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Bound by Flame
To Wed an Obsidian Villain
A possessive dragon shifter. A girl determined to kill him. A fated connection they can’t deny.
Lenora Tashe is nothing special.
Which is why the village decides to sacrifice her to the obsidian dragon that’s been terrorizing them for decades.
But Lenora has her own plan. She’s going to stop the dragon shifter from ever threatening her homeland again—or die trying.
What she doesn’t count on is the fact the dragon spends half his time as a man who can be as infuriating or as seductive as he pleases.
And when he discovers Lenora isn’t just some simple village girl but actually his fated mate, the one creature that can withstand his dragon flame and calm the beast within?
Things begin to heat up…
To Wed an Obsidian Villain is a spicy enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with a heroine who has nothing to lose and a dragon who loves nothing more than spoiling his human.
Lenora Tashe is nothing special.
Which is why the village decides to sacrifice her to the obsidian dragon that’s been terrorizing them for decades.
But Lenora has her own plan. She’s going to stop the dragon shifter from ever threatening her homeland again—or die trying.
What she doesn’t count on is the fact the dragon spends half his time as a man who can be as infuriating or as seductive as he pleases.
And when he discovers Lenora isn’t just some simple village girl but actually his fated mate, the one creature that can withstand his dragon flame and calm the beast within?
Things begin to heat up…
To Wed an Obsidian Villain is a spicy enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with a heroine who has nothing to lose and a dragon who loves nothing more than spoiling his human.
Audiobook
Published October 28, 2024
231 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Vasilisa Drake
13 books712 followersVasilisa 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 2, 2025
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
The heroines horrible and abusive step-mother got her comeuppance.
Enemies To Lovers.
Some tiny tiny parts of the story was a little tiny bit interesting.
No pregnancy or babies at the end of the book.
➖ What I disliked:
Rushed even for a novella.
Cringey.
Even for a novella…. Too much of the relationship and attraction between the main characters was based on the physical and there was way too little emotional development…. And everything was so very rushed.
The heroine is very ignorant/willfully ignorant and naive about her own body and pleasure but also sex…especially since she is a curious woman and also not stupid...
But also because 𝐍𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 is that ignorant/willfully ignorant or naive about their own body and pleasure or sex no matter what 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣.
The heroine is so ignorant and naive it borders on absurdity/stupidity.... and a little here and there she was also a little contradicting in what she knew and understood etc. about sex and her body etc.
The plot/world-building is too thin and flat even for a novella.
The main characters lacked depth … even for a novella there is way too little info on the main characters.
Contradicting behavior from the villagers…. They did what they did to the heroine and then some wanted to “save” her.
It took the heroine too long to see the people around her (the villagers and her step-mother) for who and what they really were and what they had done to her both as a child and as a adult etc.
Repetitive.
(Among other things...Too much harping on about the heroine being little and delicate.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice about both the main characters.
(Hero= tall, muscular/very muscular, very handsome…. And heroine: shortish, slender and very beautiful and busty etc.)
Very predictable/formulaic and cliché.
(The plot and main characters are a little too formulaic and too predictable… there is nothing that really stands out or brings something new etc. It is too similar... too reminiscent of many many other fantasy romance/romantasy/paranormal books … so it kind of blends into the crowd.
The dub-con moment during their first sex scene.
Sensitive issues are written/handled in a rather tactless and thoughtless way. (abuse, child abuse etc.) But it is also glossed over like it would not really effect the heroines life etc.
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
The heroines horrible and abusive step-mother got her comeuppance.
Enemies To Lovers.
Some tiny tiny parts of the story was a little tiny bit interesting.
No pregnancy or babies at the end of the book.
➖ What I disliked:
Rushed even for a novella.
Cringey.
Even for a novella…. Too much of the relationship and attraction between the main characters was based on the physical and there was way too little emotional development…. And everything was so very rushed.
The heroine is very ignorant/willfully ignorant and naive about her own body and pleasure but also sex…especially since she is a curious woman and also not stupid...
But also because 𝐍𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 is that ignorant/willfully ignorant or naive about their own body and pleasure or sex no matter what 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣.
The heroine is so ignorant and naive it borders on absurdity/stupidity.... and a little here and there she was also a little contradicting in what she knew and understood etc. about sex and her body etc.
