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Stake It or Leave It: A Paranormal Monster Romance
I’m in Budapest to do one thing…kill the mafia vampire king…not fall for his charms.
Yeah, basically I’m Buffy if she was a boring mousy London lawyer. I had one job, stake Dominik Király, the vampire king, and get out of town.
I was not supposed to hesitate at the last minute when he called out my name.
Sure, he's six foot plus of eye candy-in-a bespoke-suit, but he's still a bloodsucker and my family's mortal enemy. I should have done what I came here to do the minute I set eyes on him...drive a stake through his heart and cut off his head.
But instead, I find myself unable to do the deed. I thought I knew all the vampire tricks, but Dominik has an extra one up his sleeve. He might be brooding, dark and dangerous, but he has a laugh which could melt hearts and a way of looking at the world I can only dream about.
Bit by bit he breaks down my defenses until there is nothing left. And he makes me an offer. Be his mate and he will protect me from everything, including my own family.
Given I failed to kill him when I had the chance and now I'm being stalked by vampires on all sides as well as facing the wrath of my family, I'm rapidly running out of options.
But can I trust Dominik to be what he says he will be? And what will he do when he finds out the biggest secret of all? That I'm pregnant by an instantly forgettable one night stand and I'm keeping the baby, no matter what.
Turns out all he has to do is
"You're mine. Both of you."
Accidental pregnancy
Touch her and you'll regret it
Billionaire
Forced proximity
Found family
All the vampire vibes you'll ever need
Stake It or Leave It is the second in the Budapest Bites series from USA TODAY bestselling author Hattie Jacks. Expect to vamp it up in style in Budapest and beyond in this spicy monster romance which will bite back!
Yeah, basically I’m Buffy if she was a boring mousy London lawyer. I had one job, stake Dominik Király, the vampire king, and get out of town.
I was not supposed to hesitate at the last minute when he called out my name.
Sure, he's six foot plus of eye candy-in-a bespoke-suit, but he's still a bloodsucker and my family's mortal enemy. I should have done what I came here to do the minute I set eyes on him...drive a stake through his heart and cut off his head.
But instead, I find myself unable to do the deed. I thought I knew all the vampire tricks, but Dominik has an extra one up his sleeve. He might be brooding, dark and dangerous, but he has a laugh which could melt hearts and a way of looking at the world I can only dream about.
Bit by bit he breaks down my defenses until there is nothing left. And he makes me an offer. Be his mate and he will protect me from everything, including my own family.
Given I failed to kill him when I had the chance and now I'm being stalked by vampires on all sides as well as facing the wrath of my family, I'm rapidly running out of options.
But can I trust Dominik to be what he says he will be? And what will he do when he finds out the biggest secret of all? That I'm pregnant by an instantly forgettable one night stand and I'm keeping the baby, no matter what.
Turns out all he has to do is
"You're mine. Both of you."
Accidental pregnancy
Touch her and you'll regret it
Billionaire
Forced proximity
Found family
All the vampire vibes you'll ever need
Stake It or Leave It is the second in the Budapest Bites series from USA TODAY bestselling author Hattie Jacks. Expect to vamp it up in style in Budapest and beyond in this spicy monster romance which will bite back!
- GenresUrban Fantasy
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 21, 2026
Such a good story. Hattie Jacks is great at writing MMCs who are the perfect mix of red and green flags, and Dominik is no exception. He may be the mafia vampire king, but it’s his charm and unexpected tenderness that make him truly dangerous.
Lucy is a London lawyer from a famous vampire‑hunting family who goes to Budapest to kill him, only to freeze when he speaks her name. Now she’s being hunted by vampires and her own family, forcing her to consider his offer of protection — even as she hides a pregnancy from a one‑night stand. Everything shifts when Dominik claims her and the baby as his.
I’m normally not into pregnancy plots, but this one worked. I loved the back‑and‑forth between these two, and I appreciated how Budapest becomes its own character, adding so much richness to the story. This series has a lot of promise, and I can’t wait for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
Lucy is a London lawyer from a famous vampire‑hunting family who goes to Budapest to kill him, only to freeze when he speaks her name. Now she’s being hunted by vampires and her own family, forcing her to consider his offer of protection — even as she hides a pregnancy from a one‑night stand. Everything shifts when Dominik claims her and the baby as his.
