An arranged marriage. A brutal abduction.And a love so forbidden, it might destroy them both. Avery Capulet is missing.Taken by a madman. Kept in the dark.She might not survive.He’ll use her body. Destroy her mind. All before he ever lays a hand on her.Rome Montague is a drug dealer. A criminal. A thief.And he needs the secrets Avery and her family are keeping – even if it means cutting them out … secrets Avery and her family are keeping – even if it means cutting them out of her pretty Capulet flesh.
Rome Montague is missing – but nobody will miss him.
Not that it matters; After the things he’s done to this girl, he doesn’t deserve to be found.
Vicious Prince, set in the criminal underbelly of San Francisco, follows two warring families who are ruled by blood, power and twisted desire.
Please note this book was formerly titled Verona Blood.
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So damn dark, so damn good…definitely not for the faint of heart! This book was formerly called Verona Blood but it’s now got a new cover and a new title and there’s two more books to come to complete this captivating story. This is just the beginning, so hang on tight and expect the unexpected because this is Lili St. Germain!
You know when you read an entire chapter and don’t even realize you’ve been holding your breath until the end? Well, that’s what Lili’s words do to me. They’re twisted, intense, suspenseful, violent, bloody, shocking, disturbing, amazing words…but if you love dark, the hell in this book is heaven! She is definitely the queen of dark romance. I need the next book ASAP!
First I had a time line confusion although it was plain in saying 8 hours earlier at the start or somewhere near the start. I could not put this book down BUT be prepared it appears that this is going to be a 3 parter and the other 2 parts are not out yet. Part two does not come out till 10/29. I hope that I remember this book when I get the next one (preordered)and part 3 in December.
Great story-it hooked me from the start. I love the author’s take on the classic Romeo and Juliette.
Thank f*ck it was free.
Intense, but an interesting re-imagining of the Romeo and Juliet story. Pretty graphic-
“Never sin against your family, because in our religion, there is no forgiveness. There is only loyalty, or death.”
Lili St. Germain is one of the few authors whose books I’ll blindly pick up. She always comes with interesting plot-lines and characters. What she in particularly excels in is creating the perfect anti-hero. She always delivers great dark romances that feed my gray soul. Verona Blood is a great start to the California Blood series. It started out with a bang and I loved everything that happened in this book, the good and the bad. Lili does such an incredible job in setting the mood, and the characters just fit the story perfectly. This book was a pretty quick read, and the end left me wanting more. However, I think she has so much more in store for us in the upcoming book(s).
“Being complicit in the downfall of somebody you used to love burns hotter than any sickness can touch you.”
I loved that the history between Avery and Rome was explained in pieces, instead of one huge chunk. Which I thought was a smart move, because this is the first book and sometimes I like to be kept in suspense. The build-up was great and it gave me enough time to connect to the characters, and understand a bit more of their backgrounds and personalities. The writing was great, the book was dark enough and all the things that already happened in Verona Blood has me even more excited to see what will happen next. I am so intrigued by many characters in this book, and I can’t wait to see which direction Lili will take this book. She is know to throw some crazy plot twists the readers way, so I am expecting crazy things to happen in the upcoming books.
“We’re in the wild, down here, and we’re nothing but animals writhing in sweat and blood.”
Avery Capulet comes from one of the most powerful families in California but her life remains controlled by her father. When her father arranges to have her marry Joshua Green instead of her boyfriend, Will, she is mad but her father is adamant this is what will protect Avery the most.
Rome Montague is a drug dealer and lives next door to the Capulet family. His own family has been destroyed by the Capulet family and one day he knows he will get his revenge.
When Avery’s engagement party turns bloody and she is kidnapped who will come for her and will she escape her captor?
This book is so good and with so many twists and turns that a review is difficult to write without giving anything away!
I really felt bad for Avery in that even though she had more money than she knew what to do with she was captive inside of her own life. Her and her dad were the only people left in their immediate family and her dad made the decisions about her future. Once we get further in we understand why her dad chose Joshua but it was still sad that she had no choice.
Rome was interesting as he was a drug dealer and had obviously been through a lot and yet he was having sex with Rosaline and then everything went down with her and you knew there was more going on. As the book went on I understood where his hatred of the Capulet family came from and I felt bad for him.
As Avery is held captive your heart breaks for what she is going through and the reader is mad at everything that is going on! Yet the author does such an amazing job at flipping everything upside down and leaving you in a state of OMG!!!
The ending was jaw-dropping and I can’t wait for the next book!!
Jesus. Just. Amazing. I always loved Romeo and Juliet and the forbidden love, but this was ten times better and dark. So truly dark, just the way I like it. Absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment.
I finished this book in the early hours of this morning, 1.45 to be exact my eyes were sore and I am still tired. I am also angry. I had highs and lows with this book. I didn’t like Avery for one, as the story progressed I opened up more to her, she just come of as selfish, or at least that’s what I thought, yes she lost her mom and sister in difficult circumstances, craving her fathers love regardless of what he does is her main aim, until she found out what her father and the man she was supposed to marry had done, How any father can do that do their own child is beyond me. Yet she stood by him and still did what she did. Yes family obligation an all. The book did start to improve with the introduction of Rome we got a small introduction to him, and what I saw I also didn’t like, then we get an introduction to two police officers, it was like they just popped into the story to fill the pages ready for book 2. laying the foundations if you like. Some of the scenes are harrowing and yes for some it will be a trigger, for one you have so many bad guys it was tough trying to find the thread to the book. I did get it eventually, more as the tale progressed. I have my own ideas of who Balaclava man is, but to finish on a cliff hanger like that has me shouting out words that would make a sailor blush. It’s labelled as a dark read, but for me no its more psychological, there are scenes in the book that others might be uncomfortable with, I just couldn’t gel with Avery.That is my sticking point, I normally love Lili’s books but this missed me. Do I want to know what happens next probably, but unless some one reminds me when the book is out and its also going to be a cliff hanger I highly doubt it or more likely to forget. This is why I dislike cliffhangers, so many books to read and so little time. I love a good dark book but this time it didn’t deliver. I am off to read Gun Shy so hopefully my faith will be restored.
Amazing retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Like woah! So good.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Verona Blood is the first book in the California Blood Series from Lili St. Germain.
San Francisco is going to burn if the coveted princess of California’s criminal underworld isn’t returned to her family in one piece….Avery Capulet is missing. Taken by a madman. Kept in the dark. She might now survive. He will use her body. Destroy her ind. All before he ever lays a hand on her. Rome Montague is a drug dealer. A criminal. A thief. And he needs the secrets Avery and her family are keeping-even if it mean cutting them out of her pretty Capulet flesh. Rome Montague is missing-but nobody will miss him. Not that it matters; After the things he’s done to this girl, he doesn’t deserve to be found.
I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. This book is dark and gritty and revolves around the life of Avery Capulet and Rome Montague. She is the underworlds princess and he is just a drug dealer that her family has tried to get rid of time and time again. To say they don’t like each other is a understatement. This book starts with Avery being told she has to marry a certain man and she is revolting but knows that in the end she will marry him because her Daddy told her to. He only wants her to have the best life and be with a man who will take care of her. However Joshua is an older man and one that Avery has no interest in. He is also the last person to see Avery. Avery however is in love with Will. His father is Hollywood royalty and they have been in love for some time. He does not take the news well that Avery is going to get engaged to Joshua at her twenty fifth birthday party. This is where everything explodes quiet literally and Avery is missing and so is Rome. Can these two do what it takes to save each other or will a mad man destroy them both. And, just exactly who is this madman?? I have no clue but can not wait to find out. I thought I might now but I am wrong. Eeep…..the next book needs to be in my hands now. If you like your stories heart pounding and dark you need to read this book .
