Crimson: Secrets and Lies of a Living Vampire

Shades of Red #1

by T.L. Christianson

An isolated mountain estate. A hidden lab. A dark secret that threatens the future of the entire vampire race. When vampire Emilie takes a new nanny job at the remote mountain home of Dr. Owen Bennett, the last thing she expects is to be thrown head-first into a dangerous mystery. After spending the last hundred years believing she was alone in the world, the undeniable chemistry with handsome and eccentric Owen⎯who she suspects may also be a vampire⎯promises a future she never thought possible. But…things at the Bennett house just don’t add up. Owen’s ex-wife has seemingly vanished, and he refuses to divulge who he works for, while keeping his research under lock and key. Determined to uncover the truth, Emilie discovers a secret that holds severe repercussions for all her kind. When dark forces intervene, Emilie is forced to make an unthinkable choice - between newfound love or what she knows to be right.

The books in the Shades of Red series are all stand-alone but they are best enjoyed in this reading
CRIMSON - Secrets and Lies of a Living Vampire
SCARLET - Taming the Thirst
RUBY - Blood is Thicker Than Water
CARMINE - Blood and Thunder www.TLChristianson.com

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Vampires, Mystery, Romance

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2019

About the author

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

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/6/2020)! 🎁

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always think it's a leap of faith when you find a new author and I'm glad I took a chance on this book. The author has put a new spin on this genre it feel a more modern and little edgier.

Elizabeth/Emilie is a vampire with a big heart she's sensitive and empathetic not your tyoicsl vampire traits. She takes a job teaching the children of Owen who are quite adorable.

The attraction she feels is not just for his blood which lets be clear she needs to survive. For someone who has resolved to remain free of entanglements her feelings for Owen and his children could be deadly.

I liked both main characters, the author did a good job pulling us into vampire life,. Who knew it was so complicated and with a virus killing off vampires time may be running out for them.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series.


reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires!!

I loved this book!!!! I could not put it down the minute I started reading it!! I absolutely recommend this! I love vampire books and this one did not disappoint at all!! Emilie was awesome! I was so confused with Owe. Trying to figure out what was going on with him! I was very surprised with the conclusion. It was emotional and I connected with with the characters! Can’t wait to read the next book!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, clever series with interesting, engaging characters. Crimson: Secrets and Lies of a Living Vampire is the first book I have read (as well as the first book in) T.L. Christianson's Shades of Red Series. The book features an engrossing storyline, well-developed characters and a clever take on vampires. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.

[D.L. Blade · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, unique take on vampires. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! If you are looking for engaging characters and a plot you haven't seen before, this is it! Excited to dive into book 2

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I am going to be sitting here on pins and needles until the next book comes out. I want to see if Owen really is........

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson: Secrets and Lies of a Living Vampire
Shades of Red, Book 1
T.L. Christianson, author

They say women are the only ones that are mesmerized by Vampires. Well I guess I fall into this category. I was thoroughly impressed and mesmerized with the spin this author took about the myth. The Vampires in this story were more like their human counterpart and less like the traditional myth of Vampires.

I sunk deeply into this story about Emilie, a Vampire and her new found love, Owen, a human medical doctor. Emilie, of course had to take on another name, so not to become suspicious. She enters the story as a tutor for Owen's two children Becca and Jack. Owen works from home, in a lab, in basement of his home. He is working to develop a vaccine for a cure for a deadly disease that is killing Vampires. Quite the story and so appropriate for the times our society is going through, only with humans of course.

I look forward to reading the second novel in the series. I recommend this book to others who enjoy tales of the unnatural.

I was gifted a digital copy of the book from the author. I leave this review of my own accord. I was not asked to do so. I recommend this enchanting love story between a human male 👨 and a vampire female. 🧛‍♀️

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely more a romance than a vampire book. If you are a hardcore vampire fan I think you won't be happy with this book. The vampires are not very „vampiry“ - they walk in sunlight, they have a slow heartbeat and are still warm. They even don't need to drink that much blood and can survive with animal blood.
This is why this book is so much more a romance. It's insta-love, there are a few steamy scenes but mostly it's the main character's doubts if she should be with her love interest, if her love interest is interested and so on.
There is also a bit of suspense as the vampires are coming down with a disease and the male MC needs to find a cure. And is he a vampire himself?

It was a nice entertaining read, the female MC was heart warming and adorable, although she didn't tell all her secrets even after her lover told her how much he values honesty.

The end was a bit disappointing. It's not ending on a cliff hanger just a bit too rushed and open. I would have loved to hear just a few paragraphs more to have a more concluded feeling.

[Becky Rendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crimson isn't your typical vampire tale. It's a bit too human for the Moroi in this story. 😉

Being a vampire isn't easy. Life has so many complications. Like dead neighbors and inheritance laws...

Crimson is definitely an entertaining adventure with plenty of ups and downs. I look forward to Scarlett. I think complicated is an understatement to what is about to happen.

Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

slow paced... interesting.. sexy and fun.. it was all together a good story and it made me smile and happy to read. i enjoyed it and cant wait to read book 2

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow that was a good book. Completely different than expected and different from what I read usually. I read this book in a slower pace, deliberately, to make it last longer. The story gave me a serene happy feeling, although it has an open ending. This was quite unusual and unexpected in the best sense possible.
The author's writing is beautiful, slowly paced, well plotted, and quite unexpected and surprising at times. The romance had a slow buildup regardless of almost instantaneous mutual attraction. The intrigue part was masterfully thought out and plotted, regardless of it taking the backseat to the romance. Or maybe romance just appealed to me stronger in this case.
The romance is family focused, as the main character Emilie, who we initially meet as Elizabeth, takes a job of a private tutor to a hard working scientist's two children, Becca and Jake. I say family focused, as Emilie falls in love with the children first, and the idea of her being their surrogate mother is heartbreakingly  fulfilling to her.
I love Emilie, who is, unlike Owen, an open book. Her intentions are pure and without a hidden agenda. She is struggling with guilt for being who she is and things she has done, as well as with the loss of loved ones. The scientist's name is Owen, and he is quite interesting. Owen is mysterious and puzzling for quite some time, as the author slowly reveals facets of his character. I have a feeling that most of his character is yet to come, as the author purposely left many questions regarding his past unanswered. 
I love the contemplative character of the story. At times it was almost philosophical in discussions of right and wrong, life choices and personal priorities, and one's purpose in life. The author took a similar approach to keeping secrets out of love and personal insecurities, and dealing with past betrayals. 
All in all, I loved everything about this story. It was a wonderful and enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read what comes next and to find out the answers to at least some of the unanswered questions. I'm so glad I discovered this author. Thank you T.L. Christianson for this wonderful story. 
Next to read - Shades of Red - Scarlet: Taming The Thirst (MYSTERY - MEDICINE - ROMANCE)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Author T.L. Christianson and I am so glad that I read this new take on Vampires.

There are some teasers so please stop reading if you’d like to be surprised.

T.L. Christianson takes you to the beautiful and peaceful mountains of Durango, Colorado. Right away you read about this “young” woman “Elizabeth” going to Duango from New York. She is there to start a new teaching job in and at the home of a widowed Doctor and his two small children.
Soon as she is driving to their estate Elizabeth begins to think about what has brought her to her new job. Elizabeth is really Emilie. A Vampire/Moroi. She is no ordinary Vampire she is sincere, sensitive, and has a conscience bigger than a natural human. She has never met another vampire or was made didn’t know what had happened to her. She is unique in more ways than one.
She still must drink blood to survive but with her love for life and others she would never harm anyone.

I love the way that this author took her spin on Vampires and took it to a new and unique place. I have read many books about Vampires so it was so refreshing to read something new and interesting.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the Moroi Series.

Thank you very much for such a wonderful read♥️

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH! I found this book at the library and devoured all four books in the series! TL has such an alluring writing style - she draws me in and wraps me in this new world of Moroi Vampires. Everything is new and fresh, I've read TONS of vampire books, and yet TL comes up with something new and fresh for each one! She blows my mind. Every book that has come out, I've been on pins and needles waiting to read more. I love her books and she is my new favorite author!

Crimson - Okay, this book is so precious and poignant. I actually tried limited my reading each day to savor each page! Emily/Elizabeth is such a relatable character, she's sensitive yet strong. Loving but weary. Her interactions with the children filled my heart. But at the core of this book is a budding romance between E and Owen, the father of the children. This is such a sweet and cute romance, I just love this couple! You hear me TL? I want more Emilie and Owen! LOL...

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins when a vampire falls in love with a human. She didn't want it to happen because she knew all the heartache it would cause her.
If falling in love was the only problem!!! He works for a corporation owned by vampires. He is a scientist working to find a cure for a vampire virus.
Having never met another vampire she finds there is more to know then she ever even thought existed. It becomes real complicated when she meets an opposing tribe.
How does she get out of this? Can they have any kind of future together?
TL Christianson draws you into this vampire life and captures your attention to the very end. Can't wait to read the next book in the series! They should make a movie out of this. Happy Reading! Reading Genie.

[Ian D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and engaging modern-day vampire story

This seemed like it might be a decent story from the “blurb”, but I was delighted to find it was an excellent one. I found this to be a very engaging first-person story, with a very modern variation on the traditional vampire story ideas. Lots of teasing hints about Liz’s backstory at the start, fleshed out later on. Her mixed feelings about her new role as a live-in tutor and her growing feelings for her employer were well-written, as was her confusion about the various corners she found herself in as the story twisted. And for me, the ending was perfect for a book in a series – this episode ended without a cliff-hanger, but with clear scope for the longer story arc to continue.

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. This book has love, Fantasy, suspense, and adventure. Owen is a scientist and he is trying to find a cure for a virus that is killing vampires. He is also a widow and has children. Elizabeth/Emilie is a vampire. She is moving from New York to Colorado to teach Owen's children. She also suspects Owen is a vampire and starts looking for evidence to prove her hunch is right. The more she finds, the more questions she has. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 1st read and review for this author and this is a fantastic story it’s a unique way of looking at a different side of vampires that’s why I bought this book the blurb looked really interesting to me. Sorry guys I’m not going to give any spoilers just read the blurb it convinced me to get this book, so if your a fan of vampire stories then this is the book for you. There’s danger, suspense, mystery, romance and some sex scenes and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages, fantastic story and I highly recommend this book.

[Angela Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great new take on vampires

I liked this. It took a while to get into it, but once the basic world building was done and the story took over, it was great.
I'm not usually a fan of narrative style writing, but I was quickly addicted to this book. I can't wait for the next one.

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. The FMC is flat and uninspiring and her love interest isn't any better. The plot drug along and I almost quit reading altogether. The romance is tepid and the sex scenes fall flat. This is the first in a series, but I won't be getting the next one. Mediocre installment in the vampire genre.

[jay grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Teri very kindly gifted me a copy as i was having a rough time, now i will tell you im not normally into vampires its not my thing, BUT i loved it the story is soooo lovely and heartwarming, im so glad i read this book! Cant wait for the next one!

[Alice J Muhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me reading to the end

I met the author at the DMV and downloaded her book, when I got home I started reading and couldn't stop until I was done. Such a different take on the vampire saga. Love adventure fantasy suspense. The author caught it all. Look forward to the next book

[Kristy Halseth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reading copy.

I am 60% of the way through this book and I just don't feel a lot of desire to finish it. The characters seem like they should be interesting but there is something that just seems off about them. They are not flat characters. But there is something annoying about all the characters except the children.

Elizabeth/Emilie, the main character, annoys me the most. Her nosiness just goes to far. She also starts to wonder if he is also a vampire on really weak evidence. Basically, she starts to wonder when she realizes he is also a night person who doesn't sleep well. While on one hand she seems to understand that Owen can't talk about his top secret research, she keeps pushing long before she is forced to by other forces.

While I am curious about the resolution of the plot and the conflict going on, I'm just not into it enough to override the annoying feeling I get from the characters themselves.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I had already read Ruby, the third book in the Shades of Red series by TL Christianson, I just had to go back and read this first book in the Shades of Red series which was a refreshingly new take on how vampires are depicted, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I have already added book 2, Scarlet, to be read as soon as I finish with my review of this book. The characters were so personally relatable, that the reader could literally almost feel their struggles and tears as they were put through their paces by the author. It was, of course, also an educational read about the vampire world as presented by the author, as well as a rather quick and hot developing love story. This is a voluntary review of free copy of this book through Bookfunnel.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not generally a fan of romance novels and find most of them to be fairly "meh", however I do enjoy some supernatural fiction so thought I'd give it a try. I am glad I did!

T.L. Christianson's characters were engaging and believable. The situations weren't contrived or forced and while there are a couple mildly explicit scenes, they didnt feel over done or excessive; something that turns me off the romance genre. I was pulled into Elizabeth/Emily's world and found myself fully immersed in her struggles. The ending left me wanting to know what happens next and I cant wait to track down book 2!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author, and it definitely won't be my last. I found the departure from the "traditional" vampire tales refreshing. The picture the author paints is more human, more family than "spooky, scary flying bats." There is a real underlying story to Crimson. Owen and Emilie are in a race against time to find a cure for a vampire plague. This has all the makings of a great mystery- villains, kidnaping, deception. Looking forward to the next in the series. If you haven't read T.L. Christianson, I highly recommend you take the chance.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book blurb is pretty accurate. I liked the story which held my interest all the way through and I cared about the characters. What I didn't like was the abrupt end that left a couple of major questions unanswered. Since the next book of the series is about different characters, I don't know if these questions I have will ever be answered. This definitely affected my rating for this book which dropped from 4 stars to 3.5.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by T.L. Christianson. The characters and storyline pulled me in and it was well written. Emilie is a vampire or moroi and is going to Durango, Colorado to become a homeschool teacher/nanny to two children. Owen is a scientist working for a corporation owned by vampires. His work is top secret and he has a hidden lab in his house. This was a different take on a vampire romance that was intriguing to read.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interested and intrigued

I really liked this book. I like where the story is going Liz is a fascinating character in the way she handled becoming a vampire. Owen and his interaction with her was sweet and gentlemanly. The only thing that bothered me a little bit was sometimes it lagged in the story. It sometimes took a long time for them to have something actually happen between them. But it fit the story and I understand that

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dr and The Teacher

Elizabeth, aka Emilie, a vampire, takes a job teaching a research doctor’s , Owen, children. She is very human like and fools the doctor for many months. He is currently trying to find a cure for a deadly virus killing vampires. Owen and Elizabeth start falling for each other but there are many secrets and of course the human/vampire thing.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this well-written, unique spin on Vampires. The storyline has drama, attraction, steamed, mystery, and suspense. The main characters are likeable, driven, sensitive to others and a good match for each other. The secondary characters are also interesting, and defined to an extent.. I also liked the playfulness at times. I voluntarily read a free ebook and this is my honest review.