Blood and Bite

Rune Alexander #2

by Laken Cane

Shiv Crew is back in book two of the Rune Alexander series.

Rune and the crew--some of them a little healthier, some of them a little more battered--take on new monsters and unbelievable surprises in Blood and Bite.

While Rune is keeping her promise to Ellis and trying to get her mind fixed, the berserker goes away to take care of some business--mysterious business he doesn't share with Shiv Crew.

What he brings back with him knocks the wind out of Rune and makes her question everything she thought she knew about Strad Matheson.

But the worst is yet to come.

With a mad vampire master she must destroy, a child she must save, and unimaginable screams from a past she has to ignore, Rune has her hands full. But there is always something new and terrible waiting in River County--waiting, it seems, just for her.

Because just when she thinks she can't possibly handle one more terrible thing, she discovers a shocking truth about herself, her blood, and her bite.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Romance

229 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2013

About the author

Laken was first published in 2008. After a few exciting years with her publishers, she struck out on her own to write the now complete Rune Alexander series, and never looked back.

She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.

You can connect with Laken through her website at www.lakencane.com or her Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorlakencane

Reviews

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting better!


OMG, we have dogs!


Oh yes, this series keeps getting more and more interesting, I can barely put it down.
Rune's story continues with, of course, new characters, new friends and the always-present enemies. I love that she finally accepts her monster and, so, the fun begins.

I love Strad, I'm so glad things are happening and we get to see this character evolving as well. And all of Rune's crew grow with her (I love myself some complexity in my characters).

So onward, my friends, to new adventures (and more fighting, more blood, and some pretty creepy stuff as well).

[CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Addictive Action Packed Stars!

I’m actually getting addicted to this series now as this second book delivers the same intense action packed and suspenseful story … that is fast paced and full of surprises!

A lot has happened on first book and as the story picks up where it left off, Rune actually kept her promise to Ellis and went away to seek help to sort out her issues and after eight weeks of being away and thinking that her crew needs her, she decided it’s time for her to go back. And what do you know, her mind keeps going back to her Berserker… problem is, Berserker went away to take care of some business and came back with a surprise that knocks the wind out of Rune and makes her question everything she thought she knew about Strad Matheson.

There are lots of changes since the last book as the Others are becoming more accepted every day.

But, a group called COS, Church of Slayers, a group that hates and kills Others (supernatural beings) are moving in her city… And... Nicolas Llodra, the head vampire of River County, has succumbed to insanity and is torturing his people! So thats, COS, mad vampire and Srad’s surprise! Easy-peasy! NOT! ;)

Rune is back and she is even better and more powerful than ever!!!!

There would always be monsters. Pretty monitors, sad monsters, bad monsters. And Rune.

Hell yeah!!! Well, she’s not really completely at peace with her monster yet but… but she is getting there.

Then there's some surprising updates from some of her crews. More like something I really didn’t see coming. I wish there was a hint of when and how it all happened though, it would have been nicer… I’d really really like to know more about the rest of the crew, like Z, Race and Jack. That’s my only main set back.

Oh and there’s a new Shiv Crew member… the mysterious Owen Five, with his cowboy hat and shadowy eyes. I really can’t figure him out yet. Another character I can’t figure out is Gunnar the ghoul. He now sounds like yoda, full of insights… who the heck is he and what role does he play on Rune’s life?

But anyway, Berserker or Strad, well, he just keeps surprising me! And to top it all, he did something shockingly disappointing near the end and he never really explained why, or does he need to? Cause with Rune’s reaction after a while, she seems to feel it was better left there for now… cause “dude”, Rune doesn’t wallow, she moves past it… Ha! Well, I think that’s cool! But I'm guessing these two have a lot of sorting out to do.

As Rune’s background is getting more and more fascinating… And Rune discovers more about herself, her bite and her blood.

I was in for a treat of more complications and surprising twists. Add another stellar climatic scene! I am totally hooked!

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh poor, berserker! That's just wrong, to put him through all that. Fuck that! He didn't deserve it!

