Wow this book was sooo good. I also heard this was her duet novel and hats off to Vasilisa Drake because I ate this book up.

I’m a sucker for vampire books and I really enjoyed how this FMC hated vampires and wants to destroy them. I don’t see that alot so I loved seeing how she planned things.

The twistsssss had me gasping. There was a few times where I was genuinely in shock and a few things I guess but that didn’t deter me from loving this book.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

A Bargain So Bloody is a new romantasy featuring vampires, witches, and other gruesome creatures. Our main character, Samara, is a Void—someone without magic—imprisoned in Greymere. One night, she is forced to tend to a vampire named Raphael, who ultimately helps her escape the horrors of Greymere.
The book was relatively fast-paced, and the narrator did a good job bringing the story to life. I have to say, the audiobook was the way to go, because unfortunately, this book just wasn't a good fit for me. From the characters to the plot, it felt like it was meant to be the introduction to a high-stakes fantasy series, but the execution fell flat. There weren’t many compelling situations, and the story passed by without much truly happening.

Samara, despite spending her formative years in prison, came across as extremely naive. She made questionable decisions and trusted others far too easily—often within the span of just a few pages. I found her annoying and she couldn’t stand by her decision for more than a chapter. I have to admit, the epilogue drove this book to the 3 stars rating I am giving it.

That said, I do think this book will find its audience. I’d recommend it for beginner fantasy readers, as the writing is accessible and the story flows smoothly.

Overall, not the right book for me, but it could be perfect for someone else.
Goodreads Rating: 3 ⭐️

We all know my love for vampire romance is high, and this book hits all the marks. It’s the kind of book where it ends and you’re screaming at your car audio “No! It can’t end yet!” While wildly gesticulating. So much so that the person in the car next to you looks over and gives you a weird look. Okay maybe that’s just what happened to me but you get my drift. The book did a great job of making you feel the FMC’s bewilderment and wonder and pain and hate. And the MMC is everything. He’s brutal but soft in the way only a a good shadow daddy (or vampire daddy) can be. And ohhhh that slow burn 🔥 is there!

Just read the book. Love it. And then come back here with me and so you can also damn Ms Drake for making a book so good that you now have to sit and wait for next one. Join me in my love/hate for a bit, won’t you?

Thanks NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“This book sank its fangs into me and did. not. let. go.”
A Bargain So Bloody is easily one of my favorite reads of the year. I knew from the first page I was in for something brutal, magical, and completely unhinged—in the best way.
Samara is the kind of fierce, wounded heroine I’ll root for every single time. And Raphael? Ohhh, Raphael. The shackled vampire who practically radiates “I hate everyone but her” energy?? I am feral. 😮‍💨🖤
The tension is so thick it practically drips off the page. You want:
* Enemies to lovers? ✔️
* Forced proximity in a magical prison? ✔️
* Bargains that blur the line between power and obsession? ✔️
* A morally gray vampire falling hard for the one girl who terrifies him? ✔️✔️✔️
The writing is dark, cinematic, and full of emotional gut-punches. There were moments I had to stop and just breathe.And then there were the quotes I highlighted like they were gospel. ("As long as you're here with me, Dove, you're mine. And I protect what's mine, Dove. Ruthlessly." I almost threw my phone.)
If you like your fantasy bloody, broody, and a little bit bitey—this is your next obsession. Vasilisa Drake, you’ve ruined me. I need book two yesterday.

Enemies to lovers
Touch her and die
Slow Burn

Only true negative is FMC’s internal monologue was a bit incessant and repetitive.

Books I think you'd like based on this one
✨Blood Slaves
✨The Secret World of Maggie Grey
✨The First Family
✨Restore Me

Whenever you're in the mood for a relatively refreshing vampire story I would recommend.

3.5⭐️

Another great addition to vampire romantasy. There are tinges of similarity to other popular titles, but this is definitely its own entity. It is a slow burn and I found myself impatient to see the two MCs get together. Really enjoyed the story and how it developed. The narrator is great and paces the story well with her reading. This was easy to keep listening to and get lost in.

So thankful to have received a alc for this book! I read the description and knew I needed to read this! For me the middle was a little bit slower but it did really pick up at the end!

Samara has been forced to work in Castle Greymere prison since she was eight. She was given a fifteen-year sentence, but realizes no one will ever set her free. She is afraid of vampires, but makes a deal with Raphael to escape. She hopes to join a sanctuary and live a quiet life, but agrees to help Raphael find what he is searching for first.

I really loved this book. The world-building was excellent, and the magic system was unique and interesting. I was immediately invested in the story and the characters. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration is perfect.

Samara and Raphael’s relationship is a slow burn. I loved their interactions and banter. He falls first, and it is funny to see how she misinterprets his protectiveness towards her. My favourite scene between them was the night she tried drinking wine for the first time.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I am dying to read the next one. I can’t recommend the book enough and will be going back to read the author’s previous books.

Thank you so much for the ARC audiobook!

The atmosphere of this book was amazing! Lots of tension, magic, surprises and the gothic setting was perfect. The narrative was also so easy to listen to and they switched between characters effortlessly! I hope they continue with the series as I really enjoyed their performance.

Obsessed with the “touch her and you die” energy from our brooding MMC. He’s so unapologetic and does exactly what he wants without hesitation, especially when it comes to Samara. I do think it was leaning towards an “but I can’t change him” narrative from Samara but we will have to see in the next instalment. I want to know more about her backstory and life before the prison. She has such a clear opinion on her dislike for vampires from her but you can see the lines start to get foggy…

The ending has me begging for book 2!! The combination of the cliffhanger and the epilogue had me on the edge of my seat. I had a suspicion certain parts would happen but I was still shocked!

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

Vampires versus witches in this first book to the series. I really enjoyed this one. It was gripping and interesting from the beginning. There is so much chemistry with the FMC and MMC but neither of them knows it right away. Each character keeps within their character arc, and they don’t deviate. It isn’t one of those where the blooding MMC magically becomes the softie, but rather, he stays in character. The FMC continues to be naïve but has a believable growth arc. You will enjoy the supporting characters and hate the villains. It is all so well rounded. I am wanting to learn more about this world, and the author gave enough to give you the gist, but left out enough to make you want more. And the epilogue will leave your mouth gaping.

The narration was also very enjoyable. You can tell she is comfortable in the romance genre, dipping in timbre when necessary and expressing emotion at the right times.

This is my new obsession actually. It’s like if you took Twilight, made it more adult, with witches and lots of flawed characters and removed all traces of Kristen Stewart. It is an absolute treat of a dark romantasy and I absolutely loved listening to Cecily Foster’s performance as a narrator!

This one is for the vampire lovers out there. Meet your new obsession. When you get to the cliffhanger on this one, you'll be devastated in the best way! I cannot wait for book two to come out. This story had me hooked from the very beginning, where we meet Samara, the FMC, in her prison hunting rats for dinner. When she learns that there is no chance of gaining her freedom, she makes a deal with her kinds' mortal enemy, a vampire named Raphael. Together, as they escape, a bond forms between them and what started as an escape plan turns into a thrilling, bloody adventure. This dark fantasy is filled with secret identities, touch her and die, forced proximity, and other tropes that lend themselves to the genre. The story has a lot of room to grow, and I can't wait to see where the author takes it.
Cecily Foster, the narrator, did a fantastic job with this one. I was able to fully immerse myself in this story. She gave life to these characters . Her enunciation and vocal inflections made this a pleasure to listen to.

ARC Review🩸
A Bargain so Bloody - Vasilisa Drake
coming June 30 2025
4/5 ⭐️
I requested this on NetGalley as an audiobook arc and was pleasantly surprised with how much I ate this book up *pun intended* If you’re looking for a SLOW burn vampire romantasy book this is it!
It’s got possessive mmc, enemies to allies to lovers, forced proximity and touch her and die vibes.

I’m DYING to find out what comes next in book 2 ♥️

I went into this with no clue what it was about. Judged a book by its cover and it was a total win. My brain is going to hold on to this story until the second book comes out. The ending?! That slow burn?! 🔥 An MMC that will make you swoon so hard you forget your other book boyfriend’s names. Okay, not really, but it’s close! The audio was perfectly executed and I can’t wait to get my hands on this physical book!!

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the chance to read this in return for my honest review.

It was a lovely story that’s well written. I do have to say though the target audience may not be NA readers. The book read like YA with blood and violence.

I did enjoy some parts. But the naive FMC reminded me of YA heroines. I think younger audience would enjoy this book a lot.

I was just wandering through the NetGalley dashboard and there it was - Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake - of course as soon as I read vampire, witchcraft and fantasy romance I had to get my ears on it!

This compelling dark fantasy audiobook delivers on all fronts, forbidden romance, plots and double twists, gothic vampires and all the dark rich atmosphere, a history of gods and goddesses who must be worshipped and feared, and all the morally grey characters and slow burn tension my dark heart desires!

Sam (Samara,) has been imprisoned for 12 years and having discovered that there is no release in sight turns to a recently imprisoned vampire to help her escape. From this point on their stories are entwined as this dangerous and seductive alliance becomes so much more than she ever envisioned.

The narrator truly brings Sam’s character to life as she broods and reflects (a lot,) on her situations throughout the book, and also adds depth and characters to other key characters in the story including the make protagonist, Rafael. Drake’s dark and intense worldbuilding, politics and intrigue are truly animated by the narrator and those intense moments from the depths of vulnerability to ultimate betrayal are truly breathtaking in the way they hit emotionally.


I flew through listening to Bargain So Bloody in only a couple of days, seeking out opportunities to hear just a little more and totally recommend it for anyone on the hunt for their next dark romantasy with just a little more bite!

"A Bargain So Bloody" held me captive from the first page!

This book drips with atmosphere, danger, and slow-burn tension. From the eerie prison setting to the undeniable chemistry between a witch and her vampire enemy, every chapter pulled me deeper into the shadows of Castle Greymere.

Samara is a fierce, determined heroine who’s been dealt a cruel hand—and watching her rise despite the odds was addicting. And Raphael? Absolutely the kind of morally grey, possessive, powerful vampire that fans of romantasy live for. The reluctant alliance between them crackles with tension and longing, and I loved how the trust (and feelings 👀) built so naturally.

If you’re into magical prisons, deadly bargains, and enemies who might just become something more, this is the romantasy you've been waiting for. I need the next book immediately.

🩸✨ Captive witch x chained vampire
🖤 Morally grey hero who falls hard
🔥 Tension, betrayal, escape, and slow-burn magic
📚 Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Danielle L. Jensen

The narration for this was so good. I really enjoyed this and will keep an eye out for the next one. It has many of the classic romantisy tropes but the magic system is interesting and I enjoyed the ‘touch her and die’ element.
I do think that it was a tad predictable but it was enjoyable and still just the start of this journey.

I was lucky enough to get both the eARC and the ALC of this book, (many thanks NetGalley and Victory) and I had a GREAT time with both. I opted for the immersive experience of combining the two and I’m glad I did. The narrator did such a great job and found her so easy to listen to, helped keep me immersed in the story.

I was hooked on this from the start, our FMC Samara has a history that hasn’t yet been fully revealed on page but there’s enough hints to guess, and I know the reveal is going to be amazing when it all comes out. She goes through so much growth over the course of the first book and I cannot WAIT to see what happens in the second.

We’ve got a deliciously morally gray Vampire MMC who after convincing Samara to release him in exchange for her freedom will burn the world just to see her safe. The cliffhanger at the end has me impatient for the second book and I’m about to go DEVOUR everything Vasilisa has already written - can see some
New favourite stories on the horizon.