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elliefufu's review
2.0
Bound by Blood, Bound #2, by Amanda Ashley
Grade: D
“I’m always right, Katy darlin’. And now that that’s settled, I think we should get down to some serious huggin’ and kissin’.”
As a half human, half vampire and the only daughter of the Romanian Carpathian Fortress, Kaitlyn Sherrad has lived a very sheltered life. Now at twenty one, she has finished college and convinced her parents to let her stay in America and try to make her own way in Nevada. Late one night Kaitlyn meets Zack Ravenscroft, a local casino owner, who immediately sweeps her off her feet. Little do they both know they have more in common then they think and their similarities just might make their romance forbidden.
As a six hundred year old vampire Zack Ravenscroft never thought he would find a woman to spend his life and as one of The Order, vampires who are made not born, his relationship with Kaitlyn is forbidden and her father is hell bent on keeping them apart. Zack must now fight for his relationship not only against the woman that he loves family but against an old enemy who has come back for revenge and has chosen Kaitlyn as their target. Zack and Kaitlyn must now prove to everyone that they deserve love and happiness together and they will do anything or fight anyone to attain it.
Bound by Blood is the second book in Amanda Ashley’s Bound Series and it picks up twenty one years after Bound by Night leaves off which is the story of Kaitlyn’s mother and father, Elena and Drake. This book was much better then the first in the series, which I previously reviewed, but I found it to be very boring and uneventful. I think that to really understand what is going on in this story you would need to read the first book or else you will be very confused as the two books have very interwoven plot lines.
I had a few problems with this book but I think the thing that bothers me the most is how fast Kaitlyn and Zack meet and fall in love. There is no big anticipation at all with their relationship and after the first hundred pages they are in love, going to get married and the book moves on to the person who is trying to get revenge on Kaitlyn’s family. I disliked the Romeo and Juliet parallel a lot and found that the forbidden romance between the two to be an opening for Kaitlyn to whine and complain a lot.
Kaitlyn reminded me very much of her mother from the first book and this is not a compliment. I found her to be very spoiled, boring, a goody-goody, highly annoying and lacking any sort of backbone. I very much dislike weak female leads and Kaitlyn is the poster child for weak female leads. The only woman who had any sort of guts was portrayed as the villain while the meek, crawl into a corner and wait for the men to save them woman are the heroins. At one point a male character told a female that if she didn’t do what he said he would “Lock her in her room.” I’m sorry what? These two are supposed to be in love for years and are married and he’s going to lock her in her room like a child? These are just not the sort of characters that I like reading about. The male characters are okay but nothing special.
I found most of this book to be very bad and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. I think the action is very good but the romance is lacking and so are the characters. I was very excited to read this series and highly disappointed. Plain and simple, as far as paranormal romances go this isn’t a very good one and I can’t recommend it as a fan of the genre.
Grade: D
“I’m always right, Katy darlin’. And now that that’s settled, I think we should get down to some serious huggin’ and kissin’.”
As a half human, half vampire and the only daughter of the Romanian Carpathian Fortress, Kaitlyn Sherrad has lived a very sheltered life. Now at twenty one, she has finished college and convinced her parents to let her stay in America and try to make her own way in Nevada. Late one night Kaitlyn meets Zack Ravenscroft, a local casino owner, who immediately sweeps her off her feet. Little do they both know they have more in common then they think and their similarities just might make their romance forbidden.
As a six hundred year old vampire Zack Ravenscroft never thought he would find a woman to spend his life and as one of The Order, vampires who are made not born, his relationship with Kaitlyn is forbidden and her father is hell bent on keeping them apart. Zack must now fight for his relationship not only against the woman that he loves family but against an old enemy who has come back for revenge and has chosen Kaitlyn as their target. Zack and Kaitlyn must now prove to everyone that they deserve love and happiness together and they will do anything or fight anyone to attain it.
Bound by Blood is the second book in Amanda Ashley’s Bound Series and it picks up twenty one years after Bound by Night leaves off which is the story of Kaitlyn’s mother and father, Elena and Drake. This book was much better then the first in the series, which I previously reviewed, but I found it to be very boring and uneventful. I think that to really understand what is going on in this story you would need to read the first book or else you will be very confused as the two books have very interwoven plot lines.
I had a few problems with this book but I think the thing that bothers me the most is how fast Kaitlyn and Zack meet and fall in love. There is no big anticipation at all with their relationship and after the first hundred pages they are in love, going to get married and the book moves on to the person who is trying to get revenge on Kaitlyn’s family. I disliked the Romeo and Juliet parallel a lot and found that the forbidden romance between the two to be an opening for Kaitlyn to whine and complain a lot.
Kaitlyn reminded me very much of her mother from the first book and this is not a compliment. I found her to be very spoiled, boring, a goody-goody, highly annoying and lacking any sort of backbone. I very much dislike weak female leads and Kaitlyn is the poster child for weak female leads. The only woman who had any sort of guts was portrayed as the villain while the meek, crawl into a corner and wait for the men to save them woman are the heroins. At one point a male character told a female that if she didn’t do what he said he would “Lock her in her room.” I’m sorry what? These two are supposed to be in love for years and are married and he’s going to lock her in her room like a child? These are just not the sort of characters that I like reading about. The male characters are okay but nothing special.
I found most of this book to be very bad and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. I think the action is very good but the romance is lacking and so are the characters. I was very excited to read this series and highly disappointed. Plain and simple, as far as paranormal romances go this isn’t a very good one and I can’t recommend it as a fan of the genre.
sadie_rae's review
3.0
A bit better than the first book in writing style, it was less glazed over and went into better detail. I enjoyed the perspective of the Other type vampire but it still just feels like something is missing. Not sure if I'll continue reading AA books but this one was closer to a 3.5 than the first.
loverofromance's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Kaitlyn Sherrad, the daughter of Drake and Elena came to the states for college. But she loved California and decided she wanted to stay for a few more years until she had to return home to look for a mate. She settles near Lake Tahoe, and finds herself enjoying a home of her own and despite all that has been extended to her, Kaitlyn is bored out of her mind. So she goes to a Casino in the area, and finds herself drawn to Zack Ravenscroft, the owner. Zack, is a vampire and loves the night and is having a fun time interacting with others at his casino especially the women. Zack finds Kaitlyn irrisistable and wants to know more of her. He is not sure why he feels so connected to her, but he is eager to find out what they can become. But there is a threat to Kaitlyn's life, and her father interferes right when Zack and Kaitlyn start to fall in love with one another. Zack is forced to prove himself to the father because in Drake's eyes Zack is his mortal enemy, but Zack isn't afraid of Drake but is willing to do whatever it takes to make Kaitlyn his, even if that means humbling himself before a vampire younger than he is. The enemy is out for revenge and will do anything to destroy the Sherrad family.
Zack Ravenscroft, was turned into a vampire. He is considered one of the "others". Zack is a honorable man. He was turned against his will, and was left on his own as a newly turned vampire 600 years previous. Zack has experience and despite his vast years of living, has only turned one vampire himself. Zack has come to accept who he is and goes out of his way to help others when he can. Zack is a hero I came to admire so highly, and boy is he tough as nails but can be as soft as a cuddly bear at times. Zack is charismatic and entertaining and knows how to flirt his way through any situation. There were so many aspects of his character I loved, but what I admired the most is the way he treats Kaitlyn and the way he treats her father with respect but stands his own ground without pushing too many buttons.
Kaitlyn Sherrad has been protected and loved by everyone that has ever known her. Kaitlyn couldn't harm a ant, and she accepts everyone for who they are. Kaitlyn is close to her parents, but also wants to pave her own life in her own time but she also understands her duties, as being her father's only heir and child. Kaitlyn was a heroine I liked from the beginning. She is kind and open, and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. But she has a spine of steel and when it truly matters, she stands for what she thinks is right no matter the consequences. This is what I loved most about this heroine, was her ability to take charge and stand by the man she loves despite how much she loves her parents. She sees what needs to be done and does it. She gets impatient at times, and can be impulsive but I found her character charming and fun.
This is the second book to this duo series, and what a ball of fun I had with this one. I loved it even more than the first one and I was pretty anxious to read it. Probably because I didn't know what to expect with it, but Amanda Ashley has surpassed herself in writing this one. I just couldn't get enough, and I was so sad to see it end mostly due to the fact that I loved Zack and Kaitlyn together and seeing all the secondary characters that were in the first book and I loved the way they all come together in the end. This is a story about the test of true love . These two hit it off pretty quickly at the beginning, and spend every waking moment together once they fully connect. But right when their relationship is going great (it obviously can't stay that way right??) the father and uncle grab Kaitlyn and take her away when they learn that there is a threat against her life, a very serious one. This threat is connected to the first book. In the first book, Kaitlyn's grandfather was called upon to fight for his territory that he held for over a thousand years and was betrayed and killed by his own son. Drake (Kaitlyn's father) was his father second and was forced to kill his own brother. The mother of the brother killed is out for revenge and boy this woman is bat shit crazy. I mean mentally, she is insane with the need for vengeance and will do anything to get it.
I can understand Drake's need to protect his only child, a daughter he has cherished. But Drake goes a bit overboard with his protectiveness. Kaitlynn is a bit naive for a couple of moments, because in reality she wasn't told the whole truth and doesn't fully realize the danger she is in. But Kaitlyn is furious when she is taken away from the man she loves. But she knows that she is about to be put in a terrible position, but dang does she hold her own with her father. Now this is where Zack steps in. He follows her to Europe and lets just say that Drake and Zack are at odds with one another. This is a changing point in the story and is very vital to what follows. Drake is out of his mind with his actions, and I will admit I really had problems with him for the first time since reading the first book in this duo series. He is out of line in the actions he takes against Zack. It takes Elena and Kaitlyn, working together to convince him that he may lose his daughter if he isn't careful in his treatment of Zack. What I found the most endearing, was seeing the way Zack and Kaitln fight for one another and what loyalty they have for each other...it just about broke my heart.
What was so fun about this story was the romance that blossoms between the two,. Now this isn't your typical vampire romance where sex happens quickly. In fact its the exact opposite and I LOVED that. It was so refreshing to see a hero that isn't out for just sex all the time. He finds something real with Kaitlyn and he wants to prove how special she is to him. Kaitlyn was so amusing in the ways she goes out to seduce Zack and only gets some good hot kisses in return. And boy is she hilarious when she is sexually frustrated. hehe I really respected how Zack treats Kaitlyn. You can tell he really wants to make love to her, but he wants to wait until its the right time and not "down the hall" from her father. He wants full commitment from Kaitlyn before he sleeps with her. I know its not the "modern" idea or concept, but its so rare to find a hero like this and I adored every moment. But even though they don't fully go all the way, they do explore and build up the tension quite well. I also liked how Amanda Ashley makes sure all the ends are tied, and by the ending you see a solid close to a fantastic duo series. We have many factors involved in the story, but they all fit perfectly with each other and loved the blend of paranormal, suspense, mystery and passion.
I am getting hooked on this narrator. She has such a likable voice, and really makes the story come alive for the listener. From the beginning I liked her, but now after two books I am LOVING her.
I love this cover....its so sexy and dangerous and creates the right tone for the story. Love the moon and the red background.
Bound By Blood is a thrilling tale that sweep you off your feet in moments of adventure, mystery, building tension, and a love worth fighting for!! Guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Summary
Kaitlyn Sherrad, the daughter of Drake and Elena came to the states for college. But she loved California and decided she wanted to stay for a few more years until she had to return home to look for a mate. She settles near Lake Tahoe, and finds herself enjoying a home of her own and despite all that has been extended to her, Kaitlyn is bored out of her mind. So she goes to a Casino in the area, and finds herself drawn to Zack Ravenscroft, the owner. Zack, is a vampire and loves the night and is having a fun time interacting with others at his casino especially the women. Zack finds Kaitlyn irrisistable and wants to know more of her. He is not sure why he feels so connected to her, but he is eager to find out what they can become. But there is a threat to Kaitlyn's life, and her father interferes right when Zack and Kaitlyn start to fall in love with one another. Zack is forced to prove himself to the father because in Drake's eyes Zack is his mortal enemy, but Zack isn't afraid of Drake but is willing to do whatever it takes to make Kaitlyn his, even if that means humbling himself before a vampire younger than he is. The enemy is out for revenge and will do anything to destroy the Sherrad family.
The Hero
Zack Ravenscroft, was turned into a vampire. He is considered one of the "others". Zack is a honorable man. He was turned against his will, and was left on his own as a newly turned vampire 600 years previous. Zack has experience and despite his vast years of living, has only turned one vampire himself. Zack has come to accept who he is and goes out of his way to help others when he can. Zack is a hero I came to admire so highly, and boy is he tough as nails but can be as soft as a cuddly bear at times. Zack is charismatic and entertaining and knows how to flirt his way through any situation. There were so many aspects of his character I loved, but what I admired the most is the way he treats Kaitlyn and the way he treats her father with respect but stands his own ground without pushing too many buttons.
The Heroine
Kaitlyn Sherrad has been protected and loved by everyone that has ever known her. Kaitlyn couldn't harm a ant, and she accepts everyone for who they are. Kaitlyn is close to her parents, but also wants to pave her own life in her own time but she also understands her duties, as being her father's only heir and child. Kaitlyn was a heroine I liked from the beginning. She is kind and open, and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. But she has a spine of steel and when it truly matters, she stands for what she thinks is right no matter the consequences. This is what I loved most about this heroine, was her ability to take charge and stand by the man she loves despite how much she loves her parents. She sees what needs to be done and does it. She gets impatient at times, and can be impulsive but I found her character charming and fun.
Plot and Story Line
This is the second book to this duo series, and what a ball of fun I had with this one. I loved it even more than the first one and I was pretty anxious to read it. Probably because I didn't know what to expect with it, but Amanda Ashley has surpassed herself in writing this one. I just couldn't get enough, and I was so sad to see it end mostly due to the fact that I loved Zack and Kaitlyn together and seeing all the secondary characters that were in the first book and I loved the way they all come together in the end. This is a story about the test of true love . These two hit it off pretty quickly at the beginning, and spend every waking moment together once they fully connect. But right when their relationship is going great (it obviously can't stay that way right??) the father and uncle grab Kaitlyn and take her away when they learn that there is a threat against her life, a very serious one. This threat is connected to the first book. In the first book, Kaitlyn's grandfather was called upon to fight for his territory that he held for over a thousand years and was betrayed and killed by his own son. Drake (Kaitlyn's father) was his father second and was forced to kill his own brother. The mother of the brother killed is out for revenge and boy this woman is bat shit crazy. I mean mentally, she is insane with the need for vengeance and will do anything to get it.
I can understand Drake's need to protect his only child, a daughter he has cherished. But Drake goes a bit overboard with his protectiveness. Kaitlynn is a bit naive for a couple of moments, because in reality she wasn't told the whole truth and doesn't fully realize the danger she is in. But Kaitlyn is furious when she is taken away from the man she loves. But she knows that she is about to be put in a terrible position, but dang does she hold her own with her father. Now this is where Zack steps in. He follows her to Europe and lets just say that Drake and Zack are at odds with one another. This is a changing point in the story and is very vital to what follows. Drake is out of his mind with his actions, and I will admit I really had problems with him for the first time since reading the first book in this duo series. He is out of line in the actions he takes against Zack. It takes Elena and Kaitlyn, working together to convince him that he may lose his daughter if he isn't careful in his treatment of Zack. What I found the most endearing, was seeing the way Zack and Kaitln fight for one another and what loyalty they have for each other...it just about broke my heart.
What was so fun about this story was the romance that blossoms between the two,. Now this isn't your typical vampire romance where sex happens quickly. In fact its the exact opposite and I LOVED that. It was so refreshing to see a hero that isn't out for just sex all the time. He finds something real with Kaitlyn and he wants to prove how special she is to him. Kaitlyn was so amusing in the ways she goes out to seduce Zack and only gets some good hot kisses in return. And boy is she hilarious when she is sexually frustrated. hehe I really respected how Zack treats Kaitlyn. You can tell he really wants to make love to her, but he wants to wait until its the right time and not "down the hall" from her father. He wants full commitment from Kaitlyn before he sleeps with her. I know its not the "modern" idea or concept, but its so rare to find a hero like this and I adored every moment. But even though they don't fully go all the way, they do explore and build up the tension quite well. I also liked how Amanda Ashley makes sure all the ends are tied, and by the ending you see a solid close to a fantastic duo series. We have many factors involved in the story, but they all fit perfectly with each other and loved the blend of paranormal, suspense, mystery and passion.
Narration
I am getting hooked on this narrator. She has such a likable voice, and really makes the story come alive for the listener. From the beginning I liked her, but now after two books I am LOVING her.
The Cover
I love this cover....its so sexy and dangerous and creates the right tone for the story. Love the moon and the red background.
Overall View
Bound By Blood is a thrilling tale that sweep you off your feet in moments of adventure, mystery, building tension, and a love worth fighting for!! Guaranteed to knock your socks off.
donnah's review
4.0
I have really enjoyed both this book and the first book Bound by Night. This book picks up 21 years after bound by night so it would be good to read them in order.
Zack Ravenscroft loves women-all women-and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Vegas, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her-except that he craves her.
Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human-and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven's master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she's ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move...watches their every kiss...and waits to destroy their undying love...
Zack Ravenscroft loves women-all women-and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Vegas, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her-except that he craves her.
Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human-and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven's master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she's ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move...watches their every kiss...and waits to destroy their undying love...
fromjesstoyou's review
3.0
"3.5 out of 5 stars!! This series has a great new take on the vampire romance theme!! I loved..."
Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2011/11/made-grade-bound-series-book-2.html
Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2011/11/made-grade-bound-series-book-2.html
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