[Mary Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

An improvement on the first book. There are still a lot of endearment s but I think I'm getting used to them as they didn't annoy me as much in this the second in the series. The Shiv Crew are still a work in progress but I really like the characters and look forward to seeing how they develop. Another plus to the book is that the author isn't afraid to let some characters die, yes there are some who will always survive to see the next book but when the hard choice has to be made its made quite shockingly. Rune in this book has just returned after spending eight weeks in therapy learning how to deal with her self hatred and her darker urges was eight weeks long enough I don't think so but only time will tell on that one. Funds new mantra is "I am my monster and my monster is me" she repeats it to herself almost constantly, she doesn't fully accept it yet but she's working on it. There's a lot going on in this book the Church of Slayers has set up in town, the vampire master has gone insane (which means all his vampires will go insane too) and Strad, (who it turns out has a wife and son) arrives back in town with them in tow. His son Matthew eight, is a psychic and is being stalked by people/groups who want to use his powers for their own purposes. Strad has brought them to town so that the Shiv Crew can help him protect the boy which they manage to do for a few weeks before Matthew is taken. There are no clues as to which group has taken Matthew so getting him back is looking rather hopeless, though the crew will not give up on finding him. Add is the werewolves still needing a new alpha and Rune needing a new home and having a new boss things are rather hectic at least it doesn't give Rune time for self assessment............

[delane · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH GOODREADS.....WHY OH WHY DO YOU ONLY ALLOW 5 STARS???????

It's been a very long time since I could tell you that I not only thought book two in a series was as good as the first, but actually took the high level that was set in that first book and danced a few miles higher!

To be fair and give warning...if you like the sparkley faction of vampires or really want your shifters to be soft and snuggly then these books aren't for you.

This author has written some seriously dark, demented, twisted shit folks! And it's absolutely fantastic!

As I said in my review for book one, 'Shiv Crew'...in Rune Alexander we get a heroine that is so damaged and broken that it stabs nails through your heart. She's still damaged...still achingly broken...but she is working....with the help of her crew / family to try and learn to live with the agonizing pain that has previously tried so hard to destroy her.

Book three, 'Strange Trouble', is in the works right now and can not, CAN NOT friggin get here fast enough!

OUTSTANDING SERIES!!!!
SHIVE CREW IS WAITING!!

[Elaine G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished and let me say it was awesome. I always dread 2nd books in a series, they rarely live up to my expectation, but this one blew them out of the water. I loved it. Rune is beyond a kickass chick. She's one badass motherf***er with a heart. She was thrown some curve balls but she dug deep and took care of business. Her loyalty and protectiveness to her friends is fierce. And the Beserker, well I have hopes for him :) The relationships are developing for a few of the crew and I can't wait to see where they lead. There was so much going on in this book I just couldn't stop reading until I got to the end.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

We'll Ms. Cane did it again except this time she did it even better! Rune and her crew are at it once again with more twists and turns than ever! I have to say I have falling in love with this series! Just when I think I may have figured one thing out Ms. Lane throws me a curve ball! I can't wait to see where she takes me next!

[★Me Myshelf and I★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rune



Another great instalment; straight onto book 3!

EXCEPT

[Robynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

A new take on an old theme. Characters you love with issues that make them human in a way most PN author's don't. Well worth the time.

