The Red Lily

Lady Sienna’s grandmother had warned her against falling for a vampire, yet when Sienna had met Nikolai, she couldn’t help being attracted to him. She had first met him when her friend Arabelle – the Black Lily – had needed help, and now the renegade Royal Legionnaire will help her recruiting for the army needed to vanquish the evil Morgrid, queen of the vampires. Sienna has lived for five years in the Selvane Forest, the enchanted forest where no one dares venture, where the hart stone is rumoured to transform any creature. Wolves, who are Sienna’s allies, also inhabit the forest. Sienna is not supposed to stay out of the forest for long, but times have changed, but the irresistible vampire Nikolai will protect her, but will she be able to protect her heart? I was so excited that Nikolai’s story would be the second book in the Vampire Blood series, he is such a charismatic and enigmatic character, and he proved to be even better than I would have wished; what a magnificent character! Nikolai and Sienna, along with the rebels from the Black Lily must stop the scourge that is the blood madness, the sanguine furorem – what a great term! Ms. Cross’ writing is a beautiful as ever, and even more evocative if possible, and the characters just as enticing. However, it takes a long time for anything to happen, whether regarding the rebellion or for Sienna and Nikolai to succumb to their sizzling attraction. After a bit of sensual plodding – and I must admit I would have preferred more story and a tad less mooning - the story explodes and plot twist succeeds plot twist, and what an ending! Ms. Cross’s worldbuilding is fabulous, and there is so much more to look forward to, the mind boggles! “If rage had a name, it was Nikolai.” What a line, and what extraordinary prelude to amazing action sequences! And the sex scenes are brilliant, tender and so very sensual. The love story is heartwrenching, convincing, and well, Nikolai is just the hero I hoped he would be, and then some! And I will repeat myself, but the writing is simply dazzling! Bring on book three of this innovative series! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

The Red Lily' by Juliette Cross is book Two in the "Vampire Blood" series. This is the story of Nikolai and Sienna. I have read the previous book (It was also great!!) but you can read this as a standalone if you choose to do so. But I do feel that you would enjoy this book more if you read the previous book. Nikolai and Sienna meet in that book and they both have parts in helping the previous main characters survive. Nikolai is back and in need of Sienna help with a mission for the Black Lilly cause. Sienna has helped the Black Lilly before and also is a close friend of the Black Lilly. So when Nikolai comes with a letter from her and asking to help him secure information she agrees. Sienna lives in the woods with her wolves and does not interact to much with people because of the label they have given her as a witch. So she does feel somewhat worried about leaving the area but does what she must to help save people from the evil crown. Nikolai has been attracted to Sienna from the first moment he seen her but feels that she is all things good...where he feels tainted. But this journey has open them both up to letting go of their doubts an start to accept what is to become. This is the second book I have read from Ms. Cross and I have feel in love with her writing! I am hooked on this series also. I just want more books from Ms. Cross ASAP! Vampire Blood series: Book 1: The Black Lily Book 2: The Red Lily "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

Did someone say, "The Big Bad Wolf?" Lordy, Nikolai had me the second he prowled onto the scene. I loved THE BLACK LILY, but Nik took that love and ratcheted it up about 1,000 degrees. All alpha and deliciously sexy, I found myself flipping the pages and ignoring reality until the very end. (Which came all too quickly.) And Sienna--she's the type of heroine I love to read. Strong, yet comfortable in her femininity. And while their overall journey, championing The Black Lilly's agenda, was rich and full of suspense, one of my favorite parts of the book was the slow unveiling of her history and how she came to live in the forest. (Extra double bonus points for the wolves. Fingers crossed they get a series of their own.) But the best part was the romance. One thing I can always count on from Juliette are smoldering interludes ripe with amazing chemistry and emotion, and THE RED LILY was no exception. Seriously, the ante in this series has been raised exponentially. So much so I'm practically begging for the next installment--THE WHITE LILY.