The vampire x gladiator (though the german publisher markets this as The Vampire Diaries and I...

In the kingdom of Santhara ruled by cruel vampires, life is difficult for Arvelle Dacien and her brothers who live in the dangerous Thorn district. One day, a vampire turns up on their doorstep and blackmails her into agreeing to a deal in exchange for medicine that will save her brother, who is suffering from a life threatening condition - in return, she has to enter the Sundering, an even deadlier contest, win, be selected for the emperor's elite guard...and kill the emperor himself. She quickly catches the eye of two powerful vampires, the emperor's sadistic son Rorrik, and the Primus, head of the imperius who is none other than the man she once loved, and neither of their motives are clear. Arvelle must figure out a way to survive the Sundering and complete her mission, all while hiding the strange powers she is developing that would certainly get her killed if anyone finds out.

We Who Will Die: A Steamy Romantasy Novel of Vengeful Gods, Hidden Identities, and Unlikely Alliances in a Deadly Gladiator Arena by Stacia Stark

Title: We Who Will Die Author: Stacia Stark Publisher: Harper Audio/Avon Published: December 30, 2025 Pages: 423 Format: ALC via Netgalley, Epic Tastemakers, Avon, and Harper Audio! Goodreads Blurb: "From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, …