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Chatterley: A gothic reimagining of the most scandalous love story ever told

Not yet published
Expected 28 Feb 26
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What if the most scandalous romance ever told was rewritten as a dark, gothic romantasy?

Sir Clifford Chatterley turned me into a vampire to prove a theory — that feral creatures like me could be domesticated, civilised, and made acceptable for his aristocratic world. He keeps me chained and starved, drowning my hunger in silver and ash while he moulds me into the perfect Progeny wife.

But his gamekeeper sees something different when he looks at me.

Oliver Mellors doesn't want to tame me. He wants to unleash me. In the dark woods beyond Wragby Hall, he teaches me to hunt. To feed. To feel. He shows me that the wildness my husband is trying to suppress isn't shameful — it's my power.

Between the lord who wants to break me and the vampire who wants to free me, I discover a hunger that has nothing to do with blood. And everything to do with taking back what's mine.

My body. My desire. My rage.

You know the story.

But you don’t know my story.



'Chatterley' by Cara Clare is a standalone, deliciously dark, gothic reimagining where Lady Chatterley has fangs, the gamekeeper knows how to use his, and burning down the patriarchy has never been so satisfying.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 28, 2026

58 people want to read

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Cara Clare

19 books314 followers

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Rary  ⏾ ❤︎.
99 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2026
ARC Read: NetGallery & Plume Noire Books

This story is a reimagining of Lady Chatterley with a supernatural twist. Connie is a prisoner in Clifford’s castle where he tortures her in an attempt to turn her into a civilised vampire who survives only on animal blood. Secretly she falls in love with Oliver the groundskeeper and the plot unfolds around their desperate attempt to escape Clifford’s cruel control.

I enjoyed this book as I love vampires, forbidden love and a bit of spice. This story packed a bunch of spice. The cover was gorgeous too however I just wish the author hadn’t included the scene involving the defiling of an animal’s skull it didn’t sit right with me. But otherwise this was a good read and a happy ending.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for greta.
471 reviews439 followers
Review of advance copy
February 16, 2026
this unfortunately wasn't for me. i couldn't connect with the characters at all because the romance felt insta lovey and also really forced... connie was naive and cliche at times and mellors was a horn-dog. i loved ghost the best out of them all lmao.

the writing style was one of the biggest issues. because of it, i couldn't get into the story and it just wasn't written in a way that would feel believable. i loved the short chapters, though.

while i loved the idea of the plot, the execution wasn't the best. also 80% of the book is just smut and not well written at that. 😭 it's such a pity because i thought i would enjoy this! it also didn't really give me gothic vibes. i wish we saw more of the plot instead of smutty scenes over and over again.
Profile Image for Jessica.
595 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 13, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Chatterley is the perfect mix of dark, gothic, and spicy book. I love the author's take on the classic "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and how she adapted the story to include fantastical elements and to make it darker.

Chatterley adapts the original story in a way that makes sense in this world. Lady Chatterley is a newly turned vampire, turned by Clifford to prove to the council of old vampires that it is safe to turn new humans, and that they can be tamed not to attack humans. To do so, Clifford keeps Cannie chained with silver and starved. Rather than taming her nature, it ignites her hunger and desire to be free and feral, and she finds the perfect outlet with Mallors, who helps unleash her. I found that the story's setting, which made it a dark, gothic romantasy, was cleverly done, and I loved the world the author created - whilst it was not fully fleshed out, it was coherent and realistic.

From the get-go, I loved the writing and the way the story emphasised themes such as shame around a woman's sexuality, hunger (and anger), and desire. I also really liked Connie as a main character with her wild nature and her desire to destroy, and I loved her relationship with Mallors - based on pure desire, growing to love by the pure acceptance Mallors gives to Connie. He makes her feel powerful instead of shamed for her desire, and I really liked the way it was portrayed.

The atmosphere was always well done - perfectly dark and gothic, with talk of war, death, restrained desires and shame. I really liked how gory some scenes got, and the author was not scared to go full-on. This book is VERY SPICY, but in a way that is well done. I loved the emphasis on Connie's desire, the way her vampire nature and her sexual nature are intertwined, and I really liked how her story was shown in flashbacks. To be honest, it was my first time reading about BDSM where the man actively seeks to be dominated, and honestly, I ate it up. I liked how much Mallors adored Connie.

The plot, whilst not super complicated, is interesting and engaging. It was evident what was going to happen from the beginning (the prologue spoils it all), and it was more about the journey rather than the intrigue.

Definitely would recommend if you want a good spicy gothic romance! I do hope the author plans to write more spicy classic retellings because this was super fun!
Profile Image for Natasha  Leighton .
774 reviews443 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
This was a spicy, gothic (vampire-filled) retelling of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, that definitely lived up to its extensive list of BDSM/ kink based content warnings!

Now, I should probably mention I’ve never actually read the original Lady Chatterley’s Lover, so can’t say how accurate this retelling is plot wise.

I can however tell you that the emotional intensity and yearning between our vampire protagonists Connie (Lady Chatterley) and Oliver Mellors (her husband’s groundskeeper) were incredibly delicious. The romantic scenes they share were soo steamy, but also delved into aspects from both of their pasts, which made their feelings for each other feel more than just superficial or lust based.

I also really empathised with Connie, who’s endured nothing but judgement from everyone around her. And my heart really broke for her in the flashback scenes of her human life (and how low her self esteem was as a result.) But loved that Oliver gave her an outlet free of shame and judgement, that allowed her to really explore herself and decide who she wanted to be.

Was it mostly steamy? Yes! But she really grows into her own during these scenes (which were fabulously steamy) and sees Connie actually take back control and explore her deepest desires with someone who cares about her. As well as rage against the patriarchy (and the vampire wet blanket that is her husband, Sir Clifford.)

I adored Oliver too, who despite his gruff demeanour is actually a bit of a (protective) cinnamon roll when it comes to Connie. If you love a “who hurt you” coded shadow daddy (with fangs) as much as I do (and a kink for being dominated by his lady) then you’re gonna absolutely love him.

Connie’s husband however, was soo unlikeable! He gave off strong vampire William Collins (from Pride & Prejudice) vibes that made me despise him (and root for his downfall) from the very first chapter.

Overall, a satisfyingly insatiable, (and blood soaked) Dark Fantasy that I genuinely couldn’t put down!

Also, a thanks to Instabooktours and Cara Clare for the review arc.
Profile Image for Momo.
373 reviews150 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
Chatterley is such a great standalone supernatural romance! It's a dark and a bit macabre story of Lady Chatterley becoming a Vampire and beign told to surpress her nature and become what her sire want's her to be. I loved the writing, its immerivse, deep, intense and really well structured. The pacing of the book is perfect, there wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy in the story.

And the spice...😌 Oh wow, the mix of bdsm, forbidden desires and the mix of dominance and submissivness was soooooo good. Every scene had me on the edge, the eoritc aspects added to the book's story of Connie's awakening, not just as a new Vampire but as a woman who's desires were always frowned upon.

Oliver is my favourite type of MMC, will unalive for her but will also help her take back control. He will dominate for her pleasure but will still enjoy her taking charge. Their relationship was a bit insta-lusty but it came from a deep desire for understanding one another and their mutual want for being different not like the other Vampires want them to be.

I felt so immersed into the story I couldnt put it down once I sat down to read. I think so many people who love Erotic romance with dark supernatural vampire themes (lots of blood drinking) will find this story really enjoyable.

Thank you to the author and Insta book tours for the ARC copy! I loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Georgia.
363 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
Chatterley is a dark, gothic reimagining of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and I really enjoyed its vampire romance twist. It takes the classic story and turns it into something fresh and original, it feels like a book with its own identity rather than just a retelling.

In this version, Connie has been turned into a vampire by her husband, Lord Chatterley, who’s an awful, controlling man. I absolutely hated him. He’s cruel and twisted, determined to force Connie into a strict, lifeless existence. But what really drives the story is Connie’s connection with Mellors, the groundskeeper. Their relationship grows beautifully from pure lust into something deeper, love and genuine devotion.

The gothic atmosphere is rich and sensual, with plenty of spice and some darker elements that definitely make it a bold read.

Overall, I loved the combination of gothic romance, danger, and desire. If you enjoy vampire love stories that reimagine classics in intriguing new ways, Chatterley is well worth picking up.

4 stars.

