4/5⭐️
ARC Copy Reader
Wow! This book was so good! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Finished in 1 sitting, it was so good.
The ending is so crazy! Will definitely be waiting patiently for Book 2!

Thank you Netgalley, and Vasilisa Drake for e arc and audiobook!

I listened and read along to this book and it was fantastic! I loved the fmc and mmc! The narrator did a great job and I listened to this in a day.

The fmc is a prisoner who escapes with a vampire and the story only gets better from there. The chemistry is full of tension the entire book and while there is no spice, the tension between the two is present. This story has all the fun romantasy tropes, one horse, over protective murdery mmc and lots of secrets and betrayal. There is definitely a lot of miscommunication and prejudice from the mfc but it's not done poorly. It's very believable as to why the mfc has the mistrust. The ending made me feral to want the next book immediately and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next for their story!

This was an easy to read fantasy that I enjoyed quite a bit. There was a little I struggled with, but overall the story was good. I liked Raphael alot. You could tell he really cared for Samara. I liked Amalthea and her personality. She came across as endearing and protective. She was probably my favorite character in this book. I struggled with the fmc. Nothing felt like love for me. Anytime she was mentioned with Raphael, she would blush or get shy but it all seemed so physical. Nothing of the heart was mentioned. So it felt very lust forward. My other struggle with this book is the miscommunication trope. Its my least favorite and that trope was a very common thread throughout this book.
Overall, I think a lot of people will love this book. It a very easy to digest fantasy, with complicated relationships which I did like. The unraveling of complicated relationships can be very fun. For me, it was an okay read.

This was an adventure from start to finish!

We get witches, vampires, unique magic system where magic can be bought via enchanted cards, prison breaks, treasure hunts, court politics, murder mystery, betrayal AND a slow burn romance with a morally dark grey MMC who gives Mr Darcy vibes 😍

The emotional journey and thought processes that Samara goes through are so well written that you really feel like you are there with her and are part of her struggle.

I would have liked to have read more about the side characters but hopefully they will be developed more in the next book.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us book 2 ASAP 🙏

Review: A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake
I just finished A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake, and wow, what a ride! I had the chance to listen to the audiobook while reading, and it elevated the entire experience. This is one of those rare books that truly sticks to its lovers-to-enemies arc, and stays there, which I found refreshing and bold. Who said vampire books were out of style? This one proves they’re very much alive (or undead?).
The author crafted such an intricate, tension-filled story that I was constantly on edge, wondering what twist was coming next. I absolutely adored it. The world building is immersive, the mystery keeps you hooked, and the pacing never drags.
The audiobook narrator, Cecily Foster, brought this story to life. Although it’s not told in dual POV, I didn’t mind at all. Everything is seen through our FMC, Samara’s, eyes, and Foster did an incredible job giving depth and personality to all the characters, especially Raphael. Her voice work was dynamic, and she nailed Raphael’s tone and presence perfectly.
The story begins with Samara, imprisoned since the age of 8, living in a grim cell where catching rats is part of her survival. She’s endured years of trauma and is just trying to stay invisible. One night, she’s told to tend to a new, badly beaten prisoner, and walks straight into the cell of a vampire. Raphael promises to take her with him if she helps him escape, and against all odds, she does.
Now, while Samara had every reason to fear Raphael, especially after her childhood experiences, I found her constant distrust a little frustrating. He consistently tried to make her feel safe, but she clung to her trauma so tightly it became a bit much for me. Especially considering the world that locked up a child and never blinked an eye. It made me question her loyalty to that homeland more than her fear of vampires.
As for Raphael? Swoon. I’m a sucker for vampires and he had me completely charmed. If he offered to turn me, I wouldn’t even hesitate.
This book has it all, adventure, magic, dark romance, vampires, witches, and even a hint of trolls. If you're craving your next addicting romantasy, this is it. Fair warning: it ends on a massive cliffhanger that had my jaw on the floor! But you won’t have to wait long, A Bargain So Bloody releases June 30th!

Fantastic debut from a very talented author!
I loved every minute of this book.
The world building was phenomenal, and the storyline was captivating from start to finish. It has given me the worst book hangover! I can't wait for the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing company, and the author for this incredible ARC!

This was a super fun read! Akin to “QuickSilver” by Callie Hart, and “Bride” by Ali Hazelwood, but I personally preferred Vasilisa Drake’s writing to the others. Finished this in one day & already looking forward to the next!

Not me being on the edge of my seat the whole book. This was soooo good. I was sort of in a reading slump but from the first chapter this had me in a chokehold. The vampire world is not a hard one to understand and get sucked into.