Bound in Blood by J. P. Bowie is the fifth book in the Vampire and I series.

In 1863 in Madrid, Spain, Senor Carlos Galeano is at a formal party where he meets Count Galvez, a handsome and mysterious man. Carlos's cousin Lady Andorra tries to tell him to stay away from the count and his questionable associates, but unfortunately Carlos doesn't listen setting forth events that will change his life forever. The count and his friends are vampires and after almost killing Carlos, the only way to save his life Andorra must turn him into a vampire just like she is.

Present time, Chris has just left his part time job at the Xtasy club when he realizes he is being followed. Chris almost reaches safety when his path is blocked by a group of men who hate him just because he is gay. Things are looking grim for Chris until a man, Carlos that Chris saw at the club earlier, but he was afraid to approach him. Carlos takes care of the men and takes Chris out for a drink. The two feel a connection that is undeniable, and they end up together fulfilling each of their wildest desires. Carlos is drawn to Chris, but after loosing his last lover, he is hesitant to take the final move to tell Chris about what he truly is. Will Carlos trust Chris enough to tell him everything? Will Carlos and his friends find a way to keep Chris safe, but what about the vampire slayers that are lurking in the shadows?

Mr. Bowie has continued his Vampire and I series with this action packed and fast paced story. I love how the characters from the earlier books lives are continued and enrich the plot line. Chris always wanted someone special in his life, but what he finds opened his eyes to a whole new world. I understood his terror when he learned the truth about Carlos. Chris has many things he needs to deal with and overcome society ideas of vampires to find the truth behind the myths. Carlos is an interesting mixture of sophistication and hidden child like beliefs that are startling to the reader. I enjoyed one of the vampires Roger, who is the newest vampire in the group, and is very exuberant in the way he sees the world; much to his lovers, Marcus's dismay. Each character is unique in their past and how they react to situations that enrich the story. Thanks go to Mr. Bowie for another edition to an incredible series.

Reviewed by: Teresa