Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Bitten 2) by C.C. Wood
Second in a series, can stand alone. Light Paranormal.
I used to think that my life was boring. I resigned myself to the rut I was stuck in. Then my entire existence was turned upside down.
In the last six months, I’ve learned things that would get me committed to an asylum if I repeated them. First, I was kidnapped by vampires. Yes, vampires. Sounds crazy, right? My best friend, Donna, became one of the fanged after that little adventure and hooked up with a hot, Scottish vampire named Conner. They’re even planning a wedding.
Secondly, I learned not all vampires are evil. In fact, some of them are downright sexy.
Alexander Dimitriades has it all. He’s tall, dark, and handsome and manages to give me tingles in all the right place and also make me laugh. Unfortunately, to be with him, I would have to give up my humanity and I like being human. Then, there’s the fact that the whole drinking blood thing gives me the heebie jeebies.
To make matters worse, there are plans in motion to change the place vampires hold in the human world. And I’m caught in the middle, between the vampire I’m falling in love with and a group that wants to create a vampire dictatorship, with humans as slaves.
Now, all I want is my calm, normal life back. As my friend, Ricki, likes to say, “Be careful what you wish for because it might come and bite you on the ass.” I hate it when she’s right.
I could not wait for Once Bitten, Twice Shy. COULD. NOT. WAIT. The Bitten series by C.C. Wood is paranormal light. In other words, even if you don’t think you like paranormal, this series may have just the right amount of ‘different’ without being ‘too different’. I have to be honest here, this book is very hard for me to judge objectively. Why? Well, the characters are based on a group of us from last year’s Wicked Book Weekend. I’m one of them, but since my real name is used, I won’t tell you which 😉
I really loved Bite Me, the first in the series. It was great combination of funny, sexy and exciting. (See my review.) Once Bitten, Twice Shy steps it up on all fronts. It’s WAY hotter, still funny, and has even more action. It’s a quick read, and a nice change of pace from the same old story I feel like I’ve been reading a lot of lately.
Meet Ivie. Ivie was kidnapped and almost raped by a group of bad vampires in the first book, and understandably has a bit of an aversion now, despite her best friend being one. But she can’t help the pull she feels toward the sexy, observant and worldly Alexander ‘Lex’ Dimitriades.
“Please do not blame the rest of my people for the brutality of a few. Just as there is evil among humans, there is also evil among vampires”
While Lex makes it clear he wants Ivie, she can’t really understand what this gorgeous guy would see in her, especially with her abundant curves. In her eyes, vampires could only see humans as food. But Lex made it very clear he wanted Ivie. From his nickname for her, “Little One” (oh, I’d love to be called that! Ha! As if!) to him touching her every chance he gets, to some kinky flirty comments, Ivie finds it difficult to hide her attraction to him. Plus, his dominant ways hit Ivie just right.
“When Lex did things to control me, it made my blood heat and the place between my thighs tingle. I shifted slightly, putting a sliver of space between our bodies, and only because Lex allowed it.”
But there is a sort of civil war beginning in the vampire society, and Donna and Ivie are both in grave danger. So what does Lex do? What does any good alpha (a la Kristen Ashley) do when the woman they want is in danger? They move her in to their home! Ivie fights this decision.
“Watch it, Ivie. Don’t push me too far.”
I shivered at the dark promise of his words. Somehow, I had the feeling that too far would be just far enough for me to skate the thin edge of pleasure and pain in the most delicious way possible.
Ivie was a reader, and she loved her BDSM themed books, but the idea of really trying it all, and the nearness of Lex had her libido working overtime. So much so, that even in sleep her body called out to Lex.
When she finally gives in to Lex…holy fuck. Hello hot, kinky, BDSM light sex. Damn, I’d like a trip down to Lex’s dungeon.
Likes:
- I love the group of girlfriends, they are a riot, especially because all of the funny stuff was taken from real life!
- Ivie’s weight issues were realistic and relatable, I wish there was more of that.
- A fast, easy read, when many paranormal books are difficult because the authors have a big new world to build.
- Holy hotness! (And it was a little kinky too!)
- Some good action and excitement right up until the end.
- I liked the easy introduction of werewolves and witches.
- Lots more about Conner and Donna.
- How C.C. worked in some of our most fun conversations!
- Great set-up for Kerry’s book, I think that one will be amazing.
Dislikes:
- I wish there was more about Ivie’s weight insecurities. It was mentioned at the beginning, and despite Ivie realizing that because Lex came from a different time, he had different expectations, having a mother that is constantly on you about it will cause more daily issues.
- It seemed very quick and light. It was a fun read, but I would have liked to see much more things expanded on, like the weight issue, Ivie having a bit of PTSD from the kidnapping, Lex maybe helping her stand up to her mom and helping her feel good about herself, more of the future of the couple.
- I read this while stressing over Wicked Book Weekend, so perhaps I missed it, but I felt there was never a good explanations for Lex just disappearing for weeks at a time.
- The whole thing with Kerry kind of came out of left field, though I like the direction.
Rating: 4.75 Stars Heat: 4.75
I really loved this book. My only issue with it is that I wanted more. It read a bit more like a novella. It almost felt like a Kristen Ashley meets Jeaniene Frost novella. Since those are two of my favorite authors, that is a huge compliment, but because I enjoyed it so much, I saw a lot of areas that I would have loved to have seen CC go a bit deeper (haha…there was plenty of deep *snort*). At around 200 pages, Once Bitten, Twice Shy is a very quick read. Had it been expanded to 250 or even 300 pages, it would be a 5+++ star read, because my only issue is that I wanted more.
Can you guess which character is me?
Purchase Once Bitten Twice Shy by CC Wood
Amazon | BN.com
Meet the Five Ladies of Bitten
I have a confession to make. Most of my characters are based in full, or in part, on people I know or have observed closely. Yes, I admit it. I steal shamelessly from real life because RL can be enormously entertaining if you watch long enough.
The journey to the heroines of the Bitten series began with my first two novellas. As a newbie author, I was pretty ignorant about the entire industry, though I researched as much as I could. Within weeks of loading my first book on Amazon, I found a couple of blogs to review it. Ana’s Attic Book Blog was one of them. Ana helped me so much in those early days (and still does!)
When Ana decided to put together an author event, I was so excited that she invited me. Within a few weeks of her decision to organize Wicked Book Weekend 2013, a group of six of us were chatting on Facebook, preparing to meet for the first time.
I learned a lot about those five ladies even before I met them in person. Once I did meet them in the flesh, I knew I had to put them in my books somehow. I’d had an idea about a paranormal romance series in the back of my mind for a couple of months and realized these ladies would be perfect for my idea. They are all strong, independent, snarky, funny, generous, and, most importantly, real women with real issues. And they all like smut, so I knew they wouldn’t be offended if my paranormal romances were heavy on the sex. (Though they keep telling me it creeps them out when they read the sex scenes….so picky!)
So, when you read Once Bitten, Twice Shy or Bite Me, know that the women in those stories are based on real people. Also, many of the conversations in those books, especially the outlandish ones, have probably taken place. I won’t tell you which because it will ruin the fun.
I cannot wait to see those women again at Wicked Book Weekend 2014 in Fort Lauderdale this weekend, March 7-9! I look forward to having a lot of new material for the next Bitten book!
A native Texan, C.C. grew up either reading or playing the piano. Years later, she’s still not grown up and doing the same things. Since the voices in her head never shut up, C.C. decided to try and profit from their crazy stories and started writing books.
Now that she has a baby girl at home, C.C.’s non-writing time is usually spent cleaning up poopy diapers or feeding the poop machine. Sometimes she teaches piano, cooks, or spends time bugging her hubby and two beagles.
CC Wood is giving away lots of Bitten goodies!
Grand Prize: 2 autographed copies of the Bitten series – including Bite Me and Once Bitten, Twice Shy
1st Place Prize: 3 autographed copies of Bite Me
2nd Place Prize: 4 CC Wood swag bags full of goodies
C.C. says
Thanks for the review, Ana!
Nikki Noble says
Hmmm, I guess werewolves. There’s something about them being muscular and rustic.
Amber Vaughn says
Whatever Barrons, and the rest of the Nine are from the KMM books! And because they are so f’ing HOT!
crissy sutcliffe says
vampires are hot hot HOT!
Debbie Murray says
It’s hard to pick just one type. As long as he is a strong Alpha male I like both werewolves and vamps.
Mandy Miller says
I love alphas in general… not picky about what species lol
Kelli says
Love your giveaways. Love vampire stories
Bobbye says
I love Vampires!!!!
Joanne-112 says
Read Bite Me. Have Twice Bitten in my kindle ready to go.
Michelle says
Before I liked vampires more, but now I like werewolf/shifters too. I actually JUST finished Bite Me last night. I loved it! I had no idea the second one was even close to out yet (for some reason it’s not on the series list on goodreads). This makes me very happy!
Holley says
I love a good sexy vampire
Dacia B says
My favorite is a strong kick ass heroine who has battles with a strong alpha her who doesn’t take her shit! 🙂
Wendy Dawn says
I love a alpha male vampire! A smart hero/heroine that is honest and able to hold their own! No wimps for the main characters!
Maria Theresa Santos says
Vampires
Betul E. says
“Tell us your favorite type of paranormal hero and why”
ALPHA shifters are HOT! Especially the wolves 😉
Nicole Newman says
This will be the first time that I read a book from author CC Wood. I bought the first two books today. My favorite type of Paranormal hero is definitely the vampire. I love shifters and all kinds of paranormal heroes as well. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway and also the awesome reviews of both books in this series. I can honestly say this is the first time I purchased a book (2 in this case) solely based on a review.
Karen G. says
Thanks for the post and your thoughts on this book, I always enjoy reading your reviews. I don’t really have a favorite paranormal hero just that they are very alpha and sexy they can be a ww, vampire, etc. as long as it is a great story.
Michele Ficht says
My favorite paranormal hero is the vampire because the writer always finds a way to make him very sensual. Thank you for the giveaway.
Erika says
I like the protective hero that seems bad at first but is really good 🙂 Thanks!
Robin the Book Nerd says
Wolves or Vampires hard to choose!
kp says
Love vampire stories!
Gina H says
I’m also torn between vampires and wolves! Vampires are very Alpha as are wolves, but wolves seem to be more protective! Thanks for the giveaway!
jodi marinich says
i love to read about werewolf shifters because i think they are the most alpha male to me
Monica Sofia says
Thanks!*
Lori Moore says
Shifters are hot
Susana Rivera says
Vampires are hot!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
adrienne samson says
wolves, vamps.shifters oh so hard to choose
ajw says
I like Alpha male vampires!
Martina Z. (@skyline1210) says
Vampires. They’re hot. Case closed.
Dana Fiore Stusse says
Vampires, they’re fierce and sexy~
Rachael Sauve says
I loved Oliver in Midnight Caller because he was a complete alpha who talked dirty 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!!
Kim M. says
I love all Alphas!!
Stella Melissa says
Gotta be the hot vampires for me!
Tawnya Bentley says
Vampires
Jennifer Patton says
I love Angels! They are so beautiful, but can be very viscious.
Janice U. says
Shifters..definitely shifters. They always seem to be beautiful alpha men, who love their mate.
Tracey Kruger says
I really love the 9, especially Jericho Barrons, in the ‘Fever’ series by Karen Marie Moning. I’m also a fan of all things fae, but dig the vampires, too. And angels. Heck, as long as there is some alpha-ness going on, I’m all in. 🙂
Sue says
I love vampires.
Pepper says
I like anything paranormal except demons and really creepy witch craft stuff. Kim Harris Witch’s are good, but a lot of dark magic just gives me the willies!! I love vampires cause I like biting!! hehe, shifters because I like the idea of having that wild, double self concept and a sense of ultimate freedom sometimes. I like fae of anykind because I believe in magic! I don’t believe Angels are paranormal because they are real…so that’s not paranormal but it’s not a part of our everyday life..so it’s a great topic.
Ann Fischer says
I like dragon shifters. I think there is something so majestic about them.
Christina says
I like vampires. Just something about living forever…
Donna Reynolds says
I like them all but I have to go with a wolf I love they mate for life and take good care of them Thank you for the awesome chance.
Jenn says
Jeannie Frost -I love Bones. Karen Marie Moning – Barons…….
Natasha says
Vampires, they live forever and are strong and powerful.
Thanks for the chance to win!
dawn ruchel says
Tell us your favorite type of paranormal hero and why. I love my paranormal guys to be strong, alpha and have fangs. Cold or warm doesn’t really matter.
Lisa Omek says
Thanks for the opportunity
Karen says
I really like aliens!
Kerry Brown says
I’d have to say vampires, there’s just something about them!
Debra Diaz says
An alpha vampire or a sweet grim reaper a la Abbie Glines Existence series!
C.C. says
Ana, you find out where Lex disappeared to in the next book, so you better read it!!! ; )
Nasha Lama says
Vampires and Witches, Vampires twilight fan forever hahaha witches they are fun
ajw says
Thank you!
Angela says
Vampires, who doesn’t love a little kiss on the side of your neck?
Cezanne says
Vamps, they are hot and mysterious
Christine A says
Vampires, very mysterious characters. Plus the live forever
Marla Magill says
Doesn’t really matter, as long as they are Alpha, Hot, Bossy, with a small side dish of Love! 🙂
Leslie Rodriguez says
Shifters, Vampires, and Demons in that order. Love em
Stephanie F. says
I love them all but especially dragons. I have always been fascinated with them since the first time I read the Dragonriders of Peryn series. They are so magnificent and beautiful. Plus when they are in human form they are always so sexy.
Rachel Brown says
Vampires. I’m not exactly sure why but I have always loved them.
Diana Doan says
Angels because they’re celestial beings with heavenly auras! <3
Bethany Macielag says
Vampires
Sexual and Seductive!