Stolen by the Vampire

Fated to My Captor #1

by Vasilisa Drake

Only a fool would try and hunt the beast. A fool, or a witch all out of options.

Esmae’s days are numbered. With her ex-lover’s curse hanging around her neck, she has two succumb to the curse as her body turns to the same ice her heart is supposedly encased in (as her ex would prefer), or spill the blood of the beast that haunts the Condemned Cliffs and set herself free.

Since the last thing she plans to do is meet her end on her ex’s terms, hunting down the dangerous beast it is.

Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, her attempt to kill the beast fails.

Worse, the beast isn’t some great, scaled creature.

No, he’s a vampire with red eyes and fangs… fangs he plans to sink into her neck in retribution for her attempt on his life.

Because the vampire isn’t going to simply kill Esmae for her hubris…

He’s going to claim her as his mate.

Now, she’s matched in a game against time and stay with the vampire and let her heart turn to ice, or kill him—and break it.

Stolen by the Vampire is a standalone fantasy romance Beauty and the Beast retelling, perfect for readers who love their love interests obsessed and fanged and their heroines who know how to fight back and bring the beast to his knees.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers

164 pages, ebook

Published August 22, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.





➕ What I liked :



Tall heroine.


Rather interesting plot but….


Rather interesting main characters but…


OK steam/sex scenes.


Experienced heroine.


The villain got his comeuppance.


No pregnancy or babies at the end of the book.


A hero that is Not a womanizer/rake/rogue.







➖ What I disliked:


Even for a novella so many things are rushed along and the book would have been really good…. if the book/plot would have been longer and with more depth…. And the world-building also needed/needs more depth and development.

Same with the main characters … they needed more depth and development.

Some little parts of the plot/story was a little contradicting.
( Some of the stuff with the heroines father and her responsibility with that …. but also some other stuff.)


Repetitive.
(The overuse of the words little and delicate to describe the heroine.)

The ending was a little too rushed even for a novella.


Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice about the hero.
(Hero= tall, muscular/very muscular, very handsome.)

[Laura Ní Urlaithe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated mates? Vampires? Curses? Yes, yes and yes please!! Having read several of Vasilisa Drake’s other books, I eagerly requested an ARC and went into Stolen by the Vampire with high expectations. I was NOT disappointed.

To everyone in Eurobis, the monster in the cliffs is to be feared. But for Esmae, he’s devoted, obsessed, a marshmallow. Honestly, everyone needs a Silas in their life.

I love the dynamic between these two. The banter is great and I like that Esmae doesn’t just fall for Silas and he has to earn her trust and her love. The scenes where he describes the various continents in their world to her were very sweet and really helped to build that bond between them.

I always love a good curse and for a short novella, Vasilisa deals with the curse(s) very well. The storyline is veeeerrry satisfactory and I really hope to read more of her work set in this world.

Of course I can’t forget Dirt, Esmae’s little mole friend 🥺 5 stars for Dirt alone!!

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is an automatic read for me, I always enjoy her work! I was super excited when I received an ARC copy of the book and am reviewing this because I loved it so much.

I have one complaint and it is that I wish it was longer because I wanted to hang in this world longer but it does wrap up very nicely!

“I’m jealous of a rodent. The thought was too undignified to voice.”
My favorite line in the whole book.

This book is a easy light read, you can jump right into it. I am a sucker for dual POVs and I love the insta-love the MMC has for the FMC and he goes all out trying to earn her affection, it is so cute. I think her animal speaking power is cool and I love the sidekick of dirt💕, he was the real MVP for getting Silas to go to Esmae.

This book had me doing the biggest smile at the end!

If you’re looking for a nice easy palette cleansing book that will have you doing happy kicks and smiling- look no further!

[Ashley Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. My biggest complaint is that it was too short and I'm over here wanting much much more. This is a standalone.

Silas and Esmae are wonderful characters. I loved the inclusion of Dirt as well. The banter is awesome, the pacing is great. Again it is a very quick read. There's so much here that I have more questions about characters and I need more information. I would absolutely read more of Silas and Esmae and their adventure.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Huge thank you to the author for the opportunity!

[Robin (DocRobReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

I. Ate. This. Up. No lie, I flew through it in one sitting. Couldn't step away. Feisty heroine and mysterious stranger in a mountain setting, in a magical world? For a novella length story, the author did a great job of providing context and also leaving breadcrumbs for the reader. I am looking forward to reading the rest of Drake's books. 💖

[Kiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ARC of this book and I’m so grateful! This book was amazing, I absolutely devoured it!!

If you love:
🩸fated mates
🩸”who did this to you”
🩸vampire x witch
🩸forces proximity
🩸enemies to lovers
You will LOVE this novella

Stolen by the vampire is a standalone fantasy romance & beauty and the beast retelling. It follows Esmae, a simple witch, who has been cursed by her ex for having a heart of ice. With her days numbered, she travels to the condemned cliffs to kill the monster that resides there to set herself free. Unbeknownst to her, the monster awaiting her is no monster. Although Silas is Esmae’s natural enemy, he can’t help the undeniable attraction to her, even when she attempts to kill him.

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING, I NEED A LONGER VERSION 😭😭
Silas is the perfect man for Esmae, always caring for her needs and making her feel like she’s worth something. And a big FUCK YOU to Jared for being the worst kind of boyfriend ever 👎

[Ashley H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok the 3 stars isnt meaning its bad.. just quick. It was like 200 pages and was cute. Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 it was good and not over powering for the short book.

enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Cursed
HEA of course

[Sanne F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prima verhaal. Was een korte. Niet heel bijzonder, maar vermakelijk. Wat ik wel goed vond was dat de man de mannenzinnen zei en de vrouw de vrouwen, ookal zat je in het hoofdstuk van de andere persoon. Ben geen fan van mannen die de vrouwenstem doen en vrouwen die de mannenstem doen.

[Maggie's Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ3.5 ★ ˎˊ˗

Another good novella from Vasilisa Drake, this short and entertaining read follows the story of a witch and a dragon/vampire hybrid, Esmae and Silas. While I enjoyed their story, its very similar to the author's other book, To Wed an Obsidian Villain. I also wished we had more background on Silas' past.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short vampire romance. I've had a bit of a reading block lately and this book was exactly what I was looking for. It's a good read and I finished it in around a day. Partly because I just couldn't put it down.
Stolen by the Vampire tells the story of Esmae and Silas. Esmae has been cursed and the only way to reverse the curse is to kill the beast of the condemned cliffs. Unfortunately, the beast turns out to be vampire Silas, who instantly recognises Esmae as his fated mate.
I loved the chemistry between Esmae and Silas. Despite being a vampire, there was something almost nieve and childlike about Silas. He's willing to do anything if it helps Esmae or keeps her happy. It's hardly surprising that she can't help but fall for him, the longer they spend together. I also loved the fact that even though she was alone in the caves with Silas, she still managed to make friends and with a mole called dirt of all things.
This was a great read and exactly what I was looking for.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Esmae Mellodi is cursed, literally her ex-boyfriend curesed her because apparently she has a heart of ice. To break her curse or to pass away she heads to the Condemned Cliffs, she needs to extinguish the beast that haunts these cliffs. No one dares to step on them, but apparently desperate withes do.

She slipped and tumbled down the cliff and woke up in a make shift bed, the beast that haunts these cliff is a vampire Silas Obsidian-Claw. He cares for her and she attempts to off him, she’s bold he’ll give her that. But he isn’t letting her go anywhere, nor he will let anyone or anything to hurt her. She’s his mate and she’s his. Now and forever. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were literally made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a quick, fun, supernatural, mates romance then you’re going to love it.

[Tequila Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read! It kept me coming back for more. I wish this book was longer and went into more details of the characters but over all a great read! The main character is on a mission to save herself, yet destiny has other plans for her! Fated mates- yes. Vampires - yes. It has great spice and all.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really enjoyed this book! Silas's adoration for her was very addicting. Esmae personality was engaging, fun and strong.

I thought the book was a teeny bit rushed, only that there could have been more slow burn scenes. But i really enjoyed it nonetheless

[mo ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

grateful to recieve an ARC copy! thank you

the thing about novellas is that i never want them to end I LOVED SILAS AND ESMAE they go so well together and the way he treats her🥹🥹

amazing read!!

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty short book. Descriptive sex scenes. Pretty easy read overall.

[Masie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

[Aimee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast read

This was a very quick read for me. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and look forward to more books in the series.

[Katie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quick fun read! I adore the couple and the surprise shift. There is a great amount of spice and I highly recommend if you're looking for something short and sweet or a super cute love story!

[Brianna Hausladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vasilisa Drake is quickly becoming an auto read author for me! This book was a quick, fun romantasy with a Witch FMC and a vampire MMC. Vasilisa’s book is lyrical and beautifully written, making this short Enemies to Lovers story that much more enjoyable to read. Also, there’s an adorable little fury friend named Dirt—need I say more?!

[Gabrielle Hyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is about a witch and a vampire. There is not a huge plot but it does have a villain who cursed FMC into a speedy death. FMC is saved by MMC. This book focusses on the romance between FMC and MMC. Their time together is uneventful and the ending is okay.

Nothing amazingly fantastic or horribly bad about this book. Just mediocre.

[Allyourpagearebelongtous · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story and at times felt a little too shallow. I would have liked to learn a little more about the world before being thrown into the story. There were also certain points in the relationship development that didn't feel believable to me.

I enjoyed reading it well enough, but I'm unlikely to come back to it.

[Book Goddess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't see anyone mentioning this so maybe I'm wrong but....is this guy a vampire virgin?
I'm confused. There’s a section of dialogue in the beginning that strongly implies - and seems to straight up say - Silas has never been with a woman. That immediately turned me off, and I was annoyed it wasn’t explicitly stated in the blurb if the MC is a virgin. This is a deal breaker for many readers (like myself) and arguably non-genre-conforming. I mean, no, there is no rule carved in stone, but typically, one could argue...
But it doesn’t seem to be addressed again. Silas is written throughout as if he’s sexually experienced --which makes the implication of virginity confusing. And if he is meant to be a virgin…What?... A virgin vampire? No thanks. That's like a negation of an inherently sexually charged archetype. Not to mention that it's completely irrelevant to the short story. This is something that needs to be disclosed in the marketing / blurb.

Then further in, just before the first main encounter, there's a line that says he wasn't experienced in seduction but for her he would learn. And apparently he does this off page? Because soon after, he's bossing her around in bed and eating her like a champ and not a word is mentioned about the virgin thing. Listen, absolutely to each his own, but generally speaking, I do not want to ever come across a virgin vampire / dragon shifter who is inexperienced in seduction. Good God.

I was also curious about how and why he’s a vampire/dragon hybrid, (potentially cool idea) but the irritation over the vampire-virgin insinuation killed my interest, so I wasn't reading closely anymore. I'm not reading the second mini-installment after this but I would have loved to if any of the tantalizing promises were fulfilled. Also - Why was he cursed??? I'm all for short little stories but make it fit.
Oh - and then- guess what he does at the very end without any explanation whatsoever when he needs to save his girl, but was unable to do for the entire story previously? Deus ex machina hasn't been cool since the ancient Greeks, ok? I take it we're supposed to infer that the mate bond melted the curse?? ... ???

Overall, the consensus is right and this book is very interesting but way too short and almost everything you want to know is unexplained. Sex is minimal but that's unsurprising given the story length. This could have been at least a 4-star read.

[Rikke's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I signed up because of the Shifted Fates Trilogy (review coming soon) and having read the Bound by Flame, To Wed an Obsidian Villain, I was intrigued to say the least!
This novella shares the same world as To Wed an Obsidian Vilain, and is a Beauty and the Beast Retelling. I do love shared worlds, for the reader it means we get to come back to familiar territory and sometimes characters, for authors it means they get to explore their worlds more. Because it’s a novella, it has fast paced - no slow burn, which I’m here for!

I enjoyed our two main characters, Esmae and Silas, they were endearing. I especially liked Silas basically being a golden retriever - the scene with the food was so cute and funny at the same time. I loved Dirt, our little mole critter friend. If you've read my reviews before, you’ll know I love a familiar/critter/animal friend.

I also like when the author uses small “tricks” to enhance the immersion. One such thing is to change phrases, for example instead of saying “oh my god” they may say “by the goddess”, or in this case instead of saying “avoiding the elephant in the room”, it was “avoiding the dragon in the room”. It’s really those small adjustments that just creates a whole different atmosphere and immersion - again A+ to Vasilisa for doing this.
The story itself was not revolutionary, but that’s hardly the point, it was a great novella for a quick read to get your smutty vampire fix.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mid level witch Esmae has been cursed by her creep of an ex boyfriend with a slow, horrible death, which can only be counteracted by finding and killing the vampiric being who dwells among the desolate and treacherous cliffs far above the tiny village where Esmae works tirelessly to keep her father solvent and healthy. Desperate to save her father from ruin upon her death, she travels across the dangerous grounds and suffers a devastating fall in pursuit of the When she awakens, she finds herself lying in a luxurious, plush bed, covered in gossamer soft bed linens, and being tended to by gorgeous Silas, who she promptly attempts to stab to death.

Silas has been alone for millennia among his spoils and horde of riches in his cavernous dwelling. When he witnessed the lovely and feisty young witch nearly plunge to her death while approaching his home, he immediately recognizes her as his fated mate. When she makes a decent attempt to kill him despite being seriously injured, he finds her all the more intriguing.

As Esmae spends time with the enigmatic Silas, she can’t help but notice his kindnesses towards her, and she becomes more and more reluctant to kill him to free herself from the curse.

Will these two be able to reconcile their dilemma to each other’s satisfaction, or will it be a bridge too far for either or both of them?

This was a short, delicious read with plenty of heat and all the feels.

I was privileged to have received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[Nicole (book_drake on IG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s talk about Esmae—our fiery, no-nonsense witch with an icy curse and even icier ex-lover. Only someone as desperate (or as stubborn) as Esmae would think, “Hey, I know! I’ll just go hunt down a terrifying beast to break this curse!” And boy, does she give it her all.

But plot twist: the beast isn’t some fire-breathing dragon. Nope. He’s a broody, red-eyed vampire who’s more interested in claiming Esmae as his mate than tearing her apart. Talk about a deadly meet-cute! 😏🖤

Now, Esmae’s caught between a literal rock (those cursed cliffs) and a hard place (hello, sexy vampire). Does she kill him and risk shattering her heart, or let her heart turn to ice and become the vampire’s forever? Decisions, decisions… 🧛‍♂️💔

"Stolen by the Vampire" is the perfect read for those who love their Beauty and the Beast retellings with a dark twist—fangs, obsessions, and a heroine who’s not about to take any of that brooding nonsense lying down. This standalone fantasy romance will have you rooting for the witch, swooning over the vampire, and wondering just how many times Esmae can turn the tables on her deadly suitor.

Get ready to be stolen away into a world where curses are real, vampires are irresistible, and sometimes, the only way to break a curse is to risk getting your heart broken…or bitten. 🩸💋

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute whimsical short story. It very much reminded me of the Fairy Tale Retelling series by Scarlett St. Clair, but less like you're in a fever dream.

I docked off a star due to the fact that I feel that the entire book was leading heavily on the outcome of the ending. I felt the pinnacle drew kind of flat for me. It was over in what felt like a sentence.
I also have a hard time when authors use exclamation marks. To me it's a cope out and far too peppy. For whatever reason, it comes off childish when used more often than not.

Also, I hardly EVER look at covers of books because, let's face it, 99% of male model covers give me an ick. This is no different. Kindle version is NOT the same as Goodreads, THANK GOD. Ignore the cover.

I am excited to check out the brother, Alistair's, book To Wed an Obsidian Villain from a different short story series comprised of different authors called Bound By Flame series. This series was also on my TBR for ages. I am also very excited to continue on with this short story series. I have much to catch up on. :)

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spellbinding Read I Didn’t Want to End

I absolutely loved this book and only wish it had been longer—I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters!

Esmae, a witch fleeing a toxic relationship, finds herself cursed for walking away. With death looming, she sets out on a desperate quest to find a monster whose death might save her life. But what she discovers is far more complicated—and dangerous. Enter a vampire who kidnaps her and shatters every expectation she had about monsters.

What follows is a haunting, fairytale-like journey brimming with rich emotion and unforgettable tension. This story masterfully weaves together favorite tropes like enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-die, forced proximity, and one bed. Two people raised to hate each other discover something deeper—love, respect, and the kind of wonder that rewrites their fates.

Does the so-called villain get the girl? You’ll have to read it to find out. All I can say is: this was a 5-star experience, and I fell in love with every step of the journey.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vampire’s Captive . . .

When her ex-lover Jared cursed Esmae to endure a painful death as her body slowly freezes to match her icy heart, there is only one choice left for her to ruin his plans and end the curse. She would instead need to spill the blood of the monster who lives on the mountain. His death will provide her survival. But the creature, a vampire, ends up rescuing her from a deadly fall as she begins the climb toward her destination. Waking in a luxurious bed, and despite her injuries, she still struggles to make an attempt to kill him and end her curse. Yet things were not as she expected. Silas is actually kind to her, caring for her, feeding her, and protecting her. He is aware the witch is his fated mate. And as they get to know each other, she is unsure if she can bring herself to kill him, even to end the curse. He devotes himself to making her happy. But can he win her love and trust? Will she want to become his mate forever?

[Elizabeth Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall reading: 4 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
Fated Mates
Witch x Vampire Shifter
Magic
He Falls First
She's Cursed

*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

This was a novella and it was an absolute fun time. Despite how short it was, it was written with such an easygoing plot and you can’t help but love the characters.

From the beginning, the MMC had my heart haha. He was so cute and desperate to get his witch to fall for him. He was trying absolutely anything and everything to get her on his side. She kept fighting him tooth and nail but realized he needed to give her complete freedom, and that’s when she finally let him in.

She was a pretty strong character! I wish the book was longer so I could have gotten more from her, but from what we did end up getting, she was an absolute delight. She stood her ground and didn’t immediately go for the mysterious man who was throwing everything he had at her. She was a strong FMC and I was proud of her, even if I did think she was an idiot for leaving him the way she did haha.