4 stars.
A delightful conclusion to the Vampire Blood Series....way to go Juliette Cross!!!
You must read all 4 books of this fantasy romance series in order as it is a progressive storyline...but what a sensual and steamy read...I truly loved the world-building here and I was so into these dark adventures.
This is an author that going forward I want to read a lot more of!!!

When Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir is awakened from her hellish sleep with a blood kiss from a handsome stranger, she learns that much has changed while she’s been away. The armies of the Black Lily and the vampire Crown have amassed and are on the brink of war.

No romantic entanglements, no family. Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard, took a vow when he joined the Bloodguard. But he never planned for the gut-punching attraction he would feel for the untouchable princess. He must keep his focus, though. In order to avenge his family, it’s essential he help Mina claim her crown and keep his damn hands off of her.

But Mina sets her heart on the elusive captain, and keeping his focus on the great battle ahead becomes harder and harder. While they're making plans, the evil King Dominik has been making some of his own. This time, he will show no mercy to the Princess.......

This was book four in the Vampire Blood series and really does need to be read in order.
I myself had only read book One and as such, I put off reading this one for a while. When I requested this I thought they were actually standalones and I definitely can vouch that you will get much more out of this if you read this series in order: there is also an underlying story interconnecting these books throughout though each tale does focus on a brand new couple.
This is the vampire take on Sleeping Beauty and involves Princess Mina and Mikhail.
Mikhail is the captain of the Bloodguard: he rescues the princess with a blood kiss awakening Mina from a bloodless sleep which she has been trapped and imprisoned in at her home of Briar Rose.
The bloodguard take a vow not to be entangled in family or relationships while serving and as such though Mikhail feels an instant attraction to Mina and she to him he resists all the way with the princess at least in the beginning making a lot of the moves here.
So this was told from dual Pov and was action-filled throughout.
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would and though in places I did have to play catch up as I hadn't read book two and three I grasped enough here to follow along and make sense.
I enjoyed this much more than the first book if I had to compare the two and the grand finale here for me was also a very fitting and fulfilling ending indeed.
In conclusion, this was an intriguing and imaginative take on a fantasy fairy tale.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Emerald Lily (Vampire Blood, #4).
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

the final installment in Juliette's Vampire blood series, the Emeral Lily takes a spin off the classic Sleeping Beauty fairytale. just let me start off by saying WOW - that was fan-freaking-tabulous! There are several twists and turns that will keep you on your toes! Overall, i feel this is one of Juliette's best books! So sad to see the Vammpire Blood series end, but grateful for the other world Juliette has reated in her other series - be sure to check them out!

***This review originally appeared with RT BOOK REVIEWS ***

The Vampire Blood series peaks in this fourth book, bringing the war of the Lilies versus Queen Morgrid to a dramatic conclusion. While this book may be read alone, it will spoil the earlier books in the series, so reading in order is a good idea. Cross has built a world of good and evil, blood and cruelty, and the mysterious power of love. Mikhail is a worthy hero: focused, disciplined, and dedicated to the higher good, but Mina steals the show. Her story is one of realizing and claiming feminine power, as Sleeping Beauty awakes in more than one sense of the word. Her clarity of character, her drive and purpose embody the word “regal,” and this queen *slays*. It’s tough to pull off a series climax, but _The Emerald Lily_ delivers the plot, the politics and edge-of-seat tension that this excellent paranormal romance series deserves. A number of scenes will recall the classic Sleeping Beauty of childhood, but Cross flips them and subverts them and makes them her own.

SUMMARY: Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir has defied the evil Queen Morgrid, and is sentenced to a torturous vampiric coma of nightmare and starvation for her trouble. Powerful friends arrange for her escape, but the only way out of the bloodless sleep is by the blood kiss. Captain Mikhail Romanov will do everything he must to save her, but the indelible bond that forms when he gives her that kiss wreaks havoc on his duty and his mission to take down Morgrid. The most powerful kind of love is never convenient, but nothing else is strong enough to prevail over the evil threatening their world.

This was an interesting read. The storyline was easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and story.

I had a great time reading The Emerald Lily. It may seem like a romance, but there is so much more to it. There is action, drama, magic, mystery, suspense and a few surprises as the tale unfolds. The characters were wonderful, and really grow and evolve as this story is being told. If you are a fans of vampires and want to read something different, then this is a book you will want to check out.

THE EMERALD LILY was the last book? How did I not realize that going in? We have read Juliette's take on Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White, but are you ready for Sleeping Beauty?

We were introduced to Vilhelmina in The Black Lily and knew that she became a prisoner of Queen Morgrid after the fact. THE EMERALD LILY is the story of her release, love story and her part in the Black Lily.

Mina and Mikhail's sexual attraction was instant. Mikhail awoke Mina with a kiss, how could it not be? W find out a lot about both characters throughout the book and it really did read like they were meant to be together. I can't say I was surprised by Mina's forwardness towards Mikhail, but with all she has been through it made sense that she would go for what she wanted instead of sitting by and letting things pass her by.

It was great to see all the characters together in the final book. The final revelations and battle kinda took me by surprise. The ending circumstances were a nice twist.

Although I totally missed the fact that THE EMERALD LILY was the last of the Vampire Blood series, I was very happy with the way it wrapped everything up. Book one, THE BLACK LILY, was by far my favorite of the series, but THE EMERALD LILY came in second and made me happy that I stuck with the story and saw the series to the end.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Published 2/26/2018:

Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, “Princess. If you can hear me, listen well. I must awaken you from this deep slumber. Pardon the intimacy and have no fear. I mean you no harm.”

The Emerald Lily is the utterly awesome action-packed, heart-pounding conclusion to Juliette Cross’ Vampire Blood series. The entire series is magical and pits epic romances and dominion in an epic battle of good versus evil. Every installment in this wonderful series is a sensual paranormal fractured retelling of a popular fairy tale. The resulting new versions are no longer tales for children. As a recap, The Black Lily retold Cinderella. The Red Lily was the author’s parody of Little Red Riding Hood complete with wolves. The White Lily recounted Snow White. Now, The Emerald Lily features a revised Sleeping Beauty. LOL! Who knew that vampires and favorite childhood fairy tales would mix so jaw-droppingly well?

I can’t decide which cover in this series that I love more. Each has been breathtaking.

I’ve read this series out of order and can attest that each of the books works well as a standalone, if that is your preference. The story evolves chronologically if the series is read in order. You are going to want to read them all so, if you’re just starting the series, I’d elect to read them in order, if possible.

This is the tale of Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir and Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard. Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir was cursed by an evil vampire queen at birth because her father would not acquiesce to promising her to be the bride of the evil queen’s son. Thanks to an old woman with the power to do so, the curse was twisted into a prophecy of hope. Evil has taken over the land and the small band of Black Lily resistance who stand in opposition to the heinous vampire hierocracy has grown into a formidable rebel force.

As the Emerald Lily opens, we find the Bloodguard – an independent army aligned with the Black Lily resistance - preparing to storm the castle where the Princess was being held in a cruel bloodless sleep by the queen. The Captain has taken on the task of wakening the Princess from her slumber. The Captain has forsworn any entanglements as his vow to avenge the wrongs done to his family is paramount. Little does he know that his kiss will ignite the prophecy and start the assault on the impregnable fortress he’s erected around his heart.

I am hard-pressed to decide which of the books in this series that I love the most as each one has stolen my heart. The Princess and the Captain are fabulous characters joining the wonderful ones that have preceded them. I am in awe of how the Princess develops into a surprising stronger persona and of how the honorable Captain’s heart didn’t stand a chance after that one kiss. In addition, all the previous characters we’ve grown to love and to hate play supporting roles in this marvelously well-plotted tale.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from The Emerald Lily:

She swallowed hard, her voice broken. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“Disappoint me?” She didn’t understand. “What I didn’t expect was you.” He gestured with a hand. “This beautiful, sensual creature who begs me to kiss her and who looks at me like I’m the only man on Earth. The only man who matters. It’s like I’m being pulled straight to hell… and for you?” He shook his head, unable to shut his mouth. “I would gladly burn for all eternity.”
---

“I want you so much, I feel like if I don’t make you mine soon, then some part of me will break away and disappear into the unknown. Then another will break away and another, until there’s nothing left of me at all but a hollow void. A shell of a man.”
---

“You undo me, woman,” he breathed.
“You make me whole,” she whispered.

I was so looking forward to this finale and happily wasn’t disappointed - not one teensy bit. Juliette has done an amazing job with each of these books reframing childhood fairytale favorites into grown-up nail-biting, enchanting, steamy, breath-taking romances. The Emerald Lily is a beautiful story on its own – but, in this series, it’s also the perfect wrap-up - tying up all the loose ends with a magnificent bow. My one complaint is that I’m sad that it’s all come to an end. I highly recommend this entire series to anyone who enjoys fun, exciting and passionate paranormal fantasy romances!



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!

My god, that was epic! The relationships, the lust, the drama, the battle, and camaraderie. So much epicosity I don't even know where or how to begin. You simply must read this awesomeness.

What a fantastic ending for the Vampire Blood series. Simply loved it. No drama or plot twists. I really liked the romance between Mikhail and Mina. Well-developed plot and characters makes this book one of the best of the series. Loved it.

Who doesn’t enjoy a well-written and unique paranormal retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairytale? Me? Oh heck, nooooo...let me dish it to you straight right now...

Ms. Cross has put together a wonderful adventure with a twist that will pull you into the fantastic world she has created; like all the previous stories in her series, The Emerald Lily leaps off the pages and comes to life before our very eyes.

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

#ijustcant #notenoughwords #oooohnoshedidnt

The Emerald Lily is the thrilling conclusion to the Vampire Blood series and it was everything a series-ender should be. Plot twists and shocking reveals kept the story moving, making this a fast read that fully engaged and entertained from cover to cover. Right away I’ll tell you that this isn’t really a stand alone experience. This novel is the culmination of intricately connected events and character development that you cheat yourself out of if you read alone, if starting from book one is too daunting (it isn’t!) I would definitely recommend reading book 3, the White Lily as it lays a solid foundation and references the previous novels nicely. The best news? This series is so fun, reading them is a breeze.

The Emerald Lily by Juliette Cross is an amazing ending to the Vampire Blood Series.

The Emerald Lily is Vilhelmina and Mikhail’s story. From previous books, we know Mina is a princess and rightful queen to her kingdom. After refusing to marry Marius in The Black Lily, she is put into a bloodless sleep, a form of torture that keeps her conscious but locked in a lifeless body starved of blood. Mikhail is sent to rescue her, and as the famous line goes, ‘and so it begins...’

We know Mikhail is the leader of the Blood Guard, a group of mercenary vampire soldiers who work for the highest bidder, or are they? Is Mikhail just an amazing general and leader, or something more? I guess you’ll find out!

My favourite of the male leads throughout the series is The White Lily’s Friedrich, he will always be numero uno to me, but there is something about Mikhail. He is all broody masculinity, honour, and passion. A very heady mix and Mina is an intelligent woman not to let him get away, no matter how hard he tries!

Throughout the series, I’ve always wondered just how the Black Lily Revolution was going to win against such amazing odds. After all, The Black Lily is composed primarily of humans, with a few vampires and Hart wolves, against an army comprised of vampires super charged with a disease that makes them almost mindless, certainly psychopathic, killers. I’m the first to admit my predictive skills are lacking, unless it’s very obvious, I often do not see the solution until it shows itself (not that I mind, I quite like being surprised!) but I didn’t even think for a second about the possibility of what happens,until just before it did. Looking back there were hints, I just didn’t pick up on them, but for me anyway, it was just out of nowhere, and I loved it!

The Vampire Blood Series has gone from strength to strength with each book building a cohesive storyline that climaxes in The Emerald Lilly. A storyline that keeps you captivated until the very last page.

Rescuing Princess Vilhemina Dragomir is a piece of cake for the Bloodguard; a group of vampire assassins that will do everything in their power to make sure the Evil Vampire Queen, Morghid, and her son Dominik are stopped before they destroy all of humanity. However, Mikhail Romanov, the captain of the guard, never imagined a simple kiss to awaken the princess would have him craving her, especially when distractions could prove costly. Will he take a chance on a future with the princess, or will he walk away because duty means everything to him?

What a wonderfully-crafted and captivating read Ms. Cross has delivered in this fourth book of her Vampire Blood series where the battle between good versus evil proves costly; the fast-paced plot was a wonderful combination of paranormal elements, compelling dialogue and difficult obstacles the hero and heroine had to face on their journey to happy ever after; and the romance was full of exquisite heat and passion that did justice to their off-the-charts chemistry.

The way this story started drew me into the story immediately, as Mikhail and the other Bloodguards are on a dangerous mission; a mission that needs to be successful if they have any chance of coming out on top against Evil Queen Morgrid and King Dominik. Will the men be all right? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story that had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether Mikhail would give into the intense chemistry he shares with the heroine or whether he'll be able to keep his distance because he has a very important job to do.

Both the main characters were incredible, and I loved that the heroine didn't deny their chemistry and that she pushed the hero to see that they could have something good together, if he's willing to take a chance. I also liked how resilient and courageous the heroine was and that she was willing to fight for her rightful place of Arkadia. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she didn't give up when things turn dangerous, because she knew Mikhail and others wouldn't let her down and would fight until the end -- win or lose. While the hero, he's determined to put duty before pleasure, even though the heroine is so tempting to him, especially after what he does that helps the princess. I also liked how close he and the others that make up the Bloodguard are, because when tough decisions need to be made, it was good that he chose those that he considers family over vengeance when things get dangerous for the good guys. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is how determined he was to keep the heroine safe, even though there are no guarantees, considering how powerful the Queen and King are.

Overall, Ms. Cross has delivered an exceptional read in this book where the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat because of the danger the hero and heroine as well as the secondary characters that are battling on the side of good face, but had me loving how determined each and every one of the characters are to come out on top against the bad guys. I also loved how things worked out for the hero and heroine, as they're good together and so deserve their happy ever after. I would recommend The Emerald Lily by Juliette Cross, if you enjoy paranormal romance or books by authors Nalini Singh, Keri Arthur, Chloe Neill and Larissa Ione.

It started out slow for me, but when something sparked between Mina and Mikhail, it quickly turned around. It was a slow build to one of the many peaks to come in the war, but it was filled with reunions of old faces from the previous installments and updates on their lives, and their preparations with the alliances. And then there was Mikhail's struggles with staying away to keep his oaths, and Mina's growth. She was a quiet presence for me but the more we advanced, the more I saw her own her title and right as queen.

The writing was pretty good. There were a few times when Mikhail's indecision to just go for it got a bit wary for me, but the second half of the book absolutely blew all my negative thoughts away. I was fully engaged, loving the action and suspense, and it's strengthened my interest in what will happen next. It's a recommend if you've read the series and love vampires and fantasy worlds.

While Mina and Mikhail are not my favorite couple of the Vampire Blood series, THE EMERALD LILY is nonetheless a passionate tale of romance with two strong-willed and lovable characters to root for. As the war between the evil vampire queen and those opposed to her comes to a climax around them, you can't help but want the two of them to be able to find peace and love with each other.

By virtue of this being the end of the series, a lot was happening in THE EMERALD LILY but that didn't detract from the romance between Mina and Mikhail. I've been interested in Mikhail's story since THE WHITE LILY and there is more to him than meets the eye, so finding out his backstory was interesting. Mina is both sweet and strong in the perfect combination of the two characteristics. She's a good match for Mikhail, willing to accept him for who he is. Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved the scenes with the two of them.

My main complaint is that I'm a little exhausted of stories where the threat of rape is the bad thing that is going to happen. King Dominik was clearly evil. I'm not sure that it was necessary to add in the imminent possibility of sexual assault to make him seem even more evil. But that could just be me and my tastes at the moment, so take it with a grain of salt. To be fair, it wasn't completely gratuitous, it definitely had a point in the plot of the evil queen.

Going into THE EMERALD LILY, I was not aware that it is the conclusion to the Vampire Blood series. By the end of the book it's quite clear that this is the end of the series, and I can't help but be a bit disappointed. I've enjoyed this series immensely, and I wish there were going to be further installments so we could see the happily ever afters of other characters - I was really rooting for one for Grant, at least!

All in all, the Vampire Blood series is a fun spin on fairytale retellings and vampires, with evil queens, fair maidens and strong vampire men. I do recommend reading the books in order though, as the plot does build through all four books, with THE EMERALD LILY the clear climax. And now that it's finished, there's no wait in between installments!

I’ve admired the covers of books in this series but I’m kind of over the whole vampire as hero trope. Too much, too quickly I guess. But I was entranced by the cover and intrigued enough by the blurb to request this book.

Am I glad I did! This was a bodice-ripping, fang-dripping rollercoaster of a novel complete with princesses, evil witches, cute moppets, secret rebellions and shifters.

Loosely based on Sleeping Beauty (and maybe Snow White), the vampire Princess Mina is locked into a perpetual sleep caused by blood deprivation, punishment for refusing to sleep with the evil Queen Morgrid’s despicable son Dominik.

She is awakened by the blood kiss of Captain Mikhail Romanov, leader of the Black Lily, a group of noble vampires united against Morgrid’s reign of terror.

It’s fast-paced, there’s the obligatory “mine” and lots of fangs and I loved it. Although it is not the first book in the series it can easily be read as a stand-alone as I did.

I received free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I can’t believe this is my first story of the series. It was 5 star wonderful! I love a good vampire story and this one is terrific. Beautifully written exciting mystical story with fabulous sexy characters. Worth the read.

4.75 stars--THE EMERALD LILY is the fourth and final instalment in Juliette Cross’s adult VAMPIRE BLOOD paranormal /fantasy, romance series. This is Princess Vilhelmina ‘Mina’ Dragomir, and Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the BloodGuard’s story line. THE EMERALD LILY can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: 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. As Prince Dominick and his mother, Queen Morgrid of Izeling continue their evil reign, The Black Lily begin to amass an army as they venture towards war and a final showdown against the current ruling vampire family-a family of murderous, power hungry vampires who are determined to destroy and control all of the humans.


WARNING: THE EMERALD LILY contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual situations that may be triggers for some more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mina and Mikhail) THE EMERALD LILY is the culmination of four story lines and a plan set into motion to take back the throne, and bestow it to the rightful heir. With Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir forced into the bloodless sleep of a starving vampire, the Bloodguard mount a rescue of the rightful heir to the Arkadian Kingdom, of Briar Rose. Enter Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard-an army of vampire warriors who have sworn fealty to the rightful heir- and the man with whom Mina will fall in love. What ensues is the back and forth, yin and yang of unrequited attraction, and the fall out when Mina is recaptured by the Prince, facing a future without the man that she loves.

Mikhail has sworn an oath as Captain of the Bloodguard, and in doing so forsakes all manner of family and a happily ever after but rescuing Mina Dragomir stirs something deep within our story line hero, something that calls to his hardened heart. Mikhail has a secret, that once revealed, may change the course of history including the rightful ascension to the vampire throne.

The relationship between Mina and Mikhail is one of immediate attraction; a visceral reaction that Mina wants to explore but Mikhail refuses to acknowledge or accept. His duty is to the Bloodguard, and all that it means, and with the approaching war, falling in love is a weakness our hero never would have imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Like all of the previous story lines in the Vampire Blood series, THE EMERALD LILY touches on and is loosely based upon a fairy tale, and in the case of The Emerald Lily the retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty, the evil queen, a kiss to awaken, and the fiery conclusion befitting a powerful reclamation of power and the throne.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples; Brennalyn’s seven orphaned children; and an assortment of Bloodguard warriors who have vowed to protect Mina with their lives. The requisite evil has many faces including Prince Dominck, and his mother, the self-proclaimed Queen Morgrid.

THE EMERALD LILY is a story of betrayal and revenge; of family and blood; of passion and promise. The premise is action packed, complex and imaginative; the characters are dynamic, colorful, and charismatic; the romance is consuming, inspiring and dramatic. THE EMERALD LILY is a stunning conclusion to an incredible series that adds a twist or two to our favourite fairy tales.

Copy supplied for review


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Princess Vilhemina Dragomir has been in a bloodless sleep for months and it’s up to a group of elite mercenaries from the Bloodguard to rescue her from her imprisonment.
Captain Mikhail Romanov is the one commended to awake the Arkadian Princess and bring her to the safety of Silvane Forest and the protection of the Black Lily and its allies.
After sharing the blood kiss that awaken her, Mina and Mikhail will have to battle the intense attraction to each other. Her beast has been awakened and she finds herself a completely different person from the sweet and obedient princess of yore while he has to decide between his vow to the Guard and his desire for justice and vengeance or to give into the attraction to the forbidden princess.
This book was the perfect conclusion of the saga of the Black Lily. Everything falls in place perfectly and it’s a great take on the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Mina and Mikhail make a great couple and their passion and intensity is par to none. I loved the twists in the story, the prophecy and the final battle was epic.
When I read the first book I was not sure what to expect because in all honesty, I’m not into vampires and shapeshifters, but this series was a great surprise and I love the spin the author gave the classic tales to achieve these romantic, adventurous and sexy stories.