Happy Release Day & Review: A Bargain So Bloody

Title - A Bargain So Bloody 

Author - Vasilisa Drake

Genre -  Romantasy Vampires Enemies to lovers 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: June 30th 2025

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

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.

My Review

I received A Bargain So Bloody in return for an honest review from the author. 

Samara is a prisoner that she's been in for ages. When fate gives her a chance to escape even if it's at the hands of a deadly vampire she takes it. Together they forge an unlikely partnership and finding more than either of them bargained for. 

I love Samara she's such a great character and when push comes to shove she does whatever it takes and I really felt like I could connect with her. I also really like Raphael he's such a unique character and I enjoyed watching her navigate his world. They have this connection that just works and I love it. Plus I love a enemies to lovers slow burn romance. 

I loved every moment of the story it was easy to lose all track of time and be drawn into the fantasy world. With engaging characters and a captivating story from start to finish I was hooked. I attempted to stay up all night to finish Samara and Raphael's story but sleep got the best of me. I ended up finishing the last 50 pages first thing this am. 

This isn't my first book by the author and I had some high expectations as I've enjoyed her other books. She blew all my expectations out of the water, and I'm obsessed with. The author is a beautiful storyteller every book I've read has been impossible to put down. I can't wait for the next installment as i enjoyed this one so much. Highly recommend she's on my auto buy list. 

Book Review: Circus of the Damned

Title - Circus of the Damned 

Author - Laurell K Hamilton 

Genre - Urban Fantasy 

Format - Libby Audio

Published - Jan 1st 1995 

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

In Circus of the Damned-now in trade paperback for the first time-a rogue master vampire hits town, and Anita gets caught in the middle of an undead turf war. Jean-Claude, the Master Vamp of the city, wants her for his own-but his enemies have other plans. And to make matters worse, Anita takes a hit to the heart when she meets a stunningly handsome junior high science teacher named Richard Zeeman. They're two humans caught in the crossfire-or so Anita thinks.

Review

Bodies are piling up and the cops need Anita to help them figure out who the killer is. A new rogue master vampire is in town threatening Jean-Claude and they wills top at nothing to complete their plans. As if she doesn't have enough going on she's still trying to balance her relationship with Richard who's just a normal science teacher. 

I'm doing a re-read of Anita Blake for 2024 as it's been many years since I've read them. I actually started when the third book came out and have been devouring them ever since. I love Anita she's the character that created my love of the monsters. Laurell K Hamilton has created one of the most captivating steamy emotional roller coaster series I've ever read. I'm here it and I hope to never see the end of it. I just love that Anita has evolved so much through the series, she's not the girl she was when it all started but I love it. 

Monster Romance

I'm a little bit obsessed with monster romance it's been one of my favorites tropes and I'm addicted to them. 

This week I'm reading my bookclub book for Probably Smut (here) one of my favorite subscription boxes. One is the original cover and the one with my cat Luna is the special printed cover from Probably Smut. 

Dark City Omega by Elizabeth Stephens 

(Amazon)(Goodreads) 

Synopsis 

“You know I’m going to get away from you eventually.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Yes,” she said, blinking at him like he was an idiot. “Exactly.”

Echo knew that being caught by a ruling Berserker would mean becoming his pawn, a play thing to be used for her powers. That wouldn’t be her fate.

She’d rather run lost through the woods forever, dangerous though they may be.

But there’s something even more sinister than beasts and Berserkers lurking in the woods. Something both undead and deadly.

She can’t fight it alone. She’ll have to turn to the Berserker who’s caught the trail of her scent and won’t let it go. He says she’s his. She says never. He says forever.

Bones, bonds and hearts will be broken. Some battles can’t be won.

Run, Omega, run.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the author of Lord of Population and Taken to Voraxia, step into a scorching, dark fantasy romance full of unforeseen twists, epic battles, omegas with magic and monsters who always get the girl. This is Gatamora.

Dark City Omega is a standalone, enemies to lovers, MF romance not suitable for young readers. Additional TWs and tropes can be found on Elizabeth's website.

Which cover do you like? 

 

Book Review: Guilty Pleasures

Title - Guilty Pleasures

Author -Laurell K. Hamilton 

Genre - Urban Fantasy 

Format - Audiobook 

Published - October 1 1993

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: re-animating the dead and killing the undead who take things too far. But when the city’s most powerful vampire asks her to solve a series of vicious slayings, Anita must confront her greatest fear—her undeniable attraction to master vampire Jean-Claude, one of the creatures she is sworn to destroy...

Review 

Guilty Pleasures is the first in the Anita Blake series we meet our young vampire executioner while she's working as an animator. She's always hunted the vampires but suddenly the lines are starting to blur as she meets Jean-Claude and get's sucked into his world. Anita works to help the police with cases and has been called into a vampire murder the same murders the master vampire of the city would like to be solved.

I have re-read this series multiple times but not in the last 10 years so it was time to do a re-read of the whole series as I've not been current for years. I ended up shelving the series for a while when it went a different way. I have always loved Anita she's one of my favorite characters and I've been reading her books since they first started coming out. 

Every time I dive into this series I find myself just falling in love all over with Anita and all the characters in the series all over again. It's been a long time but I still am just as captivated even though I know what's going to happen. I decided to do the whole series by audiobook to change it up and I'm so glad that I did because the narration is wonderful. I've always wanted to see this series done as a TV show and the audio feels very close to this. 

If you are a fan of vampire slayers who maybe grey the line a little, steamy vampires and a whole lot of suspense this is a must read series. The author does an amazing job creating a captivating story that kept me on the edge of my seat every time that I've read it. I really love it and it's one of my all time favorite series. 

Book Review: King of the Dead

Title - King of the Dead

Author - Ryana Hunter 

Genre - Paranormal Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - October 13th 2023

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

In a world ruled by the undead, Renee is one of the last survivors. Forced into captivity by the king of the dead, she discovers a secret that could save humanity - or destroy it. To get the information she needs, she must get close to the one man who holds the key to everything: the king himself.

Zane is a zombie, but he’s also a man who was once in love with Renee. Years ago, he saved her from his horde, but she doesn’t remember him. Now, he’ll stop at nothing to make her his queen - even if it means risking everything. Together, they’ll explore the forbidden love that binds them, and the dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

In this haunting tale of love and death, Renee and Zane will discover that life and death may not be what they thought - and that they can be reborn through love. Don’t miss your chance to enter the Kingdom of the Dead.

Review

I received King of the Dead in return for an honest review from Bound by Mischief. 

Renee is alone after losing everyone she cared she's always been the one in the group if she didn't come back no one would really care. That is till she catches the attention of Zane a zombie who's not your typical zombie. He saved her from the hoard many years ago and has been in love with her ever since and after finding her again he's not going to let her go. Will this unlikely duo find the home they are looking for. 

I love Renee the fact that she's a read even after the zombie break just makes me love her more. When Zane brings her a book to read he stole my heart. I hope if we have a zombie apocalypse that I get books to instead of just a meal. Zane is an interesting twist on the zombie trope because he's more than just a tradition zombie. I love the idea of Renee and Zane together it was a sweet twist. 

I've read a bunch of zombie books but not very many zombie romance and this is my favorite so far. The author has created engaging character's that I really felt like I could connect with and cheer on through the whole story. The whole idea behind the different zombies I found unique and kept me curious what we would encounter next. I love the idea of the idea of a sweet zombie romance it's not your typical zombie story. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked, she does a beautiful job creating a captivating story that just captured my attention making it hard to put my book down. I ended up devouring King of the Dead in just two quick reading sessions due to real life but given the chance I would have finished it in one. The characters are wonderful I loved Renee and Zane was totally swoon worthy even if he is undead. I love the teaser for the next one and can't wait for it to come out and learn more about the Queen of the Dead. Just enough time to explore the authors backlist while I wait. I love monster romance and this one nailed it. Highly recommend checking it out. 

