*SIGH* 
 SO earlier this week, I reviewed Twice Tempted and I talked briefly about why I didn't love that one. Bound by Flames is floatin in the same boat. Yet, it was a HUGE improvement as well. 
 Leila has done some maturing and is really starting to grow on me. She was put through the ringer in Bound by Flames, and I hate to say it, but she needed it. She didn't deserve ANYTHING that happened to her, so chill. But I think she really needed her eyes opened to what Vlad has been trying to protect her from and to grasp what being with Vlad, and in this world, means for her. I see a lot of similarities to Leila and Cat - both head strong, stubborn and naive to a point. 
 Vlad is back ya'll. What I missed about his fierce, violet personality in Twice Tempted came back, 10 fold. He did make a few stupid mistakes that resulted in a horrifying situation with Leila, but that is just his personality. It's what we expect from Vlad, ya know? I also find it fascinating that after all these years, he is still learning about his abilities. I have no idea why - but it's fascinating. 
 Ironic enough, the scenes with these two together were the highlight of this installment for me. They have finally find their balance in their relationship and I was so happy to see them working together, for once. Their smexy time scenes aren't as HOT as before, but that's okay. I can do without all that. 
 I also love how we see more of the other characters from the other novels as well. Everyone plays a huge role in the explosive ending. I was a little peeved about the twisted ending though. It reeks of familiarity and I am wanting more originality to the plot. But, I am BEYOND curious about how things will play out in the final installment coming out next year.