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Bound #2
Bound by Blood
A vampire’s love is eternal.
Zack Ravenscroft loves women—all women—and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Nevada, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her—except that he craves her…
Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human—and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven’s master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she’s ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move…watches their every kiss…and waits to destroy their undying love…
Zack Ravenscroft loves women—all women—and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Nevada, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her—except that he craves her…
Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human—and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven’s master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she’s ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move…watches their every kiss…and waits to destroy their undying love…
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 27, 2011
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1190 people want to read
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November 8, 2011
Bound by Blood, Bound #2, by Amanda Ashley
Grade: D
“I’m always right, Katy darlin’. And now that that’s settled, I think we should get down to some serious huggin’ and kissin’.”
As a half human, half vampire and the only daughter of the Romanian Carpathian Fortress, Kaitlyn Sherrad has lived a very sheltered life. Now at twenty one, she has finished college and convinced her parents to let her stay in America and try to make her own way in Nevada. Late one night Kaitlyn meets Zack Ravenscroft, a local casino owner, who immediately sweeps her off her feet. Little do they both know they have more in common then they think and their similarities just might make their romance forbidden.
As a six hundred year old vampire Zack Ravenscroft never thought he would find a woman to spend his life and as one of The Order, vampires who are made not born, his relationship with Kaitlyn is forbidden and her father is hell bent on keeping them apart. Zack must now fight for his relationship not only against the woman that he loves family but against an old enemy who has come back for revenge and has chosen Kaitlyn as their target. Zack and Kaitlyn must now prove to everyone that they deserve love and happiness together and they will do anything or fight anyone to attain it.
Bound by Blood is the second book in Amanda Ashley’s Bound Series and it picks up twenty one years after Bound by Night leaves off which is the story of Kaitlyn’s mother and father, Elena and Drake. This book was much better then the first in the series, which I previously reviewed, but I found it to be very boring and uneventful. I think that to really understand what is going on in this story you would need to read the first book or else you will be very confused as the two books have very interwoven plot lines.
I had a few problems with this book but I think the thing that bothers me the most is how fast Kaitlyn and Zack meet and fall in love. There is no big anticipation at all with their relationship and after the first hundred pages they are in love, going to get married and the book moves on to the person who is trying to get revenge on Kaitlyn’s family. I disliked the Romeo and Juliet parallel a lot and found that the forbidden romance between the two to be an opening for Kaitlyn to whine and complain a lot.
Kaitlyn reminded me very much of her mother from the first book and this is not a compliment. I found her to be very spoiled, boring, a goody-goody, highly annoying and lacking any sort of backbone. I very much dislike weak female leads and Kaitlyn is the poster child for weak female leads. The only woman who had any sort of guts was portrayed as the villain while the meek, crawl into a corner and wait for the men to save them woman are the heroins. At one point a male character told a female that if she didn’t do what he said he would “Lock her in her room.” I’m sorry what? These two are supposed to be in love for years and are married and he’s going to lock her in her room like a child? These are just not the sort of characters that I like reading about. The male characters are okay but nothing special.
I found most of this book to be very bad and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. I think the action is very good but the romance is lacking and so are the characters. I was very excited to read this series and highly disappointed. Plain and simple, as far as paranormal romances go this isn’t a very good one and I can’t recommend it as a fan of the genre.
Grade: D
“I’m always right, Katy darlin’. And now that that’s settled, I think we should get down to some serious huggin’ and kissin’.”
As a half human, half vampire and the only daughter of the Romanian Carpathian Fortress, Kaitlyn Sherrad has lived a very sheltered life. Now at twenty one, she has finished college and convinced her parents to let her stay in America and try to make her own way in Nevada. Late one night Kaitlyn meets Zack Ravenscroft, a local casino owner, who immediately sweeps her off her feet. Little do they both know they have more in common then they think and their similarities just might make their romance forbidden.
As a six hundred year old vampire Zack Ravenscroft never thought he would find a woman to spend his life and as one of The Order, vampires who are made not born, his relationship with Kaitlyn is forbidden and her father is hell bent on keeping them apart. Zack must now fight for his relationship not only against the woman that he loves family but against an old enemy who has come back for revenge and has chosen Kaitlyn as their target. Zack and Kaitlyn must now prove to everyone that they deserve love and happiness together and they will do anything or fight anyone to attain it.
Bound by Blood is the second book in Amanda Ashley’s Bound Series and it picks up twenty one years after Bound by Night leaves off which is the story of Kaitlyn’s mother and father, Elena and Drake. This book was much better then the first in the series, which I previously reviewed, but I found it to be very boring and uneventful. I think that to really understand what is going on in this story you would need to read the first book or else you will be very confused as the two books have very interwoven plot lines.
I had a few problems with this book but I think the thing that bothers me the most is how fast Kaitlyn and Zack meet and fall in love. There is no big anticipation at all with their relationship and after the first hundred pages they are in love, going to get married and the book moves on to the person who is trying to get revenge on Kaitlyn’s family. I disliked the Romeo and Juliet parallel a lot and found that the forbidden romance between the two to be an opening for Kaitlyn to whine and complain a lot.
Kaitlyn reminded me very much of her mother from the first book and this is not a compliment. I found her to be very spoiled, boring, a goody-goody, highly annoying and lacking any sort of backbone. I very much dislike weak female leads and Kaitlyn is the poster child for weak female leads. The only woman who had any sort of guts was portrayed as the villain while the meek, crawl into a corner and wait for the men to save them woman are the heroins. At one point a male character told a female that if she didn’t do what he said he would “Lock her in her room.” I’m sorry what? These two are supposed to be in love for years and are married and he’s going to lock her in her room like a child? These are just not the sort of characters that I like reading about. The male characters are okay but nothing special.
I found most of this book to be very bad and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. I think the action is very good but the romance is lacking and so are the characters. I was very excited to read this series and highly disappointed. Plain and simple, as far as paranormal romances go this isn’t a very good one and I can’t recommend it as a fan of the genre.
November 4, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Kaitlyn Sherrad, the daughter of Drake and Elena came to the states for college. But she loved California and decided she wanted to stay for a few more years until she had to return home to look for a mate. She settles near Lake Tahoe, and finds herself enjoying a home of her own and despite all that has been extended to her, Kaitlyn is bored out of her mind. So she goes to a Casino in the area, and finds herself drawn to Zack Ravenscroft, the owner. Zack, is a vampire and loves the night and is having a fun time interacting with others at his casino especially the women. Zack finds Kaitlyn irrisistable and wants to know more of her. He is not sure why he feels so connected to her, but he is eager to find out what they can become. But there is a threat to Kaitlyn's life, and her father interferes right when Zack and Kaitlyn start to fall in love with one another. Zack is forced to prove himself to the father because in Drake's eyes Zack is his mortal enemy, but Zack isn't afraid of Drake but is willing to do whatever it takes to make Kaitlyn his, even if that means humbling himself before a vampire younger than he is. The enemy is out for revenge and will do anything to destroy the Sherrad family.
The Hero
Zack Ravenscroft, was turned into a vampire. He is considered one of the "others". Zack is a honorable man. He was turned against his will, and was left on his own as a newly turned vampire 600 years previous. Zack has experience and despite his vast years of living, has only turned one vampire himself. Zack has come to accept who he is and goes out of his way to help others when he can. Zack is a hero I came to admire so highly, and boy is he tough as nails but can be as soft as a cuddly bear at times. Zack is charismatic and entertaining and knows how to flirt his way through any situation. There were so many aspects of his character I loved, but what I admired the most is the way he treats Kaitlyn and the way he treats her father with respect but stands his own ground without pushing too many buttons.
The Heroine
Kaitlyn Sherrad has been protected and loved by everyone that has ever known her. Kaitlyn couldn't harm a ant, and she accepts everyone for who they are. Kaitlyn is close to her parents, but also wants to pave her own life in her own time but she also understands her duties, as being her father's only heir and child. Kaitlyn was a heroine I liked from the beginning. She is kind and open, and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. But she has a spine of steel and when it truly matters, she stands for what she thinks is right no matter the consequences. This is what I loved most about this heroine, was her ability to take charge and stand by the man she loves despite how much she loves her parents. She sees what needs to be done and does it. She gets impatient at times, and can be impulsive but I found her character charming and fun.
Plot and Story Line
This is the second book to this duo series, and what a ball of fun I had with this one. I loved it even more than the first one and I was pretty anxious to read it. Probably because I didn't know what to expect with it, but Amanda Ashley has surpassed herself in writing this one. I just couldn't get enough, and I was so sad to see it end mostly due to the fact that I loved Zack and Kaitlyn together and seeing all the secondary characters that were in the first book and I loved the way they all come together in the end. This is a story about the test of true love . These two hit it off pretty quickly at the beginning, and spend every waking moment together once they fully connect. But right when their relationship is going great (it obviously can't stay that way right??) the father and uncle grab Kaitlyn and take her away when they learn that there is a threat against her life, a very serious one. This threat is connected to the first book. In the first book, Kaitlyn's grandfather was called upon to fight for his territory that he held for over a thousand years and was betrayed and killed by his own son. Drake (Kaitlyn's father) was his father second and was forced to kill his own brother. The mother of the brother killed is out for revenge and boy this woman is bat shit crazy. I mean mentally, she is insane with the need for vengeance and will do anything to get it.
I can understand Drake's need to protect his only child, a daughter he has cherished. But Drake goes a bit overboard with his protectiveness. Kaitlynn is a bit naive for a couple of moments, because in reality she wasn't told the whole truth and doesn't fully realize the danger she is in. But Kaitlyn is furious when she is taken away from the man she loves. But she knows that she is about to be put in a terrible position, but dang does she hold her own with her father. Now this is where Zack steps in. He follows her to Europe and lets just say that Drake and Zack are at odds with one another. This is a changing point in the story and is very vital to what follows. Drake is out of his mind with his actions, and I will admit I really had problems with him for the first time since reading the first book in this duo series. He is out of line in the actions he takes against Zack. It takes Elena and Kaitlyn, working together to convince him that he may lose his daughter if he isn't careful in his treatment of Zack. What I found the most endearing, was seeing the way Zack and Kaitln fight for one another and what loyalty they have for each other...it just about broke my heart.
What was so fun about this story was the romance that blossoms between the two,. Now this isn't your typical vampire romance where sex happens quickly. In fact its the exact opposite and I LOVED that. It was so refreshing to see a hero that isn't out for just sex all the time. He finds something real with Kaitlyn and he wants to prove how special she is to him. Kaitlyn was so amusing in the ways she goes out to seduce Zack and only gets some good hot kisses in return. And boy is she hilarious when she is sexually frustrated. hehe I really respected how Zack treats Kaitlyn. You can tell he really wants to make love to her, but he wants to wait until its the right time and not "down the hall" from her father. He wants full commitment from Kaitlyn before he sleeps with her. I know its not the "modern" idea or concept, but its so rare to find a hero like this and I adored every moment. But even though they don't fully go all the way, they do explore and build up the tension quite well. I also liked how Amanda Ashley makes sure all the ends are tied, and by the ending you see a solid close to a fantastic duo series. We have many factors involved in the story, but they all fit perfectly with each other and loved the blend of paranormal, suspense, mystery and passion.
Narration
I am getting hooked on this narrator. She has such a likable voice, and really makes the story come alive for the listener. From the beginning I liked her, but now after two books I am LOVING her.
The Cover
I love this cover....its so sexy and dangerous and creates the right tone for the story. Love the moon and the red background.
Overall View
Bound By Blood is a thrilling tale that sweep you off your feet in moments of adventure, mystery, building tension, and a love worth fighting for!! Guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Summary
Kaitlyn Sherrad, the daughter of Drake and Elena came to the states for college. But she loved California and decided she wanted to stay for a few more years until she had to return home to look for a mate. She settles near Lake Tahoe, and finds herself enjoying a home of her own and despite all that has been extended to her, Kaitlyn is bored out of her mind. So she goes to a Casino in the area, and finds herself drawn to Zack Ravenscroft, the owner. Zack, is a vampire and loves the night and is having a fun time interacting with others at his casino especially the women. Zack finds Kaitlyn irrisistable and wants to know more of her. He is not sure why he feels so connected to her, but he is eager to find out what they can become. But there is a threat to Kaitlyn's life, and her father interferes right when Zack and Kaitlyn start to fall in love with one another. Zack is forced to prove himself to the father because in Drake's eyes Zack is his mortal enemy, but Zack isn't afraid of Drake but is willing to do whatever it takes to make Kaitlyn his, even if that means humbling himself before a vampire younger than he is. The enemy is out for revenge and will do anything to destroy the Sherrad family.
The Hero
Zack Ravenscroft, was turned into a vampire. He is considered one of the "others". Zack is a honorable man. He was turned against his will, and was left on his own as a newly turned vampire 600 years previous. Zack has experience and despite his vast years of living, has only turned one vampire himself. Zack has come to accept who he is and goes out of his way to help others when he can. Zack is a hero I came to admire so highly, and boy is he tough as nails but can be as soft as a cuddly bear at times. Zack is charismatic and entertaining and knows how to flirt his way through any situation. There were so many aspects of his character I loved, but what I admired the most is the way he treats Kaitlyn and the way he treats her father with respect but stands his own ground without pushing too many buttons.
The Heroine
Kaitlyn Sherrad has been protected and loved by everyone that has ever known her. Kaitlyn couldn't harm a ant, and she accepts everyone for who they are. Kaitlyn is close to her parents, but also wants to pave her own life in her own time but she also understands her duties, as being her father's only heir and child. Kaitlyn was a heroine I liked from the beginning. She is kind and open, and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. But she has a spine of steel and when it truly matters, she stands for what she thinks is right no matter the consequences. This is what I loved most about this heroine, was her ability to take charge and stand by the man she loves despite how much she loves her parents. She sees what needs to be done and does it. She gets impatient at times, and can be impulsive but I found her character charming and fun.
Plot and Story Line
This is the second book to this duo series, and what a ball of fun I had with this one. I loved it even more than the first one and I was pretty anxious to read it. Probably because I didn't know what to expect with it, but Amanda Ashley has surpassed herself in writing this one. I just couldn't get enough, and I was so sad to see it end mostly due to the fact that I loved Zack and Kaitlyn together and seeing all the secondary characters that were in the first book and I loved the way they all come together in the end. This is a story about the test of true love . These two hit it off pretty quickly at the beginning, and spend every waking moment together once they fully connect. But right when their relationship is going great (it obviously can't stay that way right??) the father and uncle grab Kaitlyn and take her away when they learn that there is a threat against her life, a very serious one. This threat is connected to the first book. In the first book, Kaitlyn's grandfather was called upon to fight for his territory that he held for over a thousand years and was betrayed and killed by his own son. Drake (Kaitlyn's father) was his father second and was forced to kill his own brother. The mother of the brother killed is out for revenge and boy this woman is bat shit crazy. I mean mentally, she is insane with the need for vengeance and will do anything to get it.
I can understand Drake's need to protect his only child, a daughter he has cherished. But Drake goes a bit overboard with his protectiveness. Kaitlynn is a bit naive for a couple of moments, because in reality she wasn't told the whole truth and doesn't fully realize the danger she is in. But Kaitlyn is furious when she is taken away from the man she loves. But she knows that she is about to be put in a terrible position, but dang does she hold her own with her father. Now this is where Zack steps in. He follows her to Europe and lets just say that Drake and Zack are at odds with one another. This is a changing point in the story and is very vital to what follows. Drake is out of his mind with his actions, and I will admit I really had problems with him for the first time since reading the first book in this duo series. He is out of line in the actions he takes against Zack. It takes Elena and Kaitlyn, working together to convince him that he may lose his daughter if he isn't careful in his treatment of Zack. What I found the most endearing, was seeing the way Zack and Kaitln fight for one another and what loyalty they have for each other...it just about broke my heart.
What was so fun about this story was the romance that blossoms between the two,. Now this isn't your typical vampire romance where sex happens quickly. In fact its the exact opposite and I LOVED that. It was so refreshing to see a hero that isn't out for just sex all the time. He finds something real with Kaitlyn and he wants to prove how special she is to him. Kaitlyn was so amusing in the ways she goes out to seduce Zack and only gets some good hot kisses in return. And boy is she hilarious when she is sexually frustrated. hehe I really respected how Zack treats Kaitlyn. You can tell he really wants to make love to her, but he wants to wait until its the right time and not "down the hall" from her father. He wants full commitment from Kaitlyn before he sleeps with her. I know its not the "modern" idea or concept, but its so rare to find a hero like this and I adored every moment. But even though they don't fully go all the way, they do explore and build up the tension quite well. I also liked how Amanda Ashley makes sure all the ends are tied, and by the ending you see a solid close to a fantastic duo series. We have many factors involved in the story, but they all fit perfectly with each other and loved the blend of paranormal, suspense, mystery and passion.
Narration
I am getting hooked on this narrator. She has such a likable voice, and really makes the story come alive for the listener. From the beginning I liked her, but now after two books I am LOVING her.
The Cover
I love this cover....its so sexy and dangerous and creates the right tone for the story. Love the moon and the red background.
Overall View
Bound By Blood is a thrilling tale that sweep you off your feet in moments of adventure, mystery, building tension, and a love worth fighting for!! Guaranteed to knock your socks off.
June 5, 2012
BOUND BY BLOOD (Bound #2) by Amanda Ashley
BOUND BY BLOOD is the second novel (released in October 2011) in Amanda Ashley’s Bound series. Drake and Elena’s daughter is all grown up and living in the city of sin. Half vampire-half human, Kaitlyn Sherrad is the only child and heir to full vampire and Carpathian Coven Master Drake Sherrad and his human wife Elena. But as her 21st birthday approaches Kaitlyn is restless and her vampire half craves blood. Living alone in a secluded cabin (a gift from her parents), Kaitlyn is surprised when she finds a gorgeous man outside and she is instantly attracted.
Zackery Ravenscroft is a made vampire. Sired over 600 years earlier, Zack is a successful casino and hotel owner in Las Vegas. Money and women are no object, but finding the mysterious Kaitlyn Sherrad in the once empty cabin, peaks his curiousity.
Kaitlyn’s family of vampires has long been at war with the ‘Others’-the made vampires. Liking them to vermin, the made vampires are stereotyped and discriminated to the point of death. And Kaitlyn knows her relationship with Zack will never be accepted by her family especially her father and his kin. But when a threat against his daughter by his extended family moves Drake to bring Kaitlyn home to Romania, Zack takes it upon himself to search for the woman who has stolen his heart.
Nadiya is one of Drake’s father’s wives. Following the death of her husband and one of her son’s, Nadiya seeks revenge. And the only course of action is to take from Drake what he took from her-a child. Targeting Kaitlyn is easy, but gaining access is harder. Several failed attempts resulting in the death of more of her sons, Nadiya finds a common foe in Lucien. Lucien has always wanted control of the Carpathian coven and it was a risk he was slightly reluctant to take. Knowing he would have to stand up to Drake, Lucien accepts Drake’s challenge, but soon realizes that he is involved in something far more dangerous than a Coven coup.
As Zack and Kaitlyn’s relationship progresses, Drake’s unease about the made vampire tempers. Zack’s love for Kaitlyn is obvious, but made-vampires have always been the enemy-the Others-and not accepted by Drake’s kind. When Zack and Kaitlyn announce their engagement, it is Elena who will remind her husband, that he too fell in love with an ‘outsider’-a human.
Nadiya’s continued attempts to exact revenge against her husband’s family, places Kaitlyn, and the others on constant alert. But a phone call from Vegas telling him his casino and hotel have been destroyed in a deliberate fire, finds Zack back in the USA trying to discover who was responsible for the destruction. Suspecting it was one of Nadiya’s sons, Drake and Zack must take extra precautions while preparing for the wedding. And knowing that Nadiya will never stop until Kaitlyn is dead, nothing would surprise Zack leading up to their wedding day. And in the end, there will be a newly-made vampire that will have to be accepted –because love does conquer all.
BOUND BY BLOOD is a romantic tale between a vampire and his mate. The attraction is instant but I had concerns that these characters were not able to identify each other as vampires. With their heightened senses, I would have thought that identification would have been immediate as was the attraction, but in the end, it didn’t matter. The writing is simple and the plot was easy to follow. The relationship and story progress without the use of foul language or graphic sex. I am looking forward to the next story-perhaps Uncle Stefan has found love-afterall.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
BOUND BY BLOOD is the second novel (released in October 2011) in Amanda Ashley’s Bound series. Drake and Elena’s daughter is all grown up and living in the city of sin. Half vampire-half human, Kaitlyn Sherrad is the only child and heir to full vampire and Carpathian Coven Master Drake Sherrad and his human wife Elena. But as her 21st birthday approaches Kaitlyn is restless and her vampire half craves blood. Living alone in a secluded cabin (a gift from her parents), Kaitlyn is surprised when she finds a gorgeous man outside and she is instantly attracted.
Zackery Ravenscroft is a made vampire. Sired over 600 years earlier, Zack is a successful casino and hotel owner in Las Vegas. Money and women are no object, but finding the mysterious Kaitlyn Sherrad in the once empty cabin, peaks his curiousity.
Kaitlyn’s family of vampires has long been at war with the ‘Others’-the made vampires. Liking them to vermin, the made vampires are stereotyped and discriminated to the point of death. And Kaitlyn knows her relationship with Zack will never be accepted by her family especially her father and his kin. But when a threat against his daughter by his extended family moves Drake to bring Kaitlyn home to Romania, Zack takes it upon himself to search for the woman who has stolen his heart.
Nadiya is one of Drake’s father’s wives. Following the death of her husband and one of her son’s, Nadiya seeks revenge. And the only course of action is to take from Drake what he took from her-a child. Targeting Kaitlyn is easy, but gaining access is harder. Several failed attempts resulting in the death of more of her sons, Nadiya finds a common foe in Lucien. Lucien has always wanted control of the Carpathian coven and it was a risk he was slightly reluctant to take. Knowing he would have to stand up to Drake, Lucien accepts Drake’s challenge, but soon realizes that he is involved in something far more dangerous than a Coven coup.
As Zack and Kaitlyn’s relationship progresses, Drake’s unease about the made vampire tempers. Zack’s love for Kaitlyn is obvious, but made-vampires have always been the enemy-the Others-and not accepted by Drake’s kind. When Zack and Kaitlyn announce their engagement, it is Elena who will remind her husband, that he too fell in love with an ‘outsider’-a human.
Nadiya’s continued attempts to exact revenge against her husband’s family, places Kaitlyn, and the others on constant alert. But a phone call from Vegas telling him his casino and hotel have been destroyed in a deliberate fire, finds Zack back in the USA trying to discover who was responsible for the destruction. Suspecting it was one of Nadiya’s sons, Drake and Zack must take extra precautions while preparing for the wedding. And knowing that Nadiya will never stop until Kaitlyn is dead, nothing would surprise Zack leading up to their wedding day. And in the end, there will be a newly-made vampire that will have to be accepted –because love does conquer all.
BOUND BY BLOOD is a romantic tale between a vampire and his mate. The attraction is instant but I had concerns that these characters were not able to identify each other as vampires. With their heightened senses, I would have thought that identification would have been immediate as was the attraction, but in the end, it didn’t matter. The writing is simple and the plot was easy to follow. The relationship and story progress without the use of foul language or graphic sex. I am looking forward to the next story-perhaps Uncle Stefan has found love-afterall.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
August 11, 2016
I find Zach a little hard to believe, for someone who is supposed to be so old he acts very young. In the past all Amanda's old vampires have been very well written and mature, but something is very off about Zach. And the way he suddenly picks up calling her darlin' like he's southern or something I found quite odd.
Even still I enjoyed the book, I like this set of characters from both books and would really like to see Stefan's story to go along with it.
I just wish she would pick a different male description every male love interest in all her books seem to have long black hair and some kind of tan or darker skin. It would be nice if she would change it up a bit.
Even still I enjoyed the book, I like this set of characters from both books and would really like to see Stefan's story to go along with it.
I just wish she would pick a different male description every male love interest in all her books seem to have long black hair and some kind of tan or darker skin. It would be nice if she would change it up a bit.
January 15, 2013
I listened to (some of) the audiobook. If I hear the word preternatural one more time, I'm going to gouge out my ears. This may be a good story, I'll never know because the aforementioned word is used once every 5 minutes or so. Editors, please encourage your authors to eliminate unnecessary words. You don't need to refer to a vampire's powers as preternatural. It's understood. Vampires are powerful and paranormal. we already know this.
Sigh.
Sigh.
January 18, 2013
I can't decide if this book should have been one star or two. The narrator may have played a significant role in my dislike for this book. The phrasing that could have been made into a drinking game may have also been an irritant. The characters felt flat and I couldn't muster the energy to care about any of them. There was no sexual tension or sex or anything that made me think 'yum'. Maybe it was the wrong book for my mood but I just felt like I nitpicked the whole time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2013
"Bound By Blood” By Amanda Ashley
Kaitlyn Sherrad has had the best life that any girl could dream of. She is an only child and just happens to be half human and half vampire. She is also the heiress to the Carpathian Fortress in Romanian. The last thing Kaitlyn wants, is to be the leader of all vampires. What she wants, is to enjoy her life and the new cabin that her Father bought her in Lake Tahoe. Maybe one day she’d also like to meet her prince charming. To bad though, Kaitlyn’s father says she must marry a vampire that is Romanian and from her vampire race. Knowing Kaitlyn, she will find away around that. While staring out her front living room window taking in the view, Kaitlyn notices something moving outside and seeing that she has vampire senses she can see things clearer than humans. Just as Kaitlyn opens her front door, out steps the drop dead, and let me say that he is actually dead, vampire steps into view. Kaitlyn is speechless, she has never seen any man look so delicious. Kaitlyn has no idea that the man is a vampire, she thinks he is some human that is just out for the evening and sneaking around her place. Kaitlyn is soon going to learn how sexy and charming this vampire is. She will not be able to get him out of her mind, but will her Father approve of this vampire since he is known as one of the “others,” an age old ermines of the Romanian vampires? Will Kaitlyn have her happy ever after, or will she have to choose between a hunky vampire and her Carpathian leader Father? Find out what happens with Kaitlyn and her hunky vampire lover.. Things are sure to get steamy.
Zack Ravenscroft has lived for more that six hundred years. He has seen everything and experienced everything a vampire could. He has also built a very successful Casino and Nightclub in Lake Tahoe. The only thing that Zack has never managed to do in his six hundred years of living, is truly fall madly in love. Zack has been with many women, but he’s never found the one. He thought he might have long ago when he was a young vampire, but she tragically died and he gave up on love completely.
Zack hears that someone new bought the cabin up in the hills, and he was thinking about buying the cabin for himself. Zack decides he is going to check out who the new owner is. While spying on the new owner he realizes that the new owner is a young beautiful raven haired mortal and she takes his breath away. Zack has no idea that this raven haired beauty is a half vampire and half human, and that her daddy is the leader of the Carpathian Fortress. Zack wants this raven haired beauty and will do anything to seduce her, and have some fun with her. Will Zack end up falling in love with a beautiful girl, and will he except who she really is, or will he have his fun with her and be on his way?
Amanda Ashley really knows how to combine romance and suspense into a wonderful novel. This is the third novel that I have read of Amanda’s and they keep getting better and better. I loved the suspense in this novel, and I had truly had trouble putting down “Bound by Blood.” I can’t wait to read another of Amanda’s great novels!
5 Bats out of 5
Reviewed by: VampireBooks.ca
Click Here to Visit VampireBooks.ca
Kaitlyn Sherrad has had the best life that any girl could dream of. She is an only child and just happens to be half human and half vampire. She is also the heiress to the Carpathian Fortress in Romanian. The last thing Kaitlyn wants, is to be the leader of all vampires. What she wants, is to enjoy her life and the new cabin that her Father bought her in Lake Tahoe. Maybe one day she’d also like to meet her prince charming. To bad though, Kaitlyn’s father says she must marry a vampire that is Romanian and from her vampire race. Knowing Kaitlyn, she will find away around that. While staring out her front living room window taking in the view, Kaitlyn notices something moving outside and seeing that she has vampire senses she can see things clearer than humans. Just as Kaitlyn opens her front door, out steps the drop dead, and let me say that he is actually dead, vampire steps into view. Kaitlyn is speechless, she has never seen any man look so delicious. Kaitlyn has no idea that the man is a vampire, she thinks he is some human that is just out for the evening and sneaking around her place. Kaitlyn is soon going to learn how sexy and charming this vampire is. She will not be able to get him out of her mind, but will her Father approve of this vampire since he is known as one of the “others,” an age old ermines of the Romanian vampires? Will Kaitlyn have her happy ever after, or will she have to choose between a hunky vampire and her Carpathian leader Father? Find out what happens with Kaitlyn and her hunky vampire lover.. Things are sure to get steamy.
Zack Ravenscroft has lived for more that six hundred years. He has seen everything and experienced everything a vampire could. He has also built a very successful Casino and Nightclub in Lake Tahoe. The only thing that Zack has never managed to do in his six hundred years of living, is truly fall madly in love. Zack has been with many women, but he’s never found the one. He thought he might have long ago when he was a young vampire, but she tragically died and he gave up on love completely.
Zack hears that someone new bought the cabin up in the hills, and he was thinking about buying the cabin for himself. Zack decides he is going to check out who the new owner is. While spying on the new owner he realizes that the new owner is a young beautiful raven haired mortal and she takes his breath away. Zack has no idea that this raven haired beauty is a half vampire and half human, and that her daddy is the leader of the Carpathian Fortress. Zack wants this raven haired beauty and will do anything to seduce her, and have some fun with her. Will Zack end up falling in love with a beautiful girl, and will he except who she really is, or will he have his fun with her and be on his way?
Amanda Ashley really knows how to combine romance and suspense into a wonderful novel. This is the third novel that I have read of Amanda’s and they keep getting better and better. I loved the suspense in this novel, and I had truly had trouble putting down “Bound by Blood.” I can’t wait to read another of Amanda’s great novels!
5 Bats out of 5
Reviewed by: VampireBooks.ca
Click Here to Visit VampireBooks.ca
October 17, 2011
Bound By Blood takes us into the life of Kaitlyn Sherrad. She is the half human/half vampire daughter of Elana and Drake Sherrad from the previous book Bound By Night. It is set 21 years in the future from the previous book and Kaitlyn is all grown up and on her own in Las Vegas. Her parents have bought her a cabin and she is ready to start her own life after college. One night she meets Zack Ravenscroft outside of her cabin. They are both instantly attracted to each other and enjoy the company they each provide. While Zack is considered an Other, a made vampire instead of a born vampire, Kaitlyn knows her father would never approve of a relationship between the two. What Kaitlyn doesn't realize is that her father is not the only thing she should be afraid of.
Nadiya is back as the evil vampire villain and is seeking revenge on the Sherrad family. Her son was murdered in the previous book by Drake and she wants Drake to suffer as badly as she has. She sets her sights on Kaitlyn and will stop at nothing to kill her and make Drake feel the agony she has.
There are a few things I liked better in this book than the last. I liked how the characters in the book grow and stay relative to the time frame. In the last book, I felt like I was reading a historical romance at times even though it was suppose to be set in the present time. It could have been because the last book was set in a different country, but the characters seem to have been better developed in this one. I also liked how the author made Zack out to be witty, charismatic and at times a vengeful vampire. He could be evil and monstrous at times when needed, but he also had a soft side that he showed around Kaitlyn and his employee's.
The few things I didn't like were mainly the same things I have experienced in other vampire novels. The instant attraction to each other and the sudden knowledge of knowing this person is your soul mate is ever present in this novel as well. I just don't seem to like how the characters can meet in chapter one and know they are meant to be together forever by chapter two. I like progression in my romance and not instant love. Yet, even with this detail I felt myself enjoying the story and loving my vampire fantasy within this gorgeous cover.
I have read every book by Amanda Ashley and the Bound series is quickly becoming my favorite series by this author so far. I look forward to reading more of her work and can't wait for her next novel to appear on shelves!
Nadiya is back as the evil vampire villain and is seeking revenge on the Sherrad family. Her son was murdered in the previous book by Drake and she wants Drake to suffer as badly as she has. She sets her sights on Kaitlyn and will stop at nothing to kill her and make Drake feel the agony she has.
There are a few things I liked better in this book than the last. I liked how the characters in the book grow and stay relative to the time frame. In the last book, I felt like I was reading a historical romance at times even though it was suppose to be set in the present time. It could have been because the last book was set in a different country, but the characters seem to have been better developed in this one. I also liked how the author made Zack out to be witty, charismatic and at times a vengeful vampire. He could be evil and monstrous at times when needed, but he also had a soft side that he showed around Kaitlyn and his employee's.
The few things I didn't like were mainly the same things I have experienced in other vampire novels. The instant attraction to each other and the sudden knowledge of knowing this person is your soul mate is ever present in this novel as well. I just don't seem to like how the characters can meet in chapter one and know they are meant to be together forever by chapter two. I like progression in my romance and not instant love. Yet, even with this detail I felt myself enjoying the story and loving my vampire fantasy within this gorgeous cover.
I have read every book by Amanda Ashley and the Bound series is quickly becoming my favorite series by this author so far. I look forward to reading more of her work and can't wait for her next novel to appear on shelves!
May 18, 2013
OK, real short since I'm assuming if you are looking at this you already know the synopsis.
This book had TONS of potential. But they spend so much time back and forthing with her parents, Zach's status as an "other" vs. a born vampire and his preoccupation with NOT bedding the girl that it fell flat for me. It read a lot like a teen book in some ways since Kaitlyn is so immature, both in experience AND age. I'm not opposed to young heroines, but honestly its easier for me to like a female lead that has some life experience and isn't so sheltered and willing to take mommy and daddy into so much account. Also, the will they or won't they thing with the sex just went from being something I could appreciate to tedious. WAY too many supposed close calls. I'm a grown up and found myself muttering "Just do it for crap's sake" by the time the book was half done.
Zach is likeable, but I wish he had been fleshed out more in terms of his background. They just sort of put the two of them on this path and feed us tidbits here and there whenever the situation suits. Overall, not a bad read. But it got tiresome to me long before it was finished.
This book had TONS of potential. But they spend so much time back and forthing with her parents, Zach's status as an "other" vs. a born vampire and his preoccupation with NOT bedding the girl that it fell flat for me. It read a lot like a teen book in some ways since Kaitlyn is so immature, both in experience AND age. I'm not opposed to young heroines, but honestly its easier for me to like a female lead that has some life experience and isn't so sheltered and willing to take mommy and daddy into so much account. Also, the will they or won't they thing with the sex just went from being something I could appreciate to tedious. WAY too many supposed close calls. I'm a grown up and found myself muttering "Just do it for crap's sake" by the time the book was half done.
Zach is likeable, but I wish he had been fleshed out more in terms of his background. They just sort of put the two of them on this path and feed us tidbits here and there whenever the situation suits. Overall, not a bad read. But it got tiresome to me long before it was finished.
October 10, 2011
Wow...I mean WOW! Romance and vampires and action and romance and kidnappings and revenge murder and sword fights and Romance and weddings and shapshifting and, did I say ROMANCE? *sigh* I loved this book!!! It has it all...really, really! When you're a born vampire you are taught to hate "made" vampires. Yet spoiled, sheltered Kaitlyn has never met one and falls hoplessly in love with a man and then learns that he is "Other" a made vampire. Too late: she's already fallen! As an EVIL threatens her existance the Vampire she loves risks everything to protect her...even from the people who should love and want to protect her: her own kind. With intrigue in every page this is an outstanding read. Get yours today! You won't regret it!
October 7, 2011
So Amanda Ashley is a awesome traditional vampire novelist. I love her stuff, and with this new vamp romance she did what she always does, creates characters you can fall in love with and a plot that sucks you in. She's even managed a twist.
However, the reason it does not have five stars is that it has the corniest EVER last line in the book. Like ridiculously bad. I mean I know that it is a romance novel, but c'mon... No matter what, women, or me at least, don't need campy.
However, the reason it does not have five stars is that it has the corniest EVER last line in the book. Like ridiculously bad. I mean I know that it is a romance novel, but c'mon... No matter what, women, or me at least, don't need campy.
October 28, 2011
Cheesy sweet romance...hopefully there is more!
October 18, 2018
I read both books “ bound by night “ and “bound by blood”, about vampires finding their loves. Bound by Night is Drake’s and Elena’s story of how they met. Elena escaped her home from an evil uncle and found Drake’s castle to hide. Drake decides he wants Elena for his own. The story is interesting as it has mystery as there have been murders that require to be solved. There is also Drake’s family who is displeased with Drake’s choice of bride and more internal strife within the families itself. Most of the problems are resolved except one family branch who wants revenge, which then continues with the book “Bound by Blood”. Bound by Blood is about Kaitlyn and Zackary. Kaitlyn is Drake’s and Elena’s daughter, who is a different vampire from the other branches of the families. Kaitlyn decides she wants to live on her own and away from her family, but unfortunately not knowing that one family branch, who wants revenge, is after her. In steps Zackary to the rescue and he saves Kaitlyn, but now Zack faces a greater challenge, Drake and the individuals who are attempting Kaitlyn’s life. Both stories should be read in order with “Bound by Night”being first followed by “Bound by Blood”. I recommend these two books as the stories were different and entertaining. I purchased the Audible books and have been pleased with this as the narrator, Morgan Hallet, did well and her voice was pleasant to listen to as I went about my chores.
November 4, 2018
It was alright, but kind of disappointed.
It started out great. The premise was good, and I was waiting for an exciting stand-off when Kaitlyns family realised that Zack was "other". Would she fight for her true love? Would they be outcasts?
But there was no real tension in the book. Zack was accepted pretty quickly (and Kaitlyn hardly protested over her Dad almost killing Zack). The good guys always won and the villains all died (and were killed very easily). I never once feared for the life of Kaitlyn or any of her family, and the villain (Nadiya) was quite pathetic really. I kept expecting her to get all witchy - but she had no real power (or she didn't use it). No real sexual tension between the two main characters either and when they finally got together, it was pretty much one or two sentences. No great passionate scene.
Could have been a great story, but kinda fizzled.
It started out great. The premise was good, and I was waiting for an exciting stand-off when Kaitlyns family realised that Zack was "other". Would she fight for her true love? Would they be outcasts?
But there was no real tension in the book. Zack was accepted pretty quickly (and Kaitlyn hardly protested over her Dad almost killing Zack). The good guys always won and the villains all died (and were killed very easily). I never once feared for the life of Kaitlyn or any of her family, and the villain (Nadiya) was quite pathetic really. I kept expecting her to get all witchy - but she had no real power (or she didn't use it). No real sexual tension between the two main characters either and when they finally got together, it was pretty much one or two sentences. No great passionate scene.
Could have been a great story, but kinda fizzled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2017
Speechless. Ms. Ashley is quite talented with her ability to grip a reader and hold their attention! I am in love with this series. Maybe I am a hopeless romantic, but the strength of the attraction between hero and heroine, their struggles to a HEA and the final moments of the story really grip the reader and make them feel along with the characters. Love, love, love!
April 25, 2022
The heroine was textbook damsel in distress, immature and childish. The author does not stay true to the previous book's hero (Drake-father of current book's heroine) and tries to make him look weak compared to this one's hero Zack. The love story had no depth and I only read the parts relating to Drake and Elena since I liked them much more.
October 24, 2020
Great story and writing style
The storyline was great. The editing was also great. Unfortunately, I might not be the best to review this book because her writing style is so very similar to my own.
The storyline was great. The editing was also great. Unfortunately, I might not be the best to review this book because her writing style is so very similar to my own.
March 19, 2019
This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first book. Excellent series.
August 17, 2019
I should have stopped
At the first book. It was ok. I got through be it but little stuff kept bugging me. It's a bit unrealistic.
At the first book. It was ok. I got through be it but little stuff kept bugging me. It's a bit unrealistic.
July 9, 2020
After reading this book. I like this story better. I love the new elements that were added.
July 17, 2020
Excellent book!!!!! The romance was awesome. The continued romance between Elaina & Drake & the new one between Katie & Zack were awesome!! The plot was well planned.
December 4, 2024
Reread. Still found it a good read. I will be reading the rest of this series too.
March 20, 2017
Vampire books! I read both "Bound by Night" and "Bound by Blood" . . . Really, quite terrible, and yet I kept reading them, so I must have liked something. NOT a clean read - I skipped the bedroom scenes, but they were generally short and easy to skip, and generally married sex anyway except with blood sucking being sensual. So why did I keep reading them? I guess I like romantic vampire books, but who knew?
March 18, 2017
zack ravenscroft loves women all women and they love him. the irresistibly seductive owner of the httest casino in nevada. zack has tasted every wicked pleasure sin city can offer. but never in his 600 years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as kaitlyn sherrad, the mysterious young new comer in town. zack knows nothing about her except he craves her.
kaitlyn is half vampire, half human and all woman. as the cherished daughter of the carpathian coven's master she has given every luxury a girl could desire.
it was a very quick and fast read.
didn't agree with daddy giving up the fort as easy as he did.
didn't agree with the hunting............
but it dead lead to a few clues.....
very interesting turning at the end,,,,,, hummmmmm could be interesting,,,,,,,,,,
kaitlyn is half vampire, half human and all woman. as the cherished daughter of the carpathian coven's master she has given every luxury a girl could desire.
it was a very quick and fast read.
didn't agree with daddy giving up the fort as easy as he did.
didn't agree with the hunting............
but it dead lead to a few clues.....
very interesting turning at the end,,,,,, hummmmmm could be interesting,,,,,,,,,,
January 13, 2012
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A fast paced, action packed, forbidden romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Opening Sentence: I remember it well, the night that Calin Sherrad, Master of our Coven, called our people together.
The Review:
Bound by Blood is the second book in Amanda Ashley’s Bound Series. It is set about twenty-one years after Bound by Night and follows Kaitlyn Sherrad, the spoiled and innocent half vampire, half human daughter of Drake and Elena Sherrad, the couple from the first book and Zackary Ravenscroft, a 600 year old vampire who enjoys life in Sin City.
Kaitlyn has just finished college and has decided to stay in the States, far away from her family and their protection. She meets Zack shortly after arriving at her cabin and feels an instant attraction and is drawn to him. Zack is a casino owner and is used to having a different woman every night but when he meets Kaitlyn he is puzzled by his extreme reaction to her and wants to explore the feelings that she brings out in him. Kaitlyn and Zack do not realize that they are more alike than they know and that their relationship will be put to the test because they are supposed to be sworn enemies and her father disapproves. Along with all that there is also an enemy who is out to get revenge on the Sherrad family, putting Kaitlyn in danger. Neither was prepared for the journey that awaited them on their way to happily ever after.
Bound by Blood pulled me in from the first page and kept me entertained until the last page. The story is fast paced and moves along effortlessly as I feel in love with Kaitlyn and Zack. It was great to see characters from the first book and see how things were working out for them and to meet new characters and see a potentially new romantic story line for future books.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first in the series because there was no confusion about the time period it was written in. The characters were more detailed and developed. This made them more believable and made you want to root for them to succeed and end up together. The romance between Kaitlyn and Zack happens so fast and they go from intrigued and curious to all out in love in a matter of a few pages. It works for this book but I usually like the love to develop a bit slower. There is plenty in this book to keep you entertained with the forbidden romance, revenge, kidnapping, and some heavy duty fighting all interwoven. There is so much packed into this book in terms of plot and story line that it could have been a disaster but Ashley pulled all these threads together seamlessly and the suspense kept me turning pages long into the night because I had to see how everything ended.
On the whole, I was happy with Bound by Blood. It was a typical love story with a high dose of action and suspense to keep the reader entertained and interested. I will keep an eye out for any additional books in this series.
Notable Scene:
She rarely drank from a living source. Being only half vampire, she lacked the inescapable need to hunt, but there was no denying that taking blood from mortals was a pleasurable sensation. No one had ever taken her blood. What would it be like, to be prey instead of predator? To feel Zack’s fangs at her throat? Driven by curiosity, she canted her head to the side, giving Zack access to her neck, only then realizing that she was putting her life in his hands. He was older, stronger. If he decided to drain her dry, she wouldn’t be able to stop him.
He must have sensed her sudden apprehension, because he said, “Its all right, Katy. You don’t have to do it if you’ve changed your mind.”
“I haven’t,” she said, and it was true. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to nourish Zack with her life’s blood.
Murmuring her name, he bent his head to her neck.
She had expected it to hurt, at least a little, but there was only a rush of warmth when his fangs pierced her skin, and then a flood pf pleasure that was sensual beyond belief. Heat flowed through her, brining all her senses to life, pooling deep within the very heart of her being, stealing the strength from her limbs, until all she wanted was to lose herself in his touch.
The Bound Series:
1. Bound by Night
2. Bound by Blood
FTC Advisory: Kensington Books provided me with a copy of Bound by Blood. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
Quick & Dirty: A fast paced, action packed, forbidden romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Opening Sentence: I remember it well, the night that Calin Sherrad, Master of our Coven, called our people together.
The Review:
Bound by Blood is the second book in Amanda Ashley’s Bound Series. It is set about twenty-one years after Bound by Night and follows Kaitlyn Sherrad, the spoiled and innocent half vampire, half human daughter of Drake and Elena Sherrad, the couple from the first book and Zackary Ravenscroft, a 600 year old vampire who enjoys life in Sin City.
Kaitlyn has just finished college and has decided to stay in the States, far away from her family and their protection. She meets Zack shortly after arriving at her cabin and feels an instant attraction and is drawn to him. Zack is a casino owner and is used to having a different woman every night but when he meets Kaitlyn he is puzzled by his extreme reaction to her and wants to explore the feelings that she brings out in him. Kaitlyn and Zack do not realize that they are more alike than they know and that their relationship will be put to the test because they are supposed to be sworn enemies and her father disapproves. Along with all that there is also an enemy who is out to get revenge on the Sherrad family, putting Kaitlyn in danger. Neither was prepared for the journey that awaited them on their way to happily ever after.
Bound by Blood pulled me in from the first page and kept me entertained until the last page. The story is fast paced and moves along effortlessly as I feel in love with Kaitlyn and Zack. It was great to see characters from the first book and see how things were working out for them and to meet new characters and see a potentially new romantic story line for future books.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first in the series because there was no confusion about the time period it was written in. The characters were more detailed and developed. This made them more believable and made you want to root for them to succeed and end up together. The romance between Kaitlyn and Zack happens so fast and they go from intrigued and curious to all out in love in a matter of a few pages. It works for this book but I usually like the love to develop a bit slower. There is plenty in this book to keep you entertained with the forbidden romance, revenge, kidnapping, and some heavy duty fighting all interwoven. There is so much packed into this book in terms of plot and story line that it could have been a disaster but Ashley pulled all these threads together seamlessly and the suspense kept me turning pages long into the night because I had to see how everything ended.
On the whole, I was happy with Bound by Blood. It was a typical love story with a high dose of action and suspense to keep the reader entertained and interested. I will keep an eye out for any additional books in this series.
Notable Scene:
She rarely drank from a living source. Being only half vampire, she lacked the inescapable need to hunt, but there was no denying that taking blood from mortals was a pleasurable sensation. No one had ever taken her blood. What would it be like, to be prey instead of predator? To feel Zack’s fangs at her throat? Driven by curiosity, she canted her head to the side, giving Zack access to her neck, only then realizing that she was putting her life in his hands. He was older, stronger. If he decided to drain her dry, she wouldn’t be able to stop him.
He must have sensed her sudden apprehension, because he said, “Its all right, Katy. You don’t have to do it if you’ve changed your mind.”
“I haven’t,” she said, and it was true. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to nourish Zack with her life’s blood.
Murmuring her name, he bent his head to her neck.
She had expected it to hurt, at least a little, but there was only a rush of warmth when his fangs pierced her skin, and then a flood pf pleasure that was sensual beyond belief. Heat flowed through her, brining all her senses to life, pooling deep within the very heart of her being, stealing the strength from her limbs, until all she wanted was to lose herself in his touch.
The Bound Series:
1. Bound by Night
2. Bound by Blood
FTC Advisory: Kensington Books provided me with a copy of Bound by Blood. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
April 12, 2012
"Bound By Blood" starts several years after "Bound By Night. Kaitlyn Sherrad is the now grown, half vampire and half human, daughter of Elena and Drake from Book 1. She has recently relocated to Las Vegas in search of a job after receiving a college education. While investigating the nearby casino, she discovers that the owner is mysterious Zack Ravenscroft, a man with curiously familiar habits. But he can't be a vampire, can he? And if he is, who's Coven does he belong to? To answer the questions may take Kaitlyn down a road she isn't prepared to travel.
While discovering what she can about Zack she discovers that she's being hunted by the son of one of her now deceased grandfather's many wives, Nadiya. Nadiya claims revenge against Drake for killing one of her sons during an attempt to pull power of the Carpathian Coven and the Fortress in which they live, from their father. Kaitlyn is all grown up and "a big girl now" and this is when Nadiya seeks to use Kaitlyn to exact swift justice.
I liked the book very much but want to discuss my dislikes first and get them out of the way.
First off, Drake and Elena didn't do Kaitlyn any favors by spoiling, coddling, and bending to her every whim and desire. Sometimes I felt like I could replace Kaitlyn with certain celebrities we all know, and most likely don't love, and no one would ever be the wiser. She was not at all a strong heroine. Nadiya turned out to be the strongest female in the book and she's the villain. Zack impressed me until my inner dialogue started talking with a drawl every time he called Kaitlyn "darlin" or said things like "huggin" and "kissin." He's a Las Vegas vampire for goodness sake, not a cowboy in Texas. The inability for Zack and Kaitlyn to figure out their otherworldly origins at first meeting was slightly annoying and when they finally did, some of the dialogue was corny. And the kidnap/rescue scene?? Very anticlimactic - the wedding passage had more excitement.
Okay, I'm done bashing parts of the book now and can move ahead with how the book worked for me.
I really liked the story line. Zack meets Kaitlyn and it's an instant attraction for both of them. It happens a lot more often in real life than people like to give credit. Kaitlyn becomes a magnet to a stalker guy who Zack eventually has to protect and save her from....aww moment! The plot involves, as noted above, a feeble attempt by Nadiya to kidnap, use as leverage, then destroy Kaitlyn as justice for the death of her son at the hands of Drake before Kaitlyn was born. Then there's the "Zack is the wrong type of vampire for Kaitlyn" scenario that plays out with Drake being the protective daddy. In this book, Kaitlyn and Zack try very hard to keep Kaitlyn chaste and untouched before being betrothed. We know in this day and age that doesn't happen too often.
This installment of the Bound series allowed us to see how Amanda Ashley's hybrid vampire fares in the modern world. We also see a love tested by many things--including an irate father--with the hope that the author completes the HEA most of us require from the books we read.
Again I say that I enjoyed the book. It wasn't a book that I was obsessed with. I was able to put it down and walk away at times but I never thought about not finishing it.
While discovering what she can about Zack she discovers that she's being hunted by the son of one of her now deceased grandfather's many wives, Nadiya. Nadiya claims revenge against Drake for killing one of her sons during an attempt to pull power of the Carpathian Coven and the Fortress in which they live, from their father. Kaitlyn is all grown up and "a big girl now" and this is when Nadiya seeks to use Kaitlyn to exact swift justice.
I liked the book very much but want to discuss my dislikes first and get them out of the way.
First off, Drake and Elena didn't do Kaitlyn any favors by spoiling, coddling, and bending to her every whim and desire. Sometimes I felt like I could replace Kaitlyn with certain celebrities we all know, and most likely don't love, and no one would ever be the wiser. She was not at all a strong heroine. Nadiya turned out to be the strongest female in the book and she's the villain. Zack impressed me until my inner dialogue started talking with a drawl every time he called Kaitlyn "darlin" or said things like "huggin" and "kissin." He's a Las Vegas vampire for goodness sake, not a cowboy in Texas. The inability for Zack and Kaitlyn to figure out their otherworldly origins at first meeting was slightly annoying and when they finally did, some of the dialogue was corny. And the kidnap/rescue scene?? Very anticlimactic - the wedding passage had more excitement.
Okay, I'm done bashing parts of the book now and can move ahead with how the book worked for me.
I really liked the story line. Zack meets Kaitlyn and it's an instant attraction for both of them. It happens a lot more often in real life than people like to give credit. Kaitlyn becomes a magnet to a stalker guy who Zack eventually has to protect and save her from....aww moment! The plot involves, as noted above, a feeble attempt by Nadiya to kidnap, use as leverage, then destroy Kaitlyn as justice for the death of her son at the hands of Drake before Kaitlyn was born. Then there's the "Zack is the wrong type of vampire for Kaitlyn" scenario that plays out with Drake being the protective daddy. In this book, Kaitlyn and Zack try very hard to keep Kaitlyn chaste and untouched before being betrothed. We know in this day and age that doesn't happen too often.
This installment of the Bound series allowed us to see how Amanda Ashley's hybrid vampire fares in the modern world. We also see a love tested by many things--including an irate father--with the hope that the author completes the HEA most of us require from the books we read.
Again I say that I enjoyed the book. It wasn't a book that I was obsessed with. I was able to put it down and walk away at times but I never thought about not finishing it.
September 21, 2011
Favorite Lines: “She had never been drunk, never been high on anything, but his kiss made her feel invincible, like she was soaring through rainbow-colored clouds.” (p. 23, ARC)
Amanda Ashley has written over 20 vampire romance novels; some I’ve loved, others I could have done without. Regardless, I always come back and read her next book. Her newest book, Bound by Blood. was enjoyable for the most part. It’s Ashley’s newest release features a vampire heiress who lucks out when she finds a rich, handsome vampire to date.
Bound by Blood is a book which tackles vampire romance in a similar manner to human romance. From meeting for the first time to getting to know future in-laws, Bound by Blood shows the uncertainty of a new relationship from the eyes of vampires. So what if some of the characters drink blood and are capable of ripping a heart right out of rival’s chest. It’s a sweet type of love featuring a young girl (just turned 21) and a vampire (over 600-years-old).
Kaitlyn is a likeable heroine who happens to be rich. She is also the daughter of Elena and Drake, characters’ whose love story was told in the book Bound by Night which was released Aug. 30, 2011. Some events from Bound by Night are mentioned in Bound by Blood, but those events don’t detract or distract from the story. I had no problem reading this book as a stand alone.
Lately it seems like most of the vampire books I’ve read are filled with erotic moments. That is not the case with Bound by Blood. The couple wait almost the entire length of the book before having sex. Did they want each other? Hell, yeah! But other issues came first. You know, issues like surviving the bad guys who were out for their blood.
What did I like best about the book? I enjoyed the use of Kaitlyn’s over protective father as a plot device. I loved the father-daughter bond and the way Kaitlyn had her father wrapped around her finger. Seeing what I always wanted in a dad played out on the pages was emotionally satisfying.
Love it or Hate it: Neither. It was a book which took me away from reality for a little book. I didn’t roll my eyes or throw the book, so it was successful. However, I don’t see myself picking the book up again.
Amanda Ashley has written over 20 vampire romance novels; some I’ve loved, others I could have done without. Regardless, I always come back and read her next book. Her newest book, Bound by Blood. was enjoyable for the most part. It’s Ashley’s newest release features a vampire heiress who lucks out when she finds a rich, handsome vampire to date.
Bound by Blood is a book which tackles vampire romance in a similar manner to human romance. From meeting for the first time to getting to know future in-laws, Bound by Blood shows the uncertainty of a new relationship from the eyes of vampires. So what if some of the characters drink blood and are capable of ripping a heart right out of rival’s chest. It’s a sweet type of love featuring a young girl (just turned 21) and a vampire (over 600-years-old).
Kaitlyn is a likeable heroine who happens to be rich. She is also the daughter of Elena and Drake, characters’ whose love story was told in the book Bound by Night which was released Aug. 30, 2011. Some events from Bound by Night are mentioned in Bound by Blood, but those events don’t detract or distract from the story. I had no problem reading this book as a stand alone.
Lately it seems like most of the vampire books I’ve read are filled with erotic moments. That is not the case with Bound by Blood. The couple wait almost the entire length of the book before having sex. Did they want each other? Hell, yeah! But other issues came first. You know, issues like surviving the bad guys who were out for their blood.
What did I like best about the book? I enjoyed the use of Kaitlyn’s over protective father as a plot device. I loved the father-daughter bond and the way Kaitlyn had her father wrapped around her finger. Seeing what I always wanted in a dad played out on the pages was emotionally satisfying.
Love it or Hate it: Neither. It was a book which took me away from reality for a little book. I didn’t roll my eyes or throw the book, so it was successful. However, I don’t see myself picking the book up again.
September 25, 2011
When we first meet Kaitlyn she’s on her way to her new cabin her father has just purchased for her for a graduation present in Tahoe. I must admit I am very iffy when it comes to Vampire stories. Some of them are just way over done, or under done.
This story had the perfect combination of a little bit of bad vampire and the good. Kaitlyn is half human half vampire. Her kind are Romanian vampire. Her kind can’t turn other’s into vampires, but are born to that life. They are not able to go out in the sun, and don’t kill their prey, usually. Zack on the other hand was made into a vampire, whose seen as the enemy of Kaitlyn’s people.
I would have almost said, they were two star crossed lovers. But as it turns out Kaitln’s mother who is human is married to a vampire. This use to be taboo to her father’s kind as well. Until he defied all odds and married her mother anyway.
I would say that you really don’t have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. But it couldn’t hurt. There is an instant attraction between Katy and Zack when they first meet. Neither of them know that the other is of vampire descent. I was kind of disappointed that this didn’t play out longer in the book. And the way they find out the other is not totally human wasn’t how you would expect it to be. That is my only complaint through out the entire book.
This is a sweet tale of boy meets girl, girl falls for boy, and girls father doesn’t like him. LOL Katy’s father who is the coven leader of his clan puts Zack in a dungeon to die by the light of the sun when he firsts meets him. Katy of course comes to the rescue and argues with her father that she really is in love with Zack.
Despite the father not wanting his daughter to be in love with Zack because he was a made vampire not born. He finds himself liking Zack anyway. I generally liked the plot of the story. The plot wasn’t hard to figure out and that was not a bad thing. The events as they happen were well written and you could tell what the outcome was going to be. I found that I was able to read it faster because I wanted to see the outcome of the story as it unfolded.
This is definitely a series I will continue to follow. I look forward to the next book.
This story had the perfect combination of a little bit of bad vampire and the good. Kaitlyn is half human half vampire. Her kind are Romanian vampire. Her kind can’t turn other’s into vampires, but are born to that life. They are not able to go out in the sun, and don’t kill their prey, usually. Zack on the other hand was made into a vampire, whose seen as the enemy of Kaitlyn’s people.
I would have almost said, they were two star crossed lovers. But as it turns out Kaitln’s mother who is human is married to a vampire. This use to be taboo to her father’s kind as well. Until he defied all odds and married her mother anyway.
I would say that you really don’t have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. But it couldn’t hurt. There is an instant attraction between Katy and Zack when they first meet. Neither of them know that the other is of vampire descent. I was kind of disappointed that this didn’t play out longer in the book. And the way they find out the other is not totally human wasn’t how you would expect it to be. That is my only complaint through out the entire book.
This is a sweet tale of boy meets girl, girl falls for boy, and girls father doesn’t like him. LOL Katy’s father who is the coven leader of his clan puts Zack in a dungeon to die by the light of the sun when he firsts meets him. Katy of course comes to the rescue and argues with her father that she really is in love with Zack.
Despite the father not wanting his daughter to be in love with Zack because he was a made vampire not born. He finds himself liking Zack anyway. I generally liked the plot of the story. The plot wasn’t hard to figure out and that was not a bad thing. The events as they happen were well written and you could tell what the outcome was going to be. I found that I was able to read it faster because I wanted to see the outcome of the story as it unfolded.
This is definitely a series I will continue to follow. I look forward to the next book.
September 25, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
BOUND BY BLOOD picks up twenty-one years after BOUND BY NIGHT and features the daughter of the couple from that book who is fresh out of college on her own for the first time in America. Like her mother before her, I had some issues with Kaitlyn as a heroine. She came across as very young and naïve. I could have started a drinking game and gotten myself truly hammered by books end if I’d taken a shot every time Kaitlyn or some other character said she ‘was a big girl now.’ Zack, of course, was the different-girl-every-night type who inexplicably wanted to change his ways only moments after meeting Kaitlyn.
Character clichés aside, I consistently felt like I was reading a romance novel from twenty plus years ago. Modern readers may get frustrated with some of the more outdated character portrayals and mindsets, but overall, it struck me as more nostalgic than anything else. On the plus side, the basic storyline is full of suspense and sprinkled with enough family drama, and vampire politics to keep the pages flying in this paranormal love story.
Overall, I surprised myself by still enjoying this book despite it’s formulaic plot, overly familiar character types, and excess of romance novel tropes. BOUND BY BLOOD is a fun, frivolous way to spend a few hours. The romance is on the chaste side, but the multi generational love stories feel authentic and kept a smile on my face while reading. If you like traditional romance novel formulas and want the added allure of vampires thrown into the mix, you’ll enjoy BOUND BY BLOOD too.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. A couple brief, non graphic sex scenes.
BOUND BY BLOOD picks up twenty-one years after BOUND BY NIGHT and features the daughter of the couple from that book who is fresh out of college on her own for the first time in America. Like her mother before her, I had some issues with Kaitlyn as a heroine. She came across as very young and naïve. I could have started a drinking game and gotten myself truly hammered by books end if I’d taken a shot every time Kaitlyn or some other character said she ‘was a big girl now.’ Zack, of course, was the different-girl-every-night type who inexplicably wanted to change his ways only moments after meeting Kaitlyn.
Character clichés aside, I consistently felt like I was reading a romance novel from twenty plus years ago. Modern readers may get frustrated with some of the more outdated character portrayals and mindsets, but overall, it struck me as more nostalgic than anything else. On the plus side, the basic storyline is full of suspense and sprinkled with enough family drama, and vampire politics to keep the pages flying in this paranormal love story.
Overall, I surprised myself by still enjoying this book despite it’s formulaic plot, overly familiar character types, and excess of romance novel tropes. BOUND BY BLOOD is a fun, frivolous way to spend a few hours. The romance is on the chaste side, but the multi generational love stories feel authentic and kept a smile on my face while reading. If you like traditional romance novel formulas and want the added allure of vampires thrown into the mix, you’ll enjoy BOUND BY BLOOD too.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. A couple brief, non graphic sex scenes.
September 17, 2014
I was very disappointed with BOUND BY BLOOD. When I first read BOUND BY NIGHT I loved it so much that I just couldn’t bare to pick up BOUND BY BLOOD. I have this weird aversion to reading about the kids of characters. I just wasn’t ready to read BOUND BY BLOOD, but it has stayed in my mind and I was really anticipating reading it.
Overall, I just didn’t like anything about this. Zack and Kaitlyn feel entirely too quickly and the whole vampire thing was resolved just as quickly.
The conflict comes in with the revenge plot against Drake. Kaitlyn is being targeted to get back at him. This brings Zack and Kaitlyn home with her dad and mom, whom are not too thrilled with Zach’s vampire difference.
***Details***
I didn’t like how Zack wanted to marry Kaitlyn before taking her to bed and makes it nearly 90% into the story before he finally gives in. I mean, what was the point?
I also really didn't like how Drake and Elena were written and portrayed in this book. Drake was always getting angry, as a father should does when his daughter is falling in love with a man he isn't quite sure of yet, and Elena would confront him and tell him to stop and he would..... Instantly. I know it was trying to show his love for Elena, but it just made them look out of touch with each other.
I thought I remembered Elena being changed years later after Kaitlyn grew up in the epilogue of BOUND BY NIGHT so her actual transformation wasn’t surprising, I was just wondering ‘when’ not ‘if’.
Overall, I just didn’t like anything about this. Zack and Kaitlyn feel entirely too quickly and the whole vampire thing was resolved just as quickly.
The conflict comes in with the revenge plot against Drake. Kaitlyn is being targeted to get back at him. This brings Zack and Kaitlyn home with her dad and mom, whom are not too thrilled with Zach’s vampire difference.
***Details***
I didn’t like how Zack wanted to marry Kaitlyn before taking her to bed and makes it nearly 90% into the story before he finally gives in. I mean, what was the point?
I also really didn't like how Drake and Elena were written and portrayed in this book. Drake was always getting angry, as a father should does when his daughter is falling in love with a man he isn't quite sure of yet, and Elena would confront him and tell him to stop and he would..... Instantly. I know it was trying to show his love for Elena, but it just made them look out of touch with each other.
I thought I remembered Elena being changed years later after Kaitlyn grew up in the epilogue of BOUND BY NIGHT so her actual transformation wasn’t surprising, I was just wondering ‘when’ not ‘if’.
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