I’m normally not into pregnancy plots, but this one worked. I loved the back‑and‑forth between these two, and I appreciated how Budapest becomes its own character, adding so much richness to the story. This series has a lot of promise, and I can’t wait for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
December 1, 2025
❤️ “My dove, my galambom, my everything. My guiding star, my light in the darkness, all the life I have left.”
~~~
Lucy is an absolute badass! She’s a solicitor by day, but as a Van Helsing descendant, she’s also a vampire hunter in secret. Lucy is brave, resourceful and resilient. And I adored her sass and fierceness. Even more, I loved that she never hesitated to stand her ground and face even the most dangerous monsters. Lucy is an incredible woman and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Dominik Király - vampire king and one of the most dangerous males in Budapest. Dominik is strong, lethal, resourceful, rich and powerful - he’s definitely not someone to mess with. Even more, he’s fiercely protective, generous, confident, determined and so delightfully dominant and possessive. And Dominik is quite the charmer, too. The vampire king is an irresistible male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Lucy and Dominik! Fate has a funny way of pairing mortal enemies as fated mates and Lucy and Dominik are exactly that.. at least in the beginning. But things are about to change. I adored those two together! Their chemistry was off-the-charts from the very start and I loved their banters, teasing and bickering. Every moment they spent together was a delight to read. What can I say… the vampire king makes himself impossible not to fall for. And the spice… oh, it was hot AF and I loved every naughty, knotty, bitey and passionate moment they shared. Lucy and Dominik were absolutely perfect for each other and truly deserved to find happiness and love together!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! A lot of things are happening and some are not who they appear to be. The tension, suspense, action, danger and unexpected turns of events, kept me glued to the pages till the very end. Even more, I couldn’t stop laughing with the girls and their chats - these women are just awesome!
Overall, Stake It or Leave is another spectacular addition to the series and I absolutely loved every single page of it!
And I cannot wait to see what will happen next in Budapest!
~~~
Lucy is an absolute badass! She’s a solicitor by day, but as a Van Helsing descendant, she’s also a vampire hunter in secret. Lucy is brave, resourceful and resilient. And I adored her sass and fierceness. Even more, I loved that she never hesitated to stand her ground and face even the most dangerous monsters. Lucy is an incredible woman and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Dominik Király - vampire king and one of the most dangerous males in Budapest. Dominik is strong, lethal, resourceful, rich and powerful - he’s definitely not someone to mess with. Even more, he’s fiercely protective, generous, confident, determined and so delightfully dominant and possessive. And Dominik is quite the charmer, too. The vampire king is an irresistible male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Lucy and Dominik! Fate has a funny way of pairing mortal enemies as fated mates and Lucy and Dominik are exactly that.. at least in the beginning. But things are about to change. I adored those two together! Their chemistry was off-the-charts from the very start and I loved their banters, teasing and bickering. Every moment they spent together was a delight to read. What can I say… the vampire king makes himself impossible not to fall for. And the spice… oh, it was hot AF and I loved every naughty, knotty, bitey and passionate moment they shared. Lucy and Dominik were absolutely perfect for each other and truly deserved to find happiness and love together!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! A lot of things are happening and some are not who they appear to be. The tension, suspense, action, danger and unexpected turns of events, kept me glued to the pages till the very end. Even more, I couldn’t stop laughing with the girls and their chats - these women are just awesome!
Overall, Stake It or Leave is another spectacular addition to the series and I absolutely loved every single page of it!
And I cannot wait to see what will happen next in Budapest!
December 9, 2025
He is the Immortal enemy and she is the Mortal one.
Lucy is a vampire hunter, Dominik is the King of the vampires of Budapest and when their worlds collide, they don’t know if they want to kiss each other or kill each other 🖤🖤
When Dominik meets Lucy first she consumes his mind he will do anything to have her even by kidnapping her. Vampires are enemies to Lucy she has been trained to kill them, to her they are evil and dangerous.
Her biggest danger is falling for the vampire Dominik she shouldn’t it goes against all her training. He’s suppose to be her enemy not her lover🖤🖤
When she tries to escape Dominik he will not let her go, she belongs to him. He uses his charm to break down her walls, that vampires aren’t as bad as she was lead to believe. She’s going to be his undoing she has awaken something in him that he hadn’t felt for centuries , she’s his fated mate 🖤🖤
When she’s feels vulnerable he is there for her, she doesn’t have to be alone anymore, she feels safe with him. He would always protect her 🩷🩷 Her life is better with him in it.
“My guiding star, my light in the darkness, all the life I have left”
She belongs to him and he belongs to her always 🖤🖤
I absolutely loved Lucy and Dominik’s story, their chemistry, the banter between them, the love they have for each other what a beautiful story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucy is a vampire hunter, Dominik is the King of the vampires of Budapest and when their worlds collide, they don’t know if they want to kiss each other or kill each other 🖤🖤
When Dominik meets Lucy first she consumes his mind he will do anything to have her even by kidnapping her. Vampires are enemies to Lucy she has been trained to kill them, to her they are evil and dangerous.
Her biggest danger is falling for the vampire Dominik she shouldn’t it goes against all her training. He’s suppose to be her enemy not her lover🖤🖤
When she tries to escape Dominik he will not let her go, she belongs to him. He uses his charm to break down her walls, that vampires aren’t as bad as she was lead to believe. She’s going to be his undoing she has awaken something in him that he hadn’t felt for centuries , she’s his fated mate 🖤🖤
When she’s feels vulnerable he is there for her, she doesn’t have to be alone anymore, she feels safe with him. He would always protect her 🩷🩷 Her life is better with him in it.
“My guiding star, my light in the darkness, all the life I have left”
She belongs to him and he belongs to her always 🖤🖤
I absolutely loved Lucy and Dominik’s story, their chemistry, the banter between them, the love they have for each other what a beautiful story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2026
Not enough world building, some things didn't make sense (a single vampire hunter being sent to kill the vampire king?) , there were errors that should have been caught by editors and major moments happened off page (first encounter, wedding,...).
For example she can pretend to be human by wearing his scent and a visible bite mark that would have turned her as long as the vampires keep their distance but she can recognize vampires from a distance?
It is said again and again that vampires can't create biological children. Only for that to not be true and be a choice the vampire can make (by essentially willing his semen to be functional?). And Google and ancient thomes knew about this.
There was a spicy scene that was basically a jumpscare because it was so random and came out of nowhere.
He had a dildo on a harness (has he used that before with someone else?) and asked her to peg him. They called the dildo a stake.....
“I am going to impale you, vampire,” I snarl. “Assume the position.”
My eyes fell out of my head. What is this
"I have this gorgeous, powerful vampire whimpering for me to invade him, to impale him, to drive my stake deep within his body."
For example she can pretend to be human by wearing his scent and a visible bite mark that would have turned her as long as the vampires keep their distance but she can recognize vampires from a distance?
It is said again and again that vampires can't create biological children. Only for that to not be true and be a choice the vampire can make (by essentially willing his semen to be functional?). And Google and ancient thomes knew about this.
There was a spicy scene that was basically a jumpscare because it was so random and came out of nowhere.
He had a dildo on a harness (has he used that before with someone else?) and asked her to peg him. They called the dildo a stake.....
“I am going to impale you, vampire,” I snarl. “Assume the position.”
My eyes fell out of my head. What is this
"I have this gorgeous, powerful vampire whimpering for me to invade him, to impale him, to drive my stake deep within his body."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Lucy Van Helsing is a fantastic FMC. She juggles life as a solicitor and a secret vampire hunter. She’s fearless, witty, and delightfully stubborn. Her resilience and sass made her so much fun. Dominik Király is the dangerously charismatic vampire king of Budapest. He radiates lethal power and old-world elegance, but his unexpected warmth, protectiveness, charm, and his unwavering focus when it comes to Lucy is completely swoonworthy.
The chemistry between Lucy and Dominik is off the charts, and the dynamic between them is electric. Their bickering, teasing, and smoldering attraction make every encounter highly entertaining to read. The plot itself is fast-paced, full of suspense, unexpected turns, and constant danger that kept me glued to my e-reader.
The book is clever, sexy, action-packed, and wonderfully fun. Stake It or Leave It is a brilliant follow-up to Fangs for the Memories, and I loved every single page. The tease at the epilogue for the next story has me ready for book 3!
I received an ARC and voluntarily and am sharing my honest review.
The chemistry between Lucy and Dominik is off the charts, and the dynamic between them is electric. Their bickering, teasing, and smoldering attraction make every encounter highly entertaining to read. The plot itself is fast-paced, full of suspense, unexpected turns, and constant danger that kept me glued to my e-reader.
The book is clever, sexy, action-packed, and wonderfully fun. Stake It or Leave It is a brilliant follow-up to Fangs for the Memories, and I loved every single page. The tease at the epilogue for the next story has me ready for book 3!
I received an ARC and voluntarily and am sharing my honest review.
January 30, 2026
Have Absolutely LOVED everything I’ve from this author so far!
Hattie Jacks= mood booster extraordinaire
I have only read a few books from Hattie Jacks, but each book has simply left me in a better mood. She’s an amazing storyteller! I love the combination of action, romance, emotional connection, found family, friendship, and sweet, spicy monster lovin’. 🔥😍🥰
Each book in this series follows a new couple, one Brit woman from this group of friends and a Budapest Monster. This series is addictive, the action, suspense, a ‘lil bit of over arcing backstory regarding “The Vault”, Monster Mafia lite as our MMCs seem to be Cinnamon rolls at heart, especially once they find their women.
-Fated Mates
-Vampire MMC, Alpha, touch her and un-alive vibes, he melts for her/falls first
-Strong British FMC, Solicitor (lawyer) by day secret Vampire Huntress by night, controlling family of origin
-Open door romance
-HEA
-Can be read as standalone, but better together
Highly recommend this exciting vampire romance! Do yourself a favor and check out Hattie Jacks!
Hattie Jacks= mood booster extraordinaire
I have only read a few books from Hattie Jacks, but each book has simply left me in a better mood. She’s an amazing storyteller! I love the combination of action, romance, emotional connection, found family, friendship, and sweet, spicy monster lovin’. 🔥😍🥰
Each book in this series follows a new couple, one Brit woman from this group of friends and a Budapest Monster. This series is addictive, the action, suspense, a ‘lil bit of over arcing backstory regarding “The Vault”, Monster Mafia lite as our MMCs seem to be Cinnamon rolls at heart, especially once they find their women.
-Fated Mates
-Vampire MMC, Alpha, touch her and un-alive vibes, he melts for her/falls first
-Strong British FMC, Solicitor (lawyer) by day secret Vampire Huntress by night, controlling family of origin
-Open door romance
-HEA
-Can be read as standalone, but better together
Highly recommend this exciting vampire romance! Do yourself a favor and check out Hattie Jacks!
December 20, 2025
I loved it so much!
Lucy was such a kick ass character, hiding who she was from her friend who just married the king of the Werewolf mafia in Budapest was really hard on her conscience. Having to lie about leaving to go back to London, when she was actually , at first a prisoner of Dominick, King of the Vampires, then when he finally tells her that she is his foretold, and fated mate, she's gobsmacked. She then realized that he would never harm her, or her unborn child, and she can finally escape her crazy family and that she stopped believing their lies about monsters years ago. Being a Von Healing though, you didn't get a choice. I loved his crazy off the charts courtship of her, to get her to accept being his Consort/Queen. Fantastic, and very surprising HEA ending. I highly recommend reading this series, oh yeah, and any other of Hattie's books. Trish. A.
Lucy was such a kick ass character, hiding who she was from her friend who just married the king of the Werewolf mafia in Budapest was really hard on her conscience. Having to lie about leaving to go back to London, when she was actually , at first a prisoner of Dominick, King of the Vampires, then when he finally tells her that she is his foretold, and fated mate, she's gobsmacked. She then realized that he would never harm her, or her unborn child, and she can finally escape her crazy family and that she stopped believing their lies about monsters years ago. Being a Von Healing though, you didn't get a choice. I loved his crazy off the charts courtship of her, to get her to accept being his Consort/Queen. Fantastic, and very surprising HEA ending. I highly recommend reading this series, oh yeah, and any other of Hattie's books. Trish. A.
December 7, 2025
I’ve never been a big vampire trope fan, but uh for Dominik Király? A girl might have to reconsider somethings..
Stake it or Leave it is the second book in Hattie Jack’s Budapest Bites series - it follows our FEISTY FMC Lucy, lawyer by day but vampire hunter by night.. anddd Dominik Király, ya know just the leader of the vampires of Budapest.
When I tell you the BANTER? The SPICE?? The melt your heart moments? All of it came together beautifully!!
🌃🧄🧛⚖️💗⚖️🧛🧄🌃
M/F
Interconnected Standalones - early enough in the series still to read independently
Vampire x Vampire hunter
Worshipped pregnant FMC
POSSESSIVE MMC
He’d burn the world for her, she changes his whole world
Did I mention that banter!
Spice 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵❤️🔥
Stake it or Leave it is the second book in Hattie Jack’s Budapest Bites series - it follows our FEISTY FMC Lucy, lawyer by day but vampire hunter by night.. anddd Dominik Király, ya know just the leader of the vampires of Budapest.
When I tell you the BANTER? The SPICE?? The melt your heart moments? All of it came together beautifully!!
🌃🧄🧛⚖️💗⚖️🧛🧄🌃
M/F
Interconnected Standalones - early enough in the series still to read independently
Vampire x Vampire hunter
Worshipped pregnant FMC
POSSESSIVE MMC
He’d burn the world for her, she changes his whole world
Did I mention that banter!
Spice 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵❤️🔥
December 11, 2025
I loved the second book in the Budapest Bites series. Lucy is not the typical vampire hunter. I loved learning about how she grew up with her uncle being her guardian/instructor. Of course Dominik isn't your typical vampire either, being able to day walk. Very interesting and adds complications for Lucy.
Loved the humor especially Dominik's.
Excellent worldbuilding, I can feel Lucy's frustrations and Dominik's baritone voice. (being a Van Helsing she can not be charmed by him or any other vampire. )
Loved the twists, secrets revealed, steam to the romance. And a HEA that will put a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel an am voluntarily leaving my review.
Loved the humor especially Dominik's.
Excellent worldbuilding, I can feel Lucy's frustrations and Dominik's baritone voice. (being a Van Helsing she can not be charmed by him or any other vampire. )
Loved the twists, secrets revealed, steam to the romance. And a HEA that will put a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel an am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 13, 2025
Hattie Jacks’ writing is brilliant and enchanting!
OMG AHHHHHH! I inhaled this book in one sitting, it feel like I’m there with them, they are as much my friends as they are characters in a book.
Dominik and Lucy are amazing together, there little quirks balance the others perfectly. I like how much they complemented each other, neither trying to change the other, but instead they worked on understanding where the other was coming from and protecting each other.
Key points in no particular order:
- Vampire
- Van helsing
- pregnancy
- familial pressure
- a bargain
- fated mates
- seperation
- shifters
- Gargoyles
- acceptance
- Courage
OMG AHHHHHH! I inhaled this book in one sitting, it feel like I’m there with them, they are as much my friends as they are characters in a book.
Dominik and Lucy are amazing together, there little quirks balance the others perfectly. I like how much they complemented each other, neither trying to change the other, but instead they worked on understanding where the other was coming from and protecting each other.
Key points in no particular order:
- Vampire
- Van helsing
- pregnancy
- familial pressure
- a bargain
- fated mates
- seperation
- shifters
- Gargoyles
- acceptance
- Courage
December 7, 2025
OMG I have never been a vampire person but dang I am now. Dominik has totally bewitched me. This was such an amazing inspiring read. The quirkiness and the banter is hilarious. The passion and possessiveness is alluringly addictive. This is the best book I have read all year and I have read a lot.
