A reclusive vampire duke. A determined debutante. A Gothic romance born of moonlight and madness.Leonard Greystone, Duke of Harwood, has spent decades avoiding the living—and for good reason. Cursed with immortality and bound by honor, he survives by strict restraint, hiding his nature behind shuttered doors and unyielding control. Connection is a danger he cannot afford.
Miss Eliza Radcliffe has never had the luxury of fear. When her family faces ruin, she accepts an extraordinary marriage to the reclusive duke of a notorious estate. Harwood Hall whispers of shadows and secrets, but Eliza is determined to secure her family’s future—no matter the cost to her own heart.
What begins as wary conversation becomes a dangerous bond neither expected.
Eliza’s presence tests Leonard’s discipline, awakening a yearning he has long denied—not for blood, but for companionship, faith, and a future he believed forever lost. Yet the closer they grow, the more perilous the truth becomes.
Because loving a monster is easy. Surviving his secrets is not.
Duke Undying is Book One of Season of Shadows—standalone clean Gothic Regency romances where monsters hide in plain sight, love demands courage, and redemption is hard-won. Each book guarantees an emotionally satisfying happily-ever-after.
Buy Duke Undying for a tale of clean romance and overcoming curses today!What readers are ★★★★★ "Both sweeping and intimate, rich in atmosphere but anchored by character and heart ... a standout example of how blending genres can breathe new life into beloved tropes." - Tracy ★★★★★ "I haven’t read a vampire book in a long time, but I am very glad I read this one." - Diane
What to ✔️ Kissing ✔️ No cursing ✔️ Closed Door After Marriage
Included Historical Romance
✔️ Gothic atmosphere and Regency elegance ✔️ A tormented, honorable immortal hero ✔️ A practical, courageous heroine ✔️ Emotional redemption and a guaranteed HEA
❖ Classic Romance. Gothic Intrigue. Love That Conquers Curses. ❖
While this may be a comforting read for others, it ultimately was not the book for me. I didn’t hate it or anything. I was very intrigued by the idea of a gothic vampire romantasy set in the Regency era, and the setup follows a classic marriage-of-convenience romance. However, the mix of vampires and theology felt a bit odd to me personally. I’ve read other books where supernatural creatures and theological themes worked well together, but it just didn’t fully work for me here. If you’re looking for a predictable, character-driven romance, this might still be a good fit for you.
In Duke Undying by C. Karloff, Leonard Greystone is a reluctant vampire (or vampyr, if you like) grappling with what he is whilst simultaneously longing for the company he has foregone for almost half a century. Eliza Radcliffe is desperate to make a match to pull her family out of financial ruin, and her only prospect after three failed Seasons is a disgusting old man. When Leonard offers marriage, it seems like a perfect match for the both of them, yet he’s keeping his nature secret and Eliza’s determined to find out what’s going on.
Negative thoughts:
-This book does dual POVs, both Eliza and Leonard’s, which is fine, but then the author has a little overlap and thus I re-read conversations I just got through a couple pages earlier, with perhaps a word or two different, which can make the action drag a little.
-Unless I misread it, it seemed like Eliza married Leonard two days after meeting him. She met him at the ball, then had the dinner the next night, then the wedding the night after that. That seems extremely fast for the time. I guess since they’re doing it at night, and outside of the legal hours, they wouldn’t have banns or a common license.
-The sex scene is so fade to black that I was confused for a second that it had happened. It’s a disappointment, because it could have been really great reading about his struggle for concern mingling with his passion. It didn’t have to be graphically described or anything, and I knew it was a clean romance, but just a little more description before jumping to afterward could have been beneficial.
-The love was awful fast, too. They knew each other three days with a couple conversations, then the carriage ride however long that took, then a few nights at the hall. So essentially the span of a fortnight, even though they didn’t spend much time in each other’s presence or have many conversations on page or off. I really would have liked more yearning and slowburn.
-This book might be too short to really dig deep into the story. It’s not until 45% that they reach Harwood Hall, which is wild because literally only three days passed (plus however many days it took to reach the ancestral home by coach) between the beginning of the book and that point. It wasn’t jam-packed with events, either: just the dance where they met, the dinner, and then the wedding. Everything after that happens really fast, and problems are quickly wrapped up immediately after being broached.
Positive thoughts:
+I loved the part where Leonard was trapped on the doorstep, unable to enter because of his vampirism while Eliza’s family’s servant nattered away, oblivious to Leonard’s discomfort.
+It was fun to read Eliza recognising there was something Off or at least Unusual about Leonard, a quality she couldn’t determine, like when she watched him step through fog which parted before him.
+Eliza is such a sweet character. She’s ready to sacrifice herself to save her family, and when she has a chance at happiness, she’s overwhelmed with joy not for herself but at the thought her little sister will now be able to have a Season as well.
+I also liked that Eliza’s mother ran contrary to how mothers are usually posed in Regency type books when it’s make-or-break and their daughter needs to be married. She’s actually concerned about Eliza rushing into marriage and hesitant, reluctant to allow her to do it even though the entire family’s future relies on the marriage and this is her next to last option.
+It’s always a thrill reading not-human/human romances when the not-human has to fight to control their urges to destroy or consume, and this book does it very well, Leonard struggling valiantly to keep his bloodlust (prompted by regular ole lust!) in check.
I recommend this to people who enjoy really clean romances and those who like inhuman characters struggling with who they are.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Duke Undying: Season of Shadows: Book 1 was a delightful and clean historical romance. It was a quick read that left me satisfied and smiling. The story was cleverly told and had a genuine historical feel. The characters, a proper lady in her situation and an honorable man with tremendous flaws, made for a charming romance. I enjoyed the loyal household staff, which completed this for a wonderful story.
Thanks, Booksirens, for my advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
*** I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
"Remember all that made you who you are."
Duke Undying was my introduction to the paranormal gothic Regency romance genre. Up until now, the only paranormal romances I've read were contemporary romantic comedies, but I decided to give this book a go because I love Regency romances—and I'm happy to say I enjoyed every minute of it.
[THE STORY]
Leonard Greystone, the Duke of Harwood, is a vampire. He's been fighting an internal battle for the past five decades, trying to retain his humanity despite the urge to give in to his natural cravings. On one of his rare nights out at a ball, he meets Eliza, who's desperately in need of a husband to save her family from complete ruin. They enter a marriage of convenience that grants Eliza's family security and Leonard the companionship he's longed for for decades. Leonard is honest with Eliza in warning her that theirs won't be a conventional marriage, but he's left out one very important detail—one that will force Eliza to make a life-changing decision.
[THE REVIEW]
I loved that Leonard and Eliza weren't drawn to each other simply because of physical attraction; they understood each other on a deeper level—they were kindred spirits. It was risky for either of them to trust the other, but they did. And it was lovely watching their love for and devotion to each other grow over time. They were characters you couldn't help but root for.
What I loved most about Eliza was that she was strong and brave, not in a girlboss kind of way, but because she had to be—because of her love for her family, especially Kit. She's someone who will go to great lengths for the people she loves.
Leonard broke my heart; he never asked for immortality, and he suffered much because of it, with a deep sense of loneliness being the greatest price he had to pay. In the same way, as the eldest daughter, Eliza carried the burden of securing an advantageous marriage to save her family from a situation that wasn't her doing. It made sense to me why they both agreed to a marriage of convenience, despite how unwise or risky it seemed; they were both desperate to escape dire futures.
Through Leonard, we're shown how the choices you make determine who you really are. I loved his relationship with his father and appreciated how that and his faith played important parts in helping him retain his humanity by grounding him and reminding him of who he really is. One thing I wish we had explored more was Leonard's turning: Who was it who turned him, and why?
I was also impressed by the amount of thought, research, and science that went into creating Leonard's feeding system. It was a system that reflected his intelligence, his true character, and his principles.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series :)
What a stunning, riveting debut this was for Ms. Karloff. She's one of my most favorite regency romance authors who has ventured into paranormal romance with this novel under her alter-ego C. Karloff. I've read her entire Inconvenient Brides series, and her foray into vampire romance with this book has shown me that she can conjure up stories featuring supernatural beings with the same masterful writing that has characterized all her previous works. With this book alone, I know all the others that are yet to come would be worth anticipating with impatience and gusto.
