Shadow's Bite

by Lane Hunter

They picked the wrong family when they chose mine.

I’m a monster hunter for hire. For the right price, I’ll bring down any creature, no matter how grotesque. But when Queen Eleanor is murdered, and my family name is disgraced, I have no choice but to find the killer and take the fight to them.

Even if it means crossing Julian, the dangerous shadow prince, who orders me to stay away.

I need to restore my family’s honor before the war starts, or the world will descend into chaos, and no one will be safe.

88 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2023

Reviews

[Dreia Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!

You can't drop off the cliff like that!! I need to know what happened next. Love the start of this series!! Shadow is formidable and strong FMC!! Pair her up with a hot Vampire!! Sold!! Can't wait to read the rest!! Great debut novel from Lane Hunter!! A new author to watch!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers. The way this book made my head spin!! This girl just can't catch a break. It may be a short book but it is packed full of alot of awesome goodness! It was a fast pace read that was so easy to devour! Really enjoyed it and can't wait to see what else there is to come for these characters!

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY CLIFFHANGER BATMAN!!!!
This is a super short read, but packed with a ton.
Vampires? Monster Hunters? Dreaded Council? There is so much to unpack and so many questions that I would really love answered.
Overall, this book grabbed my attention, clutched me in its grasp and spit me out with that cliffhanger. I really enjoyed this book and I'm so ready for the rest of the series.

[Hayley Liebzeit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! I enjoyed it so much that I wish it had just a little bit more world building and character building. Super excited to read the next one in the series!

[Heather Smith Huss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh new take on the Supernatural world and I am excited to see where it goes. Already liking the vampire prince and need more.

[Margaret Mergelove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! I couldn’t stop reading ☺️ reminded me of supernatural meets bones meets some spice! Just phenomenal! Can’t wait for more. Definitely recommend

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This introduction novella to the Midnight Awakening series. I liked it and will be checking out the next book in the series when it comes out but I did have a few small issues with it. First, it wasn't long enough. I was definitely intrigued by the story and the world and the characters, but it wasn't enough. The second and perhaps bigger issue for me was the lack of build up between the 2 main characters and yes, I realize in a novella you need to get there quickly. But if these characters are supposed to be drawn to each other and have this spark, I wasn't feeling it. I liked both of the characters individually and maybe in time as the series progresses there will be a build that I can appreciate but for the moment this isn't my favorite pairing.

What is drawing me back for the next book is the mystery this book opened with, and the arching mystery being solved. Who is behind all of this and how are they tied to Shadow and her family?

[Karlie Barone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the story. I like the mystery, who did it type. I like the different paranormal characters. I feel like it was a little rushed and some things got skipped to speed to story along. Other than that, it was good!

[Jordan Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is super fast paced but has elements of magic, combat, and love. It’s giving Crescent City and King of Battle and Blood vibes. It’s a very quick read, I would love to see the story line and themes teased out!

[ZiesLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a monster hunter finds out her family is accused of murder in r Queen Elenor and she herself is being targeted; Shadow is determined to get to the bottom of what really happened.

“Shadow’s Bite” is a paranormal romance. Although the ‘touch her and you die’ trope is placed in here the main character Shadow does prove she is more than capable of defending herself. There is a little bit of spice.

All together, this was a nice quick read for someone who wants to read something with mystery, monsters and a little bit of spice. I quite enjoyed it. I couldn’t put it down. It had me at the edge of my seat when I started to see the mystery unfold. I definitely want to read the next one. I will say I wish it was a little bit longer but it was nice to have a quick read.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t enjoyed a paranormal romance in a while. I had just fallen into a wee bit of a slump with them, and couldn’t decide what it was that I wasn’t connecting with, but this book has taken me out of that slump and completely connected me back with the genre. I loved everything about this read.
The characters were so well developed. They had well-rounded personalities and connected with each other. The story was whole because of the secondary characters and details that we were given. The world building was exquisite. I was able to feel wholly immersed in the story and world because of the details and flow of the story.
I loved how the story flowed and transitioned. It was beautiful and enticing and I am desperate for the second book! An absolute must read!

[Ashley Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Shadows Bite
Author: Lane Hunter
Series: A Midnight Awakening Novel
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

I really enjoyed this quick paranormal romance. The FMC, Shadow is one sassy firecracker monster hunter who definitely doesn't take no shit whatsoever. Shadow finds out that Queen Eleanor has been killed and everyone is saying that her uncle is the killer, but Shadow knows better. So Shadow decides to start her own investigation to not only clear her family's name but to find out why she's being attacked by random hunter's. After she's attacked by a third monster and injured, the council calls her in to find out what all she knows; Shadow convinces them to give her the highest clearance as well as free reign to not only avenge her family's name but to find out who really killed the Queen. Shadow goes to the Vampire palace to the scene of the crime to inspect and gather any evidence she can find in Queen Eleanor's chambers. Once Shadow gets to the Vampire Palace she meets Prince Julian of the Shadow Spawns, the leader of the Vampire nation and the decide that it's in both their interests to work together to find out the truth.

Shadow's Bite was such a fast paced, full of action, suspenseful read with some spice thrown into the story. It didn't take long for me to like Shadow and her sassy, badass attitude as well as Julian the leader of the Vampires. Shadow and Julian definitely had the slow burn tension and quite the attraction right away. I was shocked by how quickly this book came to an end and with quite a cliffhanger, but it only made me want to read book two, Shadow's Temptation.

[Kiki ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a page Turner for sure! I loved the aspects of mystery behind it!

But the biggest thing for me personally, was the underlying themes and even the elements of the writing, the plots, and settings. It was reminding me of one of my comfort games. Which was Skyrim - it’s giving a thieves guild sorta vibes!

The one thing that won me over from the start! At least it felt that way in my opinion! The writing was good! Easy to get lost in.

The book was captivating and the building of the characters was fantastic! For such a quick read! I LOVED it! I was left wanting more!

Shadow 🖤 I loved her!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lane managed to trap me into her world from the very first page. Something was always happening, keeping you wanting to know what was going to happen next!! Definitely a page turner!! Despite the book being short! It’s a good quick read. Something you could curl up and finish in one sitting!! What I’m liking the most is the Skyrim - thieves guild sorta vibes! The one thing that won me over from the start! At least it felt that way in my opinion! This is Lane's debut novella and it packs a punch. But it was such a good short read. Love the strong FMC! I have so many questions left and need the next book because that cliffhanger leave me wanting more!!

[Teeana Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. I was pulled in from Page one and it was relatively a quick read. I read it in a few hours. This was my first read of this authors and I'm glad I found it.

Shadow is headstrong and has quite the journey ahead of her. Julian seems like a mysterious hunk of a man, that I hope she explores to the extent in upcoming books.

There is a major cliffhanger and lots of unanswered questions with a very open interpretation as to what happened and who's responsible. If you like action, supernatural, and a little spice then this is your book to read.

[Santana Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. This is going to be one wild ride as the rest of the books come out. I am so excited to see how shadow handles the prince and see how she goes about solving this case. Hopefully we don’t have to wait too long until the next book comes out. I can’t wait to see what happens. Lane Hunter has definitely got something special here. Highly recommend if you love a good mystery. Of course, ALWAYS check your triggers before starting any book, but I thoroughly loved every second of this one.

[M Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

How is this a debut story? Shadow's story starts off with an action packed prologue and does not stop. A dedicated monster hunter, Shadow is forced to look into a mystery that implicates her own family. The story has some twists, some heat and definitely some intriguing characters.
I anticipate this is the start to a phenomenal series. I was left wanting more when I hit the end of this story. If you enjoy paranormal romance with action and mystery, check this one out. You will not be disappointed.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lane managed to trap me into her world from the very first page. Something was always happening, keeping you wanting to know what was going to happen next!! Definitely a page turner!! This book was a quick and easy read. I honestly wished it was longer!! I love Shadow and her fierceness!! I was so engaged into the events occurring in the story that I completely didn't realize there was no love interest until out of no where it came and then got steamy and heated and left you on a cliffhanger!! I truly enjoy Lane's style of writing!! I cannot wait for the second book!!

[Mia Colsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

Shadow's Bite is the first book of a series and draws you in from the first page. A lot of action and a touch of spice. When I say this is a quick read, I mean it took me less than 2 hours to read.

If you enjoy action, murder mystery, supernatural, a strong female lead, and touch her and die vibes you'll love this book.

I would have liked a little more back story on the FMC and MMC, but hopefully that'll come with the next book. The reader is left with a ton of questions!!! I am excited to see how the story unfolds and how the romance builds.

[Ashley Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued at first sight seeing so many supernatural beings wrapped up in one story. I never know what to think when I see a book that’s under 100 pages.

Will the author be able to set up a world that draws me in? ✅

Will the characters be developed enough for me to become attached? ✅

Will I be drawn in and left drooling for more? ✅🌶️

This story did all that and more. I read it in around an hour and boy did I scream when I got to the last page. What’s going to happen with Shadow and Julian? Who is trying to murder her? Will she solve the case and come out alive? I need to know!

[Bailee Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly captivating at every turn. The author did an incredible job setting up the backstory and the characters! The tense she created between the FMC and the MMC is electrifying and kept me hooked the entire time. I also loved that it included vampires, werewolves, and fae!
I won’t spoil anything but the ending of the book has me wanting the next one ASAP! I would absolutely recommend this book.

[Tarrah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible at every turn. The author did an amazing job setting up the backstory and the characters!

Shadow is headstrong and I think we'd be great friends if she were real. Julian is a mysterious sexy man!! I hope to see more of their adventure.

Major cliffhanger and I need more!! If you like action, supernatural, and a little spice then this is your book to read. I would absolutely recommend this book.

[Rebekah Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and captivating read! This story hits the ground running with action and mystery. Every moment left me wanting more and kept me fully engaged and wishing that the book was longer and I could get more of the story. Shadow is a B.A warrior who is determined to figure out who is framing her family, who the heck is after her, and why the sexy vampire prince that is she wants to give in to all her desires with is trying to keep her off the case. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Kirsty W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monster hunter with a twist. Shadow, the last of her family stumbles upon a murder mystery which implicates her family, tarnishing their name. After being targeted by a mix of monsters on multiple occasions, she finds herself in a unique position trying to clear the Vonner name and teaming up with none other than a prince in more ways than one. Will Shadow find out what really happened and what will happen next between her and Julian? Only time will tell. Spice level: 3

[Chelsea Tuffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy Lane’s writing style! It was very easy to fall into this world and become invested in Shadow and her goals. As an avid supernatural fan I love a good monster hunter mystery.

The only thing keeping me from giving it a 5 star is that events seemed a little rushed for my taste. A lot of things happened and I found myself wondering how we got there and what the passage of time was. I think a little more fleshing out of details would add a lot to the story.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of the series and it really drew me in from the first page. There was so much action with a touch of spice. This was an enjoyable quick read. There is murder, mystery, action and supernatural with a very strong female lead. Loved the "you touch her and you die" moments.
Lane Hunter did an amazing job with delivering a creative story. This was such a great read that I re-read it...LOL. That cliffhanger though has me impatiently waiting for the next book.

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense novella to read. It is about a monster hunter named Shadow and her quest to find who killed the vampire queen. All evidence looks like her family is involved but Shadow is not convinced. For such a quick read it packs a lot of punch. There is action, mystery, some beginning of potential romance and lots of twists. How will Shadow solve the mystery when nothing is what it seems.

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know some might like a short novella that is rushed but I did not. I wish it had more substance and character building. It was a quick and easy read for sure and I thought it had potential but at the end of the day it wasn't for me. 0 character building which made the context of the "spicy scene" unbelievable.

[NayBookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the plot of this book it’s more of a murder mystery with a hunter , who’s family is now being held responsible for a murder with a catch . I don’t want to say to much it’ll spoil it but the writing , the spice scene we get ? 😮‍💨😮‍💨 perfect . There is a enemy to lovers trope which we love. , definitely a good read not long but definitely suggest grabbing if you want a quick good read .

[Jenna Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short, easy read but it got straight to the point. Shadow is a monster hunter who appears to be uncovering some dark secret about her family as she investigates the queens murder and an attempt on her own life. And let’s not forget the steamy scene with Prince Julian! Very well written and the plot is great but it’ll definitely leave you wanting more!