REVIEWS
RT
4 stars
ROMANTIC TIMES SAID:
Continuing the story of the Cordova family from NIGHT'S TOUCH, Ashley delivers another edgy yet sensitive story. With vivid, beautiful characters, plenty of action and a mix of vampires, were-creatures and vampire hunters, it's no surprise that readers keep begging for more. Emotions come alive and sensuality reigns in this captivating new installment. Autumn Harrison
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Night’s Master was a wonderful read! It has all of my favorite elements: a great female protagonist who I can relate to, a sexy as all get-out male/vampire protagonist, romance, danger, a fun and surprising supporting cast of characters, a mystery, a great climax and it’s all rolled into one with Amanda Ashley’s usual highly gifted story-telling abilities!
This book is the third in the Night Series. The next one is Night’s Pleasure, due to be released in February 2009. I’ve been a fan of Ms. Ashley’s since her first vampire romance, Embrace The Night, and I look forward to reading many more in the future.
Sidhe Vicious Reviews
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"Enjoyable Read for Urban Fantasy Lovers"
Kathy McKenna owns a quaint bookstore in the Midwestern town of Oak Hallow. She has a rare gift of spotting preternatural beings. She thought Oak Hallow would be safe away from the Vampire and Were wars, but she finds out that her town is the neutral zone, where all creatures of the night meet and discuss peace. A Were, Cagin asks her out on a date, a Vampire, Raphael (Rafe) wants to court her and a Hunter, Travis wants her for a whole different reason. She should just pack up and leave town, but then she can't stop thinking about Raphael and the way her heart beats faster when he's around.
Raphael (Rafe) Cordova and his twin brother are unique Vampires. They were not turned but became vampires when they were teens. Rafe is the leader of the North American Vampires and in charge of keeping the peace. When he walks into Kathy's bookstore, he didn't plan on courting her, but there is something about her that warms his soul. All he has to do is convince Kathy they belong together. Kathy is human and she wants to stay that way. Will her love for him be enough to make their relationship work?
While Rafe and Kathy try to work out their differences, they must also contend with the Hunters. Travis and his cohorts want to eliminate the preternatural world and they have a diabolical plan in the works to achieve the goal.
Ms. Ashley has written an intriguing Urban Fantasy with good, evil and little in-between. I liked how her characters stayed true. Kathy may love Rafe but she's very human and acts accordingly. She fears what Rafe is. She never forgets he isn't human and she hashes over all the pros and cons of having a lifetime relationship with a Vampire. Can he control his blood lust? Will he turn her without her permission? Will he tire of her when she grows old? If she became a vampire, would she hate that she couldn't go out in the day? Would she miss chocolate, coffee and all other good foods? All good questions. She may love a vampire, but it doesn't mean he's right for her.
Rafe is a strong Alpha male, who is sympathetic to Kathy's plight. I also liked that he didn't treat her as if she couldn't take care of herself. She may be human, but he knew she had a life before him. I also liked the secondary characters, Cagin and Susie. They could have a story all their own. All in all this was an enjoyable read. I believe the tale would also attract the young adult crowd. There's nothing too graphic and the sex scenes are left to the imagination.
Reviewed by: Karen Michelle Nutt, author
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Almost immediately, Kathy McKenna and Rafe Cordova are drawn together, and not just because the lovely bookstore owner can sense paranormal beings, such as vampires, which is what Rafe is. Despite all the good common sense arguments against getting involved, the two fall in love at the worst possible time, in the midst of a war between vampires and shape shifters and just as after a lull of a quarter century, hunters are on the rise again and more sinister than ever. This time, not only are were creatures and vampires in danger from them, but so are ordinary humans whose deaths could be useful. Love is a battle when your heart belongs to the undead.
How can a book be charmingly sweet yet edgy at the same time? I don't know how, but Amanda Ashley invariably makes it happen and in a unique way that keeps me impatient for her next book. The family ties she forms that provide the foundations of her worlds make you care about them, whether it's the Cordova family, or Edward the hunter turned vampire, or any other set. Night's Master is almost impossible to put down, but is also gentle enough to be relaxing. I love how she conveys the sensual without being graphic and how Rafe respects his lady's morals. We need more of that in this world, in both reality and fiction. My hat is off to my fellow Amanda.
Amanda Killgore
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Online reviewer Crystal said: "Amanda Ashley’s book Night’s Master is just perfect. I * am an avid reader and follower of Ms. Ashley’s work and with each book she continues to surpass my expectations of her. I find myself smiling, worried, and in the mindset of that one of a kind love with the picture she paints with words. Ms. Ashley skillfully pens a paranormal romance that brings your emotions right to the surface, everything is so vivid and beautiful. I am ready, Ms. Ashley, for the next book in the series, it just can’t get into my hands quick enough! If I could give a higher score than 5 hearts, I would, because she well deserves it!"
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The latest blood donation from Amanda Ashley is Night's Master. This addition to the DeLongpre/Cordova vampire story emerges from the crypt just in time for Halloween reading, in October 2008.
The latest tale introduces us to Kathy McKenna, a bookstore owner who moved away from the big city, in hopes of avoiding the hostilities between Vampires and Werewolves. Much to her dismay, she finds herself at ground zero for tense negotiations that will bring the war between the Supernatural groups to a halt or escalate hostilities to an all time high.
Kathy is possibly the best realized, most intriguing of Ms. Ashley's female leads in this series. Like her predecessors, she likes to follow her vampire, but she also stands up for herself, and does not always play the damsel in distress, waiting for her black knight
in gleaming midnight armor. Similar themes are addressed with Kathy, as in prior novels in the series, such as the choice between mortality, humanity and never ending love. At points, this question is drawn out somewhat, but overall; Kathy stands out amongst the females in this series. The only exception may be Mara, the Queen of the Vampires. Mara maintains her aura of sensuality and mystery, even as we learn a bit more about her and her place in the vampire world in this book.
Entering Kathy's bookstore after the fall of night, Rafe Cordova also stands out amongst Ms. Ashley's vampires. Our first glimpse of him sets the stage; "he was, in a word, magnificent, from the top of his black-thatched head to the polished tip of his expensive black leather boots." As previously experienced, our author's love of her dark knights comes through yet again and makes Rafe all the more attractive. Rafe holds the reigns of the North American Vampires. This responsibility is granted to him by Mara, as she also appoints the other members of the Cordova and DeLongpre vampire families to other parts of the globe. The additional responsibility given to the character gives him a depth that was lacking in prior leading men; he is concerned not only with protecting and winning the fair maiden, but providing leadership and protection to the Vampires in his area during a time of high tension.
Night's Master sets the scene 73 years or so after Night's Touch. The exposition is very straight forward in the beginning of the novel, setting the stage for a world where most disease has been cured, technology has advanced and the world knows about vampires, werewolves and shapechangers. Kathy decides to relocate to a small Midwestern town, Oak Hollow, to escape the growing problems and dangers associated with the Vampire/Werewolf wars. Unknown to her, Oak Hollow is considered "neutral territory", so it's the first place the Vamps and 'Wolves head to, for negotiations between the factions of the war. Rafe walks into Kathy's store, changing her life, and raising her exposure to danger, significantly. They tangle with a reputedly skilled vampire slayer and confront the potential for the elimination of the vampires and the Shape changers. They find themselves teaming with unlikely allies, and risking much more than just their personal chance at a happily ever after.
The solutions to the problems between the races and the questions about a vampire/human romance come to the reader, all in good time. While at points a little slow, the story is enjoyable. The best part of this novel, as compared to the first two, would have to be the more unique approach to plotting and villain creation. The villains of this piece, a supernatural hunter and his relations, are much more
interesting than prior villains in this series. Their goals to annihilate the Supernatural races, combined with the entanglements associated with a human/vampire romance, make for a better paced, enjoyable read. The story has a satisfying ending, and leaves the reader looking forward to the next book, where we'll get a few answers about Rafe's estranged twin brother, Rane. This book is the best in the series, so far, and leaves the reader looking forward to more.
Reviewed by Justine
Bitten By Books
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"A Suspenseful Paranormal Romance That You Won't Want To End!!!"
Kathy McKenna has had enough of the war between the vampires and werewolves, so she has moved to a small town in the Midwest called Oak Hollow. She bought a log house and opened a used and new bookstore that she runs all by herself.
Business is lacking but after a visit from a vampire named Rafe Cordova, sales pick up a little. Rafe has made his attraction for Kathy well known, and he isn't shy about asking her out. But the last thing Kathy wants to do is to get into a relationship with a vampire!
Rafe continues to visit Kathy in the hopes of winning her over. In the mean time the town is full of paranormal beings, just the sort of thing Kathy was trying to get away from. The war is still brewing and now there are hunters who will stop at nothing to eradicate the world of paranormal beings.
Kathy finds her life in danger because of her association with Rafe. Will everyone make it out alive or will Kathy become another casualty in this brutal war?
NIGHT'S MASTER by Amanda Ashley was the first book that I've read by this extremely talented author. I was hooked from the first page and immensely impressed with the writing. The dialogue flows brilliantly, the romance is hot, the danger is scary, and the suspense is exciting.
While I normally shy away from longer books, this one being a heavy 364 pages, I didn't want the book to end. There were no boring spots where I yawn and yearn to skip over nonsense. NIGHT'S MASTER is perfection from the beginning to the end. Overall I adored and loved everything about this book and can't wait to read all of Amanda Ashley's backlist books!
Rachel Dimond
Fresh Fiction Reviews
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4 roses
Kathy McKenna wanted to get away from the werewolf and vampire fighting so she moved to the quaint township of Oak Hollow. She opened a bookstore, got settled in and then found out the truth. Oak Hollow is the neutral zone for preternatural creatures to meet. It is also the residence of the Master of North American vampires. Raphael Cordova was appointed by Mara, the oldest of their kind, to rule. It is their desire to live in peace with the werewolves and humans. There is a fissure among the supernatural. Some believe their kind should rule the world, after all they are much stronger than humans. It is Rafe’s responsibility to make sure the vampires follow the rules. He meets Kathy and it is difficult to keep his mind on matters at hand.
Kathy can sense when someone is supernatural. The moment the handsome Raphael walked into her bookstore she knew he was a vampire. Of course she feels fear but her attraction to him proves stronger. It is an attraction which is definitely reciprocated. Rafe is not the only one interested in Kathy. A shape shifter and a hunter both are drawn to her as well. Kathy doesn’t want a relationship with a vampire or a shape shifter. Nor is she interested in the hunter who has come to town looking for Rafe. She is learning, however, that the heart has a mind of its own and it seems her heart has chosen a vampire.
For a safe haven Oak Hollow has suddenly become a dangerous place. People are beginning to disappear and Kathy’s friend is attacked by a werewolf. Worse yet, humans in town are as much in the hunter’s target as are the supernatural beings. Will Kathy overcome her mind-set about what Raphael is or will she survive long enough for it to matter?
Night’s Master is book three in the Night series but is written as a stand alone so anyone can enjoy it. To get the full measure of enjoyment I recommend reading the entire series.
I loved the hero in Night’s Master but I also felt sorry for him. While I completely understand Kathy’s reticence to involve herself with a vampire, Raphael’s charm and kindness won me over. He is a wonderful hero who deserves Kathy’s wholehearted affection.
Reviewed by Rho.
A RomanceReview.com
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Once again, I have to say that I am really enjoying this series. Amanda Ashley has put together a sequel that encompasses all the characters from the previous books, and introduces new characters with such finesse that reading out of order would not be a problem. However, I don't recommend it...having the background stories, knowing how Raphael's lineage came about, made the book that much more enjoyable. She pens a story filled with sensual passion, suspense, and intrigue. The vampire hunters are at it again, and the Supernatural world has to band together to put a stop to the senseless destruction of their kind. It was great to revisit old friends, and her new hero and heroine did not disappoint.
Kathy is a bookstore owner in the small Midwestern town of Oak Hollow. Thinking she would be safe there, little did she know it was neutral territory for Supernatural beings. Her world is turned upside down the minute Raphael Cordova walks into her bookstore. He "exudes smoldering power, and his sensual touch draws Kathy into a world of limitless pleasure and unimaginable dangers."
An evil force has come to town to destroy the Supernatural beings and any human that gets in their way. Raphael, being the leader of the North American vampires, is in charge of stopping them. But will his preoccupation with Kathy be a fatal distraction for all his kind?
I thought it was great how Amanda Ashley incorporated both Vampires and Werewolves in this particular novel. They have to band together in order to stop the hunters. It was interesting to read why they didn't like each other...one being a meat-eater and the other being a blood-sucker. LOL. She also brought in a bit of humor with some of the secondary characters and their interactions with Kathy in the bookstore.
One of the things that bothered me was Kathy's wavering back and forth through the entire book about whether or not she wanted to be with a vampire. Of course, being faced with the same decision...I don't know how easily I could make up my mind either. I mean, never seeing the sunshine, never eating ice cream or chocolate again...but then again, having supernatural powers, living forever, never getting sick or growing older...scale is starting to tip in the vampire direction...LOL!! She did have legitimate concerns...but I wish she would have made up her mind sooner. And no, I am not telling you what she decided!!
This is the third book in the series...and I can't wait to get my hands on the fourth...Night's Pleasure. This is the story of Raphael's brother, Rane. And I think there is even a fifth book in the works...but it is not titled yet.
Visit Amanda Ashley's website to see what other vampire books she has written...I have read a few and they are all quite good. Did you know that she also writes as Madeline Baker (her real name)? She has written over 30 historical romance novels and is one of the most popular writers of Native American romance. I will have to try some of her books under this name!
Kara
World According to Books