Lily Riley

The Doctor and the Devil by Lily Riley is an enthralling and emotionally charged paranormal romance that weaves together elements of love, betrayal, and the complexities of forgiveness in a world plagued by supernatural challenges.

The story follows Doctor Wilhelmina Van Helsing, a strong and determined woman who fled to Paris after being betrayed by her first love. In her quest to find a cure for the devastating blood plague affecting the country, she has become the foremost supernatural show more physician in Europe. Wilhelmina's character is portrayed with depth and resilience, making her a captivating protagonist with whom readers can easily connect.

Rafael Dracul, Wilhelmina's former lover, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. His determination to win back her love after breaking her heart twenty years ago sets the stage for intense emotional conflict. As Rafael is hunted by the shadowy organization known as the Order, the stakes are even higher, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

The world-building in The Doctor and the Devil is rich and immersive, blending elements of history and the supernatural seamlessly. The backdrop of France on the brink of an all-out war between humans and vampires adds tension and urgency to the plot. Lily Riley expertly crafts a unique universe that captivates readers and keeps them engaged throughout the story.

The chemistry between Wilhelmina and Rafael is palpable, and the rekindling of their relationship is filled with emotional turmoil and heartwarming moments. The author skillfully explores themes of forgiveness and second chances, allowing readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the power of love.

The book's pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, romance, and mystery that keeps the story moving forward. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the true origins of the blood plague come to light, creating an intricate web of intrigue that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

While The Doctor and the Devil is an engaging and enchanting read, some readers may find themselves craving more in-depth exploration of certain secondary characters or subplots. Additionally, a few scenes may contain elements of predictability common to the romance genre.

The Doctor and the Devil is a compelling paranormal romance that grips readers from the start with its well-crafted characters, intricate world-building, and emotional depth. Lily Riley delivers a captivating tale of love, redemption, and sacrifice, making this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. show less

Absolutely adore this series! Great character development, storyline, a good amount of steam, and character interactions. I read the third book earlier this year and I loved the characters so much, I just knew I had to go back and read the other characters' stories. This ends in a cliffhanger, setting up the next book for Charlotte and Antoine.

Daphne is a strong and determined agent in Les Dames Dangereuses. After the gruesome murder of one of her friends, she sets her target on Étienne, show more the vampire emissary to the King. She believes only a monster like him could have killed the King's mistress so violently. As Daphne attempts to bring her target into the garden maze, he already knows what she is attempting to do. He offers to assist Daphne in locating the real killer. What starts as a temporary working relationship turns into something more. Daphne struggles between her budding feelings for Étienne and her hatred for vampires, who she blames for both her brother's and her friend's murder. Étienne struggles with wanting Daphne, but knowing she is someone else's, and even if she wasn't, he could never take daylight away from her. Together, they set out to find the murderer and find themselves in the middle of something bigger.

Cannot wait to read the second book and close out this wonderful trilogy! show less

Mina Van Helsing fell in love with Rafael Dracul when she was 18. He was the tempting devil who made promises of a life together. On the night they planned to run away to elope, Rafael never showed up and left Mina waiting and thinking she was not enough for him. Twenty years later and Mina has become a doctor working to stop the blood plague that is running through France in an age where food is scarce and turning into a vampire is a tempting option for many. Rafael drops back into her life show more and sends Mina in a whirlwind of emotions and memories she must parse through, while fighting the inevitable attraction she still has for him. He's asking Mina and her friends, Les Dames Dangereuses, to help him discover who is responsible for creating the blood plague and stopping it from spreading any further. Rafael still wants Mina and has his end sights on her as his wife. Will she be able to get past twenty years of emotions and atoning for Rafael's sins?

Absolutely loved this story and had a hard time putting it down! I did not read the prior two books, and while the characters carry over into this story, it can certainly be read as a standalone. It is very well written and the author does a great job in explaining backgrounds and experiences of the other characters in a concise manner so you don't feel like you need to put this down to go back and read the others first. I will be picking up books 1 and 2 very soon!

I received a free copy of this book via City Owl Press and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less

Okay. So. Historical romance (mid-1700s France) plus vampires (and more)? Uhm. Yes, please! I read this in one sitting and it could not have been more perfectly tailored to my tastes. Wow! I adored the characters, the setting, the plot. It was such a treat to read. I'm heavily invested in what happens in book 2--that teaser? Yep. Here for it. Have a found a new series to add to my absolute favorites? It's entirely possible.