Bound and Unbound: A paranormal novella duology
Ali Hazelwood
A Bargain So Bloody: A Dark Fantasy Romance (Kingdom of Dark Magic Book 1)
by Vasilisa Drake
About this book
Samara has spent her days rotting inside the impenetrable walls of Castle Greymere, a magical prison where hope goes to die. Framed for a crime she did not commit, she resigned herself to a life of torment until she discovered that her promised release was nothing but a lethal deception. With execution looming, she is forced to turn to the one person she should fear most: a vampire whose very species slaughtered her mother.
Raphael is a predator caged by enchanted cuffs, a monster of immense power and lethal intent. To survive, Samara makes a desperate pact with the devil himself. She provides the key to his freedom, and in exchange, he promises to carve a path for her escape. It is a fragile alliance built on blood and necessity, where every shared look is a battlefield of growing obsession.
This dark fantasy romance masterfully weaves a slow-burn tension that will keep you breathless. As they navigate the shadows of their confinement, the enemies-to-lovers dynamic creates an unhinged chemistry that is as dangerous as it is addictive. If you crave morally grey anti-heroes and heroines who find their power in the darkest corners, this gripping tale is your next obsession.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0F4J3PXH7
Reader Reviews
January 16, 2026
Guys, this book is phenomenal. First, let me start by saying that Twilight ruined vampires for me. I’m serious as the grave when I say that. It appalled me so thoroughly that I have not read a book with vampires since 2008—I kid you not. I’ve tried to pick up a few here or there, but I just couldn’t do it. With that said, I am happy to announce that Drake cured my abhorrence for vampires in one fell swoop. I utterly DEVOURED this book. From page one, I could not put it down. Samara’s story is...
July 29, 2025
As a big fan of Vasilia Drake, I ran to read A Bargain So Bloody, and it did not disappoint. Her signature blend of dark romance, emotional depth, and razor-sharp banter is everything I hoped for. With morally grey characters, found family, and tension filled dialogue, this book hit all my favourite tropes. Trope List ✅️ Enemies to lovers ✅️ Forced proximity - One horse ✅️ Bargain with a vampire ✅️ Morally grey MMC ✅️ Hidden identity ✅️ Unique Magical system ✅️ Power imbalance ✅️ Found family...
May 21, 2026
If you love fantasy with tension so thick you could cut it with a dagger, A Bargain So Bloody absolutely delivers. The chemistry? Unhinged in the best way. The banter, the slow-burn tension, the emotional push and pull had me fully invested and internally screaming more than once. What I loved most was that the female lead didn’t feel flat or predictable. She was layered, messy, strong, and emotional without losing herself. And the world-building didn’t drag on for 14 business days like some...
September 28, 2025
I took a bit to think about it and decided on 3 stars strictly on the below notes: 1. The book has a 'beating a dead horse ' problem. Lots of repeated statements, lots of points made over and over again. I think the purpose was to demonstrate that she was traumatized, untrusting, survivor-willed, conflicted, etc. but for me it just brought forth the reaction of \"God, Yes, we know!\" Which leads to point 2. 2. A majority of the book feels like barely anything happens. I think I wouldn't be...
June 14, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Big thank you to Vasilisa and her team for this amazing opportunity! Rating: 4.5/5 Spice: 1/5 (some things mentioned, nothing descriptive) For fans of: - Romantasy - Enemies to lovers - Found family - Shield of Sparrows - Strong FMC \"I do not pity you,\" Raphael repeated, \"Little viper, I find you irresistible.\" I scoffed, \"That's madness.\" \"Because you make me mad.\" he growled....
