I am a die hard Katee fan. As far as I am concerned, they can do no wrong. This book is not the same as their dark Olympus or Wicked Villains series and I imagine it will divide some fans.

This one was a slower story in a way, even though the action was just as fast as others. I liked the more subtle vibes that this one had, if you can ever call Katee subtle.

The story was sweet, the romance soft even though it is swept in a wave of the normal violence and bloodshed of the Threshold life.

I enjoyed this. It took me a little longer to get into, probably the same as the previous book of this series. The story is different and the world building is immense, incredibly well done and happily brings the pirate vibes I so desperately want

I have to admit, this is the first Katee Robert book I have ever read, although many of her books have been on my TBR. As someone who is not a huge lover of fantasy books, I knew I couldn't let the opportunity to read this Katee Robert book pass me by.

Blood on the Tide is the second book in the series and here comes another confession, I didn't read book 1 first.

The book is a fantasy romance following Lizzie, a bloodline vampire, who is searching for her family heirlooms and Maeve, a selkie who is searching for her lost pelt. Knowing there will be power in numbers, both Lizzie and Maeve team up to find the missing items.

I personally didn't find the characters very likeable, which could be a consequence of not reading book 1 first, but I could appreciate Lizzie and Maeve's relationship which was wholesome at times. The book is spicy but it was mild and enhanced the book rather than took away from the storyline. Overall the plot was enjoyable but while I am proof it can be read as a standalone, reading book 1 might have provided some context and world building.

Overall I liked the book and would potentially read the rest in the series. I gave the book 3 stars. Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author.

‘Blood on the Tide’ is sapphic, fantasy romance staring a morally grey vampire and and a fierce caring selkie. This was my first book by Katee Robert and I very much enjoyed it so I’ll be going back to read her other books at some point.

The plot was an interesting one. There were two elements to it. While you have the main story which follows Lizzie as she searches for her family’s lost heirlooms, where she happens to save Maeve who has also lost her pelt, they then both set out on a journey to retrieve Maeve’s stollen skin. The other plot which is unfolding within the book is one of rebellion, which I found intriguing as well. This one spans the entirety of the series and I believe will be continued in book 3!

The pirates and other added mythical creatures were most definitely made for a nicely written story. It added elements to both the characters and the plot, as we got to meet some interesting characters. Nox was definitely one of them as well as Rin. I liked how the author included non-binary characters within the story and hope to see more on Nox in the future. I also want to add that I enjoyed the author’s inclusion of the Zir/Ze pronouns, as someone who hasn’t come across the use of them before I enjoyed the exposure to learning something new.

Lizzie is just my morally grey, ice queen vampire. She exudates cold and feeling yet she is anything but. Her whole life she has been only about family and loyalty, brought up under the unkind hand of her mother. Yet when she meets Maeve that changes because she starts to show her warm and caring side and it’s all directed at Maeve. Lizzie is the embodiment of the ‘touch her and die’ trope because it’s so clear that she’d burn to world down just to protect her. Watching Lizzie soften for Maeve for so wholesome to watch.

Maeve, well she’s just a big hearted selkie, yet don’t be deceived because she’ll definitely bring out her fierce side when it comes to protecting the people she loves and that is put to the test when it comes to Lizzie. Maeve fights for what she believes in and that is the rebellion, her family, and Lizzie. Maeve’s story involved the lost of her pelt and the sentimental value of it to her and how she felt a part of her missing when it was gone; this was all explored and I liked how it wasn’t surface level either but you could feel how happy she became once she was reunited with her pelt.

While Lizzie and Maeve share similarities, at most they are quite the definition of ‘opposites attract’. Which made for an interesting story as it was so satisfying when they gave into their mutual lust and desire. The love, belonging and understanding these two share is heart warming.


Finally, I trapped enjoyed reading Lizzie and Marge story. They were so beautiful and wholesome. While this can be read as a standalone, I would advise to maybe read the first book first as I’m sure it’ll definitely give needed background information—which I myself think I could have used in the beginning, so I’d probably go back to read the first book soon—on the underlying plot of the rebellion. However, it’s not necessarily needed as it doesn’t take away from the gripping-ness of the story. I overly enjoyed the variety of tropes used and how they integrated with the plot seamlessly; each felt like they had been given the attention they deserved.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and Publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

——————

Tropes:
- sapphic romance
- fantasy
- vampire x selkie
- mythical creatures
- pirates
- vampire with an orgasmic bite
- forced proximity
- two fierce fmcs

Blood on the Tide is the second book in Katee Robert’s Crimson Tide series. In this instalment we follow vampire Lizzie, who we met in Hunt on Dark Waters and new character Maeve, a selkie who has lost her seal pelt.

Having read and really enjoyed Hunt on Dark Waters I was looking forward to the next instalment. Though I enjoyed Blood on the Tide, I didn’t enjoy it as much and it felt a little like the middle book of a series that is gearing us up for the next big instalment. That said I think this was more a me thing and I’m still looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Blood on the Tide follows Lizzie as she tries to reclaim her stolen family heirlooms in order to be able to go back home, but it’s too much of a feat on her own. Whilst on board the Audacity Lizzie is presented with a potential solution when the crew rescues a Selkie named Maeve. Maeve is also missing something vital too her and so is willing to create a tenuous alliance with Lizzie so that they might both retrieve what’s theirs. Along the way the pair being to rely on each other more than they could have imagined and they grow to care more than they’d thought possible.

Lizzie was such a great secondary character in HODW and so it was fun for her to get her own novel. She is still very much about the murder loving life, but yet she also undergoes quite the transformative arc. We see that there is a lot more to Lizzie and just how deeply she cares about those who matter to her. She also finds herself questioning why she’d want to go home and that for the first time in her life she feels like she’s truly living thanks to Maeve.

I liked Maeve as the new character and appreciated her strength and determination, particularly in fighting for the cause she believes in. Lizzie and Maeve made a good pair and their chemistry build up well.

This was a fun read, if a little repetitive. I didn’t feel as much happened as did in the first novel and yet I know this one will be important for what comes next.

I really enjoyed this book but that goes for anything Katee writes. Vampire, selkies, pirates what more could I want? The spice as whenever Katee writes was chefs kiss. I just could not put this down. This was just such a fun read and Katee always knows how to get me out of a reading slump. This did just that.

Thank you for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

I read the first book in this series of books, and I really enjoyed that one. I think I enjoyed this one more.
I loved the way the romance was written, the setting and it was a super quick and easy read.
Would like to read more if any come out from this world :)

3.5 rounded up

A Katee Robert book that is sapphic, pirates and with morally grey women? COUNT ME TF IN!

I went into this book not having read the first in the series and while at the start it didn't feel like a big mistake, the more that the world and the plot began to unravel, the more questions I had that were obviously answered in the previous book - so read the first book before diving into this one!

Lizzie and Maeve were such a fun duo that I kind of wish that we had more moments with them, but I know it is a personal preference in fantasy books for there to be less world-building - so I know that one is down to my own preference. This was a fast-paced book when it came to the plot, and I found it to be the perfect length and mix of action, tension and spice.

This book sets up nicely as to where the series is heading and I am definitely invested and interested in reading what comes next for this world and characters!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

Blood on the Tide
By Katee Robert

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

👯 Dual POV
🧛🏻‍♀️ Vampires
🦭 Selkie
🏴‍☠️ Pirates
👥 Forced proximity
🌦️ Grumpy x Sunshine

Blood on the Tide is the second book in the Crimson Sails series by Katee Robert. I read first book in the series, Hunt on Dark Waters, shortly after reading Neon Gods by the same author. Whilst I was initially looking for something with the same vibe, I was so pleasantly surprised to find something completely different. This series is less spicy than Neon Gods, but the world is so much more developed in my opinion.

Lizzie and Maeve’s characters were immediately likeable, despite Lizzie being painted as the bad guy previously, and had so many layers to them that we were still uncovering things even towards the end of the story.

The romance between the 2 main characters made me feel all the feels. Katee really manages to paint a gorgeous picture when it comes to the way Maeve makes Lizzie feel. Even the toughest, bad ass, main characters want to feel safe and loved. Such an unlikely pairing, but one that worked so well.

Whilst the world building was fantastic, the plot felt rather rushed at some points during this story. It felt as if some of the more major, action packed scenes were skimmed over in favour of returning to the romance aspects. This point aside, the story flowed well and there weren’t any large plot gaps that a lot of romantasy books seem to contain.

