Oh my goodness this story has taken such a twisted turn. That Starfell prophecy was such a bomb blast. I'm still trying to decipher part of it. Conn and Valla are too cute for words. And after seeing Conn in all those impish roles in the Nightwing books it is quite funny to see him realise that he too can burn with soulfire. Past and present colliding and old monsters heralding new ones. Supposed enemies turn into allies and friends. I'm so curious about plot developments concerning Bastien and Kera and if I'm not mistaken is something brewing between Bowen and Lyla? I don't know why I want to see them together but I do. Oh God when is the next book coming out. I can't take this for too long.

Advanced Review Copy provided for voluntary review consideration. ( )

WOW!

I love dragons and JCross has made these Morgon men so irresistible that I can't get enough. When they find their true mate; it’s a love like no other.

Dragon in the Blood is book two in the Vale of Stars series by Juliette Cross. This tale continues from the first book, [b:Waking the Dragon|23197122|Waking the Dragon (Vale of Stars, #1)|Juliette Cross|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425002559s/23197122.jpg|42742129], where the Morgan’s are on the hunt for the Blood King who is recking havoc and kidnaping human women, so you do need to read this series in order.

I couldn't put Dragon in the Blood down and read this in a day. It's that good! We get a different type of romance then previously featured with two Morgan's mating in this one. I liked the different pairing and the relationship. Vale was raised by her brothers to be a strong and independent woman. She doesn’t need another alpha male in her life. Conn is the one man who get’s on her nerves. Conn knows how to sweet talk woman and loves them, but the one he truly wants rebuffs him at every turn. He doesn’t understand why it’s so important to have this one woman.

The plot thickens and the author delivers us with two different evils showing their faces. One we have seen before the Blood King and a new one the Poison Princess. Each have their own agendas. I liked that we get to see three different POV’s. It was interesting to see all the different sides and dig deeper into the plot. The story is non-stop from start to finish. I also liked that we meet other characters and the inhabits of Arians where the murders, thieves, and outcast live.

Dragon in the Blood reveals some truths, shocks use with a prophecy, and leaves us with a twist ending. I am on pins and needles for the next installment.

Rated: 4.5 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy provided by Juliette Cross with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

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Title: Dragon in Blood
Author: Juliette Cross
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Services" Vale of Stars # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Dragon in Blood" by Juliette Cross

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this second series of the Vale of Stars #2. It was lovely fantasy romantic read featuring Valla Moonring and Conn Rowanflame where you will get a wonderful adventurous 'Dragon' read. With them both being so stubborned it will be of most interest in how this author gets them together. The way the story reads it's like getting two stories in one as the reader is presented in more than one POV. There was a lots of characters old and even some new ones bringing on a well developed and well portrayed read as the readers learns more about this 'intelligence gathering mission, Blood King and his followers, the Larkosians, the kidnapped women and learning what the 'prophecy' really means. Many of these characters will have some very 'unique talents' that will definitely keep your attention as one reads through this story. I will say I enjoyed the game called 'Truth or Lie' and I definitely plan on playing game! This author really know to tell a story with such heart felt details that the reader will not want to put down the story until the very end and will leave you wanting more.

I know this is a standalone read however, to fully understand it all I would definitely recommend you read the first story 'Dragon Heartstrings' to get the a little bit more in the 'Vale Star fantasy series. ( )

Juliette Cross’ DRAGON IN THE BLOOD is an exciting addition to the Vale of Stars Series. Morgon Guard assassin, Valla Moonring, is assigned the task to go on a dangerous expedition to Aria. To her dismay, she is partnered with Nightwing Security operative, Conn Rowanflame. While their attraction grows they uncover a deadly plot by the Larkosian army. This urban fantasy is suitable for adult audiences.

Juliette Cross does a great job with her character development and plot. Vella was raised by her dominant brothers. She is stubborn and determined. She is tough and an excellent assassin. That is not surprising since her brother Kol is the captain of the Morgon Guard. She does not want to be partnered with Conn Rowanflame. Her brother does not give her a choice because the Morgan Guard is aware of a mole in their ranks, and Conn is one of the few men he trusts with his sister. Vella has an issue with dominate males and does not want to be seen as weak. Conn is a dominant handsome flirt. He is a highly skilled firedancer; meaning he can control fire. He is thoughtful and a capable fighter. They have great chemistry and dialog.

The plot was full of mystery and conspiracy. I love the game of Truth or Lie that Bowen, Conn, and Valla played. We discovered some interesting things about the characters that became pertinent throughout the novel. I enjoyed their encounter with Bastien’s Bastards. I thought it was gripping how Bowen’s sisters were involved in the story. The threat of the Larkosian army was significant. I was impressed with how every little detail was thought out. DRAGON IN THE BLOOD It was exciting from start to finish. This is a wonderful series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I enjoyed traveling though another part of the Vale of Stars world. I love that the worlds in both this series and the Nightwing series are so vast.

I loved Valla in WAKING THE DRAGON, but getting to know her in DRAGON OF BLOOD made me love her more. She was extremely stubborn and completely baddass but it was easy to connect with and understand her. Conn is new to me—at least I think he is, I don't remember him from past books if he's not—but he sure made himself known in DRAGON OF BLOOD. He was super charming and quite a bit cocky, but I enjoyed him. Both characters are super stubborn, but manage to compliment each other rather well when they are actually on the same page. Valla has issues with depending on a man and I really loved that Conn knew that Valla wouldn't tolerate a super protective male and managed to curb his alpha male instincts to allow her to be her. Valla was extremely stubborn, but managed to grow and open herself up to Conn as the story evolved.

There are a few things that kept me from giving book two 5 stars. I didn't love the villain's POV interludes in DRAGON IN THE BLOOD. We of course are meant to dislike them as a character, but I couldn't get into their voice and I really really really wanted to skip them all together. I did however get a better understanding of them and understood their motives more when their evil deeds were committed. I really love updates on previous couples even if they aren't the main focus of a book. We got a few teeny glimpses in DRAGON IN THE BLOOD, but I wanted more.

If you're new to the Vale of Stars series, I would personally suggest starting with the Nightwing series so you can learn about both the world and a good amount of the characters you will read about. You don't HAVE to read it to understand the books in the Vale of Stars series, but I am all for getting the full backstory. Juliette also has a few other series that will rock your world.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )