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Shades of Red #2

Scarlet: Taming The Thirst

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Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07J6SGQY1

A rogue scientist is infecting the vampire world with a deadly disease, and one woman is willing to risk it all for the cure.

❣️A must read if you like a little mystery and medicine with your paranormal romance!❣️

Dr. Sarah Shepard doesn’t let anything get in her way. She’s a renegade virologist who’s on a mission to find a cure. However, as a new vampire, her out-of-control bloodlust has ruined her marriage, taken her kids and continues to plague her at every turn.

Karsten Ingvar is an elite Danish soldier who specializes in taming new vampires. When he takes an assignment to help the prestigious Dr. Shepard, he can’t help but be fascinated and compelled by her determination and beauty.

Together, they begin to track down this madman, but the more they learn, the more questions they have.

When Karsten’s centuries-old past steps between him and Sarah, she’s forced to make an unthinkable choice between her love for the soldier and her old life.

287 pages, ebook

Published December 4, 2018

21 people are currently reading
93 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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5 stars
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21 (31%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
December 4, 2018
I started reading the second book immediately, because I had to know what happens, and I loved it as much as the first one, although it made me feel completely different emotions than the first book. Amazing. I cannot remember last time reading series in which the books were reflecting the main character more than the author’s personal style. So well done!
This book starts with an unexpected twist, and as I mentioned above, it carries a different tone and atmosphere. It is much faster paced and focuses on two new characters, although Emilie and Owen are still there, as are Becca and Jake. The romance is still there, but this time, it takes a back seat to loads of action and moroi politics.
The main character Sarah is a complete opposite of Emilie in everything, apart from her big compassionate heart. Unlike Emilie, Sarah is stubborn, impulsive, disregarding and bending rules, and has a serious problem accepting responsibility for her actions or admitting wrongdoings of her loved ones. At times, this was frustrating for people who care for her, and detrimental to any positive outcome she had in mind. Regardless, she never gives up and tries to see things to the end. So, she is not super lovable like Emilie but a character easy to relate to.
The rest of the characters are quite interesting, especially Karsten, Aurev, Amy, and David, and the author expanded the world to reveal more of the Chronos corporation and the moroi world in general. The suspense towards the end of the book is nearly overwhelming, and the resolution is nerve wrecking. There is still so much to learn, I can’t wait for the next book, which has fortunately been announced.
Reading order of the series is Crimson: Secrets and Lies of a Living Vampire, Scarlet: Taming The Thirst, and Ruby: Taming The Thirst has been announced.
Profile Image for D.L. Blade.
Author 10 books614 followers
July 17, 2019
The author once again did a fantastic job bringing in new and refreshing ideas to a vampire story. I loved Sarah and her strong willed, yet stubborn personality. Much different than Emilie. Great twists and unexpected turns that will keep you engaged from the start.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,383 reviews
June 14, 2019
I loved Sarah and Karsten. The characters in this story were so well thought out and interesting! The story kept me on the edge until the last page! Did I say I loved it? I absolutely loved this story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carol.
428 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2019
Scarlet: The Thirst (Mystery - Medicine - Romance (Shades...

Well that sure didn’t go as I expected. It is an excellent book, I just wasn’t sure what to expect after reading the first book in the series. I think I was a little prejudice against Sarah but it didn’t take me long to come around and see that you just never should make snap decisions about anyone.
Anyway I really did enjoy this book a lot and would recommend it to all others.
Profile Image for Amy.
237 reviews
November 12, 2018
WARNING: SPOILER ALERT for CRIMSON and SCARLET

This is the second book by T.L. Christanson that I have had the privilege to read. The plus is that this is the second of her series and it was AMAZING!!
This book started right after Crimson ended once Emelie was infected by the Vampire Virus and Owen had been changed.
We begin with Sarah who is Owens ex wife and she is still suffering from Blood Lust. We get to know who Sarah is and why she had to leave Owen and their children.
We are also introduced to Karsten (Viking) who is assigned to watch and teach Sarah how to control and overcome her blood lust.
Sarah who is a doctor and is trying to figure out the cure for the virus and gets a clue of where the "mad doctor" is located but she is also summoned to go her old home and old life to examine Emelie who is Owens fiance. Sarah has to face her ex husband moving on and see her children for the first time in many years.
At this time Sarah has to face Owen with his new life. Sarah goes through so many emotions that is very heartbreaking and sad but she has Sten right by her side. He seems to be here knight in shining armor. When she feels upset, angry, or broken "Her Viking" is right by her side.
I enjoyed this read very much. I don't want to give anymore spoilers since the ride is great. You as a reader might have a different feeling about Sarah as a person but you will get to see why she made her decisions to leave her life and children.
There is many new characters in this book and you will get to experience some tear jerking scenes and you will laugh out loud and maybe even be upset.
T.L. Christianson brings each and every character to life. She will make you feel the deepest sadness and regret that some of these characters bring.
The only thing I was upset about it was that it ended!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Thank you T.L. for such a wonderful read!
1,062 reviews18 followers
September 23, 2019
If you like vampires who are more than just blood suckers, then you will definitely enjoy this second book in Shades of Red series by TL Christianson which was a super entertaining, yet dark story, that continued the search for a cure to a deadly vampire disease, as well as Sarah's overwhelming attempt to reign in her blood lust so she can see her children up close and in person, after being apart from them for years. It is also a story of a quietly developing love between two of the characters, who are taken for an emotional rollercoaster ride of ups and downs during their trial and tribulation filled journey. If you haven't read book 3 yet, I would definitely add it to my TBR file. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
Profile Image for Hannah.
15 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2019
I can not rave enough about this book. I started reading it and literally could not put it down. Finally, at 2 in the morning, I forced myself to get some sleep and then immediately began reading again the next day between classes! Sarah is totally my hero! She's strong but feminine. Her relationship with her ex-husband and her estranged kids added this tender and deep element to what is basically a steamy romance combined with continuous action. Karsten- aka - the Viking is smoking hot! I totally pictured the actor that plays Jace from Shadowhunters. I loved it, the only bad thing about this book was that it ended!
Profile Image for Jessica Traver cashen.
358 reviews19 followers
December 1, 2018
Fantastic read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was absorbed from beginning to end. I couldn't put down this book! Scarlet starts where Crimson left off. Sarah is Owen's ex wife and she is still suffering from bloodlust. We also find out why she had to leave Owen and their children. Karsten is assigned Sarah to teach her how to deal with her bloodlust. Loved this book I can't wait to read the next in the series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
June 17, 2019
This is the second book in the Shades of Red: Moroi Society series and it is really good! It gives more background information on Dr. Sarah Shepard. We also meet Karsten Ingvar, an elite Danish soldier who specializes in taming new vampires and has been assigned to help her. You will have mixed emotions when reading this book, but it is a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laid-Back Book Bitches.
360 reviews99 followers
April 17, 2020
I loved this book just as much is if not more then the first. I was drawn in right away and the story wouldn't let me go even after I had finished. I will be honest sometimes I have a hard time getting in to Vampire reads, but this author knows how to draw you in and keep you there. I want to be just like Dr. Sarah Sephard when I decide to grow up. Everyone needs to go get this book, I promise you will not be sorry
Profile Image for Angela Armstrong.
434 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2018
Wow

This book had me on the edge of my seat right until the last page! Holy crap what a ride! I'm hanging out for book 3!
Sarah's story wasn't what I expected at all, and I love how Christianson dealt with all of her issues and angst. Custody and parenting are such sensitive things and I cried several times in this book. I just loved it!
Profile Image for jay grange.
84 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2018
Loved this! After being left on a cliffhanger in crimson this book didnt disappoint! Proper edge of your seat read i literally couldnt put it down, Sten 😍😍 he is my vamp! Cant wait for ruby to see what happens next!
45 reviews
December 22, 2018
Loved it

I couldn’t wait to read this second book and it was better than the first. I as mesmerized during the whole book. Now I can’t wait for book no#3.
Signed by your dmv buddy
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,153 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2019
Dr. Sarah Shepard is a virologist and has recently become a vampire. In order to protect her children, Rebecca and Jackson, she had to leave her home and husband Dr. Owen Bennett and let them grow up without her. Now she is working on finding a cure to a disease spreading through the Moroi population.

Karsten Ingvar has been hired to help Sarah control her feedings and adjusting to her new environment. He was part of an elite group of Danish soldiers and is taken in by Sarah's beauty and determination.

When Sarah and Karsten begin to track down "The Butcher" they are very surprised at what they find. When Karsten's own past comes back Sarah must make the most difficult choice for her own future.

I enjoyed this book but I felt like I was missing things as this was the first book I have read and I probably should have read book 1 first.

I liked Sarah and I was sad that she felt it was necessary to leave her children to keep them safe. I hated how it sounded like her ex-husband Owen blamed her for bringing all of it on. I did think that Sarah could have done more, i.e. sending gifts and cards, but I respected her for wanting to keep them safe.

I really liked Karsten and how protective he was of Sarah right from the beginning and how you knew he would have her back. The two of them worked very well together to track down the Butcher and learn some fascinating things.

I was surprised at The Butcher and then everything that happened afterwords with what was revealed and the change in the relationship with The Butcher.

I was definitely shocked at the events surrounding Karsten and knew he was innocent but he was determined to protect someone and the cost was going to be so high. I was proud of Sarah for admitting how she felt but it was almost wasted. I was blown away by what she did but I knew why deep down as she felt she was already of their lives.

The very end made me both happy and sad!!
Profile Image for Susan Homan.
298 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2019
Scarlet: Taming The Thirst

I am not typically a big fan of vampire books, but this one I loved. Possibly because all of the characters seemed so human. I did not read the first in the series, although I'm sure reading it would have helped me understand some of the characters more, and I do plan on getting it and reading it. Dr. Sarah Shepherd is a Moroi, but was turned after the birth of her second child. Sadly her turning made her crave blood - even from her own children, so she has been estranged from them for years, and it also caused her divorce. A virus has been wiping out many Moroi, and she has been tasked with finding a cure, and finding the person responsible for creating the virus. She also just got a new body guard, Karsten, aka Sten, aka Viking. Sarah and Sten are very attracted to each other from the beginning. Sarah can't stay away from him even though she was warned by her boss to. Sten and Sarah go on the chase for the creator of the virus, and travel all over the world following the trail. Sten is able to teach Sarah ways so that she can drink blood from humans, but not kill them. Sten is accused of something, and Sarah is determined to make sure he is not wrongly convicted. There are many twists and turns and things going on, but I really don't want to give away too much. Wonderful characters, and I could not put this book down once I started it. I love that Sarah is a strong woman and character, and she is willing to go after what she believes in.
30 reviews
July 30, 2019
A rogue scientist is infecting the Moroi of the world with a deadly disease, and one woman is willing to risk it all for the cure. Dr. Sarah Shepard doesn’t let anything get in her way. She’s a renegade virologist who’s on a mission to find a cure. However, as a new vampire, her out-of-control bloodlust has ruined her marriage, taken her kids and continues to plague her at every turn. Karsten Ingvar is an elite Danish soldier who specializes in taming new vampires. When he takes an assignment to help the prestigious Dr. Shepard, he can’t help but be fascinated and compelled by her determination and beauty. Together, they begin to track down this madman, but the more they learn, the more questions they have. When Karsten’s centuries-old past steps between him and Sarah, she’s forced to make an unthinkable choice between her love for the soldier and her old life.

Loved Sarah and Karsten. Sarah wasn't your typical heroine she was strong and independent and she wasn't going to let anyone stand in her way of finding answers. Karsten was her sounding board her calm.

They are on a journey to find out who is inflicting a deadly plague on her people only to discover it isn't who they believe it to be. There are so many twists and turns that it kept you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

Sarah's love for Sten is so strong that she's willing to give up everything to save him.

I couldn't love this book more. A great read.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2019
Blood Lust

This not my normal genre but I did find I enjoyed this book. I’m going to have to backtrack and read the first book but had no problem reading this one as a stand-alone. This book has a Dr, Sarah, who is trying to find a cure for a virus that is killing vampires (yes she’s a vampire). She was turned voluntarily after extreme blood loss after her youngest child was born. She had to leave her children after she started feeding off that child (yeah, gross). She moved across the country and has been working on a cure for the virus since. She now has a hot new guard named Karsten aka Sten aka My Viking. He is there to keep her from killing humans and learn to control her blood lust. Sarah is on the hunt for the person responsible for making the virus known as The Butcher. Lots of bad vampires trying to kill them and they don’t know who to trust.
112 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2020
Trying to find a cure for Emilie brings Owens Ex wife Dr. Sarah Edwards back to their home. For Sarah this brings a lot of mixed emotions. She hasn’t been able to see her children since the birth of her youngest child, due to her blood lust of being turned. But she is also a very important scientist who’s help is greatly needed in finding a vaccine to cure the vampires of their deadly disease. She is not sent alone however but sent with a very old vampire for her protection as well as helping her learn to control her blood lust, so that she will be able to see her children one day. Will her lead on the butcher be a promising one? Will she fall for her handsome protector? Well you must read to find out and you will not be disappointed! Great read!!
2,642 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2020
Scarlet is the second book in Shades of Red series and continues right where Crimson left off. Sarah is Owen's ex wife and a vampire/moroi. She is still struggling with blood lust and left her kids for their safety. Karsten is a viking and is assigned to help Sarah deal with her blood lust. He is also her bodyguard wherever she goes. This one takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride from sadness, anger and laughing out loud.
6,489 reviews22 followers
June 15, 2019
Absolutely amazing! Scarlet has lovable characters and an engrossing plot. Beautifully written, I had a hard time putting this book down. This book has an emotional rollarcoaster, from crying to laughing this book will keep hooked.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
28 reviews
October 17, 2019
Scarlet

Fitting and seamless continuation of Crimson. It was intriguing and entertaining with a hint of mystery. I would definitely recommend to others. Mrs. Christianson has well developed characters that are relatable and engaging as humans or Moroi leaving you with just enough questions to drive the series. Cant wait to dig into the next one!!
Profile Image for Jackie Roberts.
927 reviews8 followers
November 21, 2019
This was an intense paranormal love story about second chances, and missed opportunities.

This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


Profile Image for Billie.
5,784 reviews71 followers
May 11, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
487 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2019
This is the second book in this series and each book just keeps getting better. The story line is so good that you won't want to put it down because you will be hanging onto every word. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what is going to happen.
Profile Image for Joleen Grace.
875 reviews
July 24, 2019
Mystery

It was a little strange reading a vampire book They were so different than the typical vampire. They seem so humanized that sometimes I forgot they were super natural. That being said it been a little different was cool. The kids thing made me sad. I couldn’t imagine!
Profile Image for Chanda Shae Curry.
274 reviews
April 23, 2020
Addicting

Picked up first book for free, thinking why not. Then here I am buying rest of series because I want to see the different romances and stories as Chronos tracks down the Butcher. So yea thanks for writing addictive books!!
Profile Image for Tammy.
185 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2019
Great book. I love Sarah and Karstan! Epic.
This book kept me hooked the entire way through. Couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
This is book 2 in a series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Richey.
1,992 reviews
July 7, 2019
This book is intriguing & dynamic and so much chaos and panoramic but a good read for sure!
Profile Image for Thea Butler.
93 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2019
Different than most Vampire books. I really enjoyed this book, can't wait to read book 3.
Profile Image for Samantha Waldow.
501 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2019
This is book 2 in the Shades of Red - Moroi Society. I enjoyed reading this book. It was very intriguing and kept me wanting more. Can't wait to read the next book. 

Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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