What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruby Red Sky
"There was no one better for her, than me."
After a thousand-year slumber, Lukas—an ancient vampire of near god-like power—finds himself in the chaotic city of Manhattan, hungry for more than just blood. Disenchanted with humanity except for its women, Lukas sets his sights on finding the perfect companion to bring back to his home. His predatory gaze lands on Cassia Chamberlain, a self-employed graphic designer with a troubled past and a crumbling relationship. As Lukas manipulates fate to draw Cassia into his world, she’s swept into a dark, seductive underworld where danger, violence, and supernatural intrigue lurk behind every shadow.
But Cassia’s journey is more than a tale of abduction and desire. Betrayed by those closest to her and thrust into a realm ruled by ancient laws and deadly magic, she must navigate the perilous affections of Lukas and his enigmatic ally, Kiam. As the boundaries between victim and survivor blur, Cassia faces impossible choices—ones that will determine not only her fate, but the fate of those who dare to cross Lukas’s path.
Ruby Red Sky is a dark, intense novel of obsession, power, and transformation, where morality is as fluid as blood and love can be as dangerous as death.
Lukas and Cassia's book.
- Dark fantasy romance
- Dark romance
- Dual POV
- HEA
- Vampire romance
This story is set in the same world as the Crossed by Blood books, but it is not a part of that series.
The release date is just a placeholder and will be moved up.
After a thousand-year slumber, Lukas—an ancient vampire of near god-like power—finds himself in the chaotic city of Manhattan, hungry for more than just blood. Disenchanted with humanity except for its women, Lukas sets his sights on finding the perfect companion to bring back to his home. His predatory gaze lands on Cassia Chamberlain, a self-employed graphic designer with a troubled past and a crumbling relationship. As Lukas manipulates fate to draw Cassia into his world, she’s swept into a dark, seductive underworld where danger, violence, and supernatural intrigue lurk behind every shadow.
But Cassia’s journey is more than a tale of abduction and desire. Betrayed by those closest to her and thrust into a realm ruled by ancient laws and deadly magic, she must navigate the perilous affections of Lukas and his enigmatic ally, Kiam. As the boundaries between victim and survivor blur, Cassia faces impossible choices—ones that will determine not only her fate, but the fate of those who dare to cross Lukas’s path.
Ruby Red Sky is a dark, intense novel of obsession, power, and transformation, where morality is as fluid as blood and love can be as dangerous as death.
Lukas and Cassia's book.
- Dark fantasy romance
- Dark romance
- Dual POV
- HEA
- Vampire romance
This story is set in the same world as the Crossed by Blood books, but it is not a part of that series.
The release date is just a placeholder and will be moved up.
- GenresVampires
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 9, 2026
I wish I could have liked this story more. The MMC is fairly one-dimensional, unwilling to communicate to FMC unless absolutely necessary. I could even get behind the abduction after he decides she will be his bride.
Except he doesn't tell her much of anything, locking her in a room and basically abandoning her. It's left at "you will be mine, I have decided it." There is no romancing done by him until after they've managed to have sex, halfway through the book. Then he decides now is a good time to show her I care. Then he has to battle for the ability to keep her.
I just wished for more development of his character with her earlier in the story. And more communicating by him, maybe some vulnerability, instead of how he shouldn't want her-it's not allowed.
Except he doesn't tell her much of anything, locking her in a room and basically abandoning her. It's left at "you will be mine, I have decided it." There is no romancing done by him until after they've managed to have sex, halfway through the book. Then he decides now is a good time to show her I care. Then he has to battle for the ability to keep her.
I just wished for more development of his character with her earlier in the story. And more communicating by him, maybe some vulnerability, instead of how he shouldn't want her-it's not allowed.