I randomly came across a great review that RAVED about this novel, so I had to give it a try. I downloaded and started it right away, without even knowing much of what the story was about. To my excitement, I was immediately engrossed in the story. The author brilliantly spins together the most beautiful, erotic, dark, and twisted story that makes you feel as though you’re in the room, experiencing the same emotions as the characters. I must have said “Wow!!” to myself at least 5 times in just the first chapter alone. The book nerd in me did a little dance when I realized the Capulet/Montague connection and I was impressed with the new take on a classic story. Avery is such a fascinating character. She’s tough and headstrong, but still has this sweet vulnerability about her. She has made some big mistakes in her life and she is far from ladylike, but there is something about her determination that pulls you right in. Rome is also quite interesting. The introduction to his character is incredibly unflattering and there were so many details that should have made me feel negatively toward him, but I never did. In fact, I was just completely intrigued and wanted more! I truly loved how we were introduced to each of the main characters. We weren’t told about their connection or all of the little bits of their personalities and lives right up front. Instead, we learn these things through their interactions. The story progresses so naturally and nothing feels forced or rushed. It was a very in-depth and detailed story that was surprisingly believable and not at all predictable. Every scene brings more questions (and of course, more answers), with dark twists and turns that will keep you flipping the pages as fast as possible. I will say that this novel isn’t for the overly squeamish, but if you give it a shot, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
This really hurts me to write; but this book disappointed me. I love thusvauthorband many of her previous stories, this one just didn’t work for me. First, I did not know it was a series; I was under the impression that it was a standalone. Second, it was advertised as in the same like as The Gypsy Brothers, but I found this story lacking in both darkness and grit; through there was a dark-ish scene.
Nothing much happens in this book, at least it felt that way to me. It reads to me like bland start to the story series with just the inital bases of the plot being covered. The story is well written and flows well, it just did not hold my attention and it took me three days to finish. I want to know more about these characters and how they will end this “adventure.”
Will I read the others? Eventually, but I will not be waiting with bated breath for them. Maybe once they are all published and I can read them as one whole book. Then I might revisit this story.
Wow! I didn’t really understand what I was getting into when I started this book, but I’m really glad I did! I cannot WAIT to continue with this story to see what unfolds! Never have I been left with such a cliffhanger at the end of the first book in a series before! I was so engrossed and on the edge of my seat with anticipation. love the characters so far, and their development! What a great way to begin what I believe will be an awesome series read! Just love the modern twist on Romeo and Juliet. GAH! Not at all what I expected, but so much more This is the first time I have read something to dark, but she puts it together so beautifully. I think I am going to really like this genre!
***5 “You Wanna Die With Me?” Stars***
That cover was the bait and when I looked deeper and saw that this was going to be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet I was all “Done. Just. Done. I NEED this book NOW.”
And let me tell you that this one hit all of my happy buttons, which is a little odd for me to say since they are the dark ones and happy and dark don’t always go together..but I digress so let’s get back on track…This baby is dark, gritty, crazy, twisted, smexy and bloody and I fucking loved it.
I loved Avery and Rome. Avery is so much more than I expected. She’s sassy, strong and though she may have to put on a facade for the outside world, she can hold her own when necessary. Rome is as stubborn as they come and can be a asshat when needed, or just because he can. The cards he’s been dealt haven’t been favorable, but he isn’t about to let anyone, or anything deter him. As for Avery and Rome’s relationship. There is a lot of history, and there are ties that bind them together when they like it or not, but as of the end of this chapter in their journey, things are just getting started.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this retelling. I can admit I had an idea of what could be in my head, but the reality is nowhere near anything I conjured up and a hell of a lot better. So, for those who are checking this book out: Verona Blood is very loosely based on Romeo and Juliet. Very loosely based. It’s also all kinds of dark and cray cray and the triggers are numerous, so reader beware.
This is actually the first book by the author I’ve read and I devoured it. The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and I really enjoyed the multiple 1st person POV’s. The supporting cast of characters are quite interesting. Two or three of them have peaked my interest, so while I’m wishing that the next book was on my Kindle now, so I can find out what crazy will be going down between Avery and Rome, another part of me wants it, so I can hopefully get a little more time with those other characters as well.
So, Imma be crossing my toes that the next book comes out sooner rather than later.
~ Copy provided via InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
“Not just a surname, not just a bloodline-but a curse.”
A haunting approach to Romeo and Juliet with some huge twists!! Hooked from the very beginning, I was launched into a rollercoaster that left me reeling and salivating for more!! The groundwork building what could be one of my favorites this year if all read together. I knew going in that it would be cut off, but it’s always a downer to get that involved and then….but I knew, so no stars taken. This Author writes in such a way that you cannot stop even if you need to, so I did not even shut my kindle once while reading.
“I’ve never been that interested in food, but I’d gorge myself on a girl like Avery Capulet until there was nothing of her left; and still want more.”
Warring families, age-old secrets, unbreakable obligations, and mounds of enemies compile to make for a story that you never saw coming! Not for the faint of heart, it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s rife with tragedy, suspense, and intense moments. I’m looking forward to seeing how it ends up with the next book, because even though this one ends in a cliff, these characters already have me completely invested!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
“…I’ve never been able to regulate any kind of emotion. Raging lust. Forbidden love. Fierce loyalty. And then the thing that replaced it all. Hate. Black, festering hate.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
A twisted tale of blood enemies, it’s absolutely addictive. It’s Romeo and Juliet in a way you’ve never experienced them before. It’s crazier. It’s more violent. It’s everything you would expect from Lili St. Germain.
It’s also a cliffhanger of the most frustrating kind. The kind that leaves you twitching and heaving for more. Sigh…patience is not my strong suit!
I need more Capulet and Montague ASAP!!!!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
You guys!! WHAT DID I JUST READ? Lili St. Germain just rocked our world. OMG this novel was fabulous. It was sexy and dark and shocking AF!! Good Lord. I’m still trying to process what I read. Rome and Avery had insane chemistry and I loved the play on the original story. But now my head is swimming with a million conspiracy theories. I need book two asap!!
Point Blank: this author is flat out brilliant. Her writing style is phenomenal and her way with words leaves me awestruck. Her words are poetic and yet can be sarcastic and powerful. She has such a magnificent way of writing her characters that hooyou feel like you are right in their head. And the plot??? LEGIT MINDBLOWING. At times I was afraid to read any further because the suspense was killing me. This novel was shocking and intense and filled with blows coming from every direction. Seriously pick up this book! It is outstanding!
All in all this was amazing and I can’t wait for more in this series in the future. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
Okkkaaaaayyy WOW…! Lili has set the wheels in motion to what promises to be tale full of twists, turns and shockers. This book had me hooked from the very first page. Every character seems to have skeletons in the cupboard not to mention motives… The scene is set…
Told from a multiple POV; this is a short quick introduction to a series by Jeeezz does it whet your appetite leaving you wanting oh so much more. Just the surname of the two main families… Capulet and Montague… you just know nothing is going to be as it seems now! Avery is determined, confident and can hold her own in any situation; I instantly liked her from the start. The male characters, Rome and Will, super hot, brutal and masculine. Both have a history with Avery… so many questions and not enough answers.
If you love Lili’s writing, the dark, the deviant and the twisted then you need to read this!
I have been dying to read Verona Blood by Lili St. Germain since I first heard about it. A modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a dark twist. A story about two families with ties to the criminal underworld at war and what they will do to get what they want. Sign me right up!
Avery Capulet wants to live her life as she pleases and to fall in love and marry someone she wants. But her father has other plans. Even so, Avery was a strong heroine who is loyal, but is it to the right people? She comes from a family of wealth and education, but what does that mean when her choices are taken from her?
Rome Montague once had everything and then he lost it. His hatred and anger towards Avery Capulet grew and manifested until it consumed him. He feels betrayed by Avery and wants revenge. He is not a hero, but even so, I loved him. Though he was determined to get payback, a bit of the boy who once loved her is still there.
Avery’s father leads one of the biggest crime families in the west coast. But being his daughter has a price. As her father sets one path for Avery, other forces set a different one. Not everything is what it seems and there are many players behind the scenes. With so much history and tragedy behind the Capulets and Montagues, how will it all end?
I loved how Lili took a story we know and gave it a dark and suspenseful twist. It sets a story that you will devour and want more off. That ending shocked me and left me wanting more. Cannot wait for the next book!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!