mrsandersonreads 's review for:

A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake

4.75

dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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 *ARC – Release Date 30/06/2025* 

This book was wonderful! We follow Samara and her daring escape from prison, where she was serving a 15-year term for a crime she didn’t commit. When she realises that it is likely she will never leave the prison – at least not any time soon - she engineers a way to escape involving a fellow prisoner – a blood thirsty vampire, Raphael. 

The dynamic between Samara and Raphael is intense and powerful, you are left wanting to see what happens next after every interaction they have. The side characters are equally likeable, and they all interact with one another perfectly in a way that showcases each character's development. 

The world building is great; it is dark, fascinating and very immersive. Raphael is a truly morally grey character, and I would argue that Samara can be considered morally grey too given some of her choices! This book is a very slow burn romance – kind of – and has the wonderful ‘touch her and die’ trope which I enjoyed very much. 

The book ends on a cliffhanger, with many questions left unanswered. I am anxious to read the second story and hopefully resolve some of those questions! I will also be buying a physical copy of this book once it releases.