BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Blood Guard (Mission #1)

Blood Guard (Mission #1), by Megan EricksonPublish Date: September 12, 2017
Publisher: Loveswept
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Tendra: One minute, I’m a bartender in gritty Mission City; the next, I’m whisked away by a vampire named Athan who tells me that I’m the lifeblood of his clan. It sounds unbelievable, but he’s got evidence I can’t deny. Turns out, Athan belongs to an underground society of vampires who feed only on humans with their consent. Their enemies have no such qualms, and they want me dead. The only thing standing in their way is strong, sexy Athan. And the closer we get, the more tempted I am to let Athan feed. . . .

Athan: How could I have known when I snatched this snarky, beautiful human off the streets that she would change mydestiny? As a loyal soldier, I must deliver Tendra to our future king—my brother. Empowered with the blood of ten generations of the Gregorie breed, she is fated to rule as our queen. But there’s something between us that’s so intoxicating, so carnal, I can’t help wanting Tendra for myself . . . even if it’s treason.

I have to admit - I got burned out on vampires. I read Twilight, Sookie Stackhouse, Night Huntress, Black Dagger Brotherhood and Chicagoland Vampires all in the same time period (along with countless other vampire books), and I just kind of got sick of them. It’s been a while since I read a vampire book. I’m glad it was Megan Erickson that broke my dry spell.

Blood Guard is not Megan’s first trip into the paranormal (see her Silver Tip Pack series for that), but it is her first go at the blood suckers. When I read a new vampire book by a new author or a new-to-me author, I’m always most interested in how they will use and spin the mythology we’re all familiar with.

In Megan’s vampire world (which is our own world, so it’s got a gritty, urban fantasy vibe to it), sunlight is deadly, they are long lived and they drink human blood to survive. All very normal vampire traits. But, in true Megan Erickson fashion, there’s a unique element or two added in just to make things extra interesting.

Our heroine, Tendra, is a pretty badass human. She has no knowledge of vampires in the beginning, and we learn that she has just lost her only family and is feeling pretty alone in her small town. She’s in a perfect position for vampire prince Athan to pluck her from her humdrum life and show her that vampires are real. But, she was not a random choice. She has a specific role to fulfill, and he’s here to protect her while they travel so that she can realize her destiny.

Thank goodness that Megan Erickson didn’t have Tendra automatically accept all this as fact right away. I hate when heroines are told vampires are real in books, and after a few half-hearted attempts at denial, they fall in line. Tendra’s a lot tougher than that, and Athan knows he has to offer her some pretty solid proof. Even with all that, it still takes her a short while to come to terms with all of it.

Like she did with the Silver Tip Pack series, Blood Guard doesn't follow every rule for vampires out there. Megan puts her ability to shock the crap out of us to good use. There's a few big twists in store that will surprise you and keep you glued to the pages. Well, those and the super sexiness. Because Tendra and Athan are crazy hot together. Their sexual chemistry builds for awhile because she's been promised to his brother. But, of course, Athan can't keep his hands off her. Thank goodness.

I'm completely sold on Megan Erickson's world of vampires. I can't see what is in store for Athan's brother Idris. 

Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.

Connect with Megan:
Website: meganerickson.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormeganerickson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MeganErickson_
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2wlessh
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2voYMHc

REVIEW: Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6)

Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6), by Suzanne Wright
Publish Date: June 13, 2017
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) When raven shifter Riley Porter was given sanctuary by the Phoenix Pack, she let them believe she had left her flock. Reluctant to divulge the secrets of her past, she was still embraced as family. Only Tao Lukas, the protective and passionate Head Enforcer of the pack, was resistant to the enigmatic shifter. Until Riley started to arouse in him something other than suspicion.

Tao doesn’t trust lone shifters, especially ones so guarded—and tempting. But the sexual tension between them is making them both come undone, and vulnerable to more than desire. All Tao wants is for Riley to stay with him and to trust him with the truth of her past.

As Riley’s mysteries come to light, so does a danger that threatens not only her life but the safety of the entire pack. For Tao, keeping Riley safe means keeping her close—forever—as his mate.

Suzanne Wright has added another awesome Phoenix Pack book to the series, and this one is one I've been wanting for awhile. Because scowly-faced, stoic Tao finally has fallen in love. And it was so much fun to read about. 

One of my favorite parts about this paranormal shifter world that Suzanne has create is that we're not just talking about wolves here. Although the series centers around a wolf shifter pack, the author has very cleverly and slowly woven other types of shifters into the mix. Not only are they there, but these other types of shifters are now falling in love with the wolves that we've known from day one. 

Riley entered the story a few books ago when we learned of the sanctuary that helps lone shifters of all types. She was a sort of surrogate mother to several of the shifter children there - namely a cheetah shifter boy and a viper shifter girl. When the Phoenix Pack took in the children, Riley came as a package deal. Riley is a raven shifter, and although not technically a lone shifter - she has a home flock and family - she hasn't lived with them for four years due to a rift with some of the other members of the flock. 

Tao has been dancing around Riley in his own way ever since her first saw her, and he has finally decided to make his move. As you can imagine, when Tao decides to act, nothing can deter him. Not even a stubborn, independent raven. When Riley has to return to her home for a family engagement, Tao goes with her. And it's a good thing too, because members of the flock are turning up dead, and Riley appears to be a link to the murders. 

Although it's clear she has a definite connection to Tao, I loved that Riley didn't automatically fall at his feet. Quite the opposite. She has no problem acknowledging their attraction and acting on it. But, she required a bit more from Tao before conceding to be his mate. She needed to trust him. To get to know him. And vice versa. I really like Riley and how strong she was. I loved how protective she was of the children and how she cared for them. 

Despite half the book taking place at Riley's flock, there was still plenty of time spent at the Phoenix Pack compound too. We saw all the pack members we know and love and got to see them interact together. It's really one of my favorite parts. Now with Tao paired up, one of the last ones I can't wait to see find a mate is Dominic. Hopefully his turn is coming soon!

REVIEW: Blade Bound (Chicagoland Vampires #13)

Blade Bound (Chicagoland Vampires #13), by Chloe Neill
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Berkley Books
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Since the night of her brutal attack and unwilling transformation to vampire, Merit’s stood as Sentinel and protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House. She's saved the Windy City from the forces of darkness time and again with her liege and lover, Ethan Sullivan, by her side.

When the House is infiltrated and Merit is attacked by a vampire seemingly under the sway of dark magic, Merit and Ethan realize the danger is closer than they could have ever imagined. As a malign sorcery spreads throughout the city, Merit must go to war against supernatural powers beyond her comprehension. It’s her last chance to save everything—and everyone—she loves.

I read Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1) a bunch of years ago when I was looking for something to fill the Sookie Stackhouse-sized hole left in my vampire book loving heart. I fell in love with the strong, plucky, bacon-loving Merit and her sire, the enigmatic Ethan Sullivan. Over the years they have been through more than any one couple should ever have to go through. No really. It's been RIDIC. But here we are, at the final Chicagoland Vampires book, and it seems that their future might be happy, full, and pretty damn perfect after all. 

This last book is absolutely everything you could want or need in a series ender. With thirteen books under her belt, Chloe Neill has brought back nearly all of the side characters that made the Chicagoland world so full and rich, for at least a little glimpse. There are at least a few mentions of the other Chicago vampire masters, Scott and Morgan as well as Merit's Red Guard partner Jonah. We get to see Gabriel, the Apex of the North American Central Pack call Merit "Kitten" one last time. The Ombuddies - Jeff, Catcher, Mallory and Merit's grandfather - are on hand to solve one last Chicago plight. And the Cadogan vampires who we've come to expect to have Merit and Ethan's back - Malik, Luc and Lindsey - are kicking ass and taking names. 

Every one of the loose threads are tied up. Even threads I didn't realize were loose were tightened to an incredibly satisfying degree. Weeks after I finished reading Blade Bound, I thought back on the events that unfolded during the course of the book, and I realized how masterfully Chloe Neill wove those finalities into the story. I didn't even realize they were happening until later when I was thinking about all the characters I had grown to love and how they had all found this amazing life alongside Merit and Ethan. 

And, of course, Merit and Ethan are going to have an amazing life. We get to see them fight side-by-side, and puzzle out a new problem, and argue and make up and GET MARRIED. And yes - the big question that we've all had for years now about the prophecy that Gabriel made is answered. And I promise, it's a satisfying resolution to a story line that's kept us hanging for a long time now. 

I realize I'm being rather vague with my review, but the events that unfold in Blade Bound are a continuation from the events in Midnight Marked (Chicagoland Vampires #12). So, I can't go into specifics without giving away some pretty big spoilers. Suffice it to say that Blade Bound has tons of action, danger and humor. And the romance pegs the swoon meter. Merit and Ethan have found this incredible love and respect for one another that can only be borne from all that they have encountered and survived together, and that shows in their words and their actions. 

Thankfully, Chloe Neill seems as reluctant to leave the Chicagoland Vampire world as we are, and she announced at the end of Blade Bound that there will be a spin-off featuring certain characters from the series. If you want to know who they are, well... you'll have to read the book. :)

REVIEW: Phantom Kiss (Chicagoland Vampires #12.5)

Phantom Kiss (Chicagoland Vampires #12.5), by Chloe Neill
Publish Date: January 17, 2017
Publisher: Intermix
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Vampires generally aren’t afraid of things that go bump in the night, but Merit and Ethan are extra jumpy after a recent attack by a dark sorcerer. So when they learn that someone is messing with graves in Chicago’s cemeteries, stealing skulls and snatching souls, they fear that their powerful foe might be back for even more magical vengeance. 

But after a specter begins haunting Cadogan House—and targeting vampires—they realize that they're being taunted by an altogether different sort of monster. A ghoulish villain straight out of the Windy City’s urban legends is on the prowl—and he won’t stop until he’s killed again...

Phantom Kiss is the prelude to the final Chicagoland Vampires novel that Chloe Neill will write. I have to thank her for giving us this extra glimpse into Cadogan House life, because I think I'm already going through withdraw, and I haven't even read Blade Bound (Chicagoland Vampires #13) yet. Every little bit helps, and Phantom Kiss had a little bit of all the parts of this series that make it so awesome for me.

Of course there's a mystery to be solved. There always is, and Ethan and Merit are a well-oiled machine now. They are an impressive team, especially when they join efforts with the Ombuddies - Merit's BFF and witch Mallory, her sorcerer husband Catcher, the tech wiz and tiger shifter Jeff and the leader of the gang, Merit's grandfather. In Phantom Kiss, they also engage the services of necromancer Annabelle since there's a ghost hanging around who is particularly nasty.

In addition to a mini-mystery to solve and a good reason to get the Ombuddies together, there's wedding shenanigans afoot. Merit and Ethan are two months away from their wedding, and Phantom Kiss opens with them attending a bridal shower thrown for them by Merit's mother. Yes - it's as awkward as it sounds. And amusing. And sweet. The way Ethan loves Merit now is so amazing.

And just because Ethan and Merit have been together for awhile, it doesn't mean they've become complacent. They still are smoking hot in between the sheets when they can find a moment between saving Chicago and almost dying. Like, seriously. Hot.

Phantom Kiss was a quick read with so much paranormal goodness in it. And any time I get to spend with one of my most favorite paranormal couples ever is time well spent. 

EARLY REVIEW: Midnight Marked (Chicagoland Vampires #12)

Midnight Marked (Chicagoland Vampires #12), by Chloe Neill
Publish Date: March 1, 2016
Publisher: NAL
Format: e-galley, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult PNR/urban fantasy
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Merit is one of Chicago's most skilled vampire warriors; these days, she doesn't scare easily. But she and Master vampire Ethan have made a new and powerful enemy, and he won't give up until he owns the Windy City.

With his last plan thwarted, he's more determined than ever to watch Cadogan burn. Ethan has put the House's vampires on high alert, but their enemy will stop at nothing, including pitting vampire against vampire...

In this deadly game of cat-and-mouse, the stakes are life or death—and winning might mean sacrificing everything...

The Chicagoland Vampires series has been a staple on my TBR for a long time. It is one of a precious few go-to series whenever I need a paranormal romance or urban fantasy fix. So, it's hard for me to believe that, after this one, I will only be reading one more new book in this series before we have to say goodbye to these beloved characters for good. 

It's a good thing that Chloe Neill does not go quietly into the night. 

Things are, by no means, winding down for Merit and Ethan. In Midnight Marked, they continue to lock horns with the odious Adrian Reed who has hatched a new plan for Chicagoland's supernatural population. He's made this battle personal by threatening Merit and goading Ethan. And, I can honestly say, I've never hated a bad guy in this series more than this one. 

In addition to getting to the bottom of Reed's plan, there are a lot of other side stories playing out in Midnight Marked. Things between Merit and the Red Guard - and particularly her partner Jonah - are still not great, since she refused to spy on Ethan for them. I absolutely LOVE that Merit refuses to compromise her morals and her relationship with Ethan for anyone or anything. 

Reed's activities put the tentative alliance between Gabriel's shifters and Ethan's vampires to their greatest test yet. Any CLV book that includes a lot of Gabriel Keene is a good one, and there is plenty of him in Midnight Marked. Gabriel and Ethan both have good reason to be angry at one another in this case, and their situation is evidence that sometimes you have to make hard choices when you're in charge of so many others. I don't envy either of them (but I still love both of them).

The two biggest questions that fans have been dying to know answers to are, Will Ethan finally propose to Merit? and When will the prophecy about Ethan and Merit's child come to pass? Of course, I can't tell you if either of those questions are answered in Midnight Marked - you'll just have to buy the book and find out for yourself. But, I will say that both topics are discussed at length, both between Merit and Ethan and Merit and Mallory. 

Mallory - "My God, do I want to see Ethan facing his first loaded diaper. And, can you imagine him dealing with milk puke?"

Merit - "I think he'll be a good dad. I mean, for a four-hundred-year-old pretentious master vampire."

So, yeah - there's a lot going on. But, there's tons of action, lots of mystery solving, some awesome fight scenes, and - the best part - Ethan "Darth" Sullivan. For a vampire who was originally so hell bent on fronting for people in regards for his feelings for Merit, he certainly has gotten over all that. His words are so heart-meltingly romantic, it is impossible to not be reduced to a puddle of goo every time he opens his mouth.

"Fear, my Sentinel, is inevitable. It is one of our more important instincts. It keeps us alive. Fighting through the fear is a choice. That's the choice you've made since that April night one year ago. That's the choice you'll continue to make, because that's what's inside you. I love you, and I believe in you, more than I have ever believed in anyone. And it is absolutely terrifying."

I have my theories on what will play out in the final Chicagoland Vampires book. Waiting for it to come out is so bittersweet. I can't wait to find out what happens, and yet, I don't want it to get here, because then it will truly be all over. 

REVIEW: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1)

Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1), by JR Ward
Publish Date: December 1, 2015
Publisher: Berkley Romance/NAL
Format: paperback, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

If I could give BLOOD KISS all the stars, I totally would. Because this book was everything for me. I've been a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series nearly from the very beginning. And, I don't know - I just haven't been feeling it the past few books. There's been such a swell in characters that it's sometimes hard to keep them all straight. So many storylines. Not enough focus on the original Brothers. Not as much action. The magic had dulled. 

Blood Kiss is absolutely everything I wanted and everything that I've missed about the original series. First, let's talk about the setting. It takes place in Caldwell, NY, which is where all the original BDB stories take place. In fact, most of it takes place in the Brothers' mansion headquarters. The Pit makes several appearances, as does Safe Place. All the settings we've become familiar with are there, so there's no need to acclimate to a new environment.

Blood Kiss follows two couples - newbies Paradise and Craeg and old favorites Butch and Marissa. Butch and Marissa are going through some growing pains as a mated couple. Their communication skills aren't what they should be. Butch is dealing with holdovers from his life as a human, and Marissa is coming to terms with the fact that her relationship with her brother will never be the same again after what he did to her. And neither of them are telling the other about their issues. *shakes head*

And then there's Paradise and Craeg. They are both new candidates for the Brothers' training program. I absolutely LOVED the initial test that all of them had to go through to separate the strong from the weak. It was exciting and suspenseful. And it introduced the new characters perfectly. 

Paradise is a member of the vampire aristocrat society and is sick and tired of being pushed into this mold of how a good vampire female should be. She wants to fight for everyone's freedom, despite everyone's doubts that she can't handle it. 

It was time to break out of the restrictions of her station - and cut the hothouse flower crap. If working around the King had taught her anything, it was that no matter what class you were in, tragedy didn't discriminate, justice could always be served, and nobody got out of this life alive.

Paradise's and Craeg's story is very much like Romeo and Juliet - they are from two very different families, and in their "normal," there's no way they could ever be together. But, this is a new day in Caldwell. Female aristocrats are trying out for the BDB's army. So are members of the blue collar workforce. It's not so much of a stretch anymore that they should get together. And be so. Freaking. HOT. 

The best part about this new series is that, even though we're focusing on a new crop of soldiers in training, there's an equal amount of focus on the original Brothers. Since many of the scenes take place in the mansion, there are appearances by Wrath and Beth, Z and Bella, Rhage and Mary, John and Xhex, and since there's a huge focus on Butch and Marissa, there's lots of time spent with his BFF V. 

With the focus on only two couples, we only have four POVs. There are no POVs from the Lessers - no scenes with them at all, actually. And there is a big focus on the relationships. These are all things that have been missing lately from the main series, and they are big factors in why I loved Blood Kiss so much. 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1)

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1), by Nalini Singh
Publish Date: September 1, 2006
Publisher: Berkley
Format: audiobook, purchased
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation.

You don't have to tell me how late I am to this party. Slave to Sensation was published for the first time in 2006. I added it to my Goodreads TBR in late 2011. I know, I KNOW. For some reason, I waited years to read this book, and now I'm so mad at myself for it. It's been a long time since I've read a true adult PNR book, and one that was done this well. 

Sascha Duncan is a Psy - a race of humans that are very cerebral. They are classified by their extraordinary powers of the mind and their ability to block out all emotion. To cater to emotion means death. Lucas Hunter is the alpha of the Dark River pack of leopard shifters. He's a changeling, which is a race that loves nature and touch and feelings. Sascha and Lucas enter into a business relationship, but Lucas' role in this is full of pretense. He's really looking for information on the Psy that is killing changeling females. As he gets to know Sascha, he realizes how different she is, which is very dangerous for her.  If anyone were to know that she felt emotion, she would be sentenced to death. 

This book was incredible. The world building was astoundingly perfect. Slave to Sensation takes place in the late 2000s, so there are some things in it that are what we would deem "futuristic," but not so much that it was over the top. Most of all, I loved the different races and Singh's descriptors of them. The rules were clearly laid out, and she stuck to them. The landscape was vivid, from Lucas' treetop aerie to the inner workings of the Psy-Net. I loved it. 

I've always been a big fan of shifter books because I love the intensely strong family unit that is always present with the pack mates. The alpha males who protect their women and children with their lives and the women who band together to die for their men if need be just speaks to my soul. So, Lucas and his pack were my favorite part of this book. They love each other and care for one another so strongly and unconditionally. And, when Lucas falls for Sascha, despite her being a despised Psy, because she now belongs to Lucas, she also belongs to everyone else, without question. It was awesome. 

In addition to the cool paranormal features of this book, there's a really great mystery too. There's a serial killer who we know is a male Psy, and he's killing Changeling females. We spend the entire book trying to figure out who it is before he kills his next victim, who happens to be a wolf changeling. The fact that the killer is Psy is baffling to Sascha, as it would obviously take emotion to kill like that. It starts Sascha on a journey of self-discovery. She gives up hiding who she is and actively tries to figure out where she comes from and what her role is in this life. And Lucas helps her. 

The ending is heart-pounding and exciting as we race to find the killer, and Sascha makes decisions that will affect the rest of her life, no matter how much of it is left. Lucas is torn between his duty to his pack and his duty to the woman he loves. And fragile alliances are tested in extreme ways. 

The audio version of Slave to Sensation was fantastic. Angela Dawe delivered an incredible performance. I loved her narration - she was able to communicate the cold aloofness of the Psy as well as the intense emotionally charged Changelings. I will definitely seek out the other books in this series in audio format. Sure it takes longer to get through them, but it's totally worth it. 

I know there's 14 books in this series at present. I've heard they just keep getting better and better. If that's the case, then sign me up right now for book number 2.

REVIEW: Bound By Flames (Night Prince #3)

Bound By Flames (Night Prince #3), by Jeaniene Frost
Published January 27, 2015
Publisher: Avon
Format: paperback, purchased
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both…

This was everything I needed and so much more. It's been so long since I spent time in the Night Huntress world, and even longer since I spent some quality time with my second favorite hero in it - Vlad (second only to Bones, who will always have my heart). This book... my goodness. There was action and danger and... VLAD. In all his ruthless, sexy, overprotective glory. Oh, and in case you were wondering - yes. Cat and Bones do make an appearance. 

In Bound By Flames, Vlad is still out searching for his arch nemesis, and looking to put him in the ground. Permanently this time. And, now that Leila is a vampire too, she doesn't have things like her mortality to worry him constantly. She can be even more of a help to him. Except, for some reason, Vlad's overprotectiveness is at an all-time high, and it's driving Leila nuts. She wants to use her gifts to find the bad guys, but Vlad only wants her to stay as far away from the action as possible. 

On one hand, I can sympathize with Vlad. The only other woman he married in his very long life killed herself due to the stress of living with a vampire. Now, Vlad is in love again, and this time, it's even stronger and deeper. And, he's terrified he's going to lose Leila like he did his first wife. Fear isn't an emotion Vlad knows what to do with. He's Vlad the Impaler, for crying out loud. Vlad doesn't get afraid. He gets pissed and flammable. 

Leila is just coming into her own. She hasn't been a vampire for long. Nor has she been Vlad's wife for long. But, she seems to have taken to both roles pretty easily. Now that Vlad has fully committed to her, Leila is all in. She wants to be the queen of the castle in every way, not just the domestic ones. She wants to be Vlad's partner in all things, including his efforts to find and kill his greatest enemy. Leila's tough. She has dealt with a lot in her young life, and now that she's found the love of her life, she wants to put herself out there and help fight all the bad things by her husband's side. 

But, that puts Leila too close to the action for Vlad's liking. He goes to extreme lengths to suppress her abilities so that she doesn't have a good excuse to help him. Unfortunately, all the bad guys know what Vlad's weak spot is now. And, it's her. 

Leila goes through A LOT in Bound By Flames. Like, more than I can fathom any person going through. Despite her being a vampire and being able to tolerate a lot more physically than a mere human, the psychological effects from some of that stuff are enough to seriously mess up anyone, vampire or otherwise. When I said this chick was tough, I meant it. Not only does she soldier through and come out the other side, it seems like she comes through stronger and more capable. 

And, Vlad, when faced with the possibility of losing his wife - again - he decides that, maybe having a partner is better than having a prisoner. See? Even a centuries old vampire can change his ways. 

It's the events that come to light during the epic battle at the end that set the stage for the last book in the Night Prince series. And these events are total game changers. 

I am so in love with this series and these characters. I don't ever want them to end.