The slow burn I live for. I couldn’t tell you whether they are enemies or lovers and the ending? Well let’s just say I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds in the next book.
Vampires, witches, unique magic systems. I truly enjoyed this book and it far exceeded my expectations from my original thoughts at the start. Be sure to add this to your TBR! Released 30th June.

a bargain so bloody was such a great book! i ended up giving it a 4.5 stars! i absolutely loved this book. i got attached to all of the characters and would visibly react anytime they did anything. i did think there were some pacing issues in part I, but it resolved itself by the time we got into part II. after finishing this book, i had to go look up and see when the next book came out. i can’t wait for 2026!

3.5 ⭐

Was it the best book I have read? No.
Was it a pleasant read? Yes.
Will I read the following book? Yes.

This first book presented a bit of a content rollercoaster—not emotionally, but in the way the story unfolded. I generally liked the plot, but there were moments where I felt a crucial element was missing, perhaps a deeper emotional resonance. I typically seek to embody the main character, to feel their emotions intensely, but I struggled to form a strong connection with the FMC on this occasion.

While it eventually became clear who the FMC would be by the end, her true identity, origins, and past before the story began remained largely enigmatic. The dominant feelings I experienced towards the FMC were hate and disdain, and I found it challenging to empathize with her conflicted emotions towards the MMC.

For those considering it, be warned: this is a VERY slow-burn romance (🫑). It's so gradual that they're still in the preliminary stages of gathering material to start a fire, and it's uncertain if there will be anything more than smoke by the conclusion. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Overall, it was a pleasant and easy read. Though I find myself more invested in the MMC than the FMC, I'm genuinely curious to discover how the story concludes and what future developments await.

I would like to thank Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC . It was a pleasure to read and honestly review this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
It was an excellent fantasy about a vampire and human who escapes prison with the vampire - a race she hates and detests.
It was a different take on vampire fantasy and I really enjoyed it unable to put it down at all
I loved Samara's character, she was strong-willed and fiercely independent.
And Raphael ... he was cruel and all the things a vampire should be but yet melted for her.
The ending was brilliant and I cannot wait to read the second book

This is my honest review about A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake. I've got this arc from Netgalley, the author and by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op.

The book is about a girl Samara who lived almost all her life in prison. This is also where she meets Raphael, a vampire. Together they're escaping this prison and they both go on the road where things happen and they help/save eachother out. This is a very slowburn-story and gives me more the vibes of a YA-book.

I honestly give this book a 3 star, the writing is very fluently but for me it's lacking more tension, more details. Also the FMC is too naive and I think the MMC has to be more mysterious but it's lacking this kind of vibes. Overall it's a good story but I need more details.

I give this a 3-star read.

I was excited to read this one—the description sounded right up my alley, and I wasn’t disappointed.

From the very start, the writing pulled me in. The pacing was spot on: not too fast, not too slow. Just that really satisfying middle ground where things unfold steadily, giving you time to connect with the characters and the world without feeling like you’re being force-fed plot points. The details are revealed with care, and I appreciated that not everything was tied up neatly—there are enough lingering threads to have me genuinely looking forward to the sequel.

The characters are the real standout for me. They’re vivid, well-rounded, and stay true to themselves in a way that felt refreshingly consistent. Even when they made choices I didn’t always agree with, I could understand why they were doing it—it all tracked emotionally and logically. They weren’t perfect or polished, but that made them feel real. It’s rare for me to say this, but I didn’t feel like anyone was just filling a trope or role—they each had a purpose, a personality, and depth.

There’s a decision that Sam makes near the end (and the fallout that follows) that honestly hit like a gutpunch. And for me, that’s one of the clearest signs of a good book—when something fictional can land like that emotionally. It didn’t feel manipulative or unearned, just… painful and right for the story. I still keep thinking about it.