Thank you to Instabook tours and the author for sending me an advance reader copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Laura Pritchard.
38 reviews
February 8, 2026
Chatterley is a gothic reimagining of Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Connie has been turned into a vampire by Clifford; however, as a progeny vampire, he follows strict rules and is determined to force Connie into the same controlled existence. Despite this, Connie finds herself irresistibly drawn to Mellors, the groundskeeper, and what unfolds is dark, gothic, and at times very spicy…

This was my first book by Cara Clares, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, featuring plenty of spice including wax and blood play. The story moves at a steady pace for most of the book, before shifting up a gear towards the end. I really enjoyed Connie’s spirit and determination as a character, as well as Mellors’ unwavering devotion to her.

The novel leans more towards light fantasy, with fairly simple world-building, keeping the focus firmly on Connie and Mellors’ relationship. It is ultimately a romance story with a gothic twist. If you’re a fan of spicy vampire romances, this may well be the book for you!
Profile Image for Leigh's Little Library.
483 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book and I thought it was an atmospherically gothic story with a writing style that depicts the time period in which the events take place.

I had never heard of Lady Chatterleys Lover so had no idea what the story was about, but I have read Cara's Nova series and loved it so I had no doubt, going in blind, that I would enjoy this one too!

After doing a bit of digging and learning about the original story that Cara's depiction is based on, I think she hit the mark in her portrayal of these characters, by taking these characters and re imagining them as vampires and creating a seductive story of strength, love, and rage.

Connie didn't ask to be turned. Her choice was taken away from her and then she was forced to deny her basic urges, told they were sinful and tortured until those instincts faded and she became a shell of herself. Then she encountered Oliver, and then she started to feel again. She learned what it was to embrace who she is. With Olivers help she will escape Sir Cliffords clutches, but it isn't easy.
Profile Image for Beesbooks02 .
211 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
Chatterley by Cara Clare
Release date 28th February 2026
3.5 ⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Chatterley is a mixture of gothic and dark romance, it takes on a classical hue of Lady Chatterleys lover that entices the reader to read a darker version of the classical tale. It follows lady Chatterley who's been recently turned into a vampire and might as well be a science experiment for her new husband, Sir Clifford.

The writing style is a unique blend of classical literature and dark, it shows you the emphasis on how women are shamed for their sexuality or any emotion that they portray. The plot whilst not exciting is very imaginative and has ways of drawing you in. The chapters, we're the perfect length and gave you enough information without feeling as though everything is been thrown at you all at once. Chatterley is definitely a book I'd recommend readers in the autumnal months for a dark and spicy read.

I'd like to thank Netgalley, plume noire books and the author for gifting me the ebook for my honest review.
Profile Image for Faye Anne.
687 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 4, 2026
Chatterley wastes absolutely no time getting going! I knew as soon as I read the Prologue that this was going to hit for me - I loved how direct but descriptive the writing was and it hooked me straight away. I haven't read the original novel, but I have seen an adaption, and I loved how Chatterley took key events from Lady Chatterley's Lover and put them into this bloodthirsty paranormal romance, full of yearning, rage and revenge. It was just so satisfying! 

Some of the spicy scenes were VERY unexpected. I definitely didn't have a few of those on my bingo card this year! The author's note at the start of the book contains the content warnings. It does have some dark and kink-focused content in it, so definitely make sure you're comfortable with that. But if you are, this is definitely a good time!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Nichole Elizabeth.
622 reviews28 followers
February 16, 2026
Thanks to the author for the ARC!

This was a super fast paced Lady of Chatterley's Lover retelling. We follow Connie who is a newly turned vampire and her sire is attempting to form her into the perfect dutiful vampire who can control their blood lust. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the nods to defeating the patriarchy and the strength Connie has on her own without a man. Yes she has Oliver but he is there to support her and let her reach her full potential. As always with Cara Clare, there are an abundance of spicy scenes throughout the book.

