Other parents give their children toys and party games for their birthday. My dad gave me and my siblings wooden stakes and flash grenades. To protect us from vampires.From the moment he adopted us, he warned us about the dangers that lurk in the dark. Obviously, I thought he was crazy. Vampires aren’t real, and I was already enduring enough panic attacks without buying into Dad’s insane ideas.… insane ideas.
But then I met Talon.
Talon has fascinating scars and a mouth I want to kiss and a body I want to feel–and fangs.
Vampire fangs.
Suddenly, the weapons Dad gave me start looking real useful.
Only I don’t want to fight Talon. I want to feel his teeth on my neck. I can’t explain it. He makes my knees goes weak. I know it’s wrong, but it feels right.
It feels like destiny.
When Talon bites me, I forget everything, even that he is a monster. Even that I shouldn’t be falling for him.
Even that his coven wants me dead.
more
Fabulous Story & Narration Fascinating PNR!
Love Bites Thicker Than Water
By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
Narrated by: John Solo
I loved everything about this book, from Ann-Katrin Byrde’s wonderful writing style to the fascinating and imaginative storylines and characters they created to John Solo’s fabulous narration. The story swept me in right from the start, grabbing my attention and holding it straight to the end. The characters are complex and well developed, they were easy to relate to and connect with. I adored the two lead characters Collin and Talon, the chemistry between them was smoking hot. I thought it was great how they first met, Collin was warned by his adoptive father to stay away from certain places and to watch out for Vampires, he even taught him how to stake a vampire. Talon, a vampire, notices Collin at the bar, he also notices a shifter trying to pick him up, sensing he was in danger Talon goes to help him. This is Collin’s first encounter with paranormal beings and it sends his mind into a tailspin and he finds himself going back to his adopted family’s home, a place he stayed away from for over a year. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted and there is never a dull moment. There is plenty of drama, a touch of angst, some great twists and turns, some thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional moments and some hot romance. Ann-Katrin present a unique spin on their paranormal beings, Vampires, Shifters and Witches, they made it all seem so real, including the the male pregnancy. There was some amazing world building in this book, I am looking forward to what comes next in this fabulous series. Thank you for this awesome story.
I listened to the Audible edition, John Solo is a fabulous narrator and voice actor. He was perfectly casted to bring these characters to life, giving each their own unique voice making it easy to follow the story and who is who. He does an awesome job portraying the characters, truly grasping each persona and playing each role with perfection, sounding just as I picture them to sound. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen
Collin and his adopted siblings were raised by a man who focused on educating his children in all things vampire, specifically how to protect themselves from creatures of the night intent on hunting them. They grew up hearing their father carry on about vampires as if they really existed, and, despite being told they were real, the kids thought their adoptive dad was a little crazy pants. That is until Collin is confronted by a werewolf while leaving a nightclub and has to be saved by a vampire named Talon, making him realize that maybe dear old dad hadn’t been so crazy after all.
The characters were pretty good and I did like them, but some of them fell flat for me. Collin came across as the most developed. He was a plucky individual that harbored some serious emotional trauma. He truly suffered from the devastating events of his childhood that left him orphaned. Talon, on the other hand, seemed a little less fleshed out. Memories of his past were lost once he was transformed into a vampire, so the little flashes of his past were all we really know about who he was before death. We learn that he’s pretty much a puppet for his sire, unable to defy direct orders that are given to him. That alone really made me feel for Talon because he literally lost his human life and became a glorified slave for his sire, Zenon. Aside from Lucas, Aldrich, and maybe Remy, I wasn’t overly interested in any of the secondary characters which was a real shame.
For the plot, I did love that the main characters were so drawn to each other. Despite having to go their separate ways to protect Collin, they wound up coming together again as if they were destined to be together. Some of the other reviewers made comments about this book having an ‘instalove’ aspect, but I didn’t get that feeling at all. Yes, the characters came together and seemed to be drawn to one another, but there were no shmoopy declarations of love right away. Saying that I do think the development of their relationship could have used some more on-page time because I love seeing the growth of a couple.
The bits of humor laced throughout this book was fantastic! It was especially funny seeing Collin lose his everloving mind about the fact that he was pregnant. I found myself giggling at some of the things he popped off with. It was refreshing seeing a book about vampires that wasn’t all dark doom and gloom. It made this book a nice balance between being all sunshine or rainy days.