The plot/world-building is too thin and flat even for a novella.
The main characters lacked depth … even for a novella there is way too little info on the main characters.
Contradicting behavior from the villagers…. They did what they did to the heroine and then some wanted to “save” her.
It took the heroine too long to see the people around her (the villagers and her step-mother) for who and what they really were and what they had done to her both as a child and as a adult etc.
Repetitive.
(Among other things...Too much harping on about the heroine being little and delicate.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice about both the main characters.
(Hero= tall, muscular/very muscular, very handsome…. And heroine: shortish, slender and very beautiful and busty etc.)
Very predictable/formulaic and cliché.
(The plot and main characters are a little too formulaic and too predictable… there is nothing that really stands out or brings something new etc. It is too similar... too reminiscent of many many other fantasy romance/romantasy/paranormal books … so it kind of blends into the crowd.
The dub-con moment during their first sex scene.
Sensitive issues are written/handled in a rather tactless and thoughtless way. (abuse, child abuse etc.) But it is also glossed over like it would not really effect the heroines life etc.
April 27, 2024
This novella was nothing short of amazing. An enemies to lovers, who did this to you romantasy between a human woman and dragon shifter man.
The MFC Nora is brave despite being scared and having to face the dragon who has terrorized her lands for so long. MMC Alistair is possessive and dangerous but treats Nora with such care it made my heart swoon. “I’m going to make you feel so good that you never dream of leaving my protection again.” 😍
The story was fantastic from beginning to end and I wasn’t ready for it to be over.
The MFC Nora is brave despite being scared and having to face the dragon who has terrorized her lands for so long. MMC Alistair is possessive and dangerous but treats Nora with such care it made my heart swoon. “I’m going to make you feel so good that you never dream of leaving my protection again.” 😍
The story was fantastic from beginning to end and I wasn’t ready for it to be over.
April 22, 2025
This was a quick read but for approx. 150 pages it's a solid story, and I had a couple of good laughs with the dynamic of the main characters.
It's nothing revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be. I had a good time and if you like Beauty and the Beast-like stories, you'll probably have a good time too.
It's nothing revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be. I had a good time and if you like Beauty and the Beast-like stories, you'll probably have a good time too.
April 23, 2025
I really had a hard time getting through this book. It just wasn't my kind of book couldn't get into it.
April 6, 2025
Altså der var ikke så meget indhold i den her bog det hele føltes lidt som om det skete henover en enkel eftermiddag.
MEN, var jeg underholdt? Ja meget den var sjov nok og egentlig også god nok altså ikke noget jeg kommer til at ligge vågen over om natten men altså heller ikke en dårlig bog på nogen måde
MEN, var jeg underholdt? Ja meget den var sjov nok og egentlig også god nok altså ikke noget jeg kommer til at ligge vågen over om natten men altså heller ikke en dårlig bog på nogen måde
May 11, 2024
A quick read, I was instantly drawn into this world. The chemistry between Lenora and Alistair was instant and their first scene with him in his human form was so funny. I would have loved to see more of the world outside the cave and Lenora’s village. But I am happy with what we got. There was a lot of story packed in, and the romance was sweet. Will definitely be checking out more from Vasilisa.
Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
May 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
If you need a quick read with a morally grey MMC who lives to spoil his woman, and a FMC who DOES NOT need to be rescued, pick this novella up. I read this whole novella in one sitting, I did not want to put it down! It was fast-paced and super entertaining with all the banter between the main characters. And I love the fated-mates connection between them. I would love to continue reading stories about these characters and this world.
If you need a quick read with a morally grey MMC who lives to spoil his woman, and a FMC who DOES NOT need to be rescued, pick this novella up. I read this whole novella in one sitting, I did not want to put it down! It was fast-paced and super entertaining with all the banter between the main characters. And I love the fated-mates connection between them. I would love to continue reading stories about these characters and this world.
May 13, 2024
In this novella, we’re introduced to our possessive dragon shifter that falls first, Alistair, and Lenora, our virgin heroine who finds herself in a precarious situation. This story gives us Cinderella-vibes, with fated mates, and a pinch of touch her and burn the whole world for all I care vibes. Highly recommend!
