Haunting Celeste: A Standalone Vampire Romcom

by Llianne Olivo

The French Quarter has a new King! And he's a filthy vampire!

An English pianist falls hard for a Black saxophone player in the age of segregation—and loses his humanity the night a Vampire Goddess claims his life. Bound to Celeste’s bloodline for nearly a century, Julien lingers like a curse in a French Quarter house where ghosts remember everything, love turns feral, and women die young. This time, Celeste refuses to die without bleeding him dry. But when devotion curdles into obsession and immortality becomes a velvet-lined prison of shapeshifting friends and foes, the question sharpens its fangs: will she break the cycle—or be consumed by it? And can she dominate the morally black vampire who destroyed her mother and grandmother… or will he devour her last?

Haunting Celeste is a Southern Gothic Vampire Romantic Comedy steeped in jazz, reincarnation, profanity, ancestral sin, and forbidden desire.

Full CW is on the author’s website or within the book.

Note: This is the primary listing to review this book. All others are system duplicates.

Genres: Dark Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Romantasy

222 pages, ebook

Published December 31, 2025

About the author

Llianne Olivo is a Dominican-American author of dark, emotionally charged romance, known for stories of obsession, dangerous possession, and multicultural characters who rarely make the safe choice.

Beyond writing, she works in indie publishing and supports fellow authors as they pursue their publishing dreams.

When she isn’t writing, she’s usually designing 100 covers at 3 am, singing, foraging, or dreaming about the end of the world.

Subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates.

Reviews

[Harley]

This is my first book by her and I loved it!

Now me have no triggers however if YOU have triggers then YOU need to read them so you aren’t giving an inaccurate review because you dived in without your safety net.

This is dark, disturbing, sick, twisted, crazy and just like WHAT?! Ok I devoured, yes I did

Circe.. watch out for that one because there’s more to this one than you think

Celeste.. there’s an interesting story behind them yes them, multiple keep reading for the m!ndf*ck

Julian.. poor Julian but then ok wow wait did that happened oh you dirty old vampire

If you’re not into taboo and hey I thought there was no taboo but I kept reading and umm yes there is the taboo and you need to read to find out

This is a quickie but it’s a good quickie and I’m ready to read more from her because this was oh soooooo good!! I feel I need more after all is said and done with the new daughter (only flat out spoiler you get)

Add to your tbr and prepare for 12/31/25 so you can jump in and devour

[Lady T]

Haunting Celeste is a sultry, pitch-black vampire romance that drips Louisiana heat, jazz-era ghosts, and immortal obsession. Celeste’s raw vulnerability hits hard, and that possessive, dangerous hero energy? Pure addiction.
Olivo’s prose is poetic and unapologetic—hoodoo vibes, blood-soaked spice, generational trauma, all wrapped in gothic roses. It’s darker and more atmospheric than Haunting Adeline, with reincarnation twists and a killer playlist.
Short, intense, and hauntingly beautiful. If you crave taboo vampire love that ruins you deliciously, dive in. Just heed those triggers.

xxx
LadyTintheHouse

[Ares Tempest]

Haunting Celeste is a Gothic, Taboo, dark novella. Celeste is trapped in a generational curse and doesn't realize it till her birthday. Julien poor tortured murderous Julien. he takes Psycho to a delicious level of f-u-c-k-e-r-y. I loved and hated this novella. at times it was so heart wretching and devastating at others it was empowering and freeing. Definitely check the triggers. spice was 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. Llianne wrote an amazing novella and I truly commend her.

[Deja Freeman]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’m giving it 2.5 stars. I did highlight some good quotes but I thought the plot was dry and not engaging.

[Ally-Chaos Demon]

Advanced Reader Review

When you first start reading, you get lulled into the sense of "oh this is a sweet Gothic romantasy.." WRONG... When Llianne said it's taboo, she meant it! It comes at you out of nowhere.
We have Circe - our love sick goddess who'd do anything for the object of her desire.
Julien Duval- the man turn vampire, the object of Circe's desire.
Celeste- they, yes plural, are the objects of Julien's love, his obsession, his ultimate sacrifice.
This story brings you back in time when people weren't allowed to love freely, social status was a thing, hiding your love was a must in this time if you wanted to survive, freedom to love was not allowed. That's when Julien and Celeste got creative.