June 11, 2026
Cassia is barely hanging on, an orphan with few friends, living in New York with a boyfriend who grows more distant every day. Her art has been narrowed down to cartoon graphics for advertising instead of the sweeping landscapes she's tried so unsuccessfully to sell. Until one day she's taken by a familiar stranger with silvery hair and brilliant green eyes to an alien realm with the red skies she's only seen in the paintings she can't stop creating. Worse, this stranger means to make her his wife.
Lukas has seen so many vampires return to other realms from New York with a human mate in tow. So many that he's wondering what draws them and if he could find the same. And with the first sight and smell of Cassia, he knows... it's her. But she doesn't seem to appreciate his attention, fights him at every turn, resists his magic, and constantly tries to escape! How can he convince her she behind with him when she tries to attack him at every turn?
I was laughing and cheering Cassia's spirit and determination, especially when it went from attacking Lukas to trying to protect him. We meet up with a few characters from previous books, especially Kiam (who's a main character in the next book!!!). The continuation of the world building and different realms from the original series was like returning home and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Lukas has seen so many vampires return to other realms from New York with a human mate in tow. So many that he's wondering what draws them and if he could find the same. And with the first sight and smell of Cassia, he knows... it's her. But she doesn't seem to appreciate his attention, fights him at every turn, resists his magic, and constantly tries to escape! How can he convince her she behind with him when she tries to attack him at every turn?
I was laughing and cheering Cassia's spirit and determination, especially when it went from attacking Lukas to trying to protect him. We meet up with a few characters from previous books, especially Kiam (who's a main character in the next book!!!). The continuation of the world building and different realms from the original series was like returning home and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
June 10, 2026
I really wanted to like this one. The cover alone grabbed my attention. Something about a handsome, long white-haired hero immediately makes me curious. Is he a vampire? An alien? A vampire alien? I need answers. After reading the blurb, I was excited. We have a vampire hero, an artist heroine, and a mysterious world she has been painting from her dreams. That premise had so much potential. The strongest part of this book was definitely the setting. The imagery of Cassia's paintings and the world Lukas brings her to was beautiful and immersive. Honestly, sign me up for a vacation there.
Unfortunately, the characters and romance fell short of my expectations. I went in expecting a fated-mate style romance or a deeper connection between the characters. Instead, Lukas hears Cassia say "please" to a cashier, becomes instantly obsessed, and decides she's coming home with him. Their relationship never felt fully developed to me, making it difficult to invest in them as a couple. There were also moments where the main characters behaved more like teenagers than adults, which was particularly noticeable given that Lukas is supposedly several hundred years old.
One of my biggest issues was the level of violence. Cassia's live-in boyfriend is revealed to be cheating on her, and while he is certainly a jerk, Lukas brutally murders both him and his mistress in front of Cassia. The reaction felt strangely casual considering what had just happened. I read plenty of dark romance, so violence and gore do not bother me when they serve the story. Here, several scenes felt excessively violent without adding meaningful emotional impact or plot development.
This was my first book by this author, and I later discovered it is part of a series. Several characters from previous books appear throughout the story, and I suspect that may have contributed to some of my confusion. Existing fans may connect with the world and supporting cast more than I did coming in at this point in the series.
Overall, the worldbuilding and imagery were the highlights for me, but the romance lacked the emotional connection I was hoping for, and some of the violence felt unnecessary rather than impactful.
Unfortunately, the characters and romance fell short of my expectations. I went in expecting a fated-mate style romance or a deeper connection between the characters. Instead, Lukas hears Cassia say "please" to a cashier, becomes instantly obsessed, and decides she's coming home with him. Their relationship never felt fully developed to me, making it difficult to invest in them as a couple. There were also moments where the main characters behaved more like teenagers than adults, which was particularly noticeable given that Lukas is supposedly several hundred years old.
One of my biggest issues was the level of violence. Cassia's live-in boyfriend is revealed to be cheating on her, and while he is certainly a jerk, Lukas brutally murders both him and his mistress in front of Cassia. The reaction felt strangely casual considering what had just happened. I read plenty of dark romance, so violence and gore do not bother me when they serve the story. Here, several scenes felt excessively violent without adding meaningful emotional impact or plot development.
This was my first book by this author, and I later discovered it is part of a series. Several characters from previous books appear throughout the story, and I suspect that may have contributed to some of my confusion. Existing fans may connect with the world and supporting cast more than I did coming in at this point in the series.
Overall, the worldbuilding and imagery were the highlights for me, but the romance lacked the emotional connection I was hoping for, and some of the violence felt unnecessary rather than impactful.
June 13, 2026
Some spoilers here. Not sure what to say after reading some of the other reviews. I enjoyed this book, but there was something lacking. The scenery was really interesting with the different colored sky and double moons and things like that. It was a little corny the way Lucas fell for Cassia. He was pretty arrogant too and the book had him mentioning how good looking he knew he was a few times. Cassia was one of those women who had quick comebacks slings and some attitude. Some of the things she said just didn’t seem to go with a 2 thousand year old vampire. Instalust was definitely what kept them together. The story had flaws with Lucas being the one to dole out judgement for others taking on a human mate as that was illegal in the First Realm. So all of a sudden he thinks it will be OK to bring his chosen human to the Queen and she is suppose to be fine with it? The Queen was super creepy with her sex lust being so a part of her everyday life. I was embarrassed for her son to meet his mother with her tits exposed. Then she tries to get with Lucas. Gross. She is like a mother figure to him. The king didn’t have any character development. As soon as we meet him, he’s killed.
On the positive, I loved all the magic and different powers Lucas was able to use and his ability to absorb power and magic from buildings or beings like wraiths. I am assuming he looks like the elven king from LOTR. I liked how he finally started taking time to spend with Cassia and taking her on dates. Their love scenes were lackluster from other books I read. I enjoyed the different realms and what beings live in what realm. Weird to think there is a realm where everything goes and danger is everywhere. The fighting and moving around was a little confusing. The gore visuals were gross but it didn’t bother me too much. I added a star for the unicorn. I also liked how Cassia would make friends easily with the other female human characters. I was excited that she might start developing some magic or powers with scene where she pours a potion on the crystal but it just ended. The book could have been longer to address more character development. I liked it but it’s not a top 10.
I will wait for the next book in the series Kiam and Brittany.
On the positive, I loved all the magic and different powers Lucas was able to use and his ability to absorb power and magic from buildings or beings like wraiths. I am assuming he looks like the elven king from LOTR. I liked how he finally started taking time to spend with Cassia and taking her on dates. Their love scenes were lackluster from other books I read. I enjoyed the different realms and what beings live in what realm. Weird to think there is a realm where everything goes and danger is everywhere. The fighting and moving around was a little confusing. The gore visuals were gross but it didn’t bother me too much. I added a star for the unicorn. I also liked how Cassia would make friends easily with the other female human characters. I was excited that she might start developing some magic or powers with scene where she pours a potion on the crystal but it just ended. The book could have been longer to address more character development. I liked it but it’s not a top 10.
I will wait for the next book in the series Kiam and Brittany.
Review of advance copy
My favorite part of this story was the imagery. Though the world building was a bit murky, Cassia's descriptions of her paintings and different scenes throughout the realms were really beautiful and immersive. I didn't have particularly strong feelings toward Cassia's character, but I enjoyed the loyalty and kindness of her friend, Katarina. The novel also had a decent amount of action and escalation of tension toward the climax, despite some slower parts in the middle of the book. The final scene was also a highlight with a few sweet references to earlier parts of the story.
However, the hero was very disappointing. He had few redeeming qualities, and I just couldn't find it in myself to like him. Lukas didn't seem to care for Cassia as anything other than a possession. His treatment of her was unnecessarily harsh and cold, and he appeared to be interested in other females even after initially deciding Cassia was his. Cassia often expressed she wasn't sure why Lukas wanted her, and I was equally unconvinced. Furthermore, even for a darker story I found some of the violence rather gratuitous.
Overall, this novel had some interesting scenery and supporting characters, but the romance was lackluster. I do not recommend it to those who enjoy loving heroes. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
However, the hero was very disappointing. He had few redeeming qualities, and I just couldn't find it in myself to like him. Lukas didn't seem to care for Cassia as anything other than a possession. His treatment of her was unnecessarily harsh and cold, and he appeared to be interested in other females even after initially deciding Cassia was his. Cassia often expressed she wasn't sure why Lukas wanted her, and I was equally unconvinced. Furthermore, even for a darker story I found some of the violence rather gratuitous.
Overall, this novel had some interesting scenery and supporting characters, but the romance was lackluster. I do not recommend it to those who enjoy loving heroes. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
July 26, 2026
Book Title: Ruby Red Sky (The First Realm - Lukas and Cassia's Story) published May 24, 2026
Author: Larissa Vincente
Genre: Dark paranormal romantasy - vampire romance
Format purchased: E-Book
Main Characters:
Lukas, the intriguingly handsome but dangerous, two-thousand-year-old, fair-haired vampire.
Cassia Chamberlain: an ordinary human living in New York - a graphic designer and artist - paints imaginary landscapes that exist in his supernatural realm. Lukas becomes obsessed with her.
I read the free sample chapters - I was hooked to find out more and buy the novel, one of a series of books.
Enchanting visual settings in a magical world with royal courts, epic war encounters, and steamy love scenes between Cassia and Lukas.
Lukas sees Cassia in a coffee shop and again at a nightclub in New York, and without giving the story away, she is kidnapped and swept away to his realm, where she meets dangerously dark and handsome characters, wearing fabulous clothes. She encounters exciting adventures within the realms. The descriptions and locations are out of this world. I have been lost in another world reading this book.
Check out the amazing visuals on the author's Facebook page and other social media platforms. I highly recommend Ruby Red Sky as a fascinating read. You won’t be disappointed.
Author: Larissa Vincente
Genre: Dark paranormal romantasy - vampire romance
Format purchased: E-Book
Main Characters:
Lukas, the intriguingly handsome but dangerous, two-thousand-year-old, fair-haired vampire.
Cassia Chamberlain: an ordinary human living in New York - a graphic designer and artist - paints imaginary landscapes that exist in his supernatural realm. Lukas becomes obsessed with her.
I read the free sample chapters - I was hooked to find out more and buy the novel, one of a series of books.
Enchanting visual settings in a magical world with royal courts, epic war encounters, and steamy love scenes between Cassia and Lukas.
Lukas sees Cassia in a coffee shop and again at a nightclub in New York, and without giving the story away, she is kidnapped and swept away to his realm, where she meets dangerously dark and handsome characters, wearing fabulous clothes. She encounters exciting adventures within the realms. The descriptions and locations are out of this world. I have been lost in another world reading this book.
Check out the amazing visuals on the author's Facebook page and other social media platforms. I highly recommend Ruby Red Sky as a fascinating read. You won’t be disappointed.
July 13, 2026
I was originally really excited for this ARC – the title was captivating, the character on the front was sexy – I read the blurb and I went into it with certain expectations. I was expecting a somewhat darkish broody, fantasy romance. Unfortunately, the story I find was a bit difficult to get into. The best part of the book is the descriptions – the amount of care that the author went into to give such a great detail of the art that Cassia had made – I imagine that the author is a great lover of art.
The way the initial encounter happened – I was expecting either a fated mates type trope or even a stalker romance that builds on that initial coffee shop interaction. The story I found wildly swings and does not quite always fit with the character development or with how you would anticipate the characters to react to certain scenarios – almost as if the action in the scenario was given 90% of the attention and the building blocks of the scenario to the characters reaction/development was given the 10% - it felt like it was an afterthought. It made pushing through this particular novel a little tedious.
The way the initial encounter happened – I was expecting either a fated mates type trope or even a stalker romance that builds on that initial coffee shop interaction. The story I found wildly swings and does not quite always fit with the character development or with how you would anticipate the characters to react to certain scenarios – almost as if the action in the scenario was given 90% of the attention and the building blocks of the scenario to the characters reaction/development was given the 10% - it felt like it was an afterthought. It made pushing through this particular novel a little tedious.
June 17, 2026
This is a very good read. It portrays a society that is not inhibited by normal rules. In fact things are determined by violence, bloodlust and the whim of a psychotic female. I felt like Cassia was a bit like Alice when she went down the rabbit hole. I like that Cassia is not a weak female and is mentally strong enough to spa with Lukas. I love their chemistry and how easily Cassia adapts to her new society.
This is a book with bite and introduces fresh and interesting characters. This story is entertaining from start to finish.
This is a book with bite and introduces fresh and interesting characters. This story is entertaining from start to finish.
June 23, 2026
An artist who spends her days creating fantastical landscapes and dreaming of something more, she never expects a single encounter to change the course of her life.
This dark fantasy romance blends art, ambition, and desire with a story that constantly questions where imagination ends and reality begins.
With morally gray choices, growing tension, and plenty of spice, this was an engaging read that kept me curious about where the story would go next for some characters.
Kelly (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
This dark fantasy romance blends art, ambition, and desire with a story that constantly questions where imagination ends and reality begins.
With morally gray choices, growing tension, and plenty of spice, this was an engaging read that kept me curious about where the story would go next for some characters.
Kelly (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
July 13, 2026
Neo-Vamp masterpirce
I was scrolling on Instagram and I saw a Neo-Vamp video. From the first minute I was hooked. Heroine is in a totallymessed up situation, and the Vamp comes in and let’s say, help her out. From there things just get crazier and more odd and the sexiness between the human heroin and the vamp hero just grows and grows. I totally recommend this to fans of vamp romance and even those who don’t actually read this type should at least try it like I did because now I’m a fan.
I was scrolling on Instagram and I saw a Neo-Vamp video. From the first minute I was hooked. Heroine is in a totallymessed up situation, and the Vamp comes in and let’s say, help her out. From there things just get crazier and more odd and the sexiness between the human heroin and the vamp hero just grows and grows. I totally recommend this to fans of vamp romance and even those who don’t actually read this type should at least try it like I did because now I’m a fan.
July 3, 2026
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I genuinely believed that the story was about to end in a devastating manner, and it deeply affected me. The characters are well-developed, and the story has an intriguing and emotional plot with just the right amount of spice. Looking forward to the next story in this universe.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2026
A thrilling adventure in an intense world full of vampires. Intriguing characters. An exciting book from start to finish. While the pacing shifts at times, the story remains engaging and that leaves you wanting more Wort the read. I will definitly read the other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2026
I love vampire stories and this one was amazing! Great world building, the characters were unique and strong and determined and I loved their dynamics and interactions and how their relationship developed. The story is very well-written and I was engaged from the start, was hard to put down! Cannot wait to read more.
June 13, 2026
I was all in for this one. But unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. It felt more surface level than anything and it just couldn’t pull me in line I was hoping it would. I’m definitely not turned off with trying another book from this author though
June 27, 2026
Lucas is clueless and unhinged at the same time and I'm all here for it! Cassie is also a hot-mess express which it completely relatable. Add the two together and you won't want to book the book down!
Review of advance copy
Loved the story! Can't wait for the rest of the books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2026
Started out well, then became rushed and confusing. More attention was paid to characters from previous books than the main couple.
The ending was suddenly There....Meh.
The ending was suddenly There....Meh.
June 15, 2026
Bite worthy
Loved find your a little more of the ancients and a new twist of the realms. Enjoyed this one and already started on the next book.
Loved find your a little more of the ancients and a new twist of the realms. Enjoyed this one and already started on the next book.
June 23, 2026
It felt like AI generated. Plot not making sense…
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews