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The Count of Amaranth Moor, Vol. 1
A warm, slow-burn m/m vampire romance, set against a lush gothic backdrop!
It’s the summer of 1822 when Avery Bedford, a tenacious young butler, is abruptly let go from his hard-earned position. He travels gloomily to his new place of employment: an vast old manor, perched on the edge of a desolate moor. Despite his dwindling expectations, he’s determined to try making the best of it—but it isn’t long before he’s swept headlong into a terrifying mystery, and then a catastrophic transformation.
In the wake of this tragedy, only two options remain:
To learn the history, and thus the motives, of the solitary and enigmatic count who took the very last of his hope…
Or to kill him.
Features bonus illustrations!
It’s the summer of 1822 when Avery Bedford, a tenacious young butler, is abruptly let go from his hard-earned position. He travels gloomily to his new place of employment: an vast old manor, perched on the edge of a desolate moor. Despite his dwindling expectations, he’s determined to try making the best of it—but it isn’t long before he’s swept headlong into a terrifying mystery, and then a catastrophic transformation.
In the wake of this tragedy, only two options remain:
To learn the history, and thus the motives, of the solitary and enigmatic count who took the very last of his hope…
Or to kill him.
Features bonus illustrations!
521 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 5, 2025
YALL BETTER READ THIS NOW!!
What a hidden gem I found. Words cannot express how much I liked this. If you love character driven stories with a good romantic slow burn then this is it!
And amazingly the author has the book (2nd one too) up for free in their link where you can download the pdf.
Thank you so much author! It was a pleasure to read this. When I’m able to I’ll buy the physical book. It’s a must!
What a hidden gem I found. Words cannot express how much I liked this. If you love character driven stories with a good romantic slow burn then this is it!
And amazingly the author has the book (2nd one too) up for free in their link where you can download the pdf.
Thank you so much author! It was a pleasure to read this. When I’m able to I’ll buy the physical book. It’s a must!
June 21, 2025
PLEASE EVERYBODY GO READ THIS NOW NOW NOWNOWNOW ITS FINALLY FINALLY OUT AND IT IS FREE TO DOWNLOAD !!!!!!!
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THIS DAY FOR CLOSE TO SIX YEARS NOW AND THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THIS DAY FOR CLOSE TO SIX YEARS NOW AND THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME.
May 7, 2026
5 ⭐️ Gay Gothic Vampire series? YES ABSOLUTELY SIGN ME UP 🖤 this was such a fun dynamic between our two characters. I had such a great time reading this and being put in like this old (what I’m picturing is Victorian) style manor. It’s got this eerie mysterious setting in the beginning then we get more into the vampirism in the middle and end it of with a little romance and a cliffhanger! I am indeed looking forward to continuing this series. 🕯️🧛
October 8, 2025
Such a wonderful novel! I really enjoyed the slow build up of the main characters' rapport and friendship over time, it felt realistic and layered, especially after their rough beginning! The cliffhanger ending had me hooked so hard! Jumping directly into the 2nd book now and really anticipating how their relationship will further unfold in the subsequent books!
August 10, 2025
AAAAHHHHH I really loved it. Avery is such a sweetheart and I really enjoyed how the mystery surrounding Alistair was unraveled. Josephine was also a fun character. The cliffhanger has me on tearing my hair outt ahhhh i can't wait for the second installment!!
November 16, 2025
"Yes-there, among the books, and a few candles which we lit more for atmosphere than for light, we were not two vampires speaking in the dark; we lived in the worlds of kings and queens, philosophers and poets, generals and adventurers, monks and oracles, and witnessed the struggles of humankind as it fought its way out of the dark. Miss Josephine had been correct, I realized. Nobody who spoke with such reverence on humanity could ever pretend to revile it."
This book was such a beautiful study on pining, friendship, and what it means to be human. I received this book as PR from the incredible Hartley and I couldn't be more grateful!
Not only is the story itself wonderful, but the insane art and formating of the covers and title page make this book one I'm proud to display on my shelf and use as an accessory. Avery and Alistar start out as master and butler, but turn into so so much more. Avery's story of curiosity to cursed to ultimately fulfillment was such an incredible journey to take alongside him. I also adored how we got to see the Count grow from bitter and unfeeling to open and quite smitten. A standout character for me was the bookseller, Noah! He always had incredible recommendations and helpful insight.
While this book definitely takes its time reaching fulfillment of the homoerotic yearning, the journey it takes to get there was absolutely thrilling with twists and turns keeping me engaged the whole way through. I'm going to have to immediately dive into the second book because WHAT an ending!! How could you do this to me!!
This book takes place from September to January in the British countryside and the seasonal elements were incredible. I read this in November which I believe to be the perfect month for this ode to gothic literature.
"How wonderfully well he went with the winter scene, I thought! Yes-he would be a fitting ghost, if he so wished. Despite the bite of the wind, I felt brightness come into my eyes as I looked, for this fascinating figure would be my object of study for the winter, mine to converse with and gaze upon for as much time as I pleased; but as soon as the thought came to mind, I was disconcerted, and then quite flustered."
This book was such a beautiful study on pining, friendship, and what it means to be human. I received this book as PR from the incredible Hartley and I couldn't be more grateful!
Not only is the story itself wonderful, but the insane art and formating of the covers and title page make this book one I'm proud to display on my shelf and use as an accessory. Avery and Alistar start out as master and butler, but turn into so so much more. Avery's story of curiosity to cursed to ultimately fulfillment was such an incredible journey to take alongside him. I also adored how we got to see the Count grow from bitter and unfeeling to open and quite smitten. A standout character for me was the bookseller, Noah! He always had incredible recommendations and helpful insight.
While this book definitely takes its time reaching fulfillment of the homoerotic yearning, the journey it takes to get there was absolutely thrilling with twists and turns keeping me engaged the whole way through. I'm going to have to immediately dive into the second book because WHAT an ending!! How could you do this to me!!
This book takes place from September to January in the British countryside and the seasonal elements were incredible. I read this in November which I believe to be the perfect month for this ode to gothic literature.
"How wonderfully well he went with the winter scene, I thought! Yes-he would be a fitting ghost, if he so wished. Despite the bite of the wind, I felt brightness come into my eyes as I looked, for this fascinating figure would be my object of study for the winter, mine to converse with and gaze upon for as much time as I pleased; but as soon as the thought came to mind, I was disconcerted, and then quite flustered."
July 4, 2025
solid 3.5
a 5/5 on atmosphere actually. I was absorbed by the depiction of the scenery, the things in the castle, the romantic quotes sprinkled in. the moral discussions between the two leads were made much more interesting by the written depth of their environments- loved imagining that whole tableaux as a bat (named dante maybe) listening in on them.
the development of the relationship came in bursts and spurts at first and I was unconvinced if this would go anywhere. but omg at that one scene, much like the two idiots, i was had. When I read the line, "I had never felt a desire for friendship quite so visceral, and found it startling," I felt that. Even while reading the author's fics I have often come across lines that seem to put to words what I want to say, somehow also in the words I would want to use but could not string together exactly. After that, thoughts off, I was just looking at them dance around.
Frustratingly, the weakest part of the story was the character of avery. With how he was set up, i would expect him to have more of a moral dilemma during pivotal moments that question his world view. I get that his defining character trait is KIND, but given that we are in his pov, was it really that easy for him to empathise despite being convinced 5 sentences ago that this is the devils work. i'm not expecting moby dick, but at least frankenstein levels of internal dilemmas haha. but at the same time, his naivety is just sooooo fucking endearing— okay little dude you just go around life like that keeping your heart open good for you. And in the end it made perfect sense with the stories progression that he became more critical of his views quicker, so this was a very briefly held critique. Alistair i cannot fault, he is every bit mid life crisis in the 200s. And josephine goode is just there, love her.
overall ahhhhhhh I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 2!!!!! as soon as I hit around 80% i was like fuck why did i start this now and not in august- BUT I WOULD DO IT AGAIN. and really, this is a piece of fiction i would pick up again and again:)
a 5/5 on atmosphere actually. I was absorbed by the depiction of the scenery, the things in the castle, the romantic quotes sprinkled in. the moral discussions between the two leads were made much more interesting by the written depth of their environments- loved imagining that whole tableaux as a bat (named dante maybe) listening in on them.
the development of the relationship came in bursts and spurts at first and I was unconvinced if this would go anywhere. but omg at that one scene, much like the two idiots, i was had. When I read the line, "I had never felt a desire for friendship quite so visceral, and found it startling," I felt that. Even while reading the author's fics I have often come across lines that seem to put to words what I want to say, somehow also in the words I would want to use but could not string together exactly. After that, thoughts off, I was just looking at them dance around.
Frustratingly, the weakest part of the story was the character of avery. With how he was set up, i would expect him to have more of a moral dilemma during pivotal moments that question his world view. I get that his defining character trait is KIND, but given that we are in his pov, was it really that easy for him to empathise despite being convinced 5 sentences ago that this is the devils work. i'm not expecting moby dick, but at least frankenstein levels of internal dilemmas haha. but at the same time, his naivety is just sooooo fucking endearing— okay little dude you just go around life like that keeping your heart open good for you. And in the end it made perfect sense with the stories progression that he became more critical of his views quicker, so this was a very briefly held critique. Alistair i cannot fault, he is every bit mid life crisis in the 200s. And josephine goode is just there, love her.
overall ahhhhhhh I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 2!!!!! as soon as I hit around 80% i was like fuck why did i start this now and not in august- BUT I WOULD DO IT AGAIN. and really, this is a piece of fiction i would pick up again and again:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
The Count of Amaranth Moor felt like such a cozy, character-driven gothic romance. The atmosphere was absolutely immaculate from the moody setting, vampires, and tension filled conversations.
This is definitely the kind of book I’d recommend to readers who love slower, more character-focused stories where the relationships and internal struggles are the true heart of the book. The romance is an extremely slow burn, but watching these characters go from enemies, to reluctant friends, to something much deeper made it incredibly rewarding by the end. Their connection felt very natural and believable, and I found myself rooting for them more and more as the story went on.
One of my favorite parts was honestly how unintentionally funny the characters could be. We get such raw, unfiltered access to their thoughts (sometimes messy, judgmental, vulnerable, or dramatic) and it made them feel very human and easy to grow attached to. I also really appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from allowing the characters to have conflicting moral views and flaws. Watching their perspectives be challenged and slowly evolve throughout the story added so much depth and made their growth feel meaningful.
If you love gothic vampire romances with beautiful writing, strong atmosphere, complicated characters, and a romance that takes its time, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try. 🖤
This is definitely the kind of book I’d recommend to readers who love slower, more character-focused stories where the relationships and internal struggles are the true heart of the book. The romance is an extremely slow burn, but watching these characters go from enemies, to reluctant friends, to something much deeper made it incredibly rewarding by the end. Their connection felt very natural and believable, and I found myself rooting for them more and more as the story went on.
One of my favorite parts was honestly how unintentionally funny the characters could be. We get such raw, unfiltered access to their thoughts (sometimes messy, judgmental, vulnerable, or dramatic) and it made them feel very human and easy to grow attached to. I also really appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from allowing the characters to have conflicting moral views and flaws. Watching their perspectives be challenged and slowly evolve throughout the story added so much depth and made their growth feel meaningful.
If you love gothic vampire romances with beautiful writing, strong atmosphere, complicated characters, and a romance that takes its time, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try. 🖤
April 15, 2026
Yes hello, this book was so fun. I will keep this review spoiler free:
As I read the beginning portion of this book, I felt so in the dark about how this relationship was supposed to develop under these circumstances, and it has been FASCINATING to watch. Avery, bless him, is clueless and I love the boy. Somehow simultaneously embodies rock solid conviction and crippling self doubt. Somebody else mentioned how the Count is perfect in his mid-200s crisis and I couldnt agree more. I am so invested in their future.
The atmosphere is set up so thoroughly and vividly, and, as a musician, I personally really dig the musical references and the attention to detail in that vein, as well as all the historical depth that has been added to the story. I am constantly impressed when there is a reference to something that could have been glossed over but instead adds a lil seasoning and depth to the dish 🤌
That ending was a real cliffhanger but thankfully the subsequent two volumes are already out and I didnt have to wait in torment to find out what happens. Loved it, reading the next ones already!!
As I read the beginning portion of this book, I felt so in the dark about how this relationship was supposed to develop under these circumstances, and it has been FASCINATING to watch. Avery, bless him, is clueless and I love the boy. Somehow simultaneously embodies rock solid conviction and crippling self doubt. Somebody else mentioned how the Count is perfect in his mid-200s crisis and I couldnt agree more. I am so invested in their future.
The atmosphere is set up so thoroughly and vividly, and, as a musician, I personally really dig the musical references and the attention to detail in that vein, as well as all the historical depth that has been added to the story. I am constantly impressed when there is a reference to something that could have been glossed over but instead adds a lil seasoning and depth to the dish 🤌
That ending was a real cliffhanger but thankfully the subsequent two volumes are already out and I didnt have to wait in torment to find out what happens. Loved it, reading the next ones already!!
April 19, 2026
I adore this book so much, i read it in one sitting and own all three paperbacks by now. This series is the definition of a hidden gem, seriously. This is the first time i have genuinely enjoyed a first person POV since the hunger games.
The characters have a lot of depth, and i enjoy the philosophy that gets discussed a lot. It can get rather funny at times (Miss Josephine is such a great supporting character) and pretty angsty in others. The setting feels very well researched and it has very decent pacing. Different to many slow burns this one doesnt feel like nothing happens, due to the fact that both the characters need the time and when they do start getting closer it feels well earned.
The characters have a lot of depth, and i enjoy the philosophy that gets discussed a lot. It can get rather funny at times (Miss Josephine is such a great supporting character) and pretty angsty in others. The setting feels very well researched and it has very decent pacing. Different to many slow burns this one doesnt feel like nothing happens, due to the fact that both the characters need the time and when they do start getting closer it feels well earned.
December 10, 2025
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AMAZING AMZING
IF YOU'RE SEEING THIS AND YOU'RE TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO READ THIS BOOK,
READ IT!!! TRUST ME. It doesn’t matter how many books are on your tbr, it doesn’t even matter if you’re reading a book right now.
I can GUARANTEE that this one is better by 10x
Please read this book so you can experience the same debilitating ABSOLUTE JOY AND EXCITEMENT that I still feel and it’s been TWO WEEKS. I cannot stop thinking about this book. The second one is the exact same perfection and I will be using this review for it again because MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS HOW IS THIS AUTHOR NOT INSANELY POPULAR YET?
IF YOU'RE SEEING THIS AND YOU'RE TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO READ THIS BOOK,
READ IT!!! TRUST ME. It doesn’t matter how many books are on your tbr, it doesn’t even matter if you’re reading a book right now.
I can GUARANTEE that this one is better by 10x
Please read this book so you can experience the same debilitating ABSOLUTE JOY AND EXCITEMENT that I still feel and it’s been TWO WEEKS. I cannot stop thinking about this book. The second one is the exact same perfection and I will be using this review for it again because MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS HOW IS THIS AUTHOR NOT INSANELY POPULAR YET?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews