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Vicious Vows Duology #1
A Betrothal So Bloody
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 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 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.
392 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Mary Dublin
17 books237 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 246 reviews
October 14, 2026
Enemies-to-lovers will always slap, now add the fact that it is a vampire x slayer/dark romantasy with a touch of rom-com, and you’ll get this masterpiece. While I love a good vampire romance, especially around the spooky season, I couldn’t get over how good the banter was between the main characters. Nothing is better than when two characters absolutely hate each other with every fiber of their being, while simultaneously lusting after one another. Like ugh, GIVE IT TO ME.
I honestly loved everything about this book. The main characters were so good on their own, that it made it so much more magical when they came together. You also know a book is going to be great, when you hate the mmc at first. I had a love/hate relationship with Dante in the beginning but honestly, I want that! Because by the end I would have been putty in this man’s hands as well. Like go on with your bad self Ariya pookie, I see you, I get you and honestly? Me too babes. Me too. By the end of the book I was obviously team Dante and like, how couldn’t you be? I think that’s why I’ll always be team villain/but I can change him or he’s misunderstood. ITS BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS ARE.
So yeah, I ate this up and left no crumbs, because it really was that good. I liked it so much that by the time I realized it was coming to an end I was pissed. Like how could it end when I feel like it just begun?! When I finished it and got to the end and realized it was going to be a duet, I was ready to do cartwheels. (Obviously I didn’t do this because I have the body of a 90-year-old woman) So it’s safe to say this one obviously stole my heart. Can’t wait for book two!
Tropes:
• Vampire x Slayer
• Fake marriage
• He’s an unhinged golden retriever
• She’s a little shabby
• Enemies to lovers
• Top tier banter
Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I honestly loved everything about this book. The main characters were so good on their own, that it made it so much more magical when they came together. You also know a book is going to be great, when you hate the mmc at first. I had a love/hate relationship with Dante in the beginning but honestly, I want that! Because by the end I would have been putty in this man’s hands as well. Like go on with your bad self Ariya pookie, I see you, I get you and honestly? Me too babes. Me too. By the end of the book I was obviously team Dante and like, how couldn’t you be? I think that’s why I’ll always be team villain/but I can change him or he’s misunderstood. ITS BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS ARE.
So yeah, I ate this up and left no crumbs, because it really was that good. I liked it so much that by the time I realized it was coming to an end I was pissed. Like how could it end when I feel like it just begun?! When I finished it and got to the end and realized it was going to be a duet, I was ready to do cartwheels. (Obviously I didn’t do this because I have the body of a 90-year-old woman) So it’s safe to say this one obviously stole my heart. Can’t wait for book two!
Tropes:
• Vampire x Slayer
• Fake marriage
• He’s an unhinged golden retriever
• She’s a little shabby
• Enemies to lovers
• Top tier banter
Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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.
September 2, 2026
Braving this site to say thank you to everyone for your support on our authoring journey! We worked so hard on this book, and found Dante and Ariya stealing our hearts in a way we never saw coming. We hope their story makes you laugh, swoon, cry, and everything in between! 🥹🖤
October 13, 2026
I was super excited when I started A Betrothal So Bloody, but by chapter 24, I was ready to finish the book.
I loved having a blond male main character for once! I’m married to a blond guy myself, and I feel like we need more blond men in fantasy romance. Lol. I also enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, especially in the beginning.
However, I eventually lost interest. I think certain fantasy books have set a high standard for me when it comes to storytelling, atmosphere, and world-building.
While there were moments of beautiful writing, I wish the authors had leaned more into the historical setting of 1560s Italy. The frequent modern swearing felt unnecessary and sometimes took away from the Renaissance atmosphere.
I also wanted more world-building, especially knowing there’s a sequel. The authors provided a decent amount of information, but it didn’t feel as immersive as I had hoped.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible book, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I wanted to love it more than I did.
I loved having a blond male main character for once! I’m married to a blond guy myself, and I feel like we need more blond men in fantasy romance. Lol. I also enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, especially in the beginning.
However, I eventually lost interest. I think certain fantasy books have set a high standard for me when it comes to storytelling, atmosphere, and world-building.
While there were moments of beautiful writing, I wish the authors had leaned more into the historical setting of 1560s Italy. The frequent modern swearing felt unnecessary and sometimes took away from the Renaissance atmosphere.
I also wanted more world-building, especially knowing there’s a sequel. The authors provided a decent amount of information, but it didn’t feel as immersive as I had hoped.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible book, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I wanted to love it more than I did.
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
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.
October 20, 2026
Honestly devoured this book too (yes, I know I’ve said that about everything lately- but it’s true). Great tension, great banter, great world building/plot. I loved it.
October 28, 2026
Oh my god !!! This was my first vampire book and I ADORE IT!! The plot, the pace, the banter, the “I don’t know how this is gonna end” feeling and overall writing was just perfection!! The last chapter & last sentence is pure delight, aw man I’m squealing, it was so fun to read. I NEEEEEED BOOK 2 YESTERDAY!🖤🧛🏼🇮🇹
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.
July 31, 2026
Mary Dublin & Anne Kendsley - A Betrothal So Bloody // thank you to the authors for an ARC!
In 1560s Florence, Ariya dreams of becoming a vampire slayer. She’s trained for years to gain her first solo mission and finally she’s gotten it. The Corvus Order of female vampire slayers demands her to seduce, marry and slay suspected vampire Dante D’Agonisto. However after spending time alone with her husband she learns that he might not be as awful as everyone would like him to be. He wants her help to find a cure and regain his humanity. It’s a dangerous alliance, tethering between mutual benefits and simmering feelings. At the same time Ariya learns more about her past and discovers that the Order perhaps isn’t as amazing after all.
I’m always down for a vampire story and make it enemies to lovers as well? Hell yes! First of all I truly enjoyed the setting of this book. The Italian gothic vibe radiated through the story and made it much more atmospheric. I also enjoyed the concept of a female slayer having to marry a vampire, that’s a new spin!
The relationship borders on slow burn which I liked. As Dante and Ariya get to know each other better they realize they’re more than just a vampire/slayer. Especially Ariya gets quite the shock discovering this. Dante is surprisingly gentle and caring towards her, charming indeed! Their relationship felt authentic the way things moved along. They uncovered previous traumas, helped and supported each other.
The banter and dark humor was fabulous! There were several secrets and twists to drive up the tension during their travel. My heart clenched for everything they had to endure. Especially at the end… the cliffhanger was heartbreaking! Really looking forward to the duology’s conclusion next year. I’m expecting a lot of drama and feelings!
In 1560s Florence, Ariya dreams of becoming a vampire slayer. She’s trained for years to gain her first solo mission and finally she’s gotten it. The Corvus Order of female vampire slayers demands her to seduce, marry and slay suspected vampire Dante D’Agonisto. However after spending time alone with her husband she learns that he might not be as awful as everyone would like him to be. He wants her help to find a cure and regain his humanity. It’s a dangerous alliance, tethering between mutual benefits and simmering feelings. At the same time Ariya learns more about her past and discovers that the Order perhaps isn’t as amazing after all.
I’m always down for a vampire story and make it enemies to lovers as well? Hell yes! First of all I truly enjoyed the setting of this book. The Italian gothic vibe radiated through the story and made it much more atmospheric. I also enjoyed the concept of a female slayer having to marry a vampire, that’s a new spin!
The relationship borders on slow burn which I liked. As Dante and Ariya get to know each other better they realize they’re more than just a vampire/slayer. Especially Ariya gets quite the shock discovering this. Dante is surprisingly gentle and caring towards her, charming indeed! Their relationship felt authentic the way things moved along. They uncovered previous traumas, helped and supported each other.
The banter and dark humor was fabulous! There were several secrets and twists to drive up the tension during their travel. My heart clenched for everything they had to endure. Especially at the end… the cliffhanger was heartbreaking! Really looking forward to the duology’s conclusion next year. I’m expecting a lot of drama and feelings!
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. 🫠🫡
October 11, 2026
What a fun and vampy read this was! It gave the exact vibes it promised to and kept me engaged throughout the entire book.
A Betrothal do Bloody was promoted as 'true enemies to lovers' and it was exactly that, having some instant attraction but a slower burn romance of flirty banter that I appreciated and felt matched the tone and pacing of the book well.
There was a nice blend of the usual vampire lore in books i.e stakes and holy water etc and some which are less common which I appreciated. There was also wider magical things in this book which was unexpected and appreciated as I felt it added a nice extra layer.
I really liked both the FMC, Ariya and the MMC, Dante. Their personalities played very well of each other and I liked their teasing banter throughout the book, finding it helped build their rapport and relationship well.
Dante in particular was really compelling to me as a character as he obviously disliked his nature greatly, and struggled with his immortal life, while also not particularly caring for if he did have to murder people. He was morally grey in a very interesting way and I quite liked it.
While I did thoroughly enjoy the book, I do wish we had gotten a bit more about Corvus as an order. I spent quite a while thinking they would be a bigger thing than they truly were outside of Ariya's shifting perceptions and desires. It was a tad unsatisfying feeling like there was a looming threat there that never materialised, rather like preparing for a drop on a rollercoaster that never comes. Though maybe in book two, as this is a duology, we will see more of them.
Overall, it was a very fun read and one I definitely recommend for the spooky season!
A Betrothal do Bloody was promoted as 'true enemies to lovers' and it was exactly that, having some instant attraction but a slower burn romance of flirty banter that I appreciated and felt matched the tone and pacing of the book well.
There was a nice blend of the usual vampire lore in books i.e stakes and holy water etc and some which are less common which I appreciated. There was also wider magical things in this book which was unexpected and appreciated as I felt it added a nice extra layer.
I really liked both the FMC, Ariya and the MMC, Dante. Their personalities played very well of each other and I liked their teasing banter throughout the book, finding it helped build their rapport and relationship well.
Dante in particular was really compelling to me as a character as he obviously disliked his nature greatly, and struggled with his immortal life, while also not particularly caring for if he did have to murder people. He was morally grey in a very interesting way and I quite liked it.
While I did thoroughly enjoy the book, I do wish we had gotten a bit more about Corvus as an order. I spent quite a while thinking they would be a bigger thing than they truly were outside of Ariya's shifting perceptions and desires. It was a tad unsatisfying feeling like there was a looming threat there that never materialised, rather like preparing for a drop on a rollercoaster that never comes. Though maybe in book two, as this is a duology, we will see more of them.
Overall, it was a very fun read and one I definitely recommend for the spooky season!
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 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.
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!
October 22, 2026
I was in the mood for a fun vampire romance, and this was what I needed. Dante and Ariya were very fun to read about. I was intrigued from the very beginning seeing a vampire slayer have an arranged marriage to a vampire to carry out her mission. I felt like this was a true enemies to lovers done well.
I really loved Dante!! He has a smart mouth and loved how flirty he was, even though Ariya wants to kill him. The banter between Dante and Ariya was so good, and over time I fell more in love with the two. Although the story was told in Ariya's POV, I do appreciate how much of Dante's lore we get- how he was turned, who he was before he became a vampire, why he needs the cure. One of my bookish red flags are (respectfully) blonde MMCs, but Dante is an exception to this.
Ariya's character was very interesting. It was interesting seeing how the Corvus had her first mission involve marrying Dante. It raised a lot of questions on their intentions and who they really are. Something I really liked was seeing Ariya's development and seeing her have a change of heart for Dante. I imagine how much of a struggle it would be to fall for the monster she's been trained to slay. But it was sweet seeing her go from ally to lover.
I had a knock a star off off this because of pacing and development. I felt like some things were too drawn out and others were rushed, especially with the ending. I was kind of disappointed with how sudden it was and expected more. It was sweet, but it left me with too many questions. Also, there were moments where I kind of felt bored. As much as I did enjoy reading about Dante and Ariya's journey, it started to feel a bit redundant? And as much as I love a slow burn, I wanted Dante and Ariya to give into each other sooner. With this series being a duology, I really hope my questions are answered in the next book. But overall, I did enjoy reading this and would recommend it to those who are looking for a vampire romance.
I really loved Dante!! He has a smart mouth and loved how flirty he was, even though Ariya wants to kill him. The banter between Dante and Ariya was so good, and over time I fell more in love with the two. Although the story was told in Ariya's POV, I do appreciate how much of Dante's lore we get- how he was turned, who he was before he became a vampire, why he needs the cure. One of my bookish red flags are (respectfully) blonde MMCs, but Dante is an exception to this.
Ariya's character was very interesting. It was interesting seeing how the Corvus had her first mission involve marrying Dante. It raised a lot of questions on their intentions and who they really are. Something I really liked was seeing Ariya's development and seeing her have a change of heart for Dante. I imagine how much of a struggle it would be to fall for the monster she's been trained to slay. But it was sweet seeing her go from ally to lover.
I had a knock a star off off this because of pacing and development. I felt like some things were too drawn out and others were rushed, especially with the ending. I was kind of disappointed with how sudden it was and expected more. It was sweet, but it left me with too many questions. Also, there were moments where I kind of felt bored. As much as I did enjoy reading about Dante and Ariya's journey, it started to feel a bit redundant? And as much as I love a slow burn, I wanted Dante and Ariya to give into each other sooner. With this series being a duology, I really hope my questions are answered in the next book. But overall, I did enjoy reading this and would recommend it to those who are looking for a vampire romance.
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
October 11, 2026
Arc Review:
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I love/adore a good vampire book! Vampire books are what got me back into reading. This book, this book was an absolute delight to read! I love that the MMC reminded me of Astarion from BG3!
We meet Ariya who has grown up in a Slayer organization. Their mission to rid the world of vampires. Well Ariya is give her first mission. She must find out what is going on with Signore D’Agonisto. He managed to catch the orders eye by his strange behaviors. Ariya is to go undercover get close to this man and find out if he is a vampire. Unfortunately for her, going undercover means to try and become his betrothed.
Upon meeting the MMC, Dante, she seems to have caught his eye. He was quick to have her hand in marriage and within 2 days they were to marry and she would move in with him.
Dante is indeed a vampire. He tried to compel Ariya into letting him have just a taste of her blood. It does not work and she was very prepared to vanquish him. He told her that he was turned against his will and left his ‘master’. He has heard tale that there is a cure.
Now they must travel to find said person to cure him. They are to still be undercover as a newly wed couple. There are many bumps in the road along the way and they both just like to rile each other up.
Do read to find out what happens in this lovely tale.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I love/adore a good vampire book! Vampire books are what got me back into reading. This book, this book was an absolute delight to read! I love that the MMC reminded me of Astarion from BG3!
We meet Ariya who has grown up in a Slayer organization. Their mission to rid the world of vampires. Well Ariya is give her first mission. She must find out what is going on with Signore D’Agonisto. He managed to catch the orders eye by his strange behaviors. Ariya is to go undercover get close to this man and find out if he is a vampire. Unfortunately for her, going undercover means to try and become his betrothed.
Upon meeting the MMC, Dante, she seems to have caught his eye. He was quick to have her hand in marriage and within 2 days they were to marry and she would move in with him.
Dante is indeed a vampire. He tried to compel Ariya into letting him have just a taste of her blood. It does not work and she was very prepared to vanquish him. He told her that he was turned against his will and left his ‘master’. He has heard tale that there is a cure.
Now they must travel to find said person to cure him. They are to still be undercover as a newly wed couple. There are many bumps in the road along the way and they both just like to rile each other up.
Do read to find out what happens in this lovely tale.
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!
October 6, 2026
You can tell this book was written by two best friends in October over a cup of coffee (or maybe wine), and I love it.
The greatest strength of the book is its self-awareness. Because it doesn’t take itself too seriously, the story gets to be unapologetically funny and playful. Furthermore, the ambience of the book is set in 1560s Italy; the depictions of the cities, buildings, clothing, and Italy’s traditions build a sensual gothic atmosphere.
The romance works because of the main characters’ comical exchanges. Both characters have this dark, twisted humor, and they get each other’s snarky comments, keeping their relationship authentic. As a reader, this dynamic becomes amusing to keep up with. Also, Dante’s portrayal is literally what most women love in vampire characters.
Even though you get a cozy feeling from their journey, the story also dives into themes of religion, guilt, sin, death, and abusive family dynamics, which add depth to the characters and their goals.
Overall, a really good book!
The greatest strength of the book is its self-awareness. Because it doesn’t take itself too seriously, the story gets to be unapologetically funny and playful. Furthermore, the ambience of the book is set in 1560s Italy; the depictions of the cities, buildings, clothing, and Italy’s traditions build a sensual gothic atmosphere.
The romance works because of the main characters’ comical exchanges. Both characters have this dark, twisted humor, and they get each other’s snarky comments, keeping their relationship authentic. As a reader, this dynamic becomes amusing to keep up with. Also, Dante’s portrayal is literally what most women love in vampire characters.
Even though you get a cozy feeling from their journey, the story also dives into themes of religion, guilt, sin, death, and abusive family dynamics, which add depth to the characters and their goals.
Overall, a really good book!
October 22, 2026
When this got marketed as a book for fans of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, I was like wait hold up immediately signing up for it without a second thought and let me say it didn't disappoint in the slightest. In this book you meet Arita who is forced by her slayer guild to marry so they can weed out a suspicious lord but as she does what she's told she starts to find herself not to mention the charming vampire Dante, watching the banter between the two turn into more truly set the scene for this read. I honestly can't wait for book 2 to come out from the world building to the characters all written beautifully and with so much depth that it became a page turner without me realizing. If you love a true enemies to lovers with a fake marriage and banter then this is the read for you. Highly Recommend! I got this arc via the author and this is my voluntary review.
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.
October 12, 2026
I was absolutely OBSESSED with this book from the very first page! I was hooked immediately, and I genuinely did not want it to end. The tension, the banter, the WITTINESS?! I ate up every single second of it. The sharp tongues and clever exchanges were everything I could have wanted and more.
And listen, I’m a sucker for a blonde. Every. Single. Time. 🫠
By the end, I was completely in my feels, emotionally invested, and entirely unprepared for what was coming. And UGH, THAT CLIFFHANGER?! The absolute AUDACITY. 😭
I need book two in my hands YESTERDAY. I have questions, I have feelings, and I am simply not okay with being left like this.
Five stars. No notes. Just emotional damage and an unhealthy level of attachment.
And listen, I’m a sucker for a blonde. Every. Single. Time. 🫠
By the end, I was completely in my feels, emotionally invested, and entirely unprepared for what was coming. And UGH, THAT CLIFFHANGER?! The absolute AUDACITY. 😭
I need book two in my hands YESTERDAY. I have questions, I have feelings, and I am simply not okay with being left like this.
Five stars. No notes. Just emotional damage and an unhealthy level of attachment.
November 2, 2026
I had a great time reading this book. It has 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and 4.75 ⭐️. The tropes are: one bed and horse, fake marriage, enemies to lovers, virgin vs playboy, he falls first, vampire vs vampire slayer, BANTER and reluctant alliance.
The fmc is Ariya, she is a 26 year old virgin who was traded to a vampire slayer training encampment. She was traded at the age of 14 years old. Her first solo mission is to determine if Dante is a vampire or a unique human. The mmc is Dante, 129 years old vampire who was turned at 34 years old. He is on the run from his vampire family. Can they work together and find out the hidden truths from their pasts or will they end up killing each other ?!?!
The fmc is Ariya, she is a 26 year old virgin who was traded to a vampire slayer training encampment. She was traded at the age of 14 years old. Her first solo mission is to determine if Dante is a vampire or a unique human. The mmc is Dante, 129 years old vampire who was turned at 34 years old. He is on the run from his vampire family. Can they work together and find out the hidden truths from their pasts or will they end up killing each other ?!?!
November 7, 2026
Vampire x vampire slayer!!
We have a golden retriever MMC and a black cat FMC. Our FMC is on a mission to kill our MMC and they end up working together to find a cure for vampirism. The banter was bantering and overall this was a fun read!
I did feel confused at times because it was set in 1500’s Italy-but the dialogue and language was all very modern. It didn’t bother me tooo much, but i was confused. Also i felt at times this was heading towards gothic romantasy, but then shied away from it. I wish we leaned more into the gothic vampirism but overall very fun and actually floored that I’ve fallen for a blond MMC
We have a golden retriever MMC and a black cat FMC. Our FMC is on a mission to kill our MMC and they end up working together to find a cure for vampirism. The banter was bantering and overall this was a fun read!
I did feel confused at times because it was set in 1500’s Italy-but the dialogue and language was all very modern. It didn’t bother me tooo much, but i was confused. Also i felt at times this was heading towards gothic romantasy, but then shied away from it. I wish we leaned more into the gothic vampirism but overall very fun and actually floored that I’ve fallen for a blond MMC
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 😂🙌
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