This read has positively wowed me. With this new pairing expect the unexpected and unpredictability. Never leave home without a stake🤣
That ending Hattie !!!💜💜💜💜💜
This read has positively wowed me. With this new pairing expect the unexpected and unpredictability. Never leave home without a stake🤣
That ending Hattie !!!💜💜💜💜💜
January 14, 2026
Another fun one!
I’m not necessarily a monster romance fan, but I do enjoy Hattie Jacks, so I have been reading this series and am really enjoying it. It is a light-hearted, fun story and it has good energy and action. This one got a *little* slow at one point but not nearly so much that I wanted to stop reading. I am looking forward to the next book!
I’m not necessarily a monster romance fan, but I do enjoy Hattie Jacks, so I have been reading this series and am really enjoying it. It is a light-hearted, fun story and it has good energy and action. This one got a *little* slow at one point but not nearly so much that I wanted to stop reading. I am looking forward to the next book!
December 1, 2025
This was fun to read. And if that vamp king doesn't have a few hidden kinks! A few twists and turns, nice pace to the story. Her girlfriends are a hoot, their groupchat should have it's own book once all are mated and they have no filter.....
Can't wait for the next pairing
Can't wait for the next pairing
December 13, 2025
Great story series
I really enjoyed the book and characters in this series. It continues from book 1 but with the new characters. I love reading and seeing the characters grow. I believe you will enjoy the continuing series too.
I really enjoyed the book and characters in this series. It continues from book 1 but with the new characters. I love reading and seeing the characters grow. I believe you will enjoy the continuing series too.
December 20, 2025
Excelent Vampire romance
The novel captivated me from start to finish. The author's skillful character development brought each personality to life with vivid, memorable details. The narrative was engaging and held my attention throughout, making it a truly compelling read.
The novel captivated me from start to finish. The author's skillful character development brought each personality to life with vivid, memorable details. The narrative was engaging and held my attention throughout, making it a truly compelling read.
January 22, 2026
This is really great book
Lots of mystery, intrigue, and romance. What's not to like. Very funny in some parts too. MS Jacks writes a very intertaining story. Love both the main characters. The side characters were great too.
Lots of mystery, intrigue, and romance. What's not to like. Very funny in some parts too. MS Jacks writes a very intertaining story. Love both the main characters. The side characters were great too.
May 12, 2026
stake it or leave it
This was a very entertaining story to read with great monster mafias with wonderful characters and background descriptions.there was lots of sass,dry humor, witty banter. Steamy parts and heroes with plenty of action.💃🏻😘🥰
This was a very entertaining story to read with great monster mafias with wonderful characters and background descriptions.there was lots of sass,dry humor, witty banter. Steamy parts and heroes with plenty of action.💃🏻😘🥰
November 30, 2025
Excellent vampire romance. Loved it so much! Intense, passionate and exciting.. Loads of humor. Amazing characters!
December 22, 2025
Great banter. Smutty - one part was a little much. I was thoroughly not prepared for it. I did skip it. Romance on point. Cannot wait till book 3!
January 6, 2026
Had such a great time with this book!!! The only reason it's not 5 stars is because of the "reminders" on almost every page that she's pregnant.
January 6, 2026
A great fun read
So refreshingly different from the usual vampire books. Great fun, great characters, read this in a day as I couldn't put it down.
So refreshingly different from the usual vampire books. Great fun, great characters, read this in a day as I couldn't put it down.
April 18, 2026
Cute
I liked this old vampire falling for Lucy. She is fiery and filled with secrets. I look forward to the next book.
I liked this old vampire falling for Lucy. She is fiery and filled with secrets. I look forward to the next book.
December 11, 2025
Love the story! Lucy and Dominik made a wonderful enemies-to-something-more couple. I think it was the fun banter between this pair as well as between many of the other characters that I enjoyed the most. The irony of a van Helsing descendant vampire Hunter and the king of vampires as mates also was not lost on me. I enjoyed watching the story unfold in an almost playful way including wonderful details and back stories of so many of the surrounding characters. I found connections, context and attention to detail of so many of the pieces of the story were simply wonderful. The HEA was so nice with a bridge to the next story in series that I am now looking forward to reading.
I received an ARC and voluntarily and sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily and sharing my honest review.
January 25, 2026
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But I wanted to stake you and cut off your head.” “Instead you stole my dusty old vampire heart and made me become an actual hero.” I bark a laugh. “Maybe hero is going a little far.” Dominik straightens. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re the hero.”
Stake It or Leave It is the second book in Hattie Jacks’ Budapest Bites series, a follow-up to Fangs for the Memories, and honestly? It’s everything I love about her writing dialled up to eleven. While this one works perfectly well as a standalone, reading book one definitely gives you a juicier foundation for what’s going on behind the scenes — and makes the payoff here even sweeter.
Our FMC, Lucy, is the kind of heroine who leaps off the page and refuses to leave your brain. By day, she’s a brilliant solicitor. By night, she’s a secret vampire hunter — and not just any hunter, but a direct descendant of the Van Helsings. Her friends have no idea, her colleagues would never guess, and she carries that legacy with fire, grit, and an endless supply of sass. She’s brave, resourceful, resilient, fiercely loyal, and just an all-round badass. The kind of character who stays with you long after the last page.
In book one, Lucy helped her best friend Grace and Grace’s monster husband Ferenc out of a bind… and in doing so, crossed paths with Dominic Király — vampire king, dark charmer, lethal powerhouse, and the MMC of Stake It or Leave It. Dominic is rich, dangerous, sexy in that “look at me wrong and I’ll ruin your life but also your bed” kind of way, and absolutely unequivocally and unapologetically obsessed with Lucy from the moment he meets her.
When Lucy is sent to Budapest by her uncle—the head of the Secret Monster Task Force (aka the Val Helsing cover name)—to stake Dominic and remove him from the board, things go sideways. Spectacularly sideways. Because the vampire king isn’t just dangerous… he’s irresistible. Dominant, seductive, magnetic. And when he asks her to become his consort and her protector? Well. Let’s just say Lucy’s steely resolve doesn’t stand a chance for long.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts.
It’s spicy, it’s naughty, it’s bitey, it’s kinky — a delicious tangle of arguments, banter, tension, and sparks that practically set the pages on fire. They push each other, challenge each other, and together they’re an absolute force.
The plot doesn’t just deliver heat — it’s packed with tension, clever twists, and satisfying connections back to book one. Hattie Jacks brilliantly expands the world, deepens the lore, and fills in the “why” behind earlier events without ever slowing the pace. And the female friendships? Utterly hilarious. Every group chat scene had me giggling; it felt like reading the unhinged WhatsApp threads my own friends and I have.
And Budapest? Hattie writes it so vividly I felt like I was standing on the streets watching vampires and hunters flirt, fight, and fall in love. I’ve never been, but it’s absolutely on my bucket list now.
My view: Hattie Jacks could truly write anything — from the Sarkarnii to the Gryn to the Budapest Bites — and I’d read it without hesitation. Her worlds are provocative, funny, immersive, and full of heart. Stake It or Leave It was a blast from start to finish, and I already want to reread it.
I’m literally gasping for the next book, Better Slate Than Never, featuring Eliza and Victor the grumpy gargoyle. If it’s anything like this one, we are in for a treat. Bring on book three. Preferably yesterday.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But I wanted to stake you and cut off your head.” “Instead you stole my dusty old vampire heart and made me become an actual hero.” I bark a laugh. “Maybe hero is going a little far.” Dominik straightens. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re the hero.”
Stake It or Leave It is the second book in Hattie Jacks’ Budapest Bites series, a follow-up to Fangs for the Memories, and honestly? It’s everything I love about her writing dialled up to eleven. While this one works perfectly well as a standalone, reading book one definitely gives you a juicier foundation for what’s going on behind the scenes — and makes the payoff here even sweeter.
Our FMC, Lucy, is the kind of heroine who leaps off the page and refuses to leave your brain. By day, she’s a brilliant solicitor. By night, she’s a secret vampire hunter — and not just any hunter, but a direct descendant of the Van Helsings. Her friends have no idea, her colleagues would never guess, and she carries that legacy with fire, grit, and an endless supply of sass. She’s brave, resourceful, resilient, fiercely loyal, and just an all-round badass. The kind of character who stays with you long after the last page.
In book one, Lucy helped her best friend Grace and Grace’s monster husband Ferenc out of a bind… and in doing so, crossed paths with Dominic Király — vampire king, dark charmer, lethal powerhouse, and the MMC of Stake It or Leave It. Dominic is rich, dangerous, sexy in that “look at me wrong and I’ll ruin your life but also your bed” kind of way, and absolutely unequivocally and unapologetically obsessed with Lucy from the moment he meets her.
When Lucy is sent to Budapest by her uncle—the head of the Secret Monster Task Force (aka the Val Helsing cover name)—to stake Dominic and remove him from the board, things go sideways. Spectacularly sideways. Because the vampire king isn’t just dangerous… he’s irresistible. Dominant, seductive, magnetic. And when he asks her to become his consort and her protector? Well. Let’s just say Lucy’s steely resolve doesn’t stand a chance for long.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts.
It’s spicy, it’s naughty, it’s bitey, it’s kinky — a delicious tangle of arguments, banter, tension, and sparks that practically set the pages on fire. They push each other, challenge each other, and together they’re an absolute force.
The plot doesn’t just deliver heat — it’s packed with tension, clever twists, and satisfying connections back to book one. Hattie Jacks brilliantly expands the world, deepens the lore, and fills in the “why” behind earlier events without ever slowing the pace. And the female friendships? Utterly hilarious. Every group chat scene had me giggling; it felt like reading the unhinged WhatsApp threads my own friends and I have.
And Budapest? Hattie writes it so vividly I felt like I was standing on the streets watching vampires and hunters flirt, fight, and fall in love. I’ve never been, but it’s absolutely on my bucket list now.
My view: Hattie Jacks could truly write anything — from the Sarkarnii to the Gryn to the Budapest Bites — and I’d read it without hesitation. Her worlds are provocative, funny, immersive, and full of heart. Stake It or Leave It was a blast from start to finish, and I already want to reread it.
I’m literally gasping for the next book, Better Slate Than Never, featuring Eliza and Victor the grumpy gargoyle. If it’s anything like this one, we are in for a treat. Bring on book three. Preferably yesterday.
January 6, 2026
Budapest Bites Series :
✅ 1 Fangs for the Memories (2025) - 4.5 ⭐
𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖 𝗞𝗢́𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥 - A sensational start to a new fascinating series
I'm waiting for the next part of Dominik and Lucy 🤩👍
✅ 2 Stake It or Leave It (2025) 5 🧛🧛♂️🧛🧛♂️🧛
𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐊 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐚́𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘 𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 - THE VAMPIRE KING AND HIS CONQUEROR!
The second part of this amazing series was better than the first And if the next installment is as good as this one, I'm already looking forward to the book, "Better Slate Than Never," starring Eliza and Victor, the grumpy gargoyle
❌ 3. Better Slate Than Never - coming soon
𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐘𝐀𝐃𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀 -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNRWKXF7?...
✅ 1 Fangs for the Memories (2025) - 4.5 ⭐
𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖 𝗞𝗢́𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥 - A sensational start to a new fascinating series
I'm waiting for the next part of Dominik and Lucy 🤩👍
✅ 2 Stake It or Leave It (2025) 5 🧛🧛♂️🧛🧛♂️🧛
𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐊 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐚́𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘 𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 - THE VAMPIRE KING AND HIS CONQUEROR!
The second part of this amazing series was better than the first And if the next installment is as good as this one, I'm already looking forward to the book, "Better Slate Than Never," starring Eliza and Victor, the grumpy gargoyle
❌ 3. Better Slate Than Never - coming soon
𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐘𝐀𝐃𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀 -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNRWKXF7?...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews