*Thank you to Vasilisa Drake for choosing and sending me an ARC copy of this story. I have voluntarily written this review.
Image Credit: Vasilisa Drake
I’m not one for vampire romantasies/fantasies anymore, but this one was sooo good. Here is my full review of A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake.
Synopsis:
Samara is a prisoner in Greymere Castle, a magical prison. Raphael, a vampire, finds himself in this prison as well. To escape, Samara makes a deal with Raphael. Little does she know, she may have made a bargain she’s not sure she wants to keep.
Content Warnings:
Blood Drinking
Religious Abuse
Abuse (Not between MCs)
Graphic Violence
Blood
Torture
Murder
Animal Death
Depression
Alcohol Abuse
Death
Anxiety/PTSD
Spice Level:
2 chili peppers
Tropes:
Enemies to Allies to Lovers
Vampires
Slow Burn
Morally Grey Hero
Strong Heroine
Romantasy/Dark Romantasy
One Horse
One Bed
Touch Her and Die
Secret Identities
Review:
At first, I wasn’t sure about this one. I’m kind of over the vampire fantasy books these days, but this one surprised me. I found the magic system and the overall world really interesting. The dynamics between the different factions were portrayed really well. I ATE up the relationship between Samara and Raphael! It was the perfect combination of enemies to lovers and yearning. So much sarcasm and they both didn’t let each other push each other’s buttons without dishing it back. Yes, it was slow burn but I didn’t mind it so much. Like I said, I ate it up. And Raphael’s nicknames for Samara were just so darn cute. Little Dove and Little Viper?! I mean c’mon! I usually cringe at nicknames given to FMCs in romance books, but these had me melting every time I read them.
The way Vasilisa describes the setting was so good. I could picture how horrible Greymere was and I could picture the western vampire realm so vividly while reading. I just know that this would make a great movie/show. As for the ending, oooh! I did have my suspicions that there was more to Sam’s story and why Raphael was trying to keep her close. But the way it’s revealed was just so juicy. Loved it! Can’t wait to continue this series.
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