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Love at First Bite #3

Live and Let Bite

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A 2017 Dragon Award Nominee for Best Horror Novel!
Marco is spiraling out of control.


He knows it. His team knows it. Everyone around him can see that he’s just a bomb waiting to explode.

The only woman who can bring him back from the edge is also the woman who lit his fuse. Ever since the demon Asmodeus tried to murder Marco, Amanda Colt has been hunting down every lead to find the true evil behind the attack. Her investigation uncovers a vampire assassin that Amanda has faced once before - and she lost. Stronger than anything they’ve faced before, the assassin isn’t alone. As Marco flirts with self-destruction and the armies of Hell prepare to descend, they must come together to stop a thousand-year-old assassin that has never failed.

Even worse, they must finally face up to their feelings for each other!

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2023

20 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Declan Finn

108 books749 followers
Declan Finn is the NYC based author of books ranging from thrillers to urban fantasy to SciFi, including the 2016 Dragon Award Nominated Novel for Best horror, Honor at Stake, 2017 for Live and Let Bite, and 2018 for Codename: Unsub in best Apocalypse. He is known for "his strong fight scenes and is romance novels are sexy without being dirty, providing enough sexual tension to curl toes."

He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.


He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Jeff Miller.
1,179 reviews205 followers
February 7, 2017
This third and penultimate book in the series keeps doing what it does best. Maintains the light humor, tons of action, and continued inventive ways to kill vampires. While also continuing to build up the romance between the two main characters in not the predictable path.

I really like how the story line built in the first novel continues and is slowly developed. Provides the backdrop of the mystery along with a cohesive reason for the people coming after them. You can tell this was all plotted out and allowed a slow development through the series.

This novel also continues to build up on his theological vampire mythos. I really love this aspect in how it relates to the action and what the vampires are capable of.

This time around I happened to notice this on the copyright page.

> “If you try to duplicate this for any other purpose, it will end badly for you, do we understand each other? If you don’t believe me, try it. You, me and the FBI can all have a nice chat.”
Profile Image for Steven R. McEvoy.
3,772 reviews168 followers
May 25, 2023
The third novel takes this series to a whole new level. I loved the first two and yet this one still exceeded expectations! I am so very thankful to see this series back in print. Three Ravens released all four novels in under a week. And they immediately jumped to the top of my reading list. I have read the three published short stories in this series and am truly thankful that the novels are back in print.

I loved the three short stories in the Love at First Bite Series, and was waiting for these novels to be back in print. This is another amazing story in a great series! This is the third of the 4 novels in this series they were out of print, but as of April 2023 they are back in print and available electronically and in print editions. This is great news for fans of Finn’s works, fans of urban noir, or really fans of just great stories. And who wouldn’t give a Catholic Vampire Love story a try. But be warned this a very different take on the fanged beings. This story continues to develop the history of Vampires and the theology around their existence and more about the history and hierarchy within the vampire organization.

It had been a few years since I have really read a story or series that has centred on vampires. I seem to go through a phase about every 10 years where something catches my fancy and draws me in. These stories have completely captivated my attention. I finished this while travelling and held off starting the next volume. I can easily state that these stories are now my all time favorite vampire stories, with the Rollins and Cantrell offerings coming in second.

The description of this story is:

“Marco is spiraling out of control. He knows it. His team knows it. Everyone around him can see that he’s just a bomb waiting to explode.

The only woman who can bring him back from the edge is also the woman who lit his fuse. Ever since the demon Asmodeus tried to murder Marco, Amanda Colt has been hunting down every lead to find the true evil behind the attack. Her investigation uncovers a vampire assassin that Amanda has faced once before - and she lost. Stronger than anything they’ve faced before, the assassin isn’t alone. As Marco flirts with self-destruction and the armies of Hell prepare to descend, they must come together to stop a thousand-year-old assassin that has never failed.

Even worse, they must finally face up to their feelings for each other!”

The action in this story takes place back and forth between San Francisco and New York City. The leader of the Vampire council of New York plays a larger role in this story. We have more interactions with Merle Kraft and get a better understanding of his unique role for the government. We continue find out more about Marco’s past and what has shaped him. We also learn more about Amanda Colt and what is driving her, we also learn more about her previous service to the government. This story picks up shortly after the last story. It begins with Marco sending a communication one that does not receive a response and begins his downward spiral. Once again we are neck deep in action on both coasts. The Vatican Ninja’s make an appearance again. Marco continues to use his team and any resources at his control. But he is working towards an annihilate them all mentality. The battles continue to be epic and draw in new resources and tools in the battle against evil. Readers cannot but help loving the main characters and be rooting for them, and the supporting cast is growing and are excellently written.

Over the last year I have read 44 stories by Declan. I have greatly enjoyed books in several other series. I have loved the Saint Tommy and the White Ops, and I cannot wait for the Pius trilogy of 5 books to be back in print. I can’t wait to read the final novel in this series. These stories have a bit of a feel of Blade or John Carpenter’s Vampires, and thankfully no vampires that sparkle. The stories I have read to date in this series are wonderfully written and masterfully executed. I can easily recommend this book, this series and honestly anything from Finn’s masterful pen!

This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!
Author 27 books18 followers
February 6, 2017
Finally, the story I've been waiting for. After two books of kick ass action and romantic tension, Live And Let Bite, the 3rd book in the Love At First Bite series by Declan Finn, gets deeper into the relationship or rather the lack there of between Marco and Amanda. There is also an unexpected answer to whether Vampires can change the state of their soul.

THE STORY

A centuries old vampire is after Marco. Amanda, Merle and the rest of the vampire hunting crew must figure out how to stop her before she kills them all.

MY FAVORITE PARTS

This book is full of scenes I love and it's hard to narrow it down, but I'll try.

The prologue. This is the start of what I've been waiting for from Marco for two books. The hook at the end is magnificent. Finally, a hook that doesn't make me want to strangle Declan. It's at the beginning where I can just turn the page to find out more, rather than at the end of the book where I have to wait for the next book to come out.
There are several romantic type scenes throughout the book. My favorite though, is towards the end, where things heat up a bit in the kitchen. I've read it multiple times, because that moment just never gets old. It's one of those moments where you just want to scream YES! YES! YES! YES! OMG YES! Okay, that might just be me that does that.
Marco and Amanda aren't the only ones hitting it off in this book. There are several other couples as well. Merle and his ex-wife have a thing going on too. And it looks like Bosley might have found something interesting with Enrico.
THE GREAT

Live And Let Bite is near impossible to put down. It grabs you with the promise of a possible romance between Marco and Amanda and keeps you guessing whether they will live long enough to get to that point.

The emotional level is on high in this one. Marco's mood through the first part of this book just tore me up. The raw emotion of the scenes brought Marco out as a character who has more range than just homicidal vampire killer. There is emotional depth there.

Like the previous two books, the action doesn't slow down. This is what makes the book fun. There is the constant battle of good vs evil as well as a bit of mystery thrown in to keep the reader guessing.

THE NOT SO GREAT

There are a few little things that are more personal taste things. The "teen boy humor" sneaks in here and there. I could do without it, but it's not enough to ruin the book.
12.6k reviews189 followers
June 3, 2023
An outstanding vampire story that will have you want more. Danger, intrigue that will have you trying to guess what will happen next. Perhaps even a romance. Characters that draw you in to all that goes on.
Profile Image for Valerie.
639 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2025
good

Good read. Lots of adventure, creative fight scenes, great characters. Unusual plot-gets deeper into history and makes you wonder.
I actually cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Jim.
134 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2017
Live and Let Bite is the story of our hero, Marco Catalano and our heroine Amanda Colt, the world's finest female vampire and their battle against existential evil. This time our evil takes the form of an ancient vampire assassin. She is a little off mentally and very impressive physically. In a universe where the bane of vampires is fire she takes a daisy cutter to the face and keeps running. She shrugs off things that should kill her and just keeps fighting.


Let's take a second to talk about our villain: Nualla is dark and mysterious. She comes straight at Marco and he doesn't know why. She may work for a Council which may or may not exist. What we do know is that she is definitely an evil vampire (and one of the things I really like about these books is that vampires exist on a scale similar to the Dungeons and Dragons alignment system) who is extremely powerful and has a vendetta against Marco. The reason she gives (nope, not gonna spoil it) is nebulous at best and helps set up the next book (which will get here soon, I hope).


I don't generally do spoilers. They're not my thing. But I'm going to break the rule here: MARCO AND AMANDA ACTUALLY GET TOGETHER!!! And FINN DID IT RIGHT. When an author hints long term at a relationship it always makes me nervous when they finally let it happen. It often turns into a total cheesefest. The last episode of JAG comes to mind here. But Finn makes it believable. He makes it fun. He makes it awesome. This is a payoff worth waiting for. How things are going to work between a twenty-five year old mortal and a century old vampire is yet to be seen but at least they've admitted that they're both interested. Things are still in the early stages but I can't wait to see where this goes.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews358 followers
July 17, 2018
The prologue sets the tone for the current direction of this part of the story. Marco Catalano writes an email to Amanda Colt where he confesses to his discovery of his secret enjoyment of killing. He was truthful that the kill he told her about was necessary, but now he admits that he liked the act itself. And he then tells her the second secret – that he loves her. As they prepare for the ultimate battle, they also have to deal with their budding relationship and the bumps along the way. So as this story line continues, they are facing a powerful enemy who quite possibly may not be able to be defeated. Marco and those around him are aware that he’s losing control of himself and only Amanda, who has a mission of her own she is focusing on and distracted by, can bring him peace. Will she be there for him . . . in time?

Lady Jennifer Bosley, President of the New York City Vampires Association, was very rich and powerful. Amanda sat across from her, feeling a little uncomfortable when the idle chitchat turned to more personal matters. Their conversation allowed Amanda to think back to when she first met Marco. They had assisted others in dealing with an insurgency of vampires in New York, led by an evil vampire named Mikhail the Bear and his minions. Amanda realized she would have her work cut out for her going forward.

Written with high action and humor, this book was a very enjoyable read. The author has a very comfortable style of writing that lets the story flow out of it naturally and realistically. The characters are excellently portrayed. The story line is compelling and pulls the reader quickly in to experience the action and fighting firsthand. This is not a series to miss!
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,450 reviews49 followers
July 18, 2018
This is book 3 to the Love at First Bite series and it’s an absolutely fantastic read, if you have read books 1 and 2 then your in for a treat with this one. No wonder these books have been nominated for best horror novels and I agree whole heartedly, I’m not going to give any spoilers because I won’t be able to do this book any justice so read Declan’s blurb and that will give you the gist to this book, it’s not a standalone so you do need to read them in order but believe me you will love them just as much as I do. This is not your average vampire romance and there’s plenty of action to keep you happy, with a very well developed plot, mystery and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. A fantastic read and I loved it and it definitely deserves more than 5 plus ⭐️, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book Good to the Last Drop. I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,806 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2018
First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also this author is new to me.

Gr8 story. This is the 3rd book in this series, but for me, it's the first one I've read. I truly enjoyed this story and when I finish with my book obligations I'll definitely be reading books 1 & 2. Vampire hunters working with”good” vampires trying to stop the”bad” from taking over. I wasn't sure how I felt about Marco, who's human and seems to be on the edge of being a serial killer. Amanda, a vampire, is a “good” one and she's trying really hard to stop the bad guys and make humans safe. There is so much going on, and so many other “peoples” stories as well. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
81 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved this book. The love story of Amanda and Marco with all it's ups and downs grabbed my attention. The battles with evil kept my attention. One minute I was laughing out loud and the next was gasping as the fight scenes took over. Marco and Amanda have a complex, uneasy at times relationship. They are in love but feel that admitting it to each other would hurt the other. Being a target for evil brings them together to fight and defeat an assassin who is the most difficult opponent they've faced. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,962 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2018
Wellllll That is special. A Vampire assassin with mercenaries and an energizing bunny complex. This is the first book in this series that I have read. There is not a dull moment. There is something going on all the time. A few of the people are human but have power that put them on par with Vampires and Werewolves. Unusual for a human. Good story, I like it. I would like to find out more bout the unusual human and are there more? I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
353 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2018
This is the third book of the series. I haven't read the first two but I plan on it because I need to understand the storyline better. The storyline is well written and interesting. The story is even paced which I like. The story is filled with humor and drama. The characters are strong and have good depth. The plot flows seamlessly with the story and is filled with action, danger and romance. This is not a series that has books you can read as standalones.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.5k reviews152 followers
July 16, 2018
He knows he is out of control and so does everyone around them. There is only one person who can help but they were also the one who set him on this path. She is trying to find the demon behind the attempted murder of him. Will she come back to help get him under control? They need to get together to defeat the danger which is coming. See if they can do it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carol.
428 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2019
Live and Let Bite: A Catholic Action Horror Novel (Love at First Bite Book 2)

Wow! The author sure crams an awful lot of action, suspense and intrigue into each one of these books! I love the characters in the book but Amanda and Marco are quite the team and seem to have unlimited help from al kinds of sources.
This is an excellent book one you won’t be sorry you read.
Be sure and put this on your “Must be read list”!
1,895 reviews18 followers
September 13, 2020
Long distance relationships can work, but not for Marco and Amanda. When your partner is your anchor to sanity, it does not bode well when duty requires you to be on the opposite coast from your partner. The distance between Marco and Amanda does not do either of them any favours. For Marco, it is particularly difficult since staunch New Yorker that he is, San Francisco's laisse-faire approach to life irritates him to bits. Hooboy, the way Marco acts out!
Profile Image for Lejla.
78 reviews
July 17, 2018
A Vampire assassin with mercenaries. This is the first book in this series that I have read. But I like it so much.
I love characters, they truly made me want to read first two books.
I don´t want to spoil anything to you!
If you love vampires this is book for you

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann Holden.
1,190 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2018
The third installment in this series, I found this almost as good as the first two. I thought it was slow in places, but I felt confidant Mr. Finn would redeem this with another good story. I was not disappointed. I am looking forward to the fourth book coming out in September.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna.
714 reviews
July 18, 2018
Live and Let Bite is my first read by the author Declan Finn. This book has plenty of action, suspense, and tension between the main characters -- Amanda and Marco. As this book was so well written and peaked my curiosity, I will be reading the first two books in the series so I'll have a complete picture of the story line and characters as I wait for book 4.
Profile Image for Teresa Champagne.
8 reviews1 follower
Read
July 19, 2018
I like this book as it has a vampire killer and his vampire girlfriend battling bad vampires. It has a lot of action that keeps your attention with a little romance thrown in without graphic sex. I would recommend reading this one and I am not a big vampire book reader. Will read more of Declan's books as they come out
262 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2018
Amanda and Marco's story continues in the third book of the series. The plot thickens and takes unexpected twists and turns and takes you on a roller-coaster ride of mayhem and fury. I am looking forward to seeing how this wraps up - the threads are dangling!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin Sheets.
19 reviews10 followers
October 29, 2018
Great book! Unfortunately I didnt have as much free time to read as I usually do... so it took me longer to finish this fantastic book. I had only gotten theough the first few chapters when i put it down for a while... but once I picked it back up I wished I had never stopped reading!! This book was really great!! The characters amd storyline realy draw you in. Loved it!

Profile Image for Pat.
1,101 reviews
December 29, 2018
There has been a lot about this series that drew me in but, honestly, just too much repetitiveness. I found myself skimming through too much of this last one. I’m struggling to finish the series which is rather sad. However, overall I think he has great potential and I love the crazy world and characters.
16 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2019
Moral Urban Fantasy

This is not your normal series.

There is death. There is destruction. There are guns and molotov cocktails and vampires oh my.

But the main characters do not wander around like murder hobos. They are reasoned moral creatures facing off against the literal forces of darkness.

And even better. They are fun to read.

Great series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
July 17, 2018
I am going to say do not read this series out of order or you will not have the complete story. It is a well-written book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews56 followers
July 18, 2018
This is a wonderful story to read the author Declan Finn is one of my favorite authors. I am so glad I got to read this story it was wonderful it is wonderfully written paranormal story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews216 followers
August 18, 2018
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down until I read the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelley .
605 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2020
These are so.good

I hate having to write reviews, but I want to make sure readers check out this series. It is well written with a great story. You owe it to yourself to take a look.
Profile Image for Pam Bales.
2,515 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2020
Good series

Vampires exist - some evil, some good. If you are "into" vampires , explosions, gore, horrendous violence, and things that, hopefully, won't go bump in the night, definitely go with a Declann Finn book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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