Dive into the world of Haunting Celeste, but PLEASE check TWs, your mental health matters. Full list of TWs can be found on Llianne's website, link in bio.

[Kelly]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the first in the Haunting Love Stories series. It's a Southern gothic dark vampire romance with explicit content and taboo themes, so I would recommend reading the trigger warnings.

I thought the book cover was beautiful, and that made me feel very drawn to this book. The general design of the book is also beautiful, as you'll see if you read it. I noticed quite early on that I felt a connection with Celeste, and I liked the way she articulated herself. I also thought Mischief was an awesome character and added that little bit of quirkiness to the story.

I really enjoyed the Southern gothic vibe, and this was a satisfying spicy read. It was easy to finish in one sitting, but it did leave me craving a little bit more. After reading this, I feel like I should check out more books by this author.

Thank you to Booksirens, and to the author, for a free copy to review.

[Sean]

I loved this book! I was lucky enough to receive it as an ARC and honestly I couldnt put it down! I do HIGHLY recommend checking your trigger warnings before reading though because this book is definitely darker and has some very dark themes. I mean we are talking about a pitch black vampire romance set in New Orleans after all.

[Aivlyn Lane]

absolutely loved this book. I read it in a few hours and I ATE IT UP!!!!!!
The author did so freaking well

[Maryann Larucci-Troche]

I absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed the story, Haunting of Celeste! The mythology characters featured in the storyline add an incredible level of excitement. The story is filled with thrilling, hot, and spicy scenes, making it a nonstop page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

This story truly pulls at your heartstrings and stirs a whirlwind of emotions. I felt the intense love, anger, and deep sadness that resonated deeply with me. Set in a tough era of unfairness, pain, and prejudice, these themes only heighten the story’s impact and emotional pull.

Throughout, powerful morals emerge—staying true to oneself despite the risks, confronting challenges with honesty, and forging ahead with unwavering conviction in your actions. This story is an exhilarating ride full of passion, courage, and unforgettable moments.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment of Haunting of Celeste and exploring all the other captivating books by Llianne Olivo.

I was delighted to receive an advanced reader copy of Haunting Celeste by Llianme Olivo for free, for an honest review. A big thank you to BookSirens for sending me the ebook!

[Rhiannon Cheyenne]

Haunting Celeste - Llianne Olivo

Words cannot describe how much I love this story. New Orleans holds a special place in my heart and in my family’s heart so the fact that this book is set in it and the author talks about the history of the French Quarter and shares different resources on the preservation automatically makes me love it. The story is filled with themes of history and generational trauma and curses. I also love the fact that this author shows the changes that this story has been through from the beginning and to the end with the covers and the different versions. I love Celeste and Julien. I also love in the end how Circe left and finally gave them peace and how Julien finally stopped suffering and causing the Celestes to stop suffering as well

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 118 pages

Release Date 🌟 12/31/2025

Format 💫 Kindle Unlimited & Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 The Haunting, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ pitch black romance, black romance, taboo romance, paranormal romance, supernatural romance, curses, animal sidekick, hoodoo, witches, vampires

Favorite Character ☀️ Celeste

Favorite Line 🌟 ‘I eat like a cat, groom like a cat. I sleep like a cat. I protect Celeste like a goddess with her hands tied. This Celeste is more depressed than the others.’

‘I don’t hate the Celestes. They are sad women who walk with shadows, faces down, eyes full of tears. I don’t hate them. I pity them.’

‘I want to tear that envelope to shreds and bury the ashes in the Mississippi, but she’s human. ​I’m a cat and the rules are tedious.’

‘I loathe Julien for not letting me take my man back, but I own this ruin; I played with lovers, and now I’ve been made to atone.’