There was so much about this story that I loved, but the one that stood out the most to me was the MMC's continued loyalty to his religious faith in spite of his vampiric nature and what loyalty to that faith does to him physically. Being a vampire meant he had a monster within him that could do so much evil and harm if the human side of him were to lose control. I loved how it was precisely his loyalty to his faith that gave him the strength to control his vampiric urges and remain as the honorable man he's always strived to be, even when adherence to that faith was causing him a great deal of pain. It is a testament to the power of conscious, informed choice in directing one's life and outcomes. It tells us that being a monster does not mean one has no choice but to commit monstrous acts. Instead, one still can choose to rise above one's monstrous nature and live with integrity and honor. That is true whether it is a fictional world of vampires and other paranormal beings, or in the real world of ex-convicts, former drug addicts, and other individuals whose paths once went astray but who are now committed to living honorably.
I can't wait for the rest of this series to continue. Knowing that this is only book one means there is indeed so much to look forward to in the books that are yet to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book! I am a big reader of vampire books, have been reading the genre for almost 30 years now, with all types of vampires, from tormented to laid back. However, Leonard Graystone is on another level of restraint. I liked Eliza as a character, she is not the crazy type of woman,determined to marry and swoon on the first occasion of distress. She is capable of change, has a certain moral strenght above other characters. However, for me this book would be a 3,5stars. I don't know, I don't feel the story. It's not gothic,it's not quite historical romance, the male character is not morally dark even if he is a vampire... The story doesn't put the finger on a certain subject, tries to touch more points and doesn't land where I thought it would. It is, however, interesting regarding restraint: the whole book is a picture of civility and honor, and how a powerful will can surpass basic needs. I have received this book as ARC from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the book!
Normally, the Regency Romances I read tend to be about balls and the ton, sometimes with a poor female thrown in there who ends married to a wealthy aristocrat. I don’t often come across Gothic Regencies. Well, I don’t often read them anyway. However, I have found myself enjoying the Gothic genre more and more lately and a Gothic Regency with a vampyr as the hero, well, this is the first one I’ve read. That being said, I truly enjoyed reading this story. The writing style is definitely Gothic in nature and just pulled me right in. I really enjoyed the fact Eliza was so strong and capable. There was the definite heartfelt sigh at the end as well, signifying an emotional reaction to the romance itself. So we have romance, Regency—one of my favorite genres—Gothic and—added bonus—supernatural as well. What’s not to love?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As the description on this book said, this is clean regency vampire romance. I'm not sure about the gothic as it is not my usual read.
I was interested in this as I do like vampire romance and historical romance. So I was intrigued.
The writing and storyline are good and anyone who enjoys this world will enjoy the book more than I did.
I was able to connect with Leonard as the lonely reclusive Duke fighting to keep his honor and humanity. It's a tough balance to write a character like this and I think the author has done well.
I just felt a disconnect with Leonard despising the vampire side of himself. I could not connect with that as I prefer vampire characters who are accepting of what they are and lean into it rather than avoid it at all costs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The honourable vampire When Leonard, Duke of Harwood decides to marry Eliza Radcliffe to rescue her from a distasteful union, he intends it strictly as a marriage of convenience. That is the only way to hide his ‘condition’, his vampirism. But, through a series of strange incidents, during which he barely manages to save his bride, he is confronted with her mortality, her fragility compared to his superhuman strength. The story follows his evolution from cold, inaccessible duke to starting to care for his new duchess, although he cannot imagine condemning her to eternal damnation. Will death force his hand? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm always intrigued by historical paranormal romance or monster romance. This book had potential to be eerie and romantic. I'll start with things I liked:
- Leonard's relationship with his father and how truly noble he is
- Eliza's determination and stubbornness in reaching out to Leonard, indeed she is the one that moves this story along
- Eliza's relationship with her mother as well, who cared more about Eliza's safety and happiness
What I didn't like:
- too much internalizing and agonizing over the same thing over and over again
- the pacing felt slow. I was more interested in figuring it out how Leonard fed otherwise I would have DNF'd
- there didn't seem to be much character growth for either of them
It was a relatively nice book. It was a light read and I liked the no spice aspect to it, however, they hardly knew each other at all and claimed to be in love, which isn't that appalling since it's set in the 1800s but it really lacked the high stakes for me. We knew he was a vampire from the start and were just waiting for her to figure it out and only one really surprising thing happened and was quickly handled. For me it was just on the rather bland side, but I still respect the fact that it was good enough to finish. I would have loved to see more will they/won't they. Really good for when you want a quick, easy read. If you're looking for something to transform you, this isn't necessarily it.
Edit: Would like to add that I plan to read the rest of the series since I do find it relatively interesting.
This was a very interesting book! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up loving it! There was a nice gothic feel without the horror that sometimes goes along with that kind of book. The romance was sweet and uplifting, and even though intimacy was mentioned, it wasn’t crass, but rather closed door, focusing more on feelings rather than actions. The close relationship that this couple enjoyed by the end of the story was perfect, and the mention of holy things and places as well as God was done in a way that fit with the story and added to it, and was not irreverent. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
This is the first book I have read from this author but it certainly will not be the last. I was hooked from the first chapter. I liked the different view of what it meant to be a vampire, one with morals and such depth of character. His use of animal blood versus human was quite refreshing. I liked the fact that I also learned about the Maasai people of Africa and their sacred rituals of blood letting cows. It makes it less disagreeable. Leonard and Eliza made a perfect pair. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal romance readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I struggled to wade through this one. It could have been condensed and it would have been more interesting to me. I liked both main characters, but the story seemed old and used. The storyline seemed to drag on unessisarily.
I love vampire stories, but this one didn't make the cut or hold my interest enough.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
A gothic feel with a mix of vampire fantasy and historical romance - count me in! The romance between Leonard and Eliza was innocent and sweet, each character was thoughtfully written, and I appreciated the attention given to Harwood Hall. There were parts that felt slow-paced and some of Eliza's responses had me scratching my head, but I enjoyed the story overall. Thanks to the author for the ARC, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Duke Undying is a regency vampire romance (a cross between my two favorite genres)! One of my favorite tropes, a marriage of convenience, sets the emotional landscape for a sensible, pragmatic FMC and a tortured, despondent vampire MMC. Karloff crafted an excellent prologue as well, which further fueled my belief that thorough enjoyment awaited me between the pages. And this story did not disappoint!
Eliza is a very strong and unwavering woman. She will do what is needed for her family no matter what. I enjoyed both the povs in this book. Leonard’s struggle and helplessness at times and Eliza’s curiosity and steadfastness with her relationship with him.
A very different regency romance which I enjoyed, I’m a bit partial to vampire stories. Liked the world building and the characters. Many hard decisions had to be made. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Great book engaging and rightly finished.. will look forward to more suchI received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For lovers of "Rebecca" and " Beauty and the Beast". Redemption for virtue. Satisfying resolution with integrity and kindness prevailing, but not an especially artful read.
Leonard Greystone, Duke of Harwood, became infected with vampirism when he was a young man. Before and after he was turned, he learned from his father the value of honor. He made it his imperative to follow those principles. Eliza Radcliffe is from a family in trouble. She needs to marry to correct their financial situation. When they meet, there is an immediate connection. They are two lost souls drawn together by loneliness. How will a marriage work if she does not know his secrets? How can they truly share a life and future? Challenges, an odd household, secrets, and a crazed villain. Everything about this well-crafted story, the hero, heroine, Jonas (Leonard’s Renfield), the castle on the moors, the atmosphere, and the description and dialogue, is reminiscent of the classic Gothics. I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
A wonderful paranormal historical romance read!! Leonard was such an interesting character (I particularly loved the opening scene where he discovered he was a vampire!) Well written, rich description & emotive!
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy!