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Kingdom of Dark Magic #1
A Bargain So Bloody
She’s trapped in a magical prison. To break out, she’ll make a deal with the most dangerous prisoner of them all.
Sentenced for a crime she didn’t commit, Samara is bullied by guards and tormented by the screams of her fellow prisoners. She’s resigned herself to enduring her fifteen-year term… until she learns that the freedom she's been promised is the cruelest lie of all.
Now she's faced with a resign herself to dying in the cold walls of Castle Greymere, or do the unthinkable and escape. But no one leaves Greymere alive. So to break out of the prison? She’ll have to use one of the undead.
Raphael is the worst kind of a vampire with a thirst for blood, the mortal enemy of witches, the same breed that killed her mother. And most importantly, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him.
He’s her only chance at a life outside the prison walls.
The deal is Samara unlocks his shackles, and he'll help her escape. But although Raphael agreed to help her leave Greymere, he never promised to let her go…
A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in an exciting new romantasy series, perfect for readers who love slow burn romance with morally grey heroes who fall first and hard and heroines who find their own strength.
Sentenced for a crime she didn’t commit, Samara is bullied by guards and tormented by the screams of her fellow prisoners. She’s resigned herself to enduring her fifteen-year term… until she learns that the freedom she's been promised is the cruelest lie of all.
Now she's faced with a resign herself to dying in the cold walls of Castle Greymere, or do the unthinkable and escape. But no one leaves Greymere alive. So to break out of the prison? She’ll have to use one of the undead.
Raphael is the worst kind of a vampire with a thirst for blood, the mortal enemy of witches, the same breed that killed her mother. And most importantly, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him.
He’s her only chance at a life outside the prison walls.
The deal is Samara unlocks his shackles, and he'll help her escape. But although Raphael agreed to help her leave Greymere, he never promised to let her go…
A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in an exciting new romantasy series, perfect for readers who love slow burn romance with morally grey heroes who fall first and hard and heroines who find their own strength.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2025
1532 people are currently reading
17447 people want to read
About the author
Vasilisa Drake
12 books410 followersVasilisa Drake is based in New England and is constantly bouncing from city to city while she tries to find her home amidst overpriced rental apartments. Forsaken Mate is Vasilisa Drake's debut, though she's written contemporary romance under another name for several years. Fantasy romance is her first love, closely followed by pet dragons and men who are obsessed with their women. She can be found staying up way too late reading, organizing her bookshelf for the millionth time, and winning the imaginary arguments in her head at least 30% of the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,243 reviews
July 15, 2025
Release Day: 6/30/25✨
“Everywhere has its ugliness. Some places just cloak it better…” 🩸
I enjoyed this….ALOT!! especially that twist at the end 😮💨 I totally didn’t see it coming and it will leave you wanting the next book ASAP‼️
This is a dark, VERY SLOW-burn romantasy that delivers on atmosphere, tension, and intrigue.❤️🔥
Spice rating: 🫑 (perfect for those who don’t want over the top spice, plot driven, but the romance, tension and emotion is still at the forefront)
🦇 Vampire x Human void
🔥 Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
🤝 Forced proximity (only one horse / one bed “for warmth” 👀)
🔮 Prophecies, betrayal, secret identities, and a unique magic system
🗡️ High stakes, high tension, and real consequences
💥 That touch her and die vibe? He took that literally
Samara is strong in quiet in her own unique way, I loved watching her step into her sense of self while navigating a world built to break her. Raphael, on the other hand, is that morally grey, dangerously obsessive type I always fall for. He’s lethal, untrusting, ancient, and powerful… but the moment he starts unraveling over her? I was locked in.🧛
Some standout quotes that hit:💬
🩶 “Open your eyes to the world you’re living in, not the one you’d like to believe you are.”
🩶 “The best lies were rooted in the truth.”
🩶 “Always move with a purpose, even if you have none. It was true everywhere from prisons to castles.”
The pacing, tension, and build-up made this a solid series starter. I’m definitely invested. 👏🏾
I will definitely be throwing in her books into my rotation📚
✨ I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you, Vasilisa, for the opportunity 💌
“Everywhere has its ugliness. Some places just cloak it better…” 🩸
I enjoyed this….ALOT!! especially that twist at the end 😮💨 I totally didn’t see it coming and it will leave you wanting the next book ASAP‼️
This is a dark, VERY SLOW-burn romantasy that delivers on atmosphere, tension, and intrigue.❤️🔥
Spice rating: 🫑 (perfect for those who don’t want over the top spice, plot driven, but the romance, tension and emotion is still at the forefront)
🦇 Vampire x Human void
🔥 Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
🤝 Forced proximity (only one horse / one bed “for warmth” 👀)
🔮 Prophecies, betrayal, secret identities, and a unique magic system
🗡️ High stakes, high tension, and real consequences
💥 That touch her and die vibe? He took that literally
Samara is strong in quiet in her own unique way, I loved watching her step into her sense of self while navigating a world built to break her. Raphael, on the other hand, is that morally grey, dangerously obsessive type I always fall for. He’s lethal, untrusting, ancient, and powerful… but the moment he starts unraveling over her? I was locked in.🧛
Some standout quotes that hit:💬
🩶 “Open your eyes to the world you’re living in, not the one you’d like to believe you are.”
🩶 “The best lies were rooted in the truth.”
🩶 “Always move with a purpose, even if you have none. It was true everywhere from prisons to castles.”
The pacing, tension, and build-up made this a solid series starter. I’m definitely invested. 👏🏾
I will definitely be throwing in her books into my rotation📚
✨ I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you, Vasilisa, for the opportunity 💌
August 16, 2025
Vampire Romantasy
♥️ Bookish Thoughts
Oh snap! I LOVED this book and absolutely devoured it in one sitting. The magic system was so cool, and the world building we got was a great setup for the series.
Samara and Raphael completely hooked me. This is how a slow burn should be done! 🥰 I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger and need the next book ASAP. Samara did PMO a bit at the end though 😩😩😩
This vampire paranormal romance was exactly what I wanted, giving me full on 2010’s vampire nostalgia.
✨ Fave Quote
“I’m sorry,” he said. “No one deserves to be forgotten. If it’s any reassurance, Samara, I intend to live a very long life. And I will not forget you for any of it.”
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the performance. Highly recommend!!
🩸 What to Expect
• Vampire MMC
• Witch FMC
• Enemies to reluctant allies
• Slow burn romance
• Morally grey MMC
• He falls first
______
🎧 Audio Score: 5
🎙 Narration Style: Solo
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
♥️ Bookish Thoughts
Oh snap! I LOVED this book and absolutely devoured it in one sitting. The magic system was so cool, and the world building we got was a great setup for the series.
Samara and Raphael completely hooked me. This is how a slow burn should be done! 🥰 I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger and need the next book ASAP. Samara did PMO a bit at the end though 😩😩😩
This vampire paranormal romance was exactly what I wanted, giving me full on 2010’s vampire nostalgia.
✨ Fave Quote
“I’m sorry,” he said. “No one deserves to be forgotten. If it’s any reassurance, Samara, I intend to live a very long life. And I will not forget you for any of it.”
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the performance. Highly recommend!!
🩸 What to Expect
• Vampire MMC
• Witch FMC
• Enemies to reluctant allies
• Slow burn romance
• Morally grey MMC
• He falls first
______
🎧 Audio Score: 5
🎙 Narration Style: Solo
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 16, 2025
3.75💫
Samara has been wrongfully convicted for a crime she never committed. Brutally tormented at Greymere, she wishes nothing but to serve her 15 year sentence and leave. Until she learns that her freedom is the biggest of lies.
Raphael is a vampire, a prisoner at Greymere. He presents Samara with a bargain, to help her escape the hell if she frees him from the enchanted shackles.
Samara, her character arc was so nice. From the "little dove" to the "little viper", how she got her voice and started standing up for herself and what she sought rightful. She would have been perfect for me if she wasn't as indecisive.
Raphael, thisman vampire!!! I mean he was so "touch her and die" coded, literally! He has to be the definition of it. Not to forget the first some part of the book he was giving me major Jacks vibes with his cold and restricted persona and witty and humorous remarks. And later on he became more him. He is not a hero, more a villian but you can't do anything than to fall for him or at least have a tinge bit of crush.
A slow-burn dark fantasy romance indeed. This was definitely a bit on the darker side. I was honestly not expecting much from this but it delivered!! The writing was easy to understand and there wasn't much world building. Everything flowed in pretty easily. See this is the reason I NEVER start any ongoing series. With so much left to uncover, so many questions left unanswered and that ending! I am left craving for the next book *sigh*. I definitely would have rated this higher only if there would have been more tension and honestly if Samara wasn't as indecisive.
.・゜゜・Tropes.・゜゜・
● Vampire x Human
●Slow burn enemies to allies to lovers
●Only one horse
●Only one bed “for warmth”
●Blood drinking
●Touch her and die
●Secret identities
❀Thank you Vasilisa Drake, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review.❀
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
↝Pre-read°｡.ﾟ.｡♡
Got the arc!!!
Exp. Publication Date: 30/06/2025
“Always move with a purpose, even if you have none. It was true everywhere from prisons to castles.”
Samara has been wrongfully convicted for a crime she never committed. Brutally tormented at Greymere, she wishes nothing but to serve her 15 year sentence and leave. Until she learns that her freedom is the biggest of lies.
Raphael is a vampire, a prisoner at Greymere. He presents Samara with a bargain, to help her escape the hell if she frees him from the enchanted shackles.
Be silent and survive. Words I'd lived by my entire life, even longer than I'd been in Greymere.
Samara, her character arc was so nice. From the "little dove" to the "little viper", how she got her voice and started standing up for herself and what she sought rightful. She would have been perfect for me if she wasn't as indecisive.
"I would kill a thousand innocents to spare you any pain."
Raphael, this
"Open your eyes to the world you're living in, not the one you'd like to believe you are."
A slow-burn dark fantasy romance indeed. This was definitely a bit on the darker side. I was honestly not expecting much from this but it delivered!! The writing was easy to understand and there wasn't much world building. Everything flowed in pretty easily. See this is the reason I NEVER start any ongoing series. With so much left to uncover, so many questions left unanswered and that ending! I am left craving for the next book *sigh*. I definitely would have rated this higher only if there would have been more tension and honestly if Samara wasn't as indecisive.
"I do not wish to deceive you, little viper. My world is a brutal one. But I want to share it with you, nonetheless."
.・゜゜・Tropes.・゜゜・
● Vampire x Human
●Slow burn enemies to allies to lovers
●Only one horse
●Only one bed “for warmth”
●Blood drinking
●Touch her and die
●Secret identities
"Everywhere has its ugliness. Someplaces just cloak it better."
❀Thank you Vasilisa Drake, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review.❀
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
↝Pre-read°｡.ﾟ.｡♡
Got the arc!!!
Exp. Publication Date: 30/06/2025
June 6, 2025
Big thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️'s rounded up.
First, I need to mention that this narration was so good! The way she told the story was beautiful.
I liked this book. It was pretty unique in terms of magic. The vampires and witches were portrayed somewhat differently in this book compared to others I've read.
Raphael was a monster, truly the villain, but the way he treated Samara... absolute adoration. "Touch her and die" vibes. He definitely fell first and fell hard.
The whole book Samara is lost and confused, and for good reason. She has been imprisoned most of her life. She just wants acceptance, to be good enough. While she is trying to figure out who she is, she is questioning everything she has ever known. Are the vampires evil? Can they change? Is she any better than they are?
The irony of the ending is not lost on me. She felt all these warring opinions about the vampires. Now, she is faced with decisions she never thought she would have to make.
The only thing I disliked about this was that Samara had a lot of internal monolog with herself, asking herself the same questions. It became a little repetitive. Overall, this story was good. I would happily pick up book two!
3.5 ⭐️'s rounded up.
First, I need to mention that this narration was so good! The way she told the story was beautiful.
I liked this book. It was pretty unique in terms of magic. The vampires and witches were portrayed somewhat differently in this book compared to others I've read.
Raphael was a monster, truly the villain, but the way he treated Samara... absolute adoration. "Touch her and die" vibes. He definitely fell first and fell hard.
The whole book Samara is lost and confused, and for good reason. She has been imprisoned most of her life. She just wants acceptance, to be good enough. While she is trying to figure out who she is, she is questioning everything she has ever known. Are the vampires evil? Can they change? Is she any better than they are?
The irony of the ending is not lost on me. She felt all these warring opinions about the vampires. Now, she is faced with decisions she never thought she would have to make.
The only thing I disliked about this was that Samara had a lot of internal monolog with herself, asking herself the same questions. It became a little repetitive. Overall, this story was good. I would happily pick up book two!
June 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was so good!! It grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go. The narrator did such a great job with it too!
The book starts out with our FMC Samara trapped in a witch prison. She finds out that her fifteen year sentence is not in fact almost up and teams up with another prisoner, Raphael, who also happens to be a vampire to escape. They strike a deal and he promises to protect her. I loved the magic system, the characters, the plot, all of it. And that epilogue!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
For fans of:
Slow burn romance
Dark fantasy
Vampire/human trope
Magic
Enemies to allies to lovers
He falls first
Touch her and die
This was so good!! It grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go. The narrator did such a great job with it too!
The book starts out with our FMC Samara trapped in a witch prison. She finds out that her fifteen year sentence is not in fact almost up and teams up with another prisoner, Raphael, who also happens to be a vampire to escape. They strike a deal and he promises to protect her. I loved the magic system, the characters, the plot, all of it. And that epilogue!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
For fans of:
Slow burn romance
Dark fantasy
Vampire/human trope
Magic
Enemies to allies to lovers
He falls first
Touch her and die
June 11, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. Thank you to the author
For the NetGallery ALC.
First of all the narration was very good. I enjoyed it. I really loved the start. A prison? A FMC stuck with no escape and a hard backstory that she hides? LOVE. The writing was good too.
But it all went down hill a bit after realising the book reads a lot more YA. The main character is innocent, a virgin, naive and doesn’t know anything about the world. Somehow in a prison full of horrible beings she remained untouched…I find that hard to believe. She was beaten etc but still stayed a virgin. It’s a very YA style plot.
As much as samara grew into herself a bit through this story living amongst vampires, I just couldn’t connect to her as I felt like she was just too young and naive.
Raphael was great. A vampire, broody, dark and dry humour. But I felt like he was a cardboard cutout. Like when he wasn’t in fmcs pov he was an NPC that waited for her to interact with him. He never explained anything to samara and she never asked the right questions. It felt very frustrating.
And I don’t understand what Raphael sees in her either. Why does he like her, treats her so nicely. I constantly felt like the book wasn’t giving us enough of depth, enough of a connection, enough of anything.
I wanted to love this much so much. But it didn’t make me super invested. Too many questions about Samara not answered before end of book 1. A tad of clues could have been given to let us be more invested in her backstory and the secrecy.
I predicted the ending too. I thought it was quite obvious who was manipulating her the whole time 😔. And this again is where Samara felt too young for me. I don’t read YA because i often dislike the naïveté young characters often have.
Also him calling her “little viper” sounded like a nickname for a child hahahah
So yeah I don’t think this is for me. I would say someone who loves vampire Romantasy at 15-16 maybe would absolutely love it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
0🌶️
For the NetGallery ALC.
First of all the narration was very good. I enjoyed it. I really loved the start. A prison? A FMC stuck with no escape and a hard backstory that she hides? LOVE. The writing was good too.
But it all went down hill a bit after realising the book reads a lot more YA. The main character is innocent, a virgin, naive and doesn’t know anything about the world. Somehow in a prison full of horrible beings she remained untouched…I find that hard to believe. She was beaten etc but still stayed a virgin. It’s a very YA style plot.
As much as samara grew into herself a bit through this story living amongst vampires, I just couldn’t connect to her as I felt like she was just too young and naive.
Raphael was great. A vampire, broody, dark and dry humour. But I felt like he was a cardboard cutout. Like when he wasn’t in fmcs pov he was an NPC that waited for her to interact with him. He never explained anything to samara and she never asked the right questions. It felt very frustrating.
And I don’t understand what Raphael sees in her either. Why does he like her, treats her so nicely. I constantly felt like the book wasn’t giving us enough of depth, enough of a connection, enough of anything.
I wanted to love this much so much. But it didn’t make me super invested. Too many questions about Samara not answered before end of book 1. A tad of clues could have been given to let us be more invested in her backstory and the secrecy.
I predicted the ending too. I thought it was quite obvious who was manipulating her the whole time 😔. And this again is where Samara felt too young for me. I don’t read YA because i often dislike the naïveté young characters often have.
Also him calling her “little viper” sounded like a nickname for a child hahahah
So yeah I don’t think this is for me. I would say someone who loves vampire Romantasy at 15-16 maybe would absolutely love it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
0🌶️
August 22, 2025
DNF at 75%.
At first, I was completely spellbound. It had impeccable storytelling that was character-forward, completely in Samara’s pov with slow-building tension between her & Raphael. At some point midway, the story lost its magic & I started to get a bit annoyed or bored, both with the characters & the pacing of the plot.
Thea & her skills, the grimoire, the mysterious “abomination,” the training, it all seemed to go nowhere & started to feel rather unimportant. I can’t even say what the actual plot point was, which I find odd for having read three-quarters of the book.
I’m okay with a soft fmc, but Samara was borderline pathetic. Perhaps the tone of voice from the audio exacerbated it? I feel so terrible saying that because I know she spent so many years surviving in that awful prison, but given that experience & her time with Raphael since she escaped, I feel like her naivety & very childlike mannerisms should have at least abated some. I can understand why she is the way she is, theoretically, but it started to take away from my enjoyment. If you asked me to describe her character in one word —-mouse. She needed the mmc’s assistance or rescuing several times & it was just too much of the mouse in distress trope back to back.
Samara was also highly biased on more than one occasion. By 75% in we know vague details about what happened to her mom & that it involved vampires, but it was not explored enough for me to accept why she was still so back-&-forth with her acceptance of Raphael’s kindness & lack of ill intention towards her. With all his kind gestures & protection? With all the awful things she has seen & experienced more frequently at the hands of humans? I also wanted to learn more about Raphael… I only knew that he was handsome & a fair-ish vampire king.
The romantic buildup between the two mcs was going good & gradual until they made it to the vampire kingdom where it completely paused for a chunk of time. They were separated often & their banter disappeared. Because it was all in Samara’s pov, I got to witness why she’s growing feelings for Raphael, but I didn’t get to understand why or what it was about Samara that intrigued Raphael enough to make her his Chosen. Again, beyond being meek & self-aware of her ignorance, there wasn’t much to her character. At first I enjoyed getting to see what it was like for Samara to experience simple moments she was denied in life, but then those experiences stopped & her character growth stayed stagnant.
And I have to also admit that the first scene where sex between them is openly discussed, & all because Samara drank, gave me such bad second hand embarrassment. I know it was supposed to come off endearing & touching, but I hated every second of it.
For most books I can tell early on if I’ll like it, but this book caught me off guard because I was seriously loving the first half, only to find it obnoxious in the second half.
At first, I was completely spellbound. It had impeccable storytelling that was character-forward, completely in Samara’s pov with slow-building tension between her & Raphael. At some point midway, the story lost its magic & I started to get a bit annoyed or bored, both with the characters & the pacing of the plot.
Thea & her skills, the grimoire, the mysterious “abomination,” the training, it all seemed to go nowhere & started to feel rather unimportant. I can’t even say what the actual plot point was, which I find odd for having read three-quarters of the book.
I’m okay with a soft fmc, but Samara was borderline pathetic. Perhaps the tone of voice from the audio exacerbated it? I feel so terrible saying that because I know she spent so many years surviving in that awful prison, but given that experience & her time with Raphael since she escaped, I feel like her naivety & very childlike mannerisms should have at least abated some. I can understand why she is the way she is, theoretically, but it started to take away from my enjoyment. If you asked me to describe her character in one word —-mouse. She needed the mmc’s assistance or rescuing several times & it was just too much of the mouse in distress trope back to back.
Samara was also highly biased on more than one occasion. By 75% in we know vague details about what happened to her mom & that it involved vampires, but it was not explored enough for me to accept why she was still so back-&-forth with her acceptance of Raphael’s kindness & lack of ill intention towards her. With all his kind gestures & protection? With all the awful things she has seen & experienced more frequently at the hands of humans? I also wanted to learn more about Raphael… I only knew that he was handsome & a fair-ish vampire king.
The romantic buildup between the two mcs was going good & gradual until they made it to the vampire kingdom where it completely paused for a chunk of time. They were separated often & their banter disappeared. Because it was all in Samara’s pov, I got to witness why she’s growing feelings for Raphael, but I didn’t get to understand why or what it was about Samara that intrigued Raphael enough to make her his Chosen. Again, beyond being meek & self-aware of her ignorance, there wasn’t much to her character. At first I enjoyed getting to see what it was like for Samara to experience simple moments she was denied in life, but then those experiences stopped & her character growth stayed stagnant.
And I have to also admit that the first scene where sex between them is openly discussed, & all because Samara drank, gave me such bad second hand embarrassment. I know it was supposed to come off endearing & touching, but I hated every second of it.
For most books I can tell early on if I’ll like it, but this book caught me off guard because I was seriously loving the first half, only to find it obnoxious in the second half.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in a new supernatural romantasy series and ensnared me from chapter one.
We follow Samara, who's spent more than half her life in prison for a crime she didn't commit. When a vampire is brought in and chained up, Samara is given the task of tending to his wounds. When she hears some news that leaves her desperate to escape, she strikes a deal with the vampire and is taken under his protection. When they escape, she can't seem to shake him and ends up in the most dangerous of places so far.
The end of this book not only pulled the rug out from under me but has left me hanging on the ledge of such a mind-blowing cliffhanger! I hope book 2 is out soon as I'm dying to read more!
A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in a new supernatural romantasy series and ensnared me from chapter one.
We follow Samara, who's spent more than half her life in prison for a crime she didn't commit. When a vampire is brought in and chained up, Samara is given the task of tending to his wounds. When she hears some news that leaves her desperate to escape, she strikes a deal with the vampire and is taken under his protection. When they escape, she can't seem to shake him and ends up in the most dangerous of places so far.
The end of this book not only pulled the rug out from under me but has left me hanging on the ledge of such a mind-blowing cliffhanger! I hope book 2 is out soon as I'm dying to read more!
September 7, 2025
This book absolutely BROKE me. That ending? I am deceased. In the ground. Clutching my heart and pearls.
You really feel for Samara and how hard of a life she has had. I immediately had a connection with her and how hard of a life she had. Raphael truly wanted to make things right but went about it completely wrong. I feel like they are just both so damaged in their own way and had too many obstacles in their way for this not to end the way it did with them.
This was a very dark and a very slow burn. Two of my absolute favorite things and it ends on a massive cliffhanger that could go oh so many ways to the point of driving you crazy. But the best books are the ones who drive you absolutely insane this book delivered. I cannot wait for the next book. I would pay a handsome amount of money or cookies just to see what happens because that ending threw me for a loop. I know I am heading down a dark and painful road with this one, but for the life of me I will not give this series up. Their love is absolutely doomed and I am totally here for it with lots of tissues and popcorn.
You really feel for Samara and how hard of a life she has had. I immediately had a connection with her and how hard of a life she had. Raphael truly wanted to make things right but went about it completely wrong. I feel like they are just both so damaged in their own way and had too many obstacles in their way for this not to end the way it did with them.
This was a very dark and a very slow burn. Two of my absolute favorite things and it ends on a massive cliffhanger that could go oh so many ways to the point of driving you crazy. But the best books are the ones who drive you absolutely insane this book delivered. I cannot wait for the next book. I would pay a handsome amount of money or cookies just to see what happens because that ending threw me for a loop. I know I am heading down a dark and painful road with this one, but for the life of me I will not give this series up. Their love is absolutely doomed and I am totally here for it with lots of tissues and popcorn.
June 6, 2025
I just finished the audiobook version of this! The narrator did a beautiful job with this. I actually listened to it twice 🤭
Samara has been wrongly imprisoned for 12 years, dirty, malnourished, in survival mode…hunting rats for food for f*cks sake. When she realizes there won’t be an end to her sentence, she ends up making a bargain with someone she considers an enemy.. the newest prisoner. And he’s a vampire🩸
🖤 Slow burn dark romantasy
🖤 Vampire x “human”
🖤 Unique magic card system
🖤 Secret identities
🖤 Prison escape
🖤 Vampire court
🖤 Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
🖤 Found family
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 One horse
🖤 Cuddle for warmth
I can’t get enough. The dark vibes, vampires, witches, voids (humans) and magic cards! I am super intrigued by the magic system. I don’t think I’ve read anything like it before.
Samara learns more and more about this mysterious vampire throughout their journey. Raphael tries to seem indifferent towards her, but gradually you begin to see that he would do anything for her. The monastery scene sealed the deal. He would kill for her and goes feral when she’s hurt 😈
There is a crazy twist ending… I knew something was coming, but not that. I know the next book is going to be freaking epic. My guess is Samara will be entering her villain era. My only complaint- it ended way too soon! What am I supposed to do now😂
I’m thankful to have received this audiobook as an ARC! My review is freely given and all opinions are my own.
Samara has been wrongly imprisoned for 12 years, dirty, malnourished, in survival mode…hunting rats for food for f*cks sake. When she realizes there won’t be an end to her sentence, she ends up making a bargain with someone she considers an enemy.. the newest prisoner. And he’s a vampire🩸
🖤 Slow burn dark romantasy
🖤 Vampire x “human”
🖤 Unique magic card system
🖤 Secret identities
🖤 Prison escape
🖤 Vampire court
🖤 Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
🖤 Found family
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 One horse
🖤 Cuddle for warmth
I can’t get enough. The dark vibes, vampires, witches, voids (humans) and magic cards! I am super intrigued by the magic system. I don’t think I’ve read anything like it before.
Samara learns more and more about this mysterious vampire throughout their journey. Raphael tries to seem indifferent towards her, but gradually you begin to see that he would do anything for her. The monastery scene sealed the deal. He would kill for her and goes feral when she’s hurt 😈
There is a crazy twist ending… I knew something was coming, but not that. I know the next book is going to be freaking epic. My guess is Samara will be entering her villain era. My only complaint- it ended way too soon! What am I supposed to do now😂
I’m thankful to have received this audiobook as an ARC! My review is freely given and all opinions are my own.
June 3, 2025
✨ARC/ALC READER✨4.5⭐️ THAT EPILOGUE!!! I am officially gagged! This was a true dark fantasy romance. We get a world with vampires, witches, and magicless humans. This story was really gritty at times but it truly felt like a kind of healing journey. Our FMC Samara was seriously traumatized and was trying to find a way forward. I really enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator is new to me but I loved it. I did take a little off the rating because the FMC was a little aggravating at times but still loved her 😝The epilogue really sets you up for book 2 which I need like right now!
June 4, 2025
Oh! My! Dog!
From the first line to the last I was fully in!! I need the next book ASAP!
The way they handled her first cycle after years of being malnourished most of her life was so heartwarming!
“Just because theoretical others may have had it worse doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself”
When he calls her Little Viper my heart explodes!
This is a new favorite for sure!
She was wrongly imprisoned for years, she’s 20 when a vampire gets imprisoned and makes a bargain to protect her if she helps him escape! These “monsters” show her more care than she’s ever had in her life but after the life she has she doesn’t trust anyone or anything! Who can blame her?
The ending is WILD!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
From the first line to the last I was fully in!! I need the next book ASAP!
The way they handled her first cycle after years of being malnourished most of her life was so heartwarming!
“Just because theoretical others may have had it worse doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself”
When he calls her Little Viper my heart explodes!
This is a new favorite for sure!
She was wrongly imprisoned for years, she’s 20 when a vampire gets imprisoned and makes a bargain to protect her if she helps him escape! These “monsters” show her more care than she’s ever had in her life but after the life she has she doesn’t trust anyone or anything! Who can blame her?
The ending is WILD!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
June 12, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was my first ARC and I enjoyed it very much. Who doesn't love vampires and magic?
The story starts with a twenty year old Samara who is reaching the end of her sentence in a prison (I do not know why she was sentenced there) that she has been stuck in since she was eight. A vampire arrives, and when she is sent to his cell, he offers to help her escape if she unchains him.
They escape and have an extensive journey for weeks. She despises vampires, but during their time together, they both save/ help each other out multiple times, and she finds herself more comfortable in Raphael's presence.
They eventually end up in his home, and she is surrounded by the very vampires she detests. Samara has nowhere else to go, seeing as she is an escaped prisoner, and agrees to another bargain with Raphael. She spends time in his kingdom, and even though there are many things she dislikes, she can't help but find friendship and question everything she thought previously.
Just as Samara is temporarily settling in, someone from her past pops up and tries to sway Samara's loyalty. She is tempted with an offer that was exactly what she wanted prior to living among the vampires, but it comes with betrayal of someone she has become close to.
This is the first book in the series, and it has left me with lots of unanswered questions about the overall agenda of Raphael as well as several questions about Samara's past.
Very little spice, but very good story. It has left me wanting more. It's a slow burn story for sure, but I can't wait to find out what happens next for Samara and Raphael.
Overall, I am very pleased with the story. I am honored that this was my first ARC. Happy reading to all my fellow book lovers ❤️
This was my first ARC and I enjoyed it very much. Who doesn't love vampires and magic?
The story starts with a twenty year old Samara who is reaching the end of her sentence in a prison (I do not know why she was sentenced there) that she has been stuck in since she was eight. A vampire arrives, and when she is sent to his cell, he offers to help her escape if she unchains him.
They escape and have an extensive journey for weeks. She despises vampires, but during their time together, they both save/ help each other out multiple times, and she finds herself more comfortable in Raphael's presence.
They eventually end up in his home, and she is surrounded by the very vampires she detests. Samara has nowhere else to go, seeing as she is an escaped prisoner, and agrees to another bargain with Raphael. She spends time in his kingdom, and even though there are many things she dislikes, she can't help but find friendship and question everything she thought previously.
Just as Samara is temporarily settling in, someone from her past pops up and tries to sway Samara's loyalty. She is tempted with an offer that was exactly what she wanted prior to living among the vampires, but it comes with betrayal of someone she has become close to.
This is the first book in the series, and it has left me with lots of unanswered questions about the overall agenda of Raphael as well as several questions about Samara's past.
Very little spice, but very good story. It has left me wanting more. It's a slow burn story for sure, but I can't wait to find out what happens next for Samara and Raphael.
Overall, I am very pleased with the story. I am honored that this was my first ARC. Happy reading to all my fellow book lovers ❤️
September 7, 2025
This was *going to* go 5 stars for me but is probably closer to 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️now & it’s mostly due to the FMC’s development. I’ll still likely read book 2 but the last 25% or so of this definitely irritated me. Let’s get into all of it!
But first I’d like to thank the author for gifting me a copy of this book!
PLOT
Samara has been imprisoned for over half her life when one day, a vampire shows up. She hates him because she hates all vampires, but she ends up needing to work with him for her freedom. This book has
- vampires, witches, humans, gods
- reluctant allies / enemies-ish to allies to ????
- hidden identities
- possessive MMC
- slowwwwwww burn
- no spice but some steam
PROS
- I. LOVE. RAPHAEL. He is one of my favorite types of MMC & I literally love him so much.
- The romance in this is also one of much favorite tropes. It’s not quite enemies to lovers, because he’s never really mean her? But she despises what he is meanwhile he’s flirting up a storm. I eat it up every time.
- Peeling back the who’s who of this story has been fun. I like not knowing everything about everyone & it unfolding with breadcrumbs.
- I really like the world. The dynamics between each kingdom is very interesting. The brutality of each was fascinating. We got a glimpse of what is all on the continent which could be super interesting over time.
- I liked the writing style quite a bit. It was a super simple. Pretty straightforward & easy to follow.
- I was definitely sucked in from the jump & had a lot of fun reading most of the book.
- Really solid side characters. Really like Thea & excited to see what more we get from her in book 2.
- Beginning was very fast paced & then slowed down & got more political. I liked both for different reasons.
MIDS
- No real twists I didn’t predict. There was something that happened faster than I anticipated but I knew it was gonna happen.
CONS
- Samara started out as a pro & ended up a con. I sort of couldn’t stand her by the end. I thought she was smart & self aware & a survivor to start but she became a type of FMC I don’t personally like at all. Which is the type that can’t read the writing on the wall while simultaneously thinking they’re brilliant.
- & then when we have this type of FMC, all of the conflict that comes from their behavior could just be solved if they asked a follow-up question instead of just making snap decisions on assumptions. So the conflict just feels forced. & this became the end of the book for me so I was just annoyed.
- I LIKE when we don’t know everything about everyone & learn that info over the course of the story. But I feel like we needed to know some things a little sooner to properly empathize with a specific character because over time they got frustrating. I just wanted their “why” sooner to help me get to their level. But it was almost too late to care about?
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
But first I’d like to thank the author for gifting me a copy of this book!
PLOT
Samara has been imprisoned for over half her life when one day, a vampire shows up. She hates him because she hates all vampires, but she ends up needing to work with him for her freedom. This book has
- vampires, witches, humans, gods
- reluctant allies / enemies-ish to allies to ????
- hidden identities
- possessive MMC
- slowwwwwww burn
- no spice but some steam
PROS
- I. LOVE. RAPHAEL. He is one of my favorite types of MMC & I literally love him so much.
- The romance in this is also one of much favorite tropes. It’s not quite enemies to lovers, because he’s never really mean her? But she despises what he is meanwhile he’s flirting up a storm. I eat it up every time.
- Peeling back the who’s who of this story has been fun. I like not knowing everything about everyone & it unfolding with breadcrumbs.
- I really like the world. The dynamics between each kingdom is very interesting. The brutality of each was fascinating. We got a glimpse of what is all on the continent which could be super interesting over time.
- I liked the writing style quite a bit. It was a super simple. Pretty straightforward & easy to follow.
- I was definitely sucked in from the jump & had a lot of fun reading most of the book.
- Really solid side characters. Really like Thea & excited to see what more we get from her in book 2.
- Beginning was very fast paced & then slowed down & got more political. I liked both for different reasons.
MIDS
- No real twists I didn’t predict. There was something that happened faster than I anticipated but I knew it was gonna happen.
CONS
- Samara started out as a pro & ended up a con. I sort of couldn’t stand her by the end. I thought she was smart & self aware & a survivor to start but she became a type of FMC I don’t personally like at all. Which is the type that can’t read the writing on the wall while simultaneously thinking they’re brilliant.
- & then when we have this type of FMC, all of the conflict that comes from their behavior could just be solved if they asked a follow-up question instead of just making snap decisions on assumptions. So the conflict just feels forced. & this became the end of the book for me so I was just annoyed.
- I LIKE when we don’t know everything about everyone & learn that info over the course of the story. But I feel like we needed to know some things a little sooner to properly empathize with a specific character because over time they got frustrating. I just wanted their “why” sooner to help me get to their level. But it was almost too late to care about?
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
June 13, 2025
Thank you so much to Victory Editing and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5⭐️ rounded up. I ate this book UP. Samara is wrongfully accused of a crime and has served 12 years in prison. When she learns that she is not going to be released after 15 years, she plots to escape with the newest prisoner that came to Greymere. And he also just so happens to be a vampire.
⚠️⚠️SPOILERS!!!!!!!!⚠️⚠️
This was so much fun. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books and I’ve never seen it done quite like this. The magic system was so interesting with the cards, which I’ve only seen in one other book. Some things were typical fantasy stuff, like a human finds themselves thrown into a group of supernatural beings. But I’ve never read a book that took that plot and did it with vampires. It was a nice refresh from all the fantasy books focusing on high fae.
Raphael… RAPHAEL!!!! That man, sorry that male… GOD DAMN!! He is the definition of touch her and die. He would burn the world down to protect her. The things this man did to protect her and to make sure no one hurt her. The monastery… that was actually insane. But why was I smirking after he just massacred a ton of people???? He fell so damn hard for her. You could see it in everything that he did for her. This man made her breakfast (or tried) after not having made breakfast for over 600 years. And this was before he really got to know her. He bought her a belt that she had been eyeing at the market and gifted it to her. Him hiring all different types of musicians because she once said she liked music. I also loved the take on “mates”. I know they were never called mates, but in fantasy books, that’s how they have two characters be able to read each other’s emotions and talk to one another without other people hearing. She was tied to him because he made her his. I thought it was so cool how him drinking her blood made it possible for him to hear her thoughts and be connected to her like that.
From the moment they started talking about Raphael going to hunt this “abomination” I just knew it was her. I knew it. AND SHE WAS THE NECROMANCER. It was woven into the story so nicely. There were signs all along, like vampires randomly listening to her orders, Raphael not being able to thrall her, and vampires along the way randomly taking orders from her. This plot is going to be so interesting in the next book. I can’t believe I have to wait for the next book, especially when this one hasn’t even come out yet. I just know the next book is going to be so good. And with her now being a vampire!!! HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK! I love that she’s on this revengeful path. And that cliff hanger was so good!!! Raphael being in a coma, and Samara being caged again. I’m so excited!
“I was the necromancer Raphael had been hunting for centuries. And I was going to tear his kingdom apart, one fanged monster at a time.”
Samara did seem to repeat herself a lot, but I chose to overlook it because honestly, if I was a human stuck in a kingdom of vampires, I think I’d be repeating my thoughts to myself too.
One last thing I heavily appreciated from this book was how the author didn’t just throw in random spice chapters. I feel like authors can get carried away in fantasy books and make characters hook up far too soon or out of the blue. I love that this was a slow burn. I was screaming when they kissed. It didn’t even need spicy scenes to be good. I was living for all the little touches and all the moments of eye contact.
4.5⭐️ rounded up. I ate this book UP. Samara is wrongfully accused of a crime and has served 12 years in prison. When she learns that she is not going to be released after 15 years, she plots to escape with the newest prisoner that came to Greymere. And he also just so happens to be a vampire.
⚠️⚠️SPOILERS!!!!!!!!⚠️⚠️
This was so much fun. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books and I’ve never seen it done quite like this. The magic system was so interesting with the cards, which I’ve only seen in one other book. Some things were typical fantasy stuff, like a human finds themselves thrown into a group of supernatural beings. But I’ve never read a book that took that plot and did it with vampires. It was a nice refresh from all the fantasy books focusing on high fae.
Raphael… RAPHAEL!!!! That man, sorry that male… GOD DAMN!! He is the definition of touch her and die. He would burn the world down to protect her. The things this man did to protect her and to make sure no one hurt her. The monastery… that was actually insane. But why was I smirking after he just massacred a ton of people???? He fell so damn hard for her. You could see it in everything that he did for her. This man made her breakfast (or tried) after not having made breakfast for over 600 years. And this was before he really got to know her. He bought her a belt that she had been eyeing at the market and gifted it to her. Him hiring all different types of musicians because she once said she liked music. I also loved the take on “mates”. I know they were never called mates, but in fantasy books, that’s how they have two characters be able to read each other’s emotions and talk to one another without other people hearing. She was tied to him because he made her his. I thought it was so cool how him drinking her blood made it possible for him to hear her thoughts and be connected to her like that.
From the moment they started talking about Raphael going to hunt this “abomination” I just knew it was her. I knew it. AND SHE WAS THE NECROMANCER. It was woven into the story so nicely. There were signs all along, like vampires randomly listening to her orders, Raphael not being able to thrall her, and vampires along the way randomly taking orders from her. This plot is going to be so interesting in the next book. I can’t believe I have to wait for the next book, especially when this one hasn’t even come out yet. I just know the next book is going to be so good. And with her now being a vampire!!! HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK! I love that she’s on this revengeful path. And that cliff hanger was so good!!! Raphael being in a coma, and Samara being caged again. I’m so excited!
“I was the necromancer Raphael had been hunting for centuries. And I was going to tear his kingdom apart, one fanged monster at a time.”
Samara did seem to repeat herself a lot, but I chose to overlook it because honestly, if I was a human stuck in a kingdom of vampires, I think I’d be repeating my thoughts to myself too.
One last thing I heavily appreciated from this book was how the author didn’t just throw in random spice chapters. I feel like authors can get carried away in fantasy books and make characters hook up far too soon or out of the blue. I love that this was a slow burn. I was screaming when they kissed. It didn’t even need spicy scenes to be good. I was living for all the little touches and all the moments of eye contact.
June 2, 2025
Fantastic! Absolutely brutal in the most delicious detail. I loved that nothing was held back. The writing style, while detailed, was not overbearing or boring.
The storyline progressed quickly but with good character development. All the characters, especially Sam, Thea, and Rafael, end up being so morally gray - which I appreciate so much more than just "good guys" and "bad guys."
I absolutely recommend this book and can't wait for the second one. Holy cliffhanger!
Thank you, Vasilisa Drake, for the opportunity to be on the ARC team.
The storyline progressed quickly but with good character development. All the characters, especially Sam, Thea, and Rafael, end up being so morally gray - which I appreciate so much more than just "good guys" and "bad guys."
I absolutely recommend this book and can't wait for the second one. Holy cliffhanger!
Thank you, Vasilisa Drake, for the opportunity to be on the ARC team.
August 5, 2025
If you're fan of vampires, broody and morally dark MMC, this book is for you! Raphael just might be my new favorite book boyfriend!
"As long as you're here with me, dove, you're mine. And I protect what's mine. Ruthlessly."
Some of my favorite tropes:
🩸Touch her and die 🩸 Slow burn romance 🩸One horse🩸Vampire x human 🩸
Samara was sentenced as a child to serve 15 years in Greymere prison. After 12 horrid years, her desperation reaches the final straw and she wants to escape. Help came from Raphael, the most dangerous creature within the prison walls who made her an offer she can't refuse.
The story hooked me immediately. It's easy to read, well written, flows smoothly, introduces unique magic system within intriguing world. And that epilogue? I need next book right NOW!!!
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op Publishing and author for this book for review. All opinions are my own.
"As long as you're here with me, dove, you're mine. And I protect what's mine. Ruthlessly."
Some of my favorite tropes:
🩸Touch her and die 🩸 Slow burn romance 🩸One horse🩸Vampire x human 🩸
Samara was sentenced as a child to serve 15 years in Greymere prison. After 12 horrid years, her desperation reaches the final straw and she wants to escape. Help came from Raphael, the most dangerous creature within the prison walls who made her an offer she can't refuse.
The story hooked me immediately. It's easy to read, well written, flows smoothly, introduces unique magic system within intriguing world. And that epilogue? I need next book right NOW!!!
