Review: Bound by Blood by Amanda Ashley

Bound by Blood by Amanda Ashley
Kensington Publishing/ZEBRA (Sept. 27, 2011)
Mass Market: $6.99; ebook: $5.99
ISBN: 978-1-4201-2132-4

Favorite Lines: “She had never been drunk, never been high on anything, but his kiss made her feel invincible, like she was soaring through rainbow-colored clouds.” (p. 23, ARC)

A Vampire’s Love Is Eternal

Zack Ravenscroft loves women–all women–and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Nevada, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her–except that he craves her…

Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human–and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven’s master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she’s ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move. . .watches their every kiss. . .and waits to destroy their undying love. . .

Amanda Ashley has written over 20 vampire romance novels; some I’ve loved, others I could have done without. Regardless, I always come back and read her next book. Her newest book, Bound by Blood. was enjoyable for the most part. It’s Ashley’s  newest release features a vampire heiress who lucks out when she finds a rich, handsome vampire to date.

Bound by Blood is a book which tackles vampire romance in a similar manner to human romance. From meeting for the first time to getting to know future in-laws, Bound by Blood shows the uncertainty of a new relationship from the eyes of vampires. So what if some of the characters drink blood and are capable of ripping a heart right out of rival’s chest. It’s a sweet type of love featuring a young girl (just turned 21) and a vampire (over 600-years-old).

Kaitlyn is a likeable heroine who happens to be rich. She is also the daughter of Elena and Drake, characters’ whose love story was told in the book Bound by Night which was released Aug. 30, 2011. Some events from Bound by Night  are mentioned in Bound by Blood, but those events don’t detract or distract from the story. I had no problem reading this book as a stand alone.

Lately it seems like most of the vampire books I’ve read are filled with erotic moments. That is not the case with Bound by Blood. The couple wait almost the entire length of the book before having sex. Did they want each other? Hell, yeah! But other issues came first. You know, issues like surviving the bad guys who were out for their blood.

What did I like best about the book? I enjoyed the use of Kaitlyn’s over protective father as a plot device. I loved the father-daughter bond and the way Kaitlyn had her father wrapped around her finger. Seeing what I always wanted in a dad played out on the pages was emotionally satisfying.

Love it or Hate it: Neither. It was a book which took me away from reality for a little book. I didn’t roll my eyes or throw the book, so it was successful. However, I don’t see myself picking the book up again.