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Vampire Queen #8
Bound by the Vampire Queen
Sworn to obedience, compelled by loyalty, and threatened with damnation for betrayal, Jacob entered Lady Lyssa’s servitude as a human servant. Now he is a vampire, but still bound to Lyssa, who has found herself struggling with the capricious powers that have come alive in her paternal Fae blood—and challenged by two enemies…
While the Vampire Council threatens to take away Lyssa and Jacob’s newborn son, the Fae Queen has ordered Lyssa to appear before the Otherworld court to face inescapable charges. The Fae have nothing but contempt for vampires, but to serve her, protect her, nourish her, and pleasure her, Jacob will follow his lady into hell itself. No one—neither Fae nor vampire—will compel him to break the oath he made to serve a vampire queen forever.
While the Vampire Council threatens to take away Lyssa and Jacob’s newborn son, the Fae Queen has ordered Lyssa to appear before the Otherworld court to face inescapable charges. The Fae have nothing but contempt for vampires, but to serve her, protect her, nourish her, and pleasure her, Jacob will follow his lady into hell itself. No one—neither Fae nor vampire—will compel him to break the oath he made to serve a vampire queen forever.
461 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2011
38 people are currently reading
1289 people want to read
About the author
Joey W. Hill
115 books3,529 followers"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"
A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.
"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady
Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!
If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...
You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill
A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.
"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady
Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!
If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...
You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 21, 2011
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
We’re back to the couple that started us off with the Vampire Queen series, Jacob and Lyssa and I was so happy their story was continuing on page. When we last left off, Lyssa had lost her vampire powers, but her Fae powers, which she has from her father’s side, were gaining strength. With that comes a summons from the Fae world and their Unseelie Queen, Rhoswen. Jacob has been turned, but even as a young vampire he still has the fierce need to serve and protect his mistress. They both may have physically changed, but their relationship is still as complex as it was at the beginning and their love has only grown over the years. But outside forces are threatening their relationship, their young son and a visit to the Fae world is required. If they survive that, then they’re going up against the vampire council who know that Lyssa is now more Fae than vampire and the question of who should be raising their young vampire son, Kane, is in question.
The majority of the story takes place in the Fae realm after the Fae Queen Rhoswen summons Lyssa to appear before her. Jacob will not be left behind so they leave Kane not knowing how time will differ between the worlds, but they really don’t have a choice. The world they find themselves in is almost fairy tale like. It’s filled with gnomes, fairies, mermaids, hobgoblins…the list goes on and on and the world impacts all their senses.
“It feels so…different here. So familiar…” She shook her head, but let go of him, to turn a full circle, her arms outspread. “…There’s a vitalizing force here for Fae blood. It’s like coming to a place you’ve missed for a very long time, where you thought you’d never be welcome again.”
Her lips curved. “It makes me want to dance. I have a great urge to…frolic.”
“Many people would drop their jaws if they saw you frolic.”
“But not you.”
“I saw you dress up like a slutty teenager and go to the mall. My lady has given me the pleasure of seeing the girl inside the woman.”
“And you will never let her live it down.”
“Not even if I live beyond eternity.”
Jacob isn’t welcomed as a vampire and in order to be free to leave this place and go back to their son, three quests have to be completed. They challenge Jacob and Lyssa physically and mentally, pushing them to their limits, and in Lyssa’s case to near death. Jacob stops at nothing to save his mistress and his acts change who they are completely. Things come full circle in the Fae world and Lyssa learns a great deal about her past, her blood family, and during a celebration for the Fae, Jacob and Lyssa are reunited with souls that have since past and are able to reconnect with loved ones. It was a touching scene and definitely the stand out for me in this book. It was also heartbreaking in a way because Queen Rhoswen denies Lyssa the chance to meet her father on this night. Rhoswen has a lot of anger and hatred in her, but while she directs it at Lyssa, Lyssa’s father is the cause of the anger and it’s a long path for these two to move past it. Though Lyssa and Jacob are changed forever from their time spent in this world, they are allowed to leave and Lyssa is suggested by both the Seelie and Unseelie Courts to be the liaison between the Fae world and the vampire council. That’s their next stop.
Due to things that happen to Lyssa and Jacob while trying to finish Queen Rhoswen’s challenges, Lyssa’s stance going into the council meeting does a complete about face. She knows that the council needs to change, they need to be willing to adjust and move forward with the times, and that means taking drastic measures. She is in full out Queen mode as she, Jacob, Gideon, Daegan, Anwyn and Mason unite and take over the council meeting Lyssa was summoned to. It ends up being a turning point for the vampires at this time and even their servants.
Times are changing and while the vampires are still Dominant to their core, Lord Brian has uncovered why children are so rare and what the common link between the couples who have kids are – a deep bond, deeper than just a master/servant relationship. It’s been proven with Jacob and Lyssa and it’s proven again with another favorite couple who are now expecting. It really felt like the vampires, while they will never end their “dinner parties” and all that those involve, it’s becoming more acceptable for them to be in a close, loving relationship with their servants. It’s not so cut and dried anymore and even though Jacob will always, without fail, serve Lyssa and any of her needs, their relationship has a real sense of partnership to it and when before that was looked down upon in the vampire world, now they’re starting to see the benefit of it.
“…When death comes, I will meet it as a queen should, without flinching. That is my hope. But I refuse to die of loneliness, that isolation of the heart and soul never given fully to another. Because I have you, I won’t. And that eases me, more than you can ever know. I can face whatever this is, because even when you are not physically at my side, you are there. Do you understand?”
As he stood, unresponsive, she stroked his face. She shut her eyes as he tightened his grip once more, but this time he pressed his lips into her palm.
“You have ever known what to say to humble me, my lady. But this tears me apart inside, you know that. I can bear anything in this world expect being away from you when you might have need of me.”
As with any book in this series, sex plays a huge role. The premise has always been about the servants doing whatever pleases their Master/Mistress. If it’s the sex games that happen between servants at a vampire gathering, then that’s what it is. If it’s allowing their servant to lay with another, then it’s done. It always seems to take me a little longer to get back into this world, especially when it comes to this factor – and what helps me “get” it again, is that even now with everything Jacob and Lyssa have been through together, the things Lyssa requires Jacob to do, still aren’t easy for him. But he does them because he knows that it pleases her and that’s his only concern. However, it felt like that also took a little different turn in this book. Make no doubt, there are still plenty of hot scenes between Jacob, Lyssa and others, but now that closer relationships are starting to be a little more acceptable in their world and we have vampires like Mason who are very possessive and don’t necessarily want his servant to participate in the normal vampire gatherings. It just feels like things might start to shift a bit and it makes me curious to see how things will change going forward.
We get caught up with some past characters, especially Gideon – who I love even more every time he’s on page. He’s still a sarcastic smartass, and the typical “servant” attitude will never apply to him. It was nice to see him with Jacob and being protective of his nephew, it’s a side to Gideon that has only come out because of Anwyn and Daegan. There are other couples that I would enjoy revisiting in the series: Mason and Jessica, I love them and would love to get more, especially in light of information that comes out in this story. Lord Brian and Debra, they’re always there on the outside, and I’m so curious about their relationship and how it’s (hopefully) progressing.
I loved having Jacob and Lyssa back as leads again. Fans of the series will find their story satisfying and seeing how their relationship, and Lyssa, has changed from having Jacob’s love in her life, has been a fun, angsty, painful and wonderful ride. Jacob hasn’t waivered at all. His love for Lyssa has only grown and he is and will always be her servant, taking care of her until he takes his last breath.
We’re back to the couple that started us off with the Vampire Queen series, Jacob and Lyssa and I was so happy their story was continuing on page. When we last left off, Lyssa had lost her vampire powers, but her Fae powers, which she has from her father’s side, were gaining strength. With that comes a summons from the Fae world and their Unseelie Queen, Rhoswen. Jacob has been turned, but even as a young vampire he still has the fierce need to serve and protect his mistress. They both may have physically changed, but their relationship is still as complex as it was at the beginning and their love has only grown over the years. But outside forces are threatening their relationship, their young son and a visit to the Fae world is required. If they survive that, then they’re going up against the vampire council who know that Lyssa is now more Fae than vampire and the question of who should be raising their young vampire son, Kane, is in question.
The majority of the story takes place in the Fae realm after the Fae Queen Rhoswen summons Lyssa to appear before her. Jacob will not be left behind so they leave Kane not knowing how time will differ between the worlds, but they really don’t have a choice. The world they find themselves in is almost fairy tale like. It’s filled with gnomes, fairies, mermaids, hobgoblins…the list goes on and on and the world impacts all their senses.
“It feels so…different here. So familiar…” She shook her head, but let go of him, to turn a full circle, her arms outspread. “…There’s a vitalizing force here for Fae blood. It’s like coming to a place you’ve missed for a very long time, where you thought you’d never be welcome again.”
Her lips curved. “It makes me want to dance. I have a great urge to…frolic.”
“Many people would drop their jaws if they saw you frolic.”
“But not you.”
“I saw you dress up like a slutty teenager and go to the mall. My lady has given me the pleasure of seeing the girl inside the woman.”
“And you will never let her live it down.”
“Not even if I live beyond eternity.”
Jacob isn’t welcomed as a vampire and in order to be free to leave this place and go back to their son, three quests have to be completed. They challenge Jacob and Lyssa physically and mentally, pushing them to their limits, and in Lyssa’s case to near death. Jacob stops at nothing to save his mistress and his acts change who they are completely. Things come full circle in the Fae world and Lyssa learns a great deal about her past, her blood family, and during a celebration for the Fae, Jacob and Lyssa are reunited with souls that have since past and are able to reconnect with loved ones. It was a touching scene and definitely the stand out for me in this book. It was also heartbreaking in a way because Queen Rhoswen denies Lyssa the chance to meet her father on this night. Rhoswen has a lot of anger and hatred in her, but while she directs it at Lyssa, Lyssa’s father is the cause of the anger and it’s a long path for these two to move past it. Though Lyssa and Jacob are changed forever from their time spent in this world, they are allowed to leave and Lyssa is suggested by both the Seelie and Unseelie Courts to be the liaison between the Fae world and the vampire council. That’s their next stop.
Due to things that happen to Lyssa and Jacob while trying to finish Queen Rhoswen’s challenges, Lyssa’s stance going into the council meeting does a complete about face. She knows that the council needs to change, they need to be willing to adjust and move forward with the times, and that means taking drastic measures. She is in full out Queen mode as she, Jacob, Gideon, Daegan, Anwyn and Mason unite and take over the council meeting Lyssa was summoned to. It ends up being a turning point for the vampires at this time and even their servants.
Times are changing and while the vampires are still Dominant to their core, Lord Brian has uncovered why children are so rare and what the common link between the couples who have kids are – a deep bond, deeper than just a master/servant relationship. It’s been proven with Jacob and Lyssa and it’s proven again with another favorite couple who are now expecting. It really felt like the vampires, while they will never end their “dinner parties” and all that those involve, it’s becoming more acceptable for them to be in a close, loving relationship with their servants. It’s not so cut and dried anymore and even though Jacob will always, without fail, serve Lyssa and any of her needs, their relationship has a real sense of partnership to it and when before that was looked down upon in the vampire world, now they’re starting to see the benefit of it.
“…When death comes, I will meet it as a queen should, without flinching. That is my hope. But I refuse to die of loneliness, that isolation of the heart and soul never given fully to another. Because I have you, I won’t. And that eases me, more than you can ever know. I can face whatever this is, because even when you are not physically at my side, you are there. Do you understand?”
As he stood, unresponsive, she stroked his face. She shut her eyes as he tightened his grip once more, but this time he pressed his lips into her palm.
“You have ever known what to say to humble me, my lady. But this tears me apart inside, you know that. I can bear anything in this world expect being away from you when you might have need of me.”
As with any book in this series, sex plays a huge role. The premise has always been about the servants doing whatever pleases their Master/Mistress. If it’s the sex games that happen between servants at a vampire gathering, then that’s what it is. If it’s allowing their servant to lay with another, then it’s done. It always seems to take me a little longer to get back into this world, especially when it comes to this factor – and what helps me “get” it again, is that even now with everything Jacob and Lyssa have been through together, the things Lyssa requires Jacob to do, still aren’t easy for him. But he does them because he knows that it pleases her and that’s his only concern. However, it felt like that also took a little different turn in this book. Make no doubt, there are still plenty of hot scenes between Jacob, Lyssa and others, but now that closer relationships are starting to be a little more acceptable in their world and we have vampires like Mason who are very possessive and don’t necessarily want his servant to participate in the normal vampire gatherings. It just feels like things might start to shift a bit and it makes me curious to see how things will change going forward.
We get caught up with some past characters, especially Gideon – who I love even more every time he’s on page. He’s still a sarcastic smartass, and the typical “servant” attitude will never apply to him. It was nice to see him with Jacob and being protective of his nephew, it’s a side to Gideon that has only come out because of Anwyn and Daegan. There are other couples that I would enjoy revisiting in the series: Mason and Jessica, I love them and would love to get more, especially in light of information that comes out in this story. Lord Brian and Debra, they’re always there on the outside, and I’m so curious about their relationship and how it’s (hopefully) progressing.
I loved having Jacob and Lyssa back as leads again. Fans of the series will find their story satisfying and seeing how their relationship, and Lyssa, has changed from having Jacob’s love in her life, has been a fun, angsty, painful and wonderful ride. Jacob hasn’t waivered at all. His love for Lyssa has only grown and he is and will always be her servant, taking care of her until he takes his last breath.
July 10, 2012
The couple I love best is back! I thought we wouldn't have another story with Lady Lyssa and Jacob. This one I had been dreading because I basically had my happily ever after. Why would I want this messed up? It is WONDERFUL Ms. Hill returns to the original couple who captured my heart. This was really the first paranormal romance series which showcased erotic, BDSM and more specifically, femdom. I LOVED the Femdom in this story. Ms. Hill does it so bloody well.
In this latest book, Jacob needs to submit in public to Lady Lyssa in the fae world. This fae world is AMAZING. We have unicorns, phoenixes, mermaids, selkies, sirens, nymphs, faires, and so many other mythical creatures to name. This world is painted in high definition. I could see every scene Ms. Hill described. If only she added more descriptions of scents and taste, I'd have been in sensory overload.
The plot in this story was very tight. I was drawn in and wanted to know what would happen. While I could anticipate some of the events, I didn't know how they would turn out or what new information would be revealed. This is something I really enjoy - when an author has me guessing and on my toes. The storyline flowed beautifully. The ups and downs caused me to have knots in my stomach. What would happen next? Trying to figure out friend from foe and how the fae world worked generated great tension and suspense.
This story is really about loyalty, love and sacrifice. The heartbreak I experienced for the Unseelie queen despite her erratic cruelty felt right. There were no truly evil characters. Everyone had a reason for their actions. When their motives are revealed, it moved me. The amount of sorrow doled out in this books was unexpected and near overwhelming at times. From betrayal, harsh lessons, humiliating submissions and denied love - just about everything to tear a person down was thrown in here. Really, just slit my wrists now. For a bunch of fairies, there are no happily ever after fairy tales here. Instead, we are treated to Grimm Fairy Tale-esque endings. Every event contains a moral lesson. Wait, is this a Chinese book? Where is the Chinese character in this story? Because in a Chinese story, the noble always die and there are no happy endings. The story always presents a lesson for people to learn.
Moving on to the sex. There were not that many sex scenes, but the ones in there were intense - intense in an emotional way. Jacob and Lyssa's power exchange was hot. The dubious con between the Unseelie queen and Jacob felt so right. The near rape of Lyssa forced my heart to be faster to see the end result. Finally, the vampire servant orgy with punishment for unauthorized orgasms in a musical chair competition made my panties wet. Ms. Hill did an excellent job of blending BDSM into the story without calling it BDSM. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! I highly recommend this book to paranormal lovers who enjoy kinky power exchange and hot erotic sex to go along with an awesome plot.
In this latest book, Jacob needs to submit in public to Lady Lyssa in the fae world. This fae world is AMAZING. We have unicorns, phoenixes, mermaids, selkies, sirens, nymphs, faires, and so many other mythical creatures to name. This world is painted in high definition. I could see every scene Ms. Hill described. If only she added more descriptions of scents and taste, I'd have been in sensory overload.
The plot in this story was very tight. I was drawn in and wanted to know what would happen. While I could anticipate some of the events, I didn't know how they would turn out or what new information would be revealed. This is something I really enjoy - when an author has me guessing and on my toes. The storyline flowed beautifully. The ups and downs caused me to have knots in my stomach. What would happen next? Trying to figure out friend from foe and how the fae world worked generated great tension and suspense.
This story is really about loyalty, love and sacrifice. The heartbreak I experienced for the Unseelie queen despite her erratic cruelty felt right. There were no truly evil characters. Everyone had a reason for their actions. When their motives are revealed, it moved me. The amount of sorrow doled out in this books was unexpected and near overwhelming at times. From betrayal, harsh lessons, humiliating submissions and denied love - just about everything to tear a person down was thrown in here. Really, just slit my wrists now. For a bunch of fairies, there are no happily ever after fairy tales here. Instead, we are treated to Grimm Fairy Tale-esque endings. Every event contains a moral lesson. Wait, is this a Chinese book? Where is the Chinese character in this story? Because in a Chinese story, the noble always die and there are no happy endings. The story always presents a lesson for people to learn.
Moving on to the sex. There were not that many sex scenes, but the ones in there were intense - intense in an emotional way. Jacob and Lyssa's power exchange was hot. The dubious con between the Unseelie queen and Jacob felt so right. The near rape of Lyssa forced my heart to be faster to see the end result. Finally, the vampire servant orgy with punishment for unauthorized orgasms in a musical chair competition made my panties wet. Ms. Hill did an excellent job of blending BDSM into the story without calling it BDSM. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! I highly recommend this book to paranormal lovers who enjoy kinky power exchange and hot erotic sex to go along with an awesome plot.
February 21, 2013
The founding "Mother" of the Vampire Queen (VQ) series, the subject of two prior books in the series, and a recurring character in the "lives" of many other VQ subjects/books, is not having a good month.
Lyssa's very powerful, yet mixed fae-vampire background is causing her trouble in both worlds; worlds which see no reason to 'meet' on any level. So Lyssa and Mate-Servant Jacob set out to make said meeting happen.
Suffice it to say, that through various encounters, visions, fights and life-altering events, a tenuous link between worlds is born, and Lyssa has gained a position of forcing some stability and continuity on the unwilling Vampire World.
Some real baddies in the VQ series are well and truly dispatched to the wind, the Vampire Council is remolded into a more fair and equitable (well, by vampire standards...) governing body, and some wonderful surprises for other VQ characters are revealed.
And it all ends with the party to beat all parties; the coup de grace, the piece de resistance, the wind in my sails and the cream in my coffee. I won't give details or name names, but...you know that party you had in high school, against your parents wishes when they were away, and it got out of hand?? Yah. Like that. On steroids!
Lyssa's very powerful, yet mixed fae-vampire background is causing her trouble in both worlds; worlds which see no reason to 'meet' on any level. So Lyssa and Mate-Servant Jacob set out to make said meeting happen.
Suffice it to say, that through various encounters, visions, fights and life-altering events, a tenuous link between worlds is born, and Lyssa has gained a position of forcing some stability and continuity on the unwilling Vampire World.
Some real baddies in the VQ series are well and truly dispatched to the wind, the Vampire Council is remolded into a more fair and equitable (well, by vampire standards...) governing body, and some wonderful surprises for other VQ characters are revealed.
And it all ends with the party to beat all parties; the coup de grace, the piece de resistance, the wind in my sails and the cream in my coffee. I won't give details or name names, but...you know that party you had in high school, against your parents wishes when they were away, and it got out of hand?? Yah. Like that. On steroids!
December 17, 2011
Bound by the Vampire Queen, captured my imagination like no book ever has. In my opinion, this story is Joey W Hill’s best work. I downloaded my BBtVQ digital edition the morning of December 6 (release date).
From the first page to the last, I read nonstop with only a few hours sleep, until I finished the next evening. The whole time I told myself, “Just one more paragraph.”, but one more paragraph was never enough because I needed to know what happened next and then next after that.
For me the most the most important part of the story plot was the personal challenges in Lady Lyssa’s and Jacob’s relationship. At first, Lady Lyssa is faced with her own personal demons and doubts about herself and the changing dynamics in her relationship with her servant, Jacob. Jacob, who’d always been an alpha character, had been turned into a fledgling vampire with all Lady Lyssa’s former powers, as her Fae powers were developing. This sudden role reversal has left Jacob off kilter with his need to protect to protect his family with his new vampire predatory instincts and leaving Lady Lyssa struggling with uncertainty. Their relationship problems come to a head when Jacob steps in and demands the right to take on his lady’s challenges for her. This dissolves Lady Lyssa’s trust that her servant will obey her. She finally has to trap Jacob when she leaves to meet her challenge, afraid Jacobs of obsession with protecting her will lead to his death. The challenge takes her to a deadly desert that almost kills her. Jacob rushes to follow her after he’s escaped her bonds with the help of an ally.
I think the desert rescue is the most dramatic part of the book. When Jacob finds his lady near death, his conflicting desires are forgotten. His only thoughts are to save his lover in a Hail Mary move, as he returns Lady Lyssa to her former vampire strength, Jacob sacrificed being a vampire. Being human again his desires and his need to serve his lady as her full servant bring his emotions and desires into sync.
The lover’s ordeal in the desert brings their vampire/servant relationship into its natural state as possible as we see later in the story when Lady Lyssa takes down the Vampire Council with her allies and her servant, Jacob’s help.
I believe it is through books like Bound by a Vampire Queen that we are able to take a step back and take a close look at ourselves our needs, wants, and desires and to see if we are actually in harmony with ourselves and those we love.
Bound by a Vampire Queen might be rated as an Erotic Romance but I do not think of it as a romance, certainly not the stereo type romance that my mother read 50 years ago. It has adventure, intrigue, fantasy, conflict and romance.
If I could put a label on the book it would be an Erotic Fantasy/Romance, which could be enjoyed by all.
I just purchased Joey W Hill's next book
Something About Witches - - sold by Penguin -- PRE-ORDER - Available 7 Feb 2012
Kevin Robert Wall
From the first page to the last, I read nonstop with only a few hours sleep, until I finished the next evening. The whole time I told myself, “Just one more paragraph.”, but one more paragraph was never enough because I needed to know what happened next and then next after that.
For me the most the most important part of the story plot was the personal challenges in Lady Lyssa’s and Jacob’s relationship. At first, Lady Lyssa is faced with her own personal demons and doubts about herself and the changing dynamics in her relationship with her servant, Jacob. Jacob, who’d always been an alpha character, had been turned into a fledgling vampire with all Lady Lyssa’s former powers, as her Fae powers were developing. This sudden role reversal has left Jacob off kilter with his need to protect to protect his family with his new vampire predatory instincts and leaving Lady Lyssa struggling with uncertainty. Their relationship problems come to a head when Jacob steps in and demands the right to take on his lady’s challenges for her. This dissolves Lady Lyssa’s trust that her servant will obey her. She finally has to trap Jacob when she leaves to meet her challenge, afraid Jacobs of obsession with protecting her will lead to his death. The challenge takes her to a deadly desert that almost kills her. Jacob rushes to follow her after he’s escaped her bonds with the help of an ally.
