Bond of Fire

Texas Vampires #2

by Diane Whiteside

Ever since they met centuries ago, vampires Jean-Marie St. Just and Hélène d'Agelet have loved each other. But their passion has always been thwarted by the demands of duty. Today, Jean-Marie has been enlisted to kill Hélène's sister, Madame Celeste-the evil vampire Queen of New Orleans. For Hélène, that means choosing between the love of her life or her own flesh and blood.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

By day, Diane Whiteside builds and designs computer systems for the government. By night, she escapes into a world of alpha males and the unique women who turn their lives upside down. Noticing the lack of a husband to keep Diane in line, her Tibetan Terrier stepped up to the plate and makes sure that Diane does everything The Right Way which means lots of walks and dog treats. For more information about Diane plus her alpha males, unique women, and Tibetan Terriers, her website.

Reviews

[ALPHAreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of the entire 'Texas Vampires' trilogy

Each of the three books centres around the same event, told from a different perspective in each book. The event is a take-over being orchestrated by she-bitch Vampire Queen, Madame Celeste, who rules New Orleans but is trying to encroach on the Texas territory owned by Don Rafael Perez.

‘Bond of Blood’ (2006) is the first book and is told from Don Rafael Perez’s perspective. Don Rafael is an Alpha male to the nth degree – he was once a noble knight before being forced to become a vampire. Over seven centuries he has managed to build himself up and create a prosperous territory out of Texas, making him one of the most fearsome Vampire Kings.

‘Bond of Fire’ (2007) is the story of Don Rafael’s right-hand-man, Jean-Marie St. Just. Jean-Marie’s story centres on the one that got away – Helene D’agelet was a widower when she met Jean-Marie for the first time, and there was instant attraction. When the French Revolution put her in danger, Jean-Marie went searching for her to ensure her safety. Now, as the war between Don Rafael and Madame Celeste breaks out, Jean-Marie learns that his beloved was turned into a vampiress and he is determined to find and keep her once and for all.

‘Bond of Darkness’ (2008) tells Ethan Templeton’s story. Stephanie Darling, aka ‘Steve’, was Ethan’s lover for many years – she was aware of his vampiric nature, but wanted children, so ended the relationship to pursue her dreams of family with another (human) man. A couple of years later and Steve has left her cheating-ex and her Texas Ranger job has her inadvertently working with Don Rafael’s guard, Ethan, as a vampire invasion wreaks havoc on Steve’s town.

The story actually originates form a collection of Diane’s short stories released in 2001 called ‘The Hunter’s Prey’. The short stories are a collection of flashbacks from different time periods and the lives of Don Rafael, Jean-Marie and Ethan. It’s not imperative that you read ‘Hunter’s Prey’ to understand the trilogy, but if after reading the three books you still want more, I would highly recommend giving the short stories a go.

The Texas trilogy is described as being ‘paranormal romance’, but it is a hairs-breath away from erotica. The detailed plot probably saves it from being straight-up erotica, because this series is H-O-T! It is similar to JR Ward’s ‘Blackdagger Brotherhood’ with a dash of Gena Showalter’s ‘Lords of the Underworld’ thrown in. Diane Whiteside has a very distinct voice, and even the steamiest scenes are written absolutely beautifully with a real eye for detail.

It is a little bit frustrating that the three books are centred on one plot – even though the resolution doesn’t come until ‘Bond of Darkness’. The characters are so vivid and wonderful; it would have been great to read about them in new situations or even how their lives changed in the future. Regardless, the plot is entertaining and suspenseful, and Madame Celeste is one of the best bad-guys. And within each book there are flashbacks and recounts of the main male protagonists life before the events leading up to the Texas coup, which keeps things fresh.

I highly recommend this series. I completely stumbled across it by reading Amazon’s recommendations and it has become one of those series that I automatically urge other paranormal romance/urban fantasy fans to read.

It is very steamy and packed full of yummy Alpha male vampires – what more could you ask for?

[Cindyg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so difficult for me to get through. First off it started back in the 1700's and didn't get to the present time until half way through. Then it repeated some of the first book which drove me nuts. The quarter of the book finally got my interest.
I really like Jean-Marie but there really wasn't enough of him in the present time and because I skipped alot of the first half I really didn't bond to the characters.
Just an okay but sometimes painful read.
I hope Bond of Darkness is a better experience for me.

[Marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

แม้ว่าเล่มนี้จะเป็นเล่มสองอย่างเป็นทางการของชุดเท็คซัสแวมไพร์ แต่แม็กซ์ก็ขอแนะนำให้คนที่คิดอ่านเรื่องชุดนี้อ่านเล่มนี้ก่อน Bond of Blood ที่ออกมาก่อน เพราะว่า BOF เล่าเรื่องย้อนหลังไปก่อนที่เหตุการณ์ใน BOB จะเกิด แม้ว่าตอนจบของเรื่องจะล่าช้ากว่า

หนังสือชุดเท็คซัสแวมไพร์เริ่มต้นหนังสือรวมเรื่องสั้นที่ชื่อว่า The Hunter's Prey ซึ่งเป็นเรื่องสั้นของตัวละครสามตัว ราฟาเอล, อีธาน เทมเพิลตัน และฌอน มาเรีย ซินจัสต์ เรื่องสั้นเป็นเรื่องราวของพวกเขาก่อนที่จะได้พบกับคู่ชีวิตของตัวเอง เป็นหนังสือที่เน้นความเป็นอีโรติคมากกว่าโรแมนซ์

ในเล่มแรกอย่างเป็นทางการเป็นเรื่องราวของราฟาเอล ผู้นำของเหล่าแวมไพร์แห่งเท็คซัส ซึ่งแม็กซ์เคยรีวิวไปแล้ว ในเล่มนี้เป็นเรื่องราวของหัวหน้าหน่วยสายลับ และแวมไพร์คนแรกที่ราฟาเอลสร้างขึ้นอย่างฌอน มาเรีย

ในฐานะที่เป็นลูกชาย (แม้จะนอกสมรสก็ตาม) ของพระเจ้าหลุยส์ที่สิบสี่ ฌอน มาเรียคุ้นเคยกับกฏเกณฑ์ในราชสำนัก และนั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ดีเมื่อเขาพบว่าตัวเองอยู่ในวังแวร์ซายส์ สองปีก่อนการปฏิวัติฝรั่งเศส

ฌอน มาเรียมีชีวิตยืนยาวนานกว่ามนุษย์ธรรมดาทั่วไป แม้ว่าเขาจะไม่ใช่แวมไพร์ ชีวิตเขาอาจอยู่นานขึ้น แต่เขาก็ต้องผูกตัวเองติดกับซาร่า นั่นเพราะเขาเป็นทาสรับใช้ของซาร่า มีชีวิตอยู่ได้ด้วยเลือดของเธอ ดังนั้นมันไม่สำคัญเลยเมื่อเขาพบว่าตัวเองมีความรักกับเฮลีน เคาท์เตสม่ายสาวคนสวย

เขารู้ว่าอนาคตระหว่างกันเป็นไปไม่ได้ เมื่อเขาอยู่ในโลกแห่งความลับ มีหน้าที่ปกป้องคุ้มครองซาร่า และราฟาเอล เขาไม่มีอิสระเพียงพอที่จะมีชีวิตเป็นของตัวเอง

ความรักระหว่างเฮลีนและฌอน มาเรียไม่ใช่เรื่องที่ต้องลุ้น ทั้งคู่ตกหลุมรักกันตั้งแต่แรกเห็น และยอมรับในความจริง แต่ความแตกต่าง โอกาสที่พลาดไป และครอบครัวของทั้งคู่ต่างหากที่ทำให้ทั้งสองต้องแยกจากกันนานกว่าสองร้อยปี

ด้วยความบังเอิญ (ที่อาจจะไม่น่าเชื่อนัก) ทั้งเฮลีน และฌอน มาเรียพบว่าตัวเองเป็นแวมไพร์ในศตวรรษที่ยี่สิบเอ็ด และเจอว่าคนที่พวกเขารักที่สุดยังมีชีวิตอยู่ แต่แล้วด้วยหน้าที่ก็ทำให้ทั้งคู่แยกจากกันจนได้

ถ้าใครคิดจะอ่านเรื่องนี้ด้วยชื่อเสียงที่ว่าไดแอน ไวด์ไซด์ขึ้นชื่อเรื่องอีโรติก ก็ขอบอกว่าเสียใจด้วยจ้า เพราะแม็กซ์ไม่คิดว่าเล่มนี้เป็นอีโรติกเท่าไหรนะ โอเคฉากเซ็กส์ก็ฮ็อตไม่ด้อยไปเลย แต่มันไม่ใช่โฟกัสของเรื่อง อันที่จริงถ้าไม่มากเกินไป แม็กซ์อยากจะจัดประเภทให้เล่มนี้เป็น Inspirition Romance ด้วยซ้ำ เนื่องจากมีหลายฉากมากในเล่มที่ตัวละครอ้างคำกล่าวในคัมภีร์ไบเบิ้ล แล้วจะมีหนังสือสักกี่เล่มที่ตัวร้ายสำนึกผิดได้ด้วยตัวเอง แล้วก็ยอมตายเพื่อช่วยชีวิตพระเอกนางเอก

แม็กซ์ชอบเล่มนี้ เพราะมันทำให้แม็กซ์เข้าใจสังคมของเหล่าแวมไพร์แห่งเท็คซัสมากขึ้น (ก็เลยบอกไงว่าให้อ่านเล่มนี้ก่อน)

คะแนนที่ 67

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story spanning many centuries but even over time love and false impressions endure.

[Danielle Nicholson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jean-Marie St. Just and Hélène d’Agelet fall in love in Paris in 1787. He is a concubino compañero, a vampire companion who needs blood and sex from a specific vampire in order to survive. She is a widow of noble status and great wealth. Duty and loyalty separate them for many years and when they meet again in Spain in1808 she is a vampira (female vampire) and a spy for the British. He is a spy for the Americans and is at the end of his life as a concubino compañero since one such as him can only live around 100 years before they either die or decide to become a vampire. When a mission goes awry they each think the other is dead. Hélène continues he work as a spy for the British. Jean-Marie asks his long time friend and vampire mayor (elder vampire), Rodrigo Perez, to make him a vampire. Rodrigo agrees and after the war they return to American and settle in Texas.

This book is divided into three parts: The Revolution, The War and The New World. The Revolution revolves around the French Revolution that began in 1789. The War details the Napoleonic War that lasted from 1799-1815. The New World is present day in Texas and the war between Rodrigo, now called Rafael, Perez and Celeste, the vampire mayor of another territory. Jean-Marie and Hélène are joyfully reunited only to be pulled in opposite directions when it’s discovered that Celeste is Hélène’s sister, the only family she has left and someone that Jean-Marie has vowed to kill to protect his creador (creator).

Personally, I’m not much of a military history enthusiast, so all of the history in the first half of the book was boring to me even though it was well-done. I was much happier when I reached Part III: The New World. I loved the characters, the continuation of the story from Book 1, Bond of Blood and the different points of view. The history in the first part of the book was crucial to the background story of Jean-Marie and Hélène and I wish I could have enjoyed it more.

As a side note: I intensely dislike the cover on this book. If I was walking through a book store glancing at books, I would’ve walked right on by this one. Luckily, I was searching for it because it was a sequel and not searching for something to catch my eye.

First half gets 2 stars, second half gets 4 stars for an average of 3 stars.

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I bought this book because I loved the cover!!!! At first, I realized that most of the book takes place in the 17th and 18th century, which I am not crazy about even though I do love paranormal romance.

In the beginning I found it difficult to read so I put it aside on my TBR shelf and eventually I decided to try again and this time I did get to the last page.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I probably would have enjoyed reading more if I had known that this was the 2nd book in her Texas Vampires Series. I felt a bit lost at times with the characters; the writing style which felt a bit heavy and slow and the whole Spanish language usage keep me going back to the glossary which is included at the back of the book, so I would know what was going on. The writing is very different to most of the books I have read in this genre and the use of including real characters that existed in those times added further to keeping up with what was going on….Marie Antoinette, Spanish Wars, and all the others I can’t remember. Good character building.

The story begins in present day where Helene d’Agelet, a gorgeous vampire, sees a photo of Jean-Marie St. Just, the man she had fallen in love hundreds of years ago and believed dead that shows her that he’s still alive. They have loved each other so much but fate had been cruel and separated them for over two centuries. We then read quite a bit of their back-story and then returns to the present where they are reunited and find their love for each other has never died. But before they can be together as mates, they will have to overcome many obstacles still. Her sister is out to kill Jean-Marie’s “father, Rafael, the vampire who turned him and who he sees as his father and family. Helene cannot believe that her sister is as evil as he portrays her to be. A thriller with horror, vampires, half-vampires, a hint of m/m romance too!!!!!!

In the end, there is redemption and acceptance and finally the two are able to be together for eternity.

It’s a really lovely story but I would have enjoyed it more if it had more chapters in the present instead of more historical and a bit more romance. I am interested in reading the other books in this series. These vampires are certainly nothing like Twilight or Vampire Diaries!!!!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of this reads like a detailed history novel rather that a vampire romance. But I’ve always wished for more detail on the past of various vampires I’ve read about. We know that they have lived hundreds of years but, other than a brief mention, we usually don’t get much detail. So this has been a refreshing insight and educational. The French revolution part is especially interesting from the vampire POV. But it is too slow in the middle as we follow the travels (which are confusing) of Rodrigo, Jean-Marie & Sara through the years, with Helene and Celeste popping in every once in a while. There’s too much detail to slog through as we wait for Jean-Marie and Helene to find each other.

The story really gets interesting after Rodrigo settles in San Fernando, Spain. The story about how Jean-Marie finally becomes a vampire is fascinating. Also how both Celeste and Rafael’s groups end up in New Orleans and Texas. After finding out how Celeste became what she is, I ended up feeling sorry for her. There is some overlap with the first book when the storyline goes to Texas, but since it’s from Jean-Marie’s POV its okay.

There are several things that confused me. I wasn’t sure whether Raoul or Rodrigo would become Rafael. And how did Helene get her firestarter ability. Was she born with it, learned from working with her first husband or a combination of the two?
All the relationships are written a bit too raw at first. But it flows better later. I love how Grania is able to calm Rafael’s temper and help him see reason before he loses all he’s worked for. They are good for each other.

As for Jean-Marie & Helene, their relationship is very rocky. In the beginning Jean-Marie is a real jerk. He could have handled his seduction of Helene better. Then when they meet second time, he should have been apologizing for his previous behavior instead of punishing her. I would have slapped him. The first few moments of their reunion in Austin is also awkward, then it gets…:) I do like how they always work as a team.

Fave scenes: The maze, blowing up the bridge and Celeste’s final scene.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read and woo I can say that after, let me check... only 65 pages in! However, it is explicit in certain departments (blushworthy)-- but I am liking it thus far-- and oh, there are the vampires! I love books about vampires. The whole Ann Rice... Lestat thing-- well, Jean St. Just, one of the main characters is conjuring up some fond Lestat memories. Plus I am learning a little French and finding the Spanish easy to translate-- who knew?? Psst... plus there is a glossary at the back -- in case I am clueless too! It's all good.

Okay-- It's on an embarrassing level and yes, it's Vampire soft p***rn. The story is great though. If you can wade through the dirty stuff to get to it. Hanging on but feeling all Penthouse/Playboyish forumish.

11/13/08 - huge disclaimer: this book will cause you to seek out the nearest priest to confess that you have read and therefore subjected your mind to impure thoughts-- the story was great. The intimate scenes are XXX-tremely detailed (wink wink). This is not a book for your grandmother or anyone that doesn't like a little smut. I would of preferred less smut but I didn't put it down either. I'm shelving it for anyone else that wants to turn 7 shades of red on the train.

[Erinaceina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the weakest book in a series I adore. The first hundred or so pages were neither massively romantic nor very paranormal-flavoured. They also lacked the heat that I would normally expect from Whiteside. It could have done with more time spent exploring the relationship between the two characters and less historical exposition. From when the story moves to Spain during the Peninsula War, I felt that the romantic and paranormal elements became far more prominent. Very little of the action actually takes place in the present day, unlike the other two novels in the series, which have sections/flashbacks set in the past, but in which the present action is the driving force of the narrative (for me, anyway). Perhaps this is why I had so much trouble with the first hundred pages of this book - while I read both historicals and paranormals, I tend to be in the mood for one or the other, not a combination of both genres. That having been said, once I got over that hurdle, I did enjoy this book very much, and it made me want to reread Rafael and Grania's story.

[Michelle Tempted By Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is in the heart of Texas; the tale alternates between the past and the present as well as English and Spanish. Vampire Rafael Perez is a powerful vampire who rules his territory with the help of his minions, and a crusader who unwillingly becomes a vampire. I found this series confusing, thus hard to follow. I liked the characters and was rooting for the happy ending but the way the story is just far too complicated in my opinion. This is another series I had to take a break from as I was struggling to complete it.

[Sarah W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially impressed with this author because of the combination of an actual plot and erotica. This installment, however, I feel should be labeled romance instead of erotica, as the characters spend more time fighting their battles than between the sheets. An okay read overall, with the author providing an original take on vampire mythology and displaying intricate relationships between the characters.

[kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book in a long time that I haven't finished, because I'm just a committed reader. I thought it'd be a bit more substantial if corny, but it was just another trashy romance novel with vampires thrown in as an after thought.

[Cassandra]

I like how this book went into the past by 200-300 years when the characters were younger. I also like the relationshipe between Jean-Marie and Helene. This book starts out slow with some slow areas in between, but I liked the action packed ending.

[Tasneem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Beautifully written and so emotionally fulfilling. I loved their love, their fight for each other. I adored the scenery and the atmosphere too. A really unexpected pleasure to find this book amongst the local library shelves.

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda had to force myself to finish. It was alright. I mean Im not gonna run out and by the others to read I might read them if I come across them.I really like the author but not this series.Too much history and alot of looking for meanings of words in glossary in back.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I thought the first half was boring and then it finally got to a point where I could just sit there and read it in one sitting. I don't know if it would've helped to read book one first or not but I just wasn't feeling it.

[colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good vampire paranormal romance series.

[Felicia (Ferishia)]

Bond of Fire: A Novel of Texas Vampires by Diane Whiteside (2008)

[Kathy Davie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I liked the story but the writing was uneven. It almost felt as though the author was stabbing into it.