Bond Of Darkness [Paperback]

Bond of Darkness by Diane Whiteside
Oversize trade paperback release date: October 7th, 2008
Rating 4 stars

Bond of Darkness is a non-stop vampire thriller. This is the third in Diane Whiteside's Texas trilogy. From page 1, the story begins at full throttle without letting up as Texas Ranger, Stephanie `Steve' Reynolds, searches for a serial killer-hoping it's not her `sinfully' handsome vampire lover, Ethan Templeton. The duo work together to solve the mystery and are caught up in old jealousies from the past, murder attempts, and drug smuggling.

For first time readers, I recommend reading the first and second books from this series to fully appreciate the complexity of this romance. The storyline jumps to different time and places throughout the book, making it exhilarating, but, unfortunately, difficult to keep up with the action. In a few areas of the plot, I concentrated so much to understand what was occurring, that I lost the enjoyment of the book!

Diane Whiteside's book brims with the richness and flavor of the Spanish past making you feel at home in old-time Texas . The vampire culture and social structure are well thought out and intriguing. Those expecting Whiteside's usual dose of steamy scenes may be disappointed; however, those who have loved the heroes Don Rafael and Ethan Templeton will satisfied with this series conclusion.

Reviewed by Steph at Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Stephanie Reynolds, Steve as she prefers, is on the trail of a murderer. As a Texas Ranger, she has heard and just about seen it all but when the deaths of young women - otherwise healthy young women - begin occurring at an alarming rate and can not be explained, Steve knows that the killer she is searching for is not normal. How does she know this? She is the lover of a vampire. She knows that the foul entity that is murdering these women could be nothing less than what her lover is and actually, if she is honest, the killer could in fact, be her lover.

Vampire Ethan Templeton is the protector of the most influential and powerful vampire in Texas. As the leader of his boss' military, Ethan has more duties to fulfill than he actually wants. His patron is not an easy man to protect to say the least and Ethan has his hands full trying to protect him as well as making sure that other vampire clans do not come to Texas with the intent of overthrowing his boss. If things could get worse, they would but Ethan doubts it. Now he has to contend with the deaths of several young women that put him in the direct line of suspicion. Ethan is innocent but isn't so sure that Steve, his lover, believes him.

If one thing is certain in BOND OF DARKNESS, it is the fact that Steve and Ethan love each other. They trust each other; after all, they have been lovers for over fifteen years and the only reason Steve is not a vampire is because Ethan's boss has a strict rule against turning humans. Ethan fights with this knowledge and I could sense his absolute longing and desire to make Steve his forever. Steve loved Ethan just as much. She wanted to believe and him and while I think her job made her less trusting, I honestly think that she trusted Ethan explicitly. Their every touch was sensual and gratifying to read.

BOND OF DARKNESS surprised me completely and in a good way. I felt before I started that I had read every type of vampire novel alive and unrightfully judged this novel before I started. I knew it would be a good read, Diane Whiteside does not write anything less, but I wasn't sure if it would be original. What a marvelous read BOND OF DARKNESS turned out to be! The world of the Texas Vampires just wound its way around my heart and before I knew what was happening, I had engulfed the entire novel in one sitting. The sensuality and love of the two main characters was especially noteworthy because they truly belonged together.

BOND OF DARKNESS not only captured my attention but it held it steadfast the entire book. Suspenseful, sexy, and seductive, BOND OF DARKNESS will hold you enslaved and not let go. And frankly, I did not want it to.

BOND OF DARKNESS released October 7, 2008 and since it is the third installment of a series, I highly recommend reading the first two novels of this addicting series.

The Texas Vampires Series:

Bond of Blood, Book 1
Bond of Fire, Book 2
Bond of Darkness, Book 3

***Natalie S. for Wild on Books***

This book picked up where the first & second book left off. As a matter of fact all 3 books take place at the exact time. I liked the back story but reading a different perspective of the same events I already read in the last 2 books got a little stale. I like the new character Texas Ranger Steve, she was believable. The author tied up all the loose ends and the wedding was cool. Happy endings are always good with me. Don Raphael has softened quite a bit thanks to Dona Grania. The bedroom scenes were still steamy. All in all I liked it, but I wouldnt be able to read a 4th book about the same series of events.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 9 reviews  4.0 out of 5 stars