I think the desert rescue is the most dramatic part of the book. When Jacob finds his lady near death, his conflicting desires are forgotten. His only thoughts are to save his lover in a Hail Mary move, as he returns Lady Lyssa to her former vampire strength, Jacob sacrificed being a vampire. Being human again his desires and his need to serve his lady as her full servant bring his emotions and desires into sync.
The lover’s ordeal in the desert brings their vampire/servant relationship into its natural state as possible as we see later in the story when Lady Lyssa takes down the Vampire Council with her allies and her servant, Jacob’s help.
I believe it is through books like Bound by a Vampire Queen that we are able to take a step back and take a close look at ourselves our needs, wants, and desires and to see if we are actually in harmony with ourselves and those we love.
Bound by a Vampire Queen might be rated as an Erotic Romance but I do not think of it as a romance, certainly not the stereo type romance that my mother read 50 years ago. It has adventure, intrigue, fantasy, conflict and romance.
If I could put a label on the book it would be an Erotic Fantasy/Romance, which could be enjoyed by all.
I just purchased Joey W Hill's next book
Something About Witches - - sold by Penguin -- PRE-ORDER - Available 7 Feb 2012
Kevin Robert Wall
February 28, 2012
So many thoughts about this book.....
First and foremost, Joey Hill is hell on wheels when it comes to making you fall head over heels in love with a character. Jacob is abso one of my fave characters ever. She holds nothing back when it comes to describing his every thought and every calculation. That being said, if you've never read a Vampire Queen book, book 8 isn't where you should start. It's basically part 3 in the Jacob/Lyssa saga.
This book is over the top...and I'm not talking your usual "vampire meets servant and has erotic bd/sm schmex and makes him submit to your every whim" over the top. I'm talking extreme high fantasy, shakes my head, did that really happen? over the top (which,by the way, is nothing less than what I'd expect from Joey Hill). I liked the fae world that she creates especially with the Seelie and Unseelie forces that are there. I liked Rhoswen and her "daddy issues". I love Lyssa in her fae form (and have always loved her in that form the best). I loved mostly every part of this high fantasy world that has been introduced and parts even brought me to tears. What I didn't love was the overuse of Jacob's knight-i-ness. I mean...c'mon! I KNOW how freakin' hot Jacob looks in a tunic and tights...I know how spectacular his sparring/fighting skills are...and I know how chivalrous and protective he is to Lyssa. (These are the ramifications that I have to endure when reading a series in order and not waiting the normal yearly time span in which series recaps are often helpful) But I completely overlook these things because he IS Jacob and I ♥ him!
Basic premise of the book is that Lyssa has to prove herself to both the Fae and Vampire world. She has help along the way which includes some of her friends from previous books. *fans self* (the hotness level goes up every time I think of Daegan/Gideon) In proving herself, both she and Jacob have to overcome what surrounds them and in doing so are changed forever.
First and foremost, Joey Hill is hell on wheels when it comes to making you fall head over heels in love with a character. Jacob is abso one of my fave characters ever. She holds nothing back when it comes to describing his every thought and every calculation. That being said, if you've never read a Vampire Queen book, book 8 isn't where you should start. It's basically part 3 in the Jacob/Lyssa saga.
This book is over the top...and I'm not talking your usual "vampire meets servant and has erotic bd/sm schmex and makes him submit to your every whim" over the top. I'm talking extreme high fantasy, shakes my head, did that really happen? over the top (which,by the way, is nothing less than what I'd expect from Joey Hill). I liked the fae world that she creates especially with the Seelie and Unseelie forces that are there. I liked Rhoswen and her "daddy issues". I love Lyssa in her fae form (and have always loved her in that form the best). I loved mostly every part of this high fantasy world that has been introduced and parts even brought me to tears. What I didn't love was the overuse of Jacob's knight-i-ness. I mean...c'mon! I KNOW how freakin' hot Jacob looks in a tunic and tights...I know how spectacular his sparring/fighting skills are...and I know how chivalrous and protective he is to Lyssa. (These are the ramifications that I have to endure when reading a series in order and not waiting the normal yearly time span in which series recaps are often helpful) But I completely overlook these things because he IS Jacob and I ♥ him!
Basic premise of the book is that Lyssa has to prove herself to both the Fae and Vampire world. She has help along the way which includes some of her friends from previous books. *fans self* (the hotness level goes up every time I think of Daegan/Gideon) In proving herself, both she and Jacob have to overcome what surrounds them and in doing so are changed forever.
April 25, 2012
this book is a recommended read.
Jacob and Lady Lyssa’s child is in danger. Jacob is always loyal to his Mistress. The Fae look down on Lyssa for being a vampire, but they have to respect her power. While everyone warns Jacob against mating outside of his species, Jacob believes in love, honesty, and above all, loyalty. These are beliefs that can’t be swayed by others. With Lyssa’s dormant Fae powers beginning to blossom, Jacob will do whatever he has to in order to protect those he loves from harm.
Bound by the Vampire Queen is the eighth book in the Vampire Queen series by Joey W. Hill. This is a series that really needs to be read in order because of the number of characters, different types of paranormal creatures, and political situations. This is a story that has been a long time coming and I am so excited that I got to be the reviewer to read it!
There is always the strong, powerful Lyssa, who is beautiful, powerful, and in control. Seeing her submit to Jacob is beautiful. He might not be as powerful as a Fae/Vampire but he proves that strength is not always physical. He has a strong mind, and a body made for sin. Seeing how he wears his heart and soul on his sleeve, for all to see, makes him stronger in my eyes. He is loyal, almost to a fault. Lyssa is lucky to have someone so special in her life.
This book takes a gritty turn in Lyssa and Jacob’s love story and gets a bit dark in places, but I found it to be completely compelling and I just couldn’t put it down. Of all of Ms. Hill’s series, this is my favorite. Ms. Hill always takes me on a journey I never expect but end up loving, and this book is no exception. If you love the Vampire Queen series, then this book is a must-read for you.
Jacob and Lady Lyssa’s child is in danger. Jacob is always loyal to his Mistress. The Fae look down on Lyssa for being a vampire, but they have to respect her power. While everyone warns Jacob against mating outside of his species, Jacob believes in love, honesty, and above all, loyalty. These are beliefs that can’t be swayed by others. With Lyssa’s dormant Fae powers beginning to blossom, Jacob will do whatever he has to in order to protect those he loves from harm.
Bound by the Vampire Queen is the eighth book in the Vampire Queen series by Joey W. Hill. This is a series that really needs to be read in order because of the number of characters, different types of paranormal creatures, and political situations. This is a story that has been a long time coming and I am so excited that I got to be the reviewer to read it!
There is always the strong, powerful Lyssa, who is beautiful, powerful, and in control. Seeing her submit to Jacob is beautiful. He might not be as powerful as a Fae/Vampire but he proves that strength is not always physical. He has a strong mind, and a body made for sin. Seeing how he wears his heart and soul on his sleeve, for all to see, makes him stronger in my eyes. He is loyal, almost to a fault. Lyssa is lucky to have someone so special in her life.
This book takes a gritty turn in Lyssa and Jacob’s love story and gets a bit dark in places, but I found it to be completely compelling and I just couldn’t put it down. Of all of Ms. Hill’s series, this is my favorite. Ms. Hill always takes me on a journey I never expect but end up loving, and this book is no exception. If you love the Vampire Queen series, then this book is a must-read for you.
December 11, 2023
reread Dec 2023.
This was the perfect book to round out the series! I am a little sad Jacob couldn't keep the "gifts" he received but I understand why since this book kind of brings everything full circle.
I must say I am truly and utterly amazed with this book. Joey W Hill did an amazing job tying everything together.
Jacob and Lady Lyssa have been by far my fav couple in this series and it was nice to see the author tie this series up with them.
I adore Jacob he is the definition of an amazing man if only all men actually thought behaved and thought like him =)
Sex scenes were beautifully written this book was beautifully written I'm sooo happy for mason and Jessica.
My only three problems the overkill with the fae world descriptions, Lyssa not beating the crap out of the damn Fae Queen and why didn't I get my Gideon and Deagan sex scene???? But hey great book nonetheless
This was the perfect book to round out the series! I am a little sad Jacob couldn't keep the "gifts" he received but I understand why since this book kind of brings everything full circle.
I must say I am truly and utterly amazed with this book. Joey W Hill did an amazing job tying everything together.
Jacob and Lady Lyssa have been by far my fav couple in this series and it was nice to see the author tie this series up with them.
I adore Jacob he is the definition of an amazing man if only all men actually thought behaved and thought like him =)
Sex scenes were beautifully written this book was beautifully written I'm sooo happy for mason and Jessica.
My only three problems the overkill with the fae world descriptions, Lyssa not beating the crap out of the damn Fae Queen and why didn't I get my Gideon and Deagan sex scene???? But hey great book nonetheless
January 3, 2012
One of my absolute favorite series. Joey Hill is such a talented, complex writer.
I will admit that the Fae world we enter here is amazingly described, but not my favorite locale, much more sinister than its appearance suggests. And yes, way over the top. Rainbows, waterfalls, fairy insects, unicorns, gnomes (!). It's like high fantasy....then in comes the vampire. Lol. The plot does make a turn that deeply disappointed me at first, but I understand it, why it needed to happen. The future of the Council, and Jacob and Lyssa's son, depends on it. I see the author's wisdom her direction now.
I'm interested to see where the story goes from here. I found this one to be fairly neatly wrapped. There's no big cliffhanger or uncertainty, but there is room to grow and expand. And tell other vampires' stories. Cause I reaaaaaly want to see more of Brian and Deborah.
I will admit that the Fae world we enter here is amazingly described, but not my favorite locale, much more sinister than its appearance suggests. And yes, way over the top. Rainbows, waterfalls, fairy insects, unicorns, gnomes (!). It's like high fantasy....then in comes the vampire. Lol. The plot does make a turn that deeply disappointed me at first, but I understand it, why it needed to happen. The future of the Council, and Jacob and Lyssa's son, depends on it. I see the author's wisdom her direction now.
I'm interested to see where the story goes from here. I found this one to be fairly neatly wrapped. There's no big cliffhanger or uncertainty, but there is room to grow and expand. And tell other vampires' stories. Cause I reaaaaaly want to see more of Brian and Deborah.
July 15, 2012
This is a comprehensive review of the first eight books in the series.
Passionate, raw, often painful to read. Hill takes D/s to a supernatural level that knows no bounds. The world she creates is haunting and addicting, rife with floggers, whips, paddles and fangs. It hurts so good, stabbing way down in the deep dark squishy part of the soul.
Passionate, raw, often painful to read. Hill takes D/s to a supernatural level that knows no bounds. The world she creates is haunting and addicting, rife with floggers, whips, paddles and fangs. It hurts so good, stabbing way down in the deep dark squishy part of the soul.
February 7, 2014
took me a bit longer than I expected to get into this one, but it was definitely worth the effort.
April 23, 2012
This series just gets better and better and has become one of my favorites. Joey Hill is amazing
May 7, 2012
I didn't have very high hopes b'c Lyssa & Jacob are not my favorite character's (well Lyssa more than anyone) but I was open minded regardless b'c I liked the softer, less haughty Vamp Queen that we met in book 1 and also I have faith in Hill's skills.
To be honest, the 1st 50% of this book really bored me & it took me longer to get through than any other Hill book I've read before, even books of hers I didn't like. I put this down twice after I started reading it and then when I went back to it, determined to finish, I kept falling asleep only going as far as 5% increments on my Kindle. At the 56% mark it did pick up enough for me to read at the pace I normally do which are, straight runs for a few hours.
However, even though I've come to expect A LOT to happen in a Hill novel, this was just too much & too plodding for me so as a result, in terms of plot & execution, I think this is Hill's worst book.
Now...I know I've given lower marks for other books of hers but that's more b'c the characters grated (Mary-Sue's & Gary-Stu's) more than it being about overall execution. Even the books I've given 1 star to, I've actually felt compelled to read straight through but this one actually put me to sleep numerous times. That's a pretty big sign I'm not going to find it a great book.
***SPOILERS***
I've read a few books/series now that are set in the Fae world and I understand Hill was setting up a new world in this series so that will often lead an author to be descriptive (which she was...but too much). I also figured she's probably going to introduce characters who with be involved in a Fae/Vamp mix (I bet Keldewyn ends up with a Vamp lady). Unfortunately, I found this world a jammed pack Cliffs notes version of Merry Gentry.
Yes, I do believe Hill was inspired by Hamilton's imagination and so it's no surprise I wasn't all that enthralled b'c I've read it before & better.
1st - I think Hill was definitely cribbing off the Queen Andais character outline when she created Queen Rhoswen. Queen Andais of the Merry Gentry series is probably my all time favorite villain, so much so that I rate the series as high as I do mainly because of her. She is one of the sickest, baddest, borderline personality & antisocial personality disorders rolled into one, scariest mo' fo' villains that I've ever read & know of, that's been created.
That's quite the hype...I know, but the bitch truly scared me and when she was on the page I was riveted. Now back to this book, Hill's creation of Queen Rhoswen was just such a pale comparison I could not even muster up an inkling of scared.
She was more sad & pathetic rather than scary so b'c she didn't have the desired effect on me.
2nd issue; the world building. I felt Hill wasted too much time of being descriptive for no real good reason. She jammed packed the Fae world & the different Fae species that were introduced & she did find a legit way to introduce them all (via Samhain, The Haunt & The Hunt) but I actually felt it was just a series of scenes that just "cut!" & then jumped one into another. Also, b'c I've read it before & IMO, better, I found it all fairly redundant.
3rd - too many more Merry Gentry character outline comparison. Dahlia = Doyle, Cayden = Frost, Keldewyn = Barinthus etc.. also the whole rose metaphor, even the vines restraining Jacob...all used in Kiss of Shadows in Merry.
On a side note, there was so really cool action scene in the desert which I liked a lot.
My 4th issue - we're now out of Fae land, Lyssa has her vampy powers back & Jacob is a human again (yay...that's a sarcastic yay) was the insensitivity Lyssa showed Jacob, Anwyn & her own son when she started fondling Jacob's brother penis while she was feeding from him. I am so over that dynamic. It really squicks me out & was pretty unnecessary.
After Hill painted this more even keel respectful relationship between Lyssa & Jacob, their bond & everything they've been through together, I just couldn't get on board with this old turn of events. I thought the whole point was that they have moved past what the norm used to be, they had transcended?
Here was the set up; Jacob called in his brother b'c Lyssa needed to replenish her strength & could't keep feeding from Jacob.
As Lyssa was feeding from Gideon, Jacob was holding their son & a very emotionally fragile Anwyn stood by to watch her servant feed Lyssa whom Anwyn is wary of. Er....even if it is through the pants, feeling up your your 'soulmates' bro's penis while feeding from the more intimate area of the throat & then giving Anwyn a knowing look while doing it, isn't exactly endearing Lyssa to Anwyn any further.
I just don't see why Hill had to throw that in. Was it to show Lyssa got her Queenly mojo back? Whatever, It just turned me off.
That aside, I did enjoy the vamp dynamic more than the Fae part of the story. I was really happy Jess & Mason are preggo. Their book is my fave of of the series & I find their relationship most fascinating (Anwyn, Gideon & Deagan 2nd).
However, I really hope this is the last book in the Jacob, Lyssa story for a long while. I think Hill did right by having it come full circle, so I understand why she did it but I am ready to see Lord Brian & Debra finally get their day in the sun.
With all this said, I am an active a Joey Hill reader & think I always will be as long as I can sense she is truly putting her heart into the material which I honestly feel she does every time. Even though not all books or her characters hit the mark for me, Hill's effort's are obvious in each installment & she's consistent in making her characters compelling. They don't always resonate or compel in the right way to make the entire story always work for me but more often than not they do.
I think the thing with Hill is she is a character writer & if you don't find the characters captivating enough - it won't work for you. I have never been sold on Lyssa & Jacob but in truth the execution was too meandering & overly descriptive for me. It could've been edited better.
To be honest, the 1st 50% of this book really bored me & it took me longer to get through than any other Hill book I've read before, even books of hers I didn't like. I put this down twice after I started reading it and then when I went back to it, determined to finish, I kept falling asleep only going as far as 5% increments on my Kindle. At the 56% mark it did pick up enough for me to read at the pace I normally do which are, straight runs for a few hours.
However, even though I've come to expect A LOT to happen in a Hill novel, this was just too much & too plodding for me so as a result, in terms of plot & execution, I think this is Hill's worst book.
Now...I know I've given lower marks for other books of hers but that's more b'c the characters grated (Mary-Sue's & Gary-Stu's) more than it being about overall execution. Even the books I've given 1 star to, I've actually felt compelled to read straight through but this one actually put me to sleep numerous times. That's a pretty big sign I'm not going to find it a great book.
***SPOILERS***
I've read a few books/series now that are set in the Fae world and I understand Hill was setting up a new world in this series so that will often lead an author to be descriptive (which she was...but too much). I also figured she's probably going to introduce characters who with be involved in a Fae/Vamp mix (I bet Keldewyn ends up with a Vamp lady). Unfortunately, I found this world a jammed pack Cliffs notes version of Merry Gentry.
Yes, I do believe Hill was inspired by Hamilton's imagination and so it's no surprise I wasn't all that enthralled b'c I've read it before & better.
1st - I think Hill was definitely cribbing off the Queen Andais character outline when she created Queen Rhoswen. Queen Andais of the Merry Gentry series is probably my all time favorite villain, so much so that I rate the series as high as I do mainly because of her. She is one of the sickest, baddest, borderline personality & antisocial personality disorders rolled into one, scariest mo' fo' villains that I've ever read & know of, that's been created.
That's quite the hype...I know, but the bitch truly scared me and when she was on the page I was riveted. Now back to this book, Hill's creation of Queen Rhoswen was just such a pale comparison I could not even muster up an inkling of scared.
She was more sad & pathetic rather than scary so b'c she didn't have the desired effect on me.
2nd issue; the world building. I felt Hill wasted too much time of being descriptive for no real good reason. She jammed packed the Fae world & the different Fae species that were introduced & she did find a legit way to introduce them all (via Samhain, The Haunt & The Hunt) but I actually felt it was just a series of scenes that just "cut!" & then jumped one into another. Also, b'c I've read it before & IMO, better, I found it all fairly redundant.
3rd - too many more Merry Gentry character outline comparison. Dahlia = Doyle, Cayden = Frost, Keldewyn = Barinthus etc.. also the whole rose metaphor, even the vines restraining Jacob...all used in Kiss of Shadows in Merry.
On a side note, there was so really cool action scene in the desert which I liked a lot.
My 4th issue - we're now out of Fae land, Lyssa has her vampy powers back & Jacob is a human again (yay...that's a sarcastic yay) was the insensitivity Lyssa showed Jacob, Anwyn & her own son when she started fondling Jacob's brother penis while she was feeding from him. I am so over that dynamic. It really squicks me out & was pretty unnecessary.
After Hill painted this more even keel respectful relationship between Lyssa & Jacob, their bond & everything they've been through together, I just couldn't get on board with this old turn of events. I thought the whole point was that they have moved past what the norm used to be, they had transcended?
Here was the set up; Jacob called in his brother b'c Lyssa needed to replenish her strength & could't keep feeding from Jacob.
As Lyssa was feeding from Gideon, Jacob was holding their son & a very emotionally fragile Anwyn stood by to watch her servant feed Lyssa whom Anwyn is wary of. Er....even if it is through the pants, feeling up your your 'soulmates' bro's penis while feeding from the more intimate area of the throat & then giving Anwyn a knowing look while doing it, isn't exactly endearing Lyssa to Anwyn any further.
I just don't see why Hill had to throw that in. Was it to show Lyssa got her Queenly mojo back? Whatever, It just turned me off.
That aside, I did enjoy the vamp dynamic more than the Fae part of the story. I was really happy Jess & Mason are preggo. Their book is my fave of of the series & I find their relationship most fascinating (Anwyn, Gideon & Deagan 2nd).
However, I really hope this is the last book in the Jacob, Lyssa story for a long while. I think Hill did right by having it come full circle, so I understand why she did it but I am ready to see Lord Brian & Debra finally get their day in the sun.
With all this said, I am an active a Joey Hill reader & think I always will be as long as I can sense she is truly putting her heart into the material which I honestly feel she does every time. Even though not all books or her characters hit the mark for me, Hill's effort's are obvious in each installment & she's consistent in making her characters compelling. They don't always resonate or compel in the right way to make the entire story always work for me but more often than not they do.
I think the thing with Hill is she is a character writer & if you don't find the characters captivating enough - it won't work for you. I have never been sold on Lyssa & Jacob but in truth the execution was too meandering & overly descriptive for me. It could've been edited better.
April 15, 2012
Title: Bound by the Vampire Queen (Book VIII)
Author: Joey W. Hill
Release Date: December 2011
Genre: Erotic/BDSM Paranormal Romance
Pages: 464
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Series: Book 8/Vampire Queen
Format: Print
ISBN: 978-0425243442
Posted: February 2012
Reviewer: Barb
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat Level: III
Blurb from: Bound by the Vampire Queen(I couldn’t have written a better blurb if I tried)
Sworn to obedience, compelled by loyalty, and threatened with damnation for betrayal,
Jacob entered Lady Lyssa’s servitude as a human servant. Now he is a vampire,
but still bound to Lyssa, who has found herself struggling with capricious
powers that have come alive in her paternal Fae blood-and challenged by two
enemies…
While the Vampire Council threatens to take away Lyssa and Jacob’s newborn son, the
Fae Queen has ordered Lyssa to appear before the Otherworld court to face inescapable charges. The Fae have nothing but contempt for vampire, but to serve her, protect her, nourish her, and pleasure her, Jacob will follow his lady into hell itself. No one-neither Fae nor vampire-will compel him to break the oath he made to serve a vampire queen forever.
*Please Note: Bound by the Vampire Queen is the 8th book in the Vampire Queen series by Joey W. Hill. But it is the third book to feature Jacob and Lyssa as the hero and heroine. While some of the books in this series can be read as standalone, I recommend that you read the first two books in the series before reading this one.
Book I Vampire Queen’s Servant, which began not only the series, is where we were first
introduced to Lyssa and Jacob and their story. And it was so compelling it needed a second book to continue on in Book II, The Mark of a Vampire Queen.
And now Jacob and Lyssa are back, and in order to fully comprehend Bound
by the Vampire Queen, Jacob and Lyssa's relationship, you will need to understand what brought them here to this point. Don't worry. You won’t be disappointed.
Actually if you haven’t read any of the books in this series you are really missing out…
Review:
Hill has certainly thrown a curve ball into her Vampire Queen series with Bound by the Vampire Queen. And bang, just like that, it’s a whole new ball game! It is such an emotionally-charged tale and so unique in the Vampire Queen series that I read it twice. To truly “get” to the heart of this story, I felt I needed to go back and revisit it. And I was right.
Bound by the Vampire Queen by Joey W. Hill is about a complex set of events and
circumstances, involving Lyssa and Jacob as well as their newborn son. This sets into motion, though separate, an interface between their two enemies the Fae and the Vampire Council. But this book is unique (dare I say almost... evolving) from the rest of the series.
The story's premise is breaking down torturous boundaries--basically setting wrongs right once again in all things. The clinical attitude the Vampire Council has when it comes to the
vampire/servant relationship, among other things, as well as breaking down the boundary that has separated the Vampires from the Fae world for too long. With so many titillating influences thrown throughout and shifting things up, this is definitely a challenge only Jacob and Lyssa are suited to face. If they aren’t killed first…
As Lyssa and Jacob step into uncertain situations, readers will become spellbound as they are taken deeper into this gripping tale one page at a time. This is truly a wondrous adventure in both depth and texture, and is driven by a multitude of sub-plots, consecutively bringing turbulent twists and turns while subtly leading all roads back to the main plot. And the reader will never even feel a bump or a moment of distraction.
As always the main characters are well developed, but it’s the secondary characters
that add a great deal of intrigue to this story. With their multiple points of view, these secondary characters bring interesting challenges and interactions to the plot. And don't forget the scenes…Bound by the Vampire Queen'sscenes can only be described as
kaleidoscopic. They are provocative, stimulating, at times even whimsical and capricious, and so vividly captivating you’ll find yourself thinking “How is it that even the scenes seem to have their own personalities?”
Bound by the Vampire Queen touched a chord of subjects and emotions such as irony, prejudice, fear, self-doubt, and even devotion and duty. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention
trust and hope. It even touches on the sensitive subject one might see as conflict (based on ones inner conviction) when it comes to the sexual behavior of a certain higher deity.
Look no further if you're searching for arousing. Bound by the Vampire Queenhas no lack of riveting sex scenes. You won’t find any hidden innuendos in reference to sexual situations. There is, of course, the classic dinner scene where the vampire servants “entertain” their Masters and Mistresses that will have you biting your nails to the quick…Oh yes, it’s that
good!
Hill explores so many avenues throughoutBound by the Vampire Queen. And combined with fire rocketed mesmerizing sex scenes that are exotically inspiring sexually, this truly is a wondrous adventure.
But more importantly Hill has set into motion an enriching air of magical augmentation to this series. I am looking forward to reading Hill’s next endeavor, as she continues to enthrall and surprise me.
Vampire Queen
Series in Reading Order:
Vampire Queen's Servant
The Mark of the Vampire Queen
A Vampire's Claim
Beloved Vampire
Vampire Mistress
Vampire Trinity
Vampire Instinct
Bound by the Vampire Queen
Author: Joey W. Hill
Release Date: December 2011
Genre: Erotic/BDSM Paranormal Romance
Pages: 464
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Series: Book 8/Vampire Queen
Format: Print
ISBN: 978-0425243442
Posted: February 2012
Reviewer: Barb
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat Level: III
Blurb from: Bound by the Vampire Queen(I couldn’t have written a better blurb if I tried)
Sworn to obedience, compelled by loyalty, and threatened with damnation for betrayal,
Jacob entered Lady Lyssa’s servitude as a human servant. Now he is a vampire,
but still bound to Lyssa, who has found herself struggling with capricious
powers that have come alive in her paternal Fae blood-and challenged by two
enemies…
While the Vampire Council threatens to take away Lyssa and Jacob’s newborn son, the
Fae Queen has ordered Lyssa to appear before the Otherworld court to face inescapable charges. The Fae have nothing but contempt for vampire, but to serve her, protect her, nourish her, and pleasure her, Jacob will follow his lady into hell itself. No one-neither Fae nor vampire-will compel him to break the oath he made to serve a vampire queen forever.
*Please Note: Bound by the Vampire Queen is the 8th book in the Vampire Queen series by Joey W. Hill. But it is the third book to feature Jacob and Lyssa as the hero and heroine. While some of the books in this series can be read as standalone, I recommend that you read the first two books in the series before reading this one.
Book I Vampire Queen’s Servant, which began not only the series, is where we were first
introduced to Lyssa and Jacob and their story. And it was so compelling it needed a second book to continue on in Book II, The Mark of a Vampire Queen.
And now Jacob and Lyssa are back, and in order to fully comprehend Bound
by the Vampire Queen, Jacob and Lyssa's relationship, you will need to understand what brought them here to this point. Don't worry. You won’t be disappointed.
Actually if you haven’t read any of the books in this series you are really missing out…
Review:
Hill has certainly thrown a curve ball into her Vampire Queen series with Bound by the Vampire Queen. And bang, just like that, it’s a whole new ball game! It is such an emotionally-charged tale and so unique in the Vampire Queen series that I read it twice. To truly “get” to the heart of this story, I felt I needed to go back and revisit it. And I was right.
Bound by the Vampire Queen by Joey W. Hill is about a complex set of events and
circumstances, involving Lyssa and Jacob as well as their newborn son. This sets into motion, though separate, an interface between their two enemies the Fae and the Vampire Council. But this book is unique (dare I say almost... evolving) from the rest of the series.
The story's premise is breaking down torturous boundaries--basically setting wrongs right once again in all things. The clinical attitude the Vampire Council has when it comes to the
vampire/servant relationship, among other things, as well as breaking down the boundary that has separated the Vampires from the Fae world for too long. With so many titillating influences thrown throughout and shifting things up, this is definitely a challenge only Jacob and Lyssa are suited to face. If they aren’t killed first…
As Lyssa and Jacob step into uncertain situations, readers will become spellbound as they are taken deeper into this gripping tale one page at a time. This is truly a wondrous adventure in both depth and texture, and is driven by a multitude of sub-plots, consecutively bringing turbulent twists and turns while subtly leading all roads back to the main plot. And the reader will never even feel a bump or a moment of distraction.
As always the main characters are well developed, but it’s the secondary characters
that add a great deal of intrigue to this story. With their multiple points of view, these secondary characters bring interesting challenges and interactions to the plot. And don't forget the scenes…Bound by the Vampire Queen'sscenes can only be described as
kaleidoscopic. They are provocative, stimulating, at times even whimsical and capricious, and so vividly captivating you’ll find yourself thinking “How is it that even the scenes seem to have their own personalities?”
Bound by the Vampire Queen touched a chord of subjects and emotions such as irony, prejudice, fear, self-doubt, and even devotion and duty. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention
trust and hope. It even touches on the sensitive subject one might see as conflict (based on ones inner conviction) when it comes to the sexual behavior of a certain higher deity.
Look no further if you're searching for arousing. Bound by the Vampire Queenhas no lack of riveting sex scenes. You won’t find any hidden innuendos in reference to sexual situations. There is, of course, the classic dinner scene where the vampire servants “entertain” their Masters and Mistresses that will have you biting your nails to the quick…Oh yes, it’s that
good!
Hill explores so many avenues throughoutBound by the Vampire Queen. And combined with fire rocketed mesmerizing sex scenes that are exotically inspiring sexually, this truly is a wondrous adventure.
But more importantly Hill has set into motion an enriching air of magical augmentation to this series. I am looking forward to reading Hill’s next endeavor, as she continues to enthrall and surprise me.
Vampire Queen
Series in Reading Order:
Vampire Queen's Servant
The Mark of the Vampire Queen
A Vampire's Claim
Beloved Vampire
Vampire Mistress
Vampire Trinity
Vampire Instinct
Bound by the Vampire Queen
October 4, 2012
Many other reviewers on Goodreads who gave 3-4 stars on this book mostly had the same issue with the book: they didn't like the Fae world so much but most of the said reviewers got more excited toward the end when Lyssa was off facing the Council.
I, on the other hand, loved the journey to the Fae world and the great imagery Joey Hill depicted. But the reason why this book only got 3 stars from me was because of two things: 1) the subtle shift in my favorite couple of the series(Jacob and Lyssa)'s relationship and 2) the ending.
When I first read this series, I pretty much expected it to be more of a Claiming of Sleeping Beauty meets Interview with the Vampire . But both main characters, Jacob and Lyssa just blew me away. Jacob with his alpha yet chivalrous nature, and Lyssa with her ice-cold regal personality that secretly nursed a caring heart. What I loved about the first book was Jacob's struggle with his alpha nature while he falls deeper for his mistress and deeper into her world as her servant, at the same time his struggle with Lyssa in convincing her to her open her heart to him. Lyssa on the other hand, fights her growing love for Jacob knowing the consequences of that love. This rapport continued to the second book: despite the heavy femdom theme, it became a give and take relationship, the love and trust that would go both ways, Jacob's willing submission despite him being an alpha male, and Lyssa trusting him with her heart, despite being a Mistress and Queen. Even if Jacob was the submissive, and a "fragile human" and her a woman born to be queen, they were still on equal footing. And that was what I loved about the first two books and the ending of the second book underscored that fact when Lyssa lost her vampire abilities - yet still had fae powers at her disposal and Jacob became a vampire but still willing to be her "servant".
Sadly, what I loved about their relationship in the first 2 books, changed. In this book, Jacob and Lyssa trust each other, love each other unconditionally, and don't give a rat's ass about what anyone has to say about it! - the relationship is good up to this point, but then I noticed the subtle changes. From the beginning of the series, Jacob was always willing to challenge Lyssa but not to be disrespectful of the position she held over him, but in Jacob's own words: “ ...And that means sometimes you have to serve her in ways she doesn’t even know she needs, but you do. Damn it. ... If you want to serve her to the best of your ability, then throw out the fucking etiquette manual and use your heart, your soul, your gut, your cock. Do what they tell you to do. That’s the only way she'll learn to trust you. Stop doing every fucking thing she says, especially the things you know are wrong. Start loving her. That’s how you serve a queen.” Though that was a direct quote from this book, that was more how Jacob served Lyssa in the first 2 books. But in this book, the only times he would challenge her was when it came to her safety. But when it came to the bedroom, he seemed completely at ease playing the submissive, which to me was very un-Jacob-like. I liked that Jacob "fought" Lyssa for sexual dominance but would be willing to submit to her pleasure in the end, I liked how he walked a razor's edge during those vampire dinners; but in this book, he just became the perfect servant. And that to me took some "bite" out of his fiery character. I also didn't like the fact that Lyssa, though still loved him, lost some of her "possessiveness" of Jacob she was beginning to feel toward the end of the 2nd book. I was hoping the possessiveness she displayed would turn out to be like Mason's possessiveness of Jessica. But she was willing to have Jacob used by the Unseelie queen. I didn't like that. Even Daegan and Anwyn showed more possessiveness for Gideon than Lyssa did for Jacob.
In the first 2 books, although she would always win the sexual dominance, she always thought about Jacob's pleasure as well, but in this book, it was all about her pleasure. This brings me to the second reason I knocked off 2 stars: the ending.
Like I mentioned earlier, the ending of the second book where Jacob became a powerful vampire, and Lyssa a powerful fae underscored their equal footing despite Jacob's willing submission (which made Jacob's submission even more endearing). But his transformation back to a human servant in this book's ending, in contrast, underscored how Jacob really took a step back from being Lyssa's mate to just being a servant. It was unnerving because it for me was taking something essential in Jacob's character which I have come to love and respect. Don't get me wrong, the love between them was still there, but the I felt like Joey Hill betrayed Jacob's character somewhat. The ending didn't sit well with me.
The three remaining stars I gave because: 1) I still love Jacob and Lyssa, despite the things I've mentioned above. 2) I loved the fae world, despite the fact other goodreaders didn't and i also like the fae characters introduced ;-) and 3) good action scenes and witty rapport between the characters.
Still, this book could have been better. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2012
Guest reviewed for Caught In A Fab Romance
Bound By The Vampire Queen is the third installment revolving around the relationship of Vampire Queen, Lyssa and servant, Jacob. Which is why I want to warn you all there will be a certain loss of reading pleasure if you haven’t read the previous installments in this relationship! I don’t know how Joey W Hill does it but again she managed to concoct a story where new characters affected me to the core and to my surprise I found a Fae world that enthralled me. I already felt connected to Lyssa and Jacob due to the previous two installments; The Vampire Queens Servant and The Mark Of The Vampire Queen. The trials and tribulations overcome in those two stories and the strengthening of their love and passion struck a chord with me. So I wondered what more Joey W Hill could dish out for them to deal with.
The beginning of Bound By The Vampire Queen signaled new troubles and together, Lyssa and Jacob had to travel to the Fae world. Not only did I get to meet a fearsome Unseelie queen, Rhoswen but also a wizened Seelie king, Tabor. There were danger filled quests for both Lyssa and Jacob to fulfill. The world Joey W Hill erected in my mind’s eye was one filled with magic, nature in all its majestic splendor and of course a range of otherworldly inhabitants. It was enthralling to be a spectator of this magical place with its own rituals and customs. While a lot is drawn from common myths and legends, Joey W Hill gave her own twists on it making it a unique part of the world in this series.
I was able to sink my teeth in this new setting where my love for fantasy was satiated. The quests contained high-risk elements which made me flip the pages rapidly. The essence of these Fae creatures held an air of dangerous power and they were fickle enough to keep me on edge. But what blew me away was the mystic night of Samhain. It was the epitome of Seelie and Unseelie magic coming together in such an emotion rife momentum. I just couldn’t keep it together and cried for at least two pages. This is a trait of Joey W Hill I will always cherish her for. Her ability to affect me, to make all the good and the bad matter in her stories.
Because Lyssa and Jacob had their share of challenges again it evolves their relationship even further. They really give off that vibe of all-consuming love with a capital L that makes me sigh on various occasions throughout the story. There is no repetition but new choices to make and it kept me so very invested in the outcome. All the things thrown at this couple made me wonder; will they or won’t they make it? Which was another reason for me to keep reading the chapters away. Of course, in true erotic form as only Joey W Hill can give it to me, they also shared enough blazing hot passion to singe the pages. I never grew tired of the sultry heat flaring between them and various other characters. It is a visceral response to the dangers they face, the love they feel and it stills a hunger for a certain relationship dynamic.
Even though in the beginning I had to read a few chapters to “get in to” the story told it was the political scheming by Lord Keldwyn which instantly flagged a warning signal. The intrigue surrounding him set me on edge in a good way and got me wondering what plot development lay ahead for me to discover. What added to the joy of meeting the familiar cast of characters again were the dialogues which brimmed with attitude and banter. Especially among Lyssa, Jacob, Mason, Gideon and Deagan. Also the interaction between Jacob and Lord Firewind, a water horse, was a fantastic battle of male pride and will power. It makes these characters distinctive and memorable leaving me with a want for more stories in this series.
Joey W Hill’s imaginative writing skills makes her Vampire Queen world come alive with atmospheric settings and unforgettable characters. Bound By The Vampire Queen is an installment in this series which just draws you in and with bated breath you follow the perils, adventures and romance development. Lyssa and Jacob have put their mark on this series, and righteously so!
4.5 stars
Bound By The Vampire Queen is the third installment revolving around the relationship of Vampire Queen, Lyssa and servant, Jacob. Which is why I want to warn you all there will be a certain loss of reading pleasure if you haven’t read the previous installments in this relationship! I don’t know how Joey W Hill does it but again she managed to concoct a story where new characters affected me to the core and to my surprise I found a Fae world that enthralled me. I already felt connected to Lyssa and Jacob due to the previous two installments; The Vampire Queens Servant and The Mark Of The Vampire Queen. The trials and tribulations overcome in those two stories and the strengthening of their love and passion struck a chord with me. So I wondered what more Joey W Hill could dish out for them to deal with.
The beginning of Bound By The Vampire Queen signaled new troubles and together, Lyssa and Jacob had to travel to the Fae world. Not only did I get to meet a fearsome Unseelie queen, Rhoswen but also a wizened Seelie king, Tabor. There were danger filled quests for both Lyssa and Jacob to fulfill. The world Joey W Hill erected in my mind’s eye was one filled with magic, nature in all its majestic splendor and of course a range of otherworldly inhabitants. It was enthralling to be a spectator of this magical place with its own rituals and customs. While a lot is drawn from common myths and legends, Joey W Hill gave her own twists on it making it a unique part of the world in this series.
I was able to sink my teeth in this new setting where my love for fantasy was satiated. The quests contained high-risk elements which made me flip the pages rapidly. The essence of these Fae creatures held an air of dangerous power and they were fickle enough to keep me on edge. But what blew me away was the mystic night of Samhain. It was the epitome of Seelie and Unseelie magic coming together in such an emotion rife momentum. I just couldn’t keep it together and cried for at least two pages. This is a trait of Joey W Hill I will always cherish her for. Her ability to affect me, to make all the good and the bad matter in her stories.
Because Lyssa and Jacob had their share of challenges again it evolves their relationship even further. They really give off that vibe of all-consuming love with a capital L that makes me sigh on various occasions throughout the story. There is no repetition but new choices to make and it kept me so very invested in the outcome. All the things thrown at this couple made me wonder; will they or won’t they make it? Which was another reason for me to keep reading the chapters away. Of course, in true erotic form as only Joey W Hill can give it to me, they also shared enough blazing hot passion to singe the pages. I never grew tired of the sultry heat flaring between them and various other characters. It is a visceral response to the dangers they face, the love they feel and it stills a hunger for a certain relationship dynamic.
Even though in the beginning I had to read a few chapters to “get in to” the story told it was the political scheming by Lord Keldwyn which instantly flagged a warning signal. The intrigue surrounding him set me on edge in a good way and got me wondering what plot development lay ahead for me to discover. What added to the joy of meeting the familiar cast of characters again were the dialogues which brimmed with attitude and banter. Especially among Lyssa, Jacob, Mason, Gideon and Deagan. Also the interaction between Jacob and Lord Firewind, a water horse, was a fantastic battle of male pride and will power. It makes these characters distinctive and memorable leaving me with a want for more stories in this series.
Joey W Hill’s imaginative writing skills makes her Vampire Queen world come alive with atmospheric settings and unforgettable characters. Bound By The Vampire Queen is an installment in this series which just draws you in and with bated breath you follow the perils, adventures and romance development. Lyssa and Jacob have put their mark on this series, and righteously so!
4.5 stars
Jacob;
“My lady,” he said again, and this time instead of an honorific, he was saying it as it was meant. My lady. His love, his heart. His temptress, his tormentor.
Jacob;
Meeting her gaze, a rueful smile on his lips, he hooked the hose, skinned them down his legs, took them off with his boots and put it all aside, bracing his feet to stand before her completely bare of everything except the cross brand, the lashes on his back, and that third servant mark. He knew it always did something to her, seeing him stripped of everything but those three things. Her servant. Her slave. Her lover, bound to her for eternity.
January 9, 2012
Of all the paranormal romance series I've read, this one breaks the mold in every way. But then, what else can we expect from Ms. Hill?
The last time we read about Jacob and Lady Lyssa, their relationship had gone through a cataclysmic change. She had reverted to her Fae blood and given all of her powers to Jacob when she converted him to a vampire, in order to save his life. They are doting parents to Kane, their gorgeous baby vampire boy.
This change in their status has made them a target for the Vampire Council. The ruling vampires wish to take over the raising of their child, considering them undeserving of the honor and incapable of doing it correctly. Who ever heard of a half-vampire, half-Fae woman raising a born vampire child, with the help of the vampire/vampire-servant father? Outrageous! Preposterous!
At the same time, Lady Lyssa's actions at Lord Mason's estate to stop the invading vampires have made her a 'person of interest' for the Fae. Her father's blood is showing and, though they consider her and Jacob inferior due to their vampire and human blood, they also want to know what role (if any) she has in their world. There are some interesting secrets to that side of the family.
This book is a fairy tale within a nightmare, it's enchanting and horrific, it's the author's best erotic romance to date. Yet, by the last couple of chapters Ms. Hill has set up at least a couple more books in the saga. Which I will devour just as quickly and with as much relish as I did this one.
There are several reasons why this is the ONLY M/F romance series and author I continue to read, after my taste turned to M/M Romance over a year ago. By one of her contemporary erotic romances, Rough Canvas, I should add. There are no TSTL characters, male or female. All of the people you meet in this author's work stay with you, forever. The plot is always fresh, entrancing, unexpected, never formulaic. The romance is sublime and earthy, delicious. The sex is sizzling hot, raw, real, and never, ever predictable. And I am always left wanting for more.
If you've been looking for an erotic paranormal romance book or series to read, now that they are all the rage, don't waste your time or money with facsimiles. This is the one. Trust me, you WILL thank me for the rec.
The last time we read about Jacob and Lady Lyssa, their relationship had gone through a cataclysmic change. She had reverted to her Fae blood and given all of her powers to Jacob when she converted him to a vampire, in order to save his life. They are doting parents to Kane, their gorgeous baby vampire boy.
This change in their status has made them a target for the Vampire Council. The ruling vampires wish to take over the raising of their child, considering them undeserving of the honor and incapable of doing it correctly. Who ever heard of a half-vampire, half-Fae woman raising a born vampire child, with the help of the vampire/vampire-servant father? Outrageous! Preposterous!
At the same time, Lady Lyssa's actions at Lord Mason's estate to stop the invading vampires have made her a 'person of interest' for the Fae. Her father's blood is showing and, though they consider her and Jacob inferior due to their vampire and human blood, they also want to know what role (if any) she has in their world. There are some interesting secrets to that side of the family.
This book is a fairy tale within a nightmare, it's enchanting and horrific, it's the author's best erotic romance to date. Yet, by the last couple of chapters Ms. Hill has set up at least a couple more books in the saga. Which I will devour just as quickly and with as much relish as I did this one.
There are several reasons why this is the ONLY M/F romance series and author I continue to read, after my taste turned to M/M Romance over a year ago. By one of her contemporary erotic romances, Rough Canvas, I should add. There are no TSTL characters, male or female. All of the people you meet in this author's work stay with you, forever. The plot is always fresh, entrancing, unexpected, never formulaic. The romance is sublime and earthy, delicious. The sex is sizzling hot, raw, real, and never, ever predictable. And I am always left wanting for more.
If you've been looking for an erotic paranormal romance book or series to read, now that they are all the rage, don't waste your time or money with facsimiles. This is the one. Trust me, you WILL thank me for the rec.
December 14, 2011
This book was a complete mind trip. I wasn't expecting this story to go this way so bear with me as I get my thoughts out. There are always things I love about the Vampire Queen series. Jacob/Gideon, Jacob the unsubmissive servant, Deagan and all the other vamps, dinners and free for alls.
I will start with Jacob and Lyssa, I was so surprised as this book took us into the Crazy over the top Fae world. Talk about overkill. To me it was overdescribed.. kind of like Fairies on crack! The idea is great but I really felt like I was high on a substance while reading this my mind was on overload. Jacob and Lyssa were sweet in this world together I loved the plot and storyline of Lyssa, her sister, and their dad. Actually her sister Rhashwen was probably the best thing about that world and I like when Lyssa offered Jacob to her even though it went sour, I was kind of hoping and expecting a Gideon Jacob relationship which I cant get enough of. I felt in this book the constant reminder of Jacob being her servant and him constantly doing her wishes got tiresome I mean, I get it. He is her soulmate over and over in every lifetime and to me I love when a man is uncontrolled in his emotions sometimes, so I dont like when Lyssa doesn't let him get his release. I dont like to be told by the Author how to feel all the time either for myself or about the characters I would rather be shown by words or actions.Overall I loved Lyssa as a Fae and we get to meet other characters to love and the history of her dad, it was really nice.
Jacob/Gideon...downright amazing! I just love these two brothers fighting together, dinner together I just cant get enough when they take over Jessica, Mason's servant it was amazing.I really loved when they came back to the vampire world I feel that is the attraction to these books for me. The proposition between Gideon and Deagan was left unsaid I cant wait for this!!! I would love to see what Gideon has in store for us.
I really wanted to love this book but I felt the Author was indulging herself in the Fae world overdescriptive and too babylike. I like fantasy but this was extreme but she came through at the end and as always her characters are a 5!
I will start with Jacob and Lyssa, I was so surprised as this book took us into the Crazy over the top Fae world. Talk about overkill. To me it was overdescribed.. kind of like Fairies on crack! The idea is great but I really felt like I was high on a substance while reading this my mind was on overload. Jacob and Lyssa were sweet in this world together I loved the plot and storyline of Lyssa, her sister, and their dad. Actually her sister Rhashwen was probably the best thing about that world and I like when Lyssa offered Jacob to her even though it went sour, I was kind of hoping and expecting a Gideon Jacob relationship which I cant get enough of. I felt in this book the constant reminder of Jacob being her servant and him constantly doing her wishes got tiresome I mean, I get it. He is her soulmate over and over in every lifetime and to me I love when a man is uncontrolled in his emotions sometimes, so I dont like when Lyssa doesn't let him get his release. I dont like to be told by the Author how to feel all the time either for myself or about the characters I would rather be shown by words or actions.Overall I loved Lyssa as a Fae and we get to meet other characters to love and the history of her dad, it was really nice.
Jacob/Gideon...downright amazing! I just love these two brothers fighting together, dinner together I just cant get enough when they take over Jessica, Mason's servant it was amazing.I really loved when they came back to the vampire world I feel that is the attraction to these books for me. The proposition between Gideon and Deagan was left unsaid I cant wait for this!!! I would love to see what Gideon has in store for us.
I really wanted to love this book but I felt the Author was indulging herself in the Fae world overdescriptive and too babylike. I like fantasy but this was extreme but she came through at the end and as always her characters are a 5!
December 14, 2011
Bound by the Vampire Queen by Joey W. Hill
Paranormal Romance - Dec. 6th, 2011
4 stars
Jacob was a vampire hunter until he was tamed by the vampire Queen, Lyssa. Now he is her servant, and they both have a young son. However, Lyssa’s mixed Fae blood causes the happy couple complications. It raises the ire of the cruel and powerful Unseelie Queen, Rhoswen who is jealous of Lyssa. They both have the same father but Rhoswen feels that Lyssa was favored and can’t forgive her. Trapped in the Unseelie court, Lyssa and Jacob desperately seek freedom but the Queen is unwilling to let them go and has an eye for Jacob. The find themselves forced to fulfill quests to gain their way back to their son. To add to their anxiety, their son may be taken from them by the Vampire Council. Can they triumph and keep their family together?
As the eighth book in her Vampire Queen series, this book is only hitting its stride. Although it could be read by itself, it best having read the prior books to fully enjoy the relationship between the main characters. In fact, the increasing intimacy and intensity between Lyssa and Jacob made this my favorite in the series. The deep and strong relationship between them makes them easier to relate and connect to. I loved the addition of their new son even though it causes them more complications. It shows a gentler side of Lyssa who often feels very hard and less likeable than the chivalrous and noble Jacob. Although this book is told in third person perspective, it is often Jacob whose point of view is revealed. Lyssa still seems a bit of a distant mystery in comparison. The Fae court and the jealous Rhoswen makes for exciting reading as Jacob and Lyssa try to find their way back to their son. This book still retains it’s edgy, dark and highly erotic aspects and it is no way tame. Lyssa is a sexual dominant and there are scenes that involve the main characters with other people, including a MMF ménage.
Steamy, imaginative and highly erotic, this dark paranormal fantasy will not disappoint Joey W. Hill fans!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Club
Paranormal Romance - Dec. 6th, 2011
4 stars
Jacob was a vampire hunter until he was tamed by the vampire Queen, Lyssa. Now he is her servant, and they both have a young son. However, Lyssa’s mixed Fae blood causes the happy couple complications. It raises the ire of the cruel and powerful Unseelie Queen, Rhoswen who is jealous of Lyssa. They both have the same father but Rhoswen feels that Lyssa was favored and can’t forgive her. Trapped in the Unseelie court, Lyssa and Jacob desperately seek freedom but the Queen is unwilling to let them go and has an eye for Jacob. The find themselves forced to fulfill quests to gain their way back to their son. To add to their anxiety, their son may be taken from them by the Vampire Council. Can they triumph and keep their family together?
As the eighth book in her Vampire Queen series, this book is only hitting its stride. Although it could be read by itself, it best having read the prior books to fully enjoy the relationship between the main characters. In fact, the increasing intimacy and intensity between Lyssa and Jacob made this my favorite in the series. The deep and strong relationship between them makes them easier to relate and connect to. I loved the addition of their new son even though it causes them more complications. It shows a gentler side of Lyssa who often feels very hard and less likeable than the chivalrous and noble Jacob. Although this book is told in third person perspective, it is often Jacob whose point of view is revealed. Lyssa still seems a bit of a distant mystery in comparison. The Fae court and the jealous Rhoswen makes for exciting reading as Jacob and Lyssa try to find their way back to their son. This book still retains it’s edgy, dark and highly erotic aspects and it is no way tame. Lyssa is a sexual dominant and there are scenes that involve the main characters with other people, including a MMF ménage.
Steamy, imaginative and highly erotic, this dark paranormal fantasy will not disappoint Joey W. Hill fans!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Club
June 5, 2017
Since this is the eighth book in the series, this reader had to pay close attention to understand the various dynamics and storyline. Vampires take human servants and bend them to total subjugation. Most servants are fully trained before being assigned to their supernatural masters so that they know their place and obey without question. Lyssa’s loving relationship with her Jacob was more hard won and deeply strange, given that he’s been reincarnated to be with her no less than three times.
This book deals with shifting loyalties and politics. The vampire world is stagnating with very few births. Since there are only 5,000 vampires worldwide, this is a serious problem. But the main bulk of the book deals with Queen Lyssa’s attempts to deal with her Fae bloodline and the contempt of the Unseelie queen, Rhoswen, who has very personal reasons for hating Lyssa.
This is an additional complication to the plot and the author handles it with adequate deftness. But having missed a lot of previous plot I found myself baffled and, surprisingly, irritated with the sexual hijinks taking place. While I could accept it in another book as a way of cementing a mental and emotional bond among three people, an unusual vampire and his two servants, here the sex just kept getting tossed in willy nilly, derailing tense situations and turning them into something else.
Sex isn’t a magical cure-all for problems. Yet here, it seemed to be pulled out at almost every opportunity to show dominance, restore confidence, erase bad sexual experiences, negotiate future friendships or act as an apology. While I enjoy steamy literary sexual situations, having them tossed at me on practically every other page caused me to lose interest. It became a fight to finish this book, knowing that twosomes, threesomes, moresomes, orgies and bacchanalias were bound to happen.
Seriously, I found myself so bored; this book made me long for deep philosophical conversations. I guess there really is too much of a good thing.
This book deals with shifting loyalties and politics. The vampire world is stagnating with very few births. Since there are only 5,000 vampires worldwide, this is a serious problem. But the main bulk of the book deals with Queen Lyssa’s attempts to deal with her Fae bloodline and the contempt of the Unseelie queen, Rhoswen, who has very personal reasons for hating Lyssa.
This is an additional complication to the plot and the author handles it with adequate deftness. But having missed a lot of previous plot I found myself baffled and, surprisingly, irritated with the sexual hijinks taking place. While I could accept it in another book as a way of cementing a mental and emotional bond among three people, an unusual vampire and his two servants, here the sex just kept getting tossed in willy nilly, derailing tense situations and turning them into something else.
Sex isn’t a magical cure-all for problems. Yet here, it seemed to be pulled out at almost every opportunity to show dominance, restore confidence, erase bad sexual experiences, negotiate future friendships or act as an apology. While I enjoy steamy literary sexual situations, having them tossed at me on practically every other page caused me to lose interest. It became a fight to finish this book, knowing that twosomes, threesomes, moresomes, orgies and bacchanalias were bound to happen.
Seriously, I found myself so bored; this book made me long for deep philosophical conversations. I guess there really is too much of a good thing.
June 28, 2012
I have been reading JWH a couple years now and I must say her writing style and the world she creates surrounding the Vampire Queen never cease to amaze me. Joey has Jacob's gift of story telling. With that said. I love this book.... the last 200 pages of it atleast. I am so sorry but I just could not lose myself in the Fae world, which is sad because she (Joey), really put a lot of effort into creating that world bringing it to "life" for her readers. I know vampires aren't real but I can consider them "real enough" since sex and vampires go hand in hand in today's society. They're "grounded" in our reality which makes it easier to "believe" in a secret vampire society. However, the Fae world is so full of fairy tales that I often find myself pulled out of story because i'm busy picturing Thumbelina in my head! Most of the story takes place there and I just couldn't get into the "romance
portion of the book during these chapters because frankly the Fae world was just too "candyland" for me. i will state however that there are poignant moments that occur in the Fae world which makes this part of the story forgivable and unforgettable so read it. I surprisingly didn't skip as many pages as I thought I would.
The most brilliant piece of writing hands takes place in the last chapters in the book in which our Lady Lyssa has her ipic showdown with the vampire council. I couldn't get enough of everything that slowly unfurled in those chapters! Lady Lyssa shines here as queen. She strongly reminded me of the Lyssa I feel in love with from Book 1 (Servant). Those chapters alone whet my appetite to learn what direction Joey plans to take the series.
I am a big fan of Joey's books and look forward to more Vampire Queen stories... and considering the mention of angels, I have no doubts that perhaps we will get another Daegan/ Gideon and Anywyn story soon? I hope so! But PLEASE can we get Brian's story next? I'm dying here!
portion of the book during these chapters because frankly the Fae world was just too "candyland" for me. i will state however that there are poignant moments that occur in the Fae world which makes this part of the story forgivable and unforgettable so read it. I surprisingly didn't skip as many pages as I thought I would.
The most brilliant piece of writing hands takes place in the last chapters in the book in which our Lady Lyssa has her ipic showdown with the vampire council. I couldn't get enough of everything that slowly unfurled in those chapters! Lady Lyssa shines here as queen. She strongly reminded me of the Lyssa I feel in love with from Book 1 (Servant). Those chapters alone whet my appetite to learn what direction Joey plans to take the series.
I am a big fan of Joey's books and look forward to more Vampire Queen stories... and considering the mention of angels, I have no doubts that perhaps we will get another Daegan/ Gideon and Anywyn story soon? I hope so! But PLEASE can we get Brian's story next? I'm dying here!
January 7, 2012
Lady Lyssa and Kane are reveling in domestic bliss with baby Kane. All is well until Lyssa is summoned by the Fae Queen, Rhoswen. It's come to her attention that the Vampire Counsel wants to take baby Kane and raise him since Lyssa's vampire tendencies have taken a permanent vacation. There is no love loss between the Fae and the Vampires, so Lyssa is less than eager to appear before the Queen and even less than enthused to have Jacob, who is now a full fledged vampire, tag along. Bound by honor, love and duty, Jacob will face the sun before he lets anything happen to his family.
This book bothered me. I wanted to love it because this series is great. I wanted to get more of a sense of Lyssa, Jacob and Kane as a family. Instead I got a barrage of Lyssa's "fae side" and the damn fairy world. Granted Queen Rhoswen was a fierce adversary, and the quests that Jacob and Lyssa had to complete in order to be released from fae world were challenging, but the entire first half of the book was all about the fae! And I just wasn't feeling the love for Lyssa's fae side of the family.
The book picked up once Lyssa and Jacob returned home to face the Vampire Council. It was great to see Gideon, Anwyn and Daegan. Love that sexy triad. However, it was just a little too late for me. I wanted more from book. I get that Jacob and Lyssa love each other, but I wanted to see more of them together in their world - not the fae one. Regardless, Lyssa is still the baddest bitch on the block and no one can match her ferocity as the original vampire queen.
This book bothered me. I wanted to love it because this series is great. I wanted to get more of a sense of Lyssa, Jacob and Kane as a family. Instead I got a barrage of Lyssa's "fae side" and the damn fairy world. Granted Queen Rhoswen was a fierce adversary, and the quests that Jacob and Lyssa had to complete in order to be released from fae world were challenging, but the entire first half of the book was all about the fae! And I just wasn't feeling the love for Lyssa's fae side of the family.
The book picked up once Lyssa and Jacob returned home to face the Vampire Council. It was great to see Gideon, Anwyn and Daegan. Love that sexy triad. However, it was just a little too late for me. I wanted more from book. I get that Jacob and Lyssa love each other, but I wanted to see more of them together in their world - not the fae one. Regardless, Lyssa is still the baddest bitch on the block and no one can match her ferocity as the original vampire queen.
October 5, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Ms. Hill certainly went out on the sociopolitical limb in this one or at least that's my interpretation of it. The overall message is one of benevolence & acceptance-benevolence from our chosen leaders & encouraging them to promote acceptance amongst us. She does use different species to further the cause but generally speaking a positive message nonetheless. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to construct characters that are complex, both light & dark, but in this book she constructs a fantasy world that's breathtaking. Dragons, kelpies, trolls, dryads, mermaids, angels… heck even King Arthur makes an appearance! Incredible!
I'm not even sure where to begin with this one… so much happens. It's pretty obvious that Lyssa & Jacob are Ms. Hill's favorite couple & they're as delectable as ever. They're summoned to the Fae world by the Fae Queen, Lady Roswyn. Many, many things occur with the Fae. Many new characters are introduced, some interesting & some... extremely difficult to read. At any rate, the Fae world is a magical kingdom for the most part with some notable exceptions. There's another showdown with the Vampire Council & a vampire dinner ensues… AND GIDEON'S THERE!!!! WOOT!!! That trinity is so freakin' hot, it's mindblowing. Mason, Jess, Lord Brian & Debra also make their requisite appearances.
It's honestly one of the best of the series aside from Gideon's books. So so so wish she'd write another book about them. Yet another winner from Ms. Hill. Highly recommend!
December 18, 2011
Okay this one is kind of slow. I liked the fay world, all the different fairytales and legends that got use and having Irish roots, I of coarse love Jacob & Gideon (I am not sure I like the new twist on Jacob I won’t say more on that don’t want to spoil it for anyone). And I do miss reading about the fay after the wicked lovely series I would love a good new fay series, and I’m sure Joey W. Hill can write a hell of a good fay series, like her Mermaid Series I never liked Mermaids until her series and will they please let Mrs. Hill finish the next book in that series even if it is just to close it out. But this has been I vampire series so I’m guessing the two just are not mixing well for me in this series maybe as more merging together happens it will work better for me. But the best part of the book for me was the last 20% when we got back to the vampires & vampire council that made the whole book for me and left me for sure waiting for the next one to see what more happens with the vampires. When everyone else reads let me know how you liked it and if you liked the new Jacob twist.
January 5, 2012
Absolutely loved, Bound By the Vampire Queen! If you've read previous stories of Jacob and Lady Lyssa this is a must read, if you haven't, I would definitely recommend reading The Vampire Queens Servant and Mark of The Vampire Queen. This is not necessary, but if this book has piqued your interests I think you'll enjoy these as well.
I won't give anything away, you must read this book for yourself, but if you enjoy Paranormal Erotica you'll love this book. With its BDSM element it's a little graphic for some, but if you can focus on the story it's absolutely amazing, you won't be sorry. This story will make you want to laugh, cry and cheer for this couple page after page.
Lady Lyssa is over a century old and Jacob has served her twice in his previous lifetimes, this time he's here to stay no matter what she has to say about it. Lady Lyssa and Jacob are an incredible duo, always fighting to protect each other. Their brave love is a reminder that there are some people out there willing to sacrifice everything for family!
I won't give anything away, you must read this book for yourself, but if you enjoy Paranormal Erotica you'll love this book. With its BDSM element it's a little graphic for some, but if you can focus on the story it's absolutely amazing, you won't be sorry. This story will make you want to laugh, cry and cheer for this couple page after page.
Lady Lyssa is over a century old and Jacob has served her twice in his previous lifetimes, this time he's here to stay no matter what she has to say about it. Lady Lyssa and Jacob are an incredible duo, always fighting to protect each other. Their brave love is a reminder that there are some people out there willing to sacrifice everything for family!
September 24, 2012
This book did not capture me. I found it hard to keep reading. The last third was somewhat better than the first two thirds, but not enough to make it worth the read.
The author has created a complex interesting world. It has layers and depth. The characters that inhibit this world were cruel and cold and had little depth. How can a story of sex and crulty be cold? Hard to imagine but this one was. I did not like the threatened rape and the forced sex resulting from that threat. This was torture and revolting.
The author told us the main characters loved and cared for each other. Yet all the Queen did was take advantage of her bonded servant. There was never a reason for his loyalty nor his love continuing under her disdain. She had no redeeming value. They had plenty of sex. The author told us it was hot sex, but it was cold and dull. The passion was written about but not felt by the reader.
I liked the story better when it took place in the vampire world instead of the fae world. Still it was a book of degradation. Not worth my time. I was very disappointed.
The author has created a complex interesting world. It has layers and depth. The characters that inhibit this world were cruel and cold and had little depth. How can a story of sex and crulty be cold? Hard to imagine but this one was. I did not like the threatened rape and the forced sex resulting from that threat. This was torture and revolting.
The author told us the main characters loved and cared for each other. Yet all the Queen did was take advantage of her bonded servant. There was never a reason for his loyalty nor his love continuing under her disdain. She had no redeeming value. They had plenty of sex. The author told us it was hot sex, but it was cold and dull. The passion was written about but not felt by the reader.
I liked the story better when it took place in the vampire world instead of the fae world. Still it was a book of degradation. Not worth my time. I was very disappointed.
April 30, 2012
I struggle with 1/3 of book. 1/3 was ok. 1/3 of book was good.
Over last 1/2 was worth the read.
This book revisit previous characters from bk 1 & bk 2.
The Vampire Queen who is part fae...return to fae land to discover her roots. Seelie & Unseelie courts are there. Fae Queen mean...resents her. Turns out to be her sister...they had the same father.
Both fae & vampire want claim to her vampire toddler son, Kane.
Lyssa turns mother bear in both worlds...to insure his safety..deal with angels, amulet & taking over Vampire counsel.
Jacob is mostly the lead through out...narrating or telling Lyssa old fae stories. Odd that he as human knows or heard more than she did.
Twist: Jacob saves Lyssa...however he somehow gives all of his vampire traits back to her. She is Vamp major & fae minor...He is now unmarked. So Lyssa gives him the choice again. He takes the 3rd mark.
Best scene: Samhain...when fae can see their dead relative spirits.
Over last 1/2 was worth the read.
This book revisit previous characters from bk 1 & bk 2.
The Vampire Queen who is part fae...return to fae land to discover her roots. Seelie & Unseelie courts are there. Fae Queen mean...resents her. Turns out to be her sister...they had the same father.
Both fae & vampire want claim to her vampire toddler son, Kane.
Lyssa turns mother bear in both worlds...to insure his safety..deal with angels, amulet & taking over Vampire counsel.
Jacob is mostly the lead through out...narrating or telling Lyssa old fae stories. Odd that he as human knows or heard more than she did.
Twist: Jacob saves Lyssa...however he somehow gives all of his vampire traits back to her. She is Vamp major & fae minor...He is now unmarked. So Lyssa gives him the choice again. He takes the 3rd mark.
Best scene: Samhain...when fae can see their dead relative spirits.
March 22, 2012
A totally entralling story where Lyssa and Jacob once again prove to each other their deep abiding love. Fighting to maintain her hold on the Vampire Council, and endeavouring to search out ALL her Fae skills, Lyssa undertakes three 'quests' demanded by the Seelie Queen. Of course, Jacob wants to protect her (and their son, Kane) at all costs and never let her be alone without any help, but he does complicate matters and, in some respects, makes them worse. :)
So this is a heart-rending story of both of them overcoming everything thrown at them. Tearful sometimes (so do have tissues handy); joyful at others, the whole book is a roller-coaster of emotions brilliantly expressed by Ms Hill. Quite a number of 'old friends' turn up and it's lovely to read how they too have progressed with their lives.
Goodness knows how anyone will be able to rate Ms Hill's books in the future if all we have is 5 stars to give :(
So this is a heart-rending story of both of them overcoming everything thrown at them. Tearful sometimes (so do have tissues handy); joyful at others, the whole book is a roller-coaster of emotions brilliantly expressed by Ms Hill. Quite a number of 'old friends' turn up and it's lovely to read how they too have progressed with their lives.
Goodness knows how anyone will be able to rate Ms Hill's books in the future if all we have is 5 stars to give :(
December 20, 2017
I think this is the best book in the series, utilizing all the development in the previous books the plot elevated pass vampires and moved onto more characters and concepts. Unfortunately only the setting of the world opened up, the plot is still shallow in linear, and the sex can't make up for everything. The lack of depth in the story telling still has me aching. If only good books had sex or sex books were good ah.
January 24, 2013
Overall an amazing read. Lissa and Jacob have a wild adventure in the Fae world which is such a rich setting for paranormal characters of all types and Ms. Hill exploited this opportunity in wonderful ways. Your head will be spinning with all the types of Fae from bean-sized babies sleeping in field flowers to dragons and other frightful creatures. The Fae Queen puts both Lyssa and Jacob through some very scarey trials to prove their worth.
Once they return home, the vampire council rears it's ugly head again and forces them to make an appearance to be judged if they are fit parents to keep their son. All I can say is it's always a mistake to piss off Lyssa, lol.
Great story, 5+ stars. Love this series!
Once they return home, the vampire council rears it's ugly head again and forces them to make an appearance to be judged if they are fit parents to keep their son. All I can say is it's always a mistake to piss off Lyssa, lol.
Great story, 5+ stars. Love this series!
December 14, 2011
Wow...just WOW...
It took me a long time to get through this story not because it wasn't a great read but because the fey world Joey created was so complex. It required my undivided attention to get through it.
I love Jacob and the crew and I love little Kane; I can't wait to see what type of vampire he turns out to be.
I absolutely loved this book; it took me to new and exciting places and I met some very interesting beings...
If action, passion and hot, hot sex is what you love...you'll love this book. This entire series is so damn intense and the sex burns right off the pages...
Highly recommend this book and this whole damn series.
It took me a long time to get through this story not because it wasn't a great read but because the fey world Joey created was so complex. It required my undivided attention to get through it.
I love Jacob and the crew and I love little Kane; I can't wait to see what type of vampire he turns out to be.
I absolutely loved this book; it took me to new and exciting places and I met some very interesting beings...
If action, passion and hot, hot sex is what you love...you'll love this book. This entire series is so damn intense and the sex burns right off the pages...
Highly recommend this book and this whole damn series.
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