May 6, 2024
Lenora's courage, the dragon's need, and their undeniable chemistry collide in a spectacle of love and sacrifice that will shape the destiny of their lives forever. Was this book worth being late for work the answer is simple Yes
May 12, 2024
To say I devoured this would be an understatement. I got so into it that I maaay have been late for work! I'm a sucker for a fated mates trope, and this gave all that and more! Add in reluctant at first lovers and he falls first, and this is any fantasy reader's dream!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
"Not this time, Lenora. I'm a greedy dragon. I won't allow you to rob me of your pleasure."
-Fated mates/Twin flame
-Virgin FMC
-Dragon shifter MMC
-Who did this to you?
-Touch her and die.
-HEA
Have I said enough? I loved this short read about Alistair, the sexy, dragon shifter, and his tithe, the sweet and innocent Lenora. This was my first read of Vasilisa's work and I liked her writing style. The visuals she conjured and the way she wrote about Alistair and his dragon traits were right on point.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
-Fated mates/Twin flame
-Virgin FMC
-Dragon shifter MMC
-Who did this to you?
-Touch her and die.
-HEA
Have I said enough? I loved this short read about Alistair, the sexy, dragon shifter, and his tithe, the sweet and innocent Lenora. This was my first read of Vasilisa's work and I liked her writing style. The visuals she conjured and the way she wrote about Alistair and his dragon traits were right on point.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2024
The most valuable treasure
This was a cute read. Absolutely adore the fated mates and who did this to you vibe. Nora is relatable and realistic, while Alistair is very typical dragon in a lot of great ways. Piles of gold, obsessive and a cute catlike companion make this a must read.
This was a cute read. Absolutely adore the fated mates and who did this to you vibe. Nora is relatable and realistic, while Alistair is very typical dragon in a lot of great ways. Piles of gold, obsessive and a cute catlike companion make this a must read.
April 26, 2025
“There’s not a single part of me that doesn’t burn for you, precious one.”
April 27, 2024
This is my favorite of this series so far. Absolutely loved Alastair and Nora together. Nora was definitely enemies to lovers while Alastair was insta love and burn the world, literally!!! 🤭🖤🔥
May 7, 2024
Absolutely steamy short story. Loved how he worshipped her and never forced anything with her. He let her decide even if he seemed to demand. I can't wait for the next installment in this universe.
January 28, 2025
5/5 ARC review
Another great novel from the Bound by flame series.
Nora and Alistair are lovely characters. More like a fairy tale for grown ups - a spicy one (3/5 🌶️). Really enjoyed it. It was easy to read and finished it in one breath.
Another great novel from the Bound by flame series.
Nora and Alistair are lovely characters. More like a fairy tale for grown ups - a spicy one (3/5 🌶️). Really enjoyed it. It was easy to read and finished it in one breath.
December 15, 2024
Lenora is being sacrificed in the annual tithing to the black dragon. Usually its valuables and livestock but a crazy old seer woman claimed that if they gave the dragon a maiden (read virgin) it would save their village. So Lenora is whisked away to the dragons lair on a secret mission to slay the dragon. The mission seemed somewhat extraneous since how would they know she would not be eaten by the dragon therefore rendering the mission a moot point.
That said I did like the premise and the dragon shifter love interest being very dragony but in all honesty it could have benefited from 200 more pages to flesh out the characters especially the fmc. It just felt very rushed with some loose plots points at the end. and insta-lovey.
Motivations were hard to understand since we dont know much about Lenoras life in the village before being a dragon sacrifice ,well we do learn some but nothing to make sense of her wanting to martyr herself and slay Alistair (the dragon) a premise wich is rather quickly abandoned once Alistair puts the move on her and shows her some kindness. Remember I said it was insta-love.
It does gets points for me for having a dragon character that feels very dragon-like in the way they act for example they have been known to eat knights (shoutout to Dragon's BaitDragons Bait) and how they care about their dragon hoard. The swallump was also great.
That said I did like the premise and the dragon shifter love interest being very dragony but in all honesty it could have benefited from 200 more pages to flesh out the characters especially the fmc. It just felt very rushed with some loose plots points at the end. and insta-lovey.
Motivations were hard to understand since we dont know much about Lenoras life in the village before being a dragon sacrifice ,well we do learn some but nothing to make sense of her wanting to martyr herself and slay Alistair (the dragon) a premise wich is rather quickly abandoned once Alistair puts the move on her and shows her some kindness. Remember I said it was insta-love.
It does gets points for me for having a dragon character that feels very dragon-like in the way they act for example they have been known to eat knights (shoutout to Dragon's BaitDragons Bait) and how they care about their dragon hoard. The swallump was also great.
May 16, 2024
“He would burn the world for her in a heartbeat. But not if the thought brought her pain.”
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by Vasilisa Drake, but I will definitely be checking out more of her books! Now on to Wed an Obsidian Villain and omg I loved every minute of it! It was the perfect short story filled with action, romance, a dash of spice and just a punch of drama, not to mention on possessive dragon who called his fated “precious one”… I mean can you say swoon-worthy! Not only was the romance so sweet, but the characters were amazing. Nora is a young girl just looking for her place in the world, and when in essence betrayed by those around her but Nora refuses to let it ruin her instead she is brave in the face of what should be abject horror! And even still she faces the challenge head on and is greatly rewarded for it. Then you have Alistair who is a lonely dragon obsessed with growing his hoard and not much else… until he spots Nora, and his world is flipped on its axis. Not to mention the banter between Nora and Alistair is hilarious, I was in stitches from laughing!! This is a fabulous Romantasy one I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick read to get them out of a slump or even just a sweet fantasy romance!
HAPPY READING 📖
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by Vasilisa Drake, but I will definitely be checking out more of her books! Now on to Wed an Obsidian Villain and omg I loved every minute of it! It was the perfect short story filled with action, romance, a dash of spice and just a punch of drama, not to mention on possessive dragon who called his fated “precious one”… I mean can you say swoon-worthy! Not only was the romance so sweet, but the characters were amazing. Nora is a young girl just looking for her place in the world, and when in essence betrayed by those around her but Nora refuses to let it ruin her instead she is brave in the face of what should be abject horror! And even still she faces the challenge head on and is greatly rewarded for it. Then you have Alistair who is a lonely dragon obsessed with growing his hoard and not much else… until he spots Nora, and his world is flipped on its axis. Not to mention the banter between Nora and Alistair is hilarious, I was in stitches from laughing!! This is a fabulous Romantasy one I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick read to get them out of a slump or even just a sweet fantasy romance!
HAPPY READING 📖
April 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Summary: When Lenora is sacrificed by her village to the dragon who has been demanding a tithe for decades she knows she must do everything she can to save herself. Except when she is held captive by the dragon she discovers, the dragon is a shifter, and a man named Alistair. After spending time in his cave as apart of his treasures she discovers he is not at all what he seems to be.
More Tropes:
🐉 Dragon shifter mmc
✨ Fmc is kidnapped/sacrificed
🔥Spice
🖤 Forced proximity
💀 Touch her & die
My thoughts 💭: This story hooked me in as soon as I read that it was about a dragon who kidnaps the fmc. I recently watched the movie “damsel” and while I liked the movie, I wanted it to have a different storyline and that’s exactly what this book did for me. The writing was very good, the plot was simple but I loved it, and the romance was swoonworthy! 💕 Alistair was very caring and protective of Lenora! I really loved how I could picture the cave, the treasures, and the characters. I would definitely read more of the authors work because this novella nailed it for me. 🥰
Thank you to Vasilisa for the ARC of your book! 💕✨
Summary: When Lenora is sacrificed by her village to the dragon who has been demanding a tithe for decades she knows she must do everything she can to save herself. Except when she is held captive by the dragon she discovers, the dragon is a shifter, and a man named Alistair. After spending time in his cave as apart of his treasures she discovers he is not at all what he seems to be.
More Tropes:
🐉 Dragon shifter mmc
✨ Fmc is kidnapped/sacrificed
🔥Spice
🖤 Forced proximity
💀 Touch her & die
My thoughts 💭: This story hooked me in as soon as I read that it was about a dragon who kidnaps the fmc. I recently watched the movie “damsel” and while I liked the movie, I wanted it to have a different storyline and that’s exactly what this book did for me. The writing was very good, the plot was simple but I loved it, and the romance was swoonworthy! 💕 Alistair was very caring and protective of Lenora! I really loved how I could picture the cave, the treasures, and the characters. I would definitely read more of the authors work because this novella nailed it for me. 🥰
Thank you to Vasilisa for the ARC of your book! 💕✨
May 19, 2024
4.5 stars!! Another addition to the Bound by Flame novella series and an absolute masterpiece!! 🤭 I loved how strong willed and fearless the FMC Lenora was and seeing Alistair’s grumbly, lonesome personality blossom into this caring, giving man was sooooo sweet. Also I’m a sucker for “touch her and 🔪” and “I’ll burn the world for her” vibes and this was FULL of it!
This was such a fun and easy romance read and the romance and spice was perfectly done. There wasn’t much world building or history, but the little bit that was there was done well and honestly the romance was so cute, we didn’t need it!
This was such a fun and easy romance read and the romance and spice was perfectly done. There wasn’t much world building or history, but the little bit that was there was done well and honestly the romance was so cute, we didn’t need it!
May 24, 2024
SHORT & SWEET!
Just how I love my novellas! As soon as Alistair hit us with the “Who did this to you?” I knew shit was about to go down! Not only is he a dragon shifter but he also has an animal companion that is super endearing. It takes a lot of guts to brave a fire breathing dragon but I’m glad Lenora did because that’s the quality about her that Alistair loves. I seriously love anything this author writes! Can’t wait for his brother’s story.
•Enemies to lovers
•Fated mates/ twin flame
•Dragon shifters
•”Who did this to you?”
•Virgin FMC
•Finger licking good 💦
•Sacrificed FMC
•MMC is a teddy bear
•Spoiling the FMC
“My treasure”
Just how I love my novellas! As soon as Alistair hit us with the “Who did this to you?” I knew shit was about to go down! Not only is he a dragon shifter but he also has an animal companion that is super endearing. It takes a lot of guts to brave a fire breathing dragon but I’m glad Lenora did because that’s the quality about her that Alistair loves. I seriously love anything this author writes! Can’t wait for his brother’s story.
•Enemies to lovers
•Fated mates/ twin flame
•Dragon shifters
•”Who did this to you?”
•Virgin FMC
•Finger licking good 💦
•Sacrificed FMC
•MMC is a teddy bear
•Spoiling the FMC
“My treasure”
January 24, 2025
Look, I'm sorry, but Obsidian Villain is poor. It has a half hearted stab at a plot, which is effectively just a dash of Cinderella. There's negligible characterisation and world building. The only part that amused me was the prince's response to the heroine's captivity. It gave me the tiniest hint of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles for a few lines. If only that had been the focus! This is insta...lust and the smut starts early on but is simply implied for most of the book. Grammar and syntax are broadly fine.
May 20, 2024
This is the perfect read to lift your spirits if you're in a book rut. The banter had me in stitches, and the insta love from Alistair was swoon worthy. Who wouldn't swoon at being called precious one and having a dragon greedy for your pleasure 🫠 Give all the princess treatment. This is a standalone novella with a HEA apart of a collection of similar novellas.
May 17, 2024
Fantastic dragon shifter romance with a truly terrifying dragon, a creepy animal side kick and Lenora Tashe a courageous human sacrifice with inner strength and determination. I really enjoyed reading this lovely story.
April 29, 2024
I found this such an engaging and quick read. It definitely left me wanting to learn more about the characters. Super grateful for the opportunity to read and review an ARC copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
Thank you for the ARC copy! This review is voluntary.
I read this book in a day! The writing made it very easy to consume and had a great plot right from the start!
This book has some spice and is definitely a fast burn!
I read this book in a day! The writing made it very easy to consume and had a great plot right from the start!
This book has some spice and is definitely a fast burn!
May 6, 2024
Fun, cute, romance with a little spice. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
May 13, 2024
You had me at "who did this to you?" Absolutely obsessed! Beauty and the beast but dragon shifters 😍
October 28, 2025
I just hate a willfully ignorant FMC to my core 🙃 Even for a novella there was zero world building so my connection to the characters was nonexistent. Pair it with cringey dialogue and contradiction behavior and actions from the supporting characters…it was a fat no for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews