Customer Reviews

Bound by the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen Novels)

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4 star:		(3)
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2 star:		(1)
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Joey W Hill is a wonderful writer of erotic and D/s fiction. Her characters are strong and compelling. Her plots are always fresh and well thought out. She has several series and non series books available that span contemporary characters and plots as well as paranormal and urban fiction. Each book is unique and beautifully written.

If you are new to the Vampire Queen series, you will probably want to at least read Vampire Queen's Servant and Mark of the Vampire Queen before beginning this book since those two novels introduce Lyssa and Jacob and tell the story of their relationship and commitment to each other. It would also be helpful (though not as critical) to read Beloved Vampire, Vampire Mistress and Vampire Trinity since the main characters in those books have important roles in this book as well.

Having said all that, this book begins with Lyssa (who is half vampire and half fae)and Jacob (her mate and servant) being threatened on two sides. The Queen of the Unseelie Court wants Lyssa to come to her to prove how strong her fae powers are. Of course, Jacob will not be parted from her so he goes along and they are forced to complete three quests to determine whether they will be allowed the self determination of returning to the human/vampire world or staying in the fae world. A lot happens while they are in the fae world and the characters are wonderful. I am hoping we see more of that world in the future.

The second threat is that the Vampire Council is considering taking Kane, Lyssa and Jacobs' son from them in a political maneuver, as well as trying to force them apart.

The plot has wonderful and unexpected twists and turns and is as rich and beautifully written as one comes to expect from Joey's writing. The story is gripping (I started my first read at 7 AM and finished the book at 9 PM, literally could not put it down. I say my first read, because I know there will be many rereads in the near future).

For those of you who know the Vampire Queen series, good news! Mason, Jessica, Daegan, Anwyn, Gideon, Lord Brian, Debra and the good and bad Council members all play important roles in the story. I am very hopeful that we see more of the Council make up in future books and how Vampire society accepts (or rejects) the changes that seem to be coming.

Such a wonderful book. I can't wait to see the next book in the series!

Bound by the Vampire Queen, captured my imagination like no book ever has. In my opinion, this story is Joey W Hill's best work. I downloaded my BBtVQ digital edition the morning of December 6 (release date).

From the first page to the last, I read nonstop with only a few hours sleep, until I finished the next evening. The whole time I told myself, "Just one more paragraph.", but one more paragraph was never enough because I needed to know what happened next and then next after that.

For me the most the most important part of the story plot was the personal challenges in Lady Lyssa's and Jacob's relationship. At first, Lady Lyssa is faced with her own personal demons and doubts about herself and the changing dynamics in her relationship with her servant, Jacob. Jacob, who'd always been an alpha character, had been turned into a fledgling vampire with all Lady Lyssa's former powers, as her Fae powers were developing. This sudden role reversal has left Jacob off kilter with his need to protect to protect his family with his new vampire predatory instincts and leaving Lady Lyssa struggling with uncertainty. Their relationship problems come to a head when Jacob steps in and demands the right to take on his lady's challenges for her. This dissolves Lady Lyssa's trust that her servant will obey her. She finally has to trap Jacob when she leaves to meet her challenge, afraid Jacobs of obsession with protecting her will lead to his death. The challenge takes her to a deadly desert that almost kills her. Jacob rushes to follow her after he's escaped her bonds with the help of an ally.

I think the desert rescue is the most dramatic part of the book. When Jacob finds his lady near death, his conflicting desires are forgotten. His only thoughts are to save his lover in a Hail Mary move, as he returns Lady Lyssa to her former vampire strength, Jacob sacrificed being a vampire. Being human again his desires and his need to serve his lady as her full servant bring his emotions and desires into sync.

The lover's ordeal in the desert brings their vampire/servant relationship into its natural state as possible as we see later in the story when Lady Lyssa takes down the Vampire Council with her allies and her servant, Jacob's help.

I believe it is through books like Bound by a Vampire Queen that we are able to take a step back and take a close look at ourselves our needs, wants, and desires and to see if we are actually in harmony with ourselves and those we love.

Bound by a Vampire Queen might be rated as an Erotic Romance but I do not think of it as a romance, certainly not the stereo type romance that my mother read 50 years ago. It has adventure, intrigue, fantasy, conflict and romance.

If I could put a label on the book it would be an Erotic Fantasy/Romance, which could be enjoyed by all.

I just purchased Joey W Hill's next book

Something About Witches - - sold by Penguin -- PRE-ORDER - Available 7 Feb 2012

Kevin Robert Wall

i have read every book written by joey hill and couldnt wait for this one. it was so good. i love jacob and lyssa and this is a great follow on book. i also love vampires and the fae so it was a big winner. cant wait for more from this writer.

Of all the paranormal romance series I've read, this one breaks the mold in every way. But then, what else can we expect from Ms. Hill?

The last time we read about Jacob and Lady Lyssa, their relationship had gone through a cataclysmic change. She had reverted to her Fae blood and given all of her powers to Jacob when she converted him to a vampire, in order to save his life. They are doting parents to Kane, their gorgeous baby vampire boy.

This change in their status has made them a target for the Vampire Council. The ruling vampires wish to take over the raising of their child, considering them undeserving of the honor and incapable of doing it correctly. Who ever heard of a half-vampire, half-Fae woman raising a born vampire child, with the help of the vampire/vampire-servant father? Outrageous! Preposterous!

At the same time, Lady Lyssa's actions at Lord Mason's estate to stop the invading vampires have made her a 'person of interest' for the Fae. Her father's blood is showing and, though they consider her and Jacob inferior due to their vampire and human blood, they also want to know what role (if any) she has in their world. There are some interesting secrets to that side of the family.

This book is a fairy tale within a nightmare, it's enchanting and horrific, it's the author's best erotic romance to date. Yet, by the last couple of chapters Ms. Hill has set up at least a couple more books in the saga. Which I will devour just as quickly and with as much relish as I did this one.

There are several reasons why this is the ONLY M/F romance series and author I continue to read, after my taste turned to M/M Romance over a year ago. By one of her contemporary erotic romances, Rough Canvas, I should add. There are no "Too Stupid To Live" characters, male or female. All of the people you meet in this author's work stay with you, forever. The plot is always fresh, entrancing, unexpected, never formulaic. The romance is sublime and earthy, delicious. The sex is sizzling hot, raw, real, and never, ever predictable. And I am always left wanting for more.

If you've been looking for an erotic paranormal romance book or series to read, now that they are all the rage, don't waste your time or money with facsimiles. This is the one. Trust me, you WILL thank me for the rec.

The latest in the Vampire Queen series, Bound by the Vampire Queen delivers steamy erotic romance, gripping vampire mythology all wrapped up in a sensational story. Now the wait starts for Something about Witches and Hostile Takeover. Can't wait.

Absolutely loved, Bound By the Vampire Queen! If you've read previous stories of Jacob and Lady Lyssa this is a must read, if you haven't, I would definitely recommend reading The Vampire Queens Servant and Mark of The Vampire Queen. This is not necessary, but if this book has piqued your interests I think you'll enjoy these as well.

I won't give anything away, you must read this book for yourself, but if you enjoy Paranormal Erotica you'll love this book. With its BDSM element it's a little graphic for some, but if you can focus on the story it's absolutely amazing, you won't be sorry. This story will make you want to laugh, cry and cheer for this couple page after page.

Lady Lyssa is over a century old and Jacob has served her twice in his previous lifetimes, this time he's here to stay no matter what she has to say about it. Lady Lyssa and Jacob are an incredible duo, always fighting to protect each other. Their brave love is a reminder that there are some people out there willing to sacrifice everything for family!

We're back to the couple that started us off with the Vampire Queen series, Jacob and Lyssa and I was so happy their story was continuing on page. When we last left off, Lyssa had lost her vampire powers, but her Fae powers, which she has from her father's side, were gaining strength. With that comes a summons from the Fae world and their Unseelie Queen, Rhoswen. Jacob has been turned, but even as a young vampire he still has the fierce need to serve and protect his mistress. They both may have physically changed, but their relationship is still as complex as it was at the beginning and their love has only grown over the years. But outside forces are threatening their relationship, their young son and a visit to the Fae world is required. If they survive that, then they're going up against the vampire council who know that Lyssa is now more Fae than vampire and the question of who should be raising their young vampire son, Kane, is in question.

The majority of the story takes place in the Fae realm after the Fae Queen Rhoswen summons Lyssa to appear before her. Jacob will not be left behind so they leave Kane not knowing how time will differ between the worlds, but they really don't have a choice. The world they find themselves in is almost fairy tale like. It's filled with gnomes, fairies, mermaids, hobgoblins...the list goes on and on and the world impacts all their senses.

Jacob isn't welcomed as a vampire and in order to be free to leave this place and go back to their son, three quests have to be completed. They challenge Jacob and Lyssa physically and mentally, pushing them to their limits, and in Lyssa's case to near death. Jacob stops at nothing to save his mistress and his acts change who they are completely. Things come full circle in the Fae world and Lyssa learns a great deal about her past, her blood family, and during a celebration for the Fae, Jacob and Lyssa are reunited with souls that have since past and are able to reconnect with loved ones. It was a touching scene and definitely the stand out for me in this book. It was also heartbreaking in a way because Queen Rhoswen denies Lyssa the chance to meet her father on this night. Rhoswen has a lot of anger and hatred in her, but while she directs it at Lyssa, Lyssa's father is the cause of the anger and it's a long path for these two to move past it. Though Lyssa and Jacob are changed forever from their time spent in this world, they are allowed to leave and Lyssa is suggested by both the Seelie and Unseelie Courts to be the liaison between the Fae world and the vampire council. That's their next stop.

Due to things that happen to Lyssa and Jacob while trying to finish Queen Rhoswen's challenges, Lyssa's stance going into the council meeting does a complete about face. She knows that the council needs to change, they need to be willing to adjust and move forward with the times, and that means taking drastic measures. She is in full out Queen mode as she, Jacob, Gideon, Daegan, Anwyn and Mason unite and take over the council meeting Lyssa was summoned to. It ends up being a turning point for the vampires at this time and even their servants.

**********

"...When death comes, I will meet it as a queen should, without flinching. That is my hope. But I refuse to die of loneliness, that isolation of the heart and soul never given fully to another. Because I have you, I won't. And that eases me, more than you can ever know. I can face whatever this is, because even when you are not physically at my side, you are there. Do you understand?"

As he stood, unresponsive, she stroked his face. She shut her eyes as he tightened his grip once more, but this time he pressed his lips into her palm.

"You have ever known what to say to humble me, my lady. But this tears me apart inside, you know that. I can bear anything in this world expect being away from you when you might have need of me."

*********

We get caught up with some past characters, especially Gideon - who I love even more every time he's on page. He's still a sarcastic smartass, and the typical "servant" attitude will never apply to him. It was nice to see him with Jacob and being protective of his nephew, it's a side to Gideon that has only come out because of Anwyn and Daegan. There are other couples that I would enjoy revisiting in the series: Mason and Jessica, I love them and would love to get more, especially in light of information that comes out in this story. Lord Brian and Debra, they're always there on the outside, and I'm so curious about their relationship and how it's (hopefully) progressing.

I loved having Jacob and Lyssa back as leads again. Fans of the series will find their story is satisfying and seeing how their relationship, and Lyssa, has changed from having Jacob's love in her life has been a fun, angsty, painful, and wonderful ride. Jacob hasn't waivered at all. His love for Lyssa has only grown and he is and will always be her servant, taking care of her until he takes his last breath.

Blog Rating: 4/5

I have been reading JWH a couple years now and I must say her writing style and the world she creates surrounding the Vampire Queen never cease to amaze me. Joey has Jacob's gift of story telling. With that said. I love this book.... the last 200 pages of it atleast. I am so sorry but I just could not lose myself in the Fae world, which is sad because she (Joey), really put a lot of effort into creating that world bringing it to "life" for her readers. I know vampires aren't real but I can consider them "real enough" since sex and vampires go hand in hand in today's society. They're "grounded" in our reality which makes it easier to "believe" in a secret vampire society. However, the Fae world is so full of fairy tales that I often find myself pulled out of story because i'm busy picturing Thumbelina in my head! Most of the story takes place there and I just couldn't get into the "romance

portion of the book during these chapters because frankly the Fae world was just too "candyland" for me. i will state however that there are poignant moments that occur in the Fae world which makes this part of the story forgivable and unforgettable so read it. I surprisingly didn't skip as many pages as I thought I would.

The most brilliant piece of writing hands takes place in the last chapters in the book in which our Lady Lyssa has her ipic showdown with the vampire council. I couldn't get enough of everything that slowly unfurled in those chapters! Lady Lyssa shines here as queen. She strongly reminded me of the Lyssa I feel in love with from Book 1 (Servant). Those chapters alone whet my appetite to learn what direction Joey plans to take the series.

I am a big fan of Joey's books and look forward to more Vampire Queen stories... and considering the mention of angels, I have no doubts that perhaps we will get another Daegan/ Gideon and Anywyn story soon? I hope so! But PLEASE can we get Brian's story next? I'm dying here!

For those not familiar with Joey Hill, I can tell you that all of her work is a must read. Her writing is exceptional, and the depth to which she takes her characters will take your breath away. Bound by the Vampire Queen is the eighth book in this series and the third one that features Lyssa and Jacob. Once again they face danger from both the Vampire world they know and the Fae world that they have only begun to explore. Their journey into the Fae world will force them to survive against great odds to remain together. It will also give them glimpses of those they have lost, and to me this was a very interesting part of the story as it gives closure and allows them to move forward. There are good surprises,(sorry, no spoilers),when they are forced to appear before the Vampire Council. The sexual situations in this book and the series are not for the faint of heart. If you like a great read with steamy sex, this book has it all.

This novel was a slow read for me, because there was so much going on and I didn't want to miss a single bit of it. There is the very obvious family reunion of Vampire Queen book characters--already mentioned. I even caught some nods to Ms Hill's other storylines with a doll and tea set found in Ice Queen/Mirror of My Soul and sexy-battle-skirt-wearing-angels from the Daughters of Arianne books. (Miss those guys) There is the go-jussly lavish book centerpiece of Seelie and Unseelie faery courts celebrating Samhain (Halloween) with the stirring pageantry of lore folks on a hunt/haunt through the human world, as the veil thins between the two. The scene at the faery cemetery, where participants find closure with their departed had me snuffling through eight pages. It was a very cathartic snuffle. All the activity of the fall festival culminates in The Ending Ritual, an enactment that evidence shows may have actually been a part of ancient Celtic culture and also appears on tablets in BC Sumer.

Beyond that, Ms Hill uses her deft pen to examine the changing nature of love in long term relationships, as well as, the faces love can wear: betrayal, vengeance, reexamination, growth, forgiveness, acceptance. The author looks at the essence of self, or more accurately the selves, through Lady Lyssa, a vampire queen, who has lived a thousand years. We follow Lady L. as she loses her self through events beyond her control then heals enough to meet the kinds of challenges that ultimately lead her to reclaim and embrace all she is. I can honestly say, that even as a humble human, I found Lady Lyssa's journey empowering. And, of course, a most important story element is the warm sensuality Ms Hill wraps `round the entire novel. We are treated to everything from a baby kneading at his mother's breast, to a morsel of food shared erotically between lovers, to loving D/s, that turns delayed gratification into an art form worthy of an ancient Roman sculpture.

Finally, Jacob, Lady Lyssa's servant, captured my heart with a couple of simple lines, "How do you want me, my lady? How can I give you pleasure?". As the winter solstice holiday preparations rip up to manic, I'm making those lines my mantra. Reading BBtVQ is a bona fide, nurturing, stress buster. Better yet, combine it with a fragrant, steamy bath. Oh yeah! If Freud is still rolling around somewhere asking, "What to women want?", I strongly suggest somebody get him a copy of, Bound By the Vampire Queen, by Joey W. Hill and insist he read it!