cuteasamuntin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
micheala's review against another edition
4.0
The first 2/3's feels like a really cute slow burn romance between a werewolf and a vampire. Which, I can I just say that I loved that while Vlad was like 400 (typical for a vampire) Nathan was in his 60s (unlike most paranormal romance were one of them would have been like 18-21 🤮)
The final third definitely felt different. We finally have Ursula show up onto the same continent as the rest of the story (she gets 1 scene in the other two parts). Maybe once book 2 comes out and we get more of the arc I'll appreciate this section better, however as it stands it felt a little abrupt.Â
Overall, it was still super cute and a really fun take on a historical paranormal romance.Â
The final third definitely felt different. We finally have Ursula show up onto the same continent as the rest of the story (she gets 1 scene in the other two parts). Maybe once book 2 comes out and we get more of the arc I'll appreciate this section better, however as it stands it felt a little abrupt.Â
Overall, it was still super cute and a really fun take on a historical paranormal romance.Â
myxini's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
ladysmoke's review
5.0
Bought this book to read and annotate as a gift for my best friend. I knew it would be good because she picked it, and she never steers me wrong when it comes to good books. This book was totally charming; a sweet and mildly spicy adventure. The characters were super diverse, so I have to commend the author on the superb queer and disabled representation in the cast. The MCs were both adorable. Their romance was super well written and so sweet, I was invested in them right from the beginning. There were a few plot strings left hanging in the form of Nathan's and Vlad's respective family responsibilities, but those were obviously secondary to their romance, so it didn't bother me that the 'real world' stuff was left unresolved in favor of focusing on their relationship. I'll definitely be picking up book 2!
millah's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
I read this spicy edition (or parts of it) after I had already read the fluffier edition. I didn't know there were two editions, I must say that was a great idea. Of course, I had to check it out. For science. :) And I have no regrets, this book was hot and fun and very entertaining. Here are some of my notes from reading the first version:
This was entertaining. Actually, the story pulled me in so well that I managed to ignore some slightly illogical details, like that a bloodless vampire was somehow able to blush. :) Or that some unusually modern phrases popped up here and there. The premise was intriguing and magical, and I was utterly charmed by the main characters and the fun crack fic vibe of it all. I must admit that some of the background characteres appeared a bit flat to me, especially some of the villanous ones. They may grow a bit more later on, of course. The pacing seemed a bit odd at times, but not so much that it pulled me out of the story. Could be a me-thing. All in all, I liked this book a lot, especially the mutual attraction and UST between Vlad, Nathan - and Ursula. Oh, and I enjoyed the refreshing consent- and "proclivities" negotiation talk. The conclusion of the mystery plot was entertaining and satisfying. The ending was maybe a little quick, probably because it was building up to the next book in the series. I'm definitely going to check it out. Oh, and I'm not surprised to see that the author has written fanfics. I think I will check out some of those, as well.Â
This was entertaining. Actually, the story pulled me in so well that I managed to ignore some slightly illogical details, like that a bloodless vampire was somehow able to blush. :) Or that some unusually modern phrases popped up here and there. The premise was intriguing and magical, and I was utterly charmed by the main characters and the fun crack fic vibe of it all. I must admit that some of the background characteres appeared a bit flat to me, especially some of the villanous ones. They may grow a bit more later on, of course. The pacing seemed a bit odd at times, but not so much that it pulled me out of the story. Could be a me-thing. All in all, I liked this book a lot, especially the mutual attraction and UST between Vlad, Nathan - and Ursula. Oh, and I enjoyed the refreshing consent- and "proclivities" negotiation talk. The conclusion of the mystery plot was entertaining and satisfying. The ending was maybe a little quick, probably because it was building up to the next book in the series. I'm definitely going to check it out. Oh, and I'm not surprised to see that the author has written fanfics. I think I will check out some of those, as well.Â
roxanamalinachirila's review
4.0
I rarely buy books without knowing what they're going to be about, but True Love Bites was one of them. I follow the author on Tumblr, and I had faith she could write. Spoiler: she can!
I came into this without knowing what to expect except that there would be vampires and werewolves. Here are my findings:
True Love Bites is so much fun, and it has a sense of humor
It starts with a bit of a tragedy, in the form of a dead magical tree and a blight threatening to spread throughout the world. It starts with a young soldier returning home from the war, maimed, but alive.
I wasn't sure it would be quite my cup of tea until the first family scene happened, and the humor started shining through. After that, I fell in love.
The world is full of magic and complex...
...and alas, much is left unexplained. But, in short: there are vampires (who... eventually feel their age? I'm not sure) and werewolves (who live for upwards of two centuries, as far as I can tell), as well as liches and various other magical creatures, such as werebears. It's not entirely clear to me exactly how all the pieces fall together, and what wars are waged. Also, a long time ago, there was a great magical disaster leading to the destruction of great areas.
I'm also not entirely sure whether the world is modeled on Earth or not. There's a place called Ingleton, there are northern werewolves... I mean, it could be about the British Isles... or not.
But while I felt the need to find out more, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to understand the world completely to have fun reading the novel.
The characters are charming - and isn't that what we're here for?
Vlad the vampire, is dramatic, clever, unable to stick to a single thing, but capable of coming up with all sorts of clever ideas to improve pretty much anything. Alas, he's also entirely convinced of his own lack of worth, which he hides through sarcasm and a flippant attitude.
Nathan the werewolf is stubborn, with a heart of gold, and capable of seeing the best in people. Not always thinking of consequences, but capable of seeing through bullshit, he's the exact sort of friend you'd want at your side.
And together, they're quite stellar.
Ursula, alas, is present a lot less in the novel, but she's quite charming herself.
There are two sides to this book and
First, there's the romance, which builds quite nicely, and which is quite fluffy and sweet. I'm not sure I'm 100% persuaded by their first bedroom interaction, which felt quite... didactic?... But I'm quite persuaded by the rest of the romance. It's got support, and humor, and attraction, and all the good things.
There's a bit of a hint of polyamory to come, but it's not here yet.
The second part (and I do mean "second part"; it's only foreshadowed for the first half of the book) is a larger plot about magic, saving the world, and a looming threat. And some of that threat is implied to be solved at the end.
But the book just ends. After a bit of looking around, it became apparent this is because Joy Demorra split a single volume into two where it felt appropriate, because otherwise it would have become much too long. Which is fine, but it also means we have to wait awhile before some things get resolved and/or explained.
Overall, it's quite fun, and really recommended
I loved it. It made me smile, and laugh. It made me feel excited and thrilled and intrigued.
I'm looking forward to some things getting explained and continued in the next volume, but I'm nothing if not patient. Now, if only I could find out when it will be published...
I came into this without knowing what to expect except that there would be vampires and werewolves. Here are my findings:
True Love Bites is so much fun, and it has a sense of humor
It starts with a bit of a tragedy, in the form of a dead magical tree and a blight threatening to spread throughout the world. It starts with a young soldier returning home from the war, maimed, but alive.
I wasn't sure it would be quite my cup of tea until the first family scene happened, and the humor started shining through. After that, I fell in love.
The world is full of magic and complex...
...and alas, much is left unexplained. But, in short: there are vampires (who... eventually feel their age? I'm not sure) and werewolves (who live for upwards of two centuries, as far as I can tell), as well as liches and various other magical creatures, such as werebears. It's not entirely clear to me exactly how all the pieces fall together, and what wars are waged. Also, a long time ago, there was a great magical disaster leading to the destruction of great areas.
I'm also not entirely sure whether the world is modeled on Earth or not. There's a place called Ingleton, there are northern werewolves... I mean, it could be about the British Isles... or not.
But while I felt the need to find out more, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to understand the world completely to have fun reading the novel.
The characters are charming - and isn't that what we're here for?
Vlad the vampire, is dramatic, clever, unable to stick to a single thing, but capable of coming up with all sorts of clever ideas to improve pretty much anything. Alas, he's also entirely convinced of his own lack of worth, which he hides through sarcasm and a flippant attitude.
Nathan the werewolf is stubborn, with a heart of gold, and capable of seeing the best in people. Not always thinking of consequences, but capable of seeing through bullshit, he's the exact sort of friend you'd want at your side.
And together, they're quite stellar.
Ursula, alas, is present a lot less in the novel, but she's quite charming herself.
There are two sides to this book and
First, there's the romance, which builds quite nicely, and which is quite fluffy and sweet. I'm not sure I'm 100% persuaded by their first bedroom interaction, which felt quite... didactic?... But I'm quite persuaded by the rest of the romance. It's got support, and humor, and attraction, and all the good things.
There's a bit of a hint of polyamory to come, but it's not here yet.
The second part (and I do mean "second part"; it's only foreshadowed for the first half of the book) is a larger plot about magic, saving the world, and a looming threat. And some of that threat is implied to be solved at the end.
But the book just ends. After a bit of looking around, it became apparent this is because Joy Demorra split a single volume into two where it felt appropriate, because otherwise it would have become much too long. Which is fine, but it also means we have to wait awhile before some things get resolved and/or explained.
Overall, it's quite fun, and really recommended
I loved it. It made me smile, and laugh. It made me feel excited and thrilled and intrigued.
I'm looking forward to some things getting explained and continued in the next volume, but I'm nothing if not patient. Now, if only I could find out when it will be published...
emmar's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sooty_boi's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Some of the writing is a little clunky, the author shyes away from using words like said (they are used, just less than they should be).
The plot was a bit poorly paced too, and it kind of changed genres halfway through.
Otherwise, thoroughly enjoyable. The characters are given reasonable flaws that work well with each other, and the social dynamics between characters are very alive.
The plot was a bit poorly paced too, and it kind of changed genres halfway through.
Otherwise, thoroughly enjoyable. The characters are given reasonable flaws that work well with each other, and the social dynamics between characters are very alive.
abcace's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0