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Bloodlines #1
Blood & Lilies
Librarian Note: Alternate/new cover edition for ASIN# B00GZ9MUU8.
First in the Bloodlines Series
Once cast from Heaven, Zillah has vowed to destroy God and overtake his kingdom. But a key is needed to open the gates between the two realms.
The Key to the gate walks the earth in the form of a woman...young, innocent and completely unaware of her importance in the battle between good and evil. Once her blood is shed, Zillah can open the portal to release her father...Lucifer himself.
Cara, a college sophomore, is quickly thrown into the world of the supernatural, as well as learning of her true ancestry. Vampires, werewolves and the Nephilim are now a part of her reality. As the beings struggle to protect her, she fights to keep her sanity as her mortal realm is crushed.
Secrets are revealed that could shatter Cara’s new found love, as well as lead to her ultimate death. A family is torn apart as the battle to save the key leads them down a road of betrayal and heartache. Loved ones are lost, lines are crossed, and nothing is as it seems. Lies and truths twist and turn, leaving us with only one question…
Could you sacrifice the one you love to save the world?
First in the Bloodlines Series
Once cast from Heaven, Zillah has vowed to destroy God and overtake his kingdom. But a key is needed to open the gates between the two realms.
The Key to the gate walks the earth in the form of a woman...young, innocent and completely unaware of her importance in the battle between good and evil. Once her blood is shed, Zillah can open the portal to release her father...Lucifer himself.
Cara, a college sophomore, is quickly thrown into the world of the supernatural, as well as learning of her true ancestry. Vampires, werewolves and the Nephilim are now a part of her reality. As the beings struggle to protect her, she fights to keep her sanity as her mortal realm is crushed.
Secrets are revealed that could shatter Cara’s new found love, as well as lead to her ultimate death. A family is torn apart as the battle to save the key leads them down a road of betrayal and heartache. Loved ones are lost, lines are crossed, and nothing is as it seems. Lies and truths twist and turn, leaving us with only one question…
Could you sacrifice the one you love to save the world?
204 pages, ebook
First published March 31, 2012
5 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Croft
5 books66 followersLyn Croft is a sci-fi fantasy writer from sunny Southern California. There, she raises her daughter and four dogs, and brings to us wild and vivid worlds within the supernatural realms. If she's not working on her latest adventure, you can find her annihilating zombies and aliens with the power of her Xbox controller or creating custom pieces for her jewelry business. Sink your teeth into her first series, "Bloodlines" - a saga of epic tales for the battle between good and evil or take a stellar journey beyond our worlds into her debut fantasy novel, "The Battle of Phang Lore, Quest for the Eldtale".
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 18, 2013
Truely one of the best books I have ever read..Lyn Croft makes the characters come alive and makes you thirst for more...
March 5, 2013
If you want a book that will not let you put it down its t this one. There is something for everyone in this book
May 26, 2013
As the title might give away this is a vampire novel. It is in fact a young adult vampire romance novel, the first in a forthcoming series. Don’t worry, there is no sparkling, though there is a werewolf or two.
The book’s main character is a girl named Cara. Cara is a college student with no family and few friends. She very quickly finds herself in a lot of danger and deeply in love with a mysterious stranger that’s always right there when danger comes calling, to save her. He’s from a family of vampire hunters, who have special powers and a few secrets of their own. Cara remains pretty ignorant to most of this through out the book and by book’s end only knows the bare basics of this supernatural world she’s been sucked into.
Though a romance story with a very mild sexual undertone at its core, this book contains a lot of religious elements. Much of it is very heavy with Christian sentiments. Almost nothing takes place in this book without one or more of the characters thanking, praying to, or otherwise mentioning God and this, to me, after awhile felt a bit overdone. Not really what one might expect from a small pressing calling itself Hellfire Publishing...but even so the storyline is compelling and the characters aren’t overly “goodie-goodie”.
My only real complaint about Blood and Lilies is that I wish more of the loose ends had been tied up. I don’t feel like much was resolved by book’s end and I didn’t feel enough had been revealed to Cara. I want to see what her reaction is going to be to learning the whole truth about not only her new boyfriend and his family but herself as well. I wonder if it will be what the good guy’s are hoping for, or if they have held back too much of the truth from her for her to continue to trust them. I suppose I will have to wait until the second book in this series to find out.
The book’s main character is a girl named Cara. Cara is a college student with no family and few friends. She very quickly finds herself in a lot of danger and deeply in love with a mysterious stranger that’s always right there when danger comes calling, to save her. He’s from a family of vampire hunters, who have special powers and a few secrets of their own. Cara remains pretty ignorant to most of this through out the book and by book’s end only knows the bare basics of this supernatural world she’s been sucked into.
Though a romance story with a very mild sexual undertone at its core, this book contains a lot of religious elements. Much of it is very heavy with Christian sentiments. Almost nothing takes place in this book without one or more of the characters thanking, praying to, or otherwise mentioning God and this, to me, after awhile felt a bit overdone. Not really what one might expect from a small pressing calling itself Hellfire Publishing...but even so the storyline is compelling and the characters aren’t overly “goodie-goodie”.
My only real complaint about Blood and Lilies is that I wish more of the loose ends had been tied up. I don’t feel like much was resolved by book’s end and I didn’t feel enough had been revealed to Cara. I want to see what her reaction is going to be to learning the whole truth about not only her new boyfriend and his family but herself as well. I wonder if it will be what the good guy’s are hoping for, or if they have held back too much of the truth from her for her to continue to trust them. I suppose I will have to wait until the second book in this series to find out.
June 29, 2013
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Lyn Croft has envisioned a very imaginative world surrounding the mysterious Nephilim, vampires, werewolves, and the centuries-old war that intertwines them. Imagine my delight when the lead, Cara, isn’t in high school, but in college for once! Yay! We need more college-age heroines. This lends to her maturity and gives her a lot of freedom when exploring the world around her. However, one night at a club, she encounters a pair of ambitious vampire twins who have a dark agenda that involves a world of secrets she never knew existed.
Cara and the gentlemanly Eamon have a lot of potential. However, much in the first book feels like it is being set up for a second (lots of info-dumping). Cara spends most of the time being rescued rather than doing the rescuing, so I certainly hope she learns how to throw a punch or two! She’s a little bit too reactionary and not enough take-action-into-her-own-hands for me. Eamon seems rather flawless as of now, so I’m curious to read more about how his insecurities and how he ticks. This author definitely knows how to create nasty, compelling antagonists you love to root against. The main villainess is introduced rather late and seems to have quite a cruel streak, so I’m definitely looking forward to watching her crafty machinations unfold in later installments. Great pacing and a satisfying end twist make Blood and Lilies a quick, intriguing read—and you’ve gotta love the title.
Lyn Croft has envisioned a very imaginative world surrounding the mysterious Nephilim, vampires, werewolves, and the centuries-old war that intertwines them. Imagine my delight when the lead, Cara, isn’t in high school, but in college for once! Yay! We need more college-age heroines. This lends to her maturity and gives her a lot of freedom when exploring the world around her. However, one night at a club, she encounters a pair of ambitious vampire twins who have a dark agenda that involves a world of secrets she never knew existed.
Cara and the gentlemanly Eamon have a lot of potential. However, much in the first book feels like it is being set up for a second (lots of info-dumping). Cara spends most of the time being rescued rather than doing the rescuing, so I certainly hope she learns how to throw a punch or two! She’s a little bit too reactionary and not enough take-action-into-her-own-hands for me. Eamon seems rather flawless as of now, so I’m curious to read more about how his insecurities and how he ticks. This author definitely knows how to create nasty, compelling antagonists you love to root against. The main villainess is introduced rather late and seems to have quite a cruel streak, so I’m definitely looking forward to watching her crafty machinations unfold in later installments. Great pacing and a satisfying end twist make Blood and Lilies a quick, intriguing read—and you’ve gotta love the title.
March 25, 2013
4.5 Stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Everything you are about to read is my full and honest opinion about the book!
This book was AMAZING~! I enjoyed this book from the first chapter to the last! The writing was great, the chapters flowed easily, and the plot was very entertaining! I really couldn't find much wrong with this book!
The short version of the Plot!
Heaven and Hell are at war, and it will take one innocent girl living on earth to tip the scales.
Cara is just living her normal life when she is thrown into a Supernatural world of Vampires, Werewolves, Heaven and Hell and learns that she is the key in opening the gates to allow Lucifer himself to walk upon the earth and bring-forth the evil that is pulsing through him!
Good and Evil will battle, secrets will be revealed, love will be found and lost, family members torn apart, and death could very well be in Cara's near future if they do not make a stand a fight the evil that is trying to claim Cara's life to open the gates!
There is so much going on in this book and it's AMAZING! I don't know how anyone could NOT like this book!
So my Overall rating for this book would be a Solid 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Everything you are about to read is my full and honest opinion about the book!
This book was AMAZING~! I enjoyed this book from the first chapter to the last! The writing was great, the chapters flowed easily, and the plot was very entertaining! I really couldn't find much wrong with this book!
The short version of the Plot!
Heaven and Hell are at war, and it will take one innocent girl living on earth to tip the scales.
Cara is just living her normal life when she is thrown into a Supernatural world of Vampires, Werewolves, Heaven and Hell and learns that she is the key in opening the gates to allow Lucifer himself to walk upon the earth and bring-forth the evil that is pulsing through him!
Good and Evil will battle, secrets will be revealed, love will be found and lost, family members torn apart, and death could very well be in Cara's near future if they do not make a stand a fight the evil that is trying to claim Cara's life to open the gates!
There is so much going on in this book and it's AMAZING! I don't know how anyone could NOT like this book!
So my Overall rating for this book would be a Solid 4.5 stars!
March 25, 2013
Wow this book was amazing! I can't wait to read the next one! Zillah onced cast from heaven, who is now a vampire, wants to get revenge. She wants to destroy all of gods kingdoms and take over. The key to the two realms is in the form of a human. Young Cara thinks she is just a human, but we find out that she is must more. Zillah is trying to find key, but Cara and Eamon a halfling runs into twin vampires, who just won't leave Cara alone. The twin, who work for Zillah, doesn't know she is looking for Cara. Eamon thinks Zillah is looking for Cara, but he doesn't understand why. Eamon and his family trys to protect Cara, but is it enough? I highly recommend everyone to read this book, there is something here for everyone! I want to say thank you to the author and the group for sending me this book to review!
December 4, 2013
This was a great debut novel and first book in the Bloodlines Series by Lyn Croft.
Vampyre’s, a Vampyre Queen, Werewolf’s, Halfling’s, and Half Breeds. They live among the human’s but a power struggle between them is beginning to emerge.
Cara, is a normal college student whose life is turned upside down when she becomes the pawn in Zillah, the vampire queen’s, quest to destroy God and take over his kingdom. Cara has no idea about her ancestry or about how she is the key between the two worlds. Eamon is a Halfling, and is in love with Cara. He will protect her at all cost, as the battle between good and evil heats up.
There are a lot of twists and turns and you will get sucked into the suspense. The author does a good job of explaining all the terminology and who’s on each side. I can’t wait for the story to continue!
Vampyre’s, a Vampyre Queen, Werewolf’s, Halfling’s, and Half Breeds. They live among the human’s but a power struggle between them is beginning to emerge.
Cara, is a normal college student whose life is turned upside down when she becomes the pawn in Zillah, the vampire queen’s, quest to destroy God and take over his kingdom. Cara has no idea about her ancestry or about how she is the key between the two worlds. Eamon is a Halfling, and is in love with Cara. He will protect her at all cost, as the battle between good and evil heats up.
There are a lot of twists and turns and you will get sucked into the suspense. The author does a good job of explaining all the terminology and who’s on each side. I can’t wait for the story to continue!
April 14, 2013
I received this book for a review, and I must say, I was delighted to read it! The book is I fell in LOVE with. I'm not one of those people who like to give a ton away so this will not reveal it all. Banishing, revenge, taking on the ruler of the said human world---sounds exciting right, but then you add in some things that are not so worldy, like ancestors with a past unknown-one example being werewolves, what will happen. How will the girl-just trying to live in a normal world, unknowing of all of this, handle being trust into a battle of war and truth revealed? Ms Croft writes with details, essence, passion, description, and an air of realism, you can honestly read and feel yourself in the story. I can't wait to read more and find out what Cara 's life will turn into!
April 3, 2013
Cara who thinks she is a normal human college student gets thrown in to a world which she thought only exists in the books that she reads. Then she meets Eamon who turns out to be her protector as she finds herself in no end of trouble when she meets the evil twins who she she finds out don't really want to be her friends but want to eat her instead.
After discovering alot about herself along the way she finds her one true friend can't be her friend anymore.
I really enjoyed this book, and had some really good characters, can't wait for the next one!!
After discovering alot about herself along the way she finds her one true friend can't be her friend anymore.
I really enjoyed this book, and had some really good characters, can't wait for the next one!!
July 1, 2013
Oh my goodness!! I want to know what happens next! When does the next book come out?!
I could not put this book down! This book definitely kept me guessing, even the last page threw me for a loop - I did NOT see that coming. I highly recommend this book to those who like supernatural romance books. The romance was done in a very nice, subtle way - it was pure love and not just lust, which is so refreshing. I don't think I can say enough about this book.. you just have to get it and read it, you won't regret it, I promise!
I could not put this book down! This book definitely kept me guessing, even the last page threw me for a loop - I did NOT see that coming. I highly recommend this book to those who like supernatural romance books. The romance was done in a very nice, subtle way - it was pure love and not just lust, which is so refreshing. I don't think I can say enough about this book.. you just have to get it and read it, you won't regret it, I promise!
April 5, 2013
Wow!
I really enjoyed this story. It sucked me in from the first couple pages and didn't let go.
Great characters and story!!
How can you go wrong with Vamps and a sexy man who is your Gaurdian!! I mean really!
I was given this book for an honest review
I really enjoyed this story. It sucked me in from the first couple pages and didn't let go.
Great characters and story!!
How can you go wrong with Vamps and a sexy man who is your Gaurdian!! I mean really!
I was given this book for an honest review
April 23, 2013
Loved this book!! Good world building and characters are well developed. You get captured in the story. You don’t want to put the book down right from the start, it just sucks you in This series has a lot of potential.
My heart broke for Shannon :( I can't wait to read the next one!
My heart broke for Shannon :( I can't wait to read the next one!
April 7, 2013
If you want a great book to read that keeps you turning pages unable to put it down, wondering what will happen next this is it. I loved this!
September 24, 2014
Firstly I would like to thank Beau Coup Publishing, for kindly providing me with a copy of Blood and Lilies to read and review.
I can never turn down a good paranormal book, and this on e was no different...
We meet Cara, a college student, who has no family, and only has her best friend Kelsey standing by her, gets thrown into a world which she thought only exists in the books that she reads...
Heaven and Hell are at war, and it will take one innocent girl living on earth to tip the scales.
Angels
Demons
Vampyres
Nephilim
Good vs Evil
Good and Evil will come to blows, secrets will be revealed, love will be found and lost, families will be torn apart, and death is only around the corner.
After discovering alot about herself along the way, Cara finds her one true friend can't be her friend anymore, and those she holds dear to her know, are those who will hunt her "friend" down...
Cara and her new found friends must make a stand to fight the evil that is trying to claim Cara's life, and cause an unimaginable amount of pain and destruction into the human realm.
I could not put this book down! This book definitely kept me guessing, even the last page threw me for a loop - I did NOT see that coming...
I highly recommend this book to those who like supernatural romance books.
I can never turn down a good paranormal book, and this on e was no different...
We meet Cara, a college student, who has no family, and only has her best friend Kelsey standing by her, gets thrown into a world which she thought only exists in the books that she reads...
Heaven and Hell are at war, and it will take one innocent girl living on earth to tip the scales.
Angels
Demons
Vampyres
Nephilim
Good vs Evil
"I lay here silent in a bleeding sea
That is created of blood and lily
The pure are tainted
Salvation is gone
Among the fallen
Left with no song
For me they wait
And die for
Among the fallen Of blood and Lily"
Good and Evil will come to blows, secrets will be revealed, love will be found and lost, families will be torn apart, and death is only around the corner.
After discovering alot about herself along the way, Cara finds her one true friend can't be her friend anymore, and those she holds dear to her know, are those who will hunt her "friend" down...
Cara and her new found friends must make a stand to fight the evil that is trying to claim Cara's life, and cause an unimaginable amount of pain and destruction into the human realm.
"And don't thank me. There is no need to. Your life is more important to me than you will ever know. I will die to save you, Cara. Even if you told me you hate me and the fire of a thousand suns and wished my death a thousand times more. I would still die so your heart could be on."
I could not put this book down! This book definitely kept me guessing, even the last page threw me for a loop - I did NOT see that coming...
I highly recommend this book to those who like supernatural romance books.
September 21, 2014
This book was a solid debut novel for the author and overall I enjoyed reading it. I feel that the book could use another round of editing and more attention could be paid word repetition. I noticed that the scenes where Cara and Eamon kissed or had physical romantic interactions usually used the same descriptors (burning, sparking), to the point that I felt like I was reading the same scene over and over. The author was very descriptive at times, a little too much so for my taste. Another problem I had was the constant change of POV. It was confusing at times trying to figure out who was speaking, although I have to say this author did the change of POV better than most I have read before and once I realized this was the style of her book I was better able to keep up with things.
One thing I really liked about this book was the fact that Cara was introduced to this mythical world she had no idea existed, and instead of readily accepting it and moving on she was quite unable to accept it, which seemed more realistic to me. I liked the characters of the book and felt like they each had their own personalities. I wish the first book had revealed more to Cara about her true nature but I did like the cliffhanger that ended the book and am interested to see where the next book ends up.
One thing I really liked about this book was the fact that Cara was introduced to this mythical world she had no idea existed, and instead of readily accepting it and moving on she was quite unable to accept it, which seemed more realistic to me. I liked the characters of the book and felt like they each had their own personalities. I wish the first book had revealed more to Cara about her true nature but I did like the cliffhanger that ended the book and am interested to see where the next book ends up.
February 15, 2016
I really did enjoy Blood and Lilies! I really love paranormal romance, and though I wish there was more on the romance end for sweet little Cara and Eamon, I'm still happy to have been a part of their connection!
Cara really is such a sweet girl that you can totally relate to and get inside her head. She freaks a bit when learning of the paranormal existence but who wouldn't!? Luckily, it doesn't take her long to come to terms with it and good thing too because the steamy hott Eamon, isn't letting her go anytime soon!
My only conflict with this was the frequent flopping between characters perspective one paragraph to the other. I kept finding myself having to re-read the paragraph to see it wasn't from the perspective I originally thought it was.
I really fell for all the characters and can't wait to learn more about them!
June 12, 2014
Zillah had her sights on the kingdom and she would go to any lengths to get it. This would not come as easily as she would hope. The key is a human and her name is Cara, a college sophomore, thrown into a supernatural world was beyond belief, but now Vampires, werewolves and the Nephilim are part of her Reality. Cara’s love and protector fight to keep Lucifer than his ultimate power.
But will it lead to her death? Find out in this gripping tale that will keep you turning each page anticipating what will happen next
This is a great book about good versus evil (the ultimate power struggle), and finding your soul mate and how you would do anything to save them. I really felt for Cara as she had not had a very good upbringing in and out of foster homes so when she meets Eamon, and things begin to turn
Although this is the first book in the series, this is a brilliant book and I would recommend it to others
But will it lead to her death? Find out in this gripping tale that will keep you turning each page anticipating what will happen next
This is a great book about good versus evil (the ultimate power struggle), and finding your soul mate and how you would do anything to save them. I really felt for Cara as she had not had a very good upbringing in and out of foster homes so when she meets Eamon, and things begin to turn
Although this is the first book in the series, this is a brilliant book and I would recommend it to others
May 12, 2015
Blood and Lilies by Lyn Croft was given to me for an honest review this is the first time I have read her books and it drew me in right from the get go. The book is so descriptive that so feel like you are right in the book and the thick of things. You have Cara who is shy and timid and thinks she has no great worth it turns out she has more worth and is a bigger deal then she could ever imagine begin. Eamon is drawn to Cara but doesn’t understand why just knows he will do anything to protect her. So this book is a paranormal book with your vampires, werewolves, Halflings, and others this book was good cause you knew exactly who did what and how they got along or didn’t in their society. This was a 4 star book for me I will be reading the other cause this one did pique my interest so much.
February 9, 2015
I liked the premise of the book, but there were some spots that I had to reread. The wording was just off. I'd have to go through the ebook to find an example. Some things were a little too predictable and I don't like predictable. The thing that bothered me the most was that too much was given away in the author's description of the book. She gave away an important spoiler and I was left disappointed that I couldn't find it out myself. I had found it while adding it to my GR list. Even with these little "hiccups" I still liked the book, but I'm not sure I like enough to get the next one. My mind isn't completely made up on that yet.
April 17, 2015
Not Your Typical Vampire/Werewolf Story
I'm not usually a vampire/werewolf fan but I must admit this story grabs you. I would get so upset with Cara at times for all the stupid things she would do, I would put the book down and fume about her being so stupid. Most of the time Eamon and his family would save her. Cara is being chased by two nasty vampryes. Estelle and Celeste are in search of her for their queen but they don't know why or why they crave Cara's blood so much. Cara is Eamon's Soul Mate only Cara doesn't know. Eamon's twin brother has died earlier and has left Eamon devastated. Or did he? Read the book to find out.
I'm not usually a vampire/werewolf fan but I must admit this story grabs you. I would get so upset with Cara at times for all the stupid things she would do, I would put the book down and fume about her being so stupid. Most of the time Eamon and his family would save her. Cara is being chased by two nasty vampryes. Estelle and Celeste are in search of her for their queen but they don't know why or why they crave Cara's blood so much. Cara is Eamon's Soul Mate only Cara doesn't know. Eamon's twin brother has died earlier and has left Eamon devastated. Or did he? Read the book to find out.
November 5, 2014
I thought it was a very good book and very interesting as well. Cara and Kelsey are best friends and are always together. Eamon and Cara meet and instantly they fall in love. There are many secrets that Cara must learn of Eamon and his family as well as of herself. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to others. It was very interesting to read and had some good action parts as well.
February 16, 2015
Neat approach to a Nephilim story
Lyn Croft's Blood and Lilies is a story about Cara and the group of Nephilim descendants who rescue her from the clutches of vampyres. It's an action packed story with a budding romance between Cara and Eamon.
Although I enjoyed the plot, using the omniscient pov took some getting used to in a modern day work. Nevertheless, the storyline kept me intrigued. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Lyn Croft's Blood and Lilies is a story about Cara and the group of Nephilim descendants who rescue her from the clutches of vampyres. It's an action packed story with a budding romance between Cara and Eamon.
Although I enjoyed the plot, using the omniscient pov took some getting used to in a modern day work. Nevertheless, the storyline kept me intrigued. I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 24, 2014
The second book has been published. Wonderful! I just purchased it. The first one whet my appetite for the second one. Epic battle between good and evil with two people in love smack dab in the middle. Angles, demons vampires and werewolves, a potent mix. I was given this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and now am hooked.
June 19, 2014
This is the first book I've read by author Lyn Croft! I could not put it down and read it in a few hours. I loved the chemistry between Eamon and Cara. The twists and turns kept me on my toes. I loved, loved, loved this book. If you haven't read Blood & Lilies, you need to!!!
February 25, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, this is one that I couldn't put down because it was so different and got my imagination going, I recommend reading this for yourselves and enjoy it, be prepared to lose some sleep though lol.
April 16, 2015
This was an awesome book for all of you who enjoy paranormal romances. Once I began reading…I could not stop until the end!!! The characters caused you to experience a myriad of emotions. It was easy to feel the love between Cara and Eamon. I highly recommend this great book!!!
September 18, 2015
Good story but it just didn't grab me. Cara's character didn't feel whole and I had a hard time believing any of the characters or the story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews