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Bitten #1

Bitten by Surprise

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As a vampire-hating psychic, Char should’ve seen it coming, but she didn’t. Too focused on creating a cure for vampirism after watching her father turned into a bloodsucking menace, she looks at little else, until it’s too late. Not her lab being attacked and destroyed, her life’s work being stolen along with her lab assistant, nor the attractive and dangerous vampire, Julian, who swoops in to save the day, give her a job and the chance to set things right.

But when her lost serum turns up on the streets used as a murder weapon against vamps, she’s forced to hide the truth about her involvement in its development from her new boss in order to join the investigation. As they work together, she’s inexplicably drawn to the very type of creature she should be terrified of. Suddenly, the idea of being bitten becomes a turn on if it’s Julian’s fangs at her pulse.

Forced to admit everything she thought she knew about the bloodsuckers was wrong, Char is left with a Should she create an antidote to save the vampires being murdered—and possibly the one she’s falling for? Or should she finish what she started and try to cure the rest?

The wrong choice could mean a sacrifice she’s not willing to make.

168 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2023

199 people are currently reading
473 people want to read

About the author

Lizzy Gayle

16 books101 followers

Lizzy Gayle loves paranormal so much, she lives it. She is both an author and a psychic. Between mothering her three kids, attempting to understand her rocket scientist husband, and consistently attempting to declutter her home (that she is convinced is a secret portal to a clutter-creating dimension), she does her best to use her creative gifts and share them with you. Lizzy is a people person so if you contact her, it will make her very happy and she will likely answer while possibly including pictures of her bunnies and/or bird. She has also been known to write Young Adult under the name Lisa Gail Green. Anything else you’d like to know about her you may find out by asking because it never hurts to ask.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Celia {Hiatus until August}.
750 reviews141 followers
May 12, 2024
description

•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,6 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•

Julian meets again Charlotte, and in this life he wants to keep her forever.
There's nothing he won't do.
Even taken her and her family to the Monster Island, to work with him for SHADE.

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Charlotte gets her lab destroyed and her assistant turn into a vampire, while she's trying a cure, to turn vampires into humans.
She's very into this project, since her father was turned also to a vampire.

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She doesn't remember Julian from another life, but the chemistry between them, is undeniable.
But things are not as it seems...

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And, although they're on an island that seems a paradise, a lot of secrets and danger are hidden, Julian and Char have to trust in each other and friends they're making on the way.

description
Profile Image for bethany.
48 reviews10 followers
June 27, 2023
I think this book took me 2ish hours to read. I did enjoy the book despite its length. There were a few spicy scenes, but definitely could use a few more but i think this also relates to the books length. There could be a lot more world building but to my understanding this is book 1 of the series so there is potential for more! I like the idea of monster island and a doctor trying to cure vampirism and werewolfism but this also needs building. Overall, I just wish this book had more details and world building and perhaps more relationship building between Charlotte and Julian.

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book through hiddengembooks. This is a review of the unreleased copy. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for ThatBookishWriter.
389 reviews18 followers
June 12, 2023
I couldn’t put it down!! I started and finished it in one day. I was hooked right from the beginning. I really like the characters and the world building for this book. Only wish it was a little longer! I wasn’t ready for it to end.

I felt for Char. Hard family life at home, even though they do truly mean well. Losing a friend. Taking taken from the life she knows. Having to hide certain things about herself.

I love Julian. He truly does want to help and protect Char. He is so patient with her and does listen to what she has to say. Doesn’t try to keep her from all the action after she demands to be involved.

I need to know what’s going to happen next! Please tell me that there is another book!!
Profile Image for Emily.
95 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2023
*****5 Stars!

“I find that sometimes the dark holds more wonders than the light allows us to see.”


Thank you so much, Lizzy Gayle for an ARC of your wonderful book and the amazing PR box!

This book was so unique! I adore anything involving vampires and I can say that this book was unlike any that I’ve read before. The plot was so interesting and filled with so many twists and turns that kept the reader on the edge of their seat, curious to see where the main characters would find themselves next. From the moment I opened this book, I could hardly put it down! The flow of the storytelling was also very nice, it was a fast read but I feel like I got so much information from it as well!

Julian and Char were such fascinating and wonderfully written characters! I really enjoyed their dynamic and all the bantering between the two of them. Their connection was clear from the moment they first met, and they were characters you couldn’t help but love instantly--Julian especially!

I also really enjoyed the world building aspect of this story; I found the world they came from where all manner of creatures were coexisting to be super fascinating! It really added to the plot of the story, I can’t wait to learn more about that!

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and dive deeper into both Julian and Char’s backstories! If you’re looking for a unique, spicy and fun paranormal romance then this is definitely one I will recommend!
Profile Image for Avery Hackler.
38 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2023
so good! pleasantly surprised!

I’m always a bit wary when I start a new book, I don’t want to waste my time reading something I don’t like but I’ll also finish something out of spite, with that being said I absolutely LOVED this book! It was a nice refresher from longer fantasy books that I’m used to reading, felt almost like a palette cleanser….like when you’re tasting a whole bunch of different flavors and need something to whisk it all away. Lizzy you should be SO PROUD of your work, I’m hoping there will be a book two and I’ll be the first to line up and read it!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
242 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2023
Wow! This book is beyond amazing! I love a good vampire story and this definitely delivered. Char hates vampires and wants nothing more than to cure vampirism. When her lab is destroyed, Julian comes to her rescue and gives her a job. She is not exactly excited because you guessed it, Julian is a vampire! Can they work together to save vampires that are being murdered or will they end up on opposite sides of the fight?! Highly recommend!

💙💙💙💙
Profile Image for Shelbe.
127 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2023
This was such a cute, fun read! We have a protective MMC (my favorite kind) and a strong FMC. The banter and spice was definitely on point, and Julian was a top tier gentleman through the entire story. I can't wait to see how this series progresses and what the future has in store for Charlotte & Julian.
125 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2023
I loved this book! I need to get myself a Julian!
Profile Image for Cindy Hardegree.
1,245 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2023
bitten by suprise

Charlotte and Julian

Loved this! A whirlwind of activity surrounding Charlotte a scientist, that everyone now wants a piece of, literally. Thankfully she keeps being rescued by no other than Julian, an extremely hot vampire.
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.
Profile Image for Britt Stark.
Author 7 books188 followers
June 9, 2023
Lizzy “sucked” me into this book. I thoroughly enjoyed Bitten by Surprise and I was so sad when it was over. Char was a wonderful FMC and her powers were so interesting. Julian was just the man for the job- I loved his character and want more! Please Lizzyyyy!
Profile Image for Veronica  Hernandez.
189 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2023
This book for sure gave me Edward vibes with Julian and I loved that. I love the mystery/thriller in it too and that it will continue on through your the series. Love the tension between the FMC and MMC and that little twist between the too.
Profile Image for Stevi Bakos.
Author 4 books14 followers
June 8, 2023
I LOVE JULIAN SO MUCH, we love MMCs that protect the female love interests, and that’s exactly what Julian did through the entire book, and the spice, The Spice, ON POINT! 🥵🥵 Please go pre-order Bitten by Surprise by Lizzy Gayle (Book releases June 15th this month 2023, ) I got this book in my first ever PR BOX! And I am so glad this was my first ever PR Box! Bitten by Surprise is a book you won’t be able to down, It’s 155 pages of (on the edge of your seat, spicy and paranormal romance) 🥵 that will also tug at your heartstrings 🥺😭 (LIZZY GAYLE…AMAZING JOB) GLOWING 5 STARS FROM ME!
Profile Image for Alisha.
100 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive a physical copy of this book in a PR Box and I fell in love with the story from the first page. Julian is absolutely a sexy, dreamy and protective vampire. But Char is no push over but the chemistry is explosive. I can’t wait to read more of this series to see where it goes. This book was right up my trope alley a little more steam and this girl would have been on fire. But seriously this book is great and I was sad to se it end.
Profile Image for Damita Perez.
577 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2023
I can say I'm glad this is just book one cause I desperately need more muder mystery and sexy vampire lover drama in my life!

A super fun read with loveable, yet infuriating characters. You'll get attached enough to feel annoyed when they put themselves in danger and such relief when they're finally safe.
Profile Image for Tabytha C.
31 reviews
June 10, 2023
This was absolutely amazing! Protective MMC and a stubborn & smart FMC. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Rae, shutupandbookup.
381 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2023
4.5 out of 5 stars!


"My creation was a weapon, not a cure." - Char


Vampires are the root cause of two major events in Char's life. Only now she has to put her trust in the hands of a vampire! How did things come to this?!


Things go south the moment Char's lab is broken into! Her cure for vampirism is stolen along with something else very precious to her. When the serum resurfaces it's being used for evil instead of good. To get it back and get to the bottom of things she has to pair up with a vampire!? But as she gets closer to Julian, she finds herself questioning everything she knows about vampires. Has she been wrong all this time?


"I find that sometimes the dark holds more wonders than the light allows us to see." - Julian


I really enjoyed this short read with action, comedy, and intrigue. Lizzy did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and adding fun science into the paranormal world!


Char has a thing against vampires, a major past event contributing to why she resents them so much. But when another major event happens, and a vampire is the cause of it solidifying things for her. Only the one person who may be able to stop a mistake that is harming many innocent lives is none other than a vampire! Char doesn't want to admit it out loud, but she needs this vampire's help. Can she set her mistrust aside?


Julian needs Char's help with figuring out how to counteract the new weapon that's in the hands of a very powerful group. Wanting to get to the bottom of things while falling head over heels for Char. Having fallen first, Julian has to break through Char's walls and try to get her to trust him. The two have to work through some things as they solve a case!


I loved the pacing of this book and the tension between the two MCs. They are enemies to lovers but it's a soft enemies to lovers. Simply Char has some prejudices against Julian and his kind but knows she needs his help in finding what was lost to her! As she gets closer to Julian and begins to understand vampires and their nature, she begins doubting things. There are evil vampires out there but maybe she lumped them all together prematurely.


Prejudices are mentioned and extreme acts of caution are present. I loved Char's family and how sneaky her mom was. Her mom was a favorite of mine along with a certain shifter who had me laughing. I want him to have a book with an HEA or even a side arc of him getting an HEA! Char's family may or may not be overprotective and wanting to get a little too involved in her life. I enjoyed watching Char's arc and how she developed!


This book had a lot of comedy and romance along with intrigue and mystery. There's violence and bloodshed with this read vampires being one of the main races in the book. Language, scenes with panic attacks, mind-bending abilities, a brief scene with a car crash, and more. We do get a quick scene of someone attempting SA but it was stopped! Our MMC is possessive in the best way and definitely a touch her and die vibe.


We only get Char's POV in this read. I loved the buildup between the two main characters, and we do get a very heated and fast MF action scene. There's mention of past lives and some things our vampire had lived through. With a vampire lover we get a yummy scene with biting/feeding because it's just an unspoken rule that when you have a vampire lover you at least get one scene with that!


This book did end on a cliffhanger, and I am interested in seeing what happens next! I loved another one of the arcs that happened and want to see if the character will reappear in the next book!


Enjoy the paranormal romance read with a scientist and a vampire! Don't forget to give the author some stars!


shutupandbookup.com
Profile Image for Donna Williams.
795 reviews27 followers
June 15, 2023
Blurb: As a vampire-hating psychic, Char should’ve seen it coming, but she didn’t. Too focused on creating a cure for vampirism after watching her father turn into a bloodsucking menace, she looks at little else, until it’s too late. Not her lab being attacked and destroyed, her life’s work being stolen along with her lab assistant, nor the attractive and dangerous vampire, Julian, who swoops in to save the day, give her a job, and the chance to set things right.

But when her lost serum turns up on the streets used as a murder weapon against vamps, she’s forced to hide the truth about her involvement in its development from her new boss in order to join the investigation. As they work together, she’s inexplicably drawn to the very type of creature she should be terrified of. Suddenly, the idea of being bitten becomes a turn-on if it’s Julian’s fangs at her pulse.

Forced to admit everything she thought she knew about the bloodsuckers was wrong, Char is left with a decision: Should she create an antidote to save the vampires being murdered—and possibly the one she’s falling for? Or should she finish what she started and try to cure the rest?

The wrong choice could mean a sacrifice she’s not willing to make
—————-
I was fortunate enough to not only receive an arc of this amazing book from the wonderful Lizzy but just being on her arc team is a joy. This book was so well written that I felt like I was transported into the book. And those are the type of books that I love the ones where I feel connected to the characters. Lizzy you have blown me away with this book and I can’t wait to read more from you.
1,899 reviews33 followers
January 28, 2024
- STEM
- Research gone wrong
- Big secrets
- Workplace romance
- Enemies to lovers

What a cute and original story! In this magical world, scientist Char, who has some unusual powers, is trying to find a cure for shifters. It is her secret passion project after her father was turned and disappeared. She is close to a result when her research and assistant are taken and her lab is destroyed.

Those responsible for the break in have been using Char's research to end other shifters. Not realizing Char's role in the creation of the substance, she is contacted by a secret agerncy to help stop those using the substance. Char's new boss is the handsome vampire, Julian.

Julian doesn't act the way Char thought all vampires do, which makes her question some of her preconceived notions. The two begin building a relationship...first work related, then something more... However, they must first find and stop the use of the substance. Will they be successful?
Profile Image for Marcia - itsabookthing2021 .
799 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2023
I love Lizzy Gayle, her writing is so creative and reading it is so effortless. I just love the way she captures us from the start and drags us into the story.
I found Bitten by Surprise an excellent read, I particularly liked the sciencist aspect mixed in with magic and vampires.
I loved all the characters, they all brought something to the table and they enhanced the story line. Though Charlotte and Julian will be my favourite! I was surprised with the twists and I was eager to find out what was going to happen next.
I thought the fated mates interesting and the mention of the past lives had me intrigued, it's a shame that the story didn't delve further into that, but to be honest the plot line was deep and exciting enough so maybe that could be in another book (I'm hoping there's more books on this genre).
I loved it so much, definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
June 14, 2023
Oh my gosh! I was immediately captivated by this world. I wanted to know more, and I wanted to know it NOW! Even after reaching the end, there’s still more that I want to dig into and pull apart. I loved Charlotte. It was so easy for me to get caught up in her quest to do something good for the world, and then discovering that her good deed had been turned into something terrible. Julian could be the poster boy for ‘dark & mysterious’. (He’s definitely a part of this world that I desperately want to drag more secrets out of.) I had a lot of fun getting to know their supporting cast and I can’t wait until it’s time for SHADE to investigate the next case.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
Profile Image for Ariel.
148 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2023
This is a fated mates, vampire and witch, paranormal romance. Its got some interesting concepts (with little regard to practical application), lite world building, and fun (if sometimes shallow) characters. The plot is basic, quickly resolved, and has little overall impact to the world (or so it seems in this book, this is the first of a series). The romance is very wham-bam in this first instalment of the series, but promises to heat up more going forward.

Overall its a great book for enjoyment.
I will be reading the second one.



(Possible spoilers)



This book took me extra time to finish due to the reincarnation aspect. It is neither explained nor fully touched on (for its impacts to the main character).
Profile Image for Heather Burt.
153 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2023
I couldn't put it down!!! I absolutely loved it. Char and Julian's/vampire story is awesome. I am a sucker for murder mystery and sexy vampires! This book had both!
As a vampire-hating psychic, Char should've seen it coming, but she didn't. Too focused on creating a cure for vampirism after watching her father turned into a bloodsucking menace, she looks at little else, until it's too late. I had a lot of fun getting to know their supporting cast and I cant wait until it's time for Shade to investigate the next case. Julian gave me overprotective Edward vibes and I loved it! This book was a super easy read with a twist to keep your mind engaged!
Profile Image for Katiie.
697 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2023
I give this book 3.5 stars.

I enjoyed the book.

There was action and fighting scenes. There was intense moments that I loved and wish were a lil longer and provided more details.

Some parts felt really fast while others felt rushed. I am all for a fast paced book. The ending of the book felt extremely rushed and conflicting. I get the point that was trying to come across for their relationship but it didn't flow.

The whole mated thing didn't make a lot of sense and I felt that portion was rushed and could have been explained just a bit more.

Over all the events that happened on the book I rather enjoyed and would have loved for it to be more in depth but it was an enjoyable book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
834 reviews32 followers
January 27, 2024
Bitten by Surprise by Lizzy Gale is book one in the Bitten Series. Oh my, what a great and enjoyable read! I honestly couldn’t get enough of this book, I’m a fan of vampire romance books and this hit all the right notes. The worldbuilding and plot really sucks you in and grabs your attention. It’s so incredibly well written and fast paced! I absolutely loved the characters of Char and Julian. I love how her character was developed and the growth she achieved. The chemistry was top tier and the spice was so well done. I hope there’s more to come in this world or series. If you love a great paranormal romance then look no further!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michele Marrero.
84 reviews
June 30, 2024
While this book is short it is packed with a lot. I love paranormal books. This one had all the things I love. Witches, vampires, werewolves and more. The main female character in this book has some supernatural abilities as well. The romance in here was a slow burn but when it took off the fireworks for me was so sweet. This book definitely left me wanting more. I need to see how the romance progresses and what happens with the “cure”. Julian the male main character is swoon worthy. I do love me a gentleman that kick some butt. He’s strong and protective the way he keeps Char safe has ❤️❤️in my eyes 😍. This is 4.75 ⭐️ for me. I need more.
Profile Image for Stephanies.books_.
625 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2024
𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒂 𝒗𝒂𝒎𝒑 𝒘𝒉𝒐’𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍.

It was just a really cute read.

These types of books, I enjoy reading in between big ones.

You follow Charlotte as she tries to find a cure for vampires and shifters that were forced into the change. You get a little suspense and some romance.

𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆.

Charlotte's family hasn't been too keen on vampires. So when she feels an attraction to Julian, it freaks her out. When she has to work with him, that freaks her family out even more.
731 reviews7 followers
November 4, 2024
Judging by some of the other series-starters I’ve read, it’s not easy to craft a romance novel that hits this many beats at once. The future of this romance is dangled in front of us like a carrot on a stick (reincarnated fated mates!) and we get fed just a little bit, but the big declarations are saved for later. The plot itself is a tight whodunnit which wraps up neatly, but opens up bigger threads to follow, smoothly leading you into the next book without feeling like you’ve been hung out on a cliff to dry. The characters are likable and the MMC is the perfect blend of gentle and protective. In short, kudos to this author.
Profile Image for Keishea.
136 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2025
This book is an outstanding literary achievement. Its captivating narrative expertly explores the complexities of vampire lore. Char's intense dislike of vampires and her drive to develop a cure are pivotal elements. She has her reasoning behind it while her father is now lost to her but Following the destruction of her laboratory, Julian presents her with an unexpected opportunity. Although Char is initially hesitant due to Julian's vampiric nature, she must decide whether to collaborate with him. Will they be able to join forces to prevent the brutal killings of vampires, or will their disparate views lead to a deep-seated conflict? This book is highly recommended. 👌 little novella
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