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Texas Vampires #3
Bond of Darkness
National bestselling author Diane Whiteside delivers the third and final novel in her acclaimed Texas Vampires trilogy.
Texas Ranger Stephanie “Steve” Reynolds knows all about vampires, since she has a demon lover of her own. For the past several years, Ethan Templeton has been helping her on cases when he wasn’t sharing her bed. But Steve, craving mortal motherhood, refused to get serious about the handsome vampire. Especially after she saw him kill a man she’d just arrested…
Ethan loves Steve, but he thinks nothing can come of their passion. Even if he could convince her to share his immortal life, his vampire patron, Don Rafael Perez, would execute him for transforming her.
But when the killer menaces Steve, Ethan realizes he has no choice except to risk everything. Will Steve agree to join a man she’s called murderer—or will she refuse her one chance at eternal life, lust, and love?
Texas Ranger Stephanie “Steve” Reynolds knows all about vampires, since she has a demon lover of her own. For the past several years, Ethan Templeton has been helping her on cases when he wasn’t sharing her bed. But Steve, craving mortal motherhood, refused to get serious about the handsome vampire. Especially after she saw him kill a man she’d just arrested…
Ethan loves Steve, but he thinks nothing can come of their passion. Even if he could convince her to share his immortal life, his vampire patron, Don Rafael Perez, would execute him for transforming her.
But when the killer menaces Steve, Ethan realizes he has no choice except to risk everything. Will Steve agree to join a man she’s called murderer—or will she refuse her one chance at eternal life, lust, and love?
324 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2008
About the author
Diane Whiteside
27 books123 followersBy day, Diane Whiteside builds and designs computer systems for the government. By night, she escapes into a world of alpha males and the unique women who turn their lives upside down. Noticing the lack of a husband to keep Diane in line, her Tibetan Terrier stepped up to the plate and makes sure that Diane does everything The Right Way which means lots of walks and dog treats. For more information about Diane plus her alpha males, unique women, and Tibetan Terriers, her website.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 5, 2009
The concept had so much potential. There was just too much going on other than the main characters. Things would happen and I would be so confused as to when and why they happened.
February 15, 2016
This is a review of the entire 'Texas Vampires' trilogy
Each of the three books centres around the same event, told from a different perspective in each book. The event is a take-over being orchestrated by she-bitch Vampire Queen, Madame Celeste, who rules New Orleans but is trying to encroach on the Texas territory owned by Don Rafael Perez.
‘Bond of Blood’ (2006) is the first book and is told from Don Rafael Perez’s perspective. Don Rafael is an Alpha male to the nth degree – he was once a noble knight before being forced to become a vampire. Over seven centuries he has managed to build himself up and create a prosperous territory out of Texas, making him one of the most fearsome Vampire Kings.
‘Bond of Fire’ (2007) is the story of Don Rafael’s right-hand-man, Jean-Marie St. Just. Jean-Marie’s story centres on the one that got away – Helene D’agelet was a widower when she met Jean-Marie for the first time, and there was instant attraction. When the French Revolution put her in danger, Jean-Marie went searching for her to ensure her safety. Now, as the war between Don Rafael and Madame Celeste breaks out, Jean-Marie learns that his beloved was turned into a vampiress and he is determined to find and keep her once and for all.
‘Bond of Darkness’ (2008) tells Ethan Templeton’s story. Stephanie Darling, aka ‘Steve’, was Ethan’s lover for many years – she was aware of his vampiric nature, but wanted children, so ended the relationship to pursue her dreams of family with another (human) man. A couple of years later and Steve has left her cheating-ex and her Texas Ranger job has her inadvertently working with Don Rafael’s guard, Ethan, as a vampire invasion wreaks havoc on Steve’s town.
The story actually originates form a collection of Diane’s short stories released in 2001 called ‘The Hunter’s Prey’. The short stories are a collection of flashbacks from different time periods and the lives of Don Rafael, Jean-Marie and Ethan. It’s not imperative that you read ‘Hunter’s Prey’ to understand the trilogy, but if after reading the three books you still want more, I would highly recommend giving the short stories a go.
The Texas trilogy is described as being ‘paranormal romance’, but it is a hairs-breath away from erotica. The detailed plot probably saves it from being straight-up erotica, because this series is H-O-T! It is similar to JR Ward’s ‘Blackdagger Brotherhood’ with a dash of Gena Showalter’s ‘Lords of the Underworld’ thrown in. Diane Whiteside has a very distinct voice, and even the steamiest scenes are written absolutely beautifully with a real eye for detail.
It is a little bit frustrating that the three books are centred on one plot – even though the resolution doesn’t come until ‘Bond of Darkness’. The characters are so vivid and wonderful; it would have been great to read about them in new situations or even how their lives changed in the future. Regardless, the plot is entertaining and suspenseful, and Madame Celeste is one of the best bad-guys. And within each book there are flashbacks and recounts of the main male protagonists life before the events leading up to the Texas coup, which keeps things fresh.
I highly recommend this series. I completely stumbled across it by reading Amazon’s recommendations and it has become one of those series that I automatically urge other paranormal romance/urban fantasy fans to read.
It is very steamy and packed full of yummy Alpha male vampires – what more could you ask for?
Each of the three books centres around the same event, told from a different perspective in each book. The event is a take-over being orchestrated by she-bitch Vampire Queen, Madame Celeste, who rules New Orleans but is trying to encroach on the Texas territory owned by Don Rafael Perez.
‘Bond of Blood’ (2006) is the first book and is told from Don Rafael Perez’s perspective. Don Rafael is an Alpha male to the nth degree – he was once a noble knight before being forced to become a vampire. Over seven centuries he has managed to build himself up and create a prosperous territory out of Texas, making him one of the most fearsome Vampire Kings.
‘Bond of Fire’ (2007) is the story of Don Rafael’s right-hand-man, Jean-Marie St. Just. Jean-Marie’s story centres on the one that got away – Helene D’agelet was a widower when she met Jean-Marie for the first time, and there was instant attraction. When the French Revolution put her in danger, Jean-Marie went searching for her to ensure her safety. Now, as the war between Don Rafael and Madame Celeste breaks out, Jean-Marie learns that his beloved was turned into a vampiress and he is determined to find and keep her once and for all.
‘Bond of Darkness’ (2008) tells Ethan Templeton’s story. Stephanie Darling, aka ‘Steve’, was Ethan’s lover for many years – she was aware of his vampiric nature, but wanted children, so ended the relationship to pursue her dreams of family with another (human) man. A couple of years later and Steve has left her cheating-ex and her Texas Ranger job has her inadvertently working with Don Rafael’s guard, Ethan, as a vampire invasion wreaks havoc on Steve’s town.
The story actually originates form a collection of Diane’s short stories released in 2001 called ‘The Hunter’s Prey’. The short stories are a collection of flashbacks from different time periods and the lives of Don Rafael, Jean-Marie and Ethan. It’s not imperative that you read ‘Hunter’s Prey’ to understand the trilogy, but if after reading the three books you still want more, I would highly recommend giving the short stories a go.
The Texas trilogy is described as being ‘paranormal romance’, but it is a hairs-breath away from erotica. The detailed plot probably saves it from being straight-up erotica, because this series is H-O-T! It is similar to JR Ward’s ‘Blackdagger Brotherhood’ with a dash of Gena Showalter’s ‘Lords of the Underworld’ thrown in. Diane Whiteside has a very distinct voice, and even the steamiest scenes are written absolutely beautifully with a real eye for detail.
It is a little bit frustrating that the three books are centred on one plot – even though the resolution doesn’t come until ‘Bond of Darkness’. The characters are so vivid and wonderful; it would have been great to read about them in new situations or even how their lives changed in the future. Regardless, the plot is entertaining and suspenseful, and Madame Celeste is one of the best bad-guys. And within each book there are flashbacks and recounts of the main male protagonists life before the events leading up to the Texas coup, which keeps things fresh.
I highly recommend this series. I completely stumbled across it by reading Amazon’s recommendations and it has become one of those series that I automatically urge other paranormal romance/urban fantasy fans to read.
It is very steamy and packed full of yummy Alpha male vampires – what more could you ask for?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2008
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
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
January 22, 2014
Every book in this series has taken us a little farther into Don Perez’s war with Celeste. It’s interesting to see Celeste’s invasion of Texas through human law enforcement eyes and their efforts to control it. Since Ethan’s girl is from modern times, it starts in the present from Ethan’s POV.
The battle between Steve’s human law and Ethan’s vampire vigilantism is cool. Celeste has become very selfish, blood thirsty and narcissistic. I enjoyed reading about her efforts to take over as her kingdom slowly fell apart. We saw in book two her plantation destroyed. In this book her casino is taken over.
The treatment of the photographer was shocking. I know they don’t want their photo taken but didn’t think they’d go to such extremes. But maybe because it was New Orleans. How George Devol escaped from prison and got into Celeste’s employment was an interesting bit.
I could see that Steve’s a very competent law officer and loves her work. Which shows how much she loves Ethan to be willing to leave it. But her conversations with herself are very confusing. I know she knows what she’s thinking but we don’t. So I could have used a few more hints. Knowing Raoul’s’ strict rules, I was wondering how they’d end up with their HET.
The way the Ethan and Steve work as a team is similar to Jean-Marie and Helene, except Steve is human. Ethan and Steve’s relationship has some weird moments, like the vampires don’t know how to treat a woman on a long term basis. This creates some problems, which of course are negated when she becomes a vampire. I love the way the native ghosts work with them against Celeste’s army.
Even though this third book is about Ethan and Steve, we still get a lot about Raoul and Grania’s story. There’s some tender moments as Raoul is still helping her transition into a vampire. Grania’s arrival in Raoul’s life is one of the best things that could have happened to the Texas family. She’s a very good counselor and adds a nice female touch to the ranch. Interesting to see Ethan and Jean-Marie’s different reactions to Raoul’s interest in Grania. The reference to Raoul’s’ punishments got my curiosity going.
All the details are very nicely wrapped up at the end of their book and series, as it transition’s back to Raoul and Grania’s story.
Fave scenes: Ethan & Steve at the motorcycle shop, their battle in the ghost town, then the scene when he brings her to Raoul.
The battle between Steve’s human law and Ethan’s vampire vigilantism is cool. Celeste has become very selfish, blood thirsty and narcissistic. I enjoyed reading about her efforts to take over as her kingdom slowly fell apart. We saw in book two her plantation destroyed. In this book her casino is taken over.
The treatment of the photographer was shocking. I know they don’t want their photo taken but didn’t think they’d go to such extremes. But maybe because it was New Orleans. How George Devol escaped from prison and got into Celeste’s employment was an interesting bit.
I could see that Steve’s a very competent law officer and loves her work. Which shows how much she loves Ethan to be willing to leave it. But her conversations with herself are very confusing. I know she knows what she’s thinking but we don’t. So I could have used a few more hints. Knowing Raoul’s’ strict rules, I was wondering how they’d end up with their HET.
The way the Ethan and Steve work as a team is similar to Jean-Marie and Helene, except Steve is human. Ethan and Steve’s relationship has some weird moments, like the vampires don’t know how to treat a woman on a long term basis. This creates some problems, which of course are negated when she becomes a vampire. I love the way the native ghosts work with them against Celeste’s army.
Even though this third book is about Ethan and Steve, we still get a lot about Raoul and Grania’s story. There’s some tender moments as Raoul is still helping her transition into a vampire. Grania’s arrival in Raoul’s life is one of the best things that could have happened to the Texas family. She’s a very good counselor and adds a nice female touch to the ranch. Interesting to see Ethan and Jean-Marie’s different reactions to Raoul’s interest in Grania. The reference to Raoul’s’ punishments got my curiosity going.
All the details are very nicely wrapped up at the end of their book and series, as it transition’s back to Raoul and Grania’s story.
Fave scenes: Ethan & Steve at the motorcycle shop, their battle in the ghost town, then the scene when he brings her to Raoul.
May 22, 2012
The conclusion of the Texas Vampires trilogy is told from the perspectives of vampire Ethan Templeton and Texas Ranger Stephanie ‘Steve’ Darling. Ethan and Steve have been lovers off and on for 15 years. When the war between Celeste and Don Rafael heats up Steve starts putting pieces together and realizes many of the deaths of young women across Texas have been caused by a vampire. Is her lover the serial killer? Or are there more vampires out there? She has a duty to uphold the law, but if it’s her lover will she be able to bring him in? There’s only one way to find out the truth. She has to confront Ethan. Will she survive?
I loved this conclusion to the series. This book was almost entirely in the present day. Only the beginning back tracked a bit into the early 1900s. Told mostly from Ethan’s and Steve’s perspective we get a different view of events as they happened in the other books.
Many people complained it was confusing or irritating because the story had already been told, but I like seeing a story from another character’s (or characters’) pov. I was able to get a greater grasp on what was happening, so it was a fuller and richer experience for me. I’m a bit sad the story (the trilogy) has ended.
I loved this conclusion to the series. This book was almost entirely in the present day. Only the beginning back tracked a bit into the early 1900s. Told mostly from Ethan’s and Steve’s perspective we get a different view of events as they happened in the other books.
Many people complained it was confusing or irritating because the story had already been told, but I like seeing a story from another character’s (or characters’) pov. I was able to get a greater grasp on what was happening, so it was a fuller and richer experience for me. I’m a bit sad the story (the trilogy) has ended.
July 19, 2011
This book was a little confusing because for the most part it takes place at the same time as the first and second book. So at parts you are reading the same scene from another perspective. It got a little annoying. However I was very happy to see Ethan and Stephanie's relationship. I read the anthology piece about them that was VERY hot and this book did not disappoint, though there weren't any sex scenes as hot and erotic in this book as were in the anthology. At the end of the book, things wrap up in a manner that makes me feel like there won't be any more in the series, and that makes me sad. I hope I'm wrong.
January 24, 2012
This series is in the heart of Texas; the tale alternates between the past and the present as well as English and Spanish. Vampire Rafael Perez is a powerful vampire who rules his territory with the help of his minions, and a crusader who unwillingly becomes a vampire. I found this series confusing, thus hard to follow. I liked the characters and was rooting for the happy ending but the way the story is just far too complicated in my opinion. This is another series I had to take a break from as I was struggling to complete it.
November 18, 2011
okay...this one took me all week to read. Diane whiteside is very descriptive and so therefore her books tend to get lengthy. I read the first two book awhile ago and was glad rinsed ethanol get his own story. I wish there had been more focus on ethan and steve. I know the back story involved the rangers and celeste but I feel too.much was dedicated to those. supporting story lines. overall good book.
March 16, 2013
I have to say this was my least favorite of the Texas Vampires series. The author spends more time on the politics of Texas and New Orleans than on the chemistry between the characters. I'm glad I finished the book, but it was slow going and I wish the author had explore the relationship between Steve and Ethan more.
January 20, 2018
After reading this book so many times, it still amazes me that I always find some new aspect of this book that makes me love and cherish this book even more. Even though I haven't read the first two I am still in love with all the characters and their stories.
Want to read
September 30, 2009Bond of Darkness: A Novel of Texas Vampires (Texas Vampire Novels) by Diane Whiteside (2008)
July 24, 2010
Nice story about Ethan and Steve.
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 11, 2015Meh
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews