A review by tessa_talks_books
Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert

4.0

 Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert is book 2 in her Crimson Sails series, set in a fantasy world called Threshold. Threshold is a realm where vampires, selkies, and other fantastical beings coexist. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but if you want to understand the world more, start with book 1, which does a great deal of world-building.  In this installment, the story focuses on two side characters from book one: Lizzy and Maeve.  Lizzy and Maeve join forces to find things stolen from them - for Lizzie, a vampire, that is her family jewels, and for Maeve, a selkie, it's her pelt holding her magic.  From then on, the story is full of romance and adventure on the high seas.

As a fan of the series, I didn't think I'd miss Evelyn and Bowen (the main characters from Hunt on Dark Waters) as much as I did. Their absence really impacted my reading experience. However, the story of Lizzy and Maeve, two side characters from book one, was still engaging. This story focuses on the romance between Lizzy and Maeve, which is good for romances, but I wanted more of a balance. Despite this, the adventure elements were still present and kept the story moving at a satisfying pace.

One of the highlights of Blood on the Tide is the dynamic between Lizzy, a vampire with a sharp wit and unwavering loyalty, and Maeve, a selkie with a cautious yet level-headed nature. Their unique traits and how they complement each other create a remarkably genuine relationship. Their interactions are a testament to the author's skill in crafting authentic and compelling characters.

I also enjoyed the thrilling adventure as Lizzy and Maeve met danger after danger head-on.  This action-packed journey kept the pace delightfully quick, and I found myself speeding through as fast as the pages would turn.  I also enjoyed the dual perspective, as the two main characters are so different that each perspective offers something new and fascinating.

Blood on the Tide is not just an action-packed adventure but also a sizzling romance. The steamy scenes will have you fanning yourself as you eagerly turn the pages to see what happens next.