One thing that really stood out thematically was the tension between choice and consequence. The story doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of decisions—whether it’s about loyalty, survival, or personal growth—and that gave it a depth I wasn’t fully expecting. It’s not a light read emotionally, but it’s not crushing either—it strikes a nice balance.

The settings, too, were described with just the right amount of detail. I could picture the scenes easily without feeling bogged down in description. Everything felt grounded, whether it was gritty or atmospheric, and I always knew where I was in the story without needing to go back and re-read.

I’m honestly excited for the sequel. This book didn’t just set things up—it told a complete story while making it clear there’s more to come, and I’m fully invested.

This is an honest review given in exchange for an advance copy of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First book from Vasilisa Drake, and suddenly I’m ready to sell my soul for Book Two.

This is what happens when a practical prison-born heroine (who’s been locked up since she was EIGHT, mind you) makes a deal with a broody, tortured, deliciously dangerous vampire. Samara and Raphael? A slow-burn power couple in the making. Zero spice, ALL tension. And I ATE. IT. UP.

Samara is sharp, flawed, and so easy to root for, even when you want to scream “GIRL, NO.” Raphael is the touch-her-and-you-die alpha who’s somehow sweet and emotionally constipated at the same time. And I. Am. Obsessed.

🧛‍♂️ Secrets? YES.
🩸 Lies? Absolutely.
💥 Twist I saw coming but still gasped anyway? YUP.
📚 Book Two? NEEDED IMMEDIATELY.

Thank you, Vasilisa Drake and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for this ARC, and also for emotionally wounding me just enough to keep coming back. 😭🖤

i binge read this book so fast! from the first couple of chapters, i was hooked. i really loved samara's character and found her easy to root for. samara's character arc was amazing and i loved watching her learn everything at the same time we do, as it added so much shock value to the book. i also loved her banter and her relationship with raphael. it was a perfect slow burn!

i thought the pacing was wonderful and easy to follow. the plot was constantly moving and i never once felt bored. and the ending?? i need book two like... tomorrow! the ending seriously had me on the edge of my seat, needing to know what happens.

i definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and especially fantasy romance. this book and these tropes were so well done and i enjoyed it so much!!

thank you netgalley and victory editing for the opportunity to read this arc!

This book really grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Samara’s story of being trapped in a witch prison was intense and raw, especially how she survived malnutrition and harsh conditions. When Raphael, the vampire prisoner, showed up, their deal to escape was so interesting. Raphael seemed cold at first but slowly revealed he would protect Samara no matter what. I loved how the magic system was new and different from other books I read, mixing witches, vampires, and magic cards in a cool way. The characters were not just simple good or bad, they were very complicated and realistic. The ending shocked me with a crazy twist that I didn’t expect, and I can’t wait for the next book. The story moved fast but gave good space for the characters to grow. Loved it. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

Wow.. I binge read this in 24 hours. I could NOT put it down and I think I've now found a favourite author to put on my shelf. I absolutely loved the pacing of this book and the set up of the FMC's growth, such a beautiful slow burn romance between the two characters as well. I absolutely loved how mysterious everything was and how we were learning through her and no other POV's or information. It added so much more mystery to the plot, characters and world we were in. Raphael being this mysterious otherworldly creature never left the pages either and I really appreciated that because too often I find romantasy tales leave the allure of mystery behind. These vampires and vampire world are gory and dark and they are a predatory species. Absolutely adored this book! It was a pleasure to read and I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Samara has spent over a decade locked away in Castle Greymere for a crime she didn’t commit, resigned to a future of magical suppression and prison guards—until she learns no one ever really leaves. Her only way out? Strike a deal with Raphael, an ancient vampire imprisoned alongside her, shackled and dangerous… and her people’s mortal enemy.

What follows is a dark romantasy full of secrets, magic, betrayal, and a touch-her-and-die MMC. Samara and Raphael’s dynamic is pal[able, and absolutely fantastic for fans of morally gray heroes who fall first and hard. It is definitely predictable at times, but I couldn't stop reading.

My major complaint? Reading an eARC via the NetGalley app was rough. I would've preferred it and read it so much faster with an e-reader friendly ARC option.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vasilisa Drake for the eARC!

This was my first read from Vasilisa Drake but it won’t be my last. I ready enjoyed her writing style and her character.

The story starts with Samara. A young (20 years old) girl in prison just trying to survive. Samara Is a very self aware, intelligent and practical MFC. She is very easy to like and even when you disagree with her choices you can understand why she made them.

On the other hand we have Raphael. The mysterious, handsome a vampire who is captured and tortured in the prison. When he offers Samara a chance to escape it is to good of an opportunity for her to pass up.

I really liked Samara and Raphael’s dynamic. This is a very slow burn so not expect spice. In a lot of ways Samara is very naïve to her world. Since she was in prison at the age of eight, she knows very little of what goes on, except for what she was taught as a child. She has extreme biases against vampires and Idolizes Magic, even though she is incapable of it. Raphael, while he is a mysterious character, much more open minded. Although Raphael is the epitome of a touch her and die alpha male, he is also very sweet and productive.

There are a lot of mysteries in this book. Neither character are ever truly honest with the other. While some twist are easily guessed there are still a lot of an unanswered questions. I will definitely be looking forward to the sequel.

I would definitely recommend this book

Thank you to Vasilisa Drake and Late Night Daydreams LLC for this ARC

This was my first read from Vasilisa Drake but it won’t be my last. I ready enjoyed her writing style and her character.

The story starts with Samara. A young (20 years old) girl in prison just trying to survive. Samara Is a very self aware, intelligent and practical MFC. She is very easy to like and even when you disagree with her choices you can understand why she made them.

On the other hand we have Raphael. The mysterious, handsome a vampire who is captured and tortured in the prison. When he offers Samara a chance to escape it is to good of an opportunity for her to pass up.

I really liked Samara and Raphael’s dynamic. This is a very slow burn so not expect spice. In a lot of ways Samara is very naïve to her world. Since she was in prison at the age of eight, she knows very little of what goes on, except for what she was taught as a child. She has extreme biases against vampires and Idolizes Magic, even though she is incapable of it. Raphael, while he is a mysterious character, much more open minded. Although Raphael is the epitome of a touch her and die alpha male, he is also very sweet and productive.

There are a lot of mysteries in this book. Neither character are ever truly honest with the other. While some twist are easily guessed there are still a lot of an unanswered questions. I will definitely be looking forward to the sequel.

I would definitely recommend this

Thank you to Vasilisa Drake and Late Night Daydreams LLC for this ARC

ARC Review —— thank you NetGalley!

2.5 stars⭐️ This book was really fast paced with short snappy chapters which I feel was really refreshing for a fantasy book!

The start of the book really gripped me but unfortunately just lost me slightly, I didn’t feel that emotionally connected or invested in the characters and at times did feel slightly bored of the plot.

I also did not feel like this was very dark at all, more just a standard vampire short fantasy than a super dark one!

If you’re looking for a really snappy fantasy with magic, witches, vampires, prison settings etc this would definitely be for you! 🧛🩸🗡️

A nice under-400-page vampire fantasy read that I ate up! This book focused on plot and character building with a romance sub-plot. It was giving enemies to, well, bigger enemies, but maybe lovers in the next book? It was easy to read, and the story flowed nicely. I did feel like something was missing but I can't put my finger on what it was. I'll definitely take a bite out of book two in the future.

I updated my review after taking some time to digest.

5✨
omg im obsessed with this book!! From start
to finish loved every single thing about it!!
Vampires, witches
love love love!!
The Fmc Samara is trapped inside a magical prison for a crime she's didn't commit she's constantly bullied by the guard (Nelson) grr hate that guy!!
Nelson orders her to attend Raphael, (who's known as the worst kind of monster) to attend his wounds as he is whipped daily.
After they meet Raphael has promised Samara he will help her escape if she frees him from his shackles.
But this is a Vampire she's has to put her trust into, the same breed that killed her mother.
Highly highly highly recommend this book!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

I started and finished reading this book in a day, that’s how good it was! Throughout the book there were clues to what Samara was, though I did wish there was more information volunteered on her background. As for Raphael can’t wait to see what his character bring in the next installment and now I cant wait for the next installment in this series!! The storyline line was unique from other vampire books I’ve read, and the events at the beginning of the book did well with grasping and maintaining my attention!! Can’t thank the author enough for sending a copy to review!! The five stars are well deserved and can’t recommend this book enough!!

First of all, gratitude for the author and team for extending a chance to read this book early. I am going to refrain from leaving my full review/feedback here and have only rated and shelved the book on good reads, my chosen review platform, for now. My full review will be posted shortly after the release of the book for the integrity of release. However with that said, my review is a negative one and I was not able to push through to finish the book.
You can look for my review listed on my good reads page shortly after the publication of the book. Thank you again for the opportunity to be an early reader.

From little dove to viper, Drake does an amazing job of roping you in! It’s been a while since I’ve read any vampire novels, and this does not disappoint at all, and the ending!!!

Lovable tropes include forced proximity, one horse, one bed (or floor), and I’d even say court of intrigue.

Samara’s devastating start in life seems as though it can’t get any worse so she takes a chance on a vampire named Raphael. After taking her risk with him, she sets out on a cautious journey with him for a mysterious grimoire. Once at Raphael’s home in the West Vampire Kingdom, Samara has quite a few changes and choices to make, even as a void (a person with no magic).

In the end her choice is sure but yields the result she tries to avoid…

I really enjoyed the human aspects to Samara, her feelings and emotions are genuine, and we get to see an awakening in her character. She’s not trusting and we see that ebb and flow throughout the story. Yet while she grows, it’s not finished and we can see that in book two, she’ll have even more growth, and I can’t wait!

Raphael…well he’s the “no one touches her” from the beginning! While being ruthless we still see a kindness in him, even though it may be twisted.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger that leaves the reader not wanting, but needing more!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ A solid 3 stars — in spirit for its potential and engaging first half.

I was immediately hooked by the first half of A Bargain So Bloody. The writing is fluid and fast-paced. The forced proximity between the two main characters — travelling together, sharing a tent, riding one horse — combined with sharp-witted dialogue, created a real spark. The fantasy setup with magical cards, vampires, witches, and humans was rich and intriguing, and it definitely got me invested.

I also appreciated how the story explores the fragile balance between humans and vampires under the Vampire King’s rule. Side characters like Amalthea and General Demos added warmth, loyalty, and complexity to the political layers of the story.

However, the second half of the novel lost some of its momentum. The chemistry between the leads faded, and the emotional tension that had been built so well early on became repetitive. I understand the intention behind the slow burn, but Samara kept doubting Raphael’s motives over and over again, without much emotional growth or deeper insight into her past. That made it hard to stay fully invested in her arc. Raphael’s feelings, too, lacked development — we’re told he’s drawn to Samara, but we don’t really feel why. Perhaps this will be explored further in book 2.

The slow burn became a little too slow, and unfortunately, the emotional connection between the characters started to fade. The ending and its twist came rather quickly, and I was left wanting more — more connection, more development, more payoff.

🖤 Special mention to Raphael, who was my favourite character. I enjoyed his dry humour and the way he behaved around his love interest. Sadly, the second half lacked meaningful scenes between them to fully develop their dynamic.

Still, I believe this world has strong potential, and Vasilisa Drake’s writing definitely shows promise. I would consider reading the sequel, especially to see how Samara grows after the final cliffhanger.

A solid debut that left me curious, if not entirely satisfied — hoping book 2 will deepen the emotional stakes.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author Vasilisa Drake for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.