Once Bitten

It's not very often that I can't complete a book. Unfortunately, this one falls into that category. The story reads like it was written by an amateur who is in desperate need of a better editor. After struggling my way to page 162, I read the following sentences and had to go ahead and call it quits - <br /> "My jaw dropped in horror. In his hand, illuminated by the glove box light, was a spare tampon that I had tossed in there in case of emergency.<br /> "For those not so fresh days, huh Alexa?"<br />Yep, I was done at that point. I closed it and haven't looked back since. I'm assuming that was supposed to be funny, but it wasn't - at all.<br /> I also had to stop at page 134 and flip back through the book to make sure that I wasn't losing my mind. Alexa says, "Power! That's all that the bastard wanted from me." <br /> I was a little baffled by her outburst because I was certain that previous to their sexual encounter, Alexa had claimed to solely want the same thing from Arys. So I turn back to page 77 and this is what I find. - "With Arys, I didn't have a sole intention in mind. I wasn't on the prowl for someone to relieve me of moon-related desires, and I wasn't lonely. What kept me walking beside him went deeper than either of those things : Power."<br /><br /> This is just an example of a few of the things that bothered me. To my fellow Goodreads friends, don't let me completely discourage you from reading this book. Apparently, I am the first person to give this book one star, so maybe it just wasn't for me and you may enjoy it. After all, it does contain the three things that every book needs - vampires, shifters, and sex.

<blockquote> <b> <i>“It was starting to feel like a hair pulling, bitch slapping kind of fight.”</i> </b> </blockquote><br />*<u>Might contain spoilers</u>*<br />Arys is the only reason I finished the book. He was dark, kinda evil, and dangerous, and if you know me, you know I love a bad boy. Shaz was so boring. I only felt friendship towards him and it annoyed me that he and Alexa was together. Alexa, who I had no respect for at all, annoyed the shit out of me. She was selfish and really accusing. As boring as Shaz was, Alexa didn't deserve him, and she sure as hell didn't deserve Arys' affection. I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series. I kinda want to, just because of Arys, but Alexa annoyed me so much that I'm sure I'll end up killing her in my head in the end....<br /><blockquote> <b> <i>“You reek of lust,” Arys commented. The fresh energy rolled off him and tantalized my senses. “What have you been doing in here without me?”</i> </b> </blockquote><br /><b><u>Rate: 2.5 *I loved Arys* stars</u>.</b>

This is the first book in what seems to be a long-running series from a new to me author. It was recommended by a fellow reader. I went ahead &amp; gave it a chance thinking it be a good "in-between" read. FYI: The kindle version of this book is currently free on Amazon. <br /><br />World Building<br />The world building was minimal. No info dumps to get through or massively detailed explanations revolving world dynamics. The reader learns as the story progresses. The story takes place in a contemporary world much like our current day. The general human populace is not aware any supernatural beings exist. This world is bloody &amp; dark. <br /><br />Supernatural Element<br />Vampires &amp; werewolves take center stage. Other supernatural creatures exist &amp; do make an appearance throughout this &amp; future books in this series among them magic-wielding witches. The supernatural element is not romanticized, they are all monsters.<br /><br />Characters (limited to protagonist &amp; possible (?)love interests)<br />The protagonist is a young werewolf who is currently female alpha of her small pack. Prior to being attacked &amp; turned into a wolf, she was a young magical human. Her relationship with the current alpha male is not romantic in fact it is filled with discourse &amp; borders on hate. (This female can hold on to a grudge for years.) As a result of her unusual mix (magical human/wolf) she has abilities that assist her with her current job as a supernatural huntress. <br />Shaz Richardson is also a young werewolf who harbors strong feelings towards Alexa. Shaz &amp; Alexa share an upbringing. Shaz is extremely supportive of Alexa &amp;(IMHO)sympathetic to a fault. Alexa feels un-rationally protective of Shaz @ times it comes across to me as if she doesn’t believe he’s capable of any violence not even in self-defense. She &amp; Shaz have a strange dynamic. Their closeness surpasses friendship but doesn’t transcend into the physical, it’s just limited to an emotional intimacy. One that has potential to expand passed what they currently share. I must confess anytime Shaz popped on the page I kept thinking him a ninny.<br />Arys Knight is a secretive centuries-old vampire. He, unlike Shaz, comes across as an alpha male who knows what he wants &amp; is determined to achieve his goal. What Arys wants is Alexa &amp; Alexa is well aware of his desires. In fact, Alexa &amp; Arys share a magical connection one Arys wants to explore &amp; develop. Arys feels extremely protective of Alexa &amp; this can at times cramp the alpha females style causing tension between them. <br /><br />Thoughts on writing<br />The plot is clearly described in the book's premise so I'll only limit my comments to pace &amp; execution. The pace was action filled &amp; at times confusing. Overall the mystery element was sufficiently mysterious. lol I can't really get into anything detailed due to spoilers. I will say this is not PNR. The romance element at this point seems to be a subplot. It's not the driving force of the story just an important element in the overall series arc. This book seems to be establishing a new romantic relationship dynamic. If I’m forced to label it I’d say it's a building block. This is a 1st POV. What Alexa doesn't know the reader is kept in the dark on. As Alexa learns the reader is enlightened. That's not to say the story isn't filled with hints the reader can use to guess. This book was filled with deep personal deceptions &amp; surprising secrets are revealed that are likely more important to the overall story arc than this particular installment. <br /><br />Rating<br />I rate this book a solid 3 stars it has great potential if the author can manage what seems to be a complex plot. This book engrossed me with its possibilities. So much so I felt I needed to get answers so I went on to book 2-4 immediately. What originally was an in-between book turned into a marathon read.

Alexa O’Brien may be a werewolf with a little something extra, but the professional huntress had a love/lust life that was a complete mess. She has an inexplicable pull to the vampire, Arys and their night of passion connects them on a mental level. He is cold, harsh and seemingly heartless.<br><br>When her pack alpha, the man she once shared her bed and her heart with needs her help, she is torn between helping and letting him deal on his own, until he reveals the real problem. Self-centered and manipulative, Raoul doesn’t have many saving graces.<br><br>Then there is Shaz, werewolf, best friend and the only man who offers his heart, not just his bed…seems like a no-brainer to me, but apparently, not for Alexa.<br><br><b>ONCE BITTEN</b> by Trina M. Lee has the potential for a fabulous, dark and edgy paranormal tale, but the only character I could connect with was Shaz, and frankly, I failed to see what he saw in Alexa. Twisted story lines, some kind of creepy pasts and supernatural sexual attractions made the reading seem a little jumpy. Besides, the whole sex with lots of supernaturals has been done.<br><br>Perhaps it’s me, and as this is the first of the series, there is always a lot of ground to cover. Gritty and dark with a LOT of action, twists and dirty little secrets.<br><br>Series: Alexa O'Brien, Huntress - Book 1<br>Publisher: Trina M. Lee (April 30, 2011)<br>Publication Date: April 30, 2011<br>Genre: Paranormal Romance<br>Print Length: 250 pages<br>Available from: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Once-Bitten-Alexa-OBrien-Huntress-ebook/dp/B004YTT2VG/" rel="nofollow noopener">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-bitten-trina-m-lee/1102186703?ean=9781449561451" rel="nofollow noopener">Barnes &amp; Noble</a><br>For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: <a href="http://tometender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">http://tometender.blogspot.com</a><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzWcuxwzgIg/VCiZSxUyvmI/AAAAAAAAfb0/Zeysvfwdgos/s1600/June%2BHeader%2Bw%2Bhttp.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1411946937i/11303744._SX540_.jpg" height="250" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

An interesting story that, unfortunately, fell flat for me. And I can't really say why. :O<br /> <br /> -It's true there's not much world-building, but given the plot, it wasn't a must as it's a standard "world" in UF. On the other side, some magic needs some explaining. <br /> The monsters are real and not downplayed for the audience. Vampires kills, were too (which is good). <br />- The heroine is a strong woman who survived tragedy both on the physical and mental "plane". <br /><br />All of these should have make this book one I'd like. But, as I said, it fell flat. There was no connection to the characters, no sparks between the leading men and woman. There's no edge to the story. No real grit.<br /><br />A couple of points in the story felt contrived and really unbelievable. In particular, the big reveal at the end was a pure WTF moment. It was in the eeckk category too. At the same time the heroine's reaction was in contrast with the way she was described earlier in the story. (Weirdly enough, the head vamp's action were more believable than hers. :D)<br /><br />I know some readers compared Alexa to Anita Blake or Cat, the night huntress. I see no resemblance whatsoever. There's none of the rage of Anita nor the snark, humour or steam of Cat's stories. MHO, of course.

I really wanted to give this more stars. One I gave purely because that front cover is beautiful! Another star I gave because even though I found the story somewhat disjointed and lacked flow at times I liked the theme, the magic elements Alexa's struggles and with the problems the author threw at her. The third star I gave because I enjoyed the characters/personalities of those around the Alexa, yet I failed to connect with Alexa herself. I would have liked to see Shaz and Arys develop more as I felt they had more to give. <br /><br />I liked the book, but I wanted to love it. I may read others in this series to see the progression in the future.

This mess is WAY too long and convoluted. Over 600 pages, this could easily have been cut into two books, or better still, lose the filler. I couldn't believe how many chapters passed after the first villain was conquered, or how many were useless. Did we really need to stop while the characters are supposed to be chasing Zoey so the author could introduce the lesbian tiger, have her hit on six female strangers just to make sure we get the point, and then show that she's interested in Alexa too? At the end I was like, oh for fucks sake, an epilogue? Plus you get whiplash from Alexa going back and forth in her positions: "I hate Raoul, he ruined my life and should be killed." "Raoul is pack, I care about him." "Raoul has to die!" or "We're not going to kill Zoey we're going to protect her." "Zoey's going to die and I'll rip her apart." She constantly contradicts herself, and from one scene to the next. I had to stop early on and read other reviews because in one scene she's talking about needing to kill Raoul if it turns out he's not just a womanizer but a murderer, too, yet in the very next scene she's watching Arys murder a woman after hooking up and she's all excited about it. Books like these prove that editors are worth their weight in gold.

I couldn't get into it. Reading it was a chore. I got halfway through it before I was literally screaming in frustration. The heroine of the book was a shallow, short-sighted hussy. The first real sexual interlude was with a poorly introduced character that I didn't even really care for enough to find attractive. The redeeming male character she was "really" in love with, I was hoping he'd run in the opposite direction, because Alexa was not anywhere near good enough for him. And Raoul was a poorly written daddy figure. <br /><br />And it's TIMBUKTU, not TIMBUCKTWO. I hate to be a picky snot about things like that -- but if you're going to publish a book, please, please, google some of this stuff.

I was to sum this book up on one word it would be 'Incredible'. I actually picked this book up for free through Amazon and I am so glad that I did as I will now be following this series.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Written in first person (and a very good first person at that) from Alexa's viewpoint, the reader is able to get up close and personal with her strengths and weaknesses. We get to see her grow and stumble backwards. And I do have to say that I find Lex to be the perfect blend of kick ass and insecurities to be an intriguing and memorable heroine.<br /><br />Surrounding her are equally memorable loves, lovers and friends. I would love to see what happens with more then a couple of them. Oh yes I am going to pick up the second book. <br /><br />The pacing is very tight and the dialogue snappy. ONE BITTEN has to be the best werewolf urban fantasy I have had the pleasure of reading this year. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys both the paranormal and urban fantasy. I think that it will also really appeal to readers of Kelley Armstrong.<br /><br />And one gentle warning. There are some sex scenes but they are not too graphic. Oh and scenes of gore that might be.<br /><br />I rate this book a 4.75.

I just didn't really enjoy this book. It had enough that I was able to stick with it, but I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle through most of it. There were things that were happening (metaphysical powers, were powers, vampire powers) that just didn't flow with the story and should have been better explained early on in the book. It seemed like that stuff was mentioned and I was just expected to know what those powers (and consequently the results of those powers like psi balls) were without any explanation.<br /><br />I found Alexa to be a confusing character. She was all over the place with her emotions and while I think she was supposed to be a complex character, that didn't translate very well. At times I found her acting like a spoiled 3 year old and that didn't mesh well with the bad ass that she was supposed to be. She just didn't flow very well.<br /><br />I did like the supporting characters and Shaz and Arys were interesting. I'm not going to stick with this series to see how that all plays out, but I did find those characters to be well built.