My Review
Let me tell you, this dark vampire romance hit differently. The story follows Samara, imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit, and Raphael, a mysterious vampire who offers her a dangerous bargain. The atmosphere is deliciously Gothic - think crumbling prison walls and moonlit escapes. The tension builds so masterfully that I found myself holding my breath during certain scenes, especially during those "only one horse" moments (wink, wink).
What truly captured my heart was the slow-burn romance. As someone who's thoroughly tired of instalove, this gradual development of trust and attraction between Samara and Raphael was exactly what I needed. The magic system is refreshingly unique, though I wish we'd gotten a bit more depth about its origins and limitations.
I particularly enjoyed how the author handled Raphael's character - he's definitely not your typical brooding vampire romance hero. There's something far more complex and dangerous about him that kept me guessing. However, I will say that Samara's naiveté occasionally tested my patience. I understand why she's hesitant given her background, but sometimes I wanted to reach through the pages and give her a gentle shake!
The pacing is deliberately slow, which might not be everyone's cup of tea (or vial of blood, if you prefer). But trust me, the payoff is worth it. And that ending? Well, let's just say I'm already counting down the days until the next book.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you enjoy dark romantasy with actual consequences and aren't afraid of slow-burn romance. Just maybe keep some calming tea nearby for that ending - you're going to need it!
*adjusts crystal necklace and pets familiar*
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Book Description
She’s trapped in a magical prison. To break out, she’ll make a deal with the most dangerous prisoner of them all.
Sentenced for a crime she didn’t commit, Samara is bullied by guards and tormented by the screams of her fellow prisoners. She’s resigned herself to enduring her fifteen-year term… until she learns that the freedom she's been promised is the cruelest lie of all.
Now she's faced with a resign herself to dying in the cold walls of Castle Greymere, or do the unthinkable and escape. But no one leaves Greymere alive. So to break out of the prison? She’ll have to use one of the undead.
Raphael is the worst kind of a vampire with a thirst for blood, the mortal enemy of witches, the same breed that killed her mother. And most importantly, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him.
He’s her only chance at a life outside the prison walls.
The deal is Samara unlocks his shackles, and he'll help her escape. But although Raphael agreed to help her leave Greymere, he never promised to let her go…
A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in an exciting new romantasy series, perfect for readers who love slow burn romance with morally grey heroes who fall first and hard and heroines who find their own strength.
Vasilisa Drake is based in New England and is constantly bouncing from city to city while she tries to find her home amidst overpriced rental apartments. Forsaken Mate is Vasilisa Drake's debut, though she's written contemporary romance under another name for several years. Fantasy romance is her first love, closely followed by pet dragons and men who are obsessed with their women. She can be found staying up way too late reading, organizing her bookshelf for the millionth time, and winning the imaginary arguments in her head at least 30% of the time.
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