Bound By Blood

The Faustin Bros. #2

by Evie Byrne

Scorn Fate and she ll bitch slap you back.

The Faustin Bros., Book 2

The damned will be sucking snow cones in hell before Gregor Faustin succumbs to love and marriage. Or so he thinks. Until he ploughs his BMW straight into destiny. Madelena, with her smart mouth and her luscious ass, her old-man wardrobe and pointed questions, affects him like no woman he s ever met. Gregor can t decide if he d rather throttle her, suck every sweet drop of blood from her body, or lock her in a room and make love to her until they both die of exhaustion. The only answer stay far, far away.

Maddy begs the man who ran her over to keep her out of the hospital. In answer, he heals her with a kiss that leaves her haunted by erotic, soul-stealing dreams. But she s got too many problems to risk what s left of her heart on any man.

Gregor would like nothing better than to pull his usual disappearing act, but he finds himself entangled with Maddy in a way that goes beyond obsession. By tasting a few precious drops of her blood, he s bound his life to hers. Now both their days are numbered."

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

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2009

About the author

I've always been a compulsive reader, but I came to writing the long way 'round. For some reason I thought only a demi-gods could write a novels. (So many words!) It took me a while to figure out I could do it, too. To misquote Hyperbole and a Half, "I Write All the Words!" Now I'm fighting tooth and nail to find time enough to write all the books inside me.

I live in Los Angeles. My favorite authors include Lois McMaster Bujold, Judith Ivory and Patrick O'Brian.

Reviews

[MaggieReadsRom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won’t do a summary of the story in this review because the cover blurb actually says it all and I don't want to spoil.

Maddy is a librarian with a secret that I will leave undisclosed due to spoilers. She is mouthy, reclusive, self-sufficient, stubborn and hotheaded. She is the perfect match for Gregor who is a nightclub owner on the verge of opening a second nightclub. He is a grumpy workaholic, sexy as hell and tough but brought to his knees by the power of love and a mouthy woman.

Gregor and Maddy are great together and their chemistry is extremely powerful, despite (or maybe because of) their constant bickering. Their interactions feel like sparkling verbal sparring. Gregor is sexy and Maddy is fierce but they both have a touch of vulnerability that makes them easy to relate to and sympathize with. Maddy's despair about not being able to have a future with Gregor, once she accepts that she does want that future, is heartbreaking and palpable. It gave the story a deeper dimension that was much to my liking.

Maddy is perfect for Gregor. She offers resistance where needed but at the same time she makes him feel wanted once she accepts their mutual feelings and despite the difficulties surrounding their future. Gregor, to my relief, is not the overbearing, dominant vampire and yet still very much in control and alpha. But he is also aware of his own flaws and weaknesses and although ultimately and deep down he feels that Maddy belongs to him and he belongs to her, he still respects her choices and boundaries. Next to Maddy and Gregor's story, this book also does a lot in setting up an extended world around them. Prominent places are reserved for Gregor’s brothers Alex and Mikhail and in a slightly lesser extend for their parents.

The Faustin brothers are three brothers with totally different personalities. Gregor is the serious, workaholic and practical middle child. Alex is the romantic, playful and charming youngest brother. And Mikhail is the brooding, responsible and old-fashioned oldest son. From the opening scene of the book you just know they are all going to meet their match and fall hard, no matter how much they fight it or don’t believe in their mother’s antics.

Sometimes true treasures are stumbled upon via the most unexpected places. When I clicked on a link via Twitter to a blog-post at Samhain Publishing by Evie Byrne and immediately after clicked on the "buy-button" at MBSAM, I couldn't have guessed how impressed and overwhelmed I would be by an erotic vampire romance novella. What this book evoked is that gushy feeling over a book that I hadn't felt in quite some time. Heck, I'd never felt it over a novella before!

I was glad I had prior knowledge to the fact that even though this is book 2 in the series, chronologically the events in it precede those in book 1 (CALLED BY BLOOD). Being a bit obsessed with the chronological order of books I wouldn't have wanted to read it out of that order and I was relieved I knew the deal upfront.

When I started reading this story I was forewarned that it was a different approach to vampires and I must say I was a little skeptical at first. There are so many vampire-based stories, especially in the paranormal and erotic romance genres. What could this author and story bring to the table that could be new and/or refreshing? Well, my skepticism was totally unfounded. With BOUND BY BLOOD Evie Byrne has indeed delivered and original and different take on vampires, vampire mating and vampire romance and I loved it, she has shot straight to my favorites list by giving me a distinctive concept of vampires combined with a beautifully written tale of love, destiny and fate.

The dialogues and characters were outstanding. The plot was original and refreshingly unique. The sex scenes made me go tingly all over. They are explicit but very complementing to the story and writing style. Had these scenes been less explicit, it wouldn't have worked so well for me. I couldn't stop reading as Byrne's writing pulled me deep into the story and it was hard to let go. Maddy and Gregor's journey from dislike and bickering to fascination and attraction to ultimately love was done exquisitely, gradually and believably. I was sorry when the journey ended and I had arrived at the end of the book. 108 pages weren't nearly enough; I could have gone on reading about Gregor and Maddy endlessly.

This for me was truly a perfect read; containing all the elements I love in my romance reads. It was intense, fast-paced, witty, endearing, high on family dynamics and arousing. The ending with the ingenious solution to Maddy's problem (involving Gregor's whole family), Gregor's declaration of love to Maddy, Maddy's acceptance of the solution and Gregor's love, it was all prove of Evie Byrne's amazing talent and imagination and it was the ending that truly sealed the deal for me! With BOUND BY BLOOD premise and promise were met beyond my expectations!

There were so many quotes in this book I would have liked to share but they'd give away too much of the story, so I limited myself to the ones below and one on the RealmsOnOurBookshelves message board. I was enthralled and mesmerized by Evie Byrne's writing and I fell hard for Gregor Faustin. The way his story unfolded is a tough act to follow but I'm ready to see where Alex' destiny and story will bring me in CALLED BY BLOOD.

All I can say is: read this book and experience it for yourself. If you like vampire romances and you like ‘em hot and intense, Evie Byrne and her Faustin brothers are what you seek.

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay 1st, this book is the 1st book in this series not the 2nd. "called by blood" is the 2nd book. because in this book Alex(the baby brother) who is in "called by blood" is not mated yet. "called by blood" is alex's story.. Okay this FYI is for those who have not read the series and ur going by how the books are listed, just as I did.

Moving on... This book was awesome! I have to say Gregor & Maddy are adorable! I really really felt for this couple and am happy they got their HEA. This story is alot more detailed and involved with these two as individuals, and their fears. What they feel is there duty/responsiblity to their families and themselves. Plus the plot/what brings them together and helps carry them is really good. So far this series is really good, and I'm about to start the last book.

[Justy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't a short story, but it might as well have been. I was lucky enough to win an eCopy of this book in an Author contest, yesterday. I started it last night and didn't stop reading till 1am. I finished it this morning and I'm running over to Fictionwise.com right now to get Book 1 of the series, Called by Blood. This is the only Book 2 I've ever read before Book 1 and that was made possible by the fact that chronologically this book comes first.

It was great fun watching the characters fighting destiny and loosing. The characters were fun and believable and I cared about what happened to them. It is rather steamy and you should pay close attention to the warning in the blurb before picking it up. I will never think about feet the same way again!

"Warning: This story is shamelessly naughty, its depravity extending to a strange form of foot sex and other even less mentionable acts. Despite scenes which might indicate the contrary, the author-s lawyers and the Taxi Drivers- Union of Greater Manhattan encourage everyone to behave with decorum when riding in taxis."

[Book Utopia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the author's Faustin Brothers series, this is a much stronger story than the first. It takes place chronologically before the first one, detailing how Gregor, the middle brother, meets the woman he's fated to be with. Maddy is everything Gregor thinks he doesn't want. She's a librarian, she's frumpy, and horrors, she's human. He tries to stay away from her as long as possible, but when he hits her with his car, all bets are off.

I really liked Gregor and his gruff demeanor, but I absolutely loved Maddy. She's down to earth and funny, and when these two finally get together, it's hot as hell. The humor prevalent in her dialogue is one of this author's many charms. Byrne has an effervescence to her writing that always seems to find a way through. Even when her hero is a vampire who never laughs.

[jD · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but do not see myself reading the series. I will tell you upfront, if you are looking for literary brilliance that requires use of a brain hemisphere -- skip this one. If you just want to laugh at some very creative banter in a cheap short story with explicit erotica, download this book at your first opportunity.

This is mostly a love story about a vamp and a human. I already forgot their names and I don't feel like looking for my Kindle. Yes, I am that trife when I am not in love with the characters. So why two stars? Because of the great moments within what is basically a weak plot. I really did enjoy the first 80% of the story. The book contained all the usual stuff -- good looking vamp, rich, sexy, and unprepared to meet his life mate. The mate, on the other hand, was sick, dying actually, when he met her. The enjoyment for me was the laugh-out-loud humor. These two characters did not like each other initially and she a hot mess. The sex was masterfully done erotica, bottom line on that point. The supporting characters, the vamp's family primarily, did not make enough of an appearance for me to like or dislike them but again, the potential was there for some interesting interactions. The vamps in this family were born and not immortal but we never learn what that means in the big scheme of things. Also, there were no bad guys or girls -- no protagonist. I did not even know you could write a book without at least one. Oh well.

When it was finished, I felt like I had just left a $5.99 all-you-can eat buffet in Vegas -- one or two things were actually delicious but overall it's a weak offering. However, it was inexpensive and that matters to me. I can always forgive a book for eating up my time if it's short and cheap. I would have gone with three stars if it was free.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgive me for not remembering character names but these books, like I have said about similar series, are like candy (this is not a complaint) and I have a difficult time remembering particulars when a bit of time has passed. This book was fun and I liked both of the characters but I remember needing time to warm up to the male lead, though I liked the female lead right from the start. The ending was unique. It gave me a slightly eerie feeling, as I finished still worried about one of the main characters.

[Alma (aka Mrs. Rhaw) · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh what a lovely read. It's been ages since I read a love story between a vampire and a human. Don't know who recommended it to me but after I downloaded the first chapter from amazon I knew it: I need to read it. And didn't regret it. This is 2nd book in the saga but the author says the events in it take place before the ones told in the first book. Which I'll deffo read. It is so easy with kindle books ;-)

I think I read it under 3 hours ;-)

[Dr. Bronwyn Ph.D of Smutology · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Faustin guys are yummy!!

Gregor's book had better pacing than Alex's and seemed to have better progression from being told his mate's name to the end. This might be because Gregor was bit of procrastinator while Alex was just so damn eager to marry.

Gregor was still very easy to like but bossy and arrogant and Maddy had just the right amount of sass to deal with him. Well done Evie!

[Blysse · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read- which is what I needed to complete my 100-books-in-2010 challenge in the nick of time, but it didn't really grab me.

Lots of fun banter and a sprinkling of adult fun, but minimal plot and character development.

[Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I presume you know what the book is about. I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm sure you will to.

[Natalie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

YUM!!!!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the characters but I am use to more information in a story. I will read the third book but wish there was more to the story.

[Ladaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[ALPHAreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gregor is living the high life. He has been dubbed the Vampire King of New York – a cheeky title that the media love without realizing how close it hits to the truth. Gregor is the second eldest of the Faustin brothers; from the Russian vampyr family line. He runs a series of successful clubs, made famous for the fact that they cater to New York’s vampire population – a publicity cachet the clubbers love, and the vampyrs appreciate. Gregor has his pick of women, and is at the top of his game, so the last thing he needs is for fate to interrupt his life. But when you’re a Faustin vampyr, you have to listen when destiny speaks . . . or suffer the consequences.

Gregor is told the name of his intended bride – Madelena. But Gregor ignores the heads-up and continues on his partying ways . . . unsuspecting, until fate intervenes with a crash.

‘Bound by Blood’ is the second book in Evie Byrne’s ‘Faustin Brothers’ trilogy. Though it is the second book, the plot timing seems a little out-of-sync with first book ‘Called by Blood’. In this book, Alex is a rampant bachelor and is yet to meet his wife, Helena. So really, it would make more sense that ‘Bound’ be the first book in this trilogy, instead of the second ...

I am really liking Evie Byrne’s ‘Faustin’ trilogy. I love the fact that Byrne is writing a modern vampire tale – her characters are clued-up about vampiric myths and fanged pop-culture icons, but there’s also an old-world vibe. Each brother finds his bride through premonition – fated by their mother who has dreams of her future daughters-in-law. In ‘Called’ Alex was ecstatic to finally find his bride, partly because his older brother had recently settled so well into holy matrimony. But as we back-track, it’s revealed that Gregor in fact found fate to be rather inconvenient. I love that Byrne marries some old-world mysticism with modern inconvenience – a New York vampire club owner who is put-out by his destined bride. Hilarity ensues when fate intervenes, brutally.

In ‘Called by Blood’, Byrne took a very different romantic route – by severely burning her Alpha hero, and leaving him looking like raw hamburger meat. Byrne does it again in ‘Bound’, this time posing a difficult dilemma before the heroine. I won’t give it away, but I really liked the hurdle before Gregor and Madelena, if only because it completely turned the tables on the traditional vampire/mortal romance.

But this is still a vampire *romance* - and the heat between the characters is the big draw-card of the book;

He turned her over for a kiss. Though Maddy would have sworn she didn’t even have the strength to pucker, she found herself moulding her body to his, smoothing her palms up his strong back, egging him on, and falling far, far down in a kiss without bottom.
When they came up for air, she gasped, “Damn! I love doing that. Who taught you to kiss, Faustin?”
“You did.” He ran a finger over her lips, his blue eyes soft and searching. “I can’t remember kissing anyone else.”

I like Evie Byrne’s paranormal romance. Once again, I wish the book had been longer, mostly because I think the really interesting part of the story would have come in the aftermath of the romance. But again, wishing a book to be longer is a fairly decent complaint.

[Valerie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous Read

I just loved the characters of Maddy and Gregor. Their meeting was dangerous if not dramatic and the banter between the two protagonists was off the charts. Immediately, I felt this book was going to be fun. Considering Maddy's state of health, I enjoyed her feistiness. She never allowed her health to stop her from doing or saying exactly what was on her mind. Gregory was a fitting partner and foil as he was arrogant, calm and oozing sex appeal but he certainly met his match with Maddy. It was a delightful read just to watch how their relationship would develop and how they would overcome Maddy's health issues as well as her pride, fear and independence. What a fabulous read! Ms. Byrne, you are going to have to 'up your game' with the other brothers. Oh my! I am confused as this is the second book in the series, yet I see no happy ending with either of the other brothers, Alex or Mikhail. What is going on?
Returning to this book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I would definitely recommend it as a standalone novel. For some foolish reason I did not note it was book 2 in the series. I am going to find book 3.

[Denise Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this big knowing there was a book before it. However I think this should be be book 0.5 and not book 2? Apparently in the first book, Gregor and Maddy are already mated?

Anyhoodle really short read, I read it in an hour. But I'm not really sure what to think. I liked it, but for me it held a comedic side to it. At times I wanted to strangle Maddy for being so down trodden but at the same time I can understand her, having lived the life she has, one can never see a good life in the future. Gregor wasn't exactly alpha male, but male none the less.

The sex scenes are very explicit, there is even mention of Gregor licking Maddy's ass. So if that's not your thing, then it's probably best to not read this book :)

Think I'll give book one a go, I'm hoping it's longer than this giving the characters time to develop and then it's not as rushed as this book :)

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

HAHa.. Just finished this morning! 2nd of the 3 Bothers tale. WOW Being from Jersey City.. going to New York to party. She hit the nail on the head! Her characters personalities are on the money with NYC peeps. Especially Maddy (the Hienz 57 Puerto Rican) We are a fiery bunch of hell cats. What can I say it is in our blood. No disappointment here.. I breezed though this tale of love with a couple heart wrenching moment wear I got all teary eyed! The way she describes the love between her couple is so compeling. Just draws you into her world of Russian Mafia type Vamp. Who just want to live.
The story is one of personal struggle and finding love when you never thought it would come to you!

Read on reader...xoxo

[HєllyBєlly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yummier. I love this vampire semi-erotica.
Gregor does not believe in his mum's "I dreamt about your future wife, this is her name"-mumbo jumbo, but soon after it is revealed, he runs over his meant-to-be.
She, Maddie, is a feisty librarian with a serious heart condition and she is fascinated by Gregor against her will. He, on the other hand, is drawn to her blood but cannot believe her incredibly bad taste in clothes and home furnishings.
It's a fun book and the snogging in the back of a taxi is very hot.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book is listed as the second in the Faustin Bros series the events in this book take place before the events in the first book. Fortunately I found this out before I read the first. It was a good story and a very quick read. I liked the main characters. They had good chemistry. Although there was an epilogue-type chapter at the end I didn't feel like all the ends were tied up. The book did make me want to read the next (well actually previous) book in the series. I would definitley suggust you read this book before book one.

[Yulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book. There wasn't anything hardcore except a little tying.
The romance was fair, nothing excellent and I guess it was more towards erotica then romance, but there were some feeling involved.
The heart problem was a nice addition, because usually it's: girl meets vamp, vam bam bam, happy eternity. (except some slight sub-tracks, like someone being murdered, a werewolf or a another vamp on the side and etc)

[Samantha Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty quirky book and I loved it. It was definitely a short read and that's ok because sometimes a short story is all it needs to be.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dynamic of the characters and their passion for each other.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, fun, sexy. Perfect for a quick summer read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short again, I read this one in a couple of hours. Story had potential, and the characters were completely lovable, but it was just so short!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read.
Still 3 stars, maybe 3.5.
I like this story more than the first.
Off to read the third one again.

[Didichan · Rating 2 out of 5]

forgettable

[TT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story, relatively short but not a quickie. Some lame writting in parts but the characters and story make up for it. Loved it!

[CheapReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.5 but the ending was very weak.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series this family is so close to vampires