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Vampire Blood #4
The Emerald Lily
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…
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…
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2018
32 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Juliette Cross
50 books4,815 followersFor upcoming news and releases, sign-up here: http://eepurl.com/XeKIn
JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.
Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...
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JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.
Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...
Follow JULIETTE on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/juliettecros...
Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross
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January 27, 2018
“Beautiful things can often be the most deadly.”
The Emerald Lily is the fourth and final book in the Vampire Blood series by Juliette Cross. I have been a fan of Juliette’s work from the very first book. This series has captivated me from the start as I followed this band of rebels through each story in their quest for freedom and equality. In the first book The Black Lily was but an unorganized spread out bunch who wanted to free the humans from their lives of servitude to the vampire hierarchy. Now, by the final book they are organized, stronger and ready for war.
I have to mention that the prologue in each one of these books stole my breath away. This book centers on Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir, known as Mina. Mina was first betrothed to Marius in the first book but she freed Marius to marry his love, Arabelle. Now, against her wishes, the evil queen has decreed that Mina will marry her other son, the evil King Dominik. Mina had been kidnapped by the Queen’s army and imprisoned in a tower in her own kingdom where she was starved and forced into a bloodless sleep. When the Black Lily heard of this travesty, they planned her rescue. They would not allow Mina to be held in the clutches of the Queen and her son.
Even the strongest of vampires cannot withstand the torture of the bloodless sleep. But in Mina’s dreams, she saw a dark prince that would awaken her with a blood kiss that would save her. So she was not afraid when such a man spoke softly in her ear and told her not to be afraid, that he was there to save her, and kissed her, feeding her his own blood to awaken her.
Mikhail Romanov is the Captain of the Bloodguard, an independent army of a sort of mercenaries that are currently aligned with the Black Lily. It is Mikhail that led his most elite to rescue the princess and who himself climbed the tower and kissed her. Any member of the bloodguard has vowed not to allow himself in any committed relationship or marriage. Any such distraction could mean death to himself or any of his brothers in battle. But one kiss is all it took for Mikhail to fall. It felt like fate that he be the one that woke Mina.
Mina had always been the perfect, complacent princess. But when she was awakened, something else within her awoken as well. Her beast. And her beast wanted Mikhail.
“Time to put the sweet princess to sleep for good and let the passionate woman take the lead.
She knew he included himself among the dangers that threatened her. What he hadn’t quite come to understand was that for once in her life, she yearned for a taste of danger.”
This book was the perfect wrap up to this series. All of our beloved characters have come together for the final confrontation. Both Mina and Mikhail struggle with what is expected of them, and what they want which is each other. Their duty versus the passion building between them. This book is sexy and intense, beautiful and horrible, all at once. There are lives saved, and lives lost.
This series needs to be read in order. Each book centers on a different couple but the story thread runs throughout. So if you haven’t already, start with book one and meet The Black Lily. You will fall under their spell just as I did. I think this series is a work of art. I can’t wait to see what Juliette Cross is going to do next!
“We are the Bloodguard. Noble by birth, brothers by choice. We smite the evil ones. We avenge the innocents. We right all wrongs. We are the cold blade in the dark night. We give our swords, our bodies, our strength, and our blood. We bleed as one. We die as one”
September 30, 2019
Once again Juliette cross has written a sensual and steamy read that had me feeling all kinds of yummy things!! I knew Mikhail and Mina story who be a scorcher and it was!!! It started with him awakening her from the death sleep with a blood kiss and their was no going back for either of them.This is the fourth book in the vampire blood series and I've loved them all but this book was outstanding!!! Juliette cross is a fabulous storyteller who's writing is flawless and who's characters are all intriguing and mikhail captain of the blood guard is swoon worthy! With all the things that turn me on. He's strong a born leader,loyal to all those under his care and to all those around him he seems in complete control until..... Mina she is not some weak indulged princess,she is a born vampire queen and when mikhail awakens her not only does he bring her back to life but he awakens her body and heart as well. The chemistry between these two is hot!!! And seeing the always in control mikhail let go was awesome. He is a true predator and very sexually dominant which is so sexy!!! This series is about vampires,but more then that it's about sex,passion and forever love. So get ready to read some hot paranormal romance,because it's gonna be damp panties hot!! Until next time luv's💖💋
January 1, 2018
The Emerald Lily is going down as one of my first favourites to come out of 2018. It’s always slightly bittersweet reaching the end of a series you’ve loved, especially when the author has done such a wonderful job of transporting you into the very heart of their characters world. But when you’re treated to a finale where you know the proverbial will seriously hit the fan and which brings everything and everyone together, plus has an epilogue that simply is the jewel in the crown, you can’t complain.
I believe it’s time to go to hell, gentlemen.”
As has been the theme throughout, the fourth and final book in the Vampire Blood series holds a fairytale feel and belongs to Princess Vilhelmina and the man/vampire set to wake her from her forced slumber, Mikhail Romanov.
Captain of the Bloodguard, slayer of rogues, leader of mercenaries, hardened, battle-ready warrior was afraid…of love.”
With his priority being Mina’s safety, Mikhail has to remain focussed and on guard. But, with their attraction to one another sparked from that first kiss, it’s one battle he’s set to lose and together he and Mina create that enticing, yummy, push/pull dynamic that promises to deliver on feeling and passion.
Without divulging anymore as this is a read to experience for yourself, what I can safely say is Juliette Cross has created a paranormal world filled with characters to fall in love with and others to despise, along with build-up, unexpected twists, heat, passion and vivid, visual battle scenes which will leave you holding your breath, yelling and cheering, all whilst clawing at the pages to discover what will happen next. If you’re looking for a series to sink your teeth into, then I can’t recommend this highly enough.
…you woke me up. In so many ways.”
Copy received courtesy of the author and Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I believe it’s time to go to hell, gentlemen.”
As has been the theme throughout, the fourth and final book in the Vampire Blood series holds a fairytale feel and belongs to Princess Vilhelmina and the man/vampire set to wake her from her forced slumber, Mikhail Romanov.
Captain of the Bloodguard, slayer of rogues, leader of mercenaries, hardened, battle-ready warrior was afraid…of love.”
With his priority being Mina’s safety, Mikhail has to remain focussed and on guard. But, with their attraction to one another sparked from that first kiss, it’s one battle he’s set to lose and together he and Mina create that enticing, yummy, push/pull dynamic that promises to deliver on feeling and passion.
Without divulging anymore as this is a read to experience for yourself, what I can safely say is Juliette Cross has created a paranormal world filled with characters to fall in love with and others to despise, along with build-up, unexpected twists, heat, passion and vivid, visual battle scenes which will leave you holding your breath, yelling and cheering, all whilst clawing at the pages to discover what will happen next. If you’re looking for a series to sink your teeth into, then I can’t recommend this highly enough.
…you woke me up. In so many ways.”
Copy received courtesy of the author and Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 29, 2018
5 - "Beautiful things can often be the most deadly... Stars!
The fourth book in Juliette Cross’ hugely enjoyable Vampire Blood series brings us to the climax of the battle between good and evil.
ITs LIVE!
Amazon: https://goo.gl/PocCse
B&N: https://goo.gl/u5MaAG
Kobo: https://goo.gl/RrELaV
iBooks: https://goo.gl/DQTPjK
I have a huge fondness for this series, it started my love affair with the words and books of this author, you need to have read the previous books in the series to get the full impact of what happens in The Emerald Lily but if like me you are an ardent fan of the series you will know exactly who is who and what has gone down in the previous instalments.
"Perhaps I was born to be a warrior, not a princess…"
Princess Vilhelmina came to the fore in book one as the potential wife of Vampire Prince Marius, we all know how that worked out, but her circumstances after that have been somewhat left in the background, the author brings her front and centre in this one, and pairs her up with the delicious Captain of the Bloodguard; Mikhail Romanov, it’s safe to say there is more than meets the eye with both of these characters.
A man of duty and honor simply didn’t topple his moral code to seduce royal virgins… It seemed she had her work cut out for her. Time to put the sweet princess to sleep for good and let the passionate woman take the lead.
So much happens in this book, and absolutely everyone is involved in things playing out. I don’t want to go too much into the story because the threat of inadvertently posting a spoiler in error is huge. Just know that if you have read the previous books you are going to get an edge of your seat ending, lots of unexpected surprises and plenty of tension, chemistry and sexy times to keep things moving along until the climactic finish.
"Why are you holding me...?"
"Because you need holding. And I need to be the one to do it."
2017 was the year of the Cross for me, Juliette Cross that is, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers in 2018.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The fourth book in Juliette Cross’ hugely enjoyable Vampire Blood series brings us to the climax of the battle between good and evil.
ITs LIVE!
Amazon: https://goo.gl/PocCse
B&N: https://goo.gl/u5MaAG
Kobo: https://goo.gl/RrELaV
iBooks: https://goo.gl/DQTPjK
I have a huge fondness for this series, it started my love affair with the words and books of this author, you need to have read the previous books in the series to get the full impact of what happens in The Emerald Lily but if like me you are an ardent fan of the series you will know exactly who is who and what has gone down in the previous instalments.
"Perhaps I was born to be a warrior, not a princess…"
Princess Vilhelmina came to the fore in book one as the potential wife of Vampire Prince Marius, we all know how that worked out, but her circumstances after that have been somewhat left in the background, the author brings her front and centre in this one, and pairs her up with the delicious Captain of the Bloodguard; Mikhail Romanov, it’s safe to say there is more than meets the eye with both of these characters.
A man of duty and honor simply didn’t topple his moral code to seduce royal virgins… It seemed she had her work cut out for her. Time to put the sweet princess to sleep for good and let the passionate woman take the lead.
So much happens in this book, and absolutely everyone is involved in things playing out. I don’t want to go too much into the story because the threat of inadvertently posting a spoiler in error is huge. Just know that if you have read the previous books you are going to get an edge of your seat ending, lots of unexpected surprises and plenty of tension, chemistry and sexy times to keep things moving along until the climactic finish.
"Why are you holding me...?"
"Because you need holding. And I need to be the one to do it."
2017 was the year of the Cross for me, Juliette Cross that is, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers in 2018.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 3, 2018
Oh book series, you let me down!
Yep, the last book and, instead of ending on a high note, it acted like that person on your group project that acts like they are totally doing their part and then shows up on presentation day with a wrinkled cocktail napkin and a pencil drawing of a flux capacitor. You know - That Guy.
One guy doesn't show up that day, one forgot all about it, one "ran out of printer ink", and then there's napkin guy. *sigh*
So, this book is where we finally get the vampire war we've been waiting for, and yes, there is a satisfying amount of bloodshed. But, it didn't make up for the fact that our heroine of this book, and the biggest hero of the day, is a girl I hated with the burning rage of a thousand suns.
Mina is like vampire Sleeping Beauty and has been in a blood-coma for months now. She was actually in the very first book as the hero's original betrothed and was as boring as hell in that one. Now, she's awoken by a guard from the last book, Mikhail. He's in some elite vampire squad that vows not to get involved with the chicks. He's a bro.
But, Mina decides that she is all warm for his form, and continually throws herself at him, even though he continually says that he doesn't want to get involved. It was so bad how she acted that I got that secondhand embarrassment for her. You know that feeling when a movie character is acting so stupid that you are literally uncomfortable? I was like this with this chick.
Yes, it was this bad.
She is constantly begging him to kiss her, touch her, etc.. I wanted to slap her and tell her to get some fucking self-respect!
You are thinking that this guy, Mihail, must be a total charmer: handsome, funny, intelligent, lovable - so special that you might be willing to be a little bit of a dork for him, right?
Wrong.
He's described as not-quite handsome, he's never said a funny or amusing thing in any of the books he's appeared in, his intelligence is questionable since he continually misses signs that something is amiss, and he's gruff and assholish when he's being "sexy". She's a virgin, but he does all of this idiotic 50 Shades shit during sexy-times. I must have rolled my eyes and said "Oh brother!" 50 times while reading it.
Mina was a pro at acting like a pathetic loser.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I was actively rooting for the evil guy by the end of the book. But, damn, in fairy tales there is always a "happy" ending.
Yeah, it was this bad.
January 30, 2018
The Black Lily ★★★★
The Red Lily ★★★★
The White Lily ★★★★
The Emerald Lily is the final book in Juliette Cross’s Vampire/fairytale mash up.
Now we have come to one of my favorite fairytales Sleeping Beauty and the retelling of this is just as original and empowering of women as it’s predecessors. Each heroine is different and plays off her strengths. The Black Lily is a deadly fighter, the Red Lily mastered her magic, the White Lily proved a woman with a mind and a pen can be invaluable to a revolution and now the Emerald Lily proves that the right leader and Queen can unite kingdoms and destroy all the evil in this world.
Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir (Mina( has been a side character in some way in all of the prior Vampire Blood books. She was at first a pawn to be married to the hero of The Black Lily. Later she has been held prisoner and the Evil Queen has put her in a bloodless sleep to hold her captive. The Queen has plans for Mina and the first child born to her and none of them are good.
Finally in The Emerald Lily someone has been sent to save her from the terrible fate that awaits in the Queen’s clutches. Mikhail Romanov is the epitome of everything a Knight in Shining Armor should be. He chose long ago to become one the Bloodguard, men who give up family and country ties to fight against the injustices they find in the world. He is even captain of the Bloodguard and is sent to rescue Mina, but to wake her from the Bloodless sleep he must first give her a bloodkiss to bring her out of the nightmare she has been suffering from for some time.
Mina might break him. Our good Captain never wanted to fall in love it will undermine all of the reasons he became Captain of the Bloodguard. But Mina calls to him in a primal way and it seems like fate that fickle bitch has other things planned for Mikhail.
I like Mina, she has been a prim and perfect princess but now it is time to step up and be the Queen her kingdom needs and that means it is time to stop playing nice and finally take the Kingdom that is rightfully her back. The resistance needs her help if there will be any chance against the evil Queen.
This was a great wrap up to the overall arc against the evil Queen and her equally vile son. I really enjoyed the secrets to Mikhail’s past and how it seemed to fitting that he would find Mina in this world because she is perfect for him. I liked the endings that all of the couples from the prior books got and how they all fit together in the end of The Emerald Lily. This has been a fun series. There are some great sexy times, moments that leave you on the edge of your seat and a few tears were shed but I’m glad of where it all ended up here at the finish line.
Thank you to Netgalley and Juliette Cross for an Arc of this book
The Red Lily ★★★★
The White Lily ★★★★
The Emerald Lily is the final book in Juliette Cross’s Vampire/fairytale mash up.
“You will grow even more beautiful and fair, yet you will walk in a waking slumber. When you are a woman, the dark queen will curse you with a living death.”
[…]
“But one day, darling girl, a prince will awaken your heart with a blood kiss. Not long after, you will drink fire into your soul and awaken the beast of vengeance and righteousness. And courage and hope.”
Now we have come to one of my favorite fairytales Sleeping Beauty and the retelling of this is just as original and empowering of women as it’s predecessors. Each heroine is different and plays off her strengths. The Black Lily is a deadly fighter, the Red Lily mastered her magic, the White Lily proved a woman with a mind and a pen can be invaluable to a revolution and now the Emerald Lily proves that the right leader and Queen can unite kingdoms and destroy all the evil in this world.
Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir (Mina( has been a side character in some way in all of the prior Vampire Blood books. She was at first a pawn to be married to the hero of The Black Lily. Later she has been held prisoner and the Evil Queen has put her in a bloodless sleep to hold her captive. The Queen has plans for Mina and the first child born to her and none of them are good.
Finally in The Emerald Lily someone has been sent to save her from the terrible fate that awaits in the Queen’s clutches. Mikhail Romanov is the epitome of everything a Knight in Shining Armor should be. He chose long ago to become one the Bloodguard, men who give up family and country ties to fight against the injustices they find in the world. He is even captain of the Bloodguard and is sent to rescue Mina, but to wake her from the Bloodless sleep he must first give her a bloodkiss to bring her out of the nightmare she has been suffering from for some time.
Mina might break him. Our good Captain never wanted to fall in love it will undermine all of the reasons he became Captain of the Bloodguard. But Mina calls to him in a primal way and it seems like fate that fickle bitch has other things planned for Mikhail.
“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.”
I like Mina, she has been a prim and perfect princess but now it is time to step up and be the Queen her kingdom needs and that means it is time to stop playing nice and finally take the Kingdom that is rightfully her back. The resistance needs her help if there will be any chance against the evil Queen.
This was a great wrap up to the overall arc against the evil Queen and her equally vile son. I really enjoyed the secrets to Mikhail’s past and how it seemed to fitting that he would find Mina in this world because she is perfect for him. I liked the endings that all of the couples from the prior books got and how they all fit together in the end of The Emerald Lily. This has been a fun series. There are some great sexy times, moments that leave you on the edge of your seat and a few tears were shed but I’m glad of where it all ended up here at the finish line.
Thank you to Netgalley and Juliette Cross for an Arc of this book
January 30, 2018
Holy Wow! This was an amazing ending to Juliette Cross’ Vampire Blood series!!!
Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir is lost in a bloodless sleep. During her time spent locked away in tortured slumber, war rages across the land. And then the most amazing thing happens. A kiss. More specifically, a blood kiss.
Mikhail Romanov has vowed his life and service to his brothers. At the root of his vow is the burning need to exact vengeance. The next step in doing that is to rescue the princess. But at what cost?
Oh my gawd, I loved this couple!! Mina was always the dutiful perfect little princess, preparing to stand beside the man who would one day be king.
When Mikhail awakens her body, her soul also begins to stir and she realizes that there is more to her than what she has been taught. Bit by bit she grows stronger as she reaches for what she wants with Mikhail as well as what her and her country require to be free from evil. Her growth was one of the highlights of this story and I literally cheered when she embraced everything that she was.
Mikhail is drawn to Mina. He felt it the moment he first laid eyes on her. He tasted it when he awoke her with his kiss. Unfortunately, a wife and family are not permitted in his life and he struggles to keep his distance from her. But this is Juliette Cross so that effort isn’t going to hold out for long. I loved how protective he was over her even while he battled with his own feelings. And the comradery he had with his brothers in arms was entertaining as well as gut wrenching at times.
This book is so full of twists and turns, excitement and action, and romance. It’s a fast paced, well written read that never gets bogged down or overwhelmed with unnecessary details or introspection. The action was realistic causing my heart to race and my breath to catch. (I’m not even going to talk about what happened to my fingernails!)
A friend recommended the Black Lily when it was released (thank you Deborah!) and I timidly tried it. It’s safe to say I loved it and each book afterward. It’s a sad day that this series is ending but I can’t wait to see what this author is going to offer us next.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing but one in which I am purchasing myself.
Dual POV
Safety
Possible Trigger
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Lily-V...
Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir is lost in a bloodless sleep. During her time spent locked away in tortured slumber, war rages across the land. And then the most amazing thing happens. A kiss. More specifically, a blood kiss.
Mikhail Romanov has vowed his life and service to his brothers. At the root of his vow is the burning need to exact vengeance. The next step in doing that is to rescue the princess. But at what cost?
Oh my gawd, I loved this couple!! Mina was always the dutiful perfect little princess, preparing to stand beside the man who would one day be king.
When Mikhail awakens her body, her soul also begins to stir and she realizes that there is more to her than what she has been taught. Bit by bit she grows stronger as she reaches for what she wants with Mikhail as well as what her and her country require to be free from evil. Her growth was one of the highlights of this story and I literally cheered when she embraced everything that she was.
Mikhail is drawn to Mina. He felt it the moment he first laid eyes on her. He tasted it when he awoke her with his kiss. Unfortunately, a wife and family are not permitted in his life and he struggles to keep his distance from her. But this is Juliette Cross so that effort isn’t going to hold out for long. I loved how protective he was over her even while he battled with his own feelings. And the comradery he had with his brothers in arms was entertaining as well as gut wrenching at times.
This book is so full of twists and turns, excitement and action, and romance. It’s a fast paced, well written read that never gets bogged down or overwhelmed with unnecessary details or introspection. The action was realistic causing my heart to race and my breath to catch. (I’m not even going to talk about what happened to my fingernails!)
A friend recommended the Black Lily when it was released (thank you Deborah!) and I timidly tried it. It’s safe to say I loved it and each book afterward. It’s a sad day that this series is ending but I can’t wait to see what this author is going to offer us next.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing but one in which I am purchasing myself.
Dual POV
Safety
Possible Trigger
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Lily-V...
January 5, 2018
4.5*
This series has taken old traditional fairy tales and given then a paranormal twist. First we had Cinderella (The Black Lily) then Red Riding Hood (The Red Lily) Snow White (The White Lily) and now the forth and final book Sleeping Beauty (The Emerald Lily).
This has been an entertaining series and for me this has been the best book.
Mina (Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir) has been living the bloodless sleep for months. She’s awakened from her forced slumber by a kiss from her Dark Prince, a prince that sets her heart alight.
While Mina has been held a prisoner Queen Morgrid and King Dominik have been busy building their evil army and it’s hard to see how they can be defeated.
Mina and her Dark Prince (Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard) are battling not only the tyranny of Morgrid and Dominik but a fierce attraction to each other as well.
Like I said this was the best book of the four, we not only get Mina and Mikhail (both of whom I really liked) but all the main characters from the previous books.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC
This series has taken old traditional fairy tales and given then a paranormal twist. First we had Cinderella (The Black Lily) then Red Riding Hood (The Red Lily) Snow White (The White Lily) and now the forth and final book Sleeping Beauty (The Emerald Lily).
This has been an entertaining series and for me this has been the best book.
Mina (Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir) has been living the bloodless sleep for months. She’s awakened from her forced slumber by a kiss from her Dark Prince, a prince that sets her heart alight.
While Mina has been held a prisoner Queen Morgrid and King Dominik have been busy building their evil army and it’s hard to see how they can be defeated.
Mina and her Dark Prince (Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard) are battling not only the tyranny of Morgrid and Dominik but a fierce attraction to each other as well.
Like I said this was the best book of the four, we not only get Mina and Mikhail (both of whom I really liked) but all the main characters from the previous books.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC
November 17, 2025
Cross blends the classic fairytale of sleeping beauty into a completely enchanting adult adventure, thrusting the reader into magic, mayhem and maybe even a wedding…
Princess Vilhelmina was cursed by the evil vampire queen at birth because her father would not promise her to the evil queen’s son as a bride. An old woman, that just happened to be connected to the source of all magic, twists the curse into a prophecy to save them all.
Mikhail, the captain to the blood guard, rescues Vilhelmina from the queen’s son’s clutches. This rescue ignites the prophecy and the chance to free them all from the evil that has taken their land.
This is a marvelous nail biting adventure and a highly recommend read for all you fantasy fans out there.
This feels like the perfect conclusion to an amazing series. All the loose ends have been tied up, every character that we've come to love and even the ones we've come to hate have all made their appearances and Cross, once again, manages to amaze the reader with her ability to pull us into a magnificently devolved fantasy world with words.
I received this ARC copy of The Emerald Lily from Entangled Publishing, LLC. This is my voluntary and honest review. The Emerald Lily is set for publication Jan. 29, 2018.
Princess Vilhelmina was cursed by the evil vampire queen at birth because her father would not promise her to the evil queen’s son as a bride. An old woman, that just happened to be connected to the source of all magic, twists the curse into a prophecy to save them all.
Mikhail, the captain to the blood guard, rescues Vilhelmina from the queen’s son’s clutches. This rescue ignites the prophecy and the chance to free them all from the evil that has taken their land.
This is a marvelous nail biting adventure and a highly recommend read for all you fantasy fans out there.
This feels like the perfect conclusion to an amazing series. All the loose ends have been tied up, every character that we've come to love and even the ones we've come to hate have all made their appearances and Cross, once again, manages to amaze the reader with her ability to pull us into a magnificently devolved fantasy world with words.
I received this ARC copy of The Emerald Lily from Entangled Publishing, LLC. This is my voluntary and honest review. The Emerald Lily is set for publication Jan. 29, 2018.
August 28, 2024
The Emerald Lily is the fourth and final book in the Vampire Blood series by Juliette Cross.
Danger, Intrigue, Subterfuge, & Romance.
This series captured me from the very first book with it’s unique twist on fairy tails and vampires. I can't express how much I've loved this series, diving into the books, and being taken away. In The Emerald Lily we get Sleeping Beauty, which is my favorite fairy tail, next to Beauty and the Beast.
WOW! I didn’t think Ms. Cross could surprise me anymore then I’ve already been in this series, but she did. I was not expecting the mind-blowing and extraordinary moments delivered throughout the story and that introduction gripped me and gave a taste of what is to come.
I loved Mikhail who is the Captain of the Bloodguard, a renegade vampire group and Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir who has been cursed and put into a blood sleep by the evil Queen.
Cross teases us throughout the book about a secret that Mikhail has been keeping as well as what our Fair Princess is to become in order to save the humans and vampires who have suffered under the evil Queen and her son’s rule. I was not expecting several of the heart-stopping moments or the secrets that came to life. Even when the final battle happens, we know in war not everyone comes out alive or unscathed, and those loses had me in tears.
I absolutely loved the story about how the hearthstone came to be. I loved seeing everyone come together; Cinderella (The Black Lily), Red Riding Hood (The Red Lily), Snow White (The White Lily), and now Sleeping Beauty. It all felt like a wonderful way to conclude. Loved the hidden secrets and was surprised by what Vihlemina becomes.
The Emerald Lily delivered on all fronts and concluded the series marvelously. I’m sad to see this series end, but wow what a way to end it all.
Rated: 5 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Danger, Intrigue, Subterfuge, & Romance.
This series captured me from the very first book with it’s unique twist on fairy tails and vampires. I can't express how much I've loved this series, diving into the books, and being taken away. In The Emerald Lily we get Sleeping Beauty, which is my favorite fairy tail, next to Beauty and the Beast.
WOW! I didn’t think Ms. Cross could surprise me anymore then I’ve already been in this series, but she did. I was not expecting the mind-blowing and extraordinary moments delivered throughout the story and that introduction gripped me and gave a taste of what is to come.
I loved Mikhail who is the Captain of the Bloodguard, a renegade vampire group and Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir who has been cursed and put into a blood sleep by the evil Queen.
Cross teases us throughout the book about a secret that Mikhail has been keeping as well as what our Fair Princess is to become in order to save the humans and vampires who have suffered under the evil Queen and her son’s rule. I was not expecting several of the heart-stopping moments or the secrets that came to life. Even when the final battle happens, we know in war not everyone comes out alive or unscathed, and those loses had me in tears.
I absolutely loved the story about how the hearthstone came to be. I loved seeing everyone come together; Cinderella (The Black Lily), Red Riding Hood (The Red Lily), Snow White (The White Lily), and now Sleeping Beauty. It all felt like a wonderful way to conclude. Loved the hidden secrets and was surprised by what Vihlemina becomes.
The Emerald Lily delivered on all fronts and concluded the series marvelously. I’m sad to see this series end, but wow what a way to end it all.
Rated: 5 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
January 7, 2018
We never outgrow fairytales, we just want them to mature with us. Juliette Cross has taken one more magical tale and added her own “grown-up”fantasy twist with THE EMERALD LILY; Sleeping Beauty with more heart, more turmoil and true, heart-pounding romance.
She was cursed to sleep until a blood kiss would awaken her. Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir awoke to discover a world where she was caught in a war for power and control. She also found her heart stolen by the handsome warrior whose kiss awakened her. Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard, a man who has made a secret vow to avenge his family, allowing no one near the heart he has locked away cannot afford to fall for the beautiful princess, and yet...how can he not? Mina will transform from a lost princess into a woman of power and confidence. Does the captain even stand a chance?
Juliette Cross has brought this magical series to a close with another powerful tale of love, power and the battle of good versus evil. As two souls unlock the power of love, trust and unite all of the series characters in a thrilling crescendo that will unveil all secrets kept!
Ms. Cross understands romance, the power of fantasy and how to open each page to her readers, inviting them to walk right in, shutting out reality completely. You will feel pain and loss, your pulse will race, you will feel the swell of excitement and anticipation, and the romance? You will swoon at the heat and passion that these two characters simply cannot avoid. Yes, it’s THAT good! (Good enough to lock the doors and settle in from the beginning of the series and relive each page all over again.)
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Entangled Publishing, LLC-Amara. This is my voluntary review.
Series: Vampire Blood - Book 4
Publisher: Entangled: Amara (January 29, 2018)
Publication Date: January 29, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
She was cursed to sleep until a blood kiss would awaken her. Princess Vilhelmina Dragomir awoke to discover a world where she was caught in a war for power and control. She also found her heart stolen by the handsome warrior whose kiss awakened her. Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard, a man who has made a secret vow to avenge his family, allowing no one near the heart he has locked away cannot afford to fall for the beautiful princess, and yet...how can he not? Mina will transform from a lost princess into a woman of power and confidence. Does the captain even stand a chance?
Juliette Cross has brought this magical series to a close with another powerful tale of love, power and the battle of good versus evil. As two souls unlock the power of love, trust and unite all of the series characters in a thrilling crescendo that will unveil all secrets kept!
Ms. Cross understands romance, the power of fantasy and how to open each page to her readers, inviting them to walk right in, shutting out reality completely. You will feel pain and loss, your pulse will race, you will feel the swell of excitement and anticipation, and the romance? You will swoon at the heat and passion that these two characters simply cannot avoid. Yes, it’s THAT good! (Good enough to lock the doors and settle in from the beginning of the series and relive each page all over again.)
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Entangled Publishing, LLC-Amara. This is my voluntary review.
Series: Vampire Blood - Book 4
Publisher: Entangled: Amara (January 29, 2018)
Publication Date: January 29, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Read
December 13, 2017Sleeping Beauty meets the Underworld in this final installment of the Vampire Blood series. Coming January 2018...
February 23, 2019
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.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 26, 2018
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.
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February 7, 2018
Now it's Sleeping Beauty turn!
But she's not the Disney's meek, sweet girl who sings while running the spindle! No here she's a worrior queen! And a sexy one who knows what she wants!
And she wants her dark prince! Even if he tries to do the honorable thing and not jump her bones! LOL
In pure Ms. Cross' style, the fairy tale is twisted and a very tantalizing way! *wink*
And this tale brings the ending of the series with a complete HEA!
I rally hope Ms. Cross will not continue it because I can see the next in line:
But she's not the Disney's meek, sweet girl who sings while running the spindle! No here she's a worrior queen! And a sexy one who knows what she wants!
And she wants her dark prince! Even if he tries to do the honorable thing and not jump her bones! LOL
In pure Ms. Cross' style, the fairy tale is twisted and a very tantalizing way! *wink*
And this tale brings the ending of the series with a complete HEA!
I rally hope Ms. Cross will not continue it because I can see the next in line:
January 4, 2018
This series has just thundered along growing ever more exciting with each and every instalment. The idea of mixing Vampires with characters inspired by fairytales took me by surprise but if action, adventure, humour and passionate stories call to your readers heart then this jaw dropping series should definitely be on your shopping list.
I'm a little sad that it all comes to an end but wow what a way to pull everything together. With its slight whiff of Sleeping Beauty we finally get to know and understand much more about Princess Vilhelmina. Previously betrothed to the wicked Queens son Marius although Mina know that Marius didn't love her but her actions came with brutal consequences. Kept starving in an unnatural sleep Mina has no way of saving herself but the Bloodguard are set to bring justice and honour back to the land and it all begins with rescuing Mina. Awakened by Mikhail , Mina sees something she wants and the elusive Captain is so busy being honourable and steadfast that he completely fails to notice Mina's charms are set to capture him and him alone. Still Mina has a mission, a duty long overdue and Mikhail will stop at nothing to see it completed. Yet they ignore the Queen and her son Dominik at their peril!
I loved seeing everyone come together and everything got tied up in fabulous style. After the links to Cinderella (Black Lily ), Red Riding Hood (Red Lily ), Snow White ( White Lily), adding Sleeping Beauty to the mix in the shape of Mina from the very first book felt like a wonderful way to continue and indeed conclude the story. This book just gathered pace until at the end the tension was almost unbearable but don't worry Mina and her secretive Mikhail are fabulous characters who never failed to entertain.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I'm a little sad that it all comes to an end but wow what a way to pull everything together. With its slight whiff of Sleeping Beauty we finally get to know and understand much more about Princess Vilhelmina. Previously betrothed to the wicked Queens son Marius although Mina know that Marius didn't love her but her actions came with brutal consequences. Kept starving in an unnatural sleep Mina has no way of saving herself but the Bloodguard are set to bring justice and honour back to the land and it all begins with rescuing Mina. Awakened by Mikhail , Mina sees something she wants and the elusive Captain is so busy being honourable and steadfast that he completely fails to notice Mina's charms are set to capture him and him alone. Still Mina has a mission, a duty long overdue and Mikhail will stop at nothing to see it completed. Yet they ignore the Queen and her son Dominik at their peril!
I loved seeing everyone come together and everything got tied up in fabulous style. After the links to Cinderella (Black Lily ), Red Riding Hood (Red Lily ), Snow White ( White Lily), adding Sleeping Beauty to the mix in the shape of Mina from the very first book felt like a wonderful way to continue and indeed conclude the story. This book just gathered pace until at the end the tension was almost unbearable but don't worry Mina and her secretive Mikhail are fabulous characters who never failed to entertain.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
December 31, 2017
What a lovely ending to a wonderful series. Truly thrilling with great, unexpected twists. Full review coming.
June 28, 2022
This series was so good. So full of adventure and danger. Blood and romance. Lots of steam to boot.
In this one we see the prophesy come true and another couple find love. Highly recommend this series.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
TW: SA, death, blood, and violence.
In this one we see the prophesy come true and another couple find love. Highly recommend this series.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
TW: SA, death, blood, and violence.
December 10, 2017
I have read all three book in the Vampire Blood series, and when I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of book 4, The Emerald Lily, I jumped on it. Fast. Most exercise I'd had in months. :-) This series is...amazing. The fantastic world-building, the characters that just burrow into your heart and refuse to leave. The intricate and intriguing plot and storylines, the thrilling action, and the heart-stopping, "Oh my Gawd, I just can't" romance and passion. Each book has that. And at the end of each of the three books, I've asked myself, How can the next one get better? I wondered that about The Emerald Lily, too, and I should've known Juliette Cross could pull it off. And damn, did she.
The book begins with a scene that is very reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty, the fairy tale the book is based on. And it's lovely. Then, we're plunged immediately into a rescue scene that had my nose pressed to my kindle. Mikhail, vampire leader of the Bloodguard, and his men are breaking into the tower of Briar Rose to waken and rescue the vampire princess, Vihelmina, who is trapped in a deep bloodless sleep. Mina was first introduced in The Black Lily, as Prince Marius' betrothed. She freed Marius from his obligation, and in doing so angered the queen, who has now decided she is to wed her evil and despicable son Dominik. He is truly his mother's son, that guy. *shudder* In a kiss that is both sweet and utterly sexy, Mikhail awakens her. It's. Beautiful. Their immediately connection is beautiful. Mina is drawn to this man who stirs emotions and physical needs that are foreign but consuming. And she wants more.
The intense, visceral attraction and pull between Mikhail and Mina is hot and impossible to resist--for them and the reader. Because of his oath to forsake marriage and a family to serve in the Bloodguard, and Mina being a princess and becoming involved with a commoner is forbidden, they shouldn't work. They should leave one another alone. But they can't. And it's utterly delicious to read. Even the war that is looming on the horizon, the intrigue, the wide cast of characters--I loved seeing all the characters from the previous three books come together!--and the brutal action, none of it overwhelmed their romance or their passion in the book. With all of this going on, I never forgot that above all, this was a love story.
At times, I had to force myself not to skip to the end, because as the story moved forward and they all headed toward the ultimate battle against Morgrid and Dominik, the pacing and drama was nail-biting. Sometimes, my stomach was in knots. Juliette Cross has a gift of drawing all this emotion out of the reader with her beautiful writing, the pacing, and the deliciously torturous unveiling of the plot. One time I literally shouted at my kindle, "Oh my God! Get there! Get there now!" I won't tell you the circumstances, because that would be revealing a spoiler, but yes, she had me yelling at the book as if I was in a movie theater and screaming at the screen. The climactic battle and all that is revealed there is ah-mazing. Just epic. And the twists--because there were a couple of them--were so unexpected and awesome! Instead of sleeping, I was in bed pumping my fist in the air because of the ending. And can I just say the epilogue was right out of Return of the King? Sigh. It was perfection. I'm hoping that this isn't the end. There are so many characters that I would love to read about, discover their stories, and see them find their own happily ever after, including the Bloodguard and Dane! With this world, the possibilities are endless! I would recommend The Emerald Lily to any reader who just loves a wonderful, rich, passionate, exciting story! And not just The Emerald Lily, but the whole Vampire Blood series. It's a must-read!
The book begins with a scene that is very reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty, the fairy tale the book is based on. And it's lovely. Then, we're plunged immediately into a rescue scene that had my nose pressed to my kindle. Mikhail, vampire leader of the Bloodguard, and his men are breaking into the tower of Briar Rose to waken and rescue the vampire princess, Vihelmina, who is trapped in a deep bloodless sleep. Mina was first introduced in The Black Lily, as Prince Marius' betrothed. She freed Marius from his obligation, and in doing so angered the queen, who has now decided she is to wed her evil and despicable son Dominik. He is truly his mother's son, that guy. *shudder* In a kiss that is both sweet and utterly sexy, Mikhail awakens her. It's. Beautiful. Their immediately connection is beautiful. Mina is drawn to this man who stirs emotions and physical needs that are foreign but consuming. And she wants more.
The intense, visceral attraction and pull between Mikhail and Mina is hot and impossible to resist--for them and the reader. Because of his oath to forsake marriage and a family to serve in the Bloodguard, and Mina being a princess and becoming involved with a commoner is forbidden, they shouldn't work. They should leave one another alone. But they can't. And it's utterly delicious to read. Even the war that is looming on the horizon, the intrigue, the wide cast of characters--I loved seeing all the characters from the previous three books come together!--and the brutal action, none of it overwhelmed their romance or their passion in the book. With all of this going on, I never forgot that above all, this was a love story.
At times, I had to force myself not to skip to the end, because as the story moved forward and they all headed toward the ultimate battle against Morgrid and Dominik, the pacing and drama was nail-biting. Sometimes, my stomach was in knots. Juliette Cross has a gift of drawing all this emotion out of the reader with her beautiful writing, the pacing, and the deliciously torturous unveiling of the plot. One time I literally shouted at my kindle, "Oh my God! Get there! Get there now!" I won't tell you the circumstances, because that would be revealing a spoiler, but yes, she had me yelling at the book as if I was in a movie theater and screaming at the screen. The climactic battle and all that is revealed there is ah-mazing. Just epic. And the twists--because there were a couple of them--were so unexpected and awesome! Instead of sleeping, I was in bed pumping my fist in the air because of the ending. And can I just say the epilogue was right out of Return of the King? Sigh. It was perfection. I'm hoping that this isn't the end. There are so many characters that I would love to read about, discover their stories, and see them find their own happily ever after, including the Bloodguard and Dane! With this world, the possibilities are endless! I would recommend The Emerald Lily to any reader who just loves a wonderful, rich, passionate, exciting story! And not just The Emerald Lily, but the whole Vampire Blood series. It's a must-read!
January 21, 2018
***5 ‘By the Stars, You’re Going to Kill Me’ Stars***
Now THAT was a way to end a series (though I’m crossing my toes real hard in hopes that there will be a spin off because there NEEDS to be one), not that I thought it would be anything less than epic, but that was unexpected. Then again, with all the twists and turns throughout this book, that ending was the only way to go. The Emerald Lily had a good balance of humor and drama, characters I could (and did) fall in love with, all kinds of crazy smexyness and even a few evil eye inducing moments (though I could have done without them ~ but I will work on letting that go) that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
Ever since meeting the men of the Bloodguard I wanted (NEEDED) to know more about them. I mean they are vampire mercenaries with honor, how could anyone NOT want to know more about them. So when I found out Mikhail, The Captain of the Bloodguard, would be our hero and that we’d be getting a whole #SleepingBeautyReVamped fairytale vibe with Princess Mina, I was all kinds of ready to dive in and I adored them both.
Mikhail is broody (though he does have reason to be) but it’s the kind of broody that comes with having a sharp focus on one specific goal, one that he’s determined to see come to pass. So, I obviously adored the Captain before diving into the book, but I loved getting to see underneath the broodyness. He’s code of honor is of the highest regard and his loyalty to the Bloodguard is almost as intense as his focus on his goal. But mixed in with that is a huge heaping of compassion and charm, which only made the lethal vampire that must more appealing.
I liked Mina after what she did in The Black Lily and wondered what her role would be in the series and did she have a pivotal role to play, but before all of that came to light I really liked how she handled everything coming at her after being awakened. Her gift definitely helped her, but she found her strength and her center and while she may have been uncertain about the outcome of some of her decisions, she felt confident in her own convictions of what was right to take the risk no matter what.
I’ve tried to write this part of my review a few times and deleted it a few times, why? Probably because I don’t want to give a way too much, especially if you aren’t on GR and didn’t see one of my updates, so the short and sweet...I loved their journey. It had the right amount of sexual tension, push/pull and that inexplicable knowing between the characters that there was something more going on between them than just the physical and the fact that they had a common goal. PNR does give a little leeway in the whole ‘Insta’ realm, but it was done right here. Mikhail and Mina were simply good together. The honesty, the mutual respect and the need to protect while helping the other become stronger was what had me rooting for them to get their HEA and boy did they.
I know I don’t have to say it, but for the purpose of being transparent and obvious, I am a fangirl of the author. She has a way of bringing the world, it’s back history and the characters to such vibrant life that, if it were for the series falling under PNR, you’d believe you could visit it in truth. I loved the way she took the Sleeping Beauty fairytale and made it her own, an example is the prologue. It was brilliantly done and set the stage for how the story would play out, but still gave her wiggle room to play with it, which she did very well and I loved the twist in the end.
As this is the last book of the series, I find myself in that place where I loved how things ended, but am seriously crossing my toes for a spinoff series to happen. While the main story arc has been closed, there are so many characters that deserve/need/should have the opportunity to have their own stories told with an HEA. The members of the Bloodguard, the Hart wolves, as well as some of the other secondary characters we’ve met along the way. I loved hanging out with them and want more. So, here’s to hoping that an announcement about a spinoff will be made sooner rather than later.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Now THAT was a way to end a series (though I’m crossing my toes real hard in hopes that there will be a spin off because there NEEDS to be one), not that I thought it would be anything less than epic, but that was unexpected. Then again, with all the twists and turns throughout this book, that ending was the only way to go. The Emerald Lily had a good balance of humor and drama, characters I could (and did) fall in love with, all kinds of crazy smexyness and even a few evil eye inducing moments (though I could have done without them ~ but I will work on letting that go) that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
Ever since meeting the men of the Bloodguard I wanted (NEEDED) to know more about them. I mean they are vampire mercenaries with honor, how could anyone NOT want to know more about them. So when I found out Mikhail, The Captain of the Bloodguard, would be our hero and that we’d be getting a whole #SleepingBeautyReVamped fairytale vibe with Princess Mina, I was all kinds of ready to dive in and I adored them both.
Mikhail is broody (though he does have reason to be) but it’s the kind of broody that comes with having a sharp focus on one specific goal, one that he’s determined to see come to pass. So, I obviously adored the Captain before diving into the book, but I loved getting to see underneath the broodyness. He’s code of honor is of the highest regard and his loyalty to the Bloodguard is almost as intense as his focus on his goal. But mixed in with that is a huge heaping of compassion and charm, which only made the lethal vampire that must more appealing.
I liked Mina after what she did in The Black Lily and wondered what her role would be in the series and did she have a pivotal role to play, but before all of that came to light I really liked how she handled everything coming at her after being awakened. Her gift definitely helped her, but she found her strength and her center and while she may have been uncertain about the outcome of some of her decisions, she felt confident in her own convictions of what was right to take the risk no matter what.
I’ve tried to write this part of my review a few times and deleted it a few times, why? Probably because I don’t want to give a way too much, especially if you aren’t on GR and didn’t see one of my updates, so the short and sweet...I loved their journey. It had the right amount of sexual tension, push/pull and that inexplicable knowing between the characters that there was something more going on between them than just the physical and the fact that they had a common goal. PNR does give a little leeway in the whole ‘Insta’ realm, but it was done right here. Mikhail and Mina were simply good together. The honesty, the mutual respect and the need to protect while helping the other become stronger was what had me rooting for them to get their HEA and boy did they.
I know I don’t have to say it, but for the purpose of being transparent and obvious, I am a fangirl of the author. She has a way of bringing the world, it’s back history and the characters to such vibrant life that, if it were for the series falling under PNR, you’d believe you could visit it in truth. I loved the way she took the Sleeping Beauty fairytale and made it her own, an example is the prologue. It was brilliantly done and set the stage for how the story would play out, but still gave her wiggle room to play with it, which she did very well and I loved the twist in the end.
As this is the last book of the series, I find myself in that place where I loved how things ended, but am seriously crossing my toes for a spinoff series to happen. While the main story arc has been closed, there are so many characters that deserve/need/should have the opportunity to have their own stories told with an HEA. The members of the Bloodguard, the Hart wolves, as well as some of the other secondary characters we’ve met along the way. I loved hanging out with them and want more. So, here’s to hoping that an announcement about a spinoff will be made sooner rather than later.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 22, 2018
5 Stars - 3 Flames
DISCLAIMER - YOU SHOULD READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS TO TRULY UNDERSTAND CERTAIN THINGS WITHIN THE STORY LINE.
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Please tell me that there will be a spin off or....something. This can't be the end!!!!
I've enjoyed...no, LOVED, each of these books. Each book possessing the intrigue and lust that comes along with vampire books. But there was always something a little more, and this last installment doesn't disappoint.
Mikhail, Captain of the Bloodguard, is on a mission to wake Princess Mina from her Blood sleep. As the Captain, he feels it's his duty and right to rescue her and keep her safe so that the evil Queen can't destroy his land. Well...that was his original plan until he actually woke her with a kiss that sparked more than her awakening. Now he finds himself struggling to keep his mind and hands off of her.
Mina was put in to a Blood sleep, apparently awaiting to be woken to marry King Dominik. But that's not really where her story starts. No, her story started when she was born and the evil Queen placed a spell on her, only to be saved by another. So what's in story for her and the future?
Cryptic? Good. I don't want to give anything away in this review. But let me say that although I loved the other books in the series, this is BY FAR my favorite. Don't believe me? Here are the emotions I went through while reading:
OMG! So HOT. Um....WTF? Are you kidding me? Mmmm. NOOOOOOO!!!! What?! How? But. Wait. Um....HOLY SH!T! Awe.
Now it's your turn. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER - YOU SHOULD READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS TO TRULY UNDERSTAND CERTAIN THINGS WITHIN THE STORY LINE.
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Please tell me that there will be a spin off or....something. This can't be the end!!!!
I've enjoyed...no, LOVED, each of these books. Each book possessing the intrigue and lust that comes along with vampire books. But there was always something a little more, and this last installment doesn't disappoint.
Mikhail, Captain of the Bloodguard, is on a mission to wake Princess Mina from her Blood sleep. As the Captain, he feels it's his duty and right to rescue her and keep her safe so that the evil Queen can't destroy his land. Well...that was his original plan until he actually woke her with a kiss that sparked more than her awakening. Now he finds himself struggling to keep his mind and hands off of her.
Mina was put in to a Blood sleep, apparently awaiting to be woken to marry King Dominik. But that's not really where her story starts. No, her story started when she was born and the evil Queen placed a spell on her, only to be saved by another. So what's in story for her and the future?
Cryptic? Good. I don't want to give anything away in this review. But let me say that although I loved the other books in the series, this is BY FAR my favorite. Don't believe me? Here are the emotions I went through while reading:
OMG! So HOT. Um....WTF? Are you kidding me? Mmmm. NOOOOOOO!!!! What?! How? But. Wait. Um....HOLY SH!T! Awe.
Now it's your turn. Enjoy!
January 29, 2018
Couldn’t put it down!
The Emerald Lily is book four in Juliette Cross’s Vampire Blood series. It’s the final book and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was freaking awesome. Somehow Ms. Cross makes blood sexy as hell. If you read The Black Lily you might be worried that Mina is too sweet to be an interesting heroine. Fear not! Mina is going to blow your mind. She is the perfect woman for the daunting job ahead. At the end… Oh no… No spoilers. Let’s just say the end was EPIC!
And as fabulous as Mina is, Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard, is the sexiest, most alpha, sweetest hero you’ll ever read. Mikhail breaks the hero mold and remakes it in his own image. I have four words for you: Go read this book! I promise you will not be sorry. In fact, I predict you will want to read every word Juliette Cross has ever written.
The Emerald Lily is book four in Juliette Cross’s Vampire Blood series. It’s the final book and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was freaking awesome. Somehow Ms. Cross makes blood sexy as hell. If you read The Black Lily you might be worried that Mina is too sweet to be an interesting heroine. Fear not! Mina is going to blow your mind. She is the perfect woman for the daunting job ahead. At the end… Oh no… No spoilers. Let’s just say the end was EPIC!
And as fabulous as Mina is, Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard, is the sexiest, most alpha, sweetest hero you’ll ever read. Mikhail breaks the hero mold and remakes it in his own image. I have four words for you: Go read this book! I promise you will not be sorry. In fact, I predict you will want to read every word Juliette Cross has ever written.
January 27, 2018
THE EMERALD LILY by Juliette Cross is book Four in the "Vampire Blood" series. This is the story of Princess Vilhelmina and Mikhail Romanov the Captain of the Bloodguard. I have read the previous books (and loved the!) but feel you can make this a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Mina was placed into a deep sleep by the Queen until the time came to force her into marring her son, King Dominik. Mikhail rescued Mina with a blood kiss that has opened her eyes to more than just being a wake, Mina finds that she is drawn to Mikhail. Mikhail and his group getting read to do battle that will hopefully end all the torturing that has been going on. Mina is a distraction that he really can't afford but one he is helpless to stop. King Dominik isn't giving up easily what he wants too.
I have been so in love with this series! I love the somewhat dark/ hot fairy tales that Ms. Cross has been writing. This was a great Sleeping Beauty type story. I am sorry to see this series end and hope that she will have other books out soon!
Mina was placed into a deep sleep by the Queen until the time came to force her into marring her son, King Dominik. Mikhail rescued Mina with a blood kiss that has opened her eyes to more than just being a wake, Mina finds that she is drawn to Mikhail. Mikhail and his group getting read to do battle that will hopefully end all the torturing that has been going on. Mina is a distraction that he really can't afford but one he is helpless to stop. King Dominik isn't giving up easily what he wants too.
I have been so in love with this series! I love the somewhat dark/ hot fairy tales that Ms. Cross has been writing. This was a great Sleeping Beauty type story. I am sorry to see this series end and hope that she will have other books out soon!
January 3, 2018
Yes! Yes! YES!!! Every single book in this series has gotten progressively better, steamier, and YUMMIER! Mina and Mikhail's story is one of my favorite kinds! The total brooding hero who feels he's not good enough, but of course the heroine isn't taking no for an answer. The characters are so rich and their growth so exceptional I tore through the pages in no time. And the chemistry between them is off the charts explosive.
Seriously, if you haven't read this series, you need to. Then when you're done you need to go pick up Juliette's Vessel Series because I caught wind there are going to be some spin off books in the near future. Woot! I can't wait!
Seriously, if you haven't read this series, you need to. Then when you're done you need to go pick up Juliette's Vessel Series because I caught wind there are going to be some spin off books in the near future. Woot! I can't wait!
April 9, 2018
3.5 stars
I should have hated this. It was full on insta-lust from the very beginning. Fate brought Mina and Mikhail together. Mina was destined to save them all, so of course she was a special snowflake. Everyone loved and admired her, and she had special powers. Mikhail had his own secrets, which made him perfect for Mina. Usually I'd be annoyed with a book like this and rolling my through it because it was so predictable, but I had a damn good time reading it.
The romance was really good. The insta-lust didn't bother me because Mikhail fought it for so long. This was the final book in the series, so the leads from the other books were in this. I liked the way the overarching plot with the evil royals and the black lily played out. There was one thing that really annoyed me. The bloodguards took Mina to save her. Once she was under their protection they had a habit of leaving her alone. I would have thought they'd have kept several guards outside of her tent/room/house at all times. I could forgive it when it happened once but not twice. Other than that I really liked it. This was my favorite book in the series.
I should have hated this. It was full on insta-lust from the very beginning. Fate brought Mina and Mikhail together. Mina was destined to save them all, so of course she was a special snowflake. Everyone loved and admired her, and she had special powers. Mikhail had his own secrets, which made him perfect for Mina. Usually I'd be annoyed with a book like this and rolling my through it because it was so predictable, but I had a damn good time reading it.
The romance was really good. The insta-lust didn't bother me because Mikhail fought it for so long. This was the final book in the series, so the leads from the other books were in this. I liked the way the overarching plot with the evil royals and the black lily played out. There was one thing that really annoyed me. The bloodguards took Mina to save her. Once she was under their protection they had a habit of leaving her alone. I would have thought they'd have kept several guards outside of her tent/room/house at all times. I could forgive it when it happened once but not twice. Other than that I really liked it. This was my favorite book in the series.
January 29, 2018
Naughtiness 3 *
Utterly fantastic book, literally just finished reading this amazing book. Julie treated most definitely did not disappoint, this series has been absolutely amazing and this book definitely follows the trend of its sister books.
I will not give spoilers but I will say, love, adventure villans you seriously would kill yourself for heroine and hero in this and it's sister books. Truly amazing plots and twists a boom and series that you can completely escape in to and Adore with equal measure.
Thank you Juliette for writing this amazing book and series its an honour our to have read them, will most definitely re read them and I most definitely recommend to all who love fantasy paranormal romance.
Utterly fantastic book, literally just finished reading this amazing book. Julie treated most definitely did not disappoint, this series has been absolutely amazing and this book definitely follows the trend of its sister books.
I will not give spoilers but I will say, love, adventure villans you seriously would kill yourself for heroine and hero in this and it's sister books. Truly amazing plots and twists a boom and series that you can completely escape in to and Adore with equal measure.
Thank you Juliette for writing this amazing book and series its an honour our to have read them, will most definitely re read them and I most definitely recommend to all who love fantasy paranormal romance.
January 28, 2018
Wow! This last installment of the Vampire Blood-series just blew my mind! The Emerald Lily was full of sweet romance between two strong and passionate characters, insane plot twists (that I would never have seen coming!) and breathtaking suspense and action scenes. A beautiful ending to a great series, alltough there are so many more characters - like Dmitri, Katya or Riker - that deserve their own story.
Mit The Emerald Lily gelingt Juliette Cross ein fantastischer Abschluss ihrer Vampire Blood-Reihe. Der vierte Band ist bereits auf den ersten Seiten sehr action- und spannungsreich und setzt als (lockere) Märchen-Adaption von Dornröschen an, als Prinzessin Mina von Mikhail, dem Captain der Bloodguard, aus einem tiefen Schlaf geweckt und gerettet wird. Die Anziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ist von Anfang an vorhanden, doch Mikhail fühlt sich der Bloodguard und seinen persönlichen Rachemotiven verpflichtet. So ist es diesmal Mina, die um Mikhail zu kämpfen beginnt. Obwohl sie als Charakter in den vergangenen Bänden und auch zu Beginn von The Emerald Lily eher zaghaft und sensibel wirkt, offenbart Mina nun eine kämpferische und starke Seite an sich, die mich sehr überrascht hat und sie zu einer meiner Lieblingsfiguren der Reihe gemacht hat. Mikhail steht ihr in Sachen Stärke und Dominanz in nichts nach.
Der übergreifende Handlungsstrang der Revolution wird hier in einem fulminanten Showdown zu Ende gebracht, der mit einem – von mehreren – für mich absolut überraschenden und genialen Plot Twist aufwartet. Dabei werden endlich einmal alle vier Paare sowie die liebgewonnen Nebencharaktere zusammengeführt, sodass wir einige tolle Szenen mit den Pärchen der vorherigen Bände erleben können. Zudem werden einige wirklich interessante Nebencharaktere, v. a. aus den Reihen der Bloodguard, neu eingeführt, die wahnsinnig viel Potenzial für kommende Bände hätten – schade, dass es vorerst wohl keine weiteren geben wird.
Alles in allem hat dieser letzte Band noch einmal alles vereint, was die Reihe unterhaltsam macht: eine Märchen-Adaption, die nicht zu nahe am Original bleibt und dadurch originell ist, gemischt mit Romantic Fantasy in einer Welt, in der sich eine Revolution gegen die Vampir-Monarchie erhebt, welche vier Paare zusammenführt, die nicht nur ihre Liebe finden, sondern gemeinsam am Ende das Gute siegen lassen. Es lohnt sich, bei Band 1 The Black Lily anzufangen!
Mit The Emerald Lily gelingt Juliette Cross ein fantastischer Abschluss ihrer Vampire Blood-Reihe. Der vierte Band ist bereits auf den ersten Seiten sehr action- und spannungsreich und setzt als (lockere) Märchen-Adaption von Dornröschen an, als Prinzessin Mina von Mikhail, dem Captain der Bloodguard, aus einem tiefen Schlaf geweckt und gerettet wird. Die Anziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ist von Anfang an vorhanden, doch Mikhail fühlt sich der Bloodguard und seinen persönlichen Rachemotiven verpflichtet. So ist es diesmal Mina, die um Mikhail zu kämpfen beginnt. Obwohl sie als Charakter in den vergangenen Bänden und auch zu Beginn von The Emerald Lily eher zaghaft und sensibel wirkt, offenbart Mina nun eine kämpferische und starke Seite an sich, die mich sehr überrascht hat und sie zu einer meiner Lieblingsfiguren der Reihe gemacht hat. Mikhail steht ihr in Sachen Stärke und Dominanz in nichts nach.
Der übergreifende Handlungsstrang der Revolution wird hier in einem fulminanten Showdown zu Ende gebracht, der mit einem – von mehreren – für mich absolut überraschenden und genialen Plot Twist aufwartet. Dabei werden endlich einmal alle vier Paare sowie die liebgewonnen Nebencharaktere zusammengeführt, sodass wir einige tolle Szenen mit den Pärchen der vorherigen Bände erleben können. Zudem werden einige wirklich interessante Nebencharaktere, v. a. aus den Reihen der Bloodguard, neu eingeführt, die wahnsinnig viel Potenzial für kommende Bände hätten – schade, dass es vorerst wohl keine weiteren geben wird.
Alles in allem hat dieser letzte Band noch einmal alles vereint, was die Reihe unterhaltsam macht: eine Märchen-Adaption, die nicht zu nahe am Original bleibt und dadurch originell ist, gemischt mit Romantic Fantasy in einer Welt, in der sich eine Revolution gegen die Vampir-Monarchie erhebt, welche vier Paare zusammenführt, die nicht nur ihre Liebe finden, sondern gemeinsam am Ende das Gute siegen lassen. Es lohnt sich, bei Band 1 The Black Lily anzufangen!
January 27, 2018
The Emerald Lily is the conclusion to Juliette Cross' Vampire Blood series, which featured retellings of some of our favorite fairy tales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and now, Sleeping Beauty. These were all really unique stories loosely based on the original fairy tales with some very grown up twists. I do not recommend reading these stories as standalones, you will want the continuing story arc that starts with our Cinderella vampire slayer in The Black Lily.
The final heroine of the series is Vilhelmina "Mina" Dragomir, the fair blonde princess and heir to Arkadia, and the former betrothed of Prince Marius Varis. As punishment for her betrayal to the villainous Queen Morgrid, Mina was put into a bloodless sleep, a form of starvation torture for vampires. But fate decreed that Mina would be awoken from her sleep by a blood kiss from a dark prince, and it would set her on the path to fulfilling her destiny. I have liked Mina from the outset in The Black Lily. I hated that she lost her friend and blood servant, but I liked that she came out of her sleep with a mind for vengeance and justice. Over the course of the story, we will watch Mina go through a period of personal growth and self-actualization. She became quite a strong heroine before it was all said and done.
Our dark prince in this installment is Mikhail Romanov, captain of the Blood Guard, the band of mercenaries that fight for justice and against those rules in the Glass Tower. I was totally digging Mikhail in the last book, The White Lily, and I was waiting for his story with grabby hands. Mikhail is dark and mysterious and lethal... and I thought the cover model on this book was a good representation of his character. It was easy to get wrapped up in Mikhail's turmoil over his duty to the Blood Guard and his growing feelings toward Mina. I thought the mystery of Mikhail's past and origins added a fascinating aspect to his character, and I enjoyed watching that get revealed.
The relationship between Mina and Mikhail was intense and a bit tumultuous due to Mikhail's aforementioned turmoil between duty and love. I loved that Mina was determined to get what she wanted even if she had to use her feminine wiles to tempt Mikhail until his control snapped. And I certainly loved seeing that hard won control snap to reveal Mikhail's alpha tendencies and passionate side. I think these two were paired well together.
As this was the end to the series, things come to a head between the Black Lily rebellion and Morgrid and Dominick's evil. I can't decide who I hated more - Morgrid or Dominick. They both had sadistic proclivities... Dominick's were more sadistically sexual and Morgrid's leaned more toward violent darkness. Neither villain inspired any sympathy on my part and I couldn't wait to see how they were defeated.
Only one thing bothered me about this book and that was a word choice, specifically the copious use of "till" instead of "until." I know that the use of "till" as a preposition dates back to Old English/Norse, but it just didn't work for me and once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. So it threw me out of the story every time I saw it. I couldn't stop thinking of a farmer out tilling his field. Most people probably won't have a problem with this, and I probably would not have either if I had been in a better mood this week.
If you like retellings and/or fantasy romance, I highly encourage this series, or any other book by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Entangled.
January 10, 2018
A continuation to the Lilly series.
Good characters, plot,story,drama,action,angst and romance.
Like seeing some of the other character which helps with the story.
Enjoyed reading.
Good characters, plot,story,drama,action,angst and romance.
Like seeing some of the other character which helps with the story.
Enjoyed reading.
January 12, 2018
The Emerald Lily is a mash of fairytale, vampire sexiness woven with the richest of world building. And the ending will knock your socks off! I wish so much I could share it with my friends and talk about it, but to spoil the surprise would be too cruel. I'll just say, the princess heroine is kick-ass and in the end needs no rescuing. She shakes off that damsel garb and burns it to pieces!
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