Chained By Night (Moonbound Clan) - Dark Fantasy Romance Novel for Adults | Perfect for Late-Night Reading & Book Club Discussions

Chained by Night by Larissa IoneBook #2: MoonBound Clan Vampire SeriesSource: PurchaseMy Rating: 4½/5 starsMy Review:At the end of book one, Bound by Night, Hunter, the leader of the MoonBound clan of vampires strikes a deal that effectively ends his life as he knows it. In order to protect his clan and prevent war, Hunter agrees to marry the daughter of a rival clan leader. Yes, life as Hunter knows it is over.For two centuries Hunter has lived his life according to his own rules. He satisfies his needs as he sees fit, he runs his clan with a firm but not iron fist and, he works every second of every day to be nothing like his father. Now that he is contracted to marry Rasha, Hunter has a few things he has to get straight before the big day. First and foremost on the list is completing three tasks set forth by the demon Samnult. Completion of the tasks will ensure the survival of Hunter’s first born child as long as Hunter survives the tasks. Second on the list is convincing Rasha she has to complete the tasks with him and third on the list is figuring out how to stop hating the bitch queen known as Rasha.Aylin has lived her entire life in the shadow of her twin sister, Rasha. According to clan legend and tradition, the second born twin is to be killed and any child born with a defect is to be killed. Aylin is both the second born twin and has had, since birth a twisted leg but in a cruel twist of fate, her sadistic father allowed her to live. As a member of the notoriously cruel ShadowSpawn clan, Aylin has lived her life in constant fear. Her birth status and defect have made her a constant target, her father’s backward way of thinking and cruel leadership have kept her from escaping and, her sister has only rarely come to her defense. As the sister of the bride, Aylin is expected to attend to her sister in month leading up to her mating ceremony. As such, the twins are expected to live with the MoonBound clan and under Hunter’s protection until the time of the mating.When Hunter and Aylin meet, sparks fly but there are so many obstacles in their way. Among the obstacles, Hunter is promised to Rasha, Hunter is determined to fulfill his commitment and, Hunter knows Rasha will be a fierce companion able to help protect his clan. Though Aylin appears to be weak Hunter very quickly discovers that she is anything but and when the chips are down she is the twin he wants by his side. In a most unexpected twist, it is Aylin and not Rasha who accompanies Hunter through Samnult’s tests and it is Aylin who helps him complete the tasks at great personal cost. The return the reality is almost as harsh as the tests as Aylin and Hunter are forced to separate. Hunter’s determination to fulfill his commitment and protect his clan borders on madness and the insanity only increases the longer he is in Rasha’s presence and away from Aylin.Aylin’s time with Hunter both in his haven and during the trials is a revelation and for the first time in her life, Aylin is able to spread her wings and fly. Hunter and his clan help Aylin to understand that life can be different, she doesn’t have to be just a possession and, she can have a life outside of the cruelty of her sister and her father. In fact, with the help of the MoonBound clan, Aylin may just be able to escape all the wretched she has ever known and have a life she can call her own. The only problem is knowing that life will likely not be at Hunter’s side.The Bottom Line: Holy oy!! Book two of the MoonBound Vampire Clan series is even better than the first!! In this installment, Ione delves even further into the origins of vampires, their connection to Native American tribes and, Hunter’s personal history. You all know how much I loves me some history and some backstory, right?? Well, I certainly do! Hunter’s personal history very much explains his intense desire to fulfill his commitments and protect his people and once you understand where he’s coming from he’s a little easier to like. Aylin is pure perfection and I liked her instantly. Despite everything she has suffered in her life, she still has hope that her life can and will be better. She blossoms under Hunter’s attention and when she truly finds her feet, she is a force to be reckoned with. I. LOVE. HER. On the flip side, some people just get what they deserve and I am all kinds of OK with the hand Rasha and a few others were dealt in this read. Add to the mix the totally hot sex and this is a read I blazed through. This series is quickly working its way onto my list of favorites and I can’t wait for round three.