saucyknits's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at 10%. I was already having trouble with Vlad’s macho BS in the previous book & I can’t deal with it at all now.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Again, it's been a long time since I've been taking a walk in The Night Huntress universe, and I have missed these characters so much! There was even a Cat sighting, which made me happier than it should have.
Leila and Vlad had already been through hell and back, and sadly, fate had more horrors in store for them in this installment.
Leila truly showed how strong she was during Bound by Flames! She did not break, but she had to bend.
Again, it's been a long time since I've been taking a walk in The Night Huntress universe, and I have missed these characters so much! There was even a Cat sighting, which made me happier than it should have.
Leila and Vlad had already been through hell and back, and sadly, fate had more horrors in store for them in this installment.
Leila truly showed how strong she was during Bound by Flames! She did not break, but she had to bend.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Bound by Flames
4 Stars
Being married to the most infamous vampire of all time, Vlad Dracul, requires a great deal of adjustment and not a small amount of compromise as Leila Dalton quickly learns. Coping with her husband's overprotective instincts is only one of the many problems Leila faces as allies and foes alike seek to manipulate and destroy Vlad with the one weakness he possesses - his love for Leila.
An excellent installment in the series and one that demonstrates just how far Vlad has come from the stark and emotionless man he was prior to meeting Leila.
Vlad is a powerful and enigmatic hero whose abilities only increase as he finally begins to accept his emotions and uses them to his benefit rather than allowing them to dominate him. He is also exceedingly entertaining, and sexy, with his quips about impaling people.
Vlad and Leila's romance is another highlight. Yes, they have always loved one another but trust and confidence have been slow in coming whether due to Vlad's need to put limits on Leila, ostensibly for her own protection, or Leila's stubborn defiance and need to assert her independence. They both grow as individuals and as a couple in this book as they learn to give, take and share.
Although the storyline isn't really new with Vlad's arch-nemesis back to cause havoc, there are some surprising twists and intense moments interspersed between the exciting action scenes. There are also cameo appearances by our favorite Night Huntress characters and it is always a pleasure to listen to Vlad spar with Bones.
In sum, while some plot points are wrapped up nicely, new threads emerge and it will be interesting to see where Frost takes them. Looking forward to the fourth, and sadly last, book in the series.
4 Stars
Being married to the most infamous vampire of all time, Vlad Dracul, requires a great deal of adjustment and not a small amount of compromise as Leila Dalton quickly learns. Coping with her husband's overprotective instincts is only one of the many problems Leila faces as allies and foes alike seek to manipulate and destroy Vlad with the one weakness he possesses - his love for Leila.
An excellent installment in the series and one that demonstrates just how far Vlad has come from the stark and emotionless man he was prior to meeting Leila.
Vlad is a powerful and enigmatic hero whose abilities only increase as he finally begins to accept his emotions and uses them to his benefit rather than allowing them to dominate him. He is also exceedingly entertaining, and sexy, with his quips about impaling people.
Vlad and Leila's romance is another highlight. Yes, they have always loved one another but trust and confidence have been slow in coming whether due to Vlad's need to put limits on Leila, ostensibly for her own protection, or Leila's stubborn defiance and need to assert her independence. They both grow as individuals and as a couple in this book as they learn to give, take and share.
Although the storyline isn't really new with Vlad's arch-nemesis back to cause havoc, there are some surprising twists and intense moments interspersed between the exciting action scenes. There are also cameo appearances by our favorite Night Huntress characters and it is always a pleasure to listen to Vlad spar with Bones.
In sum, while some plot points are wrapped up nicely, new threads emerge and it will be interesting to see where Frost takes them. Looking forward to the fourth, and sadly last, book in the series.
rosetyper9's review against another edition
3.0
This was both a brutal and a strange book. I was excited to spend some time with other beloved characters but by the end of the book it was a little predictable and I was tired fo Vlad's temper tantrums and Leila's unwavering ability to assume Vlad is like every other person.
kaelyndawnyea's review against another edition
3.0
This book needs a trigger warning, otherwise, it was good.
bookhaulin's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 to 3.0.
More of the same from the previous novels; a nice, tidy conclusion to the series. Bound by Flames didn't wow me but I didn't feel like it failed to meet my modest expectations either. Overall, the entire series is something fun that you could finish in a couple of nights, but in a few months you'll be hard pressed to remember any specific details.
More of the same from the previous novels; a nice, tidy conclusion to the series. Bound by Flames didn't wow me but I didn't feel like it failed to meet my modest expectations either. Overall, the entire series is something fun that you could finish in a couple of nights, but in a few months you'll be hard pressed to remember any specific details.
bookwife's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book! I loved Bones and Cat, but there's something about Vlad and Leila that draws me to them more. Maybe it's because Vlad hates everyone except Leila? Who knows. All I'm saying is who doesn't want to be the girl to melt a frozen heart? I am however disappointed for good ole Maximus. What he did for Leila was incredible. It basically brought me to tears. I do understand why Vlad couldn't look past it though. Still makes me sad because their moment together was adorable at the end.
Anyways what I'm saying is read the dang book! It's good!! Vampire Love , Leila trying to cut her head off , oh and blowing castles up?! Who could ask for a better story?
Anyways what I'm saying is read the dang book! It's good!! Vampire Love , Leila trying to cut her head off , oh and blowing castles up?! Who could ask for a better story?
snarkymotherreader's review against another edition
4.0
This book should come with massive trigger warnings. It got real dark real fast.
I think die-hard fans will be shocked by what happens in the first half of this book, but people should still read this with caution. It borders on torture porn and is very difficult to get through in places.
Why did I still rate it a 4? Because the torture unfortunately made sense for the situation and the characters. Leila and Vlad are damaged. They will never be able to be in a normal relationship. What they have together just plain works even if it causes them both immense trauma (caused by other people not each other).
What I love the most about this spin-off series is that the characters remain true to themselves the whole way through. They don't become whimpering "yes men" to each other and don't meld into a different version of a different couple. They are simply Leila and Vlad and they will do ANYTHING for each other and I do mean ANYTHING.
Also, the emotional depth to this series is astounding. The moment Vlad is handed THAT video tape...::sobs:: His pain was palpable through the pages!
I think die-hard fans will be shocked by what happens in the first half of this book, but people should still read this with caution. It borders on torture porn and is very difficult to get through in places.
Why did I still rate it a 4? Because the torture unfortunately made sense for the situation and the characters. Leila and Vlad are damaged. They will never be able to be in a normal relationship. What they have together just plain works even if it causes them both immense trauma (caused by other people not each other).
What I love the most about this spin-off series is that the characters remain true to themselves the whole way through. They don't become whimpering "yes men" to each other and don't meld into a different version of a different couple. They are simply Leila and Vlad and they will do ANYTHING for each other and I do mean ANYTHING.
Also, the emotional depth to this series is astounding. The moment Vlad is handed THAT video tape...::sobs:: His pain was palpable through the pages!