Book Tour Review: The Seldom Wings

Welcome to the tour for The Seldom Wings, the start of a new dark fantasy series by Beka Westrup! Read on for more details!

The Seldom Wings (Winged Spirits Series Book 1) 

  Publication Date: August 29, 2023 

  Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy

 A Morally Gray FMC 

 Pansexual Rep 

 Witcher Vibes 

 Unbreakable Promises

 Spice

 Wings 

 Sleeping with the Enemy 

 Action/ Adventure

Synopsis

 For years, Sia’s hidden herself in the gnashing forest, dodging her father’s bounty hunters and ignoring the nameless magic in her veins. When she receives a letter from an estranged lover, she returns to the coast she used to call home, within reach of her father’s magical city hovering above the smog and the arranged marriage waiting for her. This place is not somewhere Sia wishes to linger—the land is noxious and filled with rebels, witches, and other humans who become walking corpses when they die. What was intended to be a brief visit turns into a death-bed promise anchoring Sia to Gwaith House for the foreseeable future. She agrees to look after her first love’s human child until her widower proves he can care for his daughter himself. 

 The thing with promises is: Sia can’t break them. No seraph can. At least, not without severe consequences. 

 While navigating the complex feelings she develops for the angry widower and her own grief, Sia becomes entangled in a mysterious string of dismembered corpses roaming the smog and a strange detective who refuses to leave her alone. As the desperate undead draw closer and closer to the child she is sworn to protect, Sia races to find the murderer responsible for creating them. She needs to figure it out quickly, or she may risk falling right back into her father’s scorching hands.

  Available Here!

Review

I received The Seldom Wings in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by R&R Book Tours. 

Sia is on a mission to figure out her abilities but while hunting for the answers she receives a message from the past requesting she return. Upon returning she finds her friend and former lover Tova needs her now more than ever. Sia is asked to make a promise that she can't break and take care of her daughter. She stays at Gwaith House with her former lovers husband and his new wife but threats are looming in every direction. Will her father get his hands on her or will something else more sinister capture her. 

I really enjoyed Sia as a character she's this badass character who is morally grey but still very good in her heart. Willing to do what's right even if it's wrong and risks her own life. She's also very loyal to those who she cares about. I found the concept for the seraph interesting how they are broken into different races based on where they lived. I liked Destin the more we get to know him the more I see why Tova loved him so much. 

I was instantly captivated by Sia's story right from the first few pages and I was hooked till the very last page. I devoured The Seldom wings in just two reading sessions because real life decided to get in the way. The characters are easy to connect with you just have to love even if they make you want to yell at the book. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked she has a beautiful style of storytelling which made The Seldom Wings hard to put down. The story balances the action with just the right amount of spice creating a captivating story that sparks the heart as well as the imagination. I loved every moment of Sia's story she's such a kick-ass character and I found her so refreshing and I just loved her. I can't wait for the next book in the series because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Sia just yet. I'm looking forward to checking out the authors other books. 

About the Author

 

  Beka Westrup is a genre-hopping author of fantasy and romance. The Seldom Wings is her second full-length novel. She lives in the PNW with her husband and two children, collecting more books than she’ll ever be able to read and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee. 

  Beka Westrup 

  Book Tour Schedule 

  September 4^th

http://rrbooktours Kick-off https://www.instagram.com/angieisbooked/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/kmartbooks/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/fathomsamidstthelines/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/books.highlighters.me/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/fueledbybooksandespresso/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D – Review https://www.instagram.com/ripples_and_embers/ - Review http://www.ismellsheep.com/ - Feature https://www.instagram.com/_kellymariewrites/ - Feature 

  September 5^th

https://www.instagram.com/crooks_book_nook/ - Review https://instagram.com/carmellastbr?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - Review https://www.instagram.com/jayjay_pjkw/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/jenalreads/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/lp.jnl - Review https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/shannonl0vesbooks/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/michaelasjourneyintobooks/ - Review 

