THE RED LILY (Vampire Blood #2) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review, Book tour & Giveaway
THE RED LILY
Vampire Blood #2
by Juliette Cross
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance
Release Date: June 19, 2017
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 19, 2017
When Red falls for the Big Bad Vampire…
The Black Lily resistance needs a larger army if they are to defeat the vampire monarchy. In order to do so, former lieutenant and traitor to the vampire Crown, Nikolai must seek help from the red-hooded temptress he needs to avoid at all costs. The secret he carries could prove dangerous for her if she gets too close…even though keeping her close—very close—is the only thing on his mind.
Sienna will do anything for the Black Lily, and when Nikolai asks for her assistance to gain the trust of the commonwealth, it’s the last thing she wants to do. The thought of leaving her woods and her wolves behind is terrifying…not to mention the danger being with Nikolai poses.
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SANDY’S REVIEW: THE RED LILY is the second installment in Juliette Cross’s adult VAMPIRE BLOOD paranormal/fantasy series (formerly known as The Tales of the Black Lily series). This is vampire and former lieutenant Nikolai, and Woman of the Wood Sienna. Sienna and Nikolai were first introduced in book one The Black Lily . Nikolai is Prince Marius’s best friend, and Sienna is the mysterious woman Arabelle befriended in the woods
Told from dual third person perspectives (Sienna and Nikolai) THE RED LILY continues the search for supporters of The Black Lily. The Black Lily is an underground movement that is attempting to take down the royal vampire family, and their army of Legionnaires who are obliterating village after village in a frenzied blood madness known as the sanguine furorem. A one-time member of the royal Legionnaires, Nikolai now sides with the Black Lily resistance, and is the current guardian of the Woman of the Wood. When a missive comes from the Black Lily herself, Sienna and Nikolai set off on a cross country trek to gather an army to fight against evil Queen Morgrid of the vampires, and her royal Legionnaires.
THE RED LILY takes the tale of Little Red Riding Hood to the next level-a fantasy of myth, magic, vampires and love. Not only has Sienna befriended a pack of magical hart-wolves in the Silvane Forest but our heroine has been imbued with magical powers of her own. Nikolai is the Big Bad Wolf who has fallen for the red-haired beauty and it is his love that will guide the couple on their journey towards a happily ever after.
THE RED LILY focuses on the trials and tribulations of amassing a system of support in the face of encroaching war. Queen Morgrid’s blood infused Legionnaires have outnumbered and overpowered every form of resistance, and the Black Lily supporters have yet to gain enough power or numbers to be of any threat against the vampire army.
Juliette Cross’s THE RED LILY is a story of romance and love; magic and evil; power and the supernatural world of the vampire lore. The premise is intriguing, imaginative and enchanting; the romance is spirited, emotional and intense; the characters are passionate and inspiring. THE RED LILY is an energetic tale with a vibrant cast of characters who will captivate your imagination when the fairy tale from your childhood takes on an aura of romance and breathless imagination.
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Barb’s Review:
The Red Lily by Juliette Cross is the 2nd book in her Vampire Blood series. I loved the first book in this series, and I must say that this was equally as good or even better. Juliette Cross once again wows us with another fantastic story; which is no surprise, as she has wowed us in each and everyone one of her series.
In The Red Lily, Sienna and Nikolai, are our heroes, whom we met in The Black Lily, and I could not wait for their story. In The Black Lily, the themed fairy tale background was Cinderella; in The Red Lilly it is Red Riding Hood and in the next book, The White Lilly, it will be Snow White.
Sienna lives in the Silvane Forest, protected by hart wolves, whom she loves with all her heart. Many think of Sienna as the Red Witch, but she insists she is not a witch. When she knows she must leave her beloved enchanted forest to visit other towns to alert them of the terrible Queen Morgrid, who has her blood lust vampire army killing locals. Sienna must make the local folks leave and join Arrabelle (the Black Lily) & Prince Marius, who are training and building their own army to fight the Queen. To protect Sienna, Nikolai will arrive in the forest, and be her guide and protector during their journey. Both Nikolai and Sienna have been having their own sexual dreams since they met previously during the saving of Arrabelle. The chemistry between them was sizzling hot, and they were so awesome together. I loved them both. I also loved Dutchess and her hart wolves.
When they embark on their journey, the danger will escalate leaving us holding our breath so many times, with Nikolai managing to save Sienna. But the worse is yet to come that will bring them both close to the end. We learn the depths that the evil Queen Morgrid will go to and her evil vampire army. Just when you think it’s hopeless, a tiny shiver of light will open the way for hope.
Nikolai becomes the Big Bad Wolf as he unleashes his monster to find a way to save Sienna, and to destroy all those despicable enemies. Sienna will need to let out her unknown magic to help save them all.
This was a heart stopping last half of the book, that kept you reading until you reached the end. The Red Lily was an emotional, heart wrenching, intense, exciting, suspenseful and action-packed thriller. The romance between Sienna and Nikolai was beautiful and Cross manages to make their scenes sexy & hot has hell, and at the same time keeping the sensational story in the forefront.
As I have said before, if you have not read Juliette Cross, you are seriously missing a fantastic author. She always captivates us with great stories, wonderful couples, great secondary characters and a romance that is sizzling. You need to read this series, and start with The Black Lily
Copies supplied for review
About Juliette Cross:
Juliette lives in lush, moss-laden Louisiana where she lives with her husband, four kids, and black lab, Kona.
Multi-published author of paranormal and urban fantasy romance, she loves reading and writing brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes.
From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.
Connect with Juliette:
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Great review, Sandy. I have been loving this series. Juliette’s books are always captivating.
So happy you are, Barb! XO
Terrific review, Sandy & Barb. I plan to start this book this afternoon. I loved the first book.
I’m so glad you did, Amy! I hope you enjoy the tale of Sienna and Nikolai. 🙂
Excellent reviews , thanks ladies. Congrats to Juliette on the new release. Looks like a great series.
Thank you, Sassy! 🙂
Looks like a great series, thanks for the reviews. Always finding new books and authors to read at The Reading Cafe.
Wonderful reviews, Ladies. Cannot wait to read this book.
Thank you, Bran! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Sandy and Barb, I always look forward to your reviews. You offer such thorough insight into the stories and seem to “get” my characters so well. Thank you for taking the time to read/review and share my new release with your readers. 🙂
Hi Juliette. Thank you for stopping by and it is always our pleasure to read and reviews your stories and series.
Thanks, Juliette. It is always fun and exciting to read one of your books.
Wonderful review, thanks ladies. Congrats to Juliette on the new release. Always looking forward to new series!
Great reviews. I like how you ladies do these dual reviews. They are fun to read. This book looks awesome.
wonderful reviews. i like the fairy tale theme. looks very good.