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A Betrothal So Bloody: A Dark Fantasy Vampire Romance
A KNIGHTS TALE meets BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER in this seductive, funny, and heart-pounding dark fantasy romance.
In 1560s Italy, Ariya has spent twelve relentless years training with the devout Corvus Order of female vampire slayers. At last, she earns her first solo mission to prove her worth—but her elation crumbles when she learns the intimate nature of the assignment: seduce and slay the enigmatic Florentine nobleman Dante D’Agonisto, rumored to be a vampire hiding in plain sight.
When she confronts him, Ariya is stunned to find that Dante is more than the ruthless predator she was taught to hunt. Cursed, desperate, and dangerously charming, he begs her to help him find a cure for his affliction—to reclaim his humanity and escape his brutal past.
Forced into a false marriage to mask their uneasy alliance, Ariya begins to question every long-held conviction—and plunges into a very inconvenient attraction as hostility ignites into a forbidden carnal awakening.
And if Dante is falling for her in turn, more than her mission is at stake. She may lose her heart to the very monster she has sworn to kill.
In 1560s Italy, Ariya has spent twelve relentless years training with the devout Corvus Order of female vampire slayers. At last, she earns her first solo mission to prove her worth—but her elation crumbles when she learns the intimate nature of the assignment: seduce and slay the enigmatic Florentine nobleman Dante D’Agonisto, rumored to be a vampire hiding in plain sight.
When she confronts him, Ariya is stunned to find that Dante is more than the ruthless predator she was taught to hunt. Cursed, desperate, and dangerously charming, he begs her to help him find a cure for his affliction—to reclaim his humanity and escape his brutal past.
Forced into a false marriage to mask their uneasy alliance, Ariya begins to question every long-held conviction—and plunges into a very inconvenient attraction as hostility ignites into a forbidden carnal awakening.
And if Dante is falling for her in turn, more than her mission is at stake. She may lose her heart to the very monster she has sworn to kill.
394 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Mary Dublin
12 books228 followersMary Dublin was born and raised in the heart of Florida and has had a passion for storytelling since childhood. Her love for words began at a young age, where she found solace in books that transported her to fantastical worlds and inspired her to begin dreaming of her own stories.
After completing her Bachelor's degree in Character Animation/Emerging Media, Mary went on to pursue a career in communications and take on her dream of becoming a writer. With her unique style of writing, Mary's books are a blend of aching romance, heart-pounding drama, and suspense. Her characters are flawed, complex, and leave a lasting impression on her readers.
Apart from writing, Mary is a passionate traveler, and her experiences in different parts of the world inspire elements in her novels. When she's not writing, she can be found practicing yoga, trying new hiking trails, or curled up with a good book on a rainy day.
After completing her Bachelor's degree in Character Animation/Emerging Media, Mary went on to pursue a career in communications and take on her dream of becoming a writer. With her unique style of writing, Mary's books are a blend of aching romance, heart-pounding drama, and suspense. Her characters are flawed, complex, and leave a lasting impression on her readers.
Apart from writing, Mary is a passionate traveler, and her experiences in different parts of the world inspire elements in her novels. When she's not writing, she can be found practicing yoga, trying new hiking trails, or curled up with a good book on a rainy day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
September 5, 2026
full review to come soon but absolutely adored this!!! Also how dare yall make me simp for a BLOND MAN!?
September 13, 2026
Quick, fun read! You get a slow burn, enemies to lovers vampire fantasy with great banter and dark humor all set in renaissance Italy. Ariya (slayer) and Dante's (vampire) relationship starts as an arranged marriage.
As the story progresses, it comes to light that Dante faked the marriage.
You watch their relationship begin with them loathing one another. A slayer who has trained her whole life to destroy the very thing she married. Can she stand by her orders when she realizes he is on a mission to find a witch who can cure his dark curse?
Their relationship felt so authentic. You see the trust begin to build between the two. Past traumas are revealed. A slow burn love begins to build, even as they fight the connection. All for a huge letdown, a major twist, and a total change of one's life. After that conclusion to book one, 2027 cannot come soon enough. I need to see a conclusion where Ariya and Dante get the future and love they both deserve
As the story progresses, it comes to light that Dante faked the marriage.
You watch their relationship begin with them loathing one another. A slayer who has trained her whole life to destroy the very thing she married. Can she stand by her orders when she realizes he is on a mission to find a witch who can cure his dark curse?
Their relationship felt so authentic. You see the trust begin to build between the two. Past traumas are revealed. A slow burn love begins to build, even as they fight the connection. All for a huge letdown, a major twist, and a total change of one's life. After that conclusion to book one, 2027 cannot come soon enough. I need to see a conclusion where Ariya and Dante get the future and love they both deserve
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
LOVED this story!!! The banter! The adventure! The forbidden love! The spice! The betrayals!
Ariya and Dante are thrown together into a marriage. Each with their own agenda. She is a vampire hunter and he is a vampire. Both have a common goal. However, putting aside their differences might be harder than they thought. They journey together to find the cure for vampirism and it is definitely not a boring one. Vesper has never seen anything outside of the abbey unless it was for an assignment. She was raised there with very strict rules. Dante introduces her to the pleasures of the world. From sweets to dancing to intimacy on several different levels. The dead teaches her how to live.
Dante lives with the traumas of his past daily and he will do whatever it takes to escape them or atone. I feel for him. Hearing his story broke my heart. Each day they learn more about each other. Start trusting each other. This is a true enemies to lovers story. The ending ended on a cliffhanger but also gave more strength to the story. Can’t wait for book 2!!
Thank you to the authors for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ariya and Dante are thrown together into a marriage. Each with their own agenda. She is a vampire hunter and he is a vampire. Both have a common goal. However, putting aside their differences might be harder than they thought. They journey together to find the cure for vampirism and it is definitely not a boring one. Vesper has never seen anything outside of the abbey unless it was for an assignment. She was raised there with very strict rules. Dante introduces her to the pleasures of the world. From sweets to dancing to intimacy on several different levels. The dead teaches her how to live.
Dante lives with the traumas of his past daily and he will do whatever it takes to escape them or atone. I feel for him. Hearing his story broke my heart. Each day they learn more about each other. Start trusting each other. This is a true enemies to lovers story. The ending ended on a cliffhanger but also gave more strength to the story. Can’t wait for book 2!!
Thank you to the authors for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
ARC review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been emotionally mugged by a Renaissance vampire. 10/10. No notes.
For real though, this is my first read by @authors.dublin.kendsley and I’m obsessed. He’s the perfect amount of cocky and adorable and their banter was IMMACULATE!
I’ve been struggling with Romantasy a bit lately, perhaps a bit burned out with the same trope different characters, but I am so so impressed with how this has been done. I can’t wait for the second one. I was so torn between reading til the end despite midnight rapidly approaching or drawing it out so I got it for longer. The urge to finish it won out and now I’ve got post-completion blues.
Please write faster so I can get the conclusion 😭
Vibes:
🩸 Vampire x vampire slayer
💍 Fake marriage / arranged marriage
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
🦇 Astarion energy
🕯️ Gothic Renaissance Italy
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been emotionally mugged by a Renaissance vampire. 10/10. No notes.
For real though, this is my first read by @authors.dublin.kendsley and I’m obsessed. He’s the perfect amount of cocky and adorable and their banter was IMMACULATE!
I’ve been struggling with Romantasy a bit lately, perhaps a bit burned out with the same trope different characters, but I am so so impressed with how this has been done. I can’t wait for the second one. I was so torn between reading til the end despite midnight rapidly approaching or drawing it out so I got it for longer. The urge to finish it won out and now I’ve got post-completion blues.
Please write faster so I can get the conclusion 😭
Vibes:
🩸 Vampire x vampire slayer
💍 Fake marriage / arranged marriage
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
🦇 Astarion energy
🕯️ Gothic Renaissance Italy
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
August 3, 2026
More thoughts to come but this was so insanely good I’m reeling
August 7, 2026
ARC Review:
This is my first ever ARC read! I was so excited when I received it. It was such an honor!
What first drew me to this book was the premise that it was a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" meets "A Knight's Tale" historical fantasy romance. I loved watching both of those growing up. Then, to top it off, the MMC was inspired by, not only Heath Ledger, but both Astarion and Lestat! *swoon*
I laughed, I cried, and I swooned. It was action-packed, fast-paced, and just FUN! It reminded me so much of Baldur's Gate 3, not only with the Astarion-coded MMC, but with the vibrant settings and menagerie of fantastical characters.