[Heidi Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am officially addicted to this series! These stories are just so interesting, gut-wrenching, and wonderful, it is impossible not to fall in love with shiv crew! Just when I thought they could not possibly get any better, book two in the series blew my mind. If you try to guess what will happen next, you are wasting your time. Each time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was completely wrong. I love the unpredictability of these books. I did find myself wondering what took me so long to find this amazing author.
As Rune is adjusting to her life as a known Other and getting treatment for her mental health, back home, shiv crew is changing as is the leadership in law enforcement. Plus, the berzerker has been gone. When he returns, Rune's world gets turned upside down. He came back with more than she could have expected. She had just started to accept that she felt strongly for him, and then he brings his wife and child into their world. Llodra, the master vampire of the town, has begun the decent into madness. And he is going to destroy Rune's world as he goes. He has decided to kill as many humans as shiv crew destroys vampires. And he wants to hurt her personally. When little Matthew is abducted, they are turning the town upside down to find him. But that's not the only thing going on, far from it. It looks like the Church of Slayers is getting bold and setting up shop a little too close to Lexi, Denim and Levi. But wait, there is more! Turns out, Rune's healing abilities and feeding comes with a very high price. One that might just get her killed in the long run. When Ellis gets taken, time is running out. Can Rune save everyone? Is she even supposed to? When even more things get thrown in the fire, Rune will face her biggest fears and have to dig deep to make it out of this one. With her crew being everything to her, she better make the right choices, or face losing everyone, maybe even herself. This read will have you gasping for breath as you go down this journey with the shiv crew. Hang on tight, it is a heck of a ride!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare when the second book in a series is even better than the first;yet, Ms. Cane manages to accomplish this with "Blood and Bite."
Our story begins with Shiv Crew leader, Rune Alexander, checking herself out of an Eight week rehab. The doctors wanted her to stay but she had made progress enough that she needed to get back to her life and her crew.

When Rune arrives back in town she discovers that her crew is spread out all over the place. It seems the Beserker is mysteriously in Pennsylvania, there is a new command leader, a woman, and the twins are locked in a battle with a werewolf Alpha who is trying to take over Rune's newly acquired pack. After getting the alpha in line, the floor is yanked right out from under the crew and especially Rune when the Beserker shows up with none other than his wife and son. It seems he has been keeping quite the secret.

Apparently the boy, Matthew, is clairvoyant and has had kidnapping attempts against him. His mother, Tina, wants the crew to protect him. As Rune puts assistance in place she also meets her new boss who has hire a new member for her crew. "Oh no, she didn't!" To make matters worse it seems the vampire King, Llorda is now cuckoo for cocoa puffs and has lost his mind. He is evil incarnate and is torturing his people. Rune has been charged with wiping out his best. Oh, and did I mention that the COS has now opened up a branch right in their backyard?

Rune has come home to one giant mess but much will be revealed about her new emerging skills, the challenges and private lives of her crew. Once again Ms. Cane takes us on one hell of an emotional roller coaster! Ooo baby, what a read!

[Tigrish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying to stick with this series. Even though I seem to be getting through these books okay, as in, I'm not tempted to put it aside and read something else, I so have to admit that I get a little tired about how dark and at war with herself the protagonist is. I know this is a large part of the story, and it's probably a 'feature rather than a bug' but the protagonist is just all gloom and doom, nothing ever seems to be going right in her life, but personally I find the severity of her issues of such a level that I don't think she should be leading any crew. Period. She's obviously in need of some serious counseling. Even though she had some, I doubt it's enough.

I like that this series is written very real-life harsh, shit happens, people die. That's life. Some series there are some characters of whom you're convinced will never die because they just rock the story or whatnot, in this series you can never be certain of anyone (except Rune) it's pretty much open season on anyone linked to Rune in some way.

I like that Rune does some serious ass-kicking, there is also a lot of imagery of blood, death and gore, and this really adds to the dark vibe of this series.

I utterly dislike the fact that "We are Shiv Crew.", "She is Shiv Crew." and "They were Shiv Crew." is repeated a bunch of times with seemingly the intention of sounding bad ass or cool or what not, PLEASE STOP. It sounds silly and wannabe-cool when really it is anything but, and only detracts from the severity of a situation. Just, no.

Will see how the next one pans out.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the first book within a couple days. I was so excited to get my hands on book 2 that I finished in less than a day. This book had a lot to live up to, in my eyes. I loved the first and was worried, like everyone who has found a new series, that the sequel would fall flat. Fortunately, that did not happen. This book was just as good as the first. Rune gets help for some of her demons and she’s doing better. As soon as she gets back to town, things get bad. A little boy with special powers is kidnapped, the vampires wage a war against Rune and the humans she helps to protect, and the Church of Slayers (COS) wages their own war against Rune and the Others she’s sworn to also protect. There’s a lot of action, lots of gore. It’s a dark as the first book and just when you think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, something happens and the light is ripped away. It leaves you wanting for more. I need to know what happens next. The COS is defeated, once again, but I can feel they aren’t finished yet. This is a bad group and I can’t wait to see what happens next and what other challenges they’ll throw at Rune and her Shiv Crew. There was also a few hints of romance. Nothing really happens in the romance department, but it hints at some good things to come. All in all, I really can’t wait to see where the author goes with this series! I can’t wait to read the third book, if it’s as good as the first two (of which I have no doubt now), I’ll end up loving it and recommending it to anyone who will listen!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Dc13 for recommending this series.

Rune and the Shiv Crew are back and they are kicking ass. Maybe two seconds after Rune comes back home after trying to get her mental shit together things go BANANAS! This is a non-stop thrill ride that had me flipping through the pages on my kindle at lightening speed.

The Crew! This is just a great group of characters. They are all flawed and not perfect little beings. (Even though one person showed his douchy side and I’m not happy about that at all. Hmpf!)

There’s not much I would complain about except that I want to know more about the Shiv Crew. How they came to be, what is their background, and etc.

This book was as good, maybe even better than the first book. I can’t wait to see what happens in the third book.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh

That's how I feel. We have a bad@ss h and she keeps letting men use her and abuse her and step all over her and she keeps going back for more. Please authors, quit this idiotic trend!

[Feminista · Rating 2 out of 5]

The hero is a hypocritical cheater. Really, she could do so much better.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved the first book you will love the next, non stop action from beginning to end, a nice twist at the beginnig and a cliff hanger of unresolved issues at the end that will leave you panting for the next book - go ahead treat yourself.

[Meigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming off the heels of the many battles faced in the first installment, Shiv Crew, you'd think Rune and the rest of the crew could catch a break. Or at least a breath. Unfortunately for Shiv Crew, duty calls. Dangerous, bloody, and high-stakes duty to be exact.

In Shiv Crew, the story ended with Rune relenting to Ellie's request that she seek help for her problem. She did and it's working, for the most part. She still feels pain, she still harbors the memories, but she's adapting and using it instead of it using her. Baby steps, but Rune is learning. She still yearns for Jeremy at times but it's more of what he did for her and her monster versus having him around. And speaking of her monster, Rune is finally embracing who and what she is, and has become an even more fearsome warrior. She still has yet to fully understand what her capabilities and strengths are but as time progresses, she will finally be aware of what being half-Other entails.

The characters are still the highlight for me with this series. I really adore the team and the rapport they have with one another. Not only are they a strong team but because their friendships run deep, it really helps them work even better together. And I absolutely love "sexy" Gunnar the ghoul. He's really a bright, fun part in an otherwise dark tale. After signing on two new members of the Crew from the prior book, this installment introduces yet another new member to the team. Shiv Crew is growing and they'll need all the help they can get. Not only does the Crew have a master vampire, Nicolas Llodra, afflicted with the madness, but the Church of Slayers have shown up in Spriritgrove. There are many battles fought in this installment; not
all of them are victories.

What I really wanted and missed from the first book was a little romance. There were some hints that maybe something could develop in a future book and that proved true for Blood and Bite. The relationship is certainly complex, there are quite a few obstacles and situations that make it seem like quite possibly this can't work out very well, at all, and it will be very interesting to see how it actually does develop in the next book.

This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger but the promise of bigger things to come, specifically concerning Blood and Bite, took away some of the cliffie sting that I seem to get these days from cliffhanger endings. I really recommend this series especially if you like the darker, bloodier side to urban fantasy, and I will definitely be continuing on.

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the first book in the series as a freebie and while I didn’t find anything about it to be overly great, I was still intrigued enough to continue onto the next book in the series. Book 2, as with the 1st book in the series didn’t ever "wow" me at any point. I did like the majority of the characters, but the heroine had a tendency to annoy the hell out of me. I'm going to try one more book in this series before deciding to continue or stop all together. They are all offered on kindleunlimited, so at least I wont be out any expense.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok! That's it! I love this series... The first one wasn't what i had hoped it would be, but it laid out a plot and some characters that you quickly fall in love with! The second book was so exciting and i definitely can NOT wait to read the third one. At the rate I'm going, I'll have it done by tomorrow! Can't put them down!

[Jennifer Mollett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love! These books are compelling and suspenseful with tons of action and emotion. Can not wait for book 3!!

[Irene Hollimon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 3 out of 5]

darker

3.5 but rounded down because some things felt long-winded and I’m a wimp when it comes to the kind of darkness that this author writes in here.

There’s nothing immoral with the darkness written about in the book. But it’s a LOT. Like someone taking their life hoping they’ll be able to follow their loved one to another dimension, or changing in the hopes of being accepted, going through gruesome changes, or pushing cutting limits and pain limits to get some kind of relief. (I made some stuff up for spoilers sake). But you get it. And it’s a lot since I have some hard limits myself and more than a few times, I had to put this down just to be okay and continue. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine.

This had a lot of adventure and drama and action. A few times I got irritated that Rune couldn’t just DO something. But she also did a lot of choosing with what was “rule following” and simply “unacceptable”. I had a hard time with her choices, because it made me wonder what the difference was. Like… how much is enough? But anyways.

The characters are still touch and go with me. Some I love, some I’m still forming in my head. They’re coming together. I see some coupling happening. More drama. Overall I finished and I wanna keep going.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. The hits keep coming to Rune and the team. Just as Rune comes back from some much needed therapy and is on the long road to recovery, Rune has to deal with trouble with the werewolf pack she is the alpha of now, a mad master vampire, and a new branch of the COS in their town. Strad has his own secrets that devastate Rune. When a child is kidnapped and the master vampire threatens to kill everyone she loves, will Rune be able to keep her head above water or will this finally sink her.

Plenty of action. It is nice to see a somewhat realistic treatment of therapy; she is not "cured" but still needs a lot of work. She may even have some set backs but she has some skills to deal with it. But this maybe too much. There is only so much anyone person can handle before they break.

The end is a bit sad. But it was a good read.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rune decided it was time to reclaim her life, she had no idea her wolves were in trouble, cupid’s arrows hit her team, her new boss hired a new team member, Strad came back from AWOL his wife and gifted kid in tow! Not to mention COS is moving into the area and her house was burned down. Home sweet home (metaphorically), just the way Rune liked it!

Master vampire Llodra is going insane, beating and infecting his children before setting them loose on the streets causes a new purge to be declared. As Shiv crew gets to work, Llodra vows to kill humans. Meanwhile, Strad’s kid is kidnapped, Rune’s friend is killed and the team can’t find the master vamp no matter how hard they look.
Rating: 3.75stars

[Renee Rearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series continues to rock!

Ms. Cane, your world haunts my dreams. My waking hours. I am a Shiv Crew addict.

Rune Alexander kicks ass, hiding her fears and weaknesses behind anger, turning them into strength. The men of Shiv Crew are badasses, strong in their personal code of right and wrong while protecting their own at any cost.

Blood and Bite continues the Shiv Crew series, and I look forward to reading Strange Trouble next.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great 2nd in series

This follow up to Shiv Crew holds just as much action and suspense as the first. We pick up as Rune returns from her time away to help her start to cope with the trauma of her past, both recent and distant. It's all about the vampires in this novel, their power structure and their communities. We learn a little more about Rune, as she uncovers layers to her Other-ness and we get to know the crew better too.
Great follow-up!

[Jen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional 😭

That was an emotional rollercoaster 🎢 Geez! These 📚 books are getting more intense as we go. I still have a slight issue with how long it takes this main character to figure shit out. I mean when it becomes obvious to the reader the author shouldn't keep dragging it out. It makes me loose faith. If it's obvious to me it should definitely be to them since they "live" in that world. Make sense?

[Matilde Damkier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it better than the first. Still, I wish the stories were a little longer. The cases seem to get overly simple with so few pages to them.
I really hope we're working forward to a point where she'll dump the Beserker, but it doesn't seem likely - unfortunately.

[Carol Chalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found the first 3 books of this series through Kindle Unlimited and I must say, what a great find! Gritty, relatable, heartbreaking paranormal/urban fantasy. Highly recommend you give this author a try