Hunt on Dark Waters was one of my favorite romance books from 2023. So I had the highest hopes for Blood on the Tide. While this was solid and fun as heck, I definitely had a few hiccups. Keep reading this book review of Blood on the Tide for my full thoughts.
Summary
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 and a portal home. Too bad 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 from captivity, it’s the perfect solution to her problem. Lizzie needs a guide through Threshold and the selkie needs someone to help her get her skin back. Maeve didn’t choose to give up her skin—it was stolen from her. Now she’s in an uneasy partnership with a dangerous woman who seems more apt to kill than to share a kind word. It’s terrifying…and a bit alluring. Even though she knows it will end in heartbreak, Maeve can’t help being drawn to Lizzie and her all-too-pleasurable vampire bite.
Unfortunately, the danger to Maeve’s heart is the least of her worries. The ship Lizzie’s chasing belongs to the Cŵn Annwn, and they don’t take kindly to people who steal from them. Not even Lizzie’s viciousness or Maeve’s selkie strength will be enough to save them if the Cŵn Annwn seek retribution…
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I just want to preface this that Blood on the Tide, in terms of relationship dynamics, hits different. So if you are someone who loves the banter, then the Lizzie and Maeve relationship is going to scratch a different itch. There’s the same “we know this will end, but we can’t deny the chemistry” that Hunt on Dark Waters had. And we love to see it. I’m predictable. What can I say? But Lizzie and Maeve lean more towards grumpy ice queen of Lizzie – who wants to murder everyone – and Maeve the soft hearted.
For those who love heroines who think we might not be made for peace, will love Lizzie. She was my early favorite mostly because of what we saw of her in Hunt on Dark Waters. We can pretty early on see that she doesn’t think she can have happiness. She’s used to all her wants, her loves, coming second. So to see her open up and realize that she might not have to sacrifice everything she loves and who she is was wholesome. I do think the ending rushed this theme a bit to get us ready for the next book. But it’s still my fave element.
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For Maeve, I think she took a bit of a back burner even though this is dual POV. Not going to lie, her second half character arc was extremely compelling. We love a woman on a mission. And for her to continually want to tell Lizzie to stay, while knowing she can’t? The emotional angst! All in all, Blood on the Tide is solid even if there’s this lull of big plot movement in the middle. I cannot wait for where it’s being set up in general though!
Find Blood on the Tide on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.