The couple in this is a true enemies to lovers relationship. It is a slow burn, but the pay off is so worth it. I loved the banter between the MMC and FMC, as well as their shared sense of dark humor. Both are equally mean to the other, but nothing too cruel.
Some of the best parts in this book is when both MCs make themselves vulnerable to each other, allowing the other to see the parts of themselves they would never dare show another. With both having their own share of baggage and trauma, they are able to begin to heal and learn to trust one another.
The relationship felt authentic, and seeing that building of trust makes the relationship between the MCs so much more impactful and the ending that much more devastating. I cannot help but pray both MCs are able to achieve the future they long for.
No joke, this is probably my favorite book I have read so far this year.
I cannot wait to read the next book. 2027 cannot come fast enough!
This is my first ever ARC read! I was so excited when I received it. It was such an honor!
What first drew me to this book was the premise that it was a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" meets "A Knight's Tale" historical fantasy romance. I loved watching both of those growing up. Then, to top it off, the MMC was inspired by, not only Heath Ledger, but both Astarion and Lestat! *swoon*
I laughed, I cried, and I swooned. It was action-packed, fast-paced, and just FUN! It reminded me so much of Baldur's Gate 3, not only with the Astarion-coded MMC, but with the vibrant settings and menagerie of fantastical characters.
The couple in this is a true enemies to lovers relationship. It is a slow burn, but the pay off is so worth it. I loved the banter between the MMC and FMC, as well as their shared sense of dark humor. Both are equally mean to the other, but nothing too cruel.
Some of the best parts in this book is when both MCs make themselves vulnerable to each other, allowing the other to see the parts of themselves they would never dare show another. With both having their own share of baggage and trauma, they are able to begin to heal and learn to trust one another.
The relationship felt authentic, and seeing that building of trust makes the relationship between the MCs so much more impactful and the ending that much more devastating. I cannot help but pray both MCs are able to achieve the future they long for.
No joke, this is probably my favorite book I have read so far this year.
I cannot wait to read the next book. 2027 cannot come fast enough!
September 6, 2026
3.25⭐️
A quick, fun read.
Liked the banter between ours MCs, was entertaining and felt original.
The only real critic was that the language didn’t really fit with the time (1560s Italy), but the language was really modern with a lot of cursing so that didn’t really make sense but other than that I enjoyed it.
A quick, fun read.
Liked the banter between ours MCs, was entertaining and felt original.
The only real critic was that the language didn’t really fit with the time (1560s Italy), but the language was really modern with a lot of cursing so that didn’t really make sense but other than that I enjoyed it.
September 7, 2026
SORRY???? EXCUSE ME???? WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT???
1. a fucking MASTERPIECE through and through
2. I WILL SUE for that ending
3. I WILL SUE for the fucking emotional damage Dante put me through and the lasting aftereffects because WHAT THE FUCK 😭😭😭
I’m gonna go cry now. I genuinely have no words.
this was truly my saving grace on this gloomy fucking Monday. what. a. BOOK.
I am UNWELL. 10/10. no notes. 🫠🫡
1. a fucking MASTERPIECE through and through
2. I WILL SUE for that ending
3. I WILL SUE for the fucking emotional damage Dante put me through and the lasting aftereffects because WHAT THE FUCK 😭😭😭
I’m gonna go cry now. I genuinely have no words.
this was truly my saving grace on this gloomy fucking Monday. what. a. BOOK.
I am UNWELL. 10/10. no notes. 🫠🫡
August 3, 2026
What if Buffy was set in 1560s Italy where vampires roam in abundance, and “The Order” was the only real line of defense?
Ariya, a 26-year-old slayer devoted to the mission, receives her first solo mission- marry the nobleman D’Agonisto, who has fallen under their suspicion.
Mother Superior doesn’t seem to show pause with sending one of her girls to slaughter- but, if Ariya didn’t go, we wouldn’t have a story! And we wouldn’t have met DANTE!
I know the promos say “A Knights Tale” in them, but it’s giving Lestat when he gets regal and cocky, but someone almost annoyingly, obnoxiously, charmingly snarky too. And Ariya falls for it just like all of us always do! Because there’s something so appealing about a man who doesn’t take anything too seriously, yet would burn the world down for you if you were ever looked at wrong.
The story is well-paced and exciting. I loved the fight scenes as other vampires were introduced and the two became allies as well as husband and wife. I’m reminded of “Lady Jane” more than Buffy or AKT, with the banter between the two of them as their story unfolds; that they love to hate on each other for their own reasons while denying the growing heat between them because its…complicated.
The forced proximity of their later journey sets readers up for some much needed spice that the authors have only teased us about in their past novels (how very Dante of them!).
The only thing I had a hard time with- some of the dialogue. Unpopular opinion, I’m sure, but the writing was so eloquent and rhythmic, the frequent F-bombs really threw me. I’ve never heard someone from 1560s Italy refer to someone else as a “dickhead” either. It really jarred me a few times out of the historical-fantasy mindset and slammed me back in the present.
The final chapter ends the book with a perfectly satisfying ending that I’m not rabid for a sequel, but I’m absolutely looking forward to it! Dante and Ariya may be our new favorite couple!
Ariya, a 26-year-old slayer devoted to the mission, receives her first solo mission- marry the nobleman D’Agonisto, who has fallen under their suspicion.
Mother Superior doesn’t seem to show pause with sending one of her girls to slaughter- but, if Ariya didn’t go, we wouldn’t have a story! And we wouldn’t have met DANTE!
I know the promos say “A Knights Tale” in them, but it’s giving Lestat when he gets regal and cocky, but someone almost annoyingly, obnoxiously, charmingly snarky too. And Ariya falls for it just like all of us always do! Because there’s something so appealing about a man who doesn’t take anything too seriously, yet would burn the world down for you if you were ever looked at wrong.
The story is well-paced and exciting. I loved the fight scenes as other vampires were introduced and the two became allies as well as husband and wife. I’m reminded of “Lady Jane” more than Buffy or AKT, with the banter between the two of them as their story unfolds; that they love to hate on each other for their own reasons while denying the growing heat between them because its…complicated.
The forced proximity of their later journey sets readers up for some much needed spice that the authors have only teased us about in their past novels (how very Dante of them!).
The only thing I had a hard time with- some of the dialogue. Unpopular opinion, I’m sure, but the writing was so eloquent and rhythmic, the frequent F-bombs really threw me. I’ve never heard someone from 1560s Italy refer to someone else as a “dickhead” either. It really jarred me a few times out of the historical-fantasy mindset and slammed me back in the present.
The final chapter ends the book with a perfectly satisfying ending that I’m not rabid for a sequel, but I’m absolutely looking forward to it! Dante and Ariya may be our new favorite couple!
September 6, 2026
Review of advanced copy recived from the authors.
This book was just what I needed right now. It was such a fun adventure. Filled with banter and funny scenes, but it also had a darker, almost gothic atmosphere. It is a dark fantasy but the banter is EVERYTHING in this book.
We follow Ariya from The devout Corvus order of female vampire slayer. She agrees to be in a arranged marriage with Lord Dante Signore D'Agonisto. For only to expose him as a vampire. And he is a hot handsome vampire. Dante on the other hand is on the run from his maker and the vampire family and see Ariya slayer skills as a form of extra protection. And he believes there is a cure for vampirism.
Together Ariya and Dante are forced to set off on an adventure through Italy in search of the cure and I just LOVE the whole concept. You get the best of the Italian setting in 1560, with festivals, dances, music, violinists, Italian food, wine, dark inns, taverns and Tuscan landscape, houses and mansions.
During their journey, they encounter evil witches and other supernatural creatures. They travel by night and find themselves in life-and-death situations while racing against the Order’s deadline to deliver Dante and facing the vampire “family.” Dante’s maker gives me a little Aro Volturi from Twilight and Lestat from The Vampire Chronicles. While Ariya has definite Buffy the Vampire Slayer energy.
They have to save each other over and over again and make such a great fighting team. Slowly, hate grows into love and the slow burn romance and tension are simply the best.
"Monster is such an ugly, limiting word. I'm not playing semantics. I have half a mind to chain you naked to a tree and let you burn to crisp in the sunrise"" Dante pulls open the door for me. Ah, so you have thought about me naked".
You get all the good tropes: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, hate to love, he falls first and hard, one horse, one bed and some spice.
My favourite scene is when Ariya forces Dante to eat honey bread at the inn, knowing Dante can’t eat human food and that it will make him gag.
This is just such an inviting book and easy to read and get lost in. Filled with supernatural elements, a perfect atmosphere, perfect spice, a little heartbreak and emotional damage. I loved the characters and the perfect ending with a good cliffhanger.
And the extra chapters... YES!
This book will be purchased and coming home to my bookshelf.
Thank you so much Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for this amazing opportunity.
I can’t wait for book two and hope I get to ARC read it too.
This was an advanced copy review received from the authors for free and I am leaving my review freely.
⭐️5/5
This book was just what I needed right now. It was such a fun adventure. Filled with banter and funny scenes, but it also had a darker, almost gothic atmosphere. It is a dark fantasy but the banter is EVERYTHING in this book.
We follow Ariya from The devout Corvus order of female vampire slayer. She agrees to be in a arranged marriage with Lord Dante Signore D'Agonisto. For only to expose him as a vampire. And he is a hot handsome vampire. Dante on the other hand is on the run from his maker and the vampire family and see Ariya slayer skills as a form of extra protection. And he believes there is a cure for vampirism.
Together Ariya and Dante are forced to set off on an adventure through Italy in search of the cure and I just LOVE the whole concept. You get the best of the Italian setting in 1560, with festivals, dances, music, violinists, Italian food, wine, dark inns, taverns and Tuscan landscape, houses and mansions.
During their journey, they encounter evil witches and other supernatural creatures. They travel by night and find themselves in life-and-death situations while racing against the Order’s deadline to deliver Dante and facing the vampire “family.” Dante’s maker gives me a little Aro Volturi from Twilight and Lestat from The Vampire Chronicles. While Ariya has definite Buffy the Vampire Slayer energy.
They have to save each other over and over again and make such a great fighting team. Slowly, hate grows into love and the slow burn romance and tension are simply the best.
"Monster is such an ugly, limiting word. I'm not playing semantics. I have half a mind to chain you naked to a tree and let you burn to crisp in the sunrise"" Dante pulls open the door for me. Ah, so you have thought about me naked".
You get all the good tropes: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, hate to love, he falls first and hard, one horse, one bed and some spice.
My favourite scene is when Ariya forces Dante to eat honey bread at the inn, knowing Dante can’t eat human food and that it will make him gag.
This is just such an inviting book and easy to read and get lost in. Filled with supernatural elements, a perfect atmosphere, perfect spice, a little heartbreak and emotional damage. I loved the characters and the perfect ending with a good cliffhanger.
And the extra chapters... YES!
This book will be purchased and coming home to my bookshelf.
Thank you so much Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for this amazing opportunity.
I can’t wait for book two and hope I get to ARC read it too.
This was an advanced copy review received from the authors for free and I am leaving my review freely.
⭐️5/5
September 18, 2026
Ariya is a vampire slayer. One grave mistake kept her mostly on the sideline for years. Mother now has a mission for her: marry the nobleman they suspect is a vampire and get rid of him. But together, they embark on a journey to find a cure for vampirism. If only they could find a cure for their developing feelings too!
A blond man you say? Count me in. There’s just something about a charming, disarming, funnily arrogant man (well, vampire) that scratch the itch just right. Don’t get me wrong, I love dark haired men too, but blond men are heavily looked over in darker, fantasy romances.
Anyways, Dante will melt your heart. And Ariya will plot your demise while you’re looking a little too long at her man. Especially now that Dante has opened her eyes to how the life at the Abbey was constricting. In return, she finally gave him a reason to stay, having lessened his burden.
It was quick, quite fast paced, funny, charming. I know I’m describing Dante, but it can also be said for the book, so. I would’ve liked for the world building to be a bit more, but it was still a fun read nonetheless.
Thank you so much to Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for the arc.
Keywords: romantasy, enemies to lovers, vampire slayer, vampire, Italy, 1500s.
A blond man you say? Count me in. There’s just something about a charming, disarming, funnily arrogant man (well, vampire) that scratch the itch just right. Don’t get me wrong, I love dark haired men too, but blond men are heavily looked over in darker, fantasy romances.
Anyways, Dante will melt your heart. And Ariya will plot your demise while you’re looking a little too long at her man. Especially now that Dante has opened her eyes to how the life at the Abbey was constricting. In return, she finally gave him a reason to stay, having lessened his burden.
It was quick, quite fast paced, funny, charming. I know I’m describing Dante, but it can also be said for the book, so. I would’ve liked for the world building to be a bit more, but it was still a fun read nonetheless.
Thank you so much to Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for the arc.
Keywords: romantasy, enemies to lovers, vampire slayer, vampire, Italy, 1500s.
September 9, 2026
This was a cozy read, but also, very Buffy The Vampire Slayer coded. Set in 1500 Italy, this story revolves around a stabby FMC that was trained to hunt and kill vampires, and an MMC that’s running from his past while also trying to find a cure for vampirism. They have to reluctantly become allies and omg, it’s a whirlwind of emotions, adventure, traveling and just lots of whimsical magic. By the end, I was a sobbing mess. Don’t ask me why.
This book has a cliffhanger but it’s so beautiful! I don’t know if my description of it will make it justice. All I know is that from now on, if my husband gives me roses, they better be blood red and I better not see a single thorn on them. Otherwise, I might throw a tantrum.
This book is for readers that enjoy tropes such as vampire x hunter, bites, forced proximity, arranged marriage, reluctant allies, mythical creatures, traveling, one horse, one bed, stabby fmc, charming (but also a huge asshole) mmc, along with many other Romantasy favorites.
Available now! Happy reading!
This book has a cliffhanger but it’s so beautiful! I don’t know if my description of it will make it justice. All I know is that from now on, if my husband gives me roses, they better be blood red and I better not see a single thorn on them. Otherwise, I might throw a tantrum.
This book is for readers that enjoy tropes such as vampire x hunter, bites, forced proximity, arranged marriage, reluctant allies, mythical creatures, traveling, one horse, one bed, stabby fmc, charming (but also a huge asshole) mmc, along with many other Romantasy favorites.
Available now! Happy reading!
September 6, 2026
The banter in this book was EVERYTHING! This was such a fun read! I loved the nods to old school Italy and I loved the concept of this book. A slayer sent on a mission to see if the lord is a vampire and kill him if he proves to be a vampire…the catch…in order to determine if lord really is a vampire she must marry him. Forced proximity at its finest! The banter from the first moment they met was perfect and it only get better as the story goes on. Reluctant Ally to lovers. The romance was great and the tension was fantastic! My only complaint is that is was a little too long and some scenes dragged a little, but overall I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more books set in this world.
Read
August 23, 2026The vibes on this one will legit suck you in and make you wish for your own vampire adventure!
Okay hear me out...this book delivered from the setting (Renaissance Italy) to the characters (HELLO BANTER) to the plot (a vampire desperate to find a cure and live a normal life? Oh, while dodging his wife...the vampire slayer?!). It came together perfectly to deliver one of my favorite vampire stories in a while.
Our FMC (Ariya) is a feisty, stabby, and hilarious. She is definitely what you want in a vampire slayer lead character. Though she does have her moments of vulnerability -- she is challenged at every turn by what she knows about her own past, her current husband, and even her potential future. Dublin and Kendsley did a wonderful job of really helping her progress through her character development throughout the book make her both a strong, but soft, FMC to root for.
As for our vampire MMC, Dante, he is a trip. Dante is pure lust and Ariya (and the reader) cannot help be drawn into his story, his desire for a normal life, revenge against his maker, and his romantic side. I loved getting Dante in there. He was the perfect foil for our FMC and together they just combust. The banter between these two -- Mary and Anne NAILED IT. I was hungry for more.
Honestly, I was sad when I got to the last page of this one because I needed more. These two left us readers on quiet the sad cliffhanger and I need an HEA for Dante and Ariya!
Okay hear me out...this book delivered from the setting (Renaissance Italy) to the characters (HELLO BANTER) to the plot (a vampire desperate to find a cure and live a normal life? Oh, while dodging his wife...the vampire slayer?!). It came together perfectly to deliver one of my favorite vampire stories in a while.