The overall plot was just alright for me. Being a huge fan of AKB, I am used to her producing fantastic storylines for her other series, but this book wasn’t as good as her other work. There was intrigue, attraction, love, conflict, resolution, a brand new baby, and a HEA. That’s a perfect recipe for a happy listener when it comes to me, so I’m not sure why I wasn’t in love with this book more.
Ann-Katrin Byrd and John Solo are usually a match made in heaven when it comes to producing fantastic books. Until now, I’ve loved every single book that John has narrated for Ann because they make such a good team. Ann is a wonderfully engaging author who draws me into her fictional creations, and John brings those fictional creations to life with his captivating narrations. Between the two of them, I find myself utterly fascinated by so many characters and places that stick with me long after I’ve finished the story. Unfortunately, Love Bites just didn’t live up to my expectations for the dynamic duo that is AKB and John Solo. The book was good and John was great, as always, but I wasn’t in love.
I would recommend this book to my friends that are into gay vampire romance with a heads up that it’s an enjoyable read with a conventional plot. Those familiar with AKB might not be as impressed if they go into this book expecting an earth-shattering story like that of her Mercy Hills series. I would advise anyone reading this book to go into it with an open mind. It’s not a bad read at all, and it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Colin is a young man with a tragic past. His biological parents were murdered, and his adoptive father died suddenly after they had a heated argument. A year after his adoptive father’s death, Colin ends up at a bar where he meets Talon. Meeting Talon changes everything for Colin. First, Talon is the love of Colin’s life, and second, Talon is a vampire. A vampire who uncovers the secrets of Colin’s past, secrets which threaten to destroy Talon, Colin, and their loved ones.
The Ann-Katrin Byrde writing duo have created a fantastic start to an exciting new series. In this world there are vampires, witches, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures who keep their presence hidden from the average human. Colin’s adoptive father is not the average human, and it turns out, his adoptive children aren’t (no surprise there) average humans either. This isn’t a new storyline concept, but it’s definitely an exciting one when done right. Ann-Katrin Byrde did this story right. There is action, humor, love, cute moments, and hot sex scenes. There were some small portions of the plot that did feel a little slow for me, but those moments didn’t last long, and they was necessary build up for some of the more action packed and fun scenes.
What I loved the most about this book was the characterization of Colin. He was such a fun and delightful guy, and he immediately endeared himself to me. Talon was also wonderful crafted. He had depths and complexities, and wasn’t just another hot vampiric hunk-of-man. The supporting characters were also strongly written, and I’m so curious to know their backstories and secrets.
The audiobook version of Love Bites was narrated by John Solo who does an absolutely fantastic job. John is a master at voicing characters and making them feel alive. I didn’t just listen to this audiobook, I was swept away by an exquisite performance.
I rate base on my enjoyment and gut feelings and thus for both the book and audiobook, I have to give Love Bites an overall rating of 5/5 stars. I was engaged with the story the entire time, and loved it. Once the book was over, I was left wanting more. I’m excited for the sequel.
This is a fascinating story and an amazing start to a new series, that had me engaged from the very beginning. I couldn’t put it down and I highly recommend this book. I love Collin and Talon’s relationship. I love how they discover themselves together, especially the love they have for each other and their unborn child.
It had been a year since Collin’s adoptive father died and Collin felt the need to go against his dad and venture to a club in a part of town he was told not to go. Collin and his adoptive siblings grew up learning how to fight against vampires even though they hadn’t had any contact with them. While at the club Collin happens to run into trouble only to be saved my Talon, a vampire.
Collin can’t seem to stay away from his vampire and Talon, even though he fights it at first to keep Collin safe, can’t stay away from Collin. When they realize Collin’s pregnant they do everything they can to understand and protect the baby. Love saves them all in the end.
I can’t wait for book 2 and hope we get Luke’s story.
Talon and Collin are so good together, Collin is warm and feisty, Talon is tired and lonely. They have a lovely banter and the romance is hot with a HEA.
This story will leave you wanting to know more about all things that go bump in the world and to know more about the side characters. Definitely recommend!
I liked the mystery and intrigue the authors created about Collin’s true nature and what was going on. I struggled not to laugh when Talon told Collin they’d had sex he couldn’t remember because of the mind wipe! Lmao!! I liked the bond between Talon and Collin, and how selfless each man was. This storyline was different and I quickly became immersed and needed more. The authors tease a preview of the next book. and it promises more evil to be overcome. I can’t wait. I loved seeing Collin’s powers put to the test of getting rid of evil.
Love Bites engages you right from the start. I couldn’t put it down; exciting and charming with a supernatural twist. Great read …
Awesome beginning to end
This book started out alright. I had hopes it would be one of those quick, juicy stories that might not be particularly well written but would make up for it with copious amounts of smut and a clichéd but highly entertaining storyline. That’s not what I got though. Well, apart from the poor writing that is.
I did finish the book however, but in retrospect I’m not sure why.
*** Warning, spoilers ahead! ***
So, there’s Collin. He’s been trained by his adopted father to kill vampires, but he doesn’t actually believe in them. But he decides to revolt and goes drinking at a bar he’s been warned not to visit. And he runs into a vampire.
Collin is mighty fascinated by Talon the vampire and, after a bunch of stupid stuff, they shag. But then, memory loss, [nausea and morning sickness (!). (hide spoiler)]
Collin dreams of a hot guy he can’t remember meeting but then, hey presto, dream-man turns up irl. Insta-love.
Bad vampires.
Good vampires.
Some commotion and cross-dressing.
The end.
There were so many things about this story I just couldn’t stomach.
Collin is literally planning a future with a vampire he’s just met while Talon himself has barely said two words. I can’t even call it one-sided insta-love, because there’s no indication for a good long while that Collin even has any feelings towards Talon.
There’s just this complete lack of emotion about the story, despite this being a romance. It was like I was supposed to just assume the MCs were falling for each other without being told the hows and whys of it.
There were also way too many life-altering events happening way too fast that Collin accepted and handled too well. The revelation that vampires, werewolfs and other beings exist. That Collin has [some kind of superpower that he can apparently wield right away. That Collin gets pregnant.
And… I don’t want to spend more energy on this book than I already have. I just need to warn you off it. It’s the classic mistake of a book where too much happens, too fast, and that is in serious need of editing.
So, Love Bites has more suction to it than bite, so to speak. And Ann-Katrin Byrde (which is a pen name for a writer duo) goes on my heck-no list.
Also, there should have been some warnings. Mpreg and cross-dressing aren’t everybody’s cup of tea.
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blog.se/love-bites-thicker-than-water-1-by-ann-katrin-byrde/
Collin is just an “ordinary” guy who grew up in a not so ordinary situation. His dad taught him and his brothers and sister that there are vampires out there and to always be aware of his surroundings. After a terrible fight with his father, he moves out and never gets to make things right with his dad.
Talon is a vampire killer for his sire, Zenon. He doesn’t want to do Zenon’s biding but when he refused, he paid a high price. Now he just goes through his life doing whatever his sire says.
Collin decides to go the bar, his dad warned him to stay away from, after work one night. He just wants to know what’s the big deal since his dad wouldn’t explain why he needed to stay away. He doesn’t see anything strange but he does see something he likes, Talon. When Collin decides to leave the bar, he’s attacked and Talon comes to his rescue. Collin and Talon have one passionate night and then Talon has to wipe Collin’s memory. Problem is Collin keeps dreaming of a sexy, scarred man and goes back to the place he last remembers, before the dreams started, coming across Talon again. It doesn’t take Collin and Talon long to realize their one night of passion started something really special. Collin and Talon find out that Collin isn’t just an “ordinary” guy afterall, he’s something else. Talon decides to stop fighting Collin and they begin seeing each other.
Talon is this emotionless guy in the beginning and Collin slowly brings out his softer emotions, with a little help to remember his past life. Talon comes to realize that in order to get away from Zenon’s control he has to get his humanity back.
This is a sweet romance. Hopefully Talon will continue to become less stiff in future books in the series. Collin making stupid decisions is what gets him into trouble. It would’ve been nice if his magic would’ve shown earlier so that the stupid decision making trope didn’t have to be used. It would have benefited from an extra chapter or a prologue to tie it up better. I would have given it a 4 star but it has too many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. It definitely needs a better editing job. Also the double spaced paragraphs and sometimes double spaced sentences was really irritating.
This new series started with a pretty interesting story about vampires. This book is full of action, danger, intrigue and some surprises that got me at the edge of my seat throughout the book, but also is about love and how, again and again is the ultimate reason to fight. Amazing book! I can’t wait for more books in this series. A wonderful reading!