Member Reviews
4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is the 2nd installment in this erotic and slightly dark Vampire Romance series with unexpected... little red riding hood and the big bad "sexy" wolf overtones .
It was hugely entertaining and the chemistry between Nikolai and Sienna was passionate and steamy.
A rapid page turner for sure.
Must read "The Black Lily" book prior to this as the series continues to build on from the original story.
This series will be the death of me. Why? Because I'm already chomping at the bit to get the next one and technically, this one hasn't even released yet (sigh). Why do I like this so much. Tales. This is the best kind of tale. One that mixes different tales together, adding spins and twists that leave you speechless.
Let me start by mentioning that although this could be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend that you start from the beginning. You'll understand more of the story line, which will only pull you in further.
Sienna has been living in the woods for a while now. In fact, one would say that she's one with the woods. Others just call her the Red Witch of the Woods. Why witch? Because many believe that the woods are magical, and she's the only human brave enough to live in it. Now that Sienna is a friend of the Black Lily, she has also joined the cause to bring down the Queen (yep, read the first book). The Black Lily has asked Sienna to help recruit humans who'd fight by her side. But the journey is dangerous and she'll need protection. Who better to offer her protection than the former royal lieutenant himself, Nikolai. Did I mention he's a vampire?
Nikolai was the royal lieutenant who's charge was Marius Varis (son of the Queen - I mentioned that you needed to read the first book, right?). Now that he knows the truth about the Queen, he's left the royal guard and joined his best friend Marius and the Black Lily cause. He's also been assigned (ok, he asked for the assignment) to protect Sienna on their recruitment journey. But during the journey, it's apparent that his need to protect is becoming stronger by the minute. Probably because Sienna has gotten under his skin and there's no way he's letter her go.
Where the first book mixed Cinderella and Vampires, this one mixes Little Red Riding Hood and Vampires. And like I mentioned before, there are twists to the story that even surprised me. Man, I wish I could read this again for the first time...I digress...
The chemistry between Sienna and Nikolai has been building since the end of the last book and keeps building throughout this one. Although I really enjoyed Arabelle and Marius' relationship in the first book, these two have captured my heart. I love this duo and the way they work together to fight the cause is wonderful. We get to learn a little more about the hart wolves in this story too. And boy oh boy, do we learn more. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Ok, I need to stop talking or I'm gonna give this way....READ THIS!!!
***This review first appeared with RT BOOK REVIEWS***
There's no sophomore slump in this dark fairy tale adventure series! When Red Riding Hood and her guardian wolves meet a renegade vampire who fights for the commoner, it's anything but a routine re-telling. Fans of Kelley Armstrong will find a similar blend of horror and legend, with a bonus complete romance. The connection between Sienna and Nikolai is strong and hot, and their mission is compelling. Layers of intriguing world-building are revealed and open up some great possible future directions - this series could go anywhere. Cross doesn't pull punches with the brutality of her war, so be wary about reading it at bedtime.
SUMMARY: Powerful magic grounds Sienna to the forest where she is protected, but greater need calls her abroad where she is vulnerable. She'll need a powerful protector, and Nikolai is just the vampire for the job. As they travel from town to town, recruiting for the army of the Black Lily and sowing insurrection against an incredibly strong, incredibly evil villain, they are in danger at every turn. But the greatest risk they'll face is to reveal their secrets - and their hearts - to each other.
Published 1/31/2018:
“There is no place far enough that you can run. If a doe flees into the forest as far as her legs will carry her, does not the wolf simply follow?”
The Red Lily is the second fantastic installment in Juliette Cross’ Vampire Blood series. I’ve read this series out of order having started with the third book and am going back now to catch up before the series concludes with The Emerald Lily at the end of this month. I’m soooo glad I have as each book has been phenomenal making me hunger for more, more, more. Each of the books is a sensual paranormal fractured retelling of a popular fairy tale. The resulting new versions are no longer tales for children. The first book retold Cinderella. This book, The Red Lily, is the author’s parody of Little Red Riding Hood complete with wolves with the delicious addition of vampires! The third book recounted Snow White and the final book will feature a revised Sleeping Beauty.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the covers, which drew me to the series in the first place. I could salivate on the covers alone.
The Red Lily is the story of the beautiful woman of the mystical Silvane Forest, Lady Sienna, and Nikolai, Price Marius’ best friend who has joined him in fighting the evil that is the Varis’ monarchy. These characters were both first introduced in The Black Lily, but you do not need to have read it to fully enjoy this entry. As the tale opens, the forces of good vs evil are massing their armies. The Black Lily resistance needs a much larger force to stand a chance against the wicked Queen and her venomous minions. Arabelle, the leader of the Resistance and Sienna’s friend, has asked Sienna to travel village-to-village within Varis to rally for their cause. Sienna is determined to help the resistance any way she can no matter the cost to her own well being. The need to take down the cruel Vampire Queen Morgrid and her blood mad army once and for all is paramount. Nikolai has volunteered to accompany her as her guide and guardian in this perilous mission.
Unknown to Nikolai, Sienna has been erotically dreaming of Nikolai every night. Nikolai holds close his own secrets regarding Sienna. He’s hard pressed to resist her charms and the scent of her sweet blood. Will he be her protector or will she need protection from him?
Wow. Little Red Riding has grown up and the story has been reforged into a fiery hot tale of two individuals whose passions cannot be denied. Still my beating heart… Nikolai is a dark, brooding hero, alpha to the core, who knows what he wants and determined to prevail. He possesses a strong strength of will, but he cannot resist Sienna when she doesn’t hold back and lays her feelings bare. Seriously, the chemistry between these two is combustible. That said, I loved everything about this story: the steam, the heart-stopping action and their story!
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from The Red Lily:
“I want to tear these clothes off of you and taste every inch of your skin. I want to lick you between your thighs till you slide away into oblivion. I want to drive my cock inside you and mark you so deep that you know you are mine. I want to make you come so hard that you beg me to do it again. And again. And again.”
---
“Feeling your body beneath me was the closest to heaven that I shall ever come.” He spoke not in a whisper but on an intimate level, his voice rolling like the caress of dark velvet. “Your skin, your mouth, your body, your sweet, sweet moans, and your blood… I want them all. I want quite a bit more, actually. So you best prepare yourself, my lady. Since I’m already damned, I aim to have all of you. I want to see that look of ecstasy on your face over and over again when I’m buried deep inside you and you’re screaming my name.”
---
“Is it always like that?” she asked, almost too shy, but enjoying the intimacy that had grown between them in the dark.
“No.” He flatted his palm, fingers spread, over her abdomen under the covers. “It will be better next time.”
“Better?”
He laughed and lowered his head, sweeping his lips across hers.
Then he whispered, “Wait till you see what it feels like when I’m buried deep inside you.”
I have never read any books by this author until I discovered this series. I have obviously been missing out and can’t wait to check out even more of this author’s books soon. The books are masterfully-written with vivid imagery. If you thought you loved the first book in this series, wait until you dive into The Red Lily! Nikolai’s and Sienna’s story is stunning. Just a warning, there’s a few scenes that are devastatingly horrible to envision. I gasped, sobbed and swooned. But, all is righted in the end… just keep turning the pages. If you are a fan of paranormal fantasies featuring exciting supernatural figures and quests, I’d highly recommend that you check out Juliette Cross’ Vampire Blood series.
Suggested Reading Order:
Book #1 The Black Lily
Book #2 The Red Lily
Book #3 The White Lily
Book #4 The Emerald Lily – Series Finale! Coming Jan 29, 2018!
I really wanted to like this but I kept bouncing from like and bored. I’m not sure why authors keep trying to rewrite fairytales with their own spins. This would have been so much better if it was a completely original idea. The whole red cape thing and living in the woods with warnings from grandma grew old fast. She wanted the vampire but her grandmothers voice kept playing in her head. Some parts of the story were good but I found myself drifting off with the excess detail. It was too much in parts. While this didnt really appeal to me, I would recommend it to others. I know others will love it.
Bad vampire, turned good with predictable history. Young VIRGIN girl living in the woods alone, protected by her wolves. Story takes place with them both working together and walking across the country. There is ALOT of scene jumping and gaps in the plot. One minute your in a fighting scene the next they are in some tavern. One minute he is running super fast away from danger... the next he is watching her sleep on a friends couch. To me, I would have liked more explaintion on these things not using filler words by over describing everything.
If Nikolai is the Big Bad Wolf…
It’s very hard not to follow that line with something that doesn’t sound downright filthy… but let’s just say, he can do whatever he wants with those big teeth he has.
I became acquainted with Ms. Cross’ writing with the previous story in this series The Black Lily which totally blew me away, so I tried to calm my excitement when I got my hands on The Red Lily. I’m happy to say that it was as epic, just in a different way than I was expecting.
We met both Nikolai and Sienna during the start of the revolution against the Vampire Crown. Now that the Queen’s crazy plan is no longer top-secret the revolutionaries need as much support as they can get if they have any chance of winning against the Queen’s blood-lust-crazy vampires. For that, Nikolai being a vampire himself needs Sienna’s help to convince the oppressed humans to risk their lives for the cause.
That’s how they set out on a journey across the land, going from town to town seeking supporters and new members for the movement. Among danger and intrigue Nikolai and Sienna’s passion for each other grows too much to fight it… and things get really, really hot.
Sienna was a fantastic leading lady. She was selfless, nurturing, passionate and caring. There are some rough things that happen to her during the journey, and I really wanted her to be more kickass… but she makes up for that later on with flying colors.
Nikolai was a total alpha male with exceptional bossiness in the bedroom (sofa, table, wall-against, middle of the woods…you get my meaning) that totally worked for me. He had a tight control on his impulses, but luckily for all of us, Sienna made him lose it completely.
Now let me tell you, this story didn’t go near anything I was anticipating. Some parts were hard to read, but everything works out in the end. You can rest assured, there’s a HEA. With lots of suspense and intrigue, more action than you’d know what to do with and generous amounts of the big bad fanged-hunk giving it to little red riding hood, The Red Lily surpassed all my expectations and was an incredible read I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this incredible take on fairy tales turned paranormal awesomeness.
4.5 “I would totally wear a red cape for Nikolai” Stars
Little Red Riding Hood retold as the Red Lily in Juliette Cross’s series Vampire Blood. First off I will admit that I enjoyed book 1 more so than book 2. I had really high hopes and expectations for Nikolai and Sienna, from the anticipated build up. But true to Juliette’s style the story is full of paranormal, magic and romance. I look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
Either way the story is based on a resistance called the Black Lily. But with Queen Morgrid’s newly made bloodlusting Legionnaires crushing each sprout of resistance the Black Lily struggles to gain ground. A war is coming, it’s only a matter of time. The conflicts and confrontations are very well written. As is the overall continuation of world building. Uniquely her own, Juliette creates a vivid picture.
Nikolai and Sienna pushed each other’s buttons, both hiding secrets that threaten to change their futures. I appreciated that while Nikolia suffered a little from “I’m not good enough-itis” he snapped out of it before it repeated ad nauseam. He spent a significant amount of time hiding behind his unaffected vampire persona, however, not so long that it turned me off. The icing on the cake was the alternate POVs where I was able to get into both their heads and see the other for who they thought they were vs how they were perceived and perhaps most importantly, what they desired vs what they felt they deserved, the latter breaking my heart and the former giving me hope. I adore a tale of personal triumph and redemption and this one pays off in spades. If I had it my way, things would pick up a little sooner, there was a relaxed feel to the beginning that made the early part of the plot feel/read slower than the content should have allowed. Once things got started the pace gave way to rapt, page turning entertainment so I’m chalking the slow beginning to the initial “clank, clank, clank’ that one experiences when climbing that first top hill of a roller coaster you won’t forget. You know something big is going to happen, you know you are powerless to influence it, and you can’t wait for the first shoe to drop.
Mysterious and sensual paranormal romance with strong action and well developed emotional threads, The Red Lily is a sure bet for a satisfying summer read.
When I first read about the concept behind the first book in the Vampire Blood series, The Black Lilly, I was dubious. I mean really, a Cinderella theme with vampires?? But this author has never let me down, and it certainly didn’t happen this time. Fantastic world building, in-depth characterisations where you even come to care about secondary characters, and a well-developed plot. What more could you ask for?
Well, here comes book two, The Red Lilly, and hold onto your hats because the stakes are well and truly raised. The Red Lilly is a Little Red Riding Hood theme but both the ‘Huntsman’ and the wolves are nothing like you’ve seen before.
The Red Lilly starts a short time after the events of The Black Lilly and revolves around Sienna, a friend to Arabelle, and Nikolai, the vampire Prince Marius’ best friend. Sienna and Nikolai have chemistry. There’s no denying that, but the characterisation is done in such a way that they don’t dissolve in one amorphous personality as ‘the couple’ that can sometimes happen in books of this genre where character development takes a backseat to a complex plot and extensive world building. In this book Sienna and Nikolai are individuals, with their own strengths and weaknesses, and remain so throughout the story.
I won’t give away any of the plot – I hate spoilers; but I will say that The Red Lilly proves that this series is an evolving story. This chapter is so much darker, so much more intense than its predecessor. Because The Red Lilly doesn’t need the extensive world building/character introductions that had to happen in The Black Lilly, the story is deepening and maturing, but it’s a natural progression so you don’t suddenly feel like you’re reading a completely different series.
Having said that however, the humour is still there. It’s so much fun seeing Nikolai fall for the human, something he was never slow to tease Marius about – Karma has definitely come around to bite him on the butt!!
This book really is an emotional rollercoaster and the only hints I will give are to not take anything for granted, and to assume nothing!!
I can’t wait for book three!!
4.75 stars-- 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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While I enjoyed THE RED LILY, it just didn't quite live up to the first book in the series. Nikolai and Sienna are a wonderful couple and the chemistry between them is scorching, but the story just felt like it lacked a little something.
My main complaint was that there was a lot going on in this installment of the Vampire Blood series. There was a lot of development, and not everything was always explained. Since the relationship between Nikolai and Sienna took center stage (as it should in a paranormal romance), this sometimes meant that other events felt rushed or consolidated. Things which had enormous impacts on the story happened in fewer pages than a romantic scene between Nikolai and Sienna, basically, which had the effect of making the story feel a little rough. One minute we were happy for Nikolai and Sienna, and the next unhappy, and then happy, and... you get the idea. (I would go into more detail but I don't want to reveal any spoilers!)
Luckily, Nikolai and Sienna more than made up for the back and forth of my emotions. I loved Sienna so much as a character. She's compassionate and brave, and I liked the way she was doing what she could for the rebellion. As for Nikolai, he was at times a bit too protective (at least his thoughts were) but he was sweet with Sienna and romantic. They just fit together, and I really liked the development of their relationship.
Overall, THE RED LILY works as a romance if you can suspend some disbelief about what's going on around Sienna and Nikolai. All in all, I would have liked a little more plot, but I really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to see who the next book in the Vampire Blood series focuses on.
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.
I have no idea where to start with this other than to say it was amazing.
This book follows the Black Lily and I swear I didn't think I could like this as much as I do.
The book is inventive, full of surprises, romantic with such vivid details that I could picture it in my mind as if I were watching it live.
Sienna (red riding hood type character) and Nikolai have strong chemistry that they don't go through half the book denying. The story is a slow build with a magnetic pull.
There are villains, wolves and an evil queen.
Let's just say this is and Black Lily can be an addictive pleasure. I can't wait for the next book. The author has such and exuberant way of writing that I'm hooked.
A forest, a girl, and a secret. This modern twist to Little Red Riding Hood is spicy, adventurous and really clever. Don't miss this paranormal twist to a classic fairy tale.
I just had to open this one because I so enjoyed the first one in this series. It lost no time in accelerating my engines with the drama that continued. In this one it also centered more around Nikolai and Sienna hence where the red comes in. As they form a team the journey continues in the madness that has been going on. No skimping on danger in this along with heat that soars in temperature. This one will coil around you captivating you with the action that does occur. This author does know how to deliver giving you a top notch paranormal to sink your own teeth in.
Nikolai and Sienna have redefined the concepts of soulmates and whirlwind romances. With barely any interaction they still haunt each other's dreams.The Queen's plans for The Black Lily and their supporters may be nefarious and dangerous, but Nikolai is the most dangerous creature that Sienna has ever been around because he has absolute power over her heart and the same goes for Nikolai. No one else will ever do because Nikolai will never be the same without Sienna. Oooh and that awesome twist towards the end. Man, I can't wait to see what these two are going to get up to in future books.
What an exciting follow up to Juliette Cross’ The Black Lily! I really didn’t expect to like this one as much as the first but in my opinion it superseded it in all areas.
Sienna has lived in the Silvane forest for years with the hart wolves of which she cares for as they care for her in return. Nickolai has arrived to deliver instructions from the Black Lily that she is to leave the forest in an effort to recruit followers for their cause against the vampire queen who has unleashed a blood madness upon her soldiers.
As they travel beyond the forest, the attraction they hold for each other is given permission to grow. Nikolai is a strong, possessive, protective hero that will do anything to keep Sienna safe. She is a sweet heroine that must remain strong until she can return to her home deep in the forest. Together they set the pages of my Kindle on fire!
Majority of this book is about their travels, the horrors that they find as well as the troubles that arise from some of the queen’s guards. The last quarter held me in suspense as the whole world turns on a dime for these two. I swear there were times I found it hard to catch my breath. There were definitely tears involved at one point. You’ll have to read it to know exactly how awesome Ms. Cross’ storytelling ability is and to discover what magic she holds at her fingertips.
ARC provided for an honest review
Can be read as a standalone
Dual POV
Very little OW drama – a few paragraphs
The Red Lily (Vampire Blood, #2) by Juliette Cross
I enjoyed reading The Red Lily. I didn't realize this was the second book in the series when I began reading it, but it didn't matter this book can be read as a standalone.
This story is about a war being raised by an evil Queen, Queen Morgrid of The Glass Tower. A Vampire army in the making and a woman named Sienna dubbed The red Witch of the Wood. My favorite character is Lieutenant Nikolai, a very dashing Vampire. The story was exciting and the characters enjoyable. I would love to learn more about Arabelle and Prince Marius so I will have to go back and read book #1. The ending implies more, so I would also like to continue on to book #3.
I give The Red Lily 4 stars for its interesting plot and enjoyable characters.
I would recommend this book to fans of Paranormal Romance.