Carmine: Blood and Thunder

Shades of Red #4

by T.L. Christianson

Are vampires real? And given a choice...would you choose to turn?

Vampires are the last thing nurse Sofia should be worried about. She's working two jobs and struggling to care for her ailing mom. However, her patient, 98-year-old Mrs. Shaposhnikov, is convinced vampires exist and continually talks about them to anyone who will listen.

Sofia's troubled by the stories, but dismisses them until her patient's family visits from Russia. Among the visitors is tall, dark, and handsome Alexei - Mrs. S's grandson and the man who hired Sofia. Having gotten to know him through email, she can't help but be drawn to the foreigner. However, his superstitious beliefs and behaviors give her pause to pursue something more serious.

After the family returns to Russia, Sofia's patient begins changing drastically for the better. The once feeble and weak old lady seems to be getting younger and stronger by the day. Is there a reasonable explanation for this, or do vampires really exist? Can Sofia and Alexei find a way together, or will their lives lead them in separate directions?

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy

286 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 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

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmine: Blood and Thunder (Shades of Red Book 4) by T.L. Christianson is an awesome story to read. This is book number four in this awesome series that I have lved reading very much. I highly recommend this story to all who love reading about vampires.

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

[Amanda Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I started reading Christianson's books, I had no idea that I was a fan of PNR. If there was any lingering doubt (and there was a smidge-- just because I enjoyed the first three books, it didn't mean I'd enjoy this one, right?) it was completely eradicated by reading this novel.

It was insanely good.

Sofia was the perfect nonbeliever-of-vampires-in-a-book-about-vampires heroine for a reader like me. Her skepticism, compassion for her patients, and love for her mother made her instantly relatable -- which means my cold, cold heart didn't even have time to construct its typical "I don't believe in this stuff" walls and I loved all of the characters from the beginning.

If you haven't read any of the other books in the series, you won't be lost if you start with this one -- it works beautifully as a standalone (and I dare you to read it without conceding that IF vampires were to exist, sexy Russian men are definitely the way to introduce them.)

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fourth book in the Shades of Red series by T L Christianson continued to be a most enjoyable and entertaining read about the exciting and yet so very different, world of "morai" who are and are not vampires living subtly in our human world. Yes, they still drink blood, but they are supposed to follow rules about who, what, and how they obtain and drink it, in other words, don't kill a bunch of humans. It was also a story about the importance of family, whether human or morai. And, it was also a very slow developing love story between human Sofia, and half human half morai Alexei, the Russian. And, it was also a story about the wants and needs of the individual and the extent of what they will do or give up to obtain or satisfy them. Can't wait for book #5, do you hear me Ms Christianson. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmine: Blood and Thunder is the fourth book in the Shades of Red series and is the story about Sofia and Alexei. The characters are well developed, likable and relatable. The storyline is well written, with the faith of an elderly woman that her family will help her, Sofia's compassion for the elderly woman, and a wonderful romance between Sofia and Alexei. Will Sofia be able to accept that vampires do exist?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[AnnaMarie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and my favorite by far. I love Alexie and Sofia, their connection is intense. The story flows so well and I couldn't put it down. This is a one click author for me now for sure.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the story of Sofia and Alexei, such a great story and wonderful characters! Great read, will keep you wanting to turn every page!

[Ashlee Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and I don’t think you need to read the first three to really follow along, but I recommend reading the first three to fully understand everything.

This is the book I was most excited to read. I fell in love with Alexei in the third book and am so happy we got more of him. The author definitely didn’t disappoint on this one. Sofia is a great leading character. She’s strong, responsible, caring, and so much more. She’s someone we should all aspire to be more alike in so many ways. Her and Alexei work so well together! Their camaraderie is genuine and watching it turn into more is great. They both grow and change throughout the story that brings them together all the more!

This book was absolutely crazy! We have the Russian aspect from Alexei and his family and the Spanish heritage because of Sofia and her family. They are alike in so many ways but so different. Which leads to some really funny moments that leave you laughing out loud. Literally. So many twists and moments that leave you asking “what just happened?”. It captured my attention from me just reading the blurb. You won’t be disappointed.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!! I have read this whole series and I enjoyed reading all of her books but this book was by far my favorite!
T.L. Christianson has brought a new twist to the vampire world. Reading Carmine I could definitely see how Ms. Christianson has gotten better and better with each book. Carmine was very personal to me since the main character Sophia is a nurse who is working two jobs and taking care of her mother who has Lupus-RA. I, myself have Lupus-RA and so does my mother so this book hit me in another way. T.L. Christianson was spot on in what we go through physically and mentally. Also, being hispanic she was able to capture the superstitions of our culture.
I can not and will not give ANY spoilers to this book but I will say YOU MUST READ NOW!!!
Thank you T.L. Christianson for making my reading fun and interesting. Love it!!!

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 to the Shades of Red I loved this story. Sophie is a nurse she visits a 98 year old woman Mrs Shaposhnikov who tells Sophie stories about vampires and that they exist but Sophie doesn’t take much notice because she has enough on her plate with her mother’s illness and the medical bills she works two jobs but it’s never enough. When Mrs Shaposhnikov’s grandson Alexi comes to visit Sophie is drawn to him but there is more to Alexi than Sophie knows. I’m not going to get too much into this story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
I bought a copy of this book actually I bought the whole series to support this author and plus I love vampire stories.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great vampire book. The story is well written and keeps your interest. The characters are well developed. I recommend reading this book.

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

[jay grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This is my fave TL christianson book to date!! hooked from the very beginning, ended far too soon need more!!!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires are the last thing nurse Sofia should be worried about. She's working two jobs and struggling to care for her ailing mom. However, her patient, 98-year-old Mrs. Shaposhnikov, is convinced vampires exist and continually talks about them to anyone who will listen.
Sofia's troubled by the stories, but dismisses them until her patient's family visits from Russia. Among the visitors is tall, dark, and handsome Alexei - Mrs. S's grandson and the man who hired Sofia. Having gotten to know him through email, she can't help but be drawn to the foreigner. However, his superstitious beliefs and behaviors give her pause to pursue something more serious.
After the family returns to Russia, Sofia's patient begins changing drastically for the better. The once feeble and weak old lady seems to be getting younger and stronger by the day. Is there a reasonable explanation for this, or do vampires really exist?
Can Sofia and Alexei find a way together, or will their lives lead them in separate directions?

This is a brilliant read.
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.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmine
Shades of Red, Book 4
T.L.Christianson, author

I simply enjoy series and especially when the characters continue from one book to the next.

This is Alexei, the bounty hunter and Sophia's story. Alexei, half human and half vampire returns to the home of his aliging grandmother. His goal is to try and convince his grandmother into being turned. Afterall, she talks about vampirs enough. With Alexei's arrival, he meets his grandmother's very attractive nurse, Sophia. Sophia also has a mother whom is very ill, herself and may be dying. She is struggling with working two jobs and caring for her mother. After her elderly patient, Mrs. S appears to be getting better, stronger and even looking younger after the visit of her grandson, Sophia is baffled. And then, the unthinkable happens!

This story, not only leans itself to a love attraction but to an interesting storyline twist and takes off on a totally different path than expected. I highly recommend this book.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though part of a series this book holds its own when read as a standalone. Sofia loves her job having found her true calling as a nurse. However her mother's debilitating illness has taken it's toll on both of them as the grapple with hospital and other bills. Her duties expose her to a world she didn't know exists, and steadfastly refuses to acknowledge. One thing is certain her attraction to her patient's grandson. Alexi and Sofia have a romance that builds slowly but with a genuine feel. The book captured some of the myriad issues people with Lupus suffer from which I unfortunately know from personal knowledge. My only wish was that Alexi's character could have had his own voice, as I prefer dual POV. A good read, even if Sofia was exceptionally oblivious to the truth.

[Lexanna Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book and honestly wish there was more to this series than just the 4 books! Even with it being a stand-alone but still part of the series I felt like I wasn't missing out on ANYTHING from the entire run. Even more so with the return of Alexei from book 3. T.L.'s take on vampires and love is something that, though yes we've seen it done differently in different books, is a completely fresh take on the whole genre!
While I'm not going to spoil anything from within the pages I will say that you HAVE TO read not only this book but the entire Shades of Red Series.

[Sammantha Saffell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love paranormal you will love this one.

This book was amazing. I was immediately hooked from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down. I love the fact that the vampires have a different name than vampire and hope that we get to see what becomes of Sofia’s life. I also want to know more about Kira and her family. This is a must read.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with its twist and turns throughout it. It was a hard book to put down if you could. The characters where fun to get to know. It was fun to find out what the mother would do next in the story. I received a free copy to do an honest review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are vampires real?

Sofia cracks me up. Even with proof of vampires she still doesn't believe. Her and Alexei have chemistry. Over all I enjoyed this book

[K. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are Great with such depth to them. The story is enrapturing. Cannot wait for more.

[karen karker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series !!

I loved your shades of Red series I didn't stop reading until I read all 4 books so far and I'm ready for the next.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far would you go to save someone you loved. The forth installment of the Shades of Red series takes on a different tone. The source of the vampire plague is found, a cure is available, and Alexei (Hazels partner in crime in Ruby) has returned to visit his elderly grandmother. Sophia, a nurse who has been caring for Alexei's grandmother, is drowning under a sea of stress and medical bills due to her mothers illness. When Mrs S realizes that her health has reached a dire status, she calls in her family to conduct her change. She insists that Sophia be a party to the change, even through she is not a believer. Seeing the transition Mrs S experiences after the turning, she wants that so much for her mother. Taking the chance she gets "medicine" from Alexei and sneaks it to her mother with some rather unintended results. Another great read!

[lori Updike · Rating 5 out of 5]

its ann intererestinng story about vannpures

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do for a loved one..even believe in the impossible?
Sofia has give up a lot to take of her mother and has taken to working 2 jobs just to keep the roof over their heads, barely.
Her favorites patient is always talking about vampires and how her family will turn her when they get there. Sofia tries to tell her that they are not true even if she keeps seeing things herself. Even Mrs. S grandson tries to help Sofia understand and to help a "friend " in need by helping with her mother. But how with it turn out when she finally comes to terms with it and what does that mean for her's and Alexis growing attraction.
A lot of detail that help paint a picture but maybe too much when it came to the story. Although I believe it will help with the series as it develops more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristy Halseth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reading copy.

I was disappointed in this book. I found Sofia to be rather annoying and that never changed. She is willfully blind to everything going on around her and some of her actions as a nurse to no come across at all like things a nurse would do. I had enough trouble with her and then the seemed to be little chemistry between her and Alexi. The more I read the less I liked it. It was a real struggle to get through so I don't find it to be something I would recommend.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had me hooked from the beginning. Sofia can't seem to understand that vampires exist when she is a witness to one of their being turned. It takes some times for her to come to terms with it and then she has to figure out how that will play to her attraction and connection with Alexei. I loved Alexei and some of their interactions had me smiling.

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

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic vampire romance read. I was hooked from the beginning and the story kept me captivated I love the interactions between Sofia and Alexei, some were absolutely heartwarming. The detail in this book is incredible making for a vivid story.

I am voluntarily leaving a honest, unbiased review.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this story, but I couldn't get past the fact that Sofia seemed extremely naive, and the romance was lackluster.

[Tayra Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twists in this tale just adds spice to an already exciting and adventurous tale
that will shock you. I highly recommend this tale and eagerly await the next book in this series.