Overall, I rather enjoyed this book and am looking forward to getting to know future characters. I’ll never pass up an opportunity to delve into a Katee Robert story.

Title: Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert

Release Date: May, 16th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

A bloodline vampire named Lizzie is determined to reclaim stolen family heirlooms and find a portal home. But she can't do it alone, and her only option is to team up with a selkie named Maeve, who needs help retrieving her stolen skin. Despite their uneasy partnership, Maeve finds herself drawn to Lizzie's dangerous allure, even as they face the wrath of the Cŵn Annwn for their theft. As they navigate treacherous waters and dangerous enemies, both women must confront their desires and the risks they pose to their hearts and lives.

The writing is impeccable, drawing readers in from the very beginning and kept me engaged until the end. I was particularly impressed by how the book seamlessly combines elements of romance and fantasy, such as magic, monsters, and political intrigue, which added depth to the story.

The characters, especially the main couple, are complex and their relationship journey is compelling to follow.

Overall, I found "Blood on the Tide" to be a perfect blend of an engaging plot, intriguing characters, and heartwarming romance, making it impossible to put down.


Thank you to The Publisher ARC provided by Random House UK, Cornerstone | Del Rey, The Author Katee Robert & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Blood on The Tide by Katie Robert
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 16 May 2024

Lizzie, a bloodline vampire, is accustomed to getting what she wants. Currently, her desires revolve around retrieving her family's stolen heirlooms and finding a way back home through a portal. However, accomplishing even these tasks proves impossible without help, especially since her allies have their own pressing concerns.

Enter Maeve, a selkie they rescue from captivity. For Lizzie, Maeve's presence offers a perfect solution—she needs a guide through Threshold, and Maeve needs assistance in reclaiming her stolen skin. Despite Maeve's reservations about aligning herself with someone as dangerous as Lizzie, there's an undeniable allure to their partnership, tinged with both terror and attraction.

Yet, the threat to Maeve's heart pales in comparison to the danger posed by the Cŵn Annwn, the owners of the ship Lizzie is pursuing.

I really loved this book, but then again, I tend to love anything from Katee Robert.

Despite some initial hesitation after the first book in the series, diving into "Blood on the Tide" reignited my love for Katee’s storytelling, especially with characters like Maeve and Lizzie.

Blood on the Tide effortlessly transported me back into the world, immersing me in a romance and narrative that felt incredibly genuine and expertly crafted.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and the author, Katee Robert, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This is the second book in the Crimson Tides series. I adored the first book in this series and although this was a fun easy read, I didn't love it as much as the first. This is probably my bad...I saw the title and author and dived in without reading the blurb, so I had zero idea it was focusing on a different couple and not Bowen and Evelyn who I just loved. I never really connected with the main characters in this book as much as I did with the others, possibly as I spent the first 10% wondering when I was going to get a Bowen/Evelyn POV! (Lesson learnt; read the blurb so you know what you're reading!) Saying that, this is a good series; it's got pirates made up of a wide variety of different magical creatures, living in a different realm where the Cwn Annwn rule the seas.
This book focuses on Lizzie, the vampire who was chasing down Evelyn in the first book as she teams up with a Selkie while searching for Lizzie's stolen jewels. I found more happened towards the end of the book and by then I was caught up in the MC's tale. I think I can see how the third instalment is going to be set up. I still miss Evelyn and Bowen and would like to see more of them but this was a good edition to the series. I particularly love how Robert creates a completely inclusive and safe world.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

As a bloodline vampire, Lizzie has never had a problem taking what she wants, and right now what she wants are the family heirlooms that were stolen from her, a ship, and a portal home. Unfortunately, even that short list is impossible to accomplish on her own—and her allies have bigger things to worry about. When they rescue a selkie, it’s the perfect solution to her problem. Lizzie needs a guide through Threshold and the selkie needs her skin back.

I liked this one so much more than the first book. The angst between Lizzie and Maeve was perfection and this one was so action packed. I sped through this in a couple hours and I overall rated this 4.25 ⭐️.

The plot to smut ratio was really good with more plot and a sprinkle of spice. What I did like about the spice was it was varied, it wasn’t the same scene over and over again.

Watching Lizzies character development was also incredible! She went from being this detached cold hearted murderous vampire to being a simp! Maeve really brought out her soft side.

The actual plot of them finding maeves skin and lizzies jewels was surprisingly super fast paced and action packed. With them battling dangerous waves in a tiny boat to hijacking a ship and commanding the crew to a big final battle with the crimson hag, everything was explosive. What really helped set the scene was the authors depictions of the mystical creatures that they had to fight like the kelpie, the imagery really helped ramp up the stakes.

Overall I loved this book and I cannot wait for the third book, the ending left me hanging ready for the next one! Thank you for the ARC

Overall thoughts:
4.5⭐️
3 🌶️
332 pages (kindle edition) 📖
Release Date - 14th May 2024

‘That’s the problem with the sea. There’s too many fucking ways to die and nowhere near enough methods to stay alive.’

‘I like her like this. I like her all the darn time. When she’s vulnerable. When she’s strong. Stubborn and flirty and furious and sweet. So many different flavors, and I want to taste them all, again and again.’

Tropes: queer rep, magic, witches, vampires, selkies, pirates, dual POV, forced proximity, MF & FF (described on page) romance, one bed, grumpy/ sunshine, touch her you 💀

Lizzie the vampire & Maeve the selkie are an unlikely pair who find themselves teaming up to reclaim what they lost! Dealing with witches, shifters & sea monsters along the way, it’s anything but an easy task! The even harder task? Figuring out what’s happening between them.. is it.. love?

I have to mention the dedication, it’s brilliant! Had me on board (sorry about the pun 😅) straight away!

I bloody loved this book! I had such a great time reading it. The two main characters are brilliant, each with their own character development. There’s no third act break up (YAY), just hot, sexy, lustful love! Romance described on page is FF, MF is mentioned in passing nothing more. The focus is firmly on Lizzie & Maeve 🧛🏻‍♀️🦭

The book is fast paced, not giving you a second to slow down. It’s all go! Which fits perfectly with the plot. It feels like there’s never a dull moment. And the world itself feels busy, hostile & full of danger.

I only have one thing that didn’t quite gel for me & it was the time skip when Maeve is away at sea. I felt like it should have been a new chapter or at least paragraph. But this really is a minor thing.

Overall this book is quick paced, full of action, full of romance & cool creatures! Highly recommend, especially if you love pirates & vampires!

I also want to know more about Lizzie’s brother Wolf, so I’ll be reading Court of the Vampire Queen asap!

*Please note: This is the only book I’ve read in this series & the ones that are connected to it.*

Thank you to Katee Robert, Del Rey & NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

sapphic, ice queen vampire x soft, wholesome selkie?? this book was perfect beyond measures! I loved every moment of this book, the plot was so gripping, mix in pirates with this fantasy bunch, and it’s such an amazing mix that keeps you on edge! the stake of the high seas adds to the edge from every other addition too, I loved this collection of tropes and how well the author did at expanding on each one enough to really get a good feel of it all! as for lizzie, I loved her character, the cold exterior but softening up for the woman she’s falling for, lizzie is the definition of ‘touch her and you die’ trope, she will literally take down the world for maeve and that made my heart SWOON! and for maeve, I loved her so much, she’s such an interesting character, and I must admit the first book I’ve ever read with selkies in but I loved every minute as seals are some of my fave animals and I loved this spin on it! she was so wholesome with a whole side of fierceness that she only shows when protecting the people she loves, these two characters are so similar yet so polar opposite too, and this made their relationship so much more of a beautiful journey to witness, the love these two characters have for each other was so heart warming! overall, an amazing plot with great and interesting characters and a beautiful love story, all of this will have you hooked!

This one didn’t hit the same as the first- found the pace a bit slower and while I liked the story- the characters just didn’t grip me the same way. I am though definitely looking forward to the next one.

Katee Robert is one of my favourite authors and Blood on the Tide exceeded all my expectations! Robert writing sapphic was just the most perfect combination. I adored the angst, sweetness, and wonderfully written smut scenes! Whilst I enjoyed Hunt on Dark Waters, Evelyn and Bowen have NOTHING on Lizzie and Maeve - their chemistry is unmatched.
I cannot wait for the third book in this series and will keep reading Katee Robert (and hope they never stop writing!)

I have been waiting to read this book for so long, and I'm so excited to have got my hands on it. Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the arc.

We get to know Lizzie in Hunt on Dark Waters, and she is presented as the enemy. However, we find out more about her in this book. She's a vampire who strives to be ruthless and the strongest due to how her mother raised her. However, when she meets Maeve, a selkie in needs of help, she finally understands other emotions, such as love. The two need each other to find the items they both lost, but the partnership is hard. They both are attracted to each other, but love is what put Maeve in this situation and Lizzie is not capable of it.

Travelling in the Threshold together bring them closer, and make them realise that they can count on each other, not only when they are in the middle of fights to the death.

I can't wait to read the next book and see how the rebellion is succeeding.

Sirens, pirates and vampires and biting? Sign me up!!
This is great for all fans of morally grey characters, grumpyxsunshine, forced proximity and string female characters.
I devoured this read in one sitting.

I’ve been a big fan of Katee’s writing for a while but the first book in this series I wasn’t that fussed with, so I went into this one a little dubious but I was so wrong, the storytelling was immaculate and the spice (as always) was jaw dropping at times!!

My only issue was the writing was slow in parts, filled with info we the readers didn’t really need to know and that’s why I rate this a 4 star read.

I requested this book because it contained some of my favorite things: pirates, selkies, vampires, and revenge. I thought this was going to be a silly and smutty sapphic read where I could put my brain on low power and just have a good time. Jokes on me because REALLY it's about the brutal colonization by a totalitarian world government and the violence committed against innocent people who are supposed to be protected under that government. Oh and also rebellion.

Maybe if I read the first book I'd know that already. Don't come for me about that, I'm a PhD researcher and I can only read so many books!

That being said, I devoured this book. It was fun to read, thought provoking, and incredibly sexy. I am actually not really a person who cares for sex in books. It's fine, it doesn't put me off, but it doesn't add all that much for me. This book? CHANGES THAT FOR ME COMPLETELY. I have read some of KR's Dark Olympus series and never connected with sex scenes the way I did in Blood on the Tides. It might have been the fact that this time it was sapphic and that was unique enough to make an impression or it could have been the characters involved, but dang. This is a sexy book.

KR's characterization is off the charts. Every character introduced, even the villains, are compelling and diverse-- and the diversity doesn't feel like virtue signaling. Instead, it feels like the world is as varied and resplendent as our reality. I'm a non-binary person who uses they/them pronouns and there were *several* non-binary characters just existing in this world. One even used neo-pronouns with no explanation. I got such a thrill from that!

KR's worldbuilding feels like a little kid playing in a sandbox, and I mean that as a huge compliment. There is a freedom and joy in the wealth of magic and fantastical creatures and people within Threshold. There is no sense of limitation which means anything can happen, truly anything.

I read with the intent to analyze and draw inspiration for my thesis and KR has given me a lot to think about as far as rebellion and decolonization are concerned. There is a difference between being in a position of power within a rebellion and being a person on the ground who the rebellion directly impacts whether or not you participate and this book shows the reader what it's like to be on that ground level and still be devoted despite your own limited power. I'm looking forward to including Crimson Sails in my thesis!

Sapphic fantasy romance with both fun and feels.

Lizzie is a vampire who ended up in Threshold when trying to chase her thieving ex-girlfriend. Still trying to track down the jewels that were taken, she teams up with Maeve - a selkie whose pelt has been stolen.

This is the second book in Crimson Sails, a pirate fantasy romance series. Lizzie appears in book 1, which also contains a lot of the setup for the rebellion Maeve is part of. But because this series is mostly fantasy vibes rather than a super formal world setup I'd say you can read this standalone (you just might not get as many references).

This was one of my most anticipated releases this year (I was always going to be sold at fantasy romance, vampire, sapphic and Katee Robert). With such high expectations I was nervous going in, but it DID NOT disappoint. I love Lizzie and Maeve so much, both individually and together. Honestly I just couldn't stop smiling while reading.

With both main characters hunting down items stolen by an ex-lover, there were clearly a few trust issues going on. And there was also a big theme of loyalty to a cause (the rebellion). The build up of feelings from the initial mutual lust was done beautifully.

Of course, being a Katee Robert book, the spice was top tier. Beautifully written scenes, and very creative use of blood magic...

This is not a book to read if you have a phobia of the ocean, but I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun and steamy sapphic romance with pirate and fantasy vibes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy. All thoughts are my own.