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The War of Blood and Roses #2
Virulent
(Description contains spoilers for Book One)
On a hostile, disaster-ridden planet ravaged by a virus, humans and vampires fight for survival. But staying alive might be easier said than done in a world where the dead don’t stay dead.
Living among the devastation is Abby Rose, a member of the Vanguard, doing her best to protect herself and those around her—between waiting tables at a local motel bar and grill.
I have been lied to my entire life. My mom, my step-dad, my ex-vampire boyfriend who knew everything about me when I didn't.
I'm not even human. Not entirely.
I'm a half-blood. Part human, part vampire.
The human-turned-vampire dad I thought was dead? Nope. He's the first vampire to be turned undead. The Revenant.
Did he try to kill me? Yep.
But it's fine.
Everything's fine.
I’m fine.
I just have to live in my town with my ex. Work side by side with him and his team, under my step-dad. Avoid being killed by my bio-dad and his newest creation while hunting them down. Continue to kill zombies and manage every other threat in this world I call home.
Simple.
But seriously, it's fine.
Book 2 in Revenant Series
Paranormal Romance
MA 18+ Content
Steamy/Smut (3/5)
Violence, Blood, Gore, Language,
Angst
On a hostile, disaster-ridden planet ravaged by a virus, humans and vampires fight for survival. But staying alive might be easier said than done in a world where the dead don’t stay dead.
Living among the devastation is Abby Rose, a member of the Vanguard, doing her best to protect herself and those around her—between waiting tables at a local motel bar and grill.
I have been lied to my entire life. My mom, my step-dad, my ex-vampire boyfriend who knew everything about me when I didn't.
I'm not even human. Not entirely.
I'm a half-blood. Part human, part vampire.
The human-turned-vampire dad I thought was dead? Nope. He's the first vampire to be turned undead. The Revenant.
Did he try to kill me? Yep.
But it's fine.
Everything's fine.
I’m fine.
I just have to live in my town with my ex. Work side by side with him and his team, under my step-dad. Avoid being killed by my bio-dad and his newest creation while hunting them down. Continue to kill zombies and manage every other threat in this world I call home.
Simple.
But seriously, it's fine.
Book 2 in Revenant Series
Paranormal Romance
MA 18+ Content
Steamy/Smut (3/5)
Violence, Blood, Gore, Language,
Angst
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2021
78 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
R. Valentine
14 books62 followersAuthor of:
The War of Blood and Roses Series:
Revenant
Virulent
Evanescent
Vehement
Revivescent (February 2024)
Fate of Arcana Series
Coming Soon...
The War of Blood and Roses Series:
Revenant
Virulent
Evanescent
Vehement
Revivescent (February 2024)
Fate of Arcana Series
Coming Soon...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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July 23, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2022)! 🎁
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November 30, 2022November 28, 2022 Amazon purch
October 11, 2022
5 months ago
Virulent is book two in the series The War of Blood and Roses by author R. Valentine. Holy ****!!! Ok so like I said earlier I’m my last review of book one in this series- I normally do not read these types of books. Yet lord have mercy I am completely in love with this series. So some bad stuff has happened and the world is screwed up but there are some survivors that hang on. Together along with vampires- yes vampires they make things work. The world might be dark and full of zombies, yes zombies. Ok recap end of the world - horrible virus and human mistakes - vampires and zombies. But there are moments of passion and laughter. Book three here I come!
Enjoy!!
Virulent is book two in the series The War of Blood and Roses by author R. Valentine. Holy ****!!! Ok so like I said earlier I’m my last review of book one in this series- I normally do not read these types of books. Yet lord have mercy I am completely in love with this series. So some bad stuff has happened and the world is screwed up but there are some survivors that hang on. Together along with vampires- yes vampires they make things work. The world might be dark and full of zombies, yes zombies. Ok recap end of the world - horrible virus and human mistakes - vampires and zombies. But there are moments of passion and laughter. Book three here I come!
Enjoy!!
February 24, 2022
Interesting and well paced
I am really enjoying the series. At times Abby can be a little annoying/juvenile but, overall, she is someone to root for. I look forward to the sequels being released.
I am really enjoying the series. At times Abby can be a little annoying/juvenile but, overall, she is someone to root for. I look forward to the sequels being released.
May 10, 2023
Tropes/Key Points:
🍂Dystopia/ Apocalyptic World
🍂Fated Mates
🍂Lovers to Strangers to Lovers
🍂Dark Secret
🍂Unique Vampires / Zombies
🍂Paranormal Romance
🍂Found Family
🍂Forced Proximity
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger Warnings: Gore, Death, Mutilations, Murder, Abuse (Physical, Psychological, Emotional), Torture
Blurb:
IMy entire existence is a lie. What I thought I knew about myself, my parents, and the vampire that was stealing my heart was wrong. I feel betrayed by those who were meant to love me. They kept things from me and expected me to understand because they thought they were protecting me. I do understand, but I don’t. I am not human. Not fully. I am a half vampire. My dad, who I thought was dead is alive and he was a full vampire. Everyone knew, except me.
The enemy is out there, regrouping and possibly preparing to attack at any time. I can’t focus on the issues within my family. It’s hard though, because Ethan is there every time I turn around. He has been giving me space, but he won’t let me forget that he is there. He wants a chance to explain, he wants my forgiveness but there are more important things that need our attention.
The Revenants are out there. The Spyders are out there. We have too many enemies to let our guards down. All I have to do is keep my attention on what matters. I have to ignore the fact that I have to live in town with my ex, working with him under the tutelage of my step-dad and avoid being killed by my zombie bi-dad.
This is fine.
Review:
This is such a great sequel and continuation of the story. The author throws you right back in with only a mild recap of the previous ending. I don’t normally like recaps but it was minor enough that it wasn’t an annoyance.
My biggest complaint is that about halfway through the book there is an info-dump. The information isn’t the issue as it fleshes out more of the world from an aspect we’ve only heard about until then. I think the biggest problem is that it is so much knowledge right after a huge battle scene that it was jarring. You are riding this high of tension and adrenaline and you expect the story to keep going and continuing the plot, only to be pulled out and given information. Again, the info was welcome, but the placement and just how much of it was the issue.
There is a bit of unnecessary information given to readers in this book that I didn’t feel was the case in the first. There was a lot of descriptive moments that talked about trivial things like their food options. I understand that it was trying to flesh out the world and give readers something to paint a picture in their mind, but it became a bit repetitive and excessive.
We are introduced to a new cast of characters in this book. While we are given some new faces, the author does a great job at pulling some from book one out to compensate. I didn’t find myself missing any of the minor characters that faded off into the background. I found myself enjoying some of the newbies even more and loved when they appeared on the page. Sylis is still my love but I loved that Abby got a “girlfriend” to have those feminine chats with. I didn’t realize it was missing until it was given to us!
I was a little disappointed that the bad guys from book one didn’t make an appearance. We got a few references and nods to their presence but they were never seen. Not to say that we didn’t get any action as the other enemy mentioned in book one made an appearance. It is a wild one! There was an epic battle scene with the stakes raised for some of our characters that made up for the others absence.
We had plenty of heart breaking moments and there was enough groveling to make up for the betrayal! I love the way the author keeps you on your toes and just when you think you know how something is gonna go, she throws you for a loop. Not to mention the jaw dropping cliffhanger! A very solid sequel and I’m ready to keep it going for book three!
🍂Dystopia/ Apocalyptic World
🍂Fated Mates
🍂Lovers to Strangers to Lovers
🍂Dark Secret
🍂Unique Vampires / Zombies
🍂Paranormal Romance
🍂Found Family
🍂Forced Proximity
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger Warnings: Gore, Death, Mutilations, Murder, Abuse (Physical, Psychological, Emotional), Torture
Blurb:
IMy entire existence is a lie. What I thought I knew about myself, my parents, and the vampire that was stealing my heart was wrong. I feel betrayed by those who were meant to love me. They kept things from me and expected me to understand because they thought they were protecting me. I do understand, but I don’t. I am not human. Not fully. I am a half vampire. My dad, who I thought was dead is alive and he was a full vampire. Everyone knew, except me.
The enemy is out there, regrouping and possibly preparing to attack at any time. I can’t focus on the issues within my family. It’s hard though, because Ethan is there every time I turn around. He has been giving me space, but he won’t let me forget that he is there. He wants a chance to explain, he wants my forgiveness but there are more important things that need our attention.
The Revenants are out there. The Spyders are out there. We have too many enemies to let our guards down. All I have to do is keep my attention on what matters. I have to ignore the fact that I have to live in town with my ex, working with him under the tutelage of my step-dad and avoid being killed by my zombie bi-dad.
This is fine.
Review:
This is such a great sequel and continuation of the story. The author throws you right back in with only a mild recap of the previous ending. I don’t normally like recaps but it was minor enough that it wasn’t an annoyance.
My biggest complaint is that about halfway through the book there is an info-dump. The information isn’t the issue as it fleshes out more of the world from an aspect we’ve only heard about until then. I think the biggest problem is that it is so much knowledge right after a huge battle scene that it was jarring. You are riding this high of tension and adrenaline and you expect the story to keep going and continuing the plot, only to be pulled out and given information. Again, the info was welcome, but the placement and just how much of it was the issue.
There is a bit of unnecessary information given to readers in this book that I didn’t feel was the case in the first. There was a lot of descriptive moments that talked about trivial things like their food options. I understand that it was trying to flesh out the world and give readers something to paint a picture in their mind, but it became a bit repetitive and excessive.
We are introduced to a new cast of characters in this book. While we are given some new faces, the author does a great job at pulling some from book one out to compensate. I didn’t find myself missing any of the minor characters that faded off into the background. I found myself enjoying some of the newbies even more and loved when they appeared on the page. Sylis is still my love but I loved that Abby got a “girlfriend” to have those feminine chats with. I didn’t realize it was missing until it was given to us!
I was a little disappointed that the bad guys from book one didn’t make an appearance. We got a few references and nods to their presence but they were never seen. Not to say that we didn’t get any action as the other enemy mentioned in book one made an appearance. It is a wild one! There was an epic battle scene with the stakes raised for some of our characters that made up for the others absence.
We had plenty of heart breaking moments and there was enough groveling to make up for the betrayal! I love the way the author keeps you on your toes and just when you think you know how something is gonna go, she throws you for a loop. Not to mention the jaw dropping cliffhanger! A very solid sequel and I’m ready to keep it going for book three!
January 14, 2024
First book captured me from page one ! I love the storyline and the characters, the relationships as they progress !! This series is a perfect crazy mixture if you like The Vampire Diaries & The Walking Dead with wayyy more spice , seduction , & adventure!! The first book was a bit of world building but also a spicy af romance growing & it ripped my heart out there at the end but felt so good lol (if you know , you know) .. Now the second book .. OMG .. I thought the first book pulled me in?? Nope. The second book even better !! WOW .. I have no words .. but I will say it ended with a twist & a cliffhanger & just as my heart was finding its way back into my chest it was wrenched out AGAIN !! But it’s so so good !! Now book 3 ?? Damn it’s an addiction at this point.. & wow book three has been the best yet .. with more emotions that I could handle I was crying right along with the FMC feeling everything .. just wow .. my heart is taking a beating at this point !! With added characters & more adventures I’m loving it .. & as my heart starts to swell from the happiness & the coming together of certain things it is QUICKLY jolted from my chest again & I was audibly screaming “wtf” , “is this a dream” , “is this really happening” , “what is going on” , “what the f NO!” … so many things fell out of my mouth at the end of book 3 .. WOWWWWWW my effing heart hurts so damn good !! I’m off to start book 4 … I’m so nervous, anxious , excited & READY!! I will definitely update the next review ! BUT READ THIS BOOK/SERIES !!
November 3, 2025
I gave book 1 and the world building as to the reason for the excessive wordiness, but book 2 is just as wordy. A lot of explaining as to why she is deciding to get her freak on instead of being out and helping people. Timeline is a bit confusing, and that's crazy with how much explaining is in each scene. Sex scenes are way too long and again too much detail or explaining of things that are just cringe. I've been skipping these scenes because they are just, blah. And how many times can one person get injured?? Why does Ethan still use a Laural when Abby has let him drink a few times? Why would she want him to have his mouth on another person?
Also, when her friend gets kidnapped, this is when she decides to sit back and listen to Hendricks and Ethan and not fight to continue working or help to find and rescue her. Every other time she has been injured she fights to be able to keep working and throws a huge fit, but when her friend is taken and is in serious danger, she is just chill about it. 'Hendricks has a plan' and no further questioning or wanting to know the status, who is part of the search and rescue, nothing at all. Not a very cool friend. Abby is very self-centered and childish at times.
***I'm currently 80% in the book, maybe she decides to take her head out of her ass, but I'm not holding my breath.
Also, when her friend gets kidnapped, this is when she decides to sit back and listen to Hendricks and Ethan and not fight to continue working or help to find and rescue her. Every other time she has been injured she fights to be able to keep working and throws a huge fit, but when her friend is taken and is in serious danger, she is just chill about it. 'Hendricks has a plan' and no further questioning or wanting to know the status, who is part of the search and rescue, nothing at all. Not a very cool friend. Abby is very self-centered and childish at times.
***I'm currently 80% in the book, maybe she decides to take her head out of her ass, but I'm not holding my breath.
December 5, 2023
I am soooo in love with series. I read book 1 awhile ago and finally got to read book 2. It picks up where book one left off. I feel that book had a lot more action in. So much happening, it was awesome. I also feel that this book is alot more spicy than book 1.
I love the world building and love the characters. This book is heavy on the world building, but I love it. It reads like you're watching a series on TV, each chapter a new episode. I feel it is written so well. Keeps you wanting to see what happens. I don't think you can go wrong with sexy vampires in a zombie apocalypse🤣
So like I said this is book 2 and you definitely need to read book 1 to know what is happening now. This book also ends on a twisty cliff hanger, I can't wait to start book 3
I love the world building and love the characters. This book is heavy on the world building, but I love it. It reads like you're watching a series on TV, each chapter a new episode. I feel it is written so well. Keeps you wanting to see what happens. I don't think you can go wrong with sexy vampires in a zombie apocalypse🤣
So like I said this is book 2 and you definitely need to read book 1 to know what is happening now. This book also ends on a twisty cliff hanger, I can't wait to start book 3
August 2, 2025
You can't let go
The series just gets better. Ethan & Abby have been having a hard time lately. Will Abby find a way to forgive him for not telling her the truth? He knows that he messed up and he will do whatever he has to win her back. The enemy isn't giving up they are still causing problems for everyone. The latest attack kills too many of the town people. Abby realises that she loves Ethan and that she can't imagine not having him around. But this is their greatest test will their live be enough for what is coming?
A great read. Can't wait to start the next one
The series just gets better. Ethan & Abby have been having a hard time lately. Will Abby find a way to forgive him for not telling her the truth? He knows that he messed up and he will do whatever he has to win her back. The enemy isn't giving up they are still causing problems for everyone. The latest attack kills too many of the town people. Abby realises that she loves Ethan and that she can't imagine not having him around. But this is their greatest test will their live be enough for what is coming?
A great read. Can't wait to start the next one
April 19, 2024
3.75⭐️ This sequel was pretty slow plot wise through most of it. Which I didn’t mind because we got to chill and hang out with the characters to get to know them better. Abby and Ethan’s relationship only intensified. The plot gets moving half way through and then the ending!!!! It had me on the edge of my seat!
August 19, 2024
Totally AWESOME 😁
This book brings forth ALL the intense emotions 😯. Everything that can go wrong, has, everything that could possibly be good, is lost and everything from before is gone 😢. Thanks again R., I've certainly gone through the most intense emotions from reading this story and I only hope that the next book straightens out a few things 🤓.
This book brings forth ALL the intense emotions 😯. Everything that can go wrong, has, everything that could possibly be good, is lost and everything from before is gone 😢. Thanks again R., I've certainly gone through the most intense emotions from reading this story and I only hope that the next book straightens out a few things 🤓.
December 12, 2023
Valentine did not disappoint! I was impressed with book one..but Virulent blew it out of the water. I couldn't put the book down. I immediately started book three after finishing it. This is probably one of the best series I've read this year!!
May 3, 2024
did not care enough to finish.
Not bad, just so incredibly boring at 50% and was not at all invested in the ending
Not bad, just so incredibly boring at 50% and was not at all invested in the ending
May 6, 2024
Oh like this one better than the first. Wow Abby gets hurt so much. The smutt was good too!
May 11, 2025
fantastic
Love this series, a completely different view of vampires. The story line is strong and the characters are great. Well worth reading.
Love this series, a completely different view of vampires. The story line is strong and the characters are great. Well worth reading.
October 3, 2024
Underrated
This series has lived in my brain since I first read it in January 2024. I’m on a reread now and I’m pretty sure it’s better the second time around.
This series has lived in my brain since I first read it in January 2024. I’m on a reread now and I’m pretty sure it’s better the second time around.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews