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Night Prince #3
Bound by Flames
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…
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…
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 27, 2015
About the author
Jeaniene Frost
73 books26.8k followersJeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, and the Night Rebel series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
For information on Jeaniene's books, book trailers, free reading, contests, creature mythology, and more, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com
For information on Jeaniene's books, book trailers, free reading, contests, creature mythology, and more, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,745 reviews
May 5, 2022
5 Overcoming Together Stars
*Spoilers *
First read Dec 7 2015 Reread Dec 2 2019 Reread 4/30/21 Reread 8/18/2021
Reread 5/4/22
"You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”-Vlad
“Leila,” Vlad said in a carefully controlled tone when I sat back down. “I’ve seen enough suffering in my time to know that everyone handles it differently. If you want to talk about what happened, I will listen. If you don’t, I won’t press you. If you need anything, you will have it. Do you understand?”-Vlad
Bound by Flames, the 3rd book in the Night Prince Series, was Vlad-tastic. But Damn this book goes dark!!! Leila is kidnapped when her and Vlad's house is bombed, she is skinned alive, has her arm ripped off, starved , almost raped, Fake raped twice (Maximus tapes his stuff to him and tapes her too, then has to fake rape Leila while being video taped so the vamp that kidnapped Leila thinks she has been raped), and held against her will for more than a week. The tape of her (fake) rape and of her being skinned alive are sent to Vlad along with her skin that they removed, to drive him mad. See DARK!!!!!!!!
“It changes nothing between us,” he breathed against my skin. “I love you, Leila, no matter what he or anyone else did.”-Vlad
“Perhaps. I will always have enemies, and though I intend to crush them all, I want your word that you will continue to do whatever it takes in order to survive. You can’t let yourself be crippled by guilt, fear, or hesitation ever again. Promise me.”-Vlad
I can't even begin to tell of the depth of emotion this book pulled out of me. Vlad and Leila in this book were amazing. Leila was so brave and strong. She went through so much and yet she was strong enough to worry more about Vlad then herself. She is a fighter. She did what she had to, to survive. She not only did want she had to she kicked some ass! Vlad, OMG if I wasn't already in love with Vlad I would have been after reading this book. Vlad did some major growing in this book. The way he was with Leila after he got her back, the way he supported her and the things that man said, I melted. Vlad is so raw and sexy in this book, he is like a yummy feral beast. Vlad also really lets his vulnerable side show to Leila in this book. His walls came down, and he starts to really treat Leila like a equal instead of trying to lock her safely away. But don't worry he may show a little vulnerability to Leila, but he is still bad-ass, borderline crazy, pole happy Vlad!
“You’re mine,” he breathed against my neck when his lips left mine to travel lower. “Forever. Say it.” “I’m yours,” I swore, the words ragged from passion. “Forever. Now, take me and prove it.”-Vlad and Leila
“Thank you for answering my questions, and now I want to tell you something personal. It’s not nearly as deep or important, but . . . I’m glad you’re the only man I’ve ever slept with. For years, my voltage issues kept me a virgin whether I wanted to be or not, but then I met you and it felt like . . . you were the one I’d been waiting for, even when I didn’t know it.” My voice caught. “Even with all the awful things that happened, if I was thrown back in time, I would still grab that power line because it’s what eventually brought me to you.”-Leila
Maximus really redeemed himself in this book for me. By the end of the last book, I didn't care much for him. In this book he showed his loyalty to Vlad. My heart hurt for the friendship between them that has been damaged so badly. I hope in the next book they can make up, because Vlad doesn't have many true friends and too many people have backstabbed him in the last few books. I love that Cat was able to finally help Vlad for once and I thought it was sweet that Vlad claimed Katie (Cat and Bones's daughter) as one of his people to help protect her, making him uncle Vlad. We also got a little bit of Mencheres in this book too, but no Ian sadly. Leila's Dad drove me crazy. For real he and Justina should start dating they are both terrible parents.
“I treasure the gift of your virginity, but if you’d given it to another I would still love you to the same dangerous degree. You are in my soul, and nothing you did before we met or will do in the future can change that. And to answer the question you’ve never asked me, yes, I do love you more than I loved Clara. If she were alive now, I would still choose you.”-Vlad
“Just because you didn’t torture him doesn’t mean you weren’t rough, but I know why you did it.” I threaded my fingers through his hair. “Thank you for trying to protect me.” The barest smile touched his mouth. “I prefer simply killing people who hurt you. Much less complicated that way.” “Then you showed a lot of restraint,” I said, smiling back because I knew that my dad had been in no danger. “And because I haven’t told you this nearly enough, I love you.”-Leila and Vlad
Bound by Flames was action packed, emotional, sweet, and so exciting that I sped my way through it, unable to put it down. Though it has some dark parts, the romantic parts, the strength of Vlad and Leila's relationship balanced it well. There are even some laugh out loud funny moments. The epilogue was just too damn funny. This was a great read and awesome addition to the Night Prince series. I can't flippin' wait until the last book comes out in 2016. Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
“Aside from Mencheres, you are the truest friend I have ever had.” Vlad’s voice was so thick from emotion, it was almost choked. “And yet I meant what I said. A good man could forget, but I can’t, and so I cannot reward your loyalty with what I promised. You have no place in my line, Maximus, and you never will.” A harsh sigh escaped Maximus and my heart broke as his shoulders began to shake with suppressed sobs. “I didn’t do this for a place back in your line.” Each word was a rasp. “I did it for you.” Vlad kissed him, once on each cheek. Maximus bent his head until their foreheads touched. “You are my friend forever, voivode meu,” Maximus murmured. “Princes don’t have friends, they have subjects,” Vlad said in an equally low voice. “You are no longer my subject, but even though I will not see you again, you will forever be my friend.” He kissed Maximus one more time on the forehead, and then released him. “Go,” he said, the word as ragged as the regret strafing my feelings. Maximus bowed, turned . . . and paused. “I can’t. The floor’s molten rock and you caved in the only way out.” The barest smile twitched Vlad’s lips. “Rather ruins the moment, doesn’t it?” Maximus’s mouth curled faintly as well. “Good thing neither of us is sentimental.”-Vlad and Maximus
*Spoilers *
First read Dec 7 2015 Reread Dec 2 2019 Reread 4/30/21 Reread 8/18/2021
Reread 5/4/22
"You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”-Vlad
“Leila,” Vlad said in a carefully controlled tone when I sat back down. “I’ve seen enough suffering in my time to know that everyone handles it differently. If you want to talk about what happened, I will listen. If you don’t, I won’t press you. If you need anything, you will have it. Do you understand?”-Vlad
Bound by Flames, the 3rd book in the Night Prince Series, was Vlad-tastic. But Damn this book goes dark!!! Leila is kidnapped when her and Vlad's house is bombed, she is skinned alive, has her arm ripped off, starved , almost raped, Fake raped twice (Maximus tapes his stuff to him and tapes her too, then has to fake rape Leila while being video taped so the vamp that kidnapped Leila thinks she has been raped), and held against her will for more than a week. The tape of her (fake) rape and of her being skinned alive are sent to Vlad along with her skin that they removed, to drive him mad. See DARK!!!!!!!!
“It changes nothing between us,” he breathed against my skin. “I love you, Leila, no matter what he or anyone else did.”-Vlad
“Perhaps. I will always have enemies, and though I intend to crush them all, I want your word that you will continue to do whatever it takes in order to survive. You can’t let yourself be crippled by guilt, fear, or hesitation ever again. Promise me.”-Vlad
I can't even begin to tell of the depth of emotion this book pulled out of me. Vlad and Leila in this book were amazing. Leila was so brave and strong. She went through so much and yet she was strong enough to worry more about Vlad then herself. She is a fighter. She did what she had to, to survive. She not only did want she had to she kicked some ass! Vlad, OMG if I wasn't already in love with Vlad I would have been after reading this book. Vlad did some major growing in this book. The way he was with Leila after he got her back, the way he supported her and the things that man said, I melted. Vlad is so raw and sexy in this book, he is like a yummy feral beast. Vlad also really lets his vulnerable side show to Leila in this book. His walls came down, and he starts to really treat Leila like a equal instead of trying to lock her safely away. But don't worry he may show a little vulnerability to Leila, but he is still bad-ass, borderline crazy, pole happy Vlad!
“You’re mine,” he breathed against my neck when his lips left mine to travel lower. “Forever. Say it.” “I’m yours,” I swore, the words ragged from passion. “Forever. Now, take me and prove it.”-Vlad and Leila
“Thank you for answering my questions, and now I want to tell you something personal. It’s not nearly as deep or important, but . . . I’m glad you’re the only man I’ve ever slept with. For years, my voltage issues kept me a virgin whether I wanted to be or not, but then I met you and it felt like . . . you were the one I’d been waiting for, even when I didn’t know it.” My voice caught. “Even with all the awful things that happened, if I was thrown back in time, I would still grab that power line because it’s what eventually brought me to you.”-Leila
Maximus really redeemed himself in this book for me. By the end of the last book, I didn't care much for him. In this book he showed his loyalty to Vlad. My heart hurt for the friendship between them that has been damaged so badly. I hope in the next book they can make up, because Vlad doesn't have many true friends and too many people have backstabbed him in the last few books. I love that Cat was able to finally help Vlad for once and I thought it was sweet that Vlad claimed Katie (Cat and Bones's daughter) as one of his people to help protect her, making him uncle Vlad. We also got a little bit of Mencheres in this book too, but no Ian sadly. Leila's Dad drove me crazy. For real he and Justina should start dating they are both terrible parents.
“I treasure the gift of your virginity, but if you’d given it to another I would still love you to the same dangerous degree. You are in my soul, and nothing you did before we met or will do in the future can change that. And to answer the question you’ve never asked me, yes, I do love you more than I loved Clara. If she were alive now, I would still choose you.”-Vlad
“Just because you didn’t torture him doesn’t mean you weren’t rough, but I know why you did it.” I threaded my fingers through his hair. “Thank you for trying to protect me.” The barest smile touched his mouth. “I prefer simply killing people who hurt you. Much less complicated that way.” “Then you showed a lot of restraint,” I said, smiling back because I knew that my dad had been in no danger. “And because I haven’t told you this nearly enough, I love you.”-Leila and Vlad
Bound by Flames was action packed, emotional, sweet, and so exciting that I sped my way through it, unable to put it down. Though it has some dark parts, the romantic parts, the strength of Vlad and Leila's relationship balanced it well. There are even some laugh out loud funny moments. The epilogue was just too damn funny. This was a great read and awesome addition to the Night Prince series. I can't flippin' wait until the last book comes out in 2016. Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
“Aside from Mencheres, you are the truest friend I have ever had.” Vlad’s voice was so thick from emotion, it was almost choked. “And yet I meant what I said. A good man could forget, but I can’t, and so I cannot reward your loyalty with what I promised. You have no place in my line, Maximus, and you never will.” A harsh sigh escaped Maximus and my heart broke as his shoulders began to shake with suppressed sobs. “I didn’t do this for a place back in your line.” Each word was a rasp. “I did it for you.” Vlad kissed him, once on each cheek. Maximus bent his head until their foreheads touched. “You are my friend forever, voivode meu,” Maximus murmured. “Princes don’t have friends, they have subjects,” Vlad said in an equally low voice. “You are no longer my subject, but even though I will not see you again, you will forever be my friend.” He kissed Maximus one more time on the forehead, and then released him. “Go,” he said, the word as ragged as the regret strafing my feelings. Maximus bowed, turned . . . and paused. “I can’t. The floor’s molten rock and you caved in the only way out.” The barest smile twitched Vlad’s lips. “Rather ruins the moment, doesn’t it?” Maximus’s mouth curled faintly as well. “Good thing neither of us is sentimental.”-Vlad and Maximus
January 22, 2016
4 to 4 1/2 Stars
I love this couple! To be honest, I enjoy this spinoff series more than the Night Huntress series.
Can't wait for more Vlad.
I love this couple! To be honest, I enjoy this spinoff series more than the Night Huntress series.
Can't wait for more Vlad.
Shelved as 'might-give-another-try'
August 15, 2015SOON. SOON. SOON. SOON. SOON. SO SOON!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit#2: HOW DID I NOT KNOW THERE WAS AN EXCERPT!?
Edit: Screw December. 27th JANUARY 2015!? FOR REAL? #ineedhelp
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The emptiness continues.
UNTIL DECEMBER 2014! Are you trying to kill me?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel so empty...
After reading the first two books in as good as one session I desperately NEED this book RIGHT NOW! *cry* *scream* I sooooooo need this! *crysomemore*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit#2: HOW DID I NOT KNOW THERE WAS AN EXCERPT!?
Edit: Screw December. 27th JANUARY 2015!? FOR REAL? #ineedhelp
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The emptiness continues.
UNTIL DECEMBER 2014! Are you trying to kill me?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel so empty...
After reading the first two books in as good as one session I desperately NEED this book RIGHT NOW! *cry* *scream* I sooooooo need this! *crysomemore*
September 8, 2017
Reread September 2017
I pretty much feel the same way I did when I first read it. It's been two years and I didn't remember anything, so it was a nice refresher before I read the next book.
--------original review below-----------
4 Dracul-A stars!
“Love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade.”
Yet another fun and action packed novel by Jeaniene Frost! I will say, I had my doubts about this spin-off series, but Ms. Frost has made me fall in love with Vlad and Leila.
In this third (yet not final) book in the Night Prince series, Leila and Vlad have discovered the existance of a once thought dead enemy. I would write his name in the review, but it's so damn weird and complicated, I would have to look back into my paperback copy for the spelling and then copy and paste that shit because dude, it's a weird name. Like souvlaki or something.
Anyways, Leila and Vlad are doing their best to find their enemy before his finds them, but this is easier said than done. I can't say anymore about the plot without giving it away so I'll stop while I'm ahead.
Really loved the development of Leila and Vlad's relationship in this one. It was a giant lesson in marriage being a give and take situation, and both Vlad and Leila did their best to support the other's beliefs and actions to some extent. Well, kind of.
“Compromise Lesson One: Pull a dick move, and your dick gets denied. Every woman knew that, and now, so did the vampire sitting next to me.”
I will say, this book was HOT. And by hot, I mean steamy, and the fact that Vlad literally melted stone. Thats 2000+ degrees F!!
I don't think I've said it before, but because I am a giant nerd I'm going to say it now. Did anyone else watch the tv show Angel? You know, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff? Well there was a character named Gwen who could electrocute people with her skin. Sounds familiar?
"You are in my soul, and nothing you did before we met or will do in the future can change that.”
Well there's not much more to say, this is a weird and short review for me. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and now I'm kind of pissed that there's a fourth one out there in the universe. Now just got to wait patiently.
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I pretty much feel the same way I did when I first read it. It's been two years and I didn't remember anything, so it was a nice refresher before I read the next book.
--------original review below-----------
4 Dracul-A stars!
“Love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade.”
Yet another fun and action packed novel by Jeaniene Frost! I will say, I had my doubts about this spin-off series, but Ms. Frost has made me fall in love with Vlad and Leila.
In this third (yet not final) book in the Night Prince series, Leila and Vlad have discovered the existance of a once thought dead enemy. I would write his name in the review, but it's so damn weird and complicated, I would have to look back into my paperback copy for the spelling and then copy and paste that shit because dude, it's a weird name. Like souvlaki or something.
Anyways, Leila and Vlad are doing their best to find their enemy before his finds them, but this is easier said than done. I can't say anymore about the plot without giving it away so I'll stop while I'm ahead.
Really loved the development of Leila and Vlad's relationship in this one. It was a giant lesson in marriage being a give and take situation, and both Vlad and Leila did their best to support the other's beliefs and actions to some extent. Well, kind of.
“Compromise Lesson One: Pull a dick move, and your dick gets denied. Every woman knew that, and now, so did the vampire sitting next to me.”
I will say, this book was HOT. And by hot, I mean steamy, and the fact that Vlad literally melted stone. Thats 2000+ degrees F!!
I don't think I've said it before, but because I am a giant nerd I'm going to say it now. Did anyone else watch the tv show Angel? You know, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff? Well there was a character named Gwen who could electrocute people with her skin. Sounds familiar?
"You are in my soul, and nothing you did before we met or will do in the future can change that.”
Well there's not much more to say, this is a weird and short review for me. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and now I'm kind of pissed that there's a fourth one out there in the universe. Now just got to wait patiently.
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
February 10, 2015
...
...
...
NOT WHAT I EXPECTED.
It was a great read, but for some reason I just felt there were too many damn pages to describe one short event. And, seriously? Again? Another book about the heroine being kidnapped all over again??? I don't know, it just felt wrong and repetitive. I had truly higher expectations for this series. I used to enjoy reading about the main characters so much, but I never felt like the relationship evolved or changed in any significant way. The story was too similar to the previous one. I just wished we had a better insight into the relationship.
Mostly the "bad guy" didn't work for me. He had no true motive or any reason at all to justify his actions or act the way he did. He was this big ass who did whatever he wanted when he felt like it, just because... The story didn't have enough content. I could go on reading this series without having read this book at all, and I would not be missing anything at all.
While I still love reading anything about Vlad and Leila (as I adore them both), this book just didn't work for me. I hope next is better.
...
...
NOT WHAT I EXPECTED.
It was a great read, but for some reason I just felt there were too many damn pages to describe one short event. And, seriously? Again? Another book about the heroine being kidnapped all over again??? I don't know, it just felt wrong and repetitive. I had truly higher expectations for this series. I used to enjoy reading about the main characters so much, but I never felt like the relationship evolved or changed in any significant way. The story was too similar to the previous one. I just wished we had a better insight into the relationship.
Mostly the "bad guy" didn't work for me. He had no true motive or any reason at all to justify his actions or act the way he did. He was this big ass who did whatever he wanted when he felt like it, just because... The story didn't have enough content. I could go on reading this series without having read this book at all, and I would not be missing anything at all.
While I still love reading anything about Vlad and Leila (as I adore them both), this book just didn't work for me. I hope next is better.
Want to read
February 7, 2015I NEED...
I...
Come to me Vlad, I'm waiting for you!!!
March 23, 2019
Play with fire, pay the price.
“You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”
This is an another awesome instalment with no stop action. Leila will be taken by Vlad's worst enemy.
Can much can she endure? The torturing? The skinning alive? The dismembering? The lack of blood? The rape?
Vlad will get the audiotapes and once more he will see his best friend betraying him. Everything will be burned down without hesitation. He will almost kill all his people. Nobody is as important as Leila. Nobody! She has managed to be his greatest weakness.
Vlad will beg and make deals in order to find her. He will use any possible ally.
Leila will try to get some blood and get some of her powers back with any way possible.
When Leila is saved, they will both feel guilty. Leila will feel guilty because she feels that she betrayed him, while Vlad will feel guilty because he made her a target.
But true love is always present. And maybe Vlad and Leila need to be married again to prove it.
“Love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade.”
Vlad has always been an old-fashioned guy who needs to protect the females. Leila will prove to him that she can be also a weapon, not just a weakness.
“You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”
This is an another awesome instalment with no stop action. Leila will be taken by Vlad's worst enemy.
Can much can she endure? The torturing? The skinning alive? The dismembering? The lack of blood? The rape?
Vlad will get the audiotapes and once more he will see his best friend betraying him. Everything will be burned down without hesitation. He will almost kill all his people. Nobody is as important as Leila. Nobody! She has managed to be his greatest weakness.
Vlad will beg and make deals in order to find her. He will use any possible ally.
Leila will try to get some blood and get some of her powers back with any way possible.
When Leila is saved, they will both feel guilty. Leila will feel guilty because she feels that she betrayed him, while Vlad will feel guilty because he made her a target.
But true love is always present. And maybe Vlad and Leila need to be married again to prove it.
“Love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade.”
Vlad has always been an old-fashioned guy who needs to protect the females. Leila will prove to him that she can be also a weapon, not just a weakness.
January 27, 2015
Spoilers
I really wanted to like this instalment after being disappointed with the first two books in the Night Prince series. I tried really hard not to get irritated by the awful heroine but that failed spectacularly, which was a shame since I actually like the Night Huntress world and have enjoyed past heroines/heroes. I just couldn't with the ridiculous Leila though, she was such a bland insufferable cow.
-There wasn't much of a story, there were no decent twists or turns or good action scenes or funny moments. It was a simple plot consisting of Vlad and his enemy (Szilagyi) trying to kill each another. It wasn't thrilling or edge of the seat stuff, it was so obvious how things would play out.
It didn't help that Szilagyi was a cookie cutter villain with generic dialogue/actions and petty reasons behind his war with Vlad. Even when he captured Leila and skinned her alive, there was never a moment where it felt like he was intimidating or a genuine threat, he was just so flat and cartoonish.
-Leila and Vlad had very little chemistry, their relationship was so forced and nonsensical. I honestly didn't even get why Vlad could have feelings for Leila, how could he have fallen in love with someone so vanilla and generic? On top of that most of the time his 'love' for Leila didn't come across as passionate or even believable, it was plain unconvincing. I did on the other hand believe Vlad's love for Clara (his dead wife), despite Clara only ever being mentioned a few times their love actually came across as genuine and epic, unlike the tepid 'love' Vlad had for Leila.
-It didn't help that Vlad treated Leila more like an errant child than a partner/wife. His attitude towards her wasn't sweet or protective it was cringey, and it only ended up making Leila look like a silly, pouty child that didn't fit into Vlad's world. Ugh, it was embarrassing to read their exchanges sometimes.
-I absolutely LOATHED Leila's irritating inner voice, did she think she was in Fifty Shades of Grey or something? Her bitchy, insecure, whiny inner voice was one of the worse aspects of her character.
Also, all her lame one liners and cheesy threats against far older and powerful vampires didn't make her seem strong or snarky it just made her seem like a grade A thicko.
-Was Leila worrying about Vlad and giving him advice to be strong when she was just about to be tortured and raped supposed to be admirable or brave? If anything it made Leila even more of an insufferable corny Mary Sue.
-I rolled my eyes at Leila's ridiculous guilt for kissing Maximus when she was out of her mind, what she did was a natural response after getting blood when she'd been starved, but the silly cow did nothing but berate and hate herself for it. She even felt guilty for wanting it to happen again despite only wanting it so she could be strong and healthy for an escape/fight. Her guilt and shame was dumb and over the top considering the dire circumstances she was in. Ugh, her thoughts and feelings about something that was necessary and couldn't be helped were beyond irritating, she was such a twit. Oh, and then there was her guilt at trying to kill Vlad when she'd been spelled to do so and didn't have any memory or control over it whatsoever. Her martyrish-I'm-always-guilty-over-things-I-have-no-control-over personality was infuriating to read and the absolute opposite of likeable.
-Vlad used to be endearing, interesting and entertaining in Cat's books but in his own/Leila's he was mostly blah. There was nothing swoony, funny or memorable about him. Even Maximus and Samir came across as more interesting than him. Maybe, I'm just over the cookie cutter alphas with dark pasts and snowflakey powers.
-Leila couldn't stop mentioning that whenever Vlad smiled or spoke in a friendly manner it meant he was at his most dangerous, why did she feel the need to keep banging on about that boring, already established and obvious fact? She also kept going on about his powerful aura, his locked out emotions, his secret pain and his tortured past. I already knew about all those the first 50 times she mentioned them all, I didn't need to be hit over the head with his unoriginal and uninspired personality again and again. I'm pretty sure all the repeated mentions of all things Vlad were done to try and make him seem nuanced, enigmatic and interesting but Leila's thoughts were so superficial, repetitive, and banal that it ended up achieving the exact opposite.
-What a prick Leila's dad was, she should have told him to piss off after the way he'd treated her for her years. It was obvious he didn't love her all that much, he was the one that was at fault but he blamed her for everything and made her beg and do all the work in their relationship. I wish Leila had gotten a backbone and just told him to piss off instead of acting all sad and pathetic about him.
-Loved Gretchen, she was great. I would have much preferred her to be the heroine than boring Leila.
-Loved the brief appearances of Cat/Bones/Mencheres.
-What was the point of Mircea and the necromancy spell on him/Leila? It felt like he was only added to be another villain-of-the-week so that the series could be needlessly extended to four books instead of three. Ugh.
Overall, not a fun read.. Mainly because of the immature-uninteresting-snowflake heroine who thoroughly ruined the story/the hero/the romance. I hope Ian and the other male secondary characters in the Night Huntress world never get their own story, they'll only end up being ruined as well by ending up with some variation of a boring-insufferable-Mary-Sue-vanilla-twit. Ugh, no thanks.
I really wanted to like this instalment after being disappointed with the first two books in the Night Prince series. I tried really hard not to get irritated by the awful heroine but that failed spectacularly, which was a shame since I actually like the Night Huntress world and have enjoyed past heroines/heroes. I just couldn't with the ridiculous Leila though, she was such a bland insufferable cow.
-There wasn't much of a story, there were no decent twists or turns or good action scenes or funny moments. It was a simple plot consisting of Vlad and his enemy (Szilagyi) trying to kill each another. It wasn't thrilling or edge of the seat stuff, it was so obvious how things would play out.
It didn't help that Szilagyi was a cookie cutter villain with generic dialogue/actions and petty reasons behind his war with Vlad. Even when he captured Leila and skinned her alive, there was never a moment where it felt like he was intimidating or a genuine threat, he was just so flat and cartoonish.
-Leila and Vlad had very little chemistry, their relationship was so forced and nonsensical. I honestly didn't even get why Vlad could have feelings for Leila, how could he have fallen in love with someone so vanilla and generic? On top of that most of the time his 'love' for Leila didn't come across as passionate or even believable, it was plain unconvincing. I did on the other hand believe Vlad's love for Clara (his dead wife), despite Clara only ever being mentioned a few times their love actually came across as genuine and epic, unlike the tepid 'love' Vlad had for Leila.
-It didn't help that Vlad treated Leila more like an errant child than a partner/wife. His attitude towards her wasn't sweet or protective it was cringey, and it only ended up making Leila look like a silly, pouty child that didn't fit into Vlad's world. Ugh, it was embarrassing to read their exchanges sometimes.
-I absolutely LOATHED Leila's irritating inner voice, did she think she was in Fifty Shades of Grey or something? Her bitchy, insecure, whiny inner voice was one of the worse aspects of her character.
Also, all her lame one liners and cheesy threats against far older and powerful vampires didn't make her seem strong or snarky it just made her seem like a grade A thicko.
-Was Leila worrying about Vlad and giving him advice to be strong when she was just about to be tortured and raped supposed to be admirable or brave? If anything it made Leila even more of an insufferable corny Mary Sue.
-I rolled my eyes at Leila's ridiculous guilt for kissing Maximus when she was out of her mind, what she did was a natural response after getting blood when she'd been starved, but the silly cow did nothing but berate and hate herself for it. She even felt guilty for wanting it to happen again despite only wanting it so she could be strong and healthy for an escape/fight. Her guilt and shame was dumb and over the top considering the dire circumstances she was in. Ugh, her thoughts and feelings about something that was necessary and couldn't be helped were beyond irritating, she was such a twit. Oh, and then there was her guilt at trying to kill Vlad when she'd been spelled to do so and didn't have any memory or control over it whatsoever. Her martyrish-I'm-always-guilty-over-things-I-have-no-control-over personality was infuriating to read and the absolute opposite of likeable.
-Vlad used to be endearing, interesting and entertaining in Cat's books but in his own/Leila's he was mostly blah. There was nothing swoony, funny or memorable about him. Even Maximus and Samir came across as more interesting than him. Maybe, I'm just over the cookie cutter alphas with dark pasts and snowflakey powers.
-Leila couldn't stop mentioning that whenever Vlad smiled or spoke in a friendly manner it meant he was at his most dangerous, why did she feel the need to keep banging on about that boring, already established and obvious fact? She also kept going on about his powerful aura, his locked out emotions, his secret pain and his tortured past. I already knew about all those the first 50 times she mentioned them all, I didn't need to be hit over the head with his unoriginal and uninspired personality again and again. I'm pretty sure all the repeated mentions of all things Vlad were done to try and make him seem nuanced, enigmatic and interesting but Leila's thoughts were so superficial, repetitive, and banal that it ended up achieving the exact opposite.
-What a prick Leila's dad was, she should have told him to piss off after the way he'd treated her for her years. It was obvious he didn't love her all that much, he was the one that was at fault but he blamed her for everything and made her beg and do all the work in their relationship. I wish Leila had gotten a backbone and just told him to piss off instead of acting all sad and pathetic about him.
-Loved Gretchen, she was great. I would have much preferred her to be the heroine than boring Leila.
-Loved the brief appearances of Cat/Bones/Mencheres.
-What was the point of Mircea and the necromancy spell on him/Leila? It felt like he was only added to be another villain-of-the-week so that the series could be needlessly extended to four books instead of three. Ugh.
Overall, not a fun read.. Mainly because of the immature-uninteresting-snowflake heroine who thoroughly ruined the story/the hero/the romance. I hope Ian and the other male secondary characters in the Night Huntress world never get their own story, they'll only end up being ruined as well by ending up with some variation of a boring-insufferable-Mary-Sue-vanilla-twit. Ugh, no thanks.
May 4, 2020
5/28/16
Need a Vlad fix.....time for a reread.
5 Fantastic Burning Stars!!!!
WOW!! I looooooved this book!!! Vlad and Leila are back and determined to find Szilagyi no matter what it takes! Well….except Vlad would rather have Leila safely locked away, while he deals with this deadly adversary. However; Leila is very strong willed and is not easily persuaded. She's determined to help her husband with his enemy and It’s not long before Leila lands into evil Szilagyi's hands. His treatment of her was so horrific, I'm still reeling from it!!
Vlad is just as brutal as always especially when it comes to protecting his people and even more brutal when Leila’s in danger! Vlad is ruthless in his over protectiveness towards Leila. Where Leila is concerned, there is no one and nothing that will be safe from his savage vengeance (I’m having good shivers right now thinking about it!) I love it when he’s ruthless to his enemies!!!!
