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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OK, I’m only saying this once, so listen up, bloodsuckers: On June 30, when this hardcover book and audiobook drop—
DO. NOT. WALK. RUN.
Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Just sprint into the night like the feral little bat you are and one-click this immediately. 🩸🖤
Before I lose my mind screaming about this absolutely fang-tastic story, I need to shine a whole-ass spotlight on the author. As a neurospicy reader, I often need both ebook and audiobook formats to stay focused—and when I mentioned this? She didn’t just nod politely. She delivered both formats, like the literary angel she is. THAT is how you show up for your neurodivergent readers. I will protect her at all costs. 👏👑🥹
Now… deep breath
Cecily Foster? Bestie, your voice acting had me questioning reality. The range? The delivery? The character switching so clean I had to double check there wasn’t a whole cast behind the mic? 10/10. And my first CTR Audio production? Crystal-clear quality. No glitches, no weird volume jumps—just pure, immersive deliciousness. I was in this world like I had a front-row seat to the vampire drama.
And now... the story. Oh. My. Goth.
I am OBSESSED. This author took everything I love—vampires, blood-drenched enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray characters I want to slap and then kiss—and gave me a book I devoured in one sitting. (Yes, it’s a 12+ hour audiobook. No, I didn’t come up for air. Yes, I’m unwell. Thanks for asking.)
This book is not heavy on the spice—but don’t let that fool you. The tension?? You could string it on a violin and play a murder ballad while the MMC broods in a corner and the FMC threatens to stab him (romantically). The slow burn will have you clenching your Kindle and dramatically sighing like a Victorian lady.
What do we get?
🖤 Murdery court intrigue
🗡️ Villains you love to hate
🩷 An FMC with backbone, bite, and beautifully bad decisions
🧛♂️ An MMC who is mysterious-but-not-too-mysterious, aka perfect
📖 Worldbuilding that makes you want to live there (and possibly die there too)
⚔️ Enemies to Allies to….🤭
🕵🏽♀️ Secrets/Hidden Identities
I’m not spoiling a damn thing because this is one of those stories you need to go into blind— no spoilers, just vibes. But trust me: if you love Crown of Nyaxia, The Serpent & the Wings of Night, Crescent City, The Bridge Kingdom, or anything with a hot guy who probably bites—you’re gonna eat this up.
I am in this book’s THRALL (and yes, you’ll understand that pun later, don’t worry 😏). 10 out of 5 stars. Already counting down the days ‘til book two. RIP to whatever book follows this one, because the bar is now six feet deep and made of obsidian.
Major thanks to the author and CTR Audio for the eARC and audiobook. I am ferally grateful. Let’s go, vamps. 🩸
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Vasilisa Drake for sending me an audio ARC! I was so excited! I love reading ARCs, and while audio is my preferred reading method, it’s not commonplace to have an audio ARC. Extra points!
Samara and Raphael find themselves in a mutually beneficial predicament, helping each other to break out of prison and becoming travelling companions to eventually wind up in vampire territory. There, they must continue to help each other, open their minds to fight prejudices and accept other ways of seeing things, and fight this attraction for each other.
I will admit, I didn’t know where this book was headed, but it wasn’t where it ended up! The beginning of the book was fast-paced, when I assumed it would spend more time on their breakout and travels. It makes sense since this wasn’t the main point of the book, but it would have been nice to get to know the characters a little better. By the end of the book, much about the characters is still left to be found out, so I’m excited to read the next book that will hopefully delve into them more.
The magic system was unique and easy enough to understand. It played on the magic-wielding abilities of witches, but added in some cool touches to allow others to access magic, and added in a couple of additional features to be expanded on!
The strength, confidence, and character development of Samara was great to read. I love a good training montage, with the FMC getting to know those around her and facing fears that have plagued her. I have no idea where these two characters will be headed in the next book. The ending didn’t leave them in the best place. Speaking of, there were two pretty big plot twists at the end. One I called, one I should have called, but damn! The mix of the two will also make for an interesting book 2!
Enjoyed it! Will definitely add the next ones to my TBR.
Samara and Raphael find themselves in a mutually beneficial predicament, helping each other to break out of prison and becoming travelling companions to eventually wind up in vampire territory. There, they must continue to help each other, open their minds to fight prejudices and accept other ways of seeing things, and fight this attraction for each other.
I will admit, I didn’t know where this book was headed, but it wasn’t where it ended up! The beginning of the book was fast-paced, when I assumed it would spend more time on their breakout and travels. It makes sense since this wasn’t the main point of the book, but it would have been nice to get to know the characters a little better. By the end of the book, much about the characters is still left to be found out, so I’m excited to read the next book that will hopefully delve into them more.
The magic system was unique and easy enough to understand. It played on the magic-wielding abilities of witches, but added in some cool touches to allow others to access magic, and added in a couple of additional features to be expanded on!
The strength, confidence, and character development of Samara was great to read. I love a good training montage, with the FMC getting to know those around her and facing fears that have plagued her. I have no idea where these two characters will be headed in the next book. The ending didn’t leave them in the best place. Speaking of, there were two pretty big plot twists at the end. One I called, one I should have called, but damn! The mix of the two will also make for an interesting book 2!
Enjoyed it! Will definitely add the next ones to my TBR.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
5 Stars – Dark, Addictive, and Utterly Unputdownable
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake is everything I want in a romantasy: dark stakes, slow-burn tension, and a morally grey hero I couldn’t get enough of. I listened to the audiobook and was completely immersed—the narration brought the characters and atmosphere to life in the best way possible. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping.
Samara’s journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, she’s locked in the brutal magical prison of Castle Greymere. But instead of breaking, she finds her strength and dares the impossible: escape.
Enter Raphael—a dangerous, ancient vampire and the last creature she ever thought she'd trust. Their uneasy alliance crackles with tension, and the slow-burn romance that follows had me completely hooked. Raphael is the perfect morally grey hero: terrifying, magnetic, and completely obsessed (in the best way).
Drake’s worldbuilding is rich, the writing vivid, and the emotional stakes are high. The pacing is tight, the romance sizzles, and that final twist left me desperate for the next book.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had the amazing opportunity to ARC read/listen to A Bargain So Bloody over these last few weeks, and I'm so so so glad I did!
I've had a handful of questionable quality ARC as of late, and let me tell you, this is NOT ONE OF THEM! This book really filled so many needs I had for an excellent fantasy book! The unique magic system, the yearning, the plot twists, the ENDING!?!?!?!?!?!?!
The only issue I have with it is that I CANT READ BOOK 2 YET ☠️
Favorite quote: "Samara, there is nowhere in this world i would not go if you wished me to." 🥵🥵🥵
I GENUINELY CAN NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Release date: 6/30/25
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Just finished A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake and I’m officially obsessed. This is a dark fantasy that is full of danger, magic, and tension that pulls you in from the first page.
Samara’s been locked away in Greymere for 12 years for a crime she didn’t commit. Barely surviving, she strikes a reluctant deal with the only person willing to help her - Raphael, a vampire she has every reason to hate due to her past.
He wants freedom. She wants out. Simple enough, until he starts showing glimpses of something more—kindness, maybe even something close to humanity—and suddenly, things become complicated.
She’s forced to face the trauma of her past while trying to navigate a world that wants to either use her or destroy her.
Samara is such a compelling heroine, scarred by her past, but never defined by it. She's damaged, but determined and always pushing forward no matter how dark things become.
And Raphael? Whew. He’s got that intense, fiercely protective “touch her and die” energy that makes their push-pull dynamic so addictive.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s a slow burn with lots of mistrust, tension, and sharp banter.
The worldbuilding is so well done. From the inhumane prison to the brutal politics, everything feels vivid and dangerous. The magic system is unique too—especially the dynamic between vampires and witches.
It’s fast-paced, emotional, and full of twists. And that ending? I’m still recovering.
If you’re into dark fantasy with gritty worldbuilding, enemies-to-reluctant-allies, slow-burn romance with bite, and a whole lot of blood and betrayal—this one’s a must-read.
Samara’s been locked away in Greymere for 12 years for a crime she didn’t commit. Barely surviving, she strikes a reluctant deal with the only person willing to help her - Raphael, a vampire she has every reason to hate due to her past.
He wants freedom. She wants out. Simple enough, until he starts showing glimpses of something more—kindness, maybe even something close to humanity—and suddenly, things become complicated.
She’s forced to face the trauma of her past while trying to navigate a world that wants to either use her or destroy her.
Samara is such a compelling heroine, scarred by her past, but never defined by it. She's damaged, but determined and always pushing forward no matter how dark things become.
And Raphael? Whew. He’s got that intense, fiercely protective “touch her and die” energy that makes their push-pull dynamic so addictive.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s a slow burn with lots of mistrust, tension, and sharp banter.
The worldbuilding is so well done. From the inhumane prison to the brutal politics, everything feels vivid and dangerous. The magic system is unique too—especially the dynamic between vampires and witches.
It’s fast-paced, emotional, and full of twists. And that ending? I’m still recovering.
If you’re into dark fantasy with gritty worldbuilding, enemies-to-reluctant-allies, slow-burn romance with bite, and a whole lot of blood and betrayal—this one’s a must-read.
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the early advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Okay, this book was so much better than I expected. It completely hooked me from the start and never let go. The romance and the tension was incredible. It’s that perfect slow burn where nothing feels rushed or forced. And honestly it gave more villain gets the girl vibes and enemies to lovers and I was so here for it.
Raphael is the kind of morally gray villain character who I always root for in this type of dark romantasy books. He would absolutely kill anyone who even thinks about touching Samara, his chosen one.
The worldbuilding was another highlight. I loved how we got this dark and immersive look into the species and everything felt fresh. And like mentioned that I was completely hook with the story, most of it is because of the pacing that was very fast. I flew through this book and was actually shocked it was under 500 pages, it felt like so much happened without ever dragging.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because I started getting a little annoyed at Samara near the end. Her indecisiveness in those final chapters really left me a bit frustrated, especially considering where it led things. But I’m still very intrigued by the direction the story’s going, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
Okay, this book was so much better than I expected. It completely hooked me from the start and never let go. The romance and the tension was incredible. It’s that perfect slow burn where nothing feels rushed or forced. And honestly it gave more villain gets the girl vibes and enemies to lovers and I was so here for it.
Raphael is the kind of morally gray villain character who I always root for in this type of dark romantasy books. He would absolutely kill anyone who even thinks about touching Samara, his chosen one.
The worldbuilding was another highlight. I loved how we got this dark and immersive look into the species and everything felt fresh. And like mentioned that I was completely hook with the story, most of it is because of the pacing that was very fast. I flew through this book and was actually shocked it was under 500 pages, it felt like so much happened without ever dragging.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because I started getting a little annoyed at Samara near the end. Her indecisiveness in those final chapters really left me a bit frustrated, especially considering where it led things. But I’m still very intrigued by the direction the story’s going, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
I devoured this in one day.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the voice actor was so good!
I love a good vampire book and this did not disappoint. Boy he the world and the magic system was really cool.
I think it was fairly obvious that Rafael was a tad obsessed with Sam but I would have loved to listen to Rafael’s pov. Let’s hope we get it in the second book. The ending was so good and I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I listened to this as an audiobook and the voice actor was so good!
I love a good vampire book and this did not disappoint. Boy he the world and the magic system was really cool.
I think it was fairly obvious that Rafael was a tad obsessed with Sam but I would have loved to listen to Rafael’s pov. Let’s hope we get it in the second book. The ending was so good and I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I don't know what Vasilisa puts in her cereal in the morning, but the result in her book always hits the spot!
A bargain so bloody is the captivating start of her new series, and it's action-packed! The end is simply mind-blowing and full of trepidating anticipation for the suite.
I particularly like the PTSD representation and how it was affecting the FMC's choices and views.
The supporting characters are varied and all contribute to the development of both the story and the main characters, while still having their own stories.
We definitely need book 2 ASAP because there is still so much to learn about and see unravel. Vasilisa lays great foundations with this book for what looks like is going to be an amazing series.
🎧 The narration was so good; Cecily Foster did an amazing job of impersonating the author's characters, adding layers to the already gripping story and keeping you up way past bedtime.
A bargain so bloody is the captivating start of her new series, and it's action-packed! The end is simply mind-blowing and full of trepidating anticipation for the suite.
I particularly like the PTSD representation and how it was affecting the FMC's choices and views.
The supporting characters are varied and all contribute to the development of both the story and the main characters, while still having their own stories.
We definitely need book 2 ASAP because there is still so much to learn about and see unravel. Vasilisa lays great foundations with this book for what looks like is going to be an amazing series.
🎧 The narration was so good; Cecily Foster did an amazing job of impersonating the author's characters, adding layers to the already gripping story and keeping you up way past bedtime.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
As someone new to the Romantasy genre and the last vampire series I read was Twilight, I am OBSESSED. I was hooked into Samara and Raphael's story from the beginning. It's well written and addicting. I want the next book, I need to know what happens like a new vampire needs blood! Thank you Vasilisa Drake for the opportunity to read and advance copy
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved it in short! This book was twisty and made you fall in love with both main characters Samara and Rafael! Samara being torn between what she grew up knowing and is now experiencing and a vampire with secrets make just the perfect pair!
Cecily foster was a fantastic narrator. She brought the characters to life with feeling and spoke how I would have imagined the characters brought to life!
Cecily foster was a fantastic narrator. She brought the characters to life with feeling and spoke how I would have imagined the characters brought to life!