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Bound #1
Bound by Night
A Vampire's Kiss Is Forever...
Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts witches, and worse. But Elena doesn't believe a word of it - until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of compelling stranger...
Tall, dark and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair - and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is - and what he craves - it's too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake's spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them...
Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts witches, and worse. But Elena doesn't believe a word of it - until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of compelling stranger...
Tall, dark and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair - and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is - and what he craves - it's too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake's spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them...
340 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2011
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1934 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
September 10, 2017
Here's the set-up and you tell me what era you think this book takes place in:
Idiot girl who is taken in by her uncle in Romania. He's a Chester-the-Molester and her poor cousin runs off with a village boy to escape her abusive father. Our idiot/heroine knows that old Chester is coming for her. He even tells her straight out that he is going to force her to marry him. So, she runs through the forest to a castle that is supposedly haunted and there meets a vampire. She's asleep on his couch and he picks her up, undresses her, and puts her in his bed. Huh, this sounds familiar...
Ah, I knew I had seen that somewhere...
She immediately trusts him, even though he undressed her in her sleep, and is easily bought off with pretty dresses and the bread and cheese he leaves for her to eat each morning. She boils water over a fire to pour in a large tub to bathe at night. There is a fire to keep her warm, and candlelight to see. They instantly fall in love and he offers to marry her in order to protect her from her uncle. If he won't marry her, the uncle can still force her to go back and marry him. She's 20 years old and a virgin.
Any ideas yet? Are we talking ye' old England in the Jane Austen days?
Here's another hint: when she runs away, she only has apples and a donut to bring with her for food. Luckily, the castle has an old, overgrown garden so she can grow vegetables to eat
Believe me, this book is shoveling enough shit to grow those mushrooms.
Oh, what? ....Yes, I did say a donut.
Hmmm, did they have those in the old days? How long ago were donuts invented? (I think we should mark that day as a national holiday.)
Last clue: She wants to go into the village to get some supplies for her new home. She takes her new husband's Porsche to get there.
That's right, you got it now. This idiotic work of craption is set in modern times. And, as a modern woman, I say: Go home book, you're drunk.
Idiot girl who is taken in by her uncle in Romania. He's a Chester-the-Molester and her poor cousin runs off with a village boy to escape her abusive father. Our idiot/heroine knows that old Chester is coming for her. He even tells her straight out that he is going to force her to marry him. So, she runs through the forest to a castle that is supposedly haunted and there meets a vampire. She's asleep on his couch and he picks her up, undresses her, and puts her in his bed. Huh, this sounds familiar...
Ah, I knew I had seen that somewhere...
She immediately trusts him, even though he undressed her in her sleep, and is easily bought off with pretty dresses and the bread and cheese he leaves for her to eat each morning. She boils water over a fire to pour in a large tub to bathe at night. There is a fire to keep her warm, and candlelight to see. They instantly fall in love and he offers to marry her in order to protect her from her uncle. If he won't marry her, the uncle can still force her to go back and marry him. She's 20 years old and a virgin.
Any ideas yet? Are we talking ye' old England in the Jane Austen days?
Here's another hint: when she runs away, she only has apples and a donut to bring with her for food. Luckily, the castle has an old, overgrown garden so she can grow vegetables to eat
Believe me, this book is shoveling enough shit to grow those mushrooms.
Oh, what? ....Yes, I did say a donut.
Hmmm, did they have those in the old days? How long ago were donuts invented? (I think we should mark that day as a national holiday.)
Last clue: She wants to go into the village to get some supplies for her new home. She takes her new husband's Porsche to get there.
That's right, you got it now. This idiotic work of craption is set in modern times. And, as a modern woman, I say: Go home book, you're drunk.
November 28, 2011
DNF - Read to pg 138, this just isn't a story that appeals to me. There's no real depth to the characters or the story lines. Elena isn't the type of heroine that I like reading about. She's very naive and I just couldn't believe in her relationship with Drake.
July 15, 2011
Author Amanda Ashley has done it again. She has swept me back into the world of Vampire Romance in its true form. She takes the root of Vampire Paranormal Romance and puts it into a story to captivate the reader.
I loved the characters of Drake and Elena. While Elena was pure and innocent, Drake was her balance in danger and mystery. After living with her drunk Uncle, Elana flees to the castle called Wolfram Estate on the hill. She has heard numerous stories of it being haunted and abandoned, but she feels she has no choice to hide away in the castle and leave the abuse of her Uncle. She discovers that the house indeed has someone living there and he is the most gorgeous man she has ever seen.
Drake has lived for a long time and humans barely interest him anymore except for nourishment. Yet when he sees the lovely Elena at his castle, he is intrigued by her. He develops feelings for her that he has never felt before. Even though he is suppose to marry another woman to secure his rightful place in the Vampire Royalty, he has no desire to be with anyone bu Elena. Together they share a love that is deep and true even if there is danger to come.
Both characters were great in Bound By Night. I loved how Drake treated Elena like a princess and cared for her well being over his own. Elena handled the supernatural better than most people would have. Her courage was just as great as Drakes, but in her own way.
Again, Amanda Ashley has delivered an amazing paranormal romance that will quench your thirst of vampire lore! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book which is suppose to be based on a character you will discover in this book!
I loved the characters of Drake and Elena. While Elena was pure and innocent, Drake was her balance in danger and mystery. After living with her drunk Uncle, Elana flees to the castle called Wolfram Estate on the hill. She has heard numerous stories of it being haunted and abandoned, but she feels she has no choice to hide away in the castle and leave the abuse of her Uncle. She discovers that the house indeed has someone living there and he is the most gorgeous man she has ever seen.
Drake has lived for a long time and humans barely interest him anymore except for nourishment. Yet when he sees the lovely Elena at his castle, he is intrigued by her. He develops feelings for her that he has never felt before. Even though he is suppose to marry another woman to secure his rightful place in the Vampire Royalty, he has no desire to be with anyone bu Elena. Together they share a love that is deep and true even if there is danger to come.
Both characters were great in Bound By Night. I loved how Drake treated Elena like a princess and cared for her well being over his own. Elena handled the supernatural better than most people would have. Her courage was just as great as Drakes, but in her own way.
Again, Amanda Ashley has delivered an amazing paranormal romance that will quench your thirst of vampire lore! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book which is suppose to be based on a character you will discover in this book!
November 8, 2011
Bound By Night (Bound #1) by Amanda Ashley
Grade: D-
“ You’re teasing me.” “Not at all. You’re beauty puts the moon and the stars to shame.”
Elena Knightsbridge was just twelve years old when her parents died and she moved from Colorado to Romania to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin. Now seven years later, her aunt has passed away and her cousin has eloped with a young man from their village and Elena is all alone with her uncle. When her uncle declares that Elena must marry him she panics and flees to the only place she can think of Wolfram Estate. Wolfram is rumored to be haunted and has stood empty for as long as anyone can remember but Elena soon discovers her new refuge is not haunted at all but is home to the most handsome man she has ever seen Drake Sherrad.
Lord Drake Sherrad is shocked to find a young woman sleeping on his couch late one night and as a five hundred year old vampire Drake is not surprised easily. After hearing Elena’s story he offers her a place to live and safety from her uncle and his threats. As Drake spends more time with Elena he finds himself drawn to her as he has never been drawn to another, vampire or human, and can’t help but take her as his bride even though it is forbidden by vampire law. As Drake is summoned by his father to take his place on the vampire council he and Elena must fight for their relationship and future and convince everyone that love between a vampire and a human can work.
I love vampires. All you have to do to get me to read a book is say that there’s a vampire in it and I’m reading it. With that said this was the worst vampire book I have ever read. It makes me very sad to write that sentence but I have to be honest. The only reason that this wasn’t a DNF is because I’ve heard the second book in the series is really good and I am planning on reading it.
I found that both Drake and Elena to be very boring, cheesy, spineless and so frustrating. The way they interacted with each other and they way they spoke I found to be something out of a historical romance novel instead of a paranormal romance set in present day. I felt like their relationship was very hurried and I couldn’t believe that they were in love and married by chapter eight. Elena is only nineteen years old and is just such a weak character. Through the whole story I wanted her to stand up for herself and stop being so weak and she never did it. She also asked Drake to marry her without knowing his last name, where he goes at night, how old he is or that he is a vampire. I found their entire relationship laughable and unbelievable.
After the first very cheesy one hundred pages the story starts to pick up a little with the introduction of Drake’s family and the vampire council. This part of the book could have been enjoyable but it included Drake and spineless Elena who and they both just let everyone walk all over them for the next fifteen chapters. The major problem was that i didn’t care at all about anything that was going on and so much of it was cheesy lines and classic vampire cliches that it was painful to read.
The entire book seems like a set up for the next book, Bound by Blood, which is fine because I read the first two chapters in the back of this book and it actually seems like a real paranormal romance. Again, as someone who loves vampire books especially vampire romance books this was just plain bad. I love my characters, especially my female lead, to be strong, independent, kick ass characters and Drake and Elena are the farthest thing from that. I know this is a harsh review but I stick by my feelings and I stick by the fact that I hated this book.
Grade: D-
“ You’re teasing me.” “Not at all. You’re beauty puts the moon and the stars to shame.”
Elena Knightsbridge was just twelve years old when her parents died and she moved from Colorado to Romania to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin. Now seven years later, her aunt has passed away and her cousin has eloped with a young man from their village and Elena is all alone with her uncle. When her uncle declares that Elena must marry him she panics and flees to the only place she can think of Wolfram Estate. Wolfram is rumored to be haunted and has stood empty for as long as anyone can remember but Elena soon discovers her new refuge is not haunted at all but is home to the most handsome man she has ever seen Drake Sherrad.
Lord Drake Sherrad is shocked to find a young woman sleeping on his couch late one night and as a five hundred year old vampire Drake is not surprised easily. After hearing Elena’s story he offers her a place to live and safety from her uncle and his threats. As Drake spends more time with Elena he finds himself drawn to her as he has never been drawn to another, vampire or human, and can’t help but take her as his bride even though it is forbidden by vampire law. As Drake is summoned by his father to take his place on the vampire council he and Elena must fight for their relationship and future and convince everyone that love between a vampire and a human can work.
I love vampires. All you have to do to get me to read a book is say that there’s a vampire in it and I’m reading it. With that said this was the worst vampire book I have ever read. It makes me very sad to write that sentence but I have to be honest. The only reason that this wasn’t a DNF is because I’ve heard the second book in the series is really good and I am planning on reading it.
I found that both Drake and Elena to be very boring, cheesy, spineless and so frustrating. The way they interacted with each other and they way they spoke I found to be something out of a historical romance novel instead of a paranormal romance set in present day. I felt like their relationship was very hurried and I couldn’t believe that they were in love and married by chapter eight. Elena is only nineteen years old and is just such a weak character. Through the whole story I wanted her to stand up for herself and stop being so weak and she never did it. She also asked Drake to marry her without knowing his last name, where he goes at night, how old he is or that he is a vampire. I found their entire relationship laughable and unbelievable.
After the first very cheesy one hundred pages the story starts to pick up a little with the introduction of Drake’s family and the vampire council. This part of the book could have been enjoyable but it included Drake and spineless Elena who and they both just let everyone walk all over them for the next fifteen chapters. The major problem was that i didn’t care at all about anything that was going on and so much of it was cheesy lines and classic vampire cliches that it was painful to read.
The entire book seems like a set up for the next book, Bound by Blood, which is fine because I read the first two chapters in the back of this book and it actually seems like a real paranormal romance. Again, as someone who loves vampire books especially vampire romance books this was just plain bad. I love my characters, especially my female lead, to be strong, independent, kick ass characters and Drake and Elena are the farthest thing from that. I know this is a harsh review but I stick by my feelings and I stick by the fact that I hated this book.
July 7, 2016
This story felt like it was written in the 50's with innocent 2 dimensional female lead and over protective male lead.
September 26, 2011
Amanda Ashley is a very good author with a wonderful imagination that has been able to capture me in the past. Bound by Night was not what I had hoped for. As I began to read the begining of the book, I found it hard to believe that Elena would stay living with her uncle in today's day and age. Even more unbelieveable for me was the fact that she would stay in an old abandoned castle,
that just happened to be furnished. There were times in the book that had the feel of a historical. I began to wonder if I was reading a book meant for young adults. Drake was not a very strong character, he was a bit soft for my taste. I felt he just didn't fit into the vampire roll very smoothly. As the story was reaching it's finale, I began to feel it a bit more. Although I did not enjoy this book as much as I wanted to, I am very excited about the second book in the series. Based on the excerpt of book two, I have high hopes for the Bound by Blood and plan on reading it. Amanda Ashley has many paranormal works that are suberb and should not be passed up.
* I gave this book a 2.5 on my blog, not a 2.
that just happened to be furnished. There were times in the book that had the feel of a historical. I began to wonder if I was reading a book meant for young adults. Drake was not a very strong character, he was a bit soft for my taste. I felt he just didn't fit into the vampire roll very smoothly. As the story was reaching it's finale, I began to feel it a bit more. Although I did not enjoy this book as much as I wanted to, I am very excited about the second book in the series. Based on the excerpt of book two, I have high hopes for the Bound by Blood and plan on reading it. Amanda Ashley has many paranormal works that are suberb and should not be passed up.
* I gave this book a 2.5 on my blog, not a 2.
August 29, 2011
Just as the cover claims, this is the way a vampire romance is suppose to be, especially if you're not a fan of 3D sex scenes. Told from both their points of views, you get inside the heads of two very different people.
For young 19 year old Elena Knightsbridge, who lives with her uncle, she dreams of getting away from him. As she's grown older, his advances on her have also grown. When she fears he's coming for her the next night, she sneaks out and heads to the 'haunted' Wolfram Castle.
Drake Sherrad knows instantly when Elena enters his castle. Instantly he feels a pull towards her, for why else would he carry her sleeping form to his bed? Instead of dealing with her like he deals with all the other intruders?
One thing I really loved about this book was the age difference and watching Elena grow. When she first meets Drake, she looks and acts towards him like one would towards a father. With her inexperience, she not sure how to feel when she begins having feelings for this mysterious guy who isn't around during the day and is very secretive.
Drake isn't sure why he's allowing himself to get caught up with a human, but the more time he spends with Elena, the more he craves her. Yet he's always respectful of her as a woman. I was concerned at first because of how young she was, Drake is a true gentlemen around her.
Although he initiated the thought, when her uncle begins looking for her, her only true way to get out from his control is to marry. Thus she finds herself proposing the deal to Drake.
Like most vampires, Drake has reason for marrying Elena, other than his growing feelings, and that is the hope that by disgracing his family by marrying a mortal, his father will call off his betrothed marriage.
His plans immediately go up in smoke when Elena catches him drinking. Although it takes a little bit of tries, he convinces her he's not going to hurt her. So one battle down, the next shows up at his brother telling him he is being summoned home. Now the hard part. With the abilities to read human minds, Drake must convince Elena they must consummate their marriage for any hope that his father will honor it.
Once she is convinced and their marriage consummated, they leave for the fortress. Where things get even worse. His father locks Drake up in a non sunlight proof room and Elena is sent to stay with the human feeders.
Thinking only of getting Elena out of there, Drake agrees to the marriage. Soon he's married to Katiya and Elena is sent back to the castle, which Drake has left her.
But our Drake isn't giving up yet. Teaming up with brother Andrei, who loves Katiya, they fake a happy marriage and once pregnant (with Andrei's baby) they leave the fortress and Drake returns to Elena.
Just when they think they have it, Rodin is challenged and killed, making Drake the new leader. Unsure at first, Drake doesn't hesitate to make new changes, including remarrying Elena.
Soon, Elena learns she's pregnant, something extremely rare between vampires and mortal women with no survivors. Taking Elena back to the castle for her pregnancy, Drake worries silently and prays for good luck.
The birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn Liliana completes this happy family. 18 years later, Kaitlyn is off to college soon, and Elena is finally ready to begin taking Drake's blood to dramatically slow her aging.
The next book, Bound by Blood, follows Kaitlyn.
For young 19 year old Elena Knightsbridge, who lives with her uncle, she dreams of getting away from him. As she's grown older, his advances on her have also grown. When she fears he's coming for her the next night, she sneaks out and heads to the 'haunted' Wolfram Castle.
Drake Sherrad knows instantly when Elena enters his castle. Instantly he feels a pull towards her, for why else would he carry her sleeping form to his bed? Instead of dealing with her like he deals with all the other intruders?
One thing I really loved about this book was the age difference and watching Elena grow. When she first meets Drake, she looks and acts towards him like one would towards a father. With her inexperience, she not sure how to feel when she begins having feelings for this mysterious guy who isn't around during the day and is very secretive.
Drake isn't sure why he's allowing himself to get caught up with a human, but the more time he spends with Elena, the more he craves her. Yet he's always respectful of her as a woman. I was concerned at first because of how young she was, Drake is a true gentlemen around her.
Although he initiated the thought, when her uncle begins looking for her, her only true way to get out from his control is to marry. Thus she finds herself proposing the deal to Drake.
Like most vampires, Drake has reason for marrying Elena, other than his growing feelings, and that is the hope that by disgracing his family by marrying a mortal, his father will call off his betrothed marriage.
His plans immediately go up in smoke when Elena catches him drinking. Although it takes a little bit of tries, he convinces her he's not going to hurt her. So one battle down, the next shows up at his brother telling him he is being summoned home. Now the hard part. With the abilities to read human minds, Drake must convince Elena they must consummate their marriage for any hope that his father will honor it.
Once she is convinced and their marriage consummated, they leave for the fortress. Where things get even worse. His father locks Drake up in a non sunlight proof room and Elena is sent to stay with the human feeders.
Thinking only of getting Elena out of there, Drake agrees to the marriage. Soon he's married to Katiya and Elena is sent back to the castle, which Drake has left her.
But our Drake isn't giving up yet. Teaming up with brother Andrei, who loves Katiya, they fake a happy marriage and once pregnant (with Andrei's baby) they leave the fortress and Drake returns to Elena.
Just when they think they have it, Rodin is challenged and killed, making Drake the new leader. Unsure at first, Drake doesn't hesitate to make new changes, including remarrying Elena.
Soon, Elena learns she's pregnant, something extremely rare between vampires and mortal women with no survivors. Taking Elena back to the castle for her pregnancy, Drake worries silently and prays for good luck.
The birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn Liliana completes this happy family. 18 years later, Kaitlyn is off to college soon, and Elena is finally ready to begin taking Drake's blood to dramatically slow her aging.
The next book, Bound by Blood, follows Kaitlyn.
November 30, 2011
this book is horrible. I had to stop only 100 pagegs in. It had so much happen in the first 55 pages that had no detail, and was never explained or had effect on the current situation, it was unbelievable. If the author had taken the first 55 pages and used that for a complete storyline this could have been a romatic, dramatic, enjoyable story. As it is, I wont be reading any more of this book or author.
November 4, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Elena is in a desperate situation, so in a moment of survival and to maintain her own respect and from being defiled by her uncle who wants to marry her. So she leaves the only home she has ever known, and wanders into the Wolfgram estate. There are many rumors about the dangers that lay within the old castle, but Elena doesn't believe in the paranormal realm such as ghost and goblins. She is found by the owner of the estate, Drake. Drake, is a vampire and has lived for centuries. He has been on his own and away from his sire and his many rules and commands, so that he can have freedom. But he knows that eventually he will have to return. When he discovers a stranger sleeping in his castle, he is curious about her. When he learns the truth about Elena, he proposes marriage in return she will have the safety and security of his name and they will only be married in name only, unless she asks him for more. Elena and Drake begin their marriage as stranger and turn into lovers of the night. But when Drake's father intervenes, soon Elena and Drake will be in the fight for their lives so they can find a way to be together for good.
The Hero
Drake, is the oldest son of one of the most powerful vampire lords in the world. He has lived for over a thousand years, and as such Drake has inherited many of his unique gifts. But Drake, unlike most of his kind, rebelled against the fortress and the laws of his sire. There were many aspects of that life that he disagreed with and could live by and so he left his home and family, to live on his own and far away. But then Drake meets the one woman that he builds a bond with, that even Drake doesn't fully understand. All he does know is that he will do whatever it takes to protect her and make sure she lives a long and fulfilled life. Drake is quite a delicious hero, he is very Alpha, takes command and is powerful. Drake is also compassionate and understanding. I loved his character because he stands for what is right not what is easy and that is a character trait I admire greatly.
The Heroine
Elena is a heroine that I grew to admire over the whole length of the book. She could be a little naive at times, but she was sheltered away in a village in eastern Europe, so she has been kept away from civilization. But Elena has a strong and kind heart. Elena lost her parents when she was young, and was raised by her uncle. Her uncle raped her cousin, but then her cousin ran away (or that is what she was told) and her Uncle's gaze went to Elena. When Elena learns that he plans on marrying her, she knows that she needs to get away as soon as possible. What I grew to like most about this story, was seeing her character grow throughout the whole book. We see her be innocent and naive in the beginning, and she blossoms into a woman of strength and fortitude and stands her ground for the man she loves.
Plot and Story Line
Bound By Night is a sensational romance that takes us to the Carpathian Mountains. This is an emotionally enriched story that will captivate any reader's heart. Bound By Night deals with quite a bit of conflict in the story. At first, we have Drake and Elena who come to an agreement of marriage, which is in name only. But they slowly get to know each other and become comfortable with one another, and the desire between them slowly builds. And right when their relationship is starting to really develop romantically, then all hell breaks loose for them and they are tested in the worst ways. Drake's father is demanding Drake return, and Drake has little choice. But he brings Elena along hoping that he will be able to find a way to convince his father that he is already married and won't be available to marry another. But his father has other plans and Drake and Elena's love are sorely tested.
This is a story that I was completely captivated by from the beginning. I couldn't get enough of this book, which I don't know why I am shocked by it, since I adore Amanda Ashley. But in Bound By Night we see how much these two are truly devoted to each other. I didn't care much for Drake's parents. They treat Elena horribly, but I loved Elena's respect for them, and how she handles the situation. We also see a small sub plot with Drake's brother and the woman he loves who is Drake's fiancee. I really had so much fun with the conflict involved here. It practically broke my heart, but it adds so much intensity to the story and builds character development. There is so much raw emotion that is put in play in this book and I loved every moment of it.
The Narration
This is a new narrator for me, and I really loved the way she narrated this book. She has such a beautiful voice and love the way she displays emotion.
The Cover
Not sure what I think of the pose here, it has a dramatic tone to it. I really love the moon and the night background.
Overall View
Bound By Night is a highly addicted paranormal romance that is sensation, riveting and powerful in its storytelling.
Summary
Elena is in a desperate situation, so in a moment of survival and to maintain her own respect and from being defiled by her uncle who wants to marry her. So she leaves the only home she has ever known, and wanders into the Wolfgram estate. There are many rumors about the dangers that lay within the old castle, but Elena doesn't believe in the paranormal realm such as ghost and goblins. She is found by the owner of the estate, Drake. Drake, is a vampire and has lived for centuries. He has been on his own and away from his sire and his many rules and commands, so that he can have freedom. But he knows that eventually he will have to return. When he discovers a stranger sleeping in his castle, he is curious about her. When he learns the truth about Elena, he proposes marriage in return she will have the safety and security of his name and they will only be married in name only, unless she asks him for more. Elena and Drake begin their marriage as stranger and turn into lovers of the night. But when Drake's father intervenes, soon Elena and Drake will be in the fight for their lives so they can find a way to be together for good.
The Hero
Drake, is the oldest son of one of the most powerful vampire lords in the world. He has lived for over a thousand years, and as such Drake has inherited many of his unique gifts. But Drake, unlike most of his kind, rebelled against the fortress and the laws of his sire. There were many aspects of that life that he disagreed with and could live by and so he left his home and family, to live on his own and far away. But then Drake meets the one woman that he builds a bond with, that even Drake doesn't fully understand. All he does know is that he will do whatever it takes to protect her and make sure she lives a long and fulfilled life. Drake is quite a delicious hero, he is very Alpha, takes command and is powerful. Drake is also compassionate and understanding. I loved his character because he stands for what is right not what is easy and that is a character trait I admire greatly.
The Heroine
Elena is a heroine that I grew to admire over the whole length of the book. She could be a little naive at times, but she was sheltered away in a village in eastern Europe, so she has been kept away from civilization. But Elena has a strong and kind heart. Elena lost her parents when she was young, and was raised by her uncle. Her uncle raped her cousin, but then her cousin ran away (or that is what she was told) and her Uncle's gaze went to Elena. When Elena learns that he plans on marrying her, she knows that she needs to get away as soon as possible. What I grew to like most about this story, was seeing her character grow throughout the whole book. We see her be innocent and naive in the beginning, and she blossoms into a woman of strength and fortitude and stands her ground for the man she loves.
Plot and Story Line
Bound By Night is a sensational romance that takes us to the Carpathian Mountains. This is an emotionally enriched story that will captivate any reader's heart. Bound By Night deals with quite a bit of conflict in the story. At first, we have Drake and Elena who come to an agreement of marriage, which is in name only. But they slowly get to know each other and become comfortable with one another, and the desire between them slowly builds. And right when their relationship is starting to really develop romantically, then all hell breaks loose for them and they are tested in the worst ways. Drake's father is demanding Drake return, and Drake has little choice. But he brings Elena along hoping that he will be able to find a way to convince his father that he is already married and won't be available to marry another. But his father has other plans and Drake and Elena's love are sorely tested.
This is a story that I was completely captivated by from the beginning. I couldn't get enough of this book, which I don't know why I am shocked by it, since I adore Amanda Ashley. But in Bound By Night we see how much these two are truly devoted to each other. I didn't care much for Drake's parents. They treat Elena horribly, but I loved Elena's respect for them, and how she handles the situation. We also see a small sub plot with Drake's brother and the woman he loves who is Drake's fiancee. I really had so much fun with the conflict involved here. It practically broke my heart, but it adds so much intensity to the story and builds character development. There is so much raw emotion that is put in play in this book and I loved every moment of it.
The Narration
This is a new narrator for me, and I really loved the way she narrated this book. She has such a beautiful voice and love the way she displays emotion.
The Cover
Not sure what I think of the pose here, it has a dramatic tone to it. I really love the moon and the night background.
Overall View
Bound By Night is a highly addicted paranormal romance that is sensation, riveting and powerful in its storytelling.
November 9, 2011
I just finished this book, it's the first of Miss Ashley's that I've read. I'd seen the book in quite a few stores and wanted to pick it up but it never quite happened. Then one day when I picked up a closing shift at my library I noticed it for sale on the donation sale shelf, "Uh 50 cents? I'll buy that! If it sucks it's new so I can always sell it on amazon for a good profit!" I thought. Well I'm definatly not gonna sell it! I absolutely loved the book! If I were to write a vampire novel, and believe me I've thought it through!, this what it would be like!! I'm definatly going to check out her other books! Wonderfully when I was shelving this morning at work I saw Bound by Blood on my cart. I grabbed that sucker up and stuffed it in my locker like there was a shortage!
But about the book, I loved the class and suave way Miss Ashley danced around the sex scenes, I thought the book was romantic and loving without the in-depth sexual exploits. And I like me some hot and heavy books too. But this romance was beautifully tasteful. That really was a wonderful point of the book. I really appreciated the relationship between Drake and Elena. I'm only 20 myself and I really appreciated the depth of love in their relationship. A weak point I found though was when Andrei had popped in to the castle to tell Elena and Drake of the loss of Katiya and Andrei's child, Andrei said forgive me and suddenly left. I thought that there was a twist in the works. Maybe Andrei and Katiya's baby hadn't died and Lilliana was holding the baby hostage as a ploy to get Drake to reinstate the laws he had denounced. Or perhaps Stefan had defected and something else with the baby in order to get Andrei to backstab Drake and Elena. I dunno. Maybe I read too much. XD
Anyway I loved the book and am very glad I passed up buying it at Walmart for a measly 20% discount only to get it for 50 cents later. It certainly made for a cute story. ;D
But about the book, I loved the class and suave way Miss Ashley danced around the sex scenes, I thought the book was romantic and loving without the in-depth sexual exploits. And I like me some hot and heavy books too. But this romance was beautifully tasteful. That really was a wonderful point of the book. I really appreciated the relationship between Drake and Elena. I'm only 20 myself and I really appreciated the depth of love in their relationship. A weak point I found though was when Andrei had popped in to the castle to tell Elena and Drake of the loss of Katiya and Andrei's child, Andrei said forgive me and suddenly left. I thought that there was a twist in the works. Maybe Andrei and Katiya's baby hadn't died and Lilliana was holding the baby hostage as a ploy to get Drake to reinstate the laws he had denounced. Or perhaps Stefan had defected and something else with the baby in order to get Andrei to backstab Drake and Elena. I dunno. Maybe I read too much. XD
Anyway I loved the book and am very glad I passed up buying it at Walmart for a measly 20% discount only to get it for 50 cents later. It certainly made for a cute story. ;D
August 10, 2015
Hmm...... this book had its issues, that's for sure, but in the end I gave it two stars because it did have some good points (aka, it had vampires).
Let's just say that the main issue I had was with the gratuitous sexual assault and near-rape scenes, and of a pregnant woman no less. There is no need to put that sh*t in books, especially not romance books! Because sexual assault is a serious issue, and romance writers invariably NEVER discuss it beyond using it as a cheap plot device! So sick of it.
And that was not the only thing the author refused to discuss but had no problem using as plot device: death of loved ones. Honestly, the only deaths that are taken seriously in this book are of two babies and one woman. All others are glossed over!
I started skipping a lot of the book near the end, when Drake . The ending was just... wishy washy honestly. "Everything turns out well, except for a few people who get their own books later in the series" type ending. :\ Would be great if I felt at least partially interested in any of the other characters.
Forgot to mention that Drake starts off as a typical vampire creep. And he continues to have his creepy moments, but he does somewhat redeem himself. Or maybe it was just the juxtaposition with his own family that made him look better. The "the women are safe with us" trope. There's just... so many potential problems in a relationship where one member is all-powerful and the other is not. Lucky for Drake Elena was willing to be with him, otherwise this could have turned into a horrific murder tale.
Let's just say that the main issue I had was with the gratuitous sexual assault and near-rape scenes, and of a pregnant woman no less. There is no need to put that sh*t in books, especially not romance books! Because sexual assault is a serious issue, and romance writers invariably NEVER discuss it beyond using it as a cheap plot device! So sick of it.
And that was not the only thing the author refused to discuss but had no problem using as plot device: death of loved ones. Honestly, the only deaths that are taken seriously in this book are of two babies and one woman. All others are glossed over!
I started skipping a lot of the book near the end, when Drake . The ending was just... wishy washy honestly. "Everything turns out well, except for a few people who get their own books later in the series" type ending. :\ Would be great if I felt at least partially interested in any of the other characters.
Forgot to mention that Drake starts off as a typical vampire creep. And he continues to have his creepy moments, but he does somewhat redeem himself. Or maybe it was just the juxtaposition with his own family that made him look better. The "the women are safe with us" trope. There's just... so many potential problems in a relationship where one member is all-powerful and the other is not. Lucky for Drake Elena was willing to be with him, otherwise this could have turned into a horrific murder tale.
September 9, 2011
I have only read 2 other Amanda Ashley vampire books, so I cannot say that this is her best book but I can say it is the best of hers that I've personally read. I liked the characters, I could symphathize with each of them. I liked that Drake was not cold or cruel, but somewhat remorseful of his darker past. I enjoyed the love story as it grew and they fell in love, it progressed believeably and not overnight. I also thought the process of her discovering what he was and coming to terms with it was done well. I wish however that the Uncle was not given so much time in the book. In my opinion it was a waste of space, perhaps filler just to reach a certain word count. He could have served his purpose in chapter 1 as the catalyst that sent Elena to the castle and then been written off, either through Drake's threat, preternatural power, or he could've eaten him for all I care. Can you tell I didn't like the guy? Obviously I was not meant to like him, but everytime he popped back up in the story I had the feeling of "not him again." I feel like the book could have been just as good, if not better without the constant interuption of that particular subplot. I did really enjoy the vampire culture that was developed at the fortress and the obstacles that were created through that subplot. At the end . All in all I did enjoy the story, but was not necessarily jumping up to run out and grab the next in the series.
October 19, 2014
I just couldn't finish this one. I had serious issues with this book. The first being that Elena's uncle and his pervy interest in her. Her cousin admitted to being raped by him, and he tells her he wants to marry her and for her to give him heirs. Now this story takes place in Romania, but Elena was raised in the US for most of her life. So even with her uncle being the police chief I can't believe she stayed there as long as she did.
I also had issues with Drake and him biting her the first time he saw her. Maybe it hit me wrong because it came on the heels of her uncle declaring his intentions to her. But to me it seemed like Drake kept her around as his pet.
Elena herself drove me nuts at this point. At first she goes to the castle just to escape, but stays. She knows that there has to be more to her free ride, clothes and food just show up. She notices that Drake is never around except at night and then not all the time.
It was at this point that I gave up, there was just to much for me to keep reading, this one just isn't for me.
I also had issues with Drake and him biting her the first time he saw her. Maybe it hit me wrong because it came on the heels of her uncle declaring his intentions to her. But to me it seemed like Drake kept her around as his pet.
Elena herself drove me nuts at this point. At first she goes to the castle just to escape, but stays. She knows that there has to be more to her free ride, clothes and food just show up. She notices that Drake is never around except at night and then not all the time.
It was at this point that I gave up, there was just to much for me to keep reading, this one just isn't for me.
September 21, 2013
I'm not sure what to say about this book. It just wasn't much of anything. I picked it up because I read a good review on the second book and I have to read things in order. I don't know that I'll be continuing with the series. It seems like nothing happened in Bound by Night. But at the same time it was drily written story where every melodramatic thing that could happen did. But none of it was resolved with any intensity. It just all worked out. It was about a boring family of vampires where things just happened. We went from one story plot to the next - all without any compelling drama! I think it would have been better to stick with one or two of the story plots and amp up the intensity. And every time they mentioned the humans as sheep, I kept thing she ripped that off of Mercy Thompson. Nothing stays with you with this book. I would not recommend it to anyone. That being said, it wasn't horrible; it just was. I'd probably give it a 1.5 star if I could.
May 8, 2016
Bound By Night is a must read Amanda Ashley Rocks Vampire romance! I drank in every page with a thirsty mind! Wickedly funny full of hope, betrayal & eternal love some heart stopping twists that almost had me in tears It was an epic adventure!!! I totally fell in love with Elena & Drake the chemistry was sizzling!
Can't wait to read book 2 Bound By Blood!!!
Can't wait to read book 2 Bound By Blood!!!
November 13, 2011
This one didn't work for me at all. My full review is here: http://scienceofromance.blogspot.com/...
August 28, 2013
love it!!!! and it was a really cute idea to have the vamps shift to cats in the day. i want a vampkitty
Read
August 16, 2014Great book!!
July 20, 2019
Well, this was quite disappointing. To be honest, there wasn't anything I genuinely liked in this book. Towards the end, I was just reading because I didn't want to dnf it/put it on hiatus so far in.
First off- the protagonist. Elena was so irritating and so stupid, I swear I lost a few brain cells reading her story. She randomly flees to a castle to escape her uncle- and honestly, if she was 20+ years of age, why couldn't she have just left herself before? What, she's just going to continue living with him? There, she eats food that is set out, not really questioning how weird that is, and just stays with Drake, despite not knowing a single thing about him. She proceeds to fall ridiculously in love with him, despite not knowing about his family, his mysterious disappearances, etc. Elena marries Drake, doesn't really question his vampire status, or what will happen when she ages (at the time, she didn't know to drink Drake's blood). Also, the thing about why her blood is so tasty and how she has some streak of bravery- seriously, all she has is stupidity- that is never addressed.
Next off- the romance. I can't say I hated Drake as much as Elena, but he certainly wasn't a great character either. I get that they fall for each other over a series of weeks, but there's never really any development shown. They have a few bland conversations and drool over each other, and what, suddenly they're in love forever and ever, the end. And Drake, the idiot, just decides to marry her. He can't even stop her from finding out about the vampire thing. He can't even sense her, an untried, naive, and utterly pathetic mortal girl following him. I mean, really, in that case the whole human world would've known about his kind if he was that irresponsible and dim.
And then there's the plot. Absolutely no excitement or stimulation was to be found. Everything was very expected, the conflict was very dull, Florin's jealousy was never well set up, everything was just... awful. At the end, of course, Elena's stupid uncle comes back to try to brutalize her, a last idiotic and completely expected scene. Also- how could he have gotten so close? Were the police just that unobservant?
Lastly, Katiya and Andrei. I didn't mind them, and I was glad that there wasn't some ridiculous love triangle (except Vardin lusting after Elena's blood- wow, special little Elena) and that Katiya wasn't some flat, one-dimensional character desperate for Drake. Still, I'm surprised Rodin and Liliana didn't catch on about Katiya/Andrei and Drake's very simplistic plan.
Truly, this was a terribly uninteresting read with terribly uninteresting characters that I regret wasting my time on.
First off- the protagonist. Elena was so irritating and so stupid, I swear I lost a few brain cells reading her story. She randomly flees to a castle to escape her uncle- and honestly, if she was 20+ years of age, why couldn't she have just left herself before? What, she's just going to continue living with him? There, she eats food that is set out, not really questioning how weird that is, and just stays with Drake, despite not knowing a single thing about him. She proceeds to fall ridiculously in love with him, despite not knowing about his family, his mysterious disappearances, etc. Elena marries Drake, doesn't really question his vampire status, or what will happen when she ages (at the time, she didn't know to drink Drake's blood). Also, the thing about why her blood is so tasty and how she has some streak of bravery- seriously, all she has is stupidity- that is never addressed.
Next off- the romance. I can't say I hated Drake as much as Elena, but he certainly wasn't a great character either. I get that they fall for each other over a series of weeks, but there's never really any development shown. They have a few bland conversations and drool over each other, and what, suddenly they're in love forever and ever, the end. And Drake, the idiot, just decides to marry her. He can't even stop her from finding out about the vampire thing. He can't even sense her, an untried, naive, and utterly pathetic mortal girl following him. I mean, really, in that case the whole human world would've known about his kind if he was that irresponsible and dim.
And then there's the plot. Absolutely no excitement or stimulation was to be found. Everything was very expected, the conflict was very dull, Florin's jealousy was never well set up, everything was just... awful. At the end, of course, Elena's stupid uncle comes back to try to brutalize her, a last idiotic and completely expected scene. Also- how could he have gotten so close? Were the police just that unobservant?
Lastly, Katiya and Andrei. I didn't mind them, and I was glad that there wasn't some ridiculous love triangle (except Vardin lusting after Elena's blood- wow, special little Elena) and that Katiya wasn't some flat, one-dimensional character desperate for Drake. Still, I'm surprised Rodin and Liliana didn't catch on about Katiya/Andrei and Drake's very simplistic plan.
Truly, this was a terribly uninteresting read with terribly uninteresting characters that I regret wasting my time on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2015
Every writer of vampire romance has her own version of the vampire mythos, and Ashley is no exception. In this novel, the first of a series, she has even taken the bold step of creating a new vampire world, different from her previous ones. For instance, the vampires in this novel are able to have children. Also, humans cannot be turned into vampires, as these undead creatures are simply born that way. In other words, they are a species apart. I found this very interesting!
The story takes place in Romania -- specifically, in the region known as Transylvania, which is, of course, the traditional territory of Dracula. Ashley's vampires -- the good ones -- are of the romantic variety. They are not like Dracula at all. Instead, Ashley's male vampire heroes are very protective of the women they love. In fact, they often defend them against those vampires who are ruthless predators.
Drake and Elena are a great couple, even if I do think that Elena is a rather naive heroine. She also needs to stand up for herself more. On the other hand, these are traits that can be blamed on her upbringing, in the household of her abusive, perverted uncle. This man is not her blood relative; he was married to Elena's aunt, who had passed away by the time the story opened.
Elena lives in fear of this man, whose name is Tavian Dinescu. When she discovers that he plans to force her to marry him, she escapes to the only place where she believes he will not follow -- Wolfram Castle. There she meets Drake, the owner of the castle, who puzzles her from the very beginning. She can feel that this man is not like other men, but she is not really frightened of him; instead, she is immediately attracted to him.
Drake is also puzzled, wondering where this young woman came from, how she was able to get into his castle, and what he is to do with her.
The story is somewhat predictable at the very beginning, but there are some surprises later on. The romance between the two main characters blossoms beautifully, and they soon become inseparable. Drake is very tender and sweet toward Elena, and she comes to adore him. I think Ashley developed their relationship in a very believable way, although she based it on a common romantic trope -- the marriage of convenience.
Aside from the romance, what I really liked about this novel was the world-building. The vampires are organized in covens housed in mighty fortresses ruled by Master Vampires, whose word is law in these covens. There are such groups in every country, too, and they make treaties with each other, but at times, the head of one coven might challenge another coven's ruler for leadership of the coven. Certain things are forbidden to the vampires living in each coven, and marriages are arranged, for the purpose of political gain and power.
In the world of this novel, the vampires have well-established, complex societies. Most humans are totally unaware of their existence, which I think is a bit hard to believe. Their relationship with those humans who do know of their existence is a rather disturbing one, too, and I was very happy to see that Drake was totally against it. He is in fact a maverick among his own people, rebelling against his own family, and refusing to perpetuate a system he views as unjust. Drake's defiant attitude is one of the things that made this novel so fascinating to me.
The ruthless politics of these dominant vampires is the background for Drake and Elena's own story, and this fact creates hardship for the two lovers. Together, they struggle against this oppressive society. Ashley has thus made these two characters into heroes whom the reader can immediately relate to. I would also say that the vampire world she has created would qualify this novel as dystopian fiction, with Elena and Drake as the two misfits who challenge the rules and assumptions of this world.
Ashley is not known for writing strong, kick -butt heroines, but in this novel, there are times when Elena does behave in a courageous manner, such as when she insists on standing by Drake in his struggle against his father. At one point, her insistence even places her life in danger.
The secondary characters are very interesting, too, especially Andrei, who is one of Drake's half-brothers, and Katiya, a member of the same coven Drake belongs to. Katiya and Andrei have been in love for a long time, and, with Drake's help, are able to consummate that love, even going against their families' plans. I sure hope that Ashley decides to give them their own book, as I really liked these two!
In spite of the fact that I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, especially with all of its dystopian elements, and the plot kept me turning the pages, there were some things that struck me as not very believable, which is why I'm giving this book four, instead of five, stars.
I have already mentioned the fact that humans are, for the most part, unaware that vampires do exist, and this does not seem very plausible. I also had a problem with Elena's suggestion of a marriage of convenience, and Drake's quick agreement with it. This happened much too early in their relationship. Another quibble is the location of two bodies Elena accidentally discovers; this, too, is rather hard to believe.
In spite of these objections, I very much enjoyed this novel! The well-constructed world had a lot to do with that, as did the sweet romance between Drake and Elena, and the romance between Katiya and Andrei.
Another thing I love about Ashley's novels is that there is no profanity in them, and the love scenes are not overly graphic; instead,they are very romantic, and beautifully described.
This novel is well worth the read! I can definitely recommend it to all paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
The story takes place in Romania -- specifically, in the region known as Transylvania, which is, of course, the traditional territory of Dracula. Ashley's vampires -- the good ones -- are of the romantic variety. They are not like Dracula at all. Instead, Ashley's male vampire heroes are very protective of the women they love. In fact, they often defend them against those vampires who are ruthless predators.
Drake and Elena are a great couple, even if I do think that Elena is a rather naive heroine. She also needs to stand up for herself more. On the other hand, these are traits that can be blamed on her upbringing, in the household of her abusive, perverted uncle. This man is not her blood relative; he was married to Elena's aunt, who had passed away by the time the story opened.
Elena lives in fear of this man, whose name is Tavian Dinescu. When she discovers that he plans to force her to marry him, she escapes to the only place where she believes he will not follow -- Wolfram Castle. There she meets Drake, the owner of the castle, who puzzles her from the very beginning. She can feel that this man is not like other men, but she is not really frightened of him; instead, she is immediately attracted to him.
Drake is also puzzled, wondering where this young woman came from, how she was able to get into his castle, and what he is to do with her.
The story is somewhat predictable at the very beginning, but there are some surprises later on. The romance between the two main characters blossoms beautifully, and they soon become inseparable. Drake is very tender and sweet toward Elena, and she comes to adore him. I think Ashley developed their relationship in a very believable way, although she based it on a common romantic trope -- the marriage of convenience.
Aside from the romance, what I really liked about this novel was the world-building. The vampires are organized in covens housed in mighty fortresses ruled by Master Vampires, whose word is law in these covens. There are such groups in every country, too, and they make treaties with each other, but at times, the head of one coven might challenge another coven's ruler for leadership of the coven. Certain things are forbidden to the vampires living in each coven, and marriages are arranged, for the purpose of political gain and power.
In the world of this novel, the vampires have well-established, complex societies. Most humans are totally unaware of their existence, which I think is a bit hard to believe. Their relationship with those humans who do know of their existence is a rather disturbing one, too, and I was very happy to see that Drake was totally against it. He is in fact a maverick among his own people, rebelling against his own family, and refusing to perpetuate a system he views as unjust. Drake's defiant attitude is one of the things that made this novel so fascinating to me.
The ruthless politics of these dominant vampires is the background for Drake and Elena's own story, and this fact creates hardship for the two lovers. Together, they struggle against this oppressive society. Ashley has thus made these two characters into heroes whom the reader can immediately relate to. I would also say that the vampire world she has created would qualify this novel as dystopian fiction, with Elena and Drake as the two misfits who challenge the rules and assumptions of this world.
Ashley is not known for writing strong, kick -butt heroines, but in this novel, there are times when Elena does behave in a courageous manner, such as when she insists on standing by Drake in his struggle against his father. At one point, her insistence even places her life in danger.
The secondary characters are very interesting, too, especially Andrei, who is one of Drake's half-brothers, and Katiya, a member of the same coven Drake belongs to. Katiya and Andrei have been in love for a long time, and, with Drake's help, are able to consummate that love, even going against their families' plans. I sure hope that Ashley decides to give them their own book, as I really liked these two!
In spite of the fact that I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, especially with all of its dystopian elements, and the plot kept me turning the pages, there were some things that struck me as not very believable, which is why I'm giving this book four, instead of five, stars.
I have already mentioned the fact that humans are, for the most part, unaware that vampires do exist, and this does not seem very plausible. I also had a problem with Elena's suggestion of a marriage of convenience, and Drake's quick agreement with it. This happened much too early in their relationship. Another quibble is the location of two bodies Elena accidentally discovers; this, too, is rather hard to believe.
In spite of these objections, I very much enjoyed this novel! The well-constructed world had a lot to do with that, as did the sweet romance between Drake and Elena, and the romance between Katiya and Andrei.
Another thing I love about Ashley's novels is that there is no profanity in them, and the love scenes are not overly graphic; instead,they are very romantic, and beautifully described.
This novel is well worth the read! I can definitely recommend it to all paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
September 6, 2011
This review was originally posted on abookaliciousstory.blogspot.com .
I have no idea how to comment on this book, because really, there isn't much to go on about! I've just finished the book and I'm already writing the review! Which is a first. Usually I would be reeling from the emotional maelstrom (lol, a little exaggerating, but I have always felt a lot for books:D) after a novel, no matter my opinion of it. This one is more of a summer beach read where you'll lie on shore and breeze thru it, and once you're done, you'll place the book on your chest, sigh in contentment, then forget about it the next day.
Lol, lame, but true.
Elena Knightsbridge has been adopted into her uncle, aunt and cousin's not-very-loving fold since her parents died when she was just a kid. After her aunt died, her uncle has become increasingly bold in his perverted advances toward her and her cousin (whom I feel inclined to emphasize, is his daughter). Everything took a turn for the worse when her cousin chose to elope with a boy from the neighboring town.
I have to name an example so you can truly feel the revulsion that churned my guts as I read. Elena actually woke up one night to find her uncle standing over her bed just staring at her with those lusty eyes, and ugh.
Anyway now, being stuck with her uncle and having come of age has spurred her uncle to propose to her (not in a very, um, gentlemanly way). She then decided to up and seek refuge at the nearby castle atop the hill. Well that's totally not cliche.
So, lo and behold, therein lives handsome, tall, and dark Lord Drake of Wolfram Castle.
Let me just cut the crap and sum everything up from here on out: They fell in love (mm, surprise surprise. yay.). But their love was not meant to be because mortals and vamps are forbidden to fall in love. Furthermore, Drake's daddy dearest has already betrothed him to another vamp woman from another Coven. Political reasons, which are all the more stringent and binding.
Yep, that's all out for you in a nutshell. Not a nutshell, more like a cockroach capsule, in my opinion.
The plot was simple, not as eventful as one would normally expect, and slow-going. And their love started off with their attraction to the other's outer beauty. Lol, now you would expect me to say that I didn't like the book, huh? But no, surprisingly. Even tho the suspense and thrill factor in vamp romance novels was lacking and sorely inadequate, I actually kind of liked it. It made for a rather relaxing, pleasant, and as I've said, a summer beach read.
Elena..is...well, pretty (but as male protagonist Drake's incessant reminder, beautiful), loving, sweet (but I would actually call it gay and weak), and um.. Weepy. Yep, she is a weepy girl. That's all about her, really.
Drake..is... Tall, dark, and handsome. Did you expect anything less? I didn't. Utter perfection which will never exist in this world, warm, romantic, protective (yes, this one I appppprrroooovvveeee). He was tortured and imprisoned in a dungeon, but he still bargained for her safety and comfort at his expense. Hubba hubba.
Elena was the only character whom Ashley deemed fit to develop. I still don't know much of Drake's past, or anyone else's for that matter. Side characters were just that, on the sidelines, periphery, y'know what I mean?
But there was humor in this, albeit a little scarce and far between. The only one I can remember came in the form of Elena's innocence.
Example: [Elena wanted to swim in the lake behind the Wolfram Castle where they live, but the water was too cold when she tested it. Drake came up to her then and said to trust him and go in.]
Surprisingly, as she waded out closer toward him, the water grew warmer.
“Why is it warmer out here?” she asked suspiciously. “You didn’t pee in the pool, did you?”
Drake threw back his head and laughed. “No, my love. I merely infused a little preternatural power into the water to warm it for you.”
Elena sighed with amazement. Truly, there was nothing this man couldn’t do.
Lol, and there were a few times where I thought her descriptions became an unintended comedy.
Example: He had an arousal that would have done a stallion proud.
LOL.
Lastly, I thought that this book should be classified under the Young Adult genre. (It isn't, right?) There weren't any sexual scenes in here, zero, nada. The closest it ever came to being rated was that stallion arousal thing up there. All it ever said was them undressing then oh, they climaxed, murmurred sweet nothings, then sleep.
That's it really. Nothing overly fanciful and exciting, but pleasant and relaxing. Didn't regret picking it up, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone.
Random Musings:
1) Did the author choose Wolfram as the castle's name because there really is a castle in Transylvania called Wolfram, or is she just trying to be lame and use "wolf" because of the reknown fact that lycans and vamps are sworn enemies? That's like the weirdest sense of humor. Ever.
2) When Drake was summoned in front of his father, the Master Vampire of wherever he is head of, Elena went with him. And over there, there are humans kept there as "nourishment" for the vamps ensconced there, and they are called Sheeps. Elena was wondering whether the vamp captors take good care of the Sheeps, and when she saw that they were, she thought: Of course, it only made sense that the vampires would take good care of their food supply.
***So I would like to take this chance to tell everyone out there reading this review to tell all those mother f-ers who abuse the animals that are bred to be our food source: STOP ABUSING THEM FOR NO GOOD REASON OTHER THAN FOR YOUR OWN SICK, PERVERSE PLEASURES. It's common sense to treat them well, douchebags. They are already sacrificing their lives unwillingly to sustain your own, be grateful.***
I have no idea how to comment on this book, because really, there isn't much to go on about! I've just finished the book and I'm already writing the review! Which is a first. Usually I would be reeling from the emotional maelstrom (lol, a little exaggerating, but I have always felt a lot for books:D) after a novel, no matter my opinion of it. This one is more of a summer beach read where you'll lie on shore and breeze thru it, and once you're done, you'll place the book on your chest, sigh in contentment, then forget about it the next day.
Lol, lame, but true.
Elena Knightsbridge has been adopted into her uncle, aunt and cousin's not-very-loving fold since her parents died when she was just a kid. After her aunt died, her uncle has become increasingly bold in his perverted advances toward her and her cousin (whom I feel inclined to emphasize, is his daughter). Everything took a turn for the worse when her cousin chose to elope with a boy from the neighboring town.
I have to name an example so you can truly feel the revulsion that churned my guts as I read. Elena actually woke up one night to find her uncle standing over her bed just staring at her with those lusty eyes, and ugh.
Anyway now, being stuck with her uncle and having come of age has spurred her uncle to propose to her (not in a very, um, gentlemanly way). She then decided to up and seek refuge at the nearby castle atop the hill. Well that's totally not cliche.
So, lo and behold, therein lives handsome, tall, and dark Lord Drake of Wolfram Castle.
Let me just cut the crap and sum everything up from here on out: They fell in love (mm, surprise surprise. yay.). But their love was not meant to be because mortals and vamps are forbidden to fall in love. Furthermore, Drake's daddy dearest has already betrothed him to another vamp woman from another Coven. Political reasons, which are all the more stringent and binding.
Yep, that's all out for you in a nutshell. Not a nutshell, more like a cockroach capsule, in my opinion.
The plot was simple, not as eventful as one would normally expect, and slow-going. And their love started off with their attraction to the other's outer beauty. Lol, now you would expect me to say that I didn't like the book, huh? But no, surprisingly. Even tho the suspense and thrill factor in vamp romance novels was lacking and sorely inadequate, I actually kind of liked it. It made for a rather relaxing, pleasant, and as I've said, a summer beach read.
Elena..is...well, pretty (but as male protagonist Drake's incessant reminder, beautiful), loving, sweet (but I would actually call it gay and weak), and um.. Weepy. Yep, she is a weepy girl. That's all about her, really.
Drake..is... Tall, dark, and handsome. Did you expect anything less? I didn't. Utter perfection which will never exist in this world, warm, romantic, protective (yes, this one I appppprrroooovvveeee). He was tortured and imprisoned in a dungeon, but he still bargained for her safety and comfort at his expense. Hubba hubba.
Elena was the only character whom Ashley deemed fit to develop. I still don't know much of Drake's past, or anyone else's for that matter. Side characters were just that, on the sidelines, periphery, y'know what I mean?
But there was humor in this, albeit a little scarce and far between. The only one I can remember came in the form of Elena's innocence.
Example: [Elena wanted to swim in the lake behind the Wolfram Castle where they live, but the water was too cold when she tested it. Drake came up to her then and said to trust him and go in.]
Surprisingly, as she waded out closer toward him, the water grew warmer.
“Why is it warmer out here?” she asked suspiciously. “You didn’t pee in the pool, did you?”
Drake threw back his head and laughed. “No, my love. I merely infused a little preternatural power into the water to warm it for you.”
Elena sighed with amazement. Truly, there was nothing this man couldn’t do.
Lol, and there were a few times where I thought her descriptions became an unintended comedy.
Example: He had an arousal that would have done a stallion proud.
LOL.
Lastly, I thought that this book should be classified under the Young Adult genre. (It isn't, right?) There weren't any sexual scenes in here, zero, nada. The closest it ever came to being rated was that stallion arousal thing up there. All it ever said was them undressing then oh, they climaxed, murmurred sweet nothings, then sleep.
That's it really. Nothing overly fanciful and exciting, but pleasant and relaxing. Didn't regret picking it up, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone.
Random Musings:
1) Did the author choose Wolfram as the castle's name because there really is a castle in Transylvania called Wolfram, or is she just trying to be lame and use "wolf" because of the reknown fact that lycans and vamps are sworn enemies? That's like the weirdest sense of humor. Ever.
2) When Drake was summoned in front of his father, the Master Vampire of wherever he is head of, Elena went with him. And over there, there are humans kept there as "nourishment" for the vamps ensconced there, and they are called Sheeps. Elena was wondering whether the vamp captors take good care of the Sheeps, and when she saw that they were, she thought: Of course, it only made sense that the vampires would take good care of their food supply.
***So I would like to take this chance to tell everyone out there reading this review to tell all those mother f-ers who abuse the animals that are bred to be our food source: STOP ABUSING THEM FOR NO GOOD REASON OTHER THAN FOR YOUR OWN SICK, PERVERSE PLEASURES. It's common sense to treat them well, douchebags. They are already sacrificing their lives unwillingly to sustain your own, be grateful.***
December 31, 2018
Exactly what I was craving: a classic vampire title.
March 10, 2022
At the beginning, I thought this would be a dnf. The plot wasn't much of anything; the characters were pretty silly, and it just seemed like a bunch ideas thrown together to just have a reason to have a vampire story. I also wasn't particularly fond of the girly personality that needed rescuing and a quick marriage.
The writer can write, and there were parts that were ok (setting descriptions for example), but it just didn't have enough meat to make me happy.
The writer can write, and there were parts that were ok (setting descriptions for example), but it just didn't have enough meat to make me happy.
April 27, 2012
I don't know how to really review this book. I am tempted to read the second book in the two book series to see if it makes more sense but at the same time I don't want to go through it all again. If that makes any sense.
I liked the premise and I have liked this author in the past. I think it flowed nicely and seemed to have a good concept but it just fell flat. My issues were mainly based on time. I couldn't for the life of me determine WHEN this book was supposed to take place. Elena, the female lead, seems to have gone to a contemporary High School. She talks about television, ipods, electricity, driving cars, etc. While at the same time the characters all seem to be hung up on her being "quite old to not be wed", she is 19. She also talks of "silk" dresses in the closet yet sometimes she puts on khakis. It left me very confused.
Furthermore the male lead, Vampire Drake Wolfram tends to be a bit of a push over and obviously he would be stuck in an old school mentality, he is 500 years old. So his father tells him he must marry someone whom was chosen for him as a child and he apparently has no ability to stand on his own two feet and just say no. The same is true for the female Vampire he is to wed.
At a certain point the story seems to really skip ahead time quite quickly at which point the flow was a bit too fast for me.
My last point of contemption is with Elena's uncle. Yes we all love a REALLY hateful antagonist, BUT this one was just uncomfortable. Again this is where the time period issue confounds me. It almost sounds as though he would get away with his crimes in a Medieval period and is punished as though it were that time, Not current. Once again I felt Elena was too kind hearted to be believable, when it comes to her dealing with his punishment.
Overall I have to agree with the other reviews I have read that stated that the couple just weren't very believable and the romance fell flat. Overall the book in my opinion wasn't that good.
I liked the premise and I have liked this author in the past. I think it flowed nicely and seemed to have a good concept but it just fell flat. My issues were mainly based on time. I couldn't for the life of me determine WHEN this book was supposed to take place. Elena, the female lead, seems to have gone to a contemporary High School. She talks about television, ipods, electricity, driving cars, etc. While at the same time the characters all seem to be hung up on her being "quite old to not be wed", she is 19. She also talks of "silk" dresses in the closet yet sometimes she puts on khakis. It left me very confused.
Furthermore the male lead, Vampire Drake Wolfram tends to be a bit of a push over and obviously he would be stuck in an old school mentality, he is 500 years old. So his father tells him he must marry someone whom was chosen for him as a child and he apparently has no ability to stand on his own two feet and just say no. The same is true for the female Vampire he is to wed.
At a certain point the story seems to really skip ahead time quite quickly at which point the flow was a bit too fast for me.
My last point of contemption is with Elena's uncle. Yes we all love a REALLY hateful antagonist, BUT this one was just uncomfortable. Again this is where the time period issue confounds me. It almost sounds as though he would get away with his crimes in a Medieval period and is punished as though it were that time, Not current. Once again I felt Elena was too kind hearted to be believable, when it comes to her dealing with his punishment.
Overall I have to agree with the other reviews I have read that stated that the couple just weren't very believable and the romance fell flat. Overall the book in my opinion wasn't that good.
October 11, 2011
I bought this book because it was about vampires and the quote on the cover by Maggie Shayne "Vampire Romance the way it's supposed to be written."
It was a typical vampire romance and I rate it a solid 3.5 to 3.75 stars. It was enjoyable and for the most part I was engrossed in the story. For the most part it was very believable and I was drawn into the story by the characters of whom I grew to like very much.
This is the story of a young girl, Elena, who escapes her widowed uncle (by Marriage) who has promised her that he would make her his wife. She runs away and hides in a abandoned castle...which is not so abandoned. Drake, a five hundred year old vampire resides there living a quiet, solitary somber life.
You have to read the rest of the book to figure out how Elena and Drake work this out. And come on, it is a paranormal romance...it has to have a happy ending. Right? I enjoyed how the story wrapped up and overall thought the book was interesting and entertaining. I bought the second book in the series. Bound by Blood...hopefully it will be as intriguing as the first.
It was a typical vampire romance and I rate it a solid 3.5 to 3.75 stars. It was enjoyable and for the most part I was engrossed in the story. For the most part it was very believable and I was drawn into the story by the characters of whom I grew to like very much.
This is the story of a young girl, Elena, who escapes her widowed uncle (by Marriage) who has promised her that he would make her his wife. She runs away and hides in a abandoned castle...which is not so abandoned. Drake, a five hundred year old vampire resides there living a quiet, solitary somber life.
You have to read the rest of the book to figure out how Elena and Drake work this out. And come on, it is a paranormal romance...it has to have a happy ending. Right? I enjoyed how the story wrapped up and overall thought the book was interesting and entertaining. I bought the second book in the series. Bound by Blood...hopefully it will be as intriguing as the first.
April 27, 2012
I'm about 2hrs into the audiobook - and I must say that the constant pauses are annoying as hell. I don't know if it was bad editing or a narrator issue but I don't like it. I keep looking at my ipod thinking it froze or something.
back to the book......
About 3.5hrs into the audiobook - I almost feel as if this is a YA book with a glossed over hazy love scene. I like my romance a bit more.... adult.
I find it very annoying that their speech is very "old world" when they are suppose to be living in modern times. I can accept it from Drake, but Elana has no business speaking like that ESPECIALLY since she was raised in Chicago until about 13yrs old.
back to the book......
OK ALL DONE!!
This was seriously the book that never freaking ended. I swear there were about 6 times where I thought the story was wrapping up and I'd check how much time I had left and there were like 4hrs left. WTF!?
Elana was just way too young (19-21 i think). I just couldn't buy her as a romantic lead. She was too innocent (very vanilla); her name should have been Mary Sue or Jane Smith. There were absolutely no flaws in either the hero or the heroine so I wasn't emotionally into the story. Sure Drake was sexy but that's about it. I have the second book already loaded into my ipod but I think I'm gonna skip it for now and circle back to it at a later date.
story 1.5
narrator - 2.5 (she wasn't bad, but she wasn't great. I think she just got a subpar story and did the best she could with it. All of her characters sounded the same, not much difference at all.)
back to the book......
About 3.5hrs into the audiobook - I almost feel as if this is a YA book with a glossed over hazy love scene. I like my romance a bit more.... adult.
I find it very annoying that their speech is very "old world" when they are suppose to be living in modern times. I can accept it from Drake, but Elana has no business speaking like that ESPECIALLY since she was raised in Chicago until about 13yrs old.
back to the book......
OK ALL DONE!!
This was seriously the book that never freaking ended. I swear there were about 6 times where I thought the story was wrapping up and I'd check how much time I had left and there were like 4hrs left. WTF!?
Elana was just way too young (19-21 i think). I just couldn't buy her as a romantic lead. She was too innocent (very vanilla); her name should have been Mary Sue or Jane Smith. There were absolutely no flaws in either the hero or the heroine so I wasn't emotionally into the story. Sure Drake was sexy but that's about it. I have the second book already loaded into my ipod but I think I'm gonna skip it for now and circle back to it at a later date.
story 1.5
narrator - 2.5 (she wasn't bad, but she wasn't great. I think she just got a subpar story and did the best she could with it. All of her characters sounded the same, not much difference at all.)
February 15, 2014
I feel like a synopsis is pointless here because the author covers it completely so here are my thoughts...
The world Ashley built was interesting. I respected the fact she had her own unique spin. However what lacked for me were the characters. I did not fall in love with any if them. I fell in like but not love.
The action and romance scenes were so brief it was hard to remember if there were any. Also I lean toward enjoying characters with a bit of sarcasm or humor and these qualities just were not here.
Drake is the hero and in the beginning I thought PO-Tential but when he fell from grace with me he fell hard. Granted his family dynamics were not ideal but the way he rolled over was emasculating. We have all been around a person who talks big but when it's time to back it up they take a runner. Well that's Drake to an extent.
If you love a heroine who makes you scratch your head and say whaaaa???? Then you will love Elena. This character was just too sweet, too naive, and too weak for me. However taking into account her age her characteristics suit her.
I do like the world and wish I could have connected with some of the secondary characters but it just didn't happen.
IMO ;)
http://darkhorseromancereviews.com/20...
The world Ashley built was interesting. I respected the fact she had her own unique spin. However what lacked for me were the characters. I did not fall in love with any if them. I fell in like but not love.
The action and romance scenes were so brief it was hard to remember if there were any. Also I lean toward enjoying characters with a bit of sarcasm or humor and these qualities just were not here.
Drake is the hero and in the beginning I thought PO-Tential but when he fell from grace with me he fell hard. Granted his family dynamics were not ideal but the way he rolled over was emasculating. We have all been around a person who talks big but when it's time to back it up they take a runner. Well that's Drake to an extent.
If you love a heroine who makes you scratch your head and say whaaaa???? Then you will love Elena. This character was just too sweet, too naive, and too weak for me. However taking into account her age her characteristics suit her.
I do like the world and wish I could have connected with some of the secondary characters but it just didn't happen.
IMO ;)
http://darkhorseromancereviews.com/20...
April 21, 2013
I just could not finish this book. Seriously, is it young adult because it reads that way? So I was trying to explain why I was reading this to my boss and then I just threw the book down and gave up. It sounded like this... "I don't know I thought it would be funny or gothic, but it's a vampire who I think turns into a cat during the day... but then he has a coffin in the closet..maybe it's his daytime cat protector... oh and then this girl shows up and asks him to have a platonic marriage with him so that she dosen't have to go back to her Uncles house where he wants to wed her...I think it takes place during modern times cause she talks about I-pods, but then if she's 19 and it's modern day why dosen't she just get a job and her own place...oh that's right because then she wouldn't have any reason to shack up in the big creepy house with the vampire who of course is rich and buys her everything she wants......... " Then I threw the book down as my boss laughed and laughed at me.
June 7, 2019
Bound by night
This is an enjoyable book as the characters were interesting and it has mystery. The heroine is living with her uncle and her cousin, but her cousin disappeared leaving all her possessions behind, which strangely does not upset her uncle, the chief of police. She questions him, but does not receive any answers to her cousins disappearance. She is afraid of her uncle and decides to leave one night when he attempts to control who she marries. She runs to the castle, which is in the area and where people do not want to go as it has a reputation for being evil. She meets a mysterious man at the castle, who decides to take care of her. She stays as she has no where else to go, but continues to be afraid of her uncle as he is searching for her. The man who lives at the castle hides her. He has his own reasons for keeping her. I won’t do any spoilers, but I recommend the story as it does have a happily ever after.
This is an enjoyable book as the characters were interesting and it has mystery. The heroine is living with her uncle and her cousin, but her cousin disappeared leaving all her possessions behind, which strangely does not upset her uncle, the chief of police. She questions him, but does not receive any answers to her cousins disappearance. She is afraid of her uncle and decides to leave one night when he attempts to control who she marries. She runs to the castle, which is in the area and where people do not want to go as it has a reputation for being evil. She meets a mysterious man at the castle, who decides to take care of her. She stays as she has no where else to go, but continues to be afraid of her uncle as he is searching for her. The man who lives at the castle hides her. He has his own reasons for keeping her. I won’t do any spoilers, but I recommend the story as it does have a happily ever after.
March 24, 2012
Couldn't tell if this book was set in the present day or back when people did live in castles and grown ass women from the US stay with abusive uncles when a metropolitan city is a two hour drive away.
Who runs away in the middle of the night wearing shorts, in Transylvania?
I assumed the main character could read and had seen a tv, or realized there must be an American embassy somewhere close by. But the first three to four chapters one is not very sure of the mental status or the heroine or the author for that matter. "Sheep!"
I do give kudos to the author because I kept on reading but only to see how ridiculous the book would get.
Did I enjoy it, yes. Did I go and get three more books by this author, yes And did I regret it, YES.
This book lost all possibility of my suspension of disbelief when I read the words washer and dryer.
Who runs away in the middle of the night wearing shorts, in Transylvania?
I assumed the main character could read and had seen a tv, or realized there must be an American embassy somewhere close by. But the first three to four chapters one is not very sure of the mental status or the heroine or the author for that matter. "Sheep!"
I do give kudos to the author because I kept on reading but only to see how ridiculous the book would get.
Did I enjoy it, yes. Did I go and get three more books by this author, yes And did I regret it, YES.
This book lost all possibility of my suspension of disbelief when I read the words washer and dryer.
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