There were some flashback scenes to show how Connie got to where she is but these felt random and disjointed from the other parts of the story. My only other gripe with the book was that the ending was very rushed. I would have liked to see a bit more of the final showdown and a continuation of their final plans rather than just the promise they would do it next. This is a fast-easy read but don't go in expecting much plot.
Profile Image for thetbrhoarder.
177 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
Have you ever read a book and immediately thought ‘This needs to be made into a movie’ - there’s not many times I’ve believed it could be done properly but this? I believe this could be made into a fantastic gothic film which would stay with you for a long time - just like the book will do with me. I knew I’d love this retelling as soon as I saw Cara begin to market it, and it did not disappoint. The vampiric Lady C was a brilliant change of pace and fitted her personality perfectly. Clifford is the epitome of a man who thinks he knows best and underestimated a woman. The setting was pure perfection and a gothic delight. If this is your first book by Cara then you have hit a goldmine and I hope you have the best time reading, the spice was super charged and worthy of these blood ravaged lovers and flowed brilliantly with the storytelling.
Profile Image for Meg.
123 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 17, 2026
This book was a fabulous perception of women’s sexuality! I adore that the FMC fought against both the physical and mental boundaries that were put in place to prevent her from bettering herself. I found it so satisfying when she finally fought back and I was cheering her on the whole way. The sexy bad boy was so addictive and I loved the way he focused on the FMC’s pleasure and helping her to push boundaries to unveil the full potential of her power. There was some extreme content that I know those who are fans of Fifty Shades of Grey will absolutely love.
A sexy and powerful novel that helps destroy the patriarchy and powers that prevent women for reaching their full potential!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Profile Image for Kirstin ♡⚔.
251 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 12, 2026
☆ℕ𝕖𝕥𝕘𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨☆
A dark, gothic reimagining of one of the most scandalous classic books ever written... And make them vampires. I couldn't get my hands on this book quick enough, and it did not disappoint!.Cara Claire does an amazing job at writing female rage through the FMC Connie, who has been oppressed and down castle by religious and sexist opinions just for trying to live her own life. Mellor is everything you want out of an MMC, he helps Connie discover her true self without taking over and domineering. He encourages and is constantly in awe of everything she does. And the spiiiiiiice 🫠🫠🫠
Definitely recommend this one 🖤
Profile Image for Anna S.
53 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 13, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book

3 solid vampire ★



This is my first introduction to Cara Clare and I think this is a perfect short and sweet book to make you feel that spooky season air.
Really enjoyed the growth of our FMC. Despite forgetting practically everything about who she was before turning, she was able do become someone new, someone stronger and confident. She also found herself a hot new vampire boyfriend.



What to expect:
- Gothic
- Vampires
- Forced (kinda?) marriage
- Dual POV
- Dual timeline
- Vampire spice in interesting places
- Don't forget to check TW

Profile Image for Nicole Deloe.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026
Cara Clare has retold a story in a way that makes you rethink the original in a new light as well as making it feel brand new. This was one of the only stories that made me root for the FMC from start to finish, and feel feminine rage myself from start to finish. The MMC was a supporting role and not the highlight of the story (as most books have been for me lately). He was supportive and loyal and had the perfect blend of dominance and submission. The FMC was the perfect blend of curious, brave, and hesitant. I loved every word and cannot wait to read what Cara has in store for us next!
Profile Image for HannahS.
17 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
February 17, 2026
I received this book as a ARC and it was a really great read! The dark gothic vibes , the yearning, the vampire lore and the smut all put together made for really enjoyable retelling of a classic. The writting is top tier and I adored the way the manor and surrounding forest was described it just made for a really lovely reading experience. The spice? Next level but doesn’t overtake the plot just enhances the two main characters stories. The cherry on top is the theme of female rage and tie this all together and you have an awesome book. Would recommend if you like gothic spicy romance!
77 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 8, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book to read!


Having watched Lady Chatterley's Lover I can confidently say this is a PERFECT retelling. The dark Gothic themes and the addition of vampires makes this such a spooky, spicy story to read. It would be a perfect book to read in October, despite the release date being early in the year.

I have no complaints or gripes with this book, it was perfect, every aspect of it.
Profile Image for Sarah Borley.
133 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
I was super excited to recieve this book as I love all of cara clares books and this one didnt disappoint. I havent read lady chatterlys lover but now iv read this book i would defo give it a go. the characters and what they go through to be together was outstanding and had me gripped from the beginning right to the very end. im not sure if this is the only book but I hope there will be others and I cant wait to see how it ends
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