‘She grew up watching her mama light candles and lay out cards by the Mississippi, laughing into the black of night with no man in her bed but demons. A vampire. A monster. A lover. A destroyer. A god of love and ruin.’

‘She doesn’t like to think of the years. I need to poke at them. I need her vulnerable. That’s what feeds me. Her pain. Her agony. Her distress. Not her happiness or her joy but the things that make her twitch. I can’t wait to get more.’

“Why do you need to make me cry and suffer to feel better about yourself? Why do you have to bring me down so you can go up? Why can’t it be even? Why can’t we meet each other halfway?”

[Darkromancearabia Jin]

Haunting Celeste completely swept me away, and this revised version made me love it even more (and I love the new cover!!!). It is darker, stranger, and more taboo than I expected, and I enjoyed every second of it. You can clearly feel the author’s growth here. The writing is more elegant, the scenes are richer, and everything flows beautifully. What once felt like a raw diamond is now polished and shining.

I have always had a soft spot for vampire stories, but this one truly stands out. It blends Southern Gothic atmosphere, history, voodoo, reincarnation, and generational curses in a way that feels alive. The French Quarter setting is incredible, filled with haunted houses, jazz filled nights, and lingering grief. At times, I felt it could be adapted into a series.

Julien is tragic, obsessive, and dangerous, while Celeste is vulnerable yet strong, pulled back into a fate she cannot escape. Their connection is intense, emotional, and deeply gothic, with moments that stay with you long after finishing. Mischief, who is far more than a black cat and in fact a fallen goddess, adds a dark layer that makes the story even more twisted.

Dark, disturbing, seductive, and unforgettable, Haunting Celeste feeds my love for vampire romance and twists it into something strange, beautiful and fascinating. It is unapologetically taboo, deeply atmospheric, and absolutely addictive. A well deserved five stars for this refined version, and I will definitely be waiting to see what the author writes next.

[The Bibliophagist]

I want to address a few of the other reviews first. There were a few that stated there was no trigger warning. When you start the book, there is a clear trigger warning page in the front. The warnings are also listed on her website I believe. If you have any trauma at all, you should always be checking those. Also, it says pitch black right in the amazon listing...pitch black is not for everyone. Know what you are reading before you give low ratings because you did not choose to read the clearly labeled warnings.

That being said, I think the author did a wonderful job portraying the aftereffects of what happened to our FMC. This was tastefully done and the spice was good, but I would not say overly spicy. This was a very quick read for me. I think I finished in roughly an hour.

Like another review, I did find a plot inconsistency about how long Celeste was in the abusive home. I was not fond of the flip-flopping emotions either or how quickly the romance moved. Their emotions were all over the place, but this could be a response from Celeste's trauma as well.

Personally, I really wish this were not a novella and more of a novel. There is so much potential here for a full-length story with yearning, tension, etc. If this were a full novel I think I would have fallen in love with it!

However, if you are in this for a quick read, fast moving plot, quick romance, then this book may just be for you. Overall, this was a quick read that I enjoyed. I will be looking forward to more work by this author.

[OooLaLa Reads]

Dark & Twisted with Good Potential

Besties… "Haunting Celeste" started out strong and had me completely locked in. The gothic atmosphere... Just right. The trauma Celeste endured... Absolutely gut-wrenching. I was rooting so hard for her strength and survival, especially knowing the generational curse tied to Julien... who, by the way, is the definition of morally black and obsessively unhinged.😳

And let's chat about Mischief. Her character had me feeling conflicted.🤔 I'm thinking Mischief was going to be a cute cuddly cat... Nope! One moment I'm in shock, then I despise her, then my heart melts for her??? What a rollercoaster!

Now, somewhere around the halfway mark, things got a little murky for me. The story lost some clarity and leaned in a direction that didn’t fully land. But then turned itself around towards the end.

That said, the tragic love story tied to Celeste’s grandmother and Julien... Beautiful and painfully poetic. And Celeste’s strength throughout? We love a resilient queen.

If you’re into Southern gothic, vampires, cursed bloodlines, and darker romance… this is still worth the ride.👍🏼

My Ratings:  ⭐ 3.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 4/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Fionna Guillaume]

If you love a Southern Gothic vibe, "Sinners" meets "Diary of a Vampire" in this twisted, dark, and passionate novella. The writing is whip-sharp, as are the fangs. I enjoyed the inclusion of the goddess Circe imprisoned in cat form, and the many interconnections this story brings. Ultimately, the only elements that connect everyone are sex, blood, history, and jazz.

Overall this is an excellent story, rich with historical detail and compelling characters. The timeline did get a little muddled at times -- was it her grandmother, or great-grandmother, who was the first Celeste? And seeing an 18-year-old, however forged in personal suffering and iron will, take on a generations-old vampire was a bit of a stretch for me. Still, it was easy to get involved, and I eagerly read the whole thing in one sitting.

Reader beware: there are some intense elements here. Rape and unwilling impregnation, vampiric incest, racism, abuse, suicide - it's all in here. At the same time, there is redemption and, ultimately, a kind of happiness. Circe's character brings it all together for me, and following her story is worthwhile in itself, even if the vampire love story leaves you sucked dry.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ms.Lightsout]

*****ARC READER *****

This is my first experience with Llianne Olivia, and let me say this was a perfect introduction. Something dear to my heart is New Orleans and the folklore it embodies. This book immediately caught my attention, and I was thrilled for the opportunity ounity to read it before its release to the public. Now less about me lol and the book!

The history, story, and details are just icing on the cake. Please ensure you read the triggers before entering this story. However, I sat down and opened this ARC and fell deep down the hole that is DUVAL! Who doesnt want a moody, grumpy, musically inclined vampire? Vampire, moody cat (is it really?), and a girl who has been through it all and then more. The love detailed throughout the book, the deep-seated connection and need that thrives in the MMC is just perfect. But when my girl Celeste kicks ass and puts the hammer down, I can't tell you who I loved more at the end of the book. I think this book shows such a deep and powerful connection, while portraying the hard history from that time frame. Llianne absolutely did amazing with this book.

[Twinkle.butt.reads]

Let me start by saying… I get caught in stories, but this one? I didn’t even try to escape. Once you’re in, you’re IN. The flow is so smooth it drags you under immediately and refuses to let go.

We’ve got a cursed family, a vampire father who makes questionable life choices (sir… respectfully, WHAT), and a backstory so emotionally loaded you might wanna keep tissues nearby. I’m talking pain, trauma, love, and heartbreak served with a gothic bow.

And the spice? Oh honey… the spice is spicing. Like “fan yourself and pretend you’re fine” levels of spice. You know exactly what I mean.

This is one of those just one more chapter books that suddenly has you blinking at the clock at 3 a.m. because you NEED to know what the hell is actually going on.

Dark, emotional, addictive — Haunting Celeste will haunt your reading schedule in the best way possible.

Book Gods be damned cause I need more from the author, very well earned 5⭐️ from me!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Inarareads]

Haunting Celeste gave me major Dracula vibes, which I absolutely love. It’s not a retelling, but it definitely has that gothic vampire atmosphere from that era. The story is beautifully written, the romance is well-developed, and despite its darkness, it’s a incredibly beautiful love story.

This was my first book by the author, and I was completely captivated by her writing style. I devoured it in less than a day—it’s short but so immersive. The characters, the way the story unfolds, the plot twists, and how the stories develops were all completely unexpected😍

While reading, I kept imagining Dracula’s castle and all the different versions of Dracula I’ve seen in movies—I’m a huge fan—and this book really brought that gothic vibe to life. But beyond the vampire story, it also explores meaningful themes, and everything is so well-researched and carefully written that it feels utterly authentic.

Five sparkling stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Definitely read the trigger warnings first, as some content may be heavy. Overall, this is a gorgeous, dark, and captivating read that I highly recommend.

