If you are looking for a very tame vampire romance, and the reality that comes with reading the first person narrative of a heroine who shares all of the minutia of her daily life - (paraphrasing here) "I woke up late, and didn't feel like cooking so I went to the diner and ordered pancakes because they make the best ones, then I opened the bookstore on time and had three customers come in and they each purchased ....." - this is the book for you.

I have had Night's Master (and have been reading it) since the day it hit the shelves and the only reason I actually managed to finish it is that it was in the car so I read bits whenever I had to wait when picking up the kids, but it was so put-downable that I (and I am an addictive reader) was never compelled to bring it into the house to finish.

The vampire hero Raphael Cordova was a decent enough hero, rich and handsome with the whole supernatural mojo that helped him to quickly overcome heroine Kathy's aversion to the supernatural. I just couldn't see why he would ever fall for the deadly dull Kathy. And the background plot itself stays pretty much in the background until the very end - supernaturals are going missing, humans are being killed, hunters are in town - it all does come together in a few chapters worth of action but by then it's just too little and just a little too late.

This is only my second Ashley book, so I might just not be getting it - maybe a fan would be happy for Raphael to finally get his story because there is a feeling like the reader should be familiar with his parents, grandparents and the daywalking vampire leader Mara. But personally I am not going to bother with three strikes, two is more than enough, I am definitely crossing Ashley off my list.

I liked this book a lot! The one downfall I find is that I would like to see a sequel to it and find Kathy pregnant since Rafe's mother and grandmother ended up pregnant when they were married to a Vampire..

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 Shapechangers. 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 at Bitten by Books Paranormal Fiction Review Site by Justine
The Bitten by Books review score for this book was 3.5 Tombstones

Why did I bother reading "Night's Master" by Amanda Ashley? Well, the only reason I did is I got it for free. I've read several of her paranormal vampire romances & haven't found a "winner" yet. When I read an Amanda Ashley vampire book, I now know what I'm in for...a reluctant heroine who struggles with falling in love with a vampire because he's a vampire...mixed with too much religion (every heroine from an AA book that I can recall has been an uber religious Christian. I guess Buddhists, Jews, Atheists, etc...aren't as attractive to her vamps! lol). I don't mind religion in fiction (being an Anglican myself), but I do mind when I feel I'm on the receiving end of a sermon. Why write about vampires as the main love interests then have moments where it's preached about how "evil" they are? Sooo irritating! Anyway, back to the book. I found Kathy just so grating on the nerves...why a gorgeous, charming, and worldly man like Raphael would fall for Ms. Bug Up Her A$$ is beyond my comprehension. Kathy falls in love (eventually) with Raphael but doesn't like the fact that he's a vampire. To me, it's like falling in love with someone then disliking them over something they cannot help nor change. Irritated yet? I sure was.

Mankind had finally achieved universal peace until Vampires and Weres each believed they should run the earth so they finally went to war to decide who would rule. Kathy McKenna did not want to get in the crossfire so she left the city for the Midwest town of Oak Hill; unaware that the place is in the neutral demilitarized zone where the two species discuss peace.

Kathy opened a bookstore but it was slow going until Raphael Cordova entered her shop. He leads the North American Vampires and is attracted to Kathy even though she is a mortal. He sends his friends to buy books from her. They go out on a date and she learns Raphael is a vampire who turned as a teen just like his twin brother who no one has heard from in decades. They have a good time together and agree to another date. The next day the Were-tiger Cogin visits her store and invites her on a picnic. She agrees, but his aggressiveness bothers her and the date is a bust. War comes to Oak Hill when the Were kill a Vampire.

Hunter of the supernatural Travis Jackson arrives in town to eradicate the vamp and were infestations. Kathy tells Rafe she would like to marry him, but does not want to become a vamp. He agrees to the status quo. Travis plans to use Kathy as bait to lure Rafe into a trap so they can experiment on turning him back into a human.

The paranormal species seem genuine as does this alternate earth. The romance is well written as forbidden love flows between the lead couple. Although some readers will scoff at Kathy the meek escaping the enemy while Rafe the powerful cannot; fans will enjoy this fine urban romantic fantasy.

Harriet Klausner