What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas Vampires #1
Bond of Blood
Vampire fiction with a twist-and a touch of Texas heat. First in an exciting new trilogy.
Former Spanish knight Don Raphael Perez has been a vampire for seven centuries, and is now the leader of the largest vampire territory in North America, spanning Texas and Oklahoma. But a rival is challenging his rule. Then he meets veterinarian Grania O'Malley, who's never felt the touch of a man. Raphael has sworn never to initiate a woman into the eternal pleasures of the flesh, but now it may be the only way to save her from his bloodthirsty adversary...
Former Spanish knight Don Raphael Perez has been a vampire for seven centuries, and is now the leader of the largest vampire territory in North America, spanning Texas and Oklahoma. But a rival is challenging his rule. Then he meets veterinarian Grania O'Malley, who's never felt the touch of a man. Raphael has sworn never to initiate a woman into the eternal pleasures of the flesh, but now it may be the only way to save her from his bloodthirsty adversary...
326 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2006
6 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Diane Whiteside
30 books122 followersBy 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 25, 2013
DNF
This was extremely hard to follow. I tried. I really did. My brain finally had enough around page 50 and screamed "enough Spanish!" or French, or whatever the hell else they were speaking.
I was also flipping back and forth from the page I was reading to the glossary in the back so many times I think I got whiplash!
I don't have a clue what was going on. I barely got to meet the main characters. Oh, and this isn't even taking in to consideration the weird flashbacks/dreams. Again, I'm not really sure what it was. But it just seemed like too much work to stick around and see if I could eventually become more interested.
Sorry, this is just my opinion, here. Maybe one day I will give it another shot. Maybe not.
This was extremely hard to follow. I tried. I really did. My brain finally had enough around page 50 and screamed "enough Spanish!" or French, or whatever the hell else they were speaking.
I was also flipping back and forth from the page I was reading to the glossary in the back so many times I think I got whiplash!
I don't have a clue what was going on. I barely got to meet the main characters. Oh, and this isn't even taking in to consideration the weird flashbacks/dreams. Again, I'm not really sure what it was. But it just seemed like too much work to stick around and see if I could eventually become more interested.
Sorry, this is just my opinion, here. Maybe one day I will give it another shot. Maybe not.
December 15, 2008
Laura sent me this in a box of books awhile back. I love it!!This is a series based upon a coven of vampires in texas led by Don Rapheal. I love the writing and the story line. The sex is hot also. I will be enjoying th rest of this series.
April 8, 2015
I've noticed this book is either hit or miss. It was a miss for me. If the author warns you in the beginning of the book that there's a glossary in the back of the book, and to visit her website if you have questions, then be warned!
The story was ok. My problem was the vernacular.
I'm familiar with books having there own worlds, rules, and words (like J.R Ward or C.L. Wilson), but this book had too much going on.
It's in English but it feels like every other word is was in Spanglish, Spanish, or her own language that was a type of vampire Spanish. There is also a bit of French and Arabic for added fun!
It was difficult to get past the first few chapters.
I was lucky enough to check this ebook out for free from my library, because I wouldn't buy it.
The story was ok. My problem was the vernacular.
I'm familiar with books having there own worlds, rules, and words (like J.R Ward or C.L. Wilson), but this book had too much going on.
It's in English but it feels like every other word is was in Spanglish, Spanish, or her own language that was a type of vampire Spanish. There is also a bit of French and Arabic for added fun!
It was difficult to get past the first few chapters.
I was lucky enough to check this ebook out for free from my library, because I wouldn't buy it.
December 1, 2008
This book is a strange hybrid of historical romance, military romance, cowboy romance, and paranormal romance, with a whole lot of Spanglish thrown in. I ended up skimming large chunks. There was an interesting take on the soulmate theme of the romance, but the camaraderie of the men seemed heavy handed, and the romance seemed a bit forced - the characters made too many illogical leaps. There were frequent holes in the story line and ends that were left dangling. Sometimes the characters annoyed me. I especially disliked the "empowered" holier-than-thou ultra-logical vet heroine, Grania. In general, I got through the book, but didn't enjoy it very much. It had a couple interesting twists to the vampire genre, and the romance was intense, but that was all I found to recommend it.
Rafael is the head vampire in Texas, and his soulmate Grania is the vet next door (of course, they don't know that yet). Rafael leads a small army of vampires to protect the state from incursions by other vampires, and the New Orleans vampires are at war with them. Rafeal's ancient nemesis, Beau, has signed on with the New Orleans vamps for the chance to kill Rafeal.
Rafael is the head vampire in Texas, and his soulmate Grania is the vet next door (of course, they don't know that yet). Rafael leads a small army of vampires to protect the state from incursions by other vampires, and the New Orleans vampires are at war with them. Rafeal's ancient nemesis, Beau, has signed on with the New Orleans vamps for the chance to kill Rafeal.
February 15, 2016
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?
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?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2009
I kept putting this book down because the first couple of chapters have so much spanglish it was distracting, and I couldn't like the term the author uses to describe being turned into a vampire El Abrazo, means to cuddle or hug, embrace....this didn't seem like a good term to describe dying then coming back to life as a vampire, a stupid complaint I know. However, after the first few chapters the book begins to pick up pace and turns pretty smutty. All in all, a decent book, but by far the worst vamp book I have ever read....if that makes sense.
July 8, 2010
Sexy, hot vampirio.. leader of the Texas and Oklahome area meets woman that may be conected to him in a past life. Somebody fights to take control of his area he has to fight to keep woman alive, while having lots of sex with self and each other. Can they out last this war ? Can they save each other and end the circle of pain ? Spanish and french words fill some of the pages it seems distracting at first but it really works in the story.
September 6, 2008
Soft porn Harlequin-style romance between a male vampire and a female human. In this world, the men are manly men, protecting women and children from the evil vampires. The heroine is smart, independent, able to hunt and shoot, and then is reduced to cream by the sexual prowess of Don Rafel Perez. Trust me, she creams a lot.
July 18, 2010
Good start to this series. I was drawn to the characters and loved the relationships between the vampires and their leader. I really got attached to Rafael and Grania; both brought such passion to the table. Look forward to starting the next book in the series.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
January 21, 2025
อ่านจบไปเมื่อคืนตอนตีสามกว่า สนุกใช้ได้สมราคาที่ซื้อมาค่ะ ซึ่งนี่เป็นคำพูดที่ถือว่าชมหนังสือเรื่องนี้มากแล้ว เพราะถ้ารอสั่งตามปกติหนังสือเรื่องนี้จะราคาประมาณ 500 - 600 บาท แต่นี่เราใช้วิธีสั่งแบบพิเศษเพื่อให้ได้หนังสือเร็วที่สุดก็เลยจ่ายไป ประมาณ 1,500 บาท
เรื่องนี้ถือเป็นเล่มแรก (ชนิดที่มีนางเอก) ในหนังสือชุดแวมไพร์จากเท็กซัส เล่มที่ออกก่อนหน้าเป็นเรื่องสั้นเล่าเรื่องราวของเหล่าพระเอกก่อนที่จะเจอ นางเอกที่ใช้ชีวิตคุ้มค่าทางเซ็กส์มาก
เรื่องนี้เล่าตัดสลับยุคปัจจุบันกับเรื่องราวในอดีตของราฟาเอล เปเรซผู้เป็นหัวหน้าใหญ่ของแวมไพร์แห่งเท็กซัส
เริ่มต้นด้วยคำเตือนแล้วกัน
1. เรื่องนี้ไม่เหมาะกับคนที่กลัวโฮโม ใจเปิดกว้างหน่อยในประเด็นนี้ แม้ว่าในเรื่องจะไม่พูดถึงพฤติกรรมรักร่วมเพศโดยตรง แต่พระเอกก็ยอมรับกับนางเอกว่าเคยมีประสบการณ์เรื่องนี้ (และยิ่งไปกว่านั้นยอมรับว่าแวมไพร์มักจะเป็นไบเซ็กส์ชั่ลกันเกือบหมด ยกเว้นบางคนที่เป็นโฮโมเซ็กส์ชั่ล) แต่แฟนแนววายก็ไม่ต้องเฮนะคะ ไม่มีอะไรในเรื่องที่พูดถึงอย่างชัดเจน
2. เรื่องนี้ไม่เหมาะกับพวกอนุรักษ์นิยม ประเภทนางเอกต้องผุดผ่องเป็นยองใย นางเอกเรื่องนี้ผ่านผู้ชายมาสามคนก่อนพระเอก ดังนั้นถ้ารับไม่ได้ก็ไม่ต้องอ่าน
นอกจากนี้เราอยากแนะนำให้อ่านค่ะ คนที่ไม่กลัวเรื่องราวที่มีเซ็กส์ร้อน พระเอกเท่ห์ ตัวประกอบที่แทบจะตะโกนให้ได้ยินว่า "เล่มหน้าข้าจะเป็นพระเอกต่อนะ"
ประเด็นความขัดแย้งในเรื่องนี้ไม่ได้จบลงพร้อ��กับเล่มนี้ เห็นได้ชัดว่าต้องติดตามไปอ่านกันต่อใน Bond of Fire เล่มนี้เป็นเพียงการเปิดประเด็นเมื่อมาดามเซเลสต์หัวหน้าแวมไพร์จากนิวออร์ ลีนต้องการรวมอาณาจักรของเธอกับเท็กซัสของราฟาเอล เมื่อเขาปฏิเสธศึกแวมไพร์ก็เกิดขึ้น (อาจไม่ใช่ระหว่างดาร์คฮันเตอร์กะคาร์พาเธียน)
ในระหว่างความพยายามลอบสังหารราฟาเอล เขาก็ได้พบกับหญิงสาวที่ต้องตาต้องใจเขาจนไม่อาจปฏิเสธเธอได้ ที่มากกว่านั้นเธอคือภรรยาของเขาในสมัยที่ยังเป็นมนุษย์ผู้ที่กลับชาติมา เกิด
เรื่องนี้เซ็กส์ไม่มากอย่างที่คิดซึ่งเป็นเรื่องดี แต่เซ็กส์ที่มีการแทบจะเผาหน้ากระดาษให้ไหม้ได้
อ้ออีกเรื่องนึงที่เราอยากบอก เพราะเคยโพสต์ไว้ที่บลอกก่อนถึงเรื่อง Bond of Fire ที่เราค่อนข้างผิดหวังที่ไดแอนไม่เขียนเรื่องของอีธาน เทมเพิลตัน ตอนนี้เราชักจะอยากอ่านแล้วล่ะค่ะ ไม่ใช่เพราะเราชอบคนฝรั่งเศสมากขึ้นมา แต่เพราะเราคิดว่านางเอกเป็นตัวละครที่น่าสนใจมาก เธอเป็นพี่สาวของนังตัวร้ายจากนิวออร์ลีนที่พยายามยึดอาณาจักรของราฟาเอลเรา สนใจเพราะนางเอกเป็นแวมไพร์เหมือนกัน เราชอบเรื่องที่นางเอกมีฐานะที่ไม่ด้อยไปกว่าพระเอกค่ะ
เรื่องนี้ถือเป็นเล่มแรก (ชนิดที่มีนางเอก) ในหนังสือชุดแวมไพร์จากเท็กซัส เล่มที่ออกก่อนหน้าเป็นเรื่องสั้นเล่าเรื่องราวของเหล่าพระเอกก่อนที่จะเจอ นางเอกที่ใช้ชีวิตคุ้มค่าทางเซ็กส์มาก
เรื่องนี้เล่าตัดสลับยุคปัจจุบันกับเรื่องราวในอดีตของราฟาเอล เปเรซผู้เป็นหัวหน้าใหญ่ของแวมไพร์แห่งเท็กซัส
เริ่มต้นด้วยคำเตือนแล้วกัน
1. เรื่องนี้ไม่เหมาะกับคนที่กลัวโฮโม ใจเปิดกว้างหน่อยในประเด็นนี้ แม้ว่าในเรื่องจะไม่พูดถึงพฤติกรรมรักร่วมเพศโดยตรง แต่พระเอกก็ยอมรับกับนางเอกว่าเคยมีประสบการณ์เรื่องนี้ (และยิ่งไปกว่านั้นยอมรับว่าแวมไพร์มักจะเป็นไบเซ็กส์ชั่ลกันเกือบหมด ยกเว้นบางคนที่เป็นโฮโมเซ็กส์ชั่ล) แต่แฟนแนววายก็ไม่ต้องเฮนะคะ ไม่มีอะไรในเรื่องที่พูดถึงอย่างชัดเจน
2. เรื่องนี้ไม่เหมาะกับพวกอนุรักษ์นิยม ประเภทนางเอกต้องผุดผ่องเป็นยองใย นางเอกเรื่องนี้ผ่านผู้ชายมาสามคนก่อนพระเอก ดังนั้นถ้ารับไม่ได้ก็ไม่ต้องอ่าน
นอกจากนี้เราอยากแนะนำให้อ่านค่ะ คนที่ไม่กลัวเรื่องราวที่มีเซ็กส์ร้อน พระเอกเท่ห์ ตัวประกอบที่แทบจะตะโกนให้ได้ยินว่า "เล่มหน้าข้าจะเป็นพระเอกต่อนะ"
ประเด็นความขัดแย้งในเรื่องนี้ไม่ได้จบลงพร้อ��กับเล่มนี้ เห็นได้ชัดว่าต้องติดตามไปอ่านกันต่อใน Bond of Fire เล่มนี้เป็นเพียงการเปิดประเด็นเมื่อมาดามเซเลสต์หัวหน้าแวมไพร์จากนิวออร์ ลีนต้องการรวมอาณาจักรของเธอกับเท็กซัสของราฟาเอล เมื่อเขาปฏิเสธศึกแวมไพร์ก็เกิดขึ้น (อาจไม่ใช่ระหว่างดาร์คฮันเตอร์กะคาร์พาเธียน)
ในระหว่างความพยายามลอบสังหารราฟาเอล เขาก็ได้พบกับหญิงสาวที่ต้องตาต้องใจเขาจนไม่อาจปฏิเสธเธอได้ ที่มากกว่านั้นเธอคือภรรยาของเขาในสมัยที่ยังเป็นมนุษย์ผู้ที่กลับชาติมา เกิด
เรื่องนี้เซ็กส์ไม่มากอย่างที่คิดซึ่งเป็นเรื่องดี แต่เซ็กส์ที่มีการแทบจะเผาหน้ากระดาษให้ไหม้ได้
อ้ออีกเรื่องนึงที่เราอยากบอก เพราะเคยโพสต์ไว้ที่บลอกก่อนถึงเรื่อง Bond of Fire ที่เราค่อนข้างผิดหวังที่ไดแอนไม่เขียนเรื่องของอีธาน เทมเพิลตัน ตอนนี้เราชักจะอยากอ่านแล้วล่ะค่ะ ไม่ใช่เพราะเราชอบคนฝรั่งเศสมากขึ้นมา แต่เพราะเราคิดว่านางเอกเป็นตัวละครที่น่าสนใจมาก เธอเป็นพี่สาวของนังตัวร้ายจากนิวออร์ลีนที่พยายามยึดอาณาจักรของราฟาเอลเรา สนใจเพราะนางเอกเป็นแวมไพร์เหมือนกัน เราชอบเรื่องที่นางเอกมีฐานะที่ไม่ด้อยไปกว่าพระเอกค่ะ
September 1, 2024
A different and dark Vampire story!
This story is not for the faint of heart. This colony of vampires is comprised of men, many are centuries old, and they follow strict rules. Don Raphael Perez is a centuries-old Spanish Vampire who rules with an iron fist. His history is sad and brutal and is graphically detailed in this story. They have been in Texas for centuries and have attained much property, wealth, and power. To attain the blood that they need to survive they seduce their prey. For the small amount of blood they take… they give extreme pleasure in return.
This male-dominated society is rattled a little when Dr. Grania O’Malley comes to town. Grania is a veterinarian specializing in large birds of prey. In this small community, it doesn’t take long for her to run into Rafael and his men and that’s when the intense connection between Rafael and Grania begins. At first, it’s with suspicion, then intrigue, and then a mysterious attraction that seems centuries old. Grania is a wonderfully interesting character.
They are brutal men and not used to dealing with women unless it’s a quick nip and orgasm. These vampires are suspicious of everything and are ready to eliminate anything out of the ordinary and rightfully so because the” bad” vampires are real monsters.
Grania earns Rafael’s love and his men's respect. This is a dark story but does end in love. Linda
This story is not for the faint of heart. This colony of vampires is comprised of men, many are centuries old, and they follow strict rules. Don Raphael Perez is a centuries-old Spanish Vampire who rules with an iron fist. His history is sad and brutal and is graphically detailed in this story. They have been in Texas for centuries and have attained much property, wealth, and power. To attain the blood that they need to survive they seduce their prey. For the small amount of blood they take… they give extreme pleasure in return.
This male-dominated society is rattled a little when Dr. Grania O’Malley comes to town. Grania is a veterinarian specializing in large birds of prey. In this small community, it doesn’t take long for her to run into Rafael and his men and that’s when the intense connection between Rafael and Grania begins. At first, it’s with suspicion, then intrigue, and then a mysterious attraction that seems centuries old. Grania is a wonderfully interesting character.
They are brutal men and not used to dealing with women unless it’s a quick nip and orgasm. These vampires are suspicious of everything and are ready to eliminate anything out of the ordinary and rightfully so because the” bad” vampires are real monsters.
Grania earns Rafael’s love and his men's respect. This is a dark story but does end in love. Linda
May 25, 2025
The book started off well. The writing style was solid, and the world-building was decent enough to pull me in. At first, everything seemed promising. But as the story progressed, it quickly shifted into overly sexual territory without any real build-up or emotional foundation. The tension between the male and female leads didn’t feel natural—it was awkward, rushed, and lacked depth. I kept wondering what the author was hoping we’d feel, because for me, the chemistry just wasn’t there.
That said, I did finish the book, so there was something that kept me turning the pages. But overall, I just wish the romance had been given more space to breathe and grow.
That said, I did finish the book, so there was something that kept me turning the pages. But overall, I just wish the romance had been given more space to breathe and grow.
December 30, 2024
* 2.5 stars*
The story was somewhat enjoyable but I did not like the writing style AT ALL. The French and Spanish thrown throughout the book was confusing at the start, and just plain annoying once you got used to it. I found myself skimming sections because the writing felt over-complicated and even a bit dull at times. I like the idea of this book but the romance was also pretty unsatisfying. Just an alright read.
The story was somewhat enjoyable but I did not like the writing style AT ALL. The French and Spanish thrown throughout the book was confusing at the start, and just plain annoying once you got used to it. I found myself skimming sections because the writing felt over-complicated and even a bit dull at times. I like the idea of this book but the romance was also pretty unsatisfying. Just an alright read.
March 23, 2019
Good start to a new series.
February 23, 2021
I liked it. It reminded me a lot of twilight at the beginning with all the vampire stuff. The Spanglish and Frenglish was weird tbh but you get used to after some time.
October 17, 2016
I've been wanting to read this for a long time. Def worth it.
September 28, 2010
Too many Spanish words and too hard to follow.
I was annoyed and angry at the use of so many Spanish words, of which there were three types. (1) Some words were in the glossary at the back of the book. I was going back and forth to the glossary more than I cared to. (2) Some words were defined within the text and not listed in the glossary. My memory was not good enough to remember all of those. (3) Some words were not defined in the text and also were not in the glossary. I was frustrated when I took time to go to the glossary and found the word not there. My annoyance took me out of the story too much. Down below, I’ve listed some examples of Spanish words used, so that readers may determine their own comfort level for reading this book.
There were two stories being told. The Rodrigo story occurred around 700 years ago. The Rafael story occurs in the present. Throughout the book, the author went back and forth between these two stories. I would have preferred reading the entire Rodrigo story first, then the Rafael story. The back and forth method of telling these stories interrupted my immersion into either story. I think each story was interesting but not when continually interrupted. Telling the Rodrigo story first would not have given away anything important to the second story.
Rafael is a vampire. Grania is human. Sometimes, the characters and events were hard to follow. The New Orleans ruler wanted to take over the Texas territory. Characters were going back and forth between these two groups, spying, attacking and killing. At times, it was hard to follow what was happening and why.
I liked the characters and the story about Rafael and Grania, but it wasn’t enough to offset the problems mentioned above. At times, I wanted the book to be over.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
On page 34, a barn own speaks to Grania, through mental telepathy. I was interested and intrigued, but Grania refused to pursue the conversation. The owl said to her: “You are the ancient one, who has been guarded by the wise one.” Why did she ignore the owl? She could have asked questions. I was frustrated. This was never answered in the book.
One of Rafael’s methods of warfare was obtaining information about his enemy’s finances. Rafael then gave that information to three different multimillionaire corporate raiders, to help them takeover, raid and or steal from his enemy. I wasn’t expecting that. It was a good idea for the story, but the author never described anything past the initial meeting. I would have liked more details about what the raiders did, if it worked, and how it worked.
EXAMPLES OF SPANISH WORDS USED:
The CAPITAL letters below were done in italic in the book. My software limits me.
Examples of Spanish words that were not in the glossary: P121: “he tried to kill that PENDEJO.” P126: ““POR SUPUESTO,” Raphael murmured.” P129: “CONO, despite five hundred years of experience in seducing women, he was still sitting on the opposite side of the room from her, as if there was a DUENA on guard.” P308: “But we have it now, DIOS MEDIANTE.” At the end of one scene (P223) there are two sentences. “Even forever doesn’t seem long enough for loving him. Amarte para siempre, no seria suficiente.” I assume the second sentence is the translation for the first sentence. Why is it necessary for the author to do this?
The following are examples of Spanish words that were in the glossary, but I was annoyed with having to look them up. P9: “VERDADERAMENTE, Rafael agreed.” P125: “Rafael smiled privately. It seemed he’d acquired a CASAMENTERO. LA DOCTORA glanced out the window at her truck and visibly decided against running. POBRECITA.”
Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: fourteen. Setting: around 700 years earlier in Europe and Turkey and present day U.S. (Texas, Colorado, California, Louisiana). Copyright: 2006. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.
For a list of my reviews of other Diane Whiteside books, see my 2.5 star review for The Irish Devil posted 8/31/08.
I was annoyed and angry at the use of so many Spanish words, of which there were three types. (1) Some words were in the glossary at the back of the book. I was going back and forth to the glossary more than I cared to. (2) Some words were defined within the text and not listed in the glossary. My memory was not good enough to remember all of those. (3) Some words were not defined in the text and also were not in the glossary. I was frustrated when I took time to go to the glossary and found the word not there. My annoyance took me out of the story too much. Down below, I’ve listed some examples of Spanish words used, so that readers may determine their own comfort level for reading this book.
There were two stories being told. The Rodrigo story occurred around 700 years ago. The Rafael story occurs in the present. Throughout the book, the author went back and forth between these two stories. I would have preferred reading the entire Rodrigo story first, then the Rafael story. The back and forth method of telling these stories interrupted my immersion into either story. I think each story was interesting but not when continually interrupted. Telling the Rodrigo story first would not have given away anything important to the second story.
Rafael is a vampire. Grania is human. Sometimes, the characters and events were hard to follow. The New Orleans ruler wanted to take over the Texas territory. Characters were going back and forth between these two groups, spying, attacking and killing. At times, it was hard to follow what was happening and why.
I liked the characters and the story about Rafael and Grania, but it wasn’t enough to offset the problems mentioned above. At times, I wanted the book to be over.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
On page 34, a barn own speaks to Grania, through mental telepathy. I was interested and intrigued, but Grania refused to pursue the conversation. The owl said to her: “You are the ancient one, who has been guarded by the wise one.” Why did she ignore the owl? She could have asked questions. I was frustrated. This was never answered in the book.
One of Rafael’s methods of warfare was obtaining information about his enemy’s finances. Rafael then gave that information to three different multimillionaire corporate raiders, to help them takeover, raid and or steal from his enemy. I wasn’t expecting that. It was a good idea for the story, but the author never described anything past the initial meeting. I would have liked more details about what the raiders did, if it worked, and how it worked.
EXAMPLES OF SPANISH WORDS USED:
The CAPITAL letters below were done in italic in the book. My software limits me.
Examples of Spanish words that were not in the glossary: P121: “he tried to kill that PENDEJO.” P126: ““POR SUPUESTO,” Raphael murmured.” P129: “CONO, despite five hundred years of experience in seducing women, he was still sitting on the opposite side of the room from her, as if there was a DUENA on guard.” P308: “But we have it now, DIOS MEDIANTE.” At the end of one scene (P223) there are two sentences. “Even forever doesn’t seem long enough for loving him. Amarte para siempre, no seria suficiente.” I assume the second sentence is the translation for the first sentence. Why is it necessary for the author to do this?
The following are examples of Spanish words that were in the glossary, but I was annoyed with having to look them up. P9: “VERDADERAMENTE, Rafael agreed.” P125: “Rafael smiled privately. It seemed he’d acquired a CASAMENTERO. LA DOCTORA glanced out the window at her truck and visibly decided against running. POBRECITA.”
Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: fourteen. Setting: around 700 years earlier in Europe and Turkey and present day U.S. (Texas, Colorado, California, Louisiana). Copyright: 2006. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.
For a list of my reviews of other Diane Whiteside books, see my 2.5 star review for The Irish Devil posted 8/31/08.
July 14, 2012
This is, if I'm not mistaken, the first in a trilogy featuring the Texas vampires we met in The Hunter's Prey (#15). And boy, did it make me homesick.
It has the same sensuality of the anthology, but this time there's a romance as well. Grania is a wildlife veterinarian at the Texas Hill Country Raptor Center, and Don Rafael Perez is a 700-year-old vampire who controls the Texas territory.
Rafael and his territory are being threatened by old enemies, so when Grania shows up in the woods when he's feeding, his initial response is suspicion. All too soon, though, it seems that they have a rare connection, and his suspicion is replaced by a desire to possess and protect her.
Grania is no less surprised, because Rafael is the man who's been in her dreams since she was a child.
I really enjoy this series (I'm including the erotica anthology here) because it's sensual and well-written, but also in large part because it's unusual. Most vampires in fiction come from northern or eastern Europe. Don Rafael and his oldest compatriots come from Spain. There are Spanish terms for all the positions in his territory--his military commander-in-chief, for example, is the alferez mayor, and a vampire sire is a creador. He also uses Spanish words sprinkled here and there. There's a glossary at the back of the book, but I only referred to it on occasion. It was interesting to get the exact translations, but the terms were easily understandable from the context.
The conflict with the old enemy was tense, and I appreciated the concept that Don Rafael had learned over the course of two centuries of torture at his hands, to lose to him. It added a nice psychological edge to the final battle.
The only quibble I have is that in the beginning of the book, an owl speaks to Grania, and that thread isn't followed up on.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
It has the same sensuality of the anthology, but this time there's a romance as well. Grania is a wildlife veterinarian at the Texas Hill Country Raptor Center, and Don Rafael Perez is a 700-year-old vampire who controls the Texas territory.
Rafael and his territory are being threatened by old enemies, so when Grania shows up in the woods when he's feeding, his initial response is suspicion. All too soon, though, it seems that they have a rare connection, and his suspicion is replaced by a desire to possess and protect her.
Grania is no less surprised, because Rafael is the man who's been in her dreams since she was a child.
I really enjoy this series (I'm including the erotica anthology here) because it's sensual and well-written, but also in large part because it's unusual. Most vampires in fiction come from northern or eastern Europe. Don Rafael and his oldest compatriots come from Spain. There are Spanish terms for all the positions in his territory--his military commander-in-chief, for example, is the alferez mayor, and a vampire sire is a creador. He also uses Spanish words sprinkled here and there. There's a glossary at the back of the book, but I only referred to it on occasion. It was interesting to get the exact translations, but the terms were easily understandable from the context.
The conflict with the old enemy was tense, and I appreciated the concept that Don Rafael had learned over the course of two centuries of torture at his hands, to lose to him. It added a nice psychological edge to the final battle.
The only quibble I have is that in the beginning of the book, an owl speaks to Grania, and that thread isn't followed up on.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
August 15, 2025
Rafael has dominated his Texas territory for years now and he’s done so with violence if necessary but he’d much rather had a peaceful existence. Unfortunately, that’s not in the Vampire nature. Now an old foe has returned and Rafael knows he needs to kill him before Rafael himself is killed plus those under his protection. The last thing he needs is a mate…
Grania has always had a scientific mind posed to examine and ponder rather then shun. Why should finding out Vampire exist be any different? When she finds the handsome man, who’s been haunting her dreams for years biting some woman’s neck in the forest, she is stunned. But she needs to know more. Especially because she’s never felt this way towards anyone in her whole life.
Rafael is taken by the woman but he believes it to be just a fling, a harmless romance. Only it’s becoming clear Grania is much more then that. She is his mate. And is now a target of those wish to cut him down at his weakest points.
I won’t say this book is purely an erotic romance but it did heavily favour long and graphic sexual encounters. Frequently too. That’s not what I want from these books as I find it distracting from the overall depth of the love and connection between characters. Case in point, Bond of Blood. I had no attachment to either character and often found myself skimming the book wanting the ordeal to be over with. When you have a full glossary of Spanish words at the back of the book, you know the novel is heavily showcasing Spanish dialogue and it did. I found that distracting as well because all the major vampire lore was written in Spanish and I found it hard to follow.
P.S. On the cover is a review from Angela Knight…not an author I would trust to know a good book considering her poor writing style.
Grania has always had a scientific mind posed to examine and ponder rather then shun. Why should finding out Vampire exist be any different? When she finds the handsome man, who’s been haunting her dreams for years biting some woman’s neck in the forest, she is stunned. But she needs to know more. Especially because she’s never felt this way towards anyone in her whole life.
Rafael is taken by the woman but he believes it to be just a fling, a harmless romance. Only it’s becoming clear Grania is much more then that. She is his mate. And is now a target of those wish to cut him down at his weakest points.
I won’t say this book is purely an erotic romance but it did heavily favour long and graphic sexual encounters. Frequently too. That’s not what I want from these books as I find it distracting from the overall depth of the love and connection between characters. Case in point, Bond of Blood. I had no attachment to either character and often found myself skimming the book wanting the ordeal to be over with. When you have a full glossary of Spanish words at the back of the book, you know the novel is heavily showcasing Spanish dialogue and it did. I found that distracting as well because all the major vampire lore was written in Spanish and I found it hard to follow.
P.S. On the cover is a review from Angela Knight…not an author I would trust to know a good book considering her poor writing style.
July 9, 2016
Interesting story of vampire/human romance with an incarnation twist. Lots of exciting action and hot sex. Reminds me a lot of the Chicagoland vampire series in that Grania starts as a human who falls for a master vampire. Also of the Trueblood series with the different vampire factions feuding.
The whole Texas vampire world is nicely done. I had some trouble figuring out the different vampire terms since they are based on Spanish, but there was a convenient glossary in the back, so it wasn't too difficult. I like the parallel between her expertize with the raptors and vampires. Both being predators.
Grania has a lot of flashbacks/dreams of Rafael’s past, which is what leads her to believe she is the incarnation of Rafael dead wife. Since these vampires feed off of the emotions contained in the human’s blood, there’s a lot of hot sex between Rafael & Grania. The part when she is changed into a vampire is particularly exciting.
Rafael’s past is very interesting. It tells is a lot about how he became who he is. The fact that he doesn’t need to dominate her in their relationship, but treats her like a lady and allows her to have her own opinions is refreshing.
It’s amazing how he ended up such a caring person, as most people would have dedicated their whole life to revenge. His enemies as a good example of this.
Fave scene: The whole horseback riding/carbon monoxide poisoning episode.
The whole Texas vampire world is nicely done. I had some trouble figuring out the different vampire terms since they are based on Spanish, but there was a convenient glossary in the back, so it wasn't too difficult. I like the parallel between her expertize with the raptors and vampires. Both being predators.
Grania has a lot of flashbacks/dreams of Rafael’s past, which is what leads her to believe she is the incarnation of Rafael dead wife. Since these vampires feed off of the emotions contained in the human’s blood, there’s a lot of hot sex between Rafael & Grania. The part when she is changed into a vampire is particularly exciting.
Rafael’s past is very interesting. It tells is a lot about how he became who he is. The fact that he doesn’t need to dominate her in their relationship, but treats her like a lady and allows her to have her own opinions is refreshing.
It’s amazing how he ended up such a caring person, as most people would have dedicated their whole life to revenge. His enemies as a good example of this.
Fave scene: The whole horseback riding/carbon monoxide poisoning episode.
February 25, 2014
An okay vampire romance. I'd give it 3.5 stars, but that isn't an option.
The Good: I really enjoyed the unusual storyline. The characters are interesting and well-rounded (if not a bit on the physiologically impossible side in some cases), and the historical fiction wound through the tale is a nice touch. The hero is all alpha-male and the heroine actually seems to have a brain in her head - something romance tends to lack these days. The author has a very clear voice and for the most part the writing flows very well.
The Not Good: The last 30 pages. The big confrontation scene falls flat. It's over too easily and the manner in which the win comes almost feels like cheating. The hero's physical appearance is totally unrealistic, even for a pumped-up romance novel. While the characters have excellent chemistry, the love scenes feel a little stilted and, in some cases, silly. There are some very odd word choices and some of the phrasing during these intimate periods can quickly kill the mood.
I would recommend this book for the story. It's a well thought-out plot with a good bit of interesting detail. Also, those who want an easy read should probably not pick up this book. It comes with a glossary in the back that is essential to understanding what's going on if you aren't proficient in Spanish. It helps to read the glossary first, then follow the context clues for the remainder of the phrasing.
Overall, it was enjoyable, if not a little bit of a guilty pleasure.
The Good: I really enjoyed the unusual storyline. The characters are interesting and well-rounded (if not a bit on the physiologically impossible side in some cases), and the historical fiction wound through the tale is a nice touch. The hero is all alpha-male and the heroine actually seems to have a brain in her head - something romance tends to lack these days. The author has a very clear voice and for the most part the writing flows very well.
The Not Good: The last 30 pages. The big confrontation scene falls flat. It's over too easily and the manner in which the win comes almost feels like cheating. The hero's physical appearance is totally unrealistic, even for a pumped-up romance novel. While the characters have excellent chemistry, the love scenes feel a little stilted and, in some cases, silly. There are some very odd word choices and some of the phrasing during these intimate periods can quickly kill the mood.
I would recommend this book for the story. It's a well thought-out plot with a good bit of interesting detail. Also, those who want an easy read should probably not pick up this book. It comes with a glossary in the back that is essential to understanding what's going on if you aren't proficient in Spanish. It helps to read the glossary first, then follow the context clues for the remainder of the phrasing.
Overall, it was enjoyable, if not a little bit of a guilty pleasure.
March 20, 2010
This book has a lot of sex. It seemed more pornography than actual story line. The story itself has a lot of potential but I felt it was very slow and missing pieces. I am practically fluent in Spanish and I was annoyed by the excessive Spanish, many being terms that didn't seem to fit. I completely agree with the comment before about El Abrazo (embrace, hug) not sounding correct with the idea of becoming a vampire especially since it is shown in this series as being very difficult and that some don't survive the transition because of it. I'm still deciding on whether to try the next book or not. So many series that I've read lately are so involved in detailing sex scenes that the authors seem to forget everything else that's going on. The author notes in her bio that she is single and obviously we know she's desperate for male attention from her writing.
Spoiler:
I would really have like to see more in the story line of them being soul mates and such a leap from memories to "oh so you should believe I'm your dead wife". I was expecting a bit more time dedicated to Grania explaining to Rafael WHY and how or something. Even having her call him Rodrigo during love making would have been more interesting. I was disappointed very much by this book.
Spoiler:
I would really have like to see more in the story line of them being soul mates and such a leap from memories to "oh so you should believe I'm your dead wife". I was expecting a bit more time dedicated to Grania explaining to Rafael WHY and how or something. Even having her call him Rodrigo during love making would have been more interesting. I was disappointed very much by this book.
July 17, 2015
This was a very good read. And it was crazy HOT! HOT! HOT! I mean the first dang line was talking about about how she'd already had five orgasms and the first four-five pages were all hot sex. Very very good. The characters were super sexy and actually intriguing and the sex was great and I enjoyed the fact that though it was extremely erotic and had like fifty thousand hot scenes it didn't seem to just center around the sex, it actually had a pretty good plot. I did get really confused at times but eventually got a hang of it. Oh and I wanna say that the glossary in the back was a really good idea. It helped when I didn't understand what they were saying and it allowed her to not only use words of another language but also make up some new words of her own. A very new and great idea! Oh and I also LOVED the idea of shape-shifting vampires!!! That was so cool, and the older and more powerful they are, the more animals they can shift into lol :)
October 28, 2013
Don Rafael is the 700 year old, mafia like leader of vampires controlling Texas. Grania is a human vetrinarian who moves to Texas. They meet at a function, she watches him have sex with another woman, he threatens to kill her if she tells anyone about vampires, two days later they have sex, start being really sappy and cliche with nicknames (like light of my life, beloved, ect). I didn't like the characters, they were supposed to be tragically separated soul mates, who were finally reunited 700 years later but I couldn't feel the heat between them. Story kept switching from past to present, that disconnected me from the main story. A lot of spanish and flowery language used by Rafael, made me roll my eyes. There was a lot of revenge planing and not enough of Grania and Rafael falling in love. This was too cliche and flowery for me.
September 4, 2014
Nunca había leído sobre vampiros texanos y aunque Lazos de sangre no parecia ser nada del otro mundo, decidí darle una oportunidad. ¿Y que pasó? Que el libro no solo me pareció tedioso, me pareció ridículo.
No me gustó lo que encontré entre las páginas de este libro. Para empezar, por COMO empezó, Rafael masturbando a su amante mientras su mujer reencarnada les espiaba. ¿Eso es romantico? Absolutamente NO. En el resto del libro, no volvió a pasar nada igual, pero de todas formas, fue un principio ruinoso. ¿Y la forma en que Rafael trataba de seducir a la protagonista, a base de bailar flamenco? Era ridiculo y surrealista. Un strip-flamenco O.o. Lo que no entiendo es como a ella le sedujo eso.
Fue una lectura ridicula y por suerte, ya no recuerdo nada mas del libro. Solo que fue demasiado malo.
No me gustó lo que encontré entre las páginas de este libro. Para empezar, por COMO empezó, Rafael masturbando a su amante mientras su mujer reencarnada les espiaba. ¿Eso es romantico? Absolutamente NO. En el resto del libro, no volvió a pasar nada igual, pero de todas formas, fue un principio ruinoso. ¿Y la forma en que Rafael trataba de seducir a la protagonista, a base de bailar flamenco? Era ridiculo y surrealista. Un strip-flamenco O.o. Lo que no entiendo es como a ella le sedujo eso.
Fue una lectura ridicula y por suerte, ya no recuerdo nada mas del libro. Solo que fue demasiado malo.
July 30, 2009
What a waste of my precious time. I almost bought this book on Amazon based on another reader's recommendation, but found this book at the library instead. It started out decent and somewhat interesting...a wacky owl obsessed, but strong female character seduced by a blast from her past (life) bent on revenge. However several chapters in, it lost the hook. Too many sex scenes and cheesy lovey dovey lines too soon and not enough story. And oh my god, the dancing, the dancing scenes made me laugh and not in way I'm sure the author had intended. And since when do vampires turn into saber tooth tigers? No thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2013
As vampire paranormals go, it was an avrage novel. It made a good attempt at being historically acurate in the case of the long lived male protagonist. Unfortunately for me, the author decided to make him from Galicia (Spain)... like I am, and her level of accuracy was at least dubious. In addition to some unfortunate types, one of the first words he uses is "pendejo", a word I never heard until I met Mexicans. She also mixes the Spanish geography and historical periods. He was Galician (Nortwest corner of Spain) but he has Muslim cousins, although the Arabs were not in Galicia since the 8th Century. It made the reading a bit frustrating.
December 14, 2011
I decided not to finish this one. I kept on reading it even though too many words were in Spanish and French. I realize it's a sexual book and that's okay with me but when the first big sex scene was not between the main characters, it threw me off. The main guy is having sex with some random woman while the main girl watches..and likes it. The characters were not very likable to me.
So after about 75 pages, I'm done. Its unfortunate because I own the first two books in the series. I guess this book is readable, but not a page turner for me.
So after about 75 pages, I'm done. Its unfortunate because I own the first two books in the series. I guess this book is readable, but not a page turner for me.
December 3, 2014
OK for those who do not speak Spanish, they find like I did - there was a LOT of flipping back and forth to the glossary. I think this needed a breakdown chart of the hierarchy. I liked the story line but I was not hot on the constant back and forth to the glossary and their were many characters that were in it, and a lot of name changes. Which if you are never going to die - will be a necessity but sometimes got confusing. So I will attempt book 2 and if it remains I will bid Texas goodbye. lol
February 16, 2010
I found this book to be very odd. Weirdly written. The sexual encounters didn't come off as believable to me, especially the dance/innuendo they had in the centre she worked at, I just felt creeped out by it. It didn't keep me interested, I kept waiting for exciting fighting scenes but had to wait till the last few chapters for it. I will not be reading onto the next book and would not recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews