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.

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.

Juliette Cross’ THE RED LILY is an excellent follow-up to the first book in the Vampire Blood series, THE BLACK LILY. Lieutenant Nikolai is now a known traitor to the vampire crown, supporting the Black Lily. He sets out on a dangerous task with the red-hooded Sienna to gain followers for the cause. This fairy tale PNR is suitable for adult audiences. I love how this series is a different take on traditional fairy tales. The plot is clever and exciting. Arabelle and Prince Marius are building an army to fight against the vampire monarchy. Sienna leaves her beloved wolves and woods behind her as she helps Nikolai recruit supporters. There is romance, danger, conspiracy, and adventure at every turn. I love the wolves and their part in the story. We learn the history behind the wolves and vampires. The characters are well-developed and complex. I like Sienna. We discover some interesting things about her and her past. Nikolai is brave, honorable, and just. They both grow throughout the story. They have fantastic chemistry. THE RED LILY was skillfully-written. The novel was thrilling from beginning to end. I like how the story ended, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.