Sidhe Reviews Bound By Night
Bound By Night by Amanda Ashley
- Paperback:320 pages
- Publisher:Zebra – Kensington (Aug 30 2011)
- Language:English
- ISBN-10:1420104454
- ISBN-13: 978-1420104455
- Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book Description:
“A Vampire’s Kiss Is Forever. . .
Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling Wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts, witches, and worse. But Elena doesn’t believe a word of it – until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of a compelling stranger. . .
Tall, dark, and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries, he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair – and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is – and what he craves – it’s too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake’s spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them. . .”
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Elena and Drake’s story. Amanda Ashley writes a vampire romance that is reminiscent of the old school vampire romances and it’s great to be able to remember what made me fall in love with the genre to begin with! Elena is a little bit naive for a twenty year old in today’s day and age, but she was sweet, and Drake is a 500-year-old vampire with old world charm. I loved a lot of the elements that the author brought into play with the abilities of the vampires and in the world-building of the vampires coven. And does Amanda have to write so many sexy vampires? Seriously, I want one of those brothers for myself! *Grins*
The details of them living in Wolfram Castle were fun for me to read as I’ve always been fascinated by Castle’s and what it must have been like to live in one. An interesting mix of the old with the new and a grand love story made for a good read. A truly heinous uncle, some big scary vamps and a collection of interesting secondary characters rounded out the story. I’m looking forward to reading Kaitlyn & Zachary’s story in Bound By Blood which will be out in October.
Find out more about Amanda Ashley and her books at her Website.
Buy Bound By Night at:
Everlasting Desire – Spotlight & Review
Everlasting Desire by Amanda Ashley
Book Description:
“DESIRE BURNS FOREVER
The clientele at Shore’s clothing store includes some of L.A.’s sexiest bachelors. But none of them affect Megan DeLacey as deeply as the dark-eyed stranger who strides into her boutique one evening – and keeps returning, night after night. Megan is drawn to Rhys Costain even as she fears him. Because his reason for being there is clear -he wants Megan, with an intensity that’s both tempting and terrifying…
For almost five centuries, Rhys has lived alone, using women as it pleased him and never wanting more. As Master of the West Coast vampires, it’s his duty to eliminate the ancient vampire who’s draining humans on his turf, putting all of their kind at risk. But Megan’s lush beauty and vibrant warmth is blinding him to a danger that will soon engulf them both – and tear him from the only woman who can satisfy his darkest hunger.”
My Thoughts:
I’ve been a fan of Amanda Ashley for well… forever! I liked the plot, pacing and the world-building, but it pains me to say that I wasn’t a fan of the main female character in this story. (Sorry Amanda :() I loved Rhys and everyone else, but I just couldn’t lose myself in the telling of Rhys & Megan’s tale because I didn’t like Megan’s personality. I wanted to give her a good shake. (Please remember that this is just my opinion & my likes and dislikes in a main female protag. You may very well find her charming & fun). For me, she was a bit too old-fashioned or prissy and she vacillated a bit too much in her decision-making for my liking.
On to the story itself… Rhys Costain is definitely one sexy as all get out vampire and his alpha personality definitely works for him! When one of the oldest vamps in existence comes into his territory, leaving a lot of dead bodies in his wake, Rhys has to find a way to protect those he cares about and find a way to defeat Tomas Villagrande, the ancient who means to take over his domain. Tomas is truly cold and cruel. He has a disregard for humanity as well as for others of his kind who get in his way. He’s a consummate villain and Rhys has definitely met his match.
Sadly, I was more interested in the action parts of this book than in the romance because I couldn’t make myself care about Megan and what happened to her. But, lucky for me, there’s plenty of action, danger and romance to whet my appetites and did I mention that Rhys is sexy? 😉
Buy Everlasting Desire at:
Find out more about Amanda Ashley & her books at her website!
Amanda Ashley – Winner
The number chosen at random.org was #45, so Tracey D, congrats!! You’ve won your choice of one of Amanda Ashley’s books. Please email me at sidhevicious(at)shaw(dot)ca with your snail mail info and which book you’d like.
I would like to thank everyone who entered as well as a huge thanks to Amanda! 🙂 If I haven’t heard back from the winner in 7 days, a new winner will be drawn from the eligible comments.
Amanda Ashley – Interview & Giveaway
Sidhe Vicious welcomes Paranormal Romance author Amanda Ashley! We’re looking forward to getting to know you and all about your latest novel Everlasting Kiss. I personally am really excited because I consider you to be one of the true pioneers of the Paranormal Romance genre! 🙂
Sidhe – Your Paranormal Romance novel, Everlasting Kiss will be released on January 26th, 2010 by Kensington. Can you tell us about it and a bit about the main characters Daisy & Eric?
Amanda – Well, Erik is a 325 year old vampire. Daisy is just your average young woman who belongs to a family of vampire hunters and blood thieves. Vampire blood is quite the rage among humans these days and that’s how Daisy makes her living, stealing blood from vampires while they’re at rest. Of course, it’s inevitable that Daisy and Erik meet, neither knowing what the other is or does.
Sidhe – What about vampires inspired you to write about them?
Amanda – They’re just such fascinating creatures. I mean, except for the blood part, who wouldn’t want to be a vampire? They never get sick, they’re really strong, and they never grow older. Sounds good to me!
Sidhe – Me too! Will we be seeing more vampires in your books in the future? Are you working on anything new?
Amanda – Oh, yes! I’m just winding up my current work-in-progress. And the sequel to Everlasting Kiss, Everlasting Desire, will be out in October. I loved the bad boy, Rhys, in Everlasting Kiss so much; I decided he needed a story of his own.
Sidhe – I agree! Rhys definitely deserves his own book. How did you get your start in writing? What, if anything, lit the “spark” to get you started and keep you motivated?
Amanda – I started writing because I was bored. My husband worked nights and after my kids went to bed, there was nothing to do but watch TV. I’d been reading a lot of historical romances at the time and one night I sat down and started writing Comanche Flame. I’ve been writing ever since.
Sidhe – What was the path to publication on your first PR novel like? Highlights? Pitfalls?
Amanda – It was a much smoother path than the historical one. It took me six years and 31 rejections to find a publisher for my first historical. The opportunity to write my first PR was offered to me by my agent, who asked if I’d be interested in writing a paranormal short story for Topaz. I wrote about a vampire, of course, and liked it so much, I’ve been writing them ever since.
Sidhe – Who or what was your inspiration for the characters of Daisy & Eric, if any?
Amanda – Hmmm. None that I can think of. The idea just came to me. Most of my books begin with a single line that comes to me out of nowhere. I follow the line and hope it turns into a book. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t.
Sidhe – Do you find it harder or easier to write PR novels now that the genre has exploded, than it was to write them back in the beginning?
Amanda – For me, it hasn’t changed. Of course, there’s a lot more competition now. It seems everyone is writing about the Undead!
Sidhe – For which I am eternally grateful, though my pocketbook isn’t. Do you have any funny writing quirks or habits that you do when you’re in the “zone” writing?
Amanda – LOL. None that I can think of. I usually have my TV on. Not sure why, except I like noise in the background for some reason. When I’m in the “zone” I can write anywhere. Years ago, I bowled on a league with my best friend. If I was struck with inspiration, I wrote between frames.
Sidhe – Have you ever met a vampire, werewolf, demon, fae?
Amanda – Well, when writing, I am all of the above. Sometimes I think my husband is a demon, but I think most women feel that way from time to time <G>
Sidhe – What supernatural power or creature would you most like to have or be?
Amanda – I’d love to have a fairy godmother who would make me young and thin and make chocolate good for me!
Sidhe – Me too! There is NOTHING that chocolate doesn’t make better. Who is your favourite paranormal or urban fantasy fictional character and why? (Not counting your own of courseJ)
Amanda – Harry Dresden (The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher). Harry is a fascinating character with a wry sense of humour and his world is filled with all kinds of paranormal creatures and monsters as well as angels.
Sidhe – Who’s your favourite author? TV show? Movie?
Amanda – Gosh, it’s hard to pick one author. Kay Hooper is right up there at the top.
TV show? That’s easy. The Vampire Diaries. I love Damon! Movie? Right now, it’s New Moon.
Sidhe – If you could choose one fictional character to bring into real life, who would you choose?
Amanda – Jacob Black! Be still my heart, that boy is gorgeous.
Sidhe – Tell me about it! I should probably be in jail for some of the thoughts that have crossed my mind while looking at that young man, lol. But I’m still team Edward. How have the books you’ve read influenced the books you write?
Amanda – I think Interview With a Vampire probably influenced me the most. I wasn’t writing Vampires when I read it, but I loved Lestat. He was so at home in his own skin.
Sidhe – What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever gotten inspiration from?
Amanda – Hmm, I can’t think of anything strange, but it was my oldest son who prompted me to write my first time travel book.
Sidhe – What do you do when you’re having writer’s block to “shake” it off?
Amanda – I go to the movies or shopping or take a walk. If my Muse takes a hike, there’s no point in sitting in front of the computer waiting for her to come back. Better to take a break and go have some fun.
Sidhe – What can a new reader expect from your books?
Amanda – Hopefully a good story with interesting characters that will leave them wanting more.
Sidhe – You seem to prefer writing about Vampires, (Whom we all love *G*). Do you do a lot of research or do you prefer to take what you already know and use your imagination for the rest?
Amanda – Both. I have a lot of books about vampires in my personal library and, of course, there are tons of vamp sites on the Web.
Sidhe – Are any of your characters particularly fun or easy for you to write? Any that are more difficult?
Amanda – I loved writing about Rhys in Everlasting Desire. He’s one of my favourite characters. Writing about Ronan in Dead Sexy was fun, because he was a romance writer and some of things that happened to him, happened to me.
At the moment, I’m having trouble deciding how to knock off the bad buy in my work-in-progress. I know what I want to do. I just can’t figure out how to get there. It’s very frustrating.
Sidhe – Do you have any tips for aspiring speculative fiction writers?
Amanda – Just to write what they love to read and not to be discouraged by rejection. Remember, when an editor rejects your work, it’s just one person’s opinion, so don’t give up. Enter contests. It’s a good way to get feedback on your work.
Sidhe – Is there anything else you’d like to share with us at Sidhe Vicious Reviews and with your readers?
Amanda – I’d like to thank all those who take the time to write and tell me how much they enjoy my books. Most of the reviews I get on Amazon are negative. Some are downright nasty, so much so that for a while there, I thought I’d just stop writing, so positive email is very rewarding.
And thank you, Sidhe, for your wonderful reviews and for having me here.
Sidhe Vicious Reviews would like to thank you for taking the time to come by and give us this great inside look into your world and your writing! It’s been a true pleasure. 🙂 And might I add that I, for one, am truly grateful that you didn’t give up on the writing! I love that there are so many different authors and styles of writing or it would get old quick.
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Giveaway Details:
Amanda Ashley is graciously offering up a signed copy of Everlasting Kiss OR one of Amanda’s backlist of previously published books to one randomly picked commenter. Giveaway is open to those in the USA & Canada.
What type of vampire is your favourite? Do you like them rash, wild and dangerous like Lestat? Quiet, tortured and contemplative like Louis? Sparkly, gorgeous and fangless like Edward? Or exciting, sinfully sexy and unpredictable like Eric Northman? What is it about vampires that revs your motor? 😀
Amanda may also be popping by for the next day or two to reply to comments, so if you have any burning questions for her, feel free to ask away.
For one entry: Please leave a comment with the answer to the question. (+1 entry)
For extra entries:
– Subscribe to my blog, Sidhe Vicious Reviews, through the links at the top right hand side of the blog, and let me know in your comment. Be sure you verify your subscription through the email you’ll receive or it won’t count. (+1 entry)
– If you’re already subscribed, you’ll receive an extra entry, but be sure to let me know in the comments. (+2 entries)
– Post a link to this contest on your Twitter, FaceBook, MySpace, GoodReads, LibraryThing, or on your blog and send me the link either in the comments or by email and you’ll get an extra entry for each place you add a link to. (+? entries, insert however many links you’ve done)
Contest is open to USA & Canada only and will run through January 31st until 11:59pm. The winners will be posted here on Feb 1st. Please leave your email addy in your comment for me to contact you if you’ve won. If I haven’t heard back from the winner in 7 days, a new winner will be drawn from the eligible comments. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator. Good Luck everyone! 🙂
Everlasting Kiss – Spotlight & Review
Everlasting Kiss by Amanda Ashley
Book Description:
“Daisy O’Donnell doesn’t get the attraction some women feel for vampires. She likes her men with a pulse. And she’s just met one who’s full of life: Erik Delacourt, the unreasonably sexy man she keeps meeting at a popular L.A. nightclub called the Crypt. She barely knows him, but there’s no resisting the connection she feels…
There’s one important detail Erik hasn’t gotten around to telling her yet. He’s a powerful vampire out to hunt the Blood Thief who is draining young vampires all over the city-and who has just raised the stakes by destroying one of Erik’s friends. To Erik, Daisy is a bright spot of innocence in a world of darkness and menace. He’ll do anything – even lie to her – to keep her safe and pure.”
My Thoughts:
Amanda Ashley delivers yet again a fun and steamy paranormal romance. Daisy and her family are all either vampire hunters or blood thieves, so they are not fans of vampires other than the financial benefits of either offing them or stealing their blood. Along comes Erik, who sweeps Daisy off her feet, and makes her question everything she thinks she knows about vampires!
The characters are likeable, the story is fun and filled with twists and turns, the bad guys are dangerous and powerful, and Daisy’s family is just awesome. Erik Delacourt is definitely seductive and strong, which makes for an irresistable alpha. Amanda Ashley has written about vampires and romance for many years, but her books are stand alones, so it’s easy to pick up any one of them to read. So what are you waiting for? Go forth and read! 🙂
Buy (Pre-order) Everlasting Kiss at:
Find out more about Amanda Ashley and her books at http://www.amandaashley.com/
Immortal Sins – Spotlight & Review
Immortal Sins by Amanda Ashley
(from back cover)
“Three centuries ago, vampire Jason Rourke succumbed to temptation with a wizard’s lovely daughter – and that brief taste of pleasure earned him a powerful curse. Trapped within a painting, unable to quench the hellish thirst that torments him, Jason has given up hope of escape until Karinna Adams purchases the painting and unwittingly frees him. At first, Jason plans only to enlist Kari’s help in navigating this strange new world so he can find and punish the wizard who entrapped him. But Kari’s enticing sensuality and innocence incite a growing need in Jason to touch and taste her, to possess her utterly. For the gulf between them – and the danger that awaits – is nothing compared to a potent, primal hunger that will last for all eternity…”
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed Jason and Kari’s journey! Karinna is your average contemporary woman who encounters a totally exciting paranormal experience and rolls with the situation with grace and determination. Jason Rourke is a sexy as all get-out alpha vampire who wins Kari’s heart and mine too.
I love my Urban Fantasy, but I also love a terrific Paranormal Romance and this book satisfies my need for an HEA. Amanda Ashley delivers, as always, a great love story filled with passion, danger, excitement, and colorful characters who jump off the page into my mind’s eye!
Buy Immortal Sins at Chapters
Buy Immortal Sins at Amazon
Go to Amanda Ashley’s website to find out more about her and the books she writes.
Night’s Pleasure Contest
That’s right, awesome readers, another contest! Up for grabs is a signed copy of Amanda Ashley’s new release, Night’s Pleasure. To read my review, click HERE.
To be entered to win, leave a comment about any experiences you’ve had with magician’s, newspaper reporters or vampires! 🙂 For extra entries you can subscribe to my blog and/or post about this contest somewhere and let me know about it in the comments.
The contest will run until February 23rd and is open to USA and Canada. I’ll post the winner here on the blog and make every attempt to contact the winner, but if I don’t hear back from the winner in 4 days, I’ll draw a new winner. So good luck everyone. 😀 Ready… Set… Comment!!
Night’s Pleasure – Spotlight & Review
Night’s Pleasure by Amanda Ashley
(From Back Cover)
“Savanah Gentry’s life was so much simpler when she was a reporter for the local newspaper. That was before her father’s sudden death drew her into a mysterious new world she was just beginning to understand. A Vampire hunter by birth, Savanah has been entrusted with a legacy that puts everyone she cares for in danger – including the seductive, sensual Vampire who unleashes her most primal desires…
Rane Cordova has always been alone, half hating himself for his dark gift even as he relishes its extraordinary power. But one look at Savanah fills him with the need to take everything she has to give and carry her to heights of unimagined ecstasy. And though he never intended their relationship to go this far, now Savanah is in more danger than she knows – and facing a relentless enemy determined to eliminate Rane and all his kind.”
Everytime I read one of Amanda Ashley’s books, I am reminded yet again why I fell in love with the Paranormal Romance genre and why I continue to love this genre! Written by a master of her craft, Night’s Pleasure satisfies on several levels. I was rooting for Savanah and Rane all the way through. They are both wonderfully complex characters and their story is one that will stay with me. A mysterious and sexy magician/vampire pairing up with the beautiful and stubborn reporter/vampire hunter equals some major sparks flying. A lot of sighing and swooning went on while reading this love story.
Amanda Ashley has Mara’s story, tentatively titled – Night’s Mistress coming out this year. I’m really looking forward to it! She also has another awesome sounding stand alone book in the works as well, but you can read all about it HERE. To find out more about Amanda Ashley and all her great books, swing by her WEBSITE.
To see my review of Night’s Master, click HERE.
(And because I just found out that Amanda is also a Twilight fan like me, I’m going to use “Edward’s” to rate the book instead of my usual dancing devils or butterflies! Hope I’m not violating any copyright laws here)
Now I’m off to do some more swooning! LOL 🙂
Night’s Master – Spotlight & Review
Night’s Master by Amanda Ashley
( From Back Cover )
”
Amanda Ashley was kind enough to send me an ARC of this book to review, and I loved it! I apologize for not getting my review up before the release date, to both Ms. Ashley and my readers.
Night’s Master was a wonderful read! It has all of my favorite elements: a great female protagonist who I can relate to, a sexy as all get-out male/vampire protagonist, romance, danger, a fun and surprising supporting cast of characters, a mystery, a great climax and it’s all rolled into one with Amanda Ashley’s usual highly gifted story-telling abilities!
This book is the third in the Night Series. The next one is Night’s Pleasure, due to be released in February 2009. I’ve been a fan of Ms. Ashley’s since her first vampire romance, Embrace The Night, and I look forward to reading many more in the future.
Here are Amanda Ashley’s Vampire Romances in reading order:
1. Embrace the Night 1995
2. Deeper Than the Night 1996
3. Sunlight Moonlight 1997
4. A Darker Dream 1998
5. Shades of Gray 1998
6. The Captive 2000
(Futuristic)
7. Midnight Embrace 2002
8. After Sundown 2003
sequel to Shades of Gray
9 A Whisper of Eternity 2004
10. Night’s Kiss 2005
11. Desire After Dark 2006
sequel to After Sundown
12. Dead Sexy 2/07
13. Night’s Touch 7/07
sequel to Night’s Kiss
14. Dead Perfect 2/08
15. Night’s Master 9/08
Anthologies:
1. After Twilight – Ashley 2001
2. Midnight Pleasures 2003
3. Stroke of Midnight 2004
4. Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2008
About Me
I read Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Light Fantasy, Young Adult and Graphic Novels in said genres. I’ve also been known to read the odd historical romance if they involve uber-sexy highlanders, vikings or knights & if they involve some time travel and a lot of humor. Heh! 😀 If any Authors, Publicists or Publishers would like their books reviewed or would like to schedule a Guest Blog or Giveaway please contact me at sidhevicious@gmail.com
Please see the BIOS page for more info on our reviewing style and for other info.
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