Review: Bound By Night by Amanda Ashley

Bound by Night by Amanda Ashley
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy
Series: Bound #1

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. . .

I know vampire books can get a little repetitive and the whole "been there, done that" thought comes up. But this one has a new twist to it. Not one of my favorites, but definitely a series that I will be continuing with. If only because it somewhat holds my interests. The type of vampires with their abilities, powers, myths and all that are different than others.

My one big gripe is the pace. The characters didn't really have time to develop much. You find out a little about each character, they run into each other and suddenly love pops up into the equation. The circumstances against them could certainly speed up their decision to be together or not. But it's not 100% believable to me. It seemed too fast and a bit too forced. I like the characters most of the time. There just wasn't enough development so I don't feel as if I know them, I can't relate to them, nor am I invested in their happiness. The other characters mentioned in the story (siblings of Drake's) were interesting, but this book wasn't focused on them so, again, not too terribly interesting for me.

I think if the book was longer and the story more paced, it would've been much better. It seems very PNR and not so much UF. The book setting doesn't really specify what century we're in, but it's not historical. It's still a modern setting so thus the UF genre, but has PNR qualities in that it focuses on one couple per book and usually has the HEA. But it feels very historical at times, like they are not in an urban setting. The setting is mainly in Romania, I believe. That could be the "historical" feeling I sense from the book. *Shrugs* 

Anyways, I wouldn't run to get this book, but if you have time and it sounds interesting, give it a try. I will continue with the series just to see if it does get better though.