most want to see brought to life?
About the Author
J.T. Geissinger is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels spanning dark romance, contemporary romance, and paranormal fantasy. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and have earned multiple awards, including the Prism Award and the HOLT Medallion. Known for her high-tension plots and magnetic, morally gray heroes, Geissinger continues to captivate readers with stories that balance passion, suspense, and emotional depth.
Learn more about her books at jtgeissinger.com.
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