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Shades of Red #3

Ruby: Blood is Thicker Than Water

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Caught between an influential vampire clan leader and a sexy human bounty hunter, Hazel Richards, unfortunately, can't have them both.

Finding herself kicked out of her clan, job, and Manhattan apartment, Hazel teams up with bounty hunter Alexei. Their target is the Butcher, a notorious killer of Vampires. During the investigation, sparks fly between the two. However, Hazel's clan leader, Aurev, won't escape her mind. She's been close to him for almost 80 years. Surely, she'd know if Aurev wanted more…or would she?

When a cryptic thumb drive comes in Hazel's life, it implicates her clan and could spell ruin for them all. Alexei already has a job, but he's willing to abandon a rich reward to help solve the mystery. But he might not help her if he knows that she's devoted to her leader. Is Aurev really unattainable or has he harbored feelings for Hazel all along? Is Alexei who she really wants or is he just a backup?

A sexy bounty hunter, a loyal clans leader, a mysterious thumb drive and a threatening letter. Someone's accusing the New York vampire clan of treachery and Hazel has to figure it out before her world comes crashing down!

280 pages, ebook

Published June 25, 2019

15 people are currently reading
397 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Christianson

43 books873 followers
T.L. lives in Colorado with her husband and two children. She’s a graduate of the University of Colorado in Boulder and an avid outdoorswoman. When she's not outside or working on her latest novel, you'll find her reading, listening to science podcasts, or playing the Sims.

WWW.TLCHRISTIANSON.COM

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
June 24, 2019
I loved this series from the start and it keeps getting better and better. This was my favourite book in the series, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next. There is so much suspense, the plot is so complex and well done, and the author seamlessly continues the overarching story line, while focusing on one character in particular.
The author's writing is impeccable and incredibly engaging. Once I started, I couldn't stop, as the story drew me in. The author further develops more characters, she still comes back to the old ones and adds some nuances to their personalities. I really enjoyed that. She also expands the moroi world and digs deeper into their world and traditions. So much of the moroi history is revealed, general and in particular for some of the characters, and many of the unanswered mysteries are revealed, as well. But knowing this author, there will be so much to come and I can't wait to see what it is.
This book focuses on Hazel, Sarah's maker and the main Chronos lawyer and fixer. This also puts Aurev at a forefront of the story, as well as some other core Chronos players. This opens a beautiful avenue to explore the inner workings of the clan, which the author used wisely, still leaving a mystery here and there. In her journey to find out the truth and find her purpose in the world, Hazel spends some time with Alexei from the Russian clan, and the readers gets a sneak peak into the workings of that clan as well. But the best of all is that Owen, Sarah, Emily and Karsten are prominently featured in the story.
Hazel is probably my favourite character in the series. She is the most independent, most curious, most determined, and most assertive one. This, of course, causes all kinds of friction with some members of the clan, which was interesting to observe. She is also quite vulnerable and full of self doubt but she bravely pushes on, fight her fears and keeps on going until she gets to the truth. 
I loved this book immensely. I loved everything about it. It fulfilled all of my exceptionally high expectations and some. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Although these books focus on individual character's stories and might be read as standalones, they are best read in order to understand the main plot. The reading order is: Crimson: Secrets and Lies of a Living Vampire (Shades of Red Book 1), Scarlet: Taming The Thirst (Shades of Red Book 2), Ruby: Blood is Thicker than Water (Shades of Red Book 3), and Carmine: Blood and Thunder (Shades of Red Book 4) has been announced.
Profile Image for Amy.
237 reviews
June 25, 2019
T.l. Christianson has once again taken her series to the next level.

This book RUBY begins right where SCARLET ended and I was so excited to read the back story of lawyer Hazel Richards.
Hazel has always worked for Aurev, the sexy, mysterious, wealthy clan leader. He has been her mentor and best friend since her making. After her last win in court Hazel is told she no longer has a clan, job or home and it’s because Aurev has told her that she needed to go and sow her roots.
This is where Hazel’s self discovery begins. She begins a search with a bounty hunter, Alexei who she is attracted to but her mind and heart keeps wandering back to Aurev. As her and Alexei are out looking for THE BUTCHER a notorious maker or a horrible virus that is known to kill Vampires.
As the book continues we get to see why Hazel is who she is and we get to the heart of her relationship between her and Aurev.
This book takes you on an exciting adventure with Looking for a killer, finding the truth, and finding love.

BRAVO on this wonderful book T.L. Christianson.
1,062 reviews18 followers
August 23, 2019
This third book in the Shades of Red series by T L Christianson was the first book in the series that I have read, and oh my, did it grab my attention from the first page and never let go until the semi-cliff hanging end. The characters were far from perfect and their flaws and immortality contributed to their appeal. The storyline was very intriguing and mysterious as several of the characters attempted to solve a major problem, oftentimes in secret from other clan members. It was also a very slow burning love story that took many years to cultivate and finally acknowledge. I am definitely going to add the first two books to my TBR to find out exactly how some of the other characters began and developed leading into this book. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
6,485 reviews22 followers
June 27, 2019
4.5 stars

So beautifully written, with a complex plot and even more complex characters. This has suspense that will keep you on toes and action that will keep you reading. If you liked the previous two books in the series, you will definitely enjoy this addition to the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
June 27, 2019
These books by TL Christianson just keep getting better as she brings you further into Hazel's world. Multi-faceted characters and an amazing plot continue to grip you as she weaves her words of danger, intrigue, and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tammy Crawford.
944 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2019
I loved reading this story. This book was full of danger, suspense, mystery, and romance. Couldn't put this book down until I was finished. Didn't know who was lieing or telling the truth. You will love this book. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jean.
92 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2019
Ruby, Blood is Thicker Than Water by T.L. Christianson 2019
This is the 3rd book in the shades of Red Series. I would suggest you read the entire series ..Crimson and Scarlet first as a lot of the basic background will be found there. These is not your usual vampire stories.

This is Hazel Richards and Alexei Vasiliev story.
It starts out in 1941. Hazel had just heard about the death of her fiance, Leo. She had gone to the bridge, climbed over the rail but what was she doing? Second thoughts. By killing herself she would be hurting and disappointing so many people but her foot slipped and she fell. Blackness surrounded her. But she was not dead. She woke and found shee was laying on the side of the river with a dark-haired angel looming over her. "Did you want to die?" he asked. "I want to live", she answered. He kissed her neck and blackness surrounded her again.
Where does this story take little Hazel from Iowa? Happy Reading! ReadingGenie
Profile Image for Jenn.
121 reviews
February 3, 2020
As this series progresses, so does the intrigue. Working to uncover the source of the Vampire plague, Hazel starts putting the pieces of the puzzle together. The more she uncovers, the more she doubts all she has known. Is there anyone who she can trust? Risking friendships and the love of her life, Hazel presses on to get the answers. What she does discover is that nothing is what it seems.
This is my favorite thus far in the series. I enjoyed the action, intrigue and got sucked into solving the mystery of the vampire plague. Well done Ms. Christianson!
2,639 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2020
The third book in the series that had me devouring the pages trying to find out what would happen next. Hazel is the attorney and fixer for Chronos and has had feelings for her maker Aurev who she refers to as her dark angel. Aurev is a very powerful vampire and head of Chronos. There is a traitor among them and Aurev tries to protect Hazel by sending her away. This mysterious suspenseful read had secrets, history revealed, betrayal, danger and so much more. I really have enjoyed this series and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Patricia King.
770 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2022
Ruby
Shades of Red, Book 3
T.L. Christianson, author

Open your mind to what you believe to be the unthinkable and you just might find a wonderfully talented author with beautifully crafted stories.

Another well written and crafted storyline from T.L. Christianson.

This story continues on with the hunt for the vampire that is now dubbed, The Butcher. Vampires are dying and or being killed by another vampire. The Moroi clan has brought in an attorney, Hazel Richards to work with Alexei, a bounty hunter to fine the Butcher before the clan is wiped out completely. During the investigation, the two seemed to be drawn to one another. But wait, Hazel can't seem to rid herself of thoughts of another. She has been extremely close to another vampire for over 80 years. Will Hazel's clan leader, Aurev, interfere with the attraction between Hazel and Alexei or is Hazel using Alexei to gather Aurev's attention to her?

I challenge you to read this engrossing love triangle. It is a great mysterious novel with an interesting twist.
Profile Image for Chanda Shae Curry.
274 reviews
April 26, 2020
Loved this one

Two to choose from?? Secrets to uncover and lies being told. Who does Hazel trust and who should she play her cards close with?? A love story also ages in the making!! Keeping me hooked.
Profile Image for Erin Dallas.
12 reviews
August 22, 2019
Storyline was eh but the writing of the characters were really brought to life and that made it worth the read.
Author 41 books144 followers
Read
January 27, 2020
Each book in this series just gets better and better. Again I couldn't put it down and was riveted by the way the story was told. This Author definitely gives you the feels.
Profile Image for Michele.
219 reviews
May 5, 2020
New chapter in life

I enjoyed this book. Hazel is a smart women who is trying to understand this new stage in her life while also saving the mystery.
Profile Image for jay grange.
84 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2020
Loved this too! This whole series is amazing! In this book we find out more about hazel and who she is where she came from. Great mystery with lots of twists and turns, will aurev and hazel get it on?!?
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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