Leila really has come into her own; her electrical power is stronger than ever, she has become a strong heroine although, she still second guesses herself a bit too much. She is young in human years and new to her vampire life (love when Marty calls her “Baby Vamp”). She still can't believe Vlad actually loves her as the storyline progresses, so does Leila's inner strength and she overcomes most of her misgivings when it comes Vlad.
We get more of Leila’s sister Gretchen who tends to make everyone around her crazy, especially the vampires. I absolutely looooove her character, I’m anxious to see if she hooks up with a Vampire….and maybe becomes one herself?. Her father is still distant and it’s really, really pissing Vlad off!! We’ll just have to see if he gets through to him.
WARNING:
Cat and Bones make a cameo when Vlad needs a little help from his allies, and if you've not read Up From the Grave , (which I know a couple of friends here who are stubbornly holding out, not wanting the NH series to end) you will absolutely want to read Up From the Grave BEFORE reading Bound by Flames , if not you'll get a major spoiler!!! Cat and Bones are not the only characters that show up, we’re also are treated to more Mencheres and Marie aka Ghoul Queen of New Orleans.
*Once again the extremely talented Tavia Gilbert narrated this audio book!! She is FANTASTIC !!!!
*Originally read January 2015
Need a Vlad fix.....time for a reread.
5 Fantastic Burning Stars!!!!
WOW!! I looooooved this book!!! Vlad and Leila are back and determined to find Szilagyi no matter what it takes! Well….except Vlad would rather have Leila safely locked away, while he deals with this deadly adversary. However; Leila is very strong willed and is not easily persuaded. She's determined to help her husband with his enemy and It’s not long before Leila lands into evil Szilagyi's hands. His treatment of her was so horrific, I'm still reeling from it!!
Vlad is just as brutal as always especially when it comes to protecting his people and even more brutal when Leila’s in danger! Vlad is ruthless in his over protectiveness towards Leila. Where Leila is concerned, there is no one and nothing that will be safe from his savage vengeance (I’m having good shivers right now thinking about it!) I love it when he’s ruthless to his enemies!!!!
"You aren't just my weakness, Leila...you are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me."
Leila really has come into her own; her electrical power is stronger than ever, she has become a strong heroine although, she still second guesses herself a bit too much. She is young in human years and new to her vampire life (love when Marty calls her “Baby Vamp”). She still can't believe Vlad actually loves her as the storyline progresses, so does Leila's inner strength and she overcomes most of her misgivings when it comes Vlad.
"Vlad loved the same way that he lived--untamable, dangerous, and full throttle."
We get more of Leila’s sister Gretchen who tends to make everyone around her crazy, especially the vampires. I absolutely looooove her character, I’m anxious to see if she hooks up with a Vampire….and maybe becomes one herself?. Her father is still distant and it’s really, really pissing Vlad off!! We’ll just have to see if he gets through to him.
“You're unnerved by me, so you wish I'd leave the two of you alone to talk?" Vlad snorted. "Your personal discomfort means nothing to me, Hugh ... wait, that's not true. I enjoy it.”
WARNING:
Cat and Bones make a cameo when Vlad needs a little help from his allies, and if you've not read Up From the Grave , (which I know a couple of friends here who are stubbornly holding out, not wanting the NH series to end) you will absolutely want to read Up From the Grave BEFORE reading Bound by Flames , if not you'll get a major spoiler!!! Cat and Bones are not the only characters that show up, we’re also are treated to more Mencheres and Marie aka Ghoul Queen of New Orleans.
*Once again the extremely talented Tavia Gilbert narrated this audio book!! She is FANTASTIC !!!!
*Originally read January 2015
April 5, 2019
Re-read with the girls at BB&B. Still a 2.5 star read for me for the reasons listed below.
Original review Aug 2015:
I really wish that Vlad and Leila’s series only took up one book instead of the three. I loved Vlad in the original Night Huntress series but his own stories seemed to have lacked something. He doesn’t play off Leila as well as some of the other characters in the series and that made this side series my least favorite.
Part of the problem is that I don’t really like Leila very much. She is so unsure of herself and insecure in a lot of ways. It makes her a little difficult to relate to. In this installment something horrific happens to her and she completely frets over how Vlad might respond to it that she over angst something that ends up being a complete fizzle.
This installment of the series probably has the most compelling story line of the three with appearances by Mencharies, Cat, Bones and Marie Laveau as well as former Vlad bff Maximus but there were a few brutal things that happened that were actually a bit too much for me. I’m not a big fan of using rape or threat of rape to build tension and there were chapters where this was the case making my enjoyment of the story a little less. While I appreciate how that whole thing resolved itself Leila’s entire abduction made me a little queasy.
If you’ve already read the other two books in Vlad’s series then you might as well finish it out. If you haven’t started Vlad’s spin off yet then it is just okay I’d probably just do a reread of the Night Huntress series instead.
Best Book moment was at the end with Vlad’s true confession to Leila about the Dracula myths. I laughed for a good bit over that. The worst book moment involved duct tape and a video camera.
Original review Aug 2015:
I really wish that Vlad and Leila’s series only took up one book instead of the three. I loved Vlad in the original Night Huntress series but his own stories seemed to have lacked something. He doesn’t play off Leila as well as some of the other characters in the series and that made this side series my least favorite.
Part of the problem is that I don’t really like Leila very much. She is so unsure of herself and insecure in a lot of ways. It makes her a little difficult to relate to. In this installment something horrific happens to her and she completely frets over how Vlad might respond to it that she over angst something that ends up being a complete fizzle.
This installment of the series probably has the most compelling story line of the three with appearances by Mencharies, Cat, Bones and Marie Laveau as well as former Vlad bff Maximus but there were a few brutal things that happened that were actually a bit too much for me. I’m not a big fan of using rape or threat of rape to build tension and there were chapters where this was the case making my enjoyment of the story a little less. While I appreciate how that whole thing resolved itself Leila’s entire abduction made me a little queasy.
If you’ve already read the other two books in Vlad’s series then you might as well finish it out. If you haven’t started Vlad’s spin off yet then it is just okay I’d probably just do a reread of the Night Huntress series instead.
Best Book moment was at the end with Vlad’s true confession to Leila about the Dracula myths. I laughed for a good bit over that. The worst book moment involved duct tape and a video camera.
November 22, 2015
5 'I haven't been this excited about a series in ages' stars!!!
Bound by Flames, the 3rd book in the Night Prince series is, in my opinion, the best of the 3 so far. It's loaded with twists and turns and things I didn't see coming, things that had me on the edge of my seat, frantic to find out how Vlad and Leila would get out of their current mess - and who was going to die a painful death for putting them in that mess. Vlad takes vengeance to a whole new level, all the while being amazingly loving and compassionate in an endearing 'don't make me set your ass on fire' way. :D
Once again Tavia Gilbert blew me away with her narration. That woman has talent! The way she seamlessly switches between characters, staying true to their heavy accents and personalities is nothing short of brilliant!
Sexy, passionate, romantic, brutally violent, funny... this story has it all and I'm not sure how I'll manage to stay sane while waiting for book 4!
Thanks for the buddy read, Bean!
August 16, 2015
3.75 it's Vlad what can I say STARS
*sigh*
I had high hopes. Really high hopes...and yeah some of them were met, but it wasn't as perfect as I thought it would be. I had a blast reading never the less. So, let's get this party started!
Actually we are literally starting with a party. Vlad has invited a few hundred guests for a little masquerade ball and Leila is on touching and unearthing secrets duty. Szilagyi is still at large and nothing would make Vlad - that being Vlad Tepesh...or Dracula, but don't say it to his face or you will regret it...unless you are Bones - so, nothing would make him happier than seeing his arch enemy impaled on his front lawn.
For those of you new to the party...here is a the backstory in a nutshell...
Anyway...Szilagyi is Vlad's biggest enemy and he must be stopped at any cost. That's also the agenda for this book in a nutshell.
Unfortunately said big bad is always ten steps ahead and causes not only immense loss and destruction he has also the power to strike the night prince where it hurts the most...Leila, his wife.
Vlad is THE MAN! He is brutal and bloody and he would do just about anything to safe Leila, even sacrificing his whole line. I just love how Jeaniene Frost took the original character and made him so much more. Unfortunately I still have the problem that I like him even more when he appears in the Huntress Series. Nothing beats Vlad getting on Bones' nerves and playing BFF with Cat. Hands down. Don't need a love story when I get that particular interaction.
Leila is a kick-ass heroin who has to deal with a lot of shit this time around, but she takes it like a boss. That woman is strong and just right for dear old Dracula. ;P
I really enjoyed their relationship a lot more this time around. They felt a lot more like equals and Leila got a break from his overbearing assholishness. In fact both characters seem to be much more on the communicating side in the third instalment. Well, after him trying to make decisions for her leads to more drama than when they listen to each other. And it is much appreciated, tbh.
I'm not here for Leila being abducted...AGAIN! I'm just done with that story line. I'm sure that are other ways to cause trouble in Vlad's life. Why do they always go for his women. It's boring and the things she has to endure are over the top. Seriously!
The hunt for the big bad was interesting and the conclusion has an interesting twist I didn't see coming. But then again it was more of a tool to keep the story going. Did you know that there will be another book? I really thought it would only be a trilogy. Oh well, I guess there was more money to be made.
The thing with Jeaniene Frost books for me is that I just love them. I love the world I love how she brings back the characters from the whole Nighthuntress Universe. The interactions are always golden and make my heart get all nostalgic. I think Halfway to the Grave was one of the very first PNR books I ever read. So, no matter what, I will pick up her books.
Here is to hoping that #4 in the Night Prince series will be fabulous. ;D Now that those two crazy kids actually work with each other. I predict a bright and possibly bloody future ahead and Vlad and Leila sure deserve some happy times.
“You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”
*sigh*
I had high hopes. Really high hopes...and yeah some of them were met, but it wasn't as perfect as I thought it would be. I had a blast reading never the less. So, let's get this party started!
Actually we are literally starting with a party. Vlad has invited a few hundred guests for a little masquerade ball and Leila is on touching and unearthing secrets duty. Szilagyi is still at large and nothing would make Vlad - that being Vlad Tepesh...or Dracula, but don't say it to his face or you will regret it...unless you are Bones - so, nothing would make him happier than seeing his arch enemy impaled on his front lawn.
For those of you new to the party...here is a the backstory in a nutshell...
Anyway...Szilagyi is Vlad's biggest enemy and he must be stopped at any cost. That's also the agenda for this book in a nutshell.
Unfortunately said big bad is always ten steps ahead and causes not only immense loss and destruction he has also the power to strike the night prince where it hurts the most...Leila, his wife.
“Vlad loved the same way that he lived--untamable, dangerous, and full throttle.”
Vlad is THE MAN! He is brutal and bloody and he would do just about anything to safe Leila, even sacrificing his whole line. I just love how Jeaniene Frost took the original character and made him so much more. Unfortunately I still have the problem that I like him even more when he appears in the Huntress Series. Nothing beats Vlad getting on Bones' nerves and playing BFF with Cat. Hands down. Don't need a love story when I get that particular interaction.
“Our pasts might shape us, but they weren’t the end sum of us”
Leila is a kick-ass heroin who has to deal with a lot of shit this time around, but she takes it like a boss. That woman is strong and just right for dear old Dracula. ;P
I really enjoyed their relationship a lot more this time around. They felt a lot more like equals and Leila got a break from his overbearing assholishness. In fact both characters seem to be much more on the communicating side in the third instalment. Well, after him trying to make decisions for her leads to more drama than when they listen to each other. And it is much appreciated, tbh.
I'm not here for Leila being abducted...AGAIN! I'm just done with that story line. I'm sure that are other ways to cause trouble in Vlad's life. Why do they always go for his women. It's boring and the things she has to endure are over the top. Seriously!
“You’re mine,” he breathed against my neck when his lips left mine to travel lower. “Forever. Say it.” “I’m yours,” I swore, the words ragged from passion. “Forever. Now, take me and prove it.”
The hunt for the big bad was interesting and the conclusion has an interesting twist I didn't see coming. But then again it was more of a tool to keep the story going. Did you know that there will be another book? I really thought it would only be a trilogy. Oh well, I guess there was more money to be made.
The thing with Jeaniene Frost books for me is that I just love them. I love the world I love how she brings back the characters from the whole Nighthuntress Universe. The interactions are always golden and make my heart get all nostalgic. I think Halfway to the Grave was one of the very first PNR books I ever read. So, no matter what, I will pick up her books.
Here is to hoping that #4 in the Night Prince series will be fabulous. ;D Now that those two crazy kids actually work with each other. I predict a bright and possibly bloody future ahead and Vlad and Leila sure deserve some happy times.
January 15, 2022
Reread #4 January 13th 2022 - I don't know what's going on but I'm really liking my fourth reread of this series. Don't ask me why I'm making it a point to read this series this many times because I wouldn't know how to answer that question. *shrugs* Happy reading everyone! ♡
____________________
Reread #3 September 2021: I still agree that my initial review was overly harsh. I don't know if I've mentioned this but the year of 2015 and the following years were very rough for me due to a multitude of reasons I will not get into. It was clear, looking back now, that I was projecting what I was going through on this novel/story. In some ways, I regret how I went about that review. But alas, it was how I felt at that moment even though it doesn't reflect what I feel today about this series after rereading it for the THIRD (wow!) time ♡ Still a 4 star read!
____________________
Update After Rereading July 2020: It seems like I was very harsh on this series during my first read-through. I had a lasting impression that Vlad was a domineering overpowering a**, but after thinking it through and with the revelations throughout these books so far he's actually not that bad. I must have been projecting my problems on Vlad at the time because I've done a complete 180 on where I stand on these books. Also, my anger with Leila's family this time around is nonexistent. They're there and they serve a very small purpose for Leila's character development and the plot but that's about it. I don't really like or dislike them at this point.
My Updated Rating: 4 Stars
____________________
Originally posted at:
My Rating: 3 Stars
Painfully neutral are the words I'd use to describe my feelings for this book. How unfortunate because I was looking forward to this releasing. I can say one thing: I LOVE that cover.
Leila is as kick a** as ever. She's actually one of the things I liked about this book. She finds a way to survive torture (for the second time) and defeat the enemy, all the while keeping her boyfriend happy.
Speaking of Dracula....oh I'm sorry Vlad Dracul. He's gotten too domineering and over baring. Leila had to suffer another (third) round of torture because he was trying to protect her in a mansion everyone knew was his and that she was staying there. There was absolutely NO CHANCE, not even 0.1% that the enemy would attack, right? RIGHT?
Also what does Leila's family do for the plot/storyline? My guess: add drama. Other then a few smart remarks from Gretchen there was barely any character development whatsoever. Which was disappointing because I wanted to see if her father would finally understand what happened as a necessity and accept it as a fact of life.
Final thoughts: I will probably end up buying the next book (last?) because of the awesome cover I already envision it having, but I'm not sure I care enough about the characters at this point to actually summon up some reaction to the mild cliffhanger.
My Favorite Quotes:
"Playing dead worked when confronted with an angry grizzly, but Vlad was more like a dragon. You either fought back or you got your ass burned off while you ran away."
"The nine pounds Gretchen had gained must've come from her new brass balls."
"Because love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade."
____________________
Reread #3 September 2021: I still agree that my initial review was overly harsh. I don't know if I've mentioned this but the year of 2015 and the following years were very rough for me due to a multitude of reasons I will not get into. It was clear, looking back now, that I was projecting what I was going through on this novel/story. In some ways, I regret how I went about that review. But alas, it was how I felt at that moment even though it doesn't reflect what I feel today about this series after rereading it for the THIRD (wow!) time ♡ Still a 4 star read!
____________________
Update After Rereading July 2020: It seems like I was very harsh on this series during my first read-through. I had a lasting impression that Vlad was a domineering overpowering a**, but after thinking it through and with the revelations throughout these books so far he's actually not that bad. I must have been projecting my problems on Vlad at the time because I've done a complete 180 on where I stand on these books. Also, my anger with Leila's family this time around is nonexistent. They're there and they serve a very small purpose for Leila's character development and the plot but that's about it. I don't really like or dislike them at this point.
My Updated Rating: 4 Stars
____________________
Originally posted at:
My Rating: 3 Stars
Painfully neutral are the words I'd use to describe my feelings for this book. How unfortunate because I was looking forward to this releasing. I can say one thing: I LOVE that cover.
Leila is as kick a** as ever. She's actually one of the things I liked about this book. She finds a way to survive torture (for the second time) and defeat the enemy, all the while keeping her boyfriend happy.
Speaking of Dracula....oh I'm sorry Vlad Dracul. He's gotten too domineering and over baring. Leila had to suffer another (third) round of torture because he was trying to protect her in a mansion everyone knew was his and that she was staying there. There was absolutely NO CHANCE, not even 0.1% that the enemy would attack, right? RIGHT?
Also what does Leila's family do for the plot/storyline? My guess: add drama. Other then a few smart remarks from Gretchen there was barely any character development whatsoever. Which was disappointing because I wanted to see if her father would finally understand what happened as a necessity and accept it as a fact of life.
Final thoughts: I will probably end up buying the next book (last?) because of the awesome cover I already envision it having, but I'm not sure I care enough about the characters at this point to actually summon up some reaction to the mild cliffhanger.
My Favorite Quotes:
"Playing dead worked when confronted with an angry grizzly, but Vlad was more like a dragon. You either fought back or you got your ass burned off while you ran away."
"The nine pounds Gretchen had gained must've come from her new brass balls."
"Because love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade."
March 13, 2017
3,5 stars
Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost is the 3rd book in the Night Prince Series, and continues the story of Vlad Dracul and Leila.
This was pretty dark. Leila is kidnapped, tortured, skinned alive, almost raped by the most evil and sinister and menacing vampire ever...Szilavyi, who is Vlad's enemy and who blows up Vlad's home!!! Most of the story is devoted to the horrible things that happens to Leila and Vlad. There wasn't much romance or sex here!!!
The ending felt a bit rushed and of course there's the cliff-hanger we left with, which we now have to wait for the next book to come out.
My favourite quotes:
“You’re mine,” he breathed against my neck when his lips left mine to travel lower. “Forever. Say it.” “I’m yours,” I swore, the words ragged from passion. “Forever. Now, take me and prove it.”
“Because love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade.”
“I’d blush if I wasn’t undead,”
Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost is the 3rd book in the Night Prince Series, and continues the story of Vlad Dracul and Leila.
This was pretty dark. Leila is kidnapped, tortured, skinned alive, almost raped by the most evil and sinister and menacing vampire ever...Szilavyi, who is Vlad's enemy and who blows up Vlad's home!!! Most of the story is devoted to the horrible things that happens to Leila and Vlad. There wasn't much romance or sex here!!!
The ending felt a bit rushed and of course there's the cliff-hanger we left with, which we now have to wait for the next book to come out.
My favourite quotes:
“You’re mine,” he breathed against my neck when his lips left mine to travel lower. “Forever. Say it.” “I’m yours,” I swore, the words ragged from passion. “Forever. Now, take me and prove it.”
“Because love cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, cripples more than shattered bones, and leaves scars that can never fade.”
“I’d blush if I wasn’t undead,”
October 12, 2018
I'm going to fangirl all over this review. I can just feel it in my bones. This is such an amazing series, and probably the best spin-off series I've ever read. I loved the Night Huntress series too, but I was a little let down on how Up From the Grave ended Cat and Bone's story, but the Night Prince series has never disappointed me. I would recommend these amazing books with all my heart.
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January 23, 2023
While the other books in this series had lili tension and couple fights, this book... shit went down, hella dark, and it broke my godddamn heart
Look at that, I'm such a poet
Leila is a sweet caring proper young lady who is "never" reckless and really thinks about the consequences of all her actions
“Let me go, I need to do this,” I tried to say, but the words came out unintelligible. Unable to talk, I glared at him. Couldn’t he see that I had to cut my head off? Right now?”
Haha just kidding! Okay so yes while Leila’s character isn’t as bloodthirsty as Cat, Lelia has her own style and share of cussing out vampires and kicking asses
“He turned around to glare at me. “Want it in English? Fine. You’re the bastard daughter of a diseased whore.”
I snorted. “Have to give it to you older vamps. Your insults are much more colorful than my generation’s variations on ‘fuck you, you fucking fuck.”
I loved Leila and Vlad’s dynamic: it was hilarious, swooning, and the ever cliche made for each other
“Vlad flashed a tolerant look at Mencheres. “Pay this no mind. She always argues with me when I propose to her.”
He is the only authentic Vlad. All other vampires are just poor imitations.
Vlad is one of the most complex characters i have ever read. He is damaged but dangerous, complex but lives by simple rules... and he is so goddamn sexy. I loved Vlad’s character scare appearances in the first series so it was pretty awesome getting to learn more about him.
“Vlad opened his eyes, torment reflecting in his coppery green depths. “I am responsible for the Dracula hype.”
I stared at him, certain that I must have briefly gone insane and misheard him. “What”
But where this series could've worked to develop this world more, instead it chose to focus on trivial plot actions. Seriously Night Prince is practically defined by its action-packed with flares of humor wrapped around the stupidity of the bad guys
“I couldn’t help it—I laughed with demented amusement. After all the backfiring I’d experienced with my abilities, the necromancer’s spell biting him in the ass in such a stupendous way was the most hilarious thing I’d heard all month.”
Where the first series didn't have that sense of vulnerability and connection, the author tried to make up for it ... via traumatizing events. Which sometimes works and sometimes just pisses you off.
So I gotta be honest in saying that this book went down a darker road with torture and godddamn it the separation and the pain and feels and hurt and shit blowing up. I almost cried like three times, so please know this is not for the light of heart or fun violence of the first book. All of these characters and actions are way more traumatized and just.. dark. okay it was some dark personal heavy shit that I was not expecting and caught me off guard.
Look at that, I'm such a poet
Leila is a sweet caring proper young lady who is "never" reckless and really thinks about the consequences of all her actions
“Let me go, I need to do this,” I tried to say, but the words came out unintelligible. Unable to talk, I glared at him. Couldn’t he see that I had to cut my head off? Right now?”
Haha just kidding! Okay so yes while Leila’s character isn’t as bloodthirsty as Cat, Lelia has her own style and share of cussing out vampires and kicking asses
“He turned around to glare at me. “Want it in English? Fine. You’re the bastard daughter of a diseased whore.”
I snorted. “Have to give it to you older vamps. Your insults are much more colorful than my generation’s variations on ‘fuck you, you fucking fuck.”
I loved Leila and Vlad’s dynamic: it was hilarious, swooning, and the ever cliche made for each other
“Vlad flashed a tolerant look at Mencheres. “Pay this no mind. She always argues with me when I propose to her.”
He is the only authentic Vlad. All other vampires are just poor imitations.
Vlad is one of the most complex characters i have ever read. He is damaged but dangerous, complex but lives by simple rules... and he is so goddamn sexy. I loved Vlad’s character scare appearances in the first series so it was pretty awesome getting to learn more about him.
“Vlad opened his eyes, torment reflecting in his coppery green depths. “I am responsible for the Dracula hype.”
I stared at him, certain that I must have briefly gone insane and misheard him. “What”
But where this series could've worked to develop this world more, instead it chose to focus on trivial plot actions. Seriously Night Prince is practically defined by its action-packed with flares of humor wrapped around the stupidity of the bad guys
“I couldn’t help it—I laughed with demented amusement. After all the backfiring I’d experienced with my abilities, the necromancer’s spell biting him in the ass in such a stupendous way was the most hilarious thing I’d heard all month.”
Where the first series didn't have that sense of vulnerability and connection, the author tried to make up for it ... via traumatizing events. Which sometimes works and sometimes just pisses you off.
So I gotta be honest in saying that this book went down a darker road with torture and godddamn it the separation and the pain and feels and hurt and shit blowing up. I almost cried like three times, so please know this is not for the light of heart or fun violence of the first book. All of these characters and actions are way more traumatized and just.. dark. okay it was some dark personal heavy shit that I was not expecting and caught me off guard.
February 10, 2015
Vlad's still the bad@ss, Leila's still asserting herself...and dealing with her "new" self and they're still after the bad guy. Only this time, the "bad guy" is ahead of them.
One of my issues is that Vlad's "book" has definitely become its own series. I had to keep reminding myself of that and not feel like it was being dragged out!
The one good thing is that there is a lot of progression with Vlad. Granted he is always domineering and doesn't always listen but I felt there were a lot of breakthroughs with him and Leila. I was really happy to see that because it's been one of the things that really bothered me in the past books.
Leila is getting better too. She is trying to listen more and learn from Vlad. I hate what happened to her but thank goodness for Maximus.
I just love the intensity between these two. I think by getting in there and working out the kinks, they have come together on a much deeper level.
Dealing with Szilagyi was frustrating especially when the spells started coming out. It seemed like it was never going to end! The twist at the end was unexpected.
And the parts with Maximus and Vlad...that was a killer. I loved seeing those sides of both of them. I definitely would like more!
Anybody else feeling a Gretchen and Samir pairing? LOL!
I did like how things ended but I'm really hoping the next book is it and things get wrapped up. I'm still waiting for an Ian book! *fingers crossed*
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Compromise Lesson One: Pull a dick move, and your dick gets denied. Every woman knew that, and now, so did the vampire sitting next to me."
♥ "You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”
♥ "Vlad loved the same way that he lived--untamable, dangerous, and full throttle."
♥ "You’re the bastard daughter of a diseased whore.”
I snorted. “Have to give it to you older vamps. Your insults are much more colorful than my generation’s variations on ‘f*ck you, you f*cking f*ck.’”
♥ “I didn’t do this for a place back in your line.” Each word was a rasp. “I did it for you.”
One of my issues is that Vlad's "book" has definitely become its own series. I had to keep reminding myself of that and not feel like it was being dragged out!
The one good thing is that there is a lot of progression with Vlad. Granted he is always domineering and doesn't always listen but I felt there were a lot of breakthroughs with him and Leila. I was really happy to see that because it's been one of the things that really bothered me in the past books.
Leila is getting better too. She is trying to listen more and learn from Vlad. I hate what happened to her but thank goodness for Maximus.
I just love the intensity between these two. I think by getting in there and working out the kinks, they have come together on a much deeper level.
Dealing with Szilagyi was frustrating especially when the spells started coming out. It seemed like it was never going to end! The twist at the end was unexpected.
And the parts with Maximus and Vlad...that was a killer. I loved seeing those sides of both of them. I definitely would like more!
Anybody else feeling a Gretchen and Samir pairing? LOL!
I did like how things ended but I'm really hoping the next book is it and things get wrapped up. I'm still waiting for an Ian book! *fingers crossed*
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Compromise Lesson One: Pull a dick move, and your dick gets denied. Every woman knew that, and now, so did the vampire sitting next to me."
♥ "You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”
♥ "Vlad loved the same way that he lived--untamable, dangerous, and full throttle."
♥ "You’re the bastard daughter of a diseased whore.”
I snorted. “Have to give it to you older vamps. Your insults are much more colorful than my generation’s variations on ‘f*ck you, you f*cking f*ck.’”
♥ “I didn’t do this for a place back in your line.” Each word was a rasp. “I did it for you.”
Want to read
January 10, 2016I love this series sooo much! I could re-read it again and again and fall in love every time!
Want this book now!
Read
November 22, 2014This book is taking forever to come out. And how the hell do I not remember Leila being turned into a vampire? Must have gotten lost in the disaster that was Twice Tempted!
I hope this one is better!
PS. The cover...Ew!
This is a post from 18/11/2014 from J. Frost.
Hmm... I don't know how I feel about this. The last two really can't be worse than the second. Can they? JF is a great author. I'm sure she'll find a way to save Vlad's story. Right?
I hope this one is better!
PS. The cover...Ew!
About halfway through writing Bound By Flames, I realized that I still had a lot of story left to tell, so I called my editor and said, “How would you feel about Vlad and Leila’s series ending at book four instead of book three, if I can’t fit everything into this?” Her response: “If you have more story to tell, tell it.” Well, as it turned out, I did have more, so now that the third book is finished, I can officially tell all of you that Bound By Flames will NOT be the end of the Night Prince series. There will be a fourth novel to wrap up Vlad and Leila’s story. I hope that most of you will be happy to have one more book than originally anticipated, and once I have a title and release date for Night Prince book four, I’ll let you know.
This is a post from 18/11/2014 from J. Frost.
Hmm... I don't know how I feel about this. The last two really can't be worse than the second. Can they? JF is a great author. I'm sure she'll find a way to save Vlad's story. Right?
April 29, 2022
WTF?!?!! ONLY 3 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES?!?!!! I am so sad :(
May 8, 2023
This is the third book in the gripping night prince series and I absolutely devoured every word. Though a reread ready for the final book in this series I still enjoyed and appreciated this just as much the second time around. I think out of this series this is my favourite so far this one is just so gut-wrenchingly raw and I could feel every emotion amplified tenfold as I immersed myself fully in what has become one of my favourite vampire series ever.
With Bound By Flames prepare to have your heart ripped out as the shocking events play out in full technicolour. I was weeping right alongside Leila at her brutally cruel treatment at Vlad's enemies hands Her strength and resilience were severely tested with the trials she is forced to endure and what could have ripped them apart only solidified there bond, cementing their ties fully and I could feel the love and emotion here just projecting off the page at me.
The Darkness and brutality here also have some much need lightness injected here in the form of a splash of humour usually delivered with Vlad's deadpan delivery. This was needed to cut through some of the heavy happenings and was like a breath of fresh air. This one didn't end on a cliffhanger but it is obvious there is still more to come.
There is still one more book to go in this series and I am really looking forward to it but I will also be sad to end this journey we have traversed alongside Leila and Vlad. I am also definitely going to check out the Night Huntress series from this author next so will definitely be adding it to my huge TBR pile.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 30, 2015
4.5 STARS
This is such a fantastic series! Filled with action, mystery and loads of romance, you seriously can't go wrong. I love Vlad, I love his over drawn and explosive intensity. I don't even think intense is a word that does this man justice, but I can't think of another word that fits him so well. I knew he loved Leila, but here he proved it numerous times to the point where the depth of his feelings for her verged on wholly dangerous. But that made me love him even more!
And Leila is one of my favorite ever heroines. She's confident yet questions herself all the time. I love that she never tries to be someone else or act any differently because she's now a vampire. She's kind and loving, brave and vulnerable, dangerous yet protective. This time around she had to prove to Vlad that she's better off fighting adversaries with him rather than hiding out. There were some very traumatic scenes with her here solely because of Vlad's overprotectiveness that put her in danger. Yet she persevered and came out stronger. I loved seeing Vlad see the error of his ways and finally give in to helping Leila HELP him.
We got a cameo of Kat and Bones and a spoiler along with them...which surprised me, but no biggie cause I'll finish their series soon anyways. There is still one book left in this particular series and with the way this one ends, I know what the sole purpose of that book will be. But regardless, Leila and Vlad are in a beautiful place, a place they had to fight for but it makes it all the more sweeter! Can't wait for the final book!
This is such a fantastic series! Filled with action, mystery and loads of romance, you seriously can't go wrong. I love Vlad, I love his over drawn and explosive intensity. I don't even think intense is a word that does this man justice, but I can't think of another word that fits him so well. I knew he loved Leila, but here he proved it numerous times to the point where the depth of his feelings for her verged on wholly dangerous. But that made me love him even more!
And Leila is one of my favorite ever heroines. She's confident yet questions herself all the time. I love that she never tries to be someone else or act any differently because she's now a vampire. She's kind and loving, brave and vulnerable, dangerous yet protective. This time around she had to prove to Vlad that she's better off fighting adversaries with him rather than hiding out. There were some very traumatic scenes with her here solely because of Vlad's overprotectiveness that put her in danger. Yet she persevered and came out stronger. I loved seeing Vlad see the error of his ways and finally give in to helping Leila HELP him.
We got a cameo of Kat and Bones and a spoiler along with them...which surprised me, but no biggie cause I'll finish their series soon anyways. There is still one book left in this particular series and with the way this one ends, I know what the sole purpose of that book will be. But regardless, Leila and Vlad are in a beautiful place, a place they had to fight for but it makes it all the more sweeter! Can't wait for the final book!
February 25, 2017
*I gave this audiobook an A+ for the narration and an A for the story at AudioGals*
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Bound by Flames is a new personal top Fantasy/Paranormal Romance favorite! Jeaniene Frost and Tavia Gilbert are truly one of the best writer/narrator combinations in this romance sub-genre. Having had the pleasure of listening to Book 2 and 3 back-to-back, I became fully immersed in Vlad’s and Leila’s world again, and I could not put down my earbuds! If you have not yet had the pleasure of listening to the Night Prince spin-off series (or the Night Huntress series), I can’t recommend them highly enough. Creative, witty, romantic, passionate, suspenseful, and funny, this series has a little bit of everything, and when you bundle it all up together with a flawless narration by the amazingly talented Tavia Gilbert, it’s a must listen in my book!
See the full review at AudioGals.
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Bound by Flames is a new personal top Fantasy/Paranormal Romance favorite! Jeaniene Frost and Tavia Gilbert are truly one of the best writer/narrator combinations in this romance sub-genre. Having had the pleasure of listening to Book 2 and 3 back-to-back, I became fully immersed in Vlad’s and Leila’s world again, and I could not put down my earbuds! If you have not yet had the pleasure of listening to the Night Prince spin-off series (or the Night Huntress series), I can’t recommend them highly enough. Creative, witty, romantic, passionate, suspenseful, and funny, this series has a little bit of everything, and when you bundle it all up together with a flawless narration by the amazingly talented Tavia Gilbert, it’s a must listen in my book!
See the full review at AudioGals.
January 19, 2024
Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost
Night Prince series #3. Vampire paranormal romance, horror.
Leila and Vlad’s love and passion has led to marriage and Leila being a vampire. Neither are innocents and both have a past with enemies. Vlad will do whatever he thinks will keep Leila save including locking her in at home. The both learn that a determined enemy will find a way to destroy them.
Leila has been through a lot on the carnie circuit and thought she was prepared for anything. Being held as a hostage to be tortured to do nothing more than torment Vlad, is a test of her inner will. One of the lesser problems is her being starved. I won’t detail more as it’s gruesome and horrific. Fortunately there is someone there that can help to a small extent so that Vlad can find and rescue her from the hands of evil.
Way too dark for me. I love the intense writing and world building of this author. This book had me rushing through the bad to get to the happy ending. Whew!
🎧 I listened to a lot of this on audiobook which was riveting! But it’s the same narrator, Tavia Gilbert, so I reverted to thinking I was listening to Cat being tortured rather than Leila. I tried adjusting the speed to change my impression which helped a bit
Night Prince series #3. Vampire paranormal romance, horror.
Leila and Vlad’s love and passion has led to marriage and Leila being a vampire. Neither are innocents and both have a past with enemies. Vlad will do whatever he thinks will keep Leila save including locking her in at home. The both learn that a determined enemy will find a way to destroy them.
Leila has been through a lot on the carnie circuit and thought she was prepared for anything. Being held as a hostage to be tortured to do nothing more than torment Vlad, is a test of her inner will. One of the lesser problems is her being starved. I won’t detail more as it’s gruesome and horrific. Fortunately there is someone there that can help to a small extent so that Vlad can find and rescue her from the hands of evil.
Way too dark for me. I love the intense writing and world building of this author. This book had me rushing through the bad to get to the happy ending. Whew!
🎧 I listened to a lot of this on audiobook which was riveting! But it’s the same narrator, Tavia Gilbert, so I reverted to thinking I was listening to Cat being tortured rather than Leila. I tried adjusting the speed to change my impression which helped a bit
February 6, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
Jeaniene Frost is renowned the world over for her oh-my-god-is-it-hot-in-here scenes, but she can also rock the dark like nobody’s business, and readers were reminded of that fact with a vengeance in BOUND BY FLAMES. Graphic torture anyone? I’m talking flaying, limb amputation, silver poisoning, starvation, and pseudo rape. This installment was originally intended to be the finale of the NIGHT PRINCE series; however after listening to book 3, I can understand why the author decided to axe that plan. A new super villain has risen, Vlad & Leila didn’t get their HEA, and there’s still plenty of story left to tell!
I’ve had a jumbo crush on Tepesh ever since his character debuted as a secondary in Frost’s NIGHT HUNTRESS novels, and it’s steadily grown into an all out obsession with this spin-off series. He could easily be king of the bad guys if it weren’t for Mrs. Dracula which makes him the ultimate antihero. We got to see a more vulnerable side to Vlad in this installment while as Leila was all steel and resolve. The balance of power in their relationship has been markedly one-sided until now, so I loved the role reversal, and as expected, the author didn’t hold back on the ravishing either. *winks*
Maximus drove me nutso in the best kind of way, and I was happy that Leila’s father finally saw reason after his prolonged silent treatment of his daughter. Marty was as primo as always, and my hankering for a Cat & Bones cameo was quenched, although it’s worth pointing out that their part was somewhat spoiler-y if you haven’t read UP FROM THE GRAVE yet. Mencheres also popped in to say hi which made my character driven self very jubilant. You’ll notice that I’m glossing over the plot, and that’s because it puts to bed the main story arc, so I’m not willing to risk accidentally spilling the beans, but it’s DA BOMB!
This was my first time listening to a NIGHT PRINCE audiobook, however I was already acquainted with Tavia Gilbert as a narrator, so I had zero quibbles about her performance going in. Her renditions of both of the protagonists were on par with those that I had inside my head prior to her voice taking them over. I’m a sucker for accents, and her English (Bones), Romanian (Vlad), and New Orleans (Marie) vernacular left me tickled pink. I’m still trying to determine whether it was the narration or the writing that has me dubbing this as my favourite installment, either way, I loved it!
BOUND BY FLAMES will make you break out into a Snoopy happy dance!
Jeaniene Frost is renowned the world over for her oh-my-god-is-it-hot-in-here scenes, but she can also rock the dark like nobody’s business, and readers were reminded of that fact with a vengeance in BOUND BY FLAMES. Graphic torture anyone? I’m talking flaying, limb amputation, silver poisoning, starvation, and pseudo rape. This installment was originally intended to be the finale of the NIGHT PRINCE series; however after listening to book 3, I can understand why the author decided to axe that plan. A new super villain has risen, Vlad & Leila didn’t get their HEA, and there’s still plenty of story left to tell!
I’ve had a jumbo crush on Tepesh ever since his character debuted as a secondary in Frost’s NIGHT HUNTRESS novels, and it’s steadily grown into an all out obsession with this spin-off series. He could easily be king of the bad guys if it weren’t for Mrs. Dracula which makes him the ultimate antihero. We got to see a more vulnerable side to Vlad in this installment while as Leila was all steel and resolve. The balance of power in their relationship has been markedly one-sided until now, so I loved the role reversal, and as expected, the author didn’t hold back on the ravishing either. *winks*
Maximus drove me nutso in the best kind of way, and I was happy that Leila’s father finally saw reason after his prolonged silent treatment of his daughter. Marty was as primo as always, and my hankering for a Cat & Bones cameo was quenched, although it’s worth pointing out that their part was somewhat spoiler-y if you haven’t read UP FROM THE GRAVE yet. Mencheres also popped in to say hi which made my character driven self very jubilant. You’ll notice that I’m glossing over the plot, and that’s because it puts to bed the main story arc, so I’m not willing to risk accidentally spilling the beans, but it’s DA BOMB!
This was my first time listening to a NIGHT PRINCE audiobook, however I was already acquainted with Tavia Gilbert as a narrator, so I had zero quibbles about her performance going in. Her renditions of both of the protagonists were on par with those that I had inside my head prior to her voice taking them over. I’m a sucker for accents, and her English (Bones), Romanian (Vlad), and New Orleans (Marie) vernacular left me tickled pink. I’m still trying to determine whether it was the narration or the writing that has me dubbing this as my favourite installment, either way, I loved it!
BOUND BY FLAMES will make you break out into a Snoopy happy dance!
September 19, 2020
I’m not quite sure where to start. But let me tell you one thing…. Jeaniene Frost still got it! BOUND BY FLAMES blew me away, kept me riveted and kept my adrenaline pumping. This book lives up to every expectation I didn’t even know I had. Yeah, it’s that good. Vlad is back with a vengeance! This is the Vlad I fell in love with in the Night Huntress series. Ruthless, possessive, exasperating, pure dominant alpha male. Did I mention Vlad tended toward the brutal side of archaic? I think there will be a lot of Vlad gushing in this review, so excuse me from now.
I don’t want to give too much away from the story. Just know that Vlad is still fighting his number one enemy. And this is a big sneaky one! As far as bad guys go, Ms. Frost gives Vlad a run for his money with this guy. Definitely a worthy opponent and one that really kept me on my toes and kept shocking me! Making this such an action packed story.
Leila, let’s talk about her. She’s more and more like Cat for me. She’s growing, she’s learning, she’s tough, and she will fight tooth and nail for her love and her relationship. She will endure anything she must. And she will survive. Go girl power in this book, Leila rocks it! And just as Leila rocks it, Vlad is so intense and overbearing that it’s everything I’ve always known him to be! Oh, but if he was real I would stab him in his sleep. But this is top book boyfriend material, not just for now, but forever. Vlad has secured a permanent spot in my list of favorite heroes ever.
utc-top-pickThis book is not as hot as some might have expected after such infamous scenes that Ms. Frost has written. But every sex scene is so strategically placed and carries just the perfect emotion needed during that moment in the story! What a great job with that! And when I say not as hot, I don’t mean it’s dull. Vlad knows how to rock a girls world and he definitely does that and then some. Have I mentioned how much I need to change my name to Leila? Leila Dracula that is.
For the Night Huntress series fans out there, Cat is in this one! Beware that there is a huge spoiler if you haven’t read the last book in the Night Huntress series! But Cat gets the job done here as well. And some of our favorites from that series make a cameo in this one too, like Marie Laveau.
BOUND BY FLAMES is a pulse-pounding, electric and combustible ride! This series just gets better! This book is SAVAGE, that is probably the best way to describe it. I loved every single minute of it. If you’re not reading this now, you’re missing out. If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re missing out. I can’t wait for more!
Favorite quote:
“Months ago, you made me ask you if you would marry me. This time, I’m not asking. I’m telling you to say yes, so say it, and be mine for eternity.”
“Yes. Yesterday, today, forever… yes.”
*ARC provided by publisher
January 26, 2015
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Just like the previous books in the Night Prince series, BOUND BY FLAMES is a 5 star read because Vlad never fails to rock my world!!
Vlad is just as savage as always when it comes to protecting the people he cares for and never more so than when Leila is in danger! While Vlad is awesome all on his own I've got to give Leila a huge shout out! She really came into her power and grew as a strong heroine in BOUND BY FLAMES.
Leila is still young in human years and just a baby to her new vampire life. She's quit and shy in some aspects and still second guesses herself and her worth to Vlad. She can't believe a man like Vlad has fallen in love with her. But as BOUND BY FLAMES processes, so does Leila's inner strength and she over comes some of her misgivings when it comes to herself worth.
Oh those pesky human relatives. LOL Leila's sister Gretchen drives everyone around her crazy, especially the vampires. I can't wait to see if she hooks up with one or becomes one. It would be like watching Cat's mom all over again. Perhaps she will be turned and later meet Ian...
Speaking of Cat... we get a short glimpse at Cat and Bones when Vlad reaches out for help. If you've not read UP FROM THE GRAVE, the last Night Huntress book you will want to read it BEFORE reading BOUND BY FLAMES or you'll get a spoiler when reading about Cat and Bones' cameo.
Cat and Bones are not the only Night Huntress World characters that show up. We also get to see Mencheres and a famous Ghoul Queen.
OMG the epilogue!! That was 5 stars all by itself. LOL I can't wait for Vlad and Leila's return in 2016!Frost fans will love BOUND BY FLAMES! If you have to met Vlad and Leila yet you should start with book 1, ONCE BURNED.
Favorite Quote / Moment:
Sexual Content: Sex with mild details
Just like the previous books in the Night Prince series, BOUND BY FLAMES is a 5 star read because Vlad never fails to rock my world!!
Vlad is just as savage as always when it comes to protecting the people he cares for and never more so than when Leila is in danger! While Vlad is awesome all on his own I've got to give Leila a huge shout out! She really came into her power and grew as a strong heroine in BOUND BY FLAMES.
Leila is still young in human years and just a baby to her new vampire life. She's quit and shy in some aspects and still second guesses herself and her worth to Vlad. She can't believe a man like Vlad has fallen in love with her. But as BOUND BY FLAMES processes, so does Leila's inner strength and she over comes some of her misgivings when it comes to herself worth.
Oh those pesky human relatives. LOL Leila's sister Gretchen drives everyone around her crazy, especially the vampires. I can't wait to see if she hooks up with one or becomes one. It would be like watching Cat's mom all over again. Perhaps she will be turned and later meet Ian...
Speaking of Cat... we get a short glimpse at Cat and Bones when Vlad reaches out for help. If you've not read UP FROM THE GRAVE, the last Night Huntress book you will want to read it BEFORE reading BOUND BY FLAMES or you'll get a spoiler when reading about Cat and Bones' cameo.
Cat and Bones are not the only Night Huntress World characters that show up. We also get to see Mencheres and a famous Ghoul Queen.
OMG the epilogue!! That was 5 stars all by itself. LOL I can't wait for Vlad and Leila's return in 2016!Frost fans will love BOUND BY FLAMES! If you have to met Vlad and Leila yet you should start with book 1, ONCE BURNED.
Favorite Quote / Moment:
“You aren’t just my weakness, Leila …You are my destruction."
The last ghouls I'd met had tried to eat me, and not in the romantic way.
"Oh I prefer Leila Dracula," I said, grinning as I felt Vlad's foot trod down on mine.
Sexual Content: Sex with mild details
July 23, 2016
Leila and Vlad, recently married, are still grappling with control issues...she wanting to maintain a level of independence and he, well, was Vlad. Unfortunately, his instincts were dead on because it didn't take long for his worst enemy to wreak havoc in their lives.
This was almost non stop action, barely giving me time to catch my breath and settle my nerves before the next onslaught of attacks. Leila couldn't have been tested more and ultimately Vlad. In a weird way, it forced Vlad to be more expressive towards Leila and I was pleased to understand the depths of his feelings toward her. Szilagyi is a formidable adversary and there were no limits to his brutality and cruelty. There were moments when I was reluctant to keep reading.
I'm a HUGE Mencheres fan and he has spectacular appearances, along with Cat, Maximus and a few others you'll recognize. I didn't look at reviews prior to reading this book so I hadn't set any expectations. There was no predictability to be found here other than me feeling a bit overloaded near the end. And, yes, there was a pretty big surprise, setting up the final book in the series quite well. I enjoyed the story, even if it took a lot out of me emotionally.
This was almost non stop action, barely giving me time to catch my breath and settle my nerves before the next onslaught of attacks. Leila couldn't have been tested more and ultimately Vlad. In a weird way, it forced Vlad to be more expressive towards Leila and I was pleased to understand the depths of his feelings toward her. Szilagyi is a formidable adversary and there were no limits to his brutality and cruelty. There were moments when I was reluctant to keep reading.
I'm a HUGE Mencheres fan and he has spectacular appearances, along with Cat, Maximus and a few others you'll recognize. I didn't look at reviews prior to reading this book so I hadn't set any expectations. There was no predictability to be found here other than me feeling a bit overloaded near the end. And, yes, there was a pretty big surprise, setting up the final book in the series quite well. I enjoyed the story, even if it took a lot out of me emotionally.
January 29, 2015
I love Alpha men as much as the next girl, truly I do. There’s just something about a man so utterly in control that hits all the right spots for me. And let’s admit it, among fictional Alpha guys, Vlad Tepes is the ultimate thrill. I mean, think about it – Vlad the Impaler… please note that I am trying so hard to ignore the pun potential and applaud my maturity… that Vlad, Dracul, a romantic hero! What’s not to like?
Apparently, quite a lot.
Frost’s formula worked for me at the beginning. I expected to enjoy having Vlad as a hero and enjoy it I did; until I started reading Bound by Flames, the third book in her ever-growing series. Here it became clear that even I have my limits because by chapter two, the whole my-way-or-the-highway business started getting on my last nerve. Oh, Frost tried to redeem Dracul later on, and she even succeeded to a certain degree, but the bitter taste of his early actions never really left my mouth.
For her part, Leila behaved quite admirably throughout. She refrained from rash decisions, she thought things through and she ended up winning every battle. But she rarely got there through conversation alone, and that told me all I needed to know about the couple.
Frost pushed her boundaries in this book, possibly even a bit too far for some reason. I wasn’t bothered by the action or the torture, only by the relationship dynamic. With only one book left, I’ll definitely be finishing Leila and Vlad’s story. I just hope the two will find some balance or I will be very disappointed.
Apparently, quite a lot.
Frost’s formula worked for me at the beginning. I expected to enjoy having Vlad as a hero and enjoy it I did; until I started reading Bound by Flames, the third book in her ever-growing series. Here it became clear that even I have my limits because by chapter two, the whole my-way-or-the-highway business started getting on my last nerve. Oh, Frost tried to redeem Dracul later on, and she even succeeded to a certain degree, but the bitter taste of his early actions never really left my mouth.
For her part, Leila behaved quite admirably throughout. She refrained from rash decisions, she thought things through and she ended up winning every battle. But she rarely got there through conversation alone, and that told me all I needed to know about the couple.
Frost pushed her boundaries in this book, possibly even a bit too far for some reason. I wasn’t bothered by the action or the torture, only by the relationship dynamic. With only one book left, I’ll definitely be finishing Leila and Vlad’s story. I just hope the two will find some balance or I will be very disappointed.
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