[V Brown LetsBeRealBooks]

Llianne Olivo's novel, Haunting Celeste, presents a complex and morally charged exploration of slav3ry, racial inequality, rap3, murd3r, obs3ssion, and s3x, all set against the backdrop of New Orleans. Oliver Kingston, a wealthy English pianist falls in love with Celeste, a gifted young saxophonist. However, their love is prohibited due to societal norms. He is turned to vampire and cursed, he then assumes the name Julien Duval leading him to concoct an elaborate plan. This book explores themes of social class differences, including rap3, murder, s3x, obs3ssion, suicid3, prostituti0n, and curs3d bloodlines. The character of Celeste undergoes significant development throughout the novel, overcoming numerous difficulties. The narrative chronicles Julien and Celeste's journey, marked by hardships, centuries of struggle!. This novel is a thought-provoking exploration of complex themes. Llianne Olivo

#llianneolivo #hauntingceleste #morallyblack #fyp #booktok #darkvampireromance #arcreview #southerngothicvampire #jazzvampirebook #reincarnation #ancestralsin #immortality

[Rachel Walter]

Beautifully unhinged, and chaotically taboo. ::chef’s kiss::

I…I’m not even sure where exactly to begin. 🥴
I’m serious!

I think that’s partially because this novella -though it isn’t a lengthy read- takes us on a paranormal/“hoodoo” adventure that spans generations, challenges racial differences, pushes the boundaries between this realm, and beyond into the paranormal.

The reveals, twists and turns, layers built up and then yanked back - all add up to truly make this novella one where you find yourself feeling ALL of the feels.
Truly.

I cannot stress enough how many times I felt I needed to: unclench my fingers from clutching my pearls, so that I could pick my jaw off the floor.
If I had to guess, though, I would say perhaps 3,333* times. Give or take.

Celeste and Julien…and even Mischief (😒) will take you on a WILD adventure you won’t soon forget 🙌😏🙌
{But maybeeeee check those TW’s🥴😅}

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

*IYKYK 🙃😉

[Scarlet]

don't be fooled by the roses because this novella will make you bleed. The mindf*ck is out of this universe. I still cannot put myself together after this book. I read Llianne quietly and don't really make a lot of noise because I work full time but I follow her. Whenever I see something pop I read it like a good girl. When she drops something all you need to do is drop everything you're doing and read. All of your needs will be met.

An insane morally black vampire
A girl that will make him bleed
A goddess that ruins their lives and learns her lesson
all of the caging
all of the biting
all of the spice
all of the words I needed are here
the darkest lines
the darkest romance
the twisted sins


I know Llianne doesn't get a lot of attention as an indie author but one day she'll go places!

[Jerry Ying]

It’s just really good writing. it’s moody, descriptive, and pulls you right into the creepy, emotional world of the story. You can feel the rain, the fear, the heaviness of the curse. Even though some really dark things happen, the way it’s written makes you want to keep reading. What standout the most is the cat, Mischief. It’s wild to realize that Celeste’s cat is actually an ancient goddess trapped in a cat’s body, watching over her and rolling her eyes at the whole messed-up curse. That scene where the cat drags Celeste to the mailbox—knowing what’s coming—was tense and sad and kind of funny in a dark way.

My after-read view: Heavy, but hooked. It’s a dark story, no doubt. Celeste has been through a lot, and you feel for her. Julien is terrifying, but sometimes you see glimpses of the person he used to be, which makes it more complicated. I didn’t feel happy reading it, but I felt invested—I wanted to know what happens next, especially to Celeste.

I would recommend those who like dark, emotional, gothic stories. It’s not a light read—there’s violence, trauma, and some intense scenes. Recommended.

[Dana Biasi]

If you are looking for a book that will shake you up and question everything that is good and holy, this is the book! This was my first time reading Llianne Olivo’s work and I was gobsmacked by her level of talent as a writer. Her style is very descriptive and makes you feel you are in the story with the characters. Ms. Olivo captured the mystery of voodoo, hoodoo and taboo and hung it like a dense fog over New Orleans. The spiritual and the supernatural worlds converge via the protagonist Julien Duval. Julien lost his beloved wife Celeste in a tragic, life-altering turn of events. Celeste never gave up on finding Julien again and used hoodoo and voodoo to help her as was part of her culture as a black woman in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Julien is taken captive by Circe (yes, that Circe) And the story really takes off from there. I would recommend this read to vampire lovers, New Orleans gothic and strong female characters.

[Graeme Williams]

Haunting Celeste is a bold and inventive Southern Gothic vampire romcom that masterfully blends dark romance, humor, and historical intrigue. Llianne Olivo’s narrative immerses readers in a lush New Orleans setting, with jazz soaked streets, morally complex vampires, and unforgettable characters. The tension between Celeste and Julien crackles with intensity, balancing obsession, forbidden desire, and darkly comic moments.

This standalone novel demonstrates Olivo’s talent for combining supernatural elements with emotional depth, offering readers a rich, atmospheric story full of suspense, romance, and witty, macabre charm. A must-read for fans of vampire fantasy with a sophisticated Southern Gothic flair.

[Sami]

This book is a standalone very dark vampire romance and part of it takes place in the segregation-era American South. There's obsession, vampires, goddesses, black magic and blood rituals. Celeste and Julien are cursed lovers and I felt so bad for them. I like how Celeste did not pull her punches when she put Julien in his place. I felt the romance was very taboo and very uncomfortable at times. It was a really interesting and creative story, I've never read anything like it.

I recommend this book for readers who like very taboo relationships and dark southern gothic vampire romances. Please read the trigger warnings first.

[Lilith's_Library_]

Haunting Celeste by Llianne Olivo is a chilling, atmospheric read that blends suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. The story slowly pulls you into its eerie, tense world, where every secret and shadow feels alive. Olivo’s characters are layered and compelling, their fears and desires making the tension all the more gripping.

The romance and emotional stakes simmer beneath the surface, adding complexity without overpowering the haunting plot. While a few moments could have been more fully explored, the novel succeeds in creating a moody, immersive experience that lingers long after the last page.

[bookiki]

Recommend this book for readers who love pitch-black dark vampire romance. It was a good historical fantasy set in New Orleans. It’s a love story that spans lifetimes starting from segregation to present. I was very confused and would have loved more exploration into the magical world and how it functioned in the FMC’s reincarnations. It felt like things were skipped and found myself going back to see if I missed it or understood it correctly. Which if I did, then ugh too much for me. Heed the trigger warnings! It can be a lot to navigate.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book_it_to_me_baby]

You want a dark taboo vampire romance steeped in mythology and history? This is it. I've never read a book before that took elements from Greek Mythology and US History. I was in from the first few pages and the rest of the book did not disappoint.

I won't give too much away, but Celeste and Julian have to endure so much, their love is pulled apart by two different forces and the journey they both have broke my heart.

Be warned though, check your trigger warnings on this one, if that's not an issue please proceed because this book is worth it!

[Deborah Hamilton]

I really enjoyed the southern gothic lore in the book, so much it left me wanting more. I felt as if the story was a bit rushed, but perhaps that was the intention of the author. I liked how each character had a dedicated chapter and you learned a lot about the characters despite the fast pace. I would have liked to see more about the witch side of Celeste and the role it played in her life up until she turned 18.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dash]

This dark romance novel explores intense, complicated relationships filled with passion, danger, and emotional depth. The characters are flawed and intriguing, navigating through love, obsession, and personal struggles. The writing is immersive and evocative, balancing tension and sensuality.

Ideal for readers who enjoy mature, intense romances with psychological complexity, this story leaves a lasting impact through its exploration of love’s darker side.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chaos]

The cover is so pretty but the content is dark asf. I loved it!!! There is some serious taboo subjects and triggers if you have them. Celeste is such a well written character. Her vulnerability is so raw and permeates the story. There are some things that happen where I had to put the book down and walk away for a bit. Its a lot for a short book. Yet, I had to pick it back up and find out what was going to happen next. I dont want to give spoilers for reasons but there is such a twist I didnt expect and had me looking like 😳😳