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op Publishing and author for this book for review. All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I was excited in the beginning of the story, but Sam quickly got on my nerves. Raphael was hopelessly in love, and as a fellow romantic, I can’t really fault him for that. But Sam was a hypocrite at basically every moment and angered me.
The story held promise and the world building was cool.
Update: read the bonus chapters and Raphael angered me
I was excited in the beginning of the story, but Sam quickly got on my nerves. Raphael was hopelessly in love, and as a fellow romantic, I can’t really fault him for that. But Sam was a hypocrite at basically every moment and angered me.
The story held promise and the world building was cool.
Update: read the bonus chapters and Raphael angered me
July 16, 2025
“there is nowhere in this world I would not go if you wished me to.”
ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐
🍷 touch her and you die
⚔️ reluctant allies
🍷 secrets &betrayals
⚔️ blood bond
🍷 vampire MMC
⚔️ hidden identities
🍷 tortured FMC
⚔️ slow burn
3.5⭐️
First,I liked the idea and the world . It was a slow burn romance which I usually a favorite for me . I liked the MMC he was protective , morally grey and would burn the world for her . It gave a little bit of klaus and Caroline vibe . The FMC was the main problem for me . At first I sympathized with her and was rooting for her but then towards the end I felt like she was trying so hard to find reasons to hate the MMC . Her actions at the end were totally not justified in my opinion. I felt bad towards the MMC ; he deserved better.
It ends with a cliff hanger that got me excited so I’m waiting for the second book ;I just hope she’ll have some character growth
‧₊˚. 🦇⏾Pre read ⏾🦇༉‧₊˚.
Thank you so much author Vasilisa drake for sending me the E-arc
I love vampire romance books a lot so hopefully it gets me out of my reading slump
ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐
🍷 touch her and you die
⚔️ reluctant allies
🍷 secrets &betrayals
⚔️ blood bond
🍷 vampire MMC
⚔️ hidden identities
🍷 tortured FMC
⚔️ slow burn
3.5⭐️
First,I liked the idea and the world . It was a slow burn romance which I usually a favorite for me . I liked the MMC he was protective , morally grey and would burn the world for her . It gave a little bit of klaus and Caroline vibe . The FMC was the main problem for me . At first I sympathized with her and was rooting for her but then towards the end I felt like she was trying so hard to find reasons to hate the MMC . Her actions at the end were totally not justified in my opinion. I felt bad towards the MMC ; he deserved better.
It ends with a cliff hanger that got me excited so I’m waiting for the second book ;I just hope she’ll have some character growth
‧₊˚. 🦇⏾Pre read ⏾🦇༉‧₊˚.
Thank you so much author Vasilisa drake for sending me the E-arc
I love vampire romance books a lot so hopefully it gets me out of my reading slump
July 20, 2025
➳ 4.25 ★
I knew by the fourth or fifth chapter that I was going to love this book.
A Bargain So Bloody follows a void (non-magic witch) named Sam who escapes prison with the help of a vampire named Raphael. Upon escaping, they agree to a deal wherein Raphael must keep her safe in exchange for her help in retrieving a special item. Sam discovers secrets along the way and must grapple with surviving while discovering her own strength and values.
I looooved this book. If I didn’t have work and other obligations, this would’ve been a single day read. Everything about the relationship between Sam and Raphael did it for me. I didn’t find myself getting frustrated like I usually do when it comes to romance/romantasy relationships, whether it’s the severe lack of communication or immature nature of either MC. This book scratched an itch for me and I can’t wait to read the next book.
I need a special edition of this book 🥹 that’s how much I loved this one.
Thank you so much to Vasilia Drake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I knew by the fourth or fifth chapter that I was going to love this book.
A Bargain So Bloody follows a void (non-magic witch) named Sam who escapes prison with the help of a vampire named Raphael. Upon escaping, they agree to a deal wherein Raphael must keep her safe in exchange for her help in retrieving a special item. Sam discovers secrets along the way and must grapple with surviving while discovering her own strength and values.
I looooved this book. If I didn’t have work and other obligations, this would’ve been a single day read. Everything about the relationship between Sam and Raphael did it for me. I didn’t find myself getting frustrated like I usually do when it comes to romance/romantasy relationships, whether it’s the severe lack of communication or immature nature of either MC. This book scratched an itch for me and I can’t wait to read the next book.
I need a special edition of this book 🥹 that’s how much I loved this one.
Thank you so much to Vasilia Drake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 3, 2025
Infinity stars to this gem! But I already knew that because Vasilisa Drake can do no wrong! Morally gray heroes are my thing. All the juicy tropes were executed so perfectly and the tension between the MCs had me turning the pages even faster. I love a good character development and when the one helping Samara is the one of the most feared vampire, it just makes the plot even thicker. Found family has never felt more validated because when Samara literally had nobody on her side to a whole crew, there’s nothing more heartwarming than that! Trust is not easily bought and with these family secrets, it might never happen again. The little things that Raphael did for Samara were so dang cute and endearing! The ending! What?! I need more of Samara and Raphael immediately!
•Touch her and 💀
•Slow 🔥
•Prison break
•He falls fast and hard
•Secret identity
•Betrayal
•Blood drinking
•Vampire/human
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
•Touch her and 💀
•Slow 🔥
•Prison break
•He falls fast and hard
•Secret identity
•Betrayal
•Blood drinking
•Vampire/human
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 10, 2025
Intriguing! This book had my attention from the very first page. Add it to your TBR.
🦇Dark Fantasy
🦇Magic
🦇Touch her and die
🦇Slow burn
🦇Enemies to Allies
🦇Vampire x Mortal
🦇Possessive MMC
Release 6-30-25
The Audiobook sounds amazing! This is one of the few new books I'm excited for. I seriously loved it. I don't want to give too much away, because I feel like it'll ruin the book for you. If you love Dark Fantasy, Vampires, court drama, slow burn, magic, this book is for you.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait for book two.
🦇Dark Fantasy
🦇Magic
🦇Touch her and die
🦇Slow burn
🦇Enemies to Allies
🦇Vampire x Mortal
🦇Possessive MMC
Release 6-30-25
The Audiobook sounds amazing! This is one of the few new books I'm excited for. I seriously loved it. I don't want to give too much away, because I feel like it'll ruin the book for you. If you love Dark Fantasy, Vampires, court drama, slow burn, magic, this book is for you.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait for book two.
June 30, 2025
I received this as an ARC and giving an honest review. This book was different from all the other Vampire and Witches books I have read as far as their rituals and magics went but I did feel that the storyline was too close to many other books I have read.
I also didn’t feel that this book was captivating me from beginning to end. The beginning started strong but then i felt like it was very repetitive and boring. Most of the time I was tuning out the book. No smut which is fine but I felt like the author could’ve given a little more romance between FMC and MMCD…
Did I hate the book? No But is it something I will remember and recommend? No. I probably will not continue the series
I also didn’t feel that this book was captivating me from beginning to end. The beginning started strong but then i felt like it was very repetitive and boring. Most of the time I was tuning out the book. No smut which is fine but I felt like the author could’ve given a little more romance between FMC and MMCD…
Did I hate the book? No But is it something I will remember and recommend? No. I probably will not continue the series
June 30, 2025
4⭐️ this was a wonderful, dark, vampy ride. pacing was good, plot was good, and the characters were great. i loved getting to see samara come out of her shell, even if her doubts/unsurety weren’t my favorite at times, especially towards the end. of course, as the reader, i know a bit more than her, so i can’t be too hard on her. raphael certainly loves his secrets, but i really enjoyed his dry humor and the chemistry he and samara have. i also like that he saw her when she didn’t see herself. he’s no white knight, but he doesn’t feel like a true villain either (at least as far as samara is concerned)
while reading this, i didn’t want to put it down & i didn’t get distracted, but the fact that i did put it down and read a whole other book in the middle keeps this from being a five star read for me. that said, i’m dying to see where this story goes & what’s next for samara and raphael. i feel like book 2 will really take my breath away. there’s a bit of a cliffhanger ending on this one, so be aware that you’ll want book 2 as soon as you finish this one
tropes: reluctant allies to lovers, vampire x human, found family, touch her and die (literally), secret identities, only one horse/bed, white haired man
similar titles: great for readers who enjoyed the crowns of nyaxia and are fiending for their next vampire romantasy
1🌶️ as the first in a series, this one didn’t have much/any spice, but there was TONS of tension. truly, you just get a couple of steamy kisses in this one, but my understanding is that we’re gonna get more as the story goes on. i also think anything more would’ve felt forced in this novel, so i’m happy to wait for samara to get with the program. while the spice might be appropriate for a younger audience, the rest of the themes and content are firmly adult. this is not suitable for readers under 18. cw: pleasure bites, she’s a virgin
thank you to vasilisa drake and her team for this ARC. i’m voluntarily leaving an honest review
while reading this, i didn’t want to put it down & i didn’t get distracted, but the fact that i did put it down and read a whole other book in the middle keeps this from being a five star read for me. that said, i’m dying to see where this story goes & what’s next for samara and raphael. i feel like book 2 will really take my breath away. there’s a bit of a cliffhanger ending on this one, so be aware that you’ll want book 2 as soon as you finish this one
tropes: reluctant allies to lovers, vampire x human, found family, touch her and die (literally), secret identities, only one horse/bed, white haired man
similar titles: great for readers who enjoyed the crowns of nyaxia and are fiending for their next vampire romantasy
1🌶️ as the first in a series, this one didn’t have much/any spice, but there was TONS of tension. truly, you just get a couple of steamy kisses in this one, but my understanding is that we’re gonna get more as the story goes on. i also think anything more would’ve felt forced in this novel, so i’m happy to wait for samara to get with the program. while the spice might be appropriate for a younger audience, the rest of the themes and content are firmly adult. this is not suitable for readers under 18. cw: pleasure bites, she’s a virgin
thank you to vasilisa drake and her team for this ARC. i’m voluntarily leaving an honest review
June 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. What a way to start a series.
It gives dark gothic vamp vibes and yet it gives protector captor vibes too. The world building was done really, really well, and the slow burn romance was also well executed, and I liked the character development that the FMC goes through with MMCs guidance and training. The ending was a plot twist that I should have seen coming, but I'm really looking forward to the next book.
The audiobook narration was really good, the narrators did an amazing job. I highly recommend it.
It gives dark gothic vamp vibes and yet it gives protector captor vibes too. The world building was done really, really well, and the slow burn romance was also well executed, and I liked the character development that the FMC goes through with MMCs guidance and training. The ending was a plot twist that I should have seen coming, but I'm really looking forward to the next book.
The audiobook narration was really good, the narrators did an amazing job. I highly recommend it.
June 5, 2025
My first ever ARC and book review couldn’t be for a better book! A Bargain so Bloody was just a breath of fresh air from what I’ve been reading. While I love reading similar stories but with different characters, A bargain so bloody had some storylines that I haven’t read in books in a long time.
The MMC Raphael and FMC Samara’s banter was so fun, and while I would call it an enemies to lovers, to me, it definitely felt like it was one-sided, enemy wise haha. But the Slow Burn was done so wonderful well, to where I don’t know what’s gonna happen in book 2 and I desperately need it now! The way the author handled some of the things that Samara went through, was done so beautifully, especially with the way Raphael as a man, was there for her, that I just wanted to read more! Plus the magic system was just so cool and not something I have read in a book.
Thank you for bringing such a wonderful unique world Vasilisa to the book community and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 💚. And while this may be my first review, it’s definitely not my first romantasy/fantasy book. A Bargain so Bloody comes out June 30th and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed and will hopefully love the world as much as I did.
“I received a ARC and am voluntarily and happily leaving a review”
The MMC Raphael and FMC Samara’s banter was so fun, and while I would call it an enemies to lovers, to me, it definitely felt like it was one-sided, enemy wise haha. But the Slow Burn was done so wonderful well, to where I don’t know what’s gonna happen in book 2 and I desperately need it now! The way the author handled some of the things that Samara went through, was done so beautifully, especially with the way Raphael as a man, was there for her, that I just wanted to read more! Plus the magic system was just so cool and not something I have read in a book.
Thank you for bringing such a wonderful unique world Vasilisa to the book community and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 💚. And while this may be my first review, it’s definitely not my first romantasy/fantasy book. A Bargain so Bloody comes out June 30th and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed and will hopefully love the world as much as I did.
“I received a ARC and am voluntarily and happily leaving a review”
June 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It only took me 2 days to read. From the start, I loved the world. The magic system was unique and interesting to learn about. The main two characters had great chemistry. I love that the MMC truly was morally gray. I am excited to see his story arc. The same goes for the FMC. She starts as more timid and unsure but she ends with the seedlings of being a force to be reckoned with.
**"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review."**
**"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review."**
June 3, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨rounded up
Story of lots of trauma and abuse and clinging to scars but also prejudices.
The true objectives behind a lot of actions are still hidden by the end of the book.
The adventure and world building was fun to read. I am not fully believing that Sam loves Raphael and hoping that the depths of her affection are shown in the following book
Tropes
- he falls first
- touch her and ☠️
- enemies to (I’m not sure yet if they can be called lovers in book 1)
- lost princess
-vampire king
-secret powers
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨rounded up
Story of lots of trauma and abuse and clinging to scars but also prejudices.
The true objectives behind a lot of actions are still hidden by the end of the book.
The adventure and world building was fun to read. I am not fully believing that Sam loves Raphael and hoping that the depths of her affection are shown in the following book
Tropes
- he falls first
- touch her and ☠️
- enemies to (I’m not sure yet if they can be called lovers in book 1)
- lost princess
-vampire king
-secret powers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
I need the next one immediately! I am HOOKED. It’s been a while since I read a fantasy book because none have gripped me but this one…wow!
The storyline gripped me throughout and the tension between both characters was so good.
Raphael and Samara have my heart and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
✨ I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review ✨
The storyline gripped me throughout and the tension between both characters was so good.
Raphael and Samara have my heart and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
✨ I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review ✨
June 3, 2025
Finished in 24 hours because it was that good and such an easy read that sucks you in. I love the card system for the magic, definitely different and unique. Love the characters and can't wait for more, that ending has me dead.
Touch her and 💀
Slow 🔥
Prison break
Unique Magic
He falls fast and hard
Secret identity
Betrayal
Blood drinking
Vampire/human
Touch her and 💀
Slow 🔥
Prison break
Unique Magic
He falls fast and hard
Secret identity
Betrayal
Blood drinking
Vampire/human
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,243 reviews