  September 6^th

https://www.instagram.com/cardigancomfortreads/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/reading_to_the_last_page/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/_hayleys_library_/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/readingdiaries/ - Review 

  https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website - Review https://www.instagram.com/books.with.jessieanne/ - Review 

  https://allthebestjess.blogspot.com/ 

  September 7^th 

  https://www.instagram.com/one_more_booklover/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/jess_lower12/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/bookish_lady_night/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review https://www.instagram.com/bingingbooksandcoffee/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/melinterrupted/ - Review https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com – Feature https://freelancewriterjannyc.com/ - 

Feature

  

  September 8^th

https://www.instagram.com/afantaseaofbooks/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/mermaidsreadtoo_/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/teastarsandbooks/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/lilyreadsandotherthings/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/Justagirlwithaloveofbooks/ - Review https://www.instagram.com/claires_loveofbooks2020/ - Review 

  Book Tour Organized by R&R Book Tours

Cover Reveal: The Seldom Wings

We are thrilled to share the cover for the first book in a brand-new series by Beka Westrup called, The Seldom Wings! Read on for more details!

The Seldom Wings (Winged Spirits Series Book 1)

Expected Publication Date: August 29, 2023

Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy

For years, Sia’s hidden herself in the gnashing forest, dodging her father’s bounty hunters and ignoring the nameless magic in her veins. When she receives a letter from an estranged lover, she returns to the coast she used to call home, within reach of her father’s magical city hovering above the smog and the arranged marriage waiting for her. This place is not somewhere Sia wishes to linger—the land is noxious and filled with rebels, witches, and other humans who become walking corpses when they die. What was intended to be a brief visit turns into a death-bed promise anchoring Sia to Gwaith House for the foreseeable future. She agrees to look after her first love’s human child until her widower proves he can care for his daughter himself.

The thing with promises is: Sia can’t break them. No seraph can. At least, not without severe consequences.

While navigating the complex feelings she develops for the angry widower and her own grief, Sia becomes entangled in a mysterious string of dismembered corpses roaming the smog and a strange detective who refuses to leave her alone. As the desperate undead draw closer and closer to the child she is sworn to protect, Sia races to find the murderer responsible for creating them. She needs to figure it out quickly, or she may risk falling right back into her father’s scorching hands.

Pre-order Here

Pre-order Incentives - Here

About the Author

Beka Westrup is a genre-hopping author of fantasy and romance. The Seldom Wings is her second full-length novel. She lives in the PNW with her husband and two children, collecting more books than she’ll ever be able to read and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee.

Beka Westrup

Cover Reveal Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Throwback Thursday!

Happy Thursday! Another week another book another adventure. 

It's been a while since I've done one of these. 

Vampire Academy is one of my all time favorites. 

The first book Vampire Academy came out August 16th 2007 written by the very talented Richelle Mead. 

Synopsis 

Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies...

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires—the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger... and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever...

Since the books came out we've had a movie it was the best but I really enjoyed the snarky banter. Sadly it failed and we didn't get anymore of the books turned to movies. 

Peacock picked up the books to make a tv show we received the first season but it didn't make a second season. Peacock just feels the younger demographic isn't watching it yet. Super bummed but maybe in the future we will see it again. I'm hopeful because I love the world that Richelle Mead created. 

Did you read the books? Watch either the movie or tv show? 

 

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, originally hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. Now it's currently being hosted at Wishful Endings. This is a great weekly I always find more books to add to my ever growing TBR shelf which at this point I'll never be able to finish. 

My Choice this week is.....

Is one I'm excited to get my hands on as I've been a huge fan of the author and read all her books. 

Gilded 

by - Marissa Meyer 

Expected Publication - November 2nd 2021

Add to  (Goodreads) 

Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author, returns to the fairytale world with this haunting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.

Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller's daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.

Or so everyone believes.

When one of Serilda's outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid. He agrees to help her… for a price. Love isn't meant to be part of the bargain.

Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.

What are you waiting on?