A Ransom in Blood

by Jessie Thomas

When her thieving rival steals the ancient relic of a vampire she's been accidentally been bound to by blood, carriage thief Meryn is forced to help him retrieve it, otherwise they'll both succumb to death.

With her blood as ransom, the two embark on a perilous journey across the continent, as their mutual distrust of each other leads to dark bargains and covetous schemes. While Meryn tries to resist the frightening call of their newly-forged bond, the mysterious vampire strikes a deal to reward her with any pleasure she craves. But once their tentative agreement blossoms into desire, and their annoyance into affection, the cost might be far greater than anything Meryn is prepared to pay.

The vampire lore of DRACULA meets the relationship dynamics and aesthetic of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with the spicy carriage scenes of BRIDGERTON in this regency-inspired romantic fantasy.

A RANSOM IN BLOOD is the first book of the BLOOD & DESIRE duology, a forced proximity, annoyance-to-lovers romantasy with a morally gray heroine.

Genres: Vampires, Romantasy, Fantasy

Unknown Binding

Published May 28, 2025

About the author

Jessie hails from the land of chicken wings and snow, otherwise known as Buffalo, NY. She's an indie author who writes historical fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance.

Jessie earned a B.A. in Television and Film Arts at SUNY Buffalo State, where her full-length screenplay, POST MORTEM, was nominated for the Michael Collyer Fellowship Award in Screenwriting from the Writer’s Guild of America, East.

When she isn't writing, Jessie enjoys reading, watching and analyzing her favorite TV shows, discussing fictional characters, eating ice cream, and spending time with her pets.

Reviews

[Cat Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a really good time with this book, including the several times I almost threw it across the room in a passionate rage. This is a good thing, in case you were wondering.

I'm also a mood reader. Sometimes, when the mood passes to something else, I end up stopping a book and starting something else. This book survived a period where I wasn't really reading, a complete mood change, and a vacation. The entire time, I kept thinking "no I really need to see where this goes" which is a testament to the strength of the characters.

The novel is fun, passionate, teasing, and the plot in intriguing. The world building leaves a lot of room to play with in book two, and I'm really intrigued to see where it goes. Yes, a good portion of the reason to come here is the romance and spicy scenes between the characters, but this book was also doing a lot of interesting scene work that I'm excited about. Unfortunately, I must wait for the second book, but I'm already pining to spend time with Vale and Meryn again.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I read this entire book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. The story was everything I wanted it to be. A steamy historical vampire romance? Yes, please.

The beautiful description in this book had me hooked, and specifically the descriptions of Hazelmoor and of the characters’ grief had me in tears. The banter between Meryn and Vale? A+. The slow burn between them was perfect. The ending? I’m dying. I don’t know how I’m going to wait for a second book. Jessie Thomas is about to be one of my new favourite authors.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Blood and Desire duology. First, make sure you know the content warnings of this book: Explicit language, explicit violence, blood, gore, blood-drinking, explicit sexual content, brief suicidal thoughts/ideation, characters who deal with PTSD and grief, PTSD-related nightmares, parent loss (off-page, but discussed), child loss, (off-page), spouse loss (off-page), parent loss due to illness (briefly mentioned), murder, xenophobic language related to vampires, war and war related PTSD, war violence, and sexual harassment.

With that said, there were a lot of things that I enjoyed about this book. Anything to do with vampires, I automatically want to read. Having this set in a historical kind of setting I found that it really appealing. Be prepared for the spice that's in this book because it is very, very descriptive. It was a little spicy for me but that is just a personal thing. Outside of the spicy scenes the story flowed well. The tension, banter and angst between Dragomir and Meryn was well written. The end definitely left way to the next book but I feel like it was a good stopping point.

[Talli Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

homygod *sobs into my hands* Okay. I’m normal. A RANSOM IN BLOOD is pretty much everything I love in a vampire romance: high-tension, high-stakes, tastefully steamy, and spicy. It made me want to gnaw on it. The annoyance-to-lovers situationship is the icing on the cake. It’s clear that Thomas had tons of fun with the tropes in this one–I know I did–but beneath all of that good stuff is a genuinely heartfelt connection between these two lonely, complicated characters.

This book is addicting; don’t let its length deter you–it’s utterly enthralling right from the beginning. If you like vampire romance, don’t pass this one up. I need the second book in my hands right this second.

(I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Brooke Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, this had a slow start, but it really picked up about halfway through. There was a ton of tension throughout, which made the payoff that much sweeter.

Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope (I don't think this is the best way to encapsulate what I'm talking about, but I don't want to spoil anything), so I struggled a little with that. In the same vein, I didn't love some of the choices Meryn made throughout, but I do think they help with her character growth.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tifani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read from Jessie and it is worth every page turn. The way that she writes envelops you into the folds of the story. The way she weaves her words to create such depths of character for not only mc but side characters is truly amazing. This left me yearning for part two of this duet. It can't get here fast enough. Jessie is quickly becoming my comfort writer with all the things that she writes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[April Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic! Danger! Tension!

A Ransom in Blood is slow to start, but the tension, world building, and character development are everything I needed in this romantasy!

A vampire who falls in love before the morally gray FMC, a quest to right wrong-doings, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that is crackling with tension.

One of the most compelling parts of this book was Vale's finding love in so much loss.

I NEED to know what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aïda G.F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tension steamy historical romance with vampires? Ohhhh yeah! Count me in!
The regency style yearning reminds me a little of some Anne Rice books.
I will definitely reading it again with more calm and catching more details, because I read it so fast I think I need a more deep reading, but probably before the second book (cannot wait).
Also would like to point the beautiful written style, like a poem... My heart!! Totally would recommend it!

I got the amazing opportunity to get my hands on an e-ARC buuut my opinion is totally mine 100%.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was billed as twilight meets bridgerton, which definitely drew my interest. I enjoyed this and look forward to the sequel. I will say the enemies to lovers trope is good but I am not a big fan of the miscommunication trope and the ending was a cliffhanger that left me with a lot of questions. I also think the books pacing was problematic, it seemed to drag in places, the second half was stellar and I couldn't put it down after that. Beautiful love story and strong mmc and FMC with fantastic spicy scenes. I received this book as an ARC and I really enjoyed it

[Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Captivating

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and am providing my honest review. To start off, I am a hugeee lover of anything vampire. Castlevania, Twilight, Nosferatu, Dracula, you name it. I loved reading this and getting to know each character. Lu’s personality was relatable and I loved the chemistry between Meryn and Vale. I can’t wait for the next book to come out… I’m practically on the edge of my seat waiting for it!

[T. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this book (and I personally think you should) grab a tissue for the ending! No spoilers but the author really knows how to tug at the heartstrings! Overall, this is such an incredible book. The writing is just... Gorgeous. This isn't your every day writing. This is lush, Gothic and transports you to a different world. Jessie Thomas is a modern day Anne Rice and I highly recommend this book for any fans of spicy gothic vampire stories set in the regency area.

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning slow burn erotic vampire fantasy. The enemies to lovers trope gets a twist with the bloodlust between the MCs and a truly wrenching ending. Ouch. The world building is lush and magical. I love how all characters are developed, not just the MCs. And once again, Jessie Thomas's glorious prose is gorgeous and evocative.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat and had me hooked from the first page. Such a good read , I can’t wait for more!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda White Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

She finally stopped fighting him and fell in love to lose him. She saved his life, bound herself to him, and betrayed him. The banter was cute but the love story was awesome. Can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trinnetee France · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a hold the whole time unable to put it down. The story the slow burn the character the history and um did I say vampire yea a must read for sure have I read it more then once yes yes I have.

[Werp]

I don't read LGBT stuff, bye

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. This review has been left voluntarily and my opinions given honestly.

I wanted to love this book, I really did. Vampires, Regency-era inspiration? Perfect. Unfortunately though I found the prose way too flowery and it was difficult to find the action amongst the gushing, long-winded descriptions of everything from the forest to the clothing to the blood. The sentences are all very long and without being broken up my shorter ones, making the whole thing very waffly and hard to focus on. I found myself quickly losing interest in what was actually being said by the author and starting to skim for the gist of things as early as Chapter 3. By Chapter 5 I was over it. Blah, blah, his scent. Blah, blah forest description. Blah, blah, blood. Blah, blah FMC says something stubborn despite being addled. I pushed on until Chapter 8 but in the span of a page the MMC said it was difficult to track the thief then caught the trail of said thief the very next beat... I was done. This one wasn't for me.

Unrated at the time of reviewing out of respect for the author until the book is released.

[Megan MacAuley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Found myself not wanting to put it down and really hope there is more to come because my heart aches at this ending. Too much unsaid and unresolved in a way that has me yearning. Vale is magnificent 🥵

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you put a vampire and a thief together? Well let me tell you there's some secrets and spice. She saves him from a deadly arrow only to trap herself with him. He falls for her and she tries to fight her feelings. There's magic and mystery even some battles along the way.

I was pulled into this story from the beginning. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish. I found myself falling into the emotions of the characters. Jessie is so discriptive with her words you can picture everything in your mind.

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire thing started off slow burn and then zapped me once it all hit.

The FMC-Meryn is a strong, sarcastic, and enigma. She is realistic and grounded while also being otherworldly enough to make you create a new Pinterest board alongside SJM/Buffy/Rhea Ripley for workout inspiration.

The MMC-The Count, is broody, sassy, and layered. His rawness is absolutely intoxicating. I feel like moving forward we have Soo much left to learn about his part in the mechanics of the world.

This whole book just kept giving me more reasons to turn the next page and I can't wait for what comes next in this series!!!! Excellent writing that just grabbed me.

[GenXBookBestie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I stayed up entirely too late with this one because just one more chapter took control, and it was worth every single page!

When a thief tries to rob a vampire, ends up saving his life and making a deal with him instead? What could possibly go wrong here?

Meryn is a quick-witted thief with a smart mouth and a heart of gold.
Vale is an ancient vampire with a tragic past and seemingly not much to live for.

This book is so richly descriptive that I could see, taste, and smell the world that the author built. I felt the feelings of the main characters deeply. I did not want to put this down!
The banter between Meryn and Vale had me giggling all the way through, and I loved how their relationship progressed.

That ending?? I am absolutely devastated! I don't even know how to process it.
I certainly hope there's a book two in the works because I absolutely need to know what comes next!!

[Stasia Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without a doubt the most beautifully written book I've read in some time. I am in awe of Thomas's ability to turn every aspect of the plot into a work of art. I've made SO many annotations, my heart strings have been pulled to within an inch of their life and my head is now full of whimsy and yearning.

The regency inspired yearning brings so much nostalgia of the classics, although filled with spice you do feel like you're waiting with bated breath for the characters to share a thirsty glance.

This book is more than a space to get lost in vampiric dreams, it's an experience, Thomas has absolutely excelled herself, her writing is delightful, nothing I can say will put into words how this book made me feel. I took my time, I re-read parts of it as I was reading, I stayed up as late as I could every day not wanting to put it down. This is a masterpiece, it is literature and when I look back at it, I will remember it as a classic.


"She did not anticipate this emptiness in the pit of her, this starving need—perhaps startling in its similarity to her vampiric bloodlust—for his presence lingering on the dark edge of her soul."

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I’m sad.

[Tailyn Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy note to end on wow absolutely need a continuation need book 2 asap