Our FMC (Ariya) is a feisty, stabby, and hilarious. She is definitely what you want in a vampire slayer lead character. Though she does have her moments of vulnerability -- she is challenged at every turn by what she knows about her own past, her current husband, and even her potential future. Dublin and Kendsley did a wonderful job of really helping her progress through her character development throughout the book make her both a strong, but soft, FMC to root for.
As for our vampire MMC, Dante, he is a trip. Dante is pure lust and Ariya (and the reader) cannot help be drawn into his story, his desire for a normal life, revenge against his maker, and his romantic side. I loved getting Dante in there. He was the perfect foil for our FMC and together they just combust. The banter between these two -- Mary and Anne NAILED IT. I was hungry for more.
Honestly, I was sad when I got to the last page of this one because I needed more. These two left us readers on quiet the sad cliffhanger and I need an HEA for Dante and Ariya!
September 16, 2026
I downloaded a trashy vampire book knowing I should keep my expectations low and yet I was still surprised that it's bad. Well, it's not totally awful. The premise was interesting - a slayer and a vampire on a quest to find a cure - but for me its execution fell short. Sometimes a bit rushed, sometimes a bit boring.
My biggest issue is the way it's written; set in the 1560s but the characters speak too modern and use slang? If its done in a very campy and comical way, dialogue like that can work, but this was still trying to be a gothic romantasy. By not really commiting to one or the other the book just feels a bit lost in translation, or unsure of what it's meant to be.
My biggest issue is the way it's written; set in the 1560s but the characters speak too modern and use slang? If its done in a very campy and comical way, dialogue like that can work, but this was still trying to be a gothic romantasy. By not really commiting to one or the other the book just feels a bit lost in translation, or unsure of what it's meant to be.
September 2, 2026
Received this as an ARC
When you market your book for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Knights tale you better deliver… and oh gurl this book certainly did!! I had a blast with the story, giggled while kicking my feet, got very into it during combat (really liked the combat description very fluid)
I you love bantering between your two main characters that hate each other (but really they just wanna *be* with each other) look no further A Betrothal So Bloody is for you.
Aryia is a very nice FMC she is badass but also vulnerable. She reminded me of Buffy and Elisabeth Swann.
Dante… oh Dante… he is Astarion,Spike and Loki (Avengers Loki) all at once.
Must say when I signed up for this arc I did not expect this level of spice but this was very spicy at times 🌶️ But not in a way that interrupted the plot.
Im hoping for a sequel because I just can’t get enough of Aryia and Dante pissing each other off 😂🙌
When you market your book for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Knights tale you better deliver… and oh gurl this book certainly did!! I had a blast with the story, giggled while kicking my feet, got very into it during combat (really liked the combat description very fluid)
I you love bantering between your two main characters that hate each other (but really they just wanna *be* with each other) look no further A Betrothal So Bloody is for you.
Aryia is a very nice FMC she is badass but also vulnerable. She reminded me of Buffy and Elisabeth Swann.
Dante… oh Dante… he is Astarion,Spike and Loki (Avengers Loki) all at once.
Must say when I signed up for this arc I did not expect this level of spice but this was very spicy at times 🌶️ But not in a way that interrupted the plot.
Im hoping for a sequel because I just can’t get enough of Aryia and Dante pissing each other off 😂🙌
September 11, 2026
This book is so frustrating. The authors obviously did some research on the place and time, because they mention festivals that would have been celebrated, but ALL OF THE DIALOGUE sounds like Gen Z. It’s so modern and full of slang, and on top of that, the FMC who was raised in an Abbey as a vampire slayer is wildly knowledgeable about men’s body parts and swear words.
September 11, 2026
the description of a book has never been more accurate. The Knights Tale truly does meet Buffy the Vampire Slayer and we FINALLY get our Spike x Buffy love affair that any self-respecting Millennial needs and deserves.
I literally cannot wait for book two and will be impatiently waiting for it.
I literally cannot wait for book two and will be impatiently waiting for it.
September 10, 2026
3.5 - 4 stars
This was very fun
I'm looking forward to the sequel
This was very fun
I'm looking forward to the sequel
September 10, 2026
Ummmmmmmm everyone should read this immediately
September 4, 2026
4.5 stars!!
The book was GOOD, the flirting? The banter? The chemistry? LOVED IT &
Loved Dante despite him being blonde 🤣
But I feel this wasn't really "historical romance", like the time period had very little impact on the book plus the ending was so unsatisfactory. Still the book and the characters were very enjoyable, will read more from these authors!!!
The book was GOOD, the flirting? The banter? The chemistry? LOVED IT &
Loved Dante despite him being blonde 🤣
But I feel this wasn't really "historical romance", like the time period had very little impact on the book plus the ending was so unsatisfactory. Still the book and the characters were very enjoyable, will read more from these authors!!!
July 24, 2026
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! I received the ARC for this book literally this morning and I devoured it within the day. This has to be my favorite vampire romance EVER. Is it because the vampire gives Astarion (from BG3) vibes? ABSOLUTELY. The authors have truly captured his personality and made him into the perfect MMC and I swear every time he spoke in the book I heard Astarion himself in my head. The way this is going to be an obsession is so unhealthy for me but I already can’t wait for the next book!! I love these characters so so much and I will never stop recommending this book.
September 6, 2026
Ariya is a vampire slayer and she is sent off by the boss of her cult to marry a man they suspect of being a vampire, so they can confirm their suspicions and she can kill him. So she marries Dante, he’s avoiding her like the plague until one night he decides to join her in bed. Lo and behold he tries to use his magic of influence to let him bite her. She fights him off. He convinces her not to kill him and join him on a journey to find a vampire cure while helping him avoid his families capture. Evil daddy has sent evil siblings after him because he ran away. On their journey they get closer, there’s a lot of banter, a lot of reminiscing about difficult up bringings, a lot of fighting off vampires and vampire hunters. She ends up killing one of his brothers when he finds them. They discover there is no cure but by this point they are basically in love and arguing about what comes next for them. Evil daddy and evil siblings find them, she’s nearly killed and Dante agrees to return to his father, knowing he will be tortured as punishment for leaving, so that her life is spared. She spends a year looking for him after but he manages to find her first and they reunite.
Ariya is mostly fine, there’s not a massive amount of depth to her character for a significant period of the book outside the fact that she’s immature and witty. We do get some development in the last 3rd. I really enjoyed the depth added to her storyline when she finds out that her parents are likely dead after they came to try and get her back from the cult. Her coming to terms with the fact that the cult of vamp slayers that has raised her might not be the wonderful thing she’s believed adds a good dynamic to an otherwise straight forward character.
Dante is good. He’s funny and sarcastic and loves some banter. His back story is really sad and it was one of the deeper and more developed areas of the storyline. You really feel some heartache for him at a few points, which is an excellent juxtaposition for the funny, sarcastic side of his personality we see most often.
I love that he sent a letter to her with a rat, it ties some of the banter from the start of the story in really well.
The writing is good of the most part. Clear and easy to follow. The world is simplistic and the magic system is very straightforward, there doesn’t need to be a massive amount of development thanks to the basic nature of the world, which is not a bad thing, it allows the storyline to take the forefront of attention rather than over complicating the system the story is built upon.
There is a real sense of immaturity in the writing. Ariya is written to be innocent and somewhat immature due to the sheltered way she was raised, however the writing makes this annoying to put up with just because there’s a falseness to the way its written that seems to come from a lack of author development or maybe a lack of editing experience. For example when she is getting changed behind the privacy screen and Dante is in the room changing his clothes, Ariyas internal monologue is “oooh I hear his shirt hit the floor and I wonder what else he is taking off hehehe”. Like seriously, it’s been established he is changing his clothes, this isn’t the sheltered nature of the character, this is an immaturity in writing ability. Which is greatly opposed once the smut starts and she’s quickly into a bit of a punishment kink 3 seconds after losing her virginity… In saying that, the smut was good fun!
The story was predictable and very straightforward, there’s nothing complex about the story, nothing that leaves you guessing or really having to give much thought at all. This doesn’t make it less enjoyable, it’s still a good time and very much a vibes read.
I enjoyed that the end managed to bring the characters back together and doesn’t leave us on a big cliff hanger but has left the story open for more in book 2, this is a smart and stress free way to go about the ending. It did feel a little rushed when we learned of what she’d been doing to find him, it didn’t need to go for chapters itself but a little more detail than the few paragraphs about her efforts to find him would have added more development to Ariya and their relationship too.
Looking forward to seeing how they come back to each other fully in book 2
Ariya is mostly fine, there’s not a massive amount of depth to her character for a significant period of the book outside the fact that she’s immature and witty. We do get some development in the last 3rd. I really enjoyed the depth added to her storyline when she finds out that her parents are likely dead after they came to try and get her back from the cult. Her coming to terms with the fact that the cult of vamp slayers that has raised her might not be the wonderful thing she’s believed adds a good dynamic to an otherwise straight forward character.
Dante is good. He’s funny and sarcastic and loves some banter. His back story is really sad and it was one of the deeper and more developed areas of the storyline. You really feel some heartache for him at a few points, which is an excellent juxtaposition for the funny, sarcastic side of his personality we see most often.
I love that he sent a letter to her with a rat, it ties some of the banter from the start of the story in really well.
The writing is good of the most part. Clear and easy to follow. The world is simplistic and the magic system is very straightforward, there doesn’t need to be a massive amount of development thanks to the basic nature of the world, which is not a bad thing, it allows the storyline to take the forefront of attention rather than over complicating the system the story is built upon.
There is a real sense of immaturity in the writing. Ariya is written to be innocent and somewhat immature due to the sheltered way she was raised, however the writing makes this annoying to put up with just because there’s a falseness to the way its written that seems to come from a lack of author development or maybe a lack of editing experience. For example when she is getting changed behind the privacy screen and Dante is in the room changing his clothes, Ariyas internal monologue is “oooh I hear his shirt hit the floor and I wonder what else he is taking off hehehe”. Like seriously, it’s been established he is changing his clothes, this isn’t the sheltered nature of the character, this is an immaturity in writing ability. Which is greatly opposed once the smut starts and she’s quickly into a bit of a punishment kink 3 seconds after losing her virginity… In saying that, the smut was good fun!
The story was predictable and very straightforward, there’s nothing complex about the story, nothing that leaves you guessing or really having to give much thought at all. This doesn’t make it less enjoyable, it’s still a good time and very much a vibes read.
I enjoyed that the end managed to bring the characters back together and doesn’t leave us on a big cliff hanger but has left the story open for more in book 2, this is a smart and stress free way to go about the ending. It did feel a little rushed when we learned of what she’d been doing to find him, it didn’t need to go for chapters itself but a little more detail than the few paragraphs about her efforts to find him would have added more development to Ariya and their relationship too.
Looking forward to seeing how they come back to each other fully in book 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2026
A Betrothal So Bloody drops us into 1560s Italy, where Ariya, a sheltered but battle-hardened vampire-hunting nun of the Corvus Order, is given her first solo assignment: infiltrate the household of the reclusive, devastatingly beautiful nobleman Signore D'Agonisto (Dante, my beloved), determine if he's a vampire, and kill him if he is. What's the catch, you may ask? The Order's plan for ‘getting close’ is marriage.
The premise already sounded promising and delicious. A reclusive suspected vampire-noble and a fierce slayer posing as his bride is pretty much catnip for my enemies-to-lovers-loving ass, and the ‘seduce or slay?’ tension stayed present throughout the book, keeping me engaged the whole way through.
Dante, our beautiful, charming vampy boi, is teasing, a little (?) insufferable, and giving very Howl Pendragon vibes. Underneath that, though, he's hiding a century of grief and the loss of a mortal life he believed was snatched away from him. He has this very deliberate, theatrical charm that makes him feel like he knows exactly how ridiculous his situation is, and there's a boyishness underneath all that age and experience that I found surprisingly endearing. I also really appreciated that he doesn't try to make himself morally spotless. Even, Ariya has to confront the uncomfortable fact that monster and victim aren't mutually exclusive categories.
Meanwhile, our righteous Ariya is a woman raised to see her own body and desire as a liability to be managed. Raised under the strict hand of the Corvus and always craving Mother Superior's approval, she's spent her life in an environment where desire is treated as suspicious. Not simply a private part of being human, but a potential source of distraction, temptation, disobedience, and failure to uphold the Order's mission. Her body is simultaneously her weapon and something she's been taught to police.
That's actually one of the most interesting things happening underneath the vampire romance. So when Dante enters the picture, Ariya isn't merely discovering that she's attracted to a man, rather she's discovering an entire part of herself she was never taught how to own, and finding it absolutely sinful and filthy in the process. Her arc from rigid true believer to someone allowing herself to want things is well done. The romance is a slow burn, but when the spice hit, it was beautiful, sweet, and satisfying all at once. Who knew blood play could be so sensual and mesmerizing? Certainly not me before reading this book. 🧎♀️
Where the book loses a little ground for me is in how much room it gives its own ideas. Dante's history, the Corvus Order, the vampire curse, the larger mythology are all interesting pieces, but there were a few times I wanted the story to linger with them a bit longer instead of rushing to the next plot point. Perhaps that's what book two is for. Pacing also felt a little uneven in places, especially through the middle third, not enough to make me dislike the book, but enough that I wasn't constantly thinking “holy shit, this is incredible”.
All told, 3.75 stars for me rounded up to a 4
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The premise already sounded promising and delicious. A reclusive suspected vampire-noble and a fierce slayer posing as his bride is pretty much catnip for my enemies-to-lovers-loving ass, and the ‘seduce or slay?’ tension stayed present throughout the book, keeping me engaged the whole way through.
Dante, our beautiful, charming vampy boi, is teasing, a little (?) insufferable, and giving very Howl Pendragon vibes. Underneath that, though, he's hiding a century of grief and the loss of a mortal life he believed was snatched away from him. He has this very deliberate, theatrical charm that makes him feel like he knows exactly how ridiculous his situation is, and there's a boyishness underneath all that age and experience that I found surprisingly endearing. I also really appreciated that he doesn't try to make himself morally spotless. Even, Ariya has to confront the uncomfortable fact that monster and victim aren't mutually exclusive categories.
Meanwhile, our righteous Ariya is a woman raised to see her own body and desire as a liability to be managed. Raised under the strict hand of the Corvus and always craving Mother Superior's approval, she's spent her life in an environment where desire is treated as suspicious. Not simply a private part of being human, but a potential source of distraction, temptation, disobedience, and failure to uphold the Order's mission. Her body is simultaneously her weapon and something she's been taught to police.
That's actually one of the most interesting things happening underneath the vampire romance. So when Dante enters the picture, Ariya isn't merely discovering that she's attracted to a man, rather she's discovering an entire part of herself she was never taught how to own, and finding it absolutely sinful and filthy in the process. Her arc from rigid true believer to someone allowing herself to want things is well done. The romance is a slow burn, but when the spice hit, it was beautiful, sweet, and satisfying all at once. Who knew blood play could be so sensual and mesmerizing? Certainly not me before reading this book. 🧎♀️
Where the book loses a little ground for me is in how much room it gives its own ideas. Dante's history, the Corvus Order, the vampire curse, the larger mythology are all interesting pieces, but there were a few times I wanted the story to linger with them a bit longer instead of rushing to the next plot point. Perhaps that's what book two is for. Pacing also felt a little uneven in places, especially through the middle third, not enough to make me dislike the book, but enough that I wasn't constantly thinking “holy shit, this is incredible”.
All told, 3.75 stars for me rounded up to a 4
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Betrayal So Bloody — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
There are some books that feel like they were written specifically for you, and A Betrayal So Bloody is absolutely one of those books.
The writing is amazing, and I especially loved that this was co-written by two authors. If you didn’t know Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley wrote this together, you honestly wouldn’t be able to tell. Their writing blends together so beautifully and seamlessly.
Growing up, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and A Knight’s Tale were two of my absolute favorites. Spike was my crush then and, honestly, still is. 😂 And William Thatcher? How could you NOT fall in love with him?
So when I realized this book was this incredible mashup of so many things I already love, I knew I was in trouble.
And then came Ariya.
I fell in love with her immediately, and somehow my heart was breaking for her at the exact same time. She is such a beautifully written character, and I felt so connected to her from the beginning.
And Dante? He was EVERYTHING I wanted for her.
The way these two match each other is breathtaking. Watching their relationship develop between predator and hunter, two people who should never have been able to find something beautiful together, was one of my favorite parts of the entire story. There is something so captivating about watching that love slowly form.
I also absolutely loved the atmosphere of this book. The authors don’t just tell you where the characters are—you feel like you’re there with them. I could almost feel the mud Ariya was trudging through. I could practically smell the fruit Dante brought her. The setting came alive around them, and I was completely immersed.
And at the heart of everything is something I loved even more: through tragedy, these two people found something neither of them believed they were allowed to have.
Love.
A forbidden love that is beautiful, haunting, heartbreaking, and completely captivating.
This book gave me everything I wanted and then somehow still surprised me. By the time I reached the end, I was already thinking that I might need to reread it just to see what I missed the first time around. And honestly, that’s one of my favorite feelings after finishing a book.
A Betrayal So Bloody is a must-read for anyone who loves forbidden romance, vampires, hunters, enemies-to-lovers, historical fantasy, delicious banter, and a love story that feels like it shouldn’t be possible—but somehow is.
Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley are an incredible writing duo, and I feel so lucky that I happened to stumble into a bookstore event without knowing anything about the book, only to fall in love with the description and its themes. And that lead me to this gem!!
Getting the honor of reading it before the rest of the world feels pretty damn special. ❤️
Now excuse me while I go fantasize about Dante🩸🖤
P.S I also forgot the bonus chapter!! All I have to say is yes please I need more Dante POV!! Loveee
🌶️🌶️🌶️
There are some books that feel like they were written specifically for you, and A Betrayal So Bloody is absolutely one of those books.
The writing is amazing, and I especially loved that this was co-written by two authors. If you didn’t know Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley wrote this together, you honestly wouldn’t be able to tell. Their writing blends together so beautifully and seamlessly.
Growing up, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and A Knight’s Tale were two of my absolute favorites. Spike was my crush then and, honestly, still is. 😂 And William Thatcher? How could you NOT fall in love with him?
So when I realized this book was this incredible mashup of so many things I already love, I knew I was in trouble.
And then came Ariya.
I fell in love with her immediately, and somehow my heart was breaking for her at the exact same time. She is such a beautifully written character, and I felt so connected to her from the beginning.
And Dante? He was EVERYTHING I wanted for her.
The way these two match each other is breathtaking. Watching their relationship develop between predator and hunter, two people who should never have been able to find something beautiful together, was one of my favorite parts of the entire story. There is something so captivating about watching that love slowly form.
I also absolutely loved the atmosphere of this book. The authors don’t just tell you where the characters are—you feel like you’re there with them. I could almost feel the mud Ariya was trudging through. I could practically smell the fruit Dante brought her. The setting came alive around them, and I was completely immersed.
And at the heart of everything is something I loved even more: through tragedy, these two people found something neither of them believed they were allowed to have.
Love.
A forbidden love that is beautiful, haunting, heartbreaking, and completely captivating.
This book gave me everything I wanted and then somehow still surprised me. By the time I reached the end, I was already thinking that I might need to reread it just to see what I missed the first time around. And honestly, that’s one of my favorite feelings after finishing a book.
A Betrayal So Bloody is a must-read for anyone who loves forbidden romance, vampires, hunters, enemies-to-lovers, historical fantasy, delicious banter, and a love story that feels like it shouldn’t be possible—but somehow is.
Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley are an incredible writing duo, and I feel so lucky that I happened to stumble into a bookstore event without knowing anything about the book, only to fall in love with the description and its themes. And that lead me to this gem!!
Getting the honor of reading it before the rest of the world feels pretty damn special. ❤️
Now excuse me while I go fantasize about Dante🩸🖤
P.S I also forgot the bonus chapter!! All I have to say is yes please I need more Dante POV!! Loveee
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. It’s a 6 star read that will leave you thirsting for more! I LOVED it. Loved it so much that once I finished I ran to Goodreads to see if the authors had any other published books and added them to my TBR pile. It was that good!
Vampires usually are hit or miss for me, and oh I love Dante, he is the definition of chaotic neutral, he will do a good deed if it suits him but he will also kill someone who is after him (and enjoy it). This book is for all of us readers who like enemies to lovers banter. It’s about a slayer and a vampire (deadly enemies who HATE each other) teaming up for mutual help. Travelling as a married couple in a land infested of hunters, witches and other creatures. There is a Spanish saying that goes something like “close contact breeds affection” and our 2 protagonists while travelling together start to realize maybe they are not so different from each other while they slowly fall in love. But mind you this world is DARK and holds not many happy ever afters. The humor and tender scenes between the mmcs lighten up the mood and keep the darkness of the world at bay but still I wouldn’t want to live there myself!
Let’s talk a bit of our MMCs. Ariya (our FMC) was given to the slayer convent when she was 14. Trained to become a deadly vampire hunter alongside other girls. This is her first solo mission: marry a noble and identify if he is a vampire. Dante (our mmc, and the noble she must marry) is chaotic, morally gray, a charismatic hunter and a predator. He has his own quest and needs help in order to complete it. They must join forces and they HATE each other, the banter while they travel is glorious, they are constantly bickering. They made me giggle more than once.
"Have you considered that your master purposely let you escape because you're so fucking annoying?"
The love story once it kicks is glorious. This is what raised the book to 6 star tier for me. The spice was great but for me it’s the small details, the kisses, the affection. Heartfelt sentences and the moments they realice their feelings have changed…. It’s a little bolt of light in a very dark world and I was drinking it all up!!!
The ending was a rollercoaster of emotions, there was a moment at the last 5% that I went “oh shit” and overall I think it’s very bittersweet. I cried so much, ended it at 1 am sobbing and ofc I’m posting this review slightly sleep deprived because the end left me literally staring at the wall! I’m not sure there is going to be a book 2 but I hope (pray) for a continuation since this can’t be how it ends for our mmcs. Ok I just checked and it says it’s a duet so YAY!!! My advice for everyone please pick this book up , it’s very very good, it will wreck you but you will love every single moment of it!
Vampires usually are hit or miss for me, and oh I love Dante, he is the definition of chaotic neutral, he will do a good deed if it suits him but he will also kill someone who is after him (and enjoy it). This book is for all of us readers who like enemies to lovers banter. It’s about a slayer and a vampire (deadly enemies who HATE each other) teaming up for mutual help. Travelling as a married couple in a land infested of hunters, witches and other creatures. There is a Spanish saying that goes something like “close contact breeds affection” and our 2 protagonists while travelling together start to realize maybe they are not so different from each other while they slowly fall in love. But mind you this world is DARK and holds not many happy ever afters. The humor and tender scenes between the mmcs lighten up the mood and keep the darkness of the world at bay but still I wouldn’t want to live there myself!
Let’s talk a bit of our MMCs. Ariya (our FMC) was given to the slayer convent when she was 14. Trained to become a deadly vampire hunter alongside other girls. This is her first solo mission: marry a noble and identify if he is a vampire. Dante (our mmc, and the noble she must marry) is chaotic, morally gray, a charismatic hunter and a predator. He has his own quest and needs help in order to complete it. They must join forces and they HATE each other, the banter while they travel is glorious, they are constantly bickering. They made me giggle more than once.
"Have you considered that your master purposely let you escape because you're so fucking annoying?"
The love story once it kicks is glorious. This is what raised the book to 6 star tier for me. The spice was great but for me it’s the small details, the kisses, the affection. Heartfelt sentences and the moments they realice their feelings have changed…. It’s a little bolt of light in a very dark world and I was drinking it all up!!!
The ending was a rollercoaster of emotions, there was a moment at the last 5% that I went “oh shit” and overall I think it’s very bittersweet. I cried so much, ended it at 1 am sobbing and ofc I’m posting this review slightly sleep deprived because the end left me literally staring at the wall! I’m not sure there is going to be a book 2 but I hope (pray) for a continuation since this can’t be how it ends for our mmcs. Ok I just checked and it says it’s a duet so YAY!!! My advice for everyone please pick this book up , it’s very very good, it will wreck you but you will love every single moment of it!
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
She called him "a blot of filth” and simultaneously noticed his dimples.
Girl. Focus. 😂
Let me start with the closing thought and work backwards: I need book two immediately!!! This ending was BRUTAL, it was frustrating, it was so unfair, and it was also perfectly right. If the authors had wrapped it up in any other way, it would have been rushed and it wouldn't have fit either of these characters. I hate that I love it.
Now lets back up.
A Betrothal So Bloody pulled every single heartstring I have. And I have a lots of em 💗. I was in the first wave of ARC readers for this book, and I went in cautiously optimistic because the pitch, "A Knight's Tale meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer," 1560s Italy, Astarion/Lestat coded MMC, was designed in a lab to make me lose my mind.
Ariya is a delight. I loved her. She's competent and angry and righteous, and also deeply human. Watching her tension between what she's been taught Dante should be and what he actually IS was one of the most satisfying arcs in the book.
And Dante! SIGH. He's THE type of vampire I love best: tortured, self-assured, cocky, romantic, and a shameless flirt. His banter comes from the fact that he simply IS shameless, charming and he simply CAN'T help himself. There's a moment where he casually carries her bags and I literally shut off my eReader, sighing: "how dare you do this to my heart" out loud. It's like this book knew exactly how much I love tortured handsome characters and handed me one wrapped in a bow.
I was reading as slowly as possible on purpose to make it last 😭
The setting is a gift. Italy is my absolute favorite country to spend fictional time in. Beyond that, there is a layer in fairytale elements: an evil witch, fairies, an enchanted forest, that give the world a richer folkloric texture.
On the tropes: The "one horse and one bed" beats are present but honestly didn't add much for me, the smoldering tension was doing plenty of work on its own. What DID work spectacularly was watching the tension evolve. It started sexual (obviousl, the man carries bags with intent), but it morphed into genuine affection. That transition felt earned rather than announced. By the time they were clearly done for each other, I believed it fully.
The writing itself is easy and lovely to read. The prose stays out of its own way. The pacing works.
And then the ending. I don't want to spoil anything, but I want you to know I finished this book in a state of genuine emotional distress. It was so brutal and so bittersweet and so perfectly aligned with who these characters are that I could not even be properly angry. The authors did the right thing by them. And now I need book two, right now, immediately, and I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait.
This is the first book in a duology, and it is one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love true enemies-to-lovers, tortured Anne-Rice-adjacent vampires, medieval Italian settings, fairytale worldbuilding, and endings that make you claw at the ceiling, this is your book.
Five heart-shaped stars!
eARC via authors | honest review
Girl. Focus. 😂
Let me start with the closing thought and work backwards: I need book two immediately!!! This ending was BRUTAL, it was frustrating, it was so unfair, and it was also perfectly right. If the authors had wrapped it up in any other way, it would have been rushed and it wouldn't have fit either of these characters. I hate that I love it.
Now lets back up.
A Betrothal So Bloody pulled every single heartstring I have. And I have a lots of em 💗. I was in the first wave of ARC readers for this book, and I went in cautiously optimistic because the pitch, "A Knight's Tale meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer," 1560s Italy, Astarion/Lestat coded MMC, was designed in a lab to make me lose my mind.
Ariya is a delight. I loved her. She's competent and angry and righteous, and also deeply human. Watching her tension between what she's been taught Dante should be and what he actually IS was one of the most satisfying arcs in the book.
And Dante! SIGH. He's THE type of vampire I love best: tortured, self-assured, cocky, romantic, and a shameless flirt. His banter comes from the fact that he simply IS shameless, charming and he simply CAN'T help himself. There's a moment where he casually carries her bags and I literally shut off my eReader, sighing: "how dare you do this to my heart" out loud. It's like this book knew exactly how much I love tortured handsome characters and handed me one wrapped in a bow.
I was reading as slowly as possible on purpose to make it last 😭
The setting is a gift. Italy is my absolute favorite country to spend fictional time in. Beyond that, there is a layer in fairytale elements: an evil witch, fairies, an enchanted forest, that give the world a richer folkloric texture.
On the tropes: The "one horse and one bed" beats are present but honestly didn't add much for me, the smoldering tension was doing plenty of work on its own. What DID work spectacularly was watching the tension evolve. It started sexual (obviousl, the man carries bags with intent), but it morphed into genuine affection. That transition felt earned rather than announced. By the time they were clearly done for each other, I believed it fully.
The writing itself is easy and lovely to read. The prose stays out of its own way. The pacing works.
And then the ending. I don't want to spoil anything, but I want you to know I finished this book in a state of genuine emotional distress. It was so brutal and so bittersweet and so perfectly aligned with who these characters are that I could not even be properly angry. The authors did the right thing by them. And now I need book two, right now, immediately, and I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait.
This is the first book in a duology, and it is one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love true enemies-to-lovers, tortured Anne-Rice-adjacent vampires, medieval Italian settings, fairytale worldbuilding, and endings that make you claw at the ceiling, this is your book.
Five heart-shaped stars!
eARC via authors | honest review
September 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you loved Buffy and Angel and their off limits romance, A Betrothal so Bloody will provide those same vibes. Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley don’t just stop there though! They take readers back to 16th century Italy where vampires aren’t afraid to roam free and a secret society is all that keeps them in line. Book 1 in the Vicious Vows Duology, this book is amazing. Mary and Anne never fail to pull their readers in and captivate with their storytelling abilities. This book is the perfect balance of intrigue, action, and romance. Everything about this book holds your attention and has you salivating for more.
Ariya is a member of “The Order”, an entity put in place to help keep vampires in line and rid the world of them if needed. From the very beginning it is obvious she believes in the cause The Order has taught her and finds joy in her purpose. When she is assigned to seduce and slay a nobleman under suspicion, she doesn’t bat an eye at the danger that may come from it. It isn’t until she meets her mark that she truly understands just how dangerous he is. She knows what she needs to do, but finds herself not easily obeying orders. The more she gets to know her target, the more she is pulled into a world that isn’t anything like she was taught it was.
Holy smokes, Dante! Mary and Anne you did not prepare us for the MMC he would turn out to be. He knows the things he does to people and will not apologize for it. When Ariya ends up in his orbit, he is drawn to her and holds nothing back in showing her exactly what he wants from her. The relationship that forms between these two may start off full of hesitancy and resistance, but it slowly turns into something neither one can stop. Dante opens up a world Ariya never thought she would experience and the more her own desires come to a head the more Dante wants to fulfill every one.
Everything about these two is created to grab a hold of the reader and keep them glued to the story. As their feelings grow for each other, it is impossible to look away, because you need to experience everything these two offer. Mary and Anne have outdone the enemies to lovers trope in a way that I can’t explain without spoiling some things in the book, but know this story is well worth the read. My heart was torn by the end, needing book 2, and left in an emotional choke hold that I still haven’t recovered from.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩸True Enemies to Lovers
⚔️16th Century Italy
🩸Lestat Coded MMC
⚔️Virgin FMC
🩸Fake Marriage
⚔️Vampire x Slayer
🩸One Bed
⚔️One Horse
If you loved Buffy and Angel and their off limits romance, A Betrothal so Bloody will provide those same vibes. Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley don’t just stop there though! They take readers back to 16th century Italy where vampires aren’t afraid to roam free and a secret society is all that keeps them in line. Book 1 in the Vicious Vows Duology, this book is amazing. Mary and Anne never fail to pull their readers in and captivate with their storytelling abilities. This book is the perfect balance of intrigue, action, and romance. Everything about this book holds your attention and has you salivating for more.
Ariya is a member of “The Order”, an entity put in place to help keep vampires in line and rid the world of them if needed. From the very beginning it is obvious she believes in the cause The Order has taught her and finds joy in her purpose. When she is assigned to seduce and slay a nobleman under suspicion, she doesn’t bat an eye at the danger that may come from it. It isn’t until she meets her mark that she truly understands just how dangerous he is. She knows what she needs to do, but finds herself not easily obeying orders. The more she gets to know her target, the more she is pulled into a world that isn’t anything like she was taught it was.
Holy smokes, Dante! Mary and Anne you did not prepare us for the MMC he would turn out to be. He knows the things he does to people and will not apologize for it. When Ariya ends up in his orbit, he is drawn to her and holds nothing back in showing her exactly what he wants from her. The relationship that forms between these two may start off full of hesitancy and resistance, but it slowly turns into something neither one can stop. Dante opens up a world Ariya never thought she would experience and the more her own desires come to a head the more Dante wants to fulfill every one.
Everything about these two is created to grab a hold of the reader and keep them glued to the story. As their feelings grow for each other, it is impossible to look away, because you need to experience everything these two offer. Mary and Anne have outdone the enemies to lovers trope in a way that I can’t explain without spoiling some things in the book, but know this story is well worth the read. My heart was torn by the end, needing book 2, and left in an emotional choke hold that I still haven’t recovered from.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩸True Enemies to Lovers
⚔️16th Century Italy
🩸Lestat Coded MMC
⚔️Virgin FMC
🩸Fake Marriage
⚔️Vampire x Slayer
🩸One Bed
⚔️One Horse
September 3, 2026
“A Betrothal So Bloody” is the newest release by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley. Hilariously funny and seductively romantic, it is a “Buffy” x “A Knight's Tale”-coded dark romantasy. This is PERFECT for readers who love warrior heroines, adventure journeys, and enemies-to-lovers tension.
Tropes: Arranged Marriage-Alliance x Enemies-to-Allies-to-Lovers, Slayer x Vampire
From the very first page, I had so much fun reading this book. I was enraptured by the world that Dublin and Kendsley built around me. The banter between Ariya and Dante was so funny that I highlighted, reread, and performed my favorite lines with my husband. He even made a point to say, “I can tell you’re having fun reading; it sounds like a really good book!”
Dante D’Agonisto is a vampire through and through; he looks like Astarion, has Spike’s sense of humor, and the charisma and crude mouth of Sam Reid’s Lestat. He’s very handsome. Very funny. Very bloodthirsty. Very much NOT demure. He’s very complex, and while his story was tragic from the beginning, his development through the story shows that his independence and softness were beautiful and bittersweet in a way I can’t say.
Ariya is an incredible character. A slayer badass, her action sequences were awesome and energizing. Her character grows over the course of the story as she has to face physical and emotional battles as she experiences a world outside of the Corvus Order, and it’s very well earned.
At 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5, HOLY MOLY. There was so much tension between them, building from their fights, disdain, trust, and chemistry, that it turned from tension to sheer anticipation. When the tension finally broke, there was NO stopping them, and my gawd. Dante is sin incarnate, and Ariya can’t seem to stay away.
A semi-historical romance, “A Betrothal So Bloody” takes place in Renaissance Italy. Through vivid imagery, it felt like I was exploring and experiencing it myself! Dublin and Kendsley incorporate intricately placed anecdotes that make history lovers (like me) kick their feet without it becoming a history lesson.
I was INVESTED in this book, and it took me on an emotional rollercoaster AT 4 IN THE MORNING. My stomach DROPPED when I realized that the main adventure was over, our MCs were trying to figure out what’s next, and everything was happy(ish), AND WE STILL HAD 20% OF THE STORY TO GO 😭 That was also the moment I realized this story was a duology, and I was devastated (and ready for book two).
1000/10 will read again.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes: Arranged Marriage-Alliance x Enemies-to-Allies-to-Lovers, Slayer x Vampire
From the very first page, I had so much fun reading this book. I was enraptured by the world that Dublin and Kendsley built around me. The banter between Ariya and Dante was so funny that I highlighted, reread, and performed my favorite lines with my husband. He even made a point to say, “I can tell you’re having fun reading; it sounds like a really good book!”
Dante D’Agonisto is a vampire through and through; he looks like Astarion, has Spike’s sense of humor, and the charisma and crude mouth of Sam Reid’s Lestat. He’s very handsome. Very funny. Very bloodthirsty. Very much NOT demure. He’s very complex, and while his story was tragic from the beginning, his development through the story shows that his independence and softness were beautiful and bittersweet in a way I can’t say.
Ariya is an incredible character. A slayer badass, her action sequences were awesome and energizing. Her character grows over the course of the story as she has to face physical and emotional battles as she experiences a world outside of the Corvus Order, and it’s very well earned.
At 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5, HOLY MOLY. There was so much tension between them, building from their fights, disdain, trust, and chemistry, that it turned from tension to sheer anticipation. When the tension finally broke, there was NO stopping them, and my gawd. Dante is sin incarnate, and Ariya can’t seem to stay away.
A semi-historical romance, “A Betrothal So Bloody” takes place in Renaissance Italy. Through vivid imagery, it felt like I was exploring and experiencing it myself! Dublin and Kendsley incorporate intricately placed anecdotes that make history lovers (like me) kick their feet without it becoming a history lesson.
I was INVESTED in this book, and it took me on an emotional rollercoaster AT 4 IN THE MORNING. My stomach DROPPED when I realized that the main adventure was over, our MCs were trying to figure out what’s next, and everything was happy(ish), AND WE STILL HAD 20% OF THE STORY TO GO 😭 That was also the moment I realized this story was a duology, and I was devastated (and ready for book two).
1000/10 will read again.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️ (Mild Open Door)
A huge thank you to Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for kindly providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Betrothal So Bloody was a thoroughly delightful surprise. The premise leans into a Buffy the Vampire Slayer retelling angle, which felt remarkably fresh, original, and wonderfully nostalgic.
The Characters & Banter
Ariya (FMC): Her backstory provided a brilliant foundation, and her character arc felt genuinely earned. Nothing about her personal growth was rushed; her evolution unfolded naturally as she unravelled truths about herself, the Order, and the charmingly not-so-wicked vampire she finds herself wed to.
Dante (MMC): What a fabulous MMC. Even though his literary namesake suggests something far gloomier, the name lends him the perfect amount of gravitas. He is utterly hilarious. The playful banter he constantly instigates with Ariya was pure entertainment—you could practically feel his sheer amusement radiating off the page.
Writing & Worldbuilding
The pacing and prose were remarkably solid. Unlike many romantasy releases that fall into repetitive phrasing, the narrative here flowed effortlessly; events kept moving, and before I knew it, I had sailed past the halfway mark without checking the page count. The authors clearly put great care into visual worldbuilding—the descriptions of the architecture, attire, and atmosphere created vivid, immersive scenes.
My only real critique is that the magic system could have used more mechanical depth. Magic is mostly glimpsed in brief flashes when strictly necessary (for instance, a Strega casting spells with merely a flick of the wrist and a burst of light), and I would have loved more underlying lore explaining how the fantastical elements actually operate.
The Spice
The spice sits at a gentle 2 chillies. While there is plenty of frank conversation about desire and intimacy throughout the book, the explicit romance itself is sweet, fairly vanilla, and brief—featuring one full open-door scene and another that partially fades to black. Readers who prefer low heat or closed-door romance could easily skim these moments without missing any crucial plot beats.
Final Thoughts
A charming, well-paced paranormal romance with brilliant character dynamics and zero narrative drag. I particularly appreciated the ending: it leaves the door wide open for the sequel without resorting to an excruciating, cheap cliffhanger. I am genuinely looking forward to diving into Book 2!
🌶️🌶️ (Mild Open Door)
A huge thank you to Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for kindly providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Betrothal So Bloody was a thoroughly delightful surprise. The premise leans into a Buffy the Vampire Slayer retelling angle, which felt remarkably fresh, original, and wonderfully nostalgic.
The Characters & Banter
Ariya (FMC): Her backstory provided a brilliant foundation, and her character arc felt genuinely earned. Nothing about her personal growth was rushed; her evolution unfolded naturally as she unravelled truths about herself, the Order, and the charmingly not-so-wicked vampire she finds herself wed to.
Dante (MMC): What a fabulous MMC. Even though his literary namesake suggests something far gloomier, the name lends him the perfect amount of gravitas. He is utterly hilarious. The playful banter he constantly instigates with Ariya was pure entertainment—you could practically feel his sheer amusement radiating off the page.
Writing & Worldbuilding
The pacing and prose were remarkably solid. Unlike many romantasy releases that fall into repetitive phrasing, the narrative here flowed effortlessly; events kept moving, and before I knew it, I had sailed past the halfway mark without checking the page count. The authors clearly put great care into visual worldbuilding—the descriptions of the architecture, attire, and atmosphere created vivid, immersive scenes.
My only real critique is that the magic system could have used more mechanical depth. Magic is mostly glimpsed in brief flashes when strictly necessary (for instance, a Strega casting spells with merely a flick of the wrist and a burst of light), and I would have loved more underlying lore explaining how the fantastical elements actually operate.
The Spice
The spice sits at a gentle 2 chillies. While there is plenty of frank conversation about desire and intimacy throughout the book, the explicit romance itself is sweet, fairly vanilla, and brief—featuring one full open-door scene and another that partially fades to black. Readers who prefer low heat or closed-door romance could easily skim these moments without missing any crucial plot beats.
Final Thoughts
A charming, well-paced paranormal romance with brilliant character dynamics and zero narrative drag. I particularly appreciated the ending: it leaves the door wide open for the sequel without resorting to an excruciating, cheap cliffhanger. I am genuinely looking forward to diving into Book 2!
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