A Draught of Ash and Wine by Kristin Jacques is like stepping into a dark, gothic wine bar where every glass comes with a side of bloodlust and brooding immortality. This vampire tale takes the usual tropes—immortality, forbidden love, fangs—and gives them a cheeky makeover. Set in a world where centuries-old grudges are as common as vintage wine, Jacques serves up a cocktail of romance, revenge, and enough snark to keep even the most jaded vampire enthusiast entertained.

Our protagonist is the kind of vampire you’d want to invite to a dinner party—just don’t ask her about her past, or she’ll likely give you an existential crisis over dessert. With wit sharper than her fangs, she navigates ancient rivalries and tricky romance like a supernatural socialite. The banter between characters sparkles with dry humor, and the slow-burn romance is intoxicating, without veering into the overly dramatic territory we’ve come to expect from centuries-old undead love affairs. It’s like Jacques read the vampire genre’s handbook, rolled her eyes, and said, “We can do better than this.”

That said, there are moments when the plot swerves faster than a bat at dusk, and some of the lore might leave you dizzy trying to keep up. But that’s part of the fun—you’re not here for a smooth, predictable ride. You’re here for sharp twists, quick laughs, and the kind of gothic melodrama that comes with a wink. A Draught of Ash and Wine is a romp through the vampire world that’s as rich and satisfying as its name suggests—just be prepared for a few hangovers (and plot twists) along the way.

I read the first book in this series, A BARGAIN OF BLOOD AND GOLD, back in 2021, and remember thoroughly enjoying it. Added to this gorgeous cover art, how could I resist picking up the sequel?
A DRAUGHT OF ASH AND WINE switches up the pacing a little. I thought the first book leaned more to the mystery and supernatural elements, keeping the romance in the background, I’d say this one focuses more on the Vic, Johnathan, and their relationship. I struggled a little with the first couple of chapters, which pretty much jump in directly where the first book ended, but that one me for not rereading.
Once I got back in the swing of the things the story flew in. It’s not a particularly plot-heavy instalment giving the characters space to settle into new powers, relationships, and problems, but it does have lots of action (both supernatural and romantic!) I thought this worked well for a sequel (and one that sets up for a third instalment) as it let the characters shine and help get a sense of the wider paranormal world of the series.
The emotions came through really powerfully—from the burgeoning romance, to betrayals, to Jonathan’s guilt as he struggles to control the powers he gained at the end of the first book. I love how Jacques portrays her characters. Johnathan and Victor have great chemistry, and the new allies and enemies all jumped right off the page. I’m especially impressed by how connected I felt to some of these new characters, especially ones with very little screen time!
A DRAUGHT OF ASH AND WINE is a great sequel (although, if you get the chance, read it and A BARGAIN OF BLOOD AND GOLD together), and I really hope the series continues.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of a draught of ash and wine this was wonderful and i ordered it for my store.

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read and review!
It was truly an enjoyable fantasy M/M romance. Even though I haven't read the first book, the relationship between the main characters was growing smoothly and I never felt that something was missing between them. There were some side characters that I really liked as well! The action and character interaction throughout the story is balanced and the cliffhanger at the end really left me wanting to know what happens next!

Another enjoyable book! I liked this one a bit more, even.

I liked the slight shift in focus/plot. A little less complex in terms of mystery and having to understand the different puzzle pieces, a little more about the characters being together and building new relationships with others and navigating the complexities of old relationships and dealing with personal struggles, all while being in danger and trying to get away from the people hunting them down.

The way things ended last time also made this book more fun for me in certain ways. I do like me some uncommon supernaturals. I liked getting to meet some other supernatural characters too.

Speaking of new characters, there were a few interesting ones. Some I liked from the start. Some I disliked at first, but they had me changing my tune by the end. Some I disliked at first and only disliked more as the book went on. Some have me intrigued and sort of wanting to see more of them so that I can decide how I feel.

The romance seemed to have more connection. Certainly more sex (which I’m not complaining about). I still feel like it could do with a little more… something. But they’ve proven that they care, they’ve saved each other many times, they’ve shared secrets, they’ve comforted each other, and I do feel it more now than I did before.

Last time, I complained that Vic wasn’t vampire-y enough because he injected blood rather than drinking it, but I take it back! I don’t know if there was really drinking, but there was some sexy biting in this one. I’m sorry I ever doubted you, Vic. And also Johnathan, because he was doing some sexy biting too.

Overall, I liked the interesting supernatural elements, the intriguing new characters, and the steamy romance, and I’d like to keep reading Johnathan and Vic’s story.

A Draught of Ash and Wine picks up right where the first book left off, throwing us straight back into the action. I enjoyed seeing Johnathan and Vic's growing relationship, and there was plenty of excitement and suspense along the way, too, as well as the introduction of some interesting new characters. Overall, it was an good, fun read and a pleasing continuation of the story. Perhaps it didn't grip me quite as much as the first book, but it certainly left things on a intriguing cliffhanger that made me want to read on to find out what will happen next. I am giving it four stars.

Rating 4.5
This is a new author for me. When I requested this book, I did not realize it was a continuation of the previous book and this book leads into book 3. Vic and Johnathan’s relationships gets stronger even with all the present danger. I enjoyed the book but think I would have liked it better if I had started with the 1st book.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.