Kay Riley writes dark contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves writing feisty, strong heroines, and keeps things interesting with unexpected twists. Kay grew up in the Midwest but has lived in some amazing places, including Japan. When she's not writing, she is spending time with her husband and kids. She loves cats, coffee, reading, and her guilty pleasure is watching reality shows.
This dark, paranormal, dystopian romance picks back up and finds me right where I was left from book one—at the edge of my seat anticipating to jump back in—to see where the story was going next; and it did not disappoint.
I think what really got me invested to continue this series is this world where the government and different groups of people are trying to survive in this dystopian setting and everyone is just keeping secrets from each other and you don’t really know who to believe or who is really the good/bad guys in the story.
In Bite of Desire, we get to discover some new information, the chemistry and banter between Kali and Zan is still there—Seriously can’t get enough of this broody yet thoughtful vampire *swoons*. I will say that I was still frustrated with Kali’s guarded and stubborn behavior and unwillingness to just be honest with herself.
The only reason I bumped it down a star was the fact that a certain side character keeps randomly being thrown back in the story to help move the plot along or resolve certain conflicts or create new ones but is used it such a way that I would just rather the character stay around or just out of the picture.
Regardless of a some minor complaints, I’m still a looking forward to the next book and cant wait to see where the author takes us,but hopefully we get more of Zan’s brothers in there as well 😉
Wow. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore all of Kay’s books and characters. She writes some of my absolute favorites, but I couldn’t pick a favorite one of hers specifically if I tried. Until now. I will tell you hands down, Zan is my favorite MC to date. I don’t say this lightly because pretty much every RH she has written has amazing MC’s (even the ones who aren’t RH, looking at you Kyro and Niko). However, Zan just does it for me. His fierce protection of Kali, his wit and the way he handles everything. The tension between these two is just fire and we get a TON of answers in this book.
So it’s the second out of three in the series and it picks up where we left off. Kali is back with Zan and we see them navigate their feelings, their lack of trust in each other and being on opposing sides. We get a lot of action in this book but we also get a lot of character growth between the two and slower moments where Kali is adjusting to being around vampires 24/7. However during those slow moments we get secrets. Also, the SPICE!?!? Are you kidding!? I mean we got one amazing pool scene from Kay (iykyk Braidwood boys) but this one TOPPED it. These two are explosive together.
That cliffhanger!?!? Wild. While some things I did guess correctly, some just BLEW my mind! I need answers ASAP! I can’t wait to read the conclusion and honestly I could see Kay doing some real amazing spin offs with the side characters here.
This book wrecked me. "I'm keeping it, Kali." My heart broke in freaking half. I have been dying to get more of Zan and Kali. She is still stubborn and guarded. She is so frustrating and I still root for her. Like Zan I want her to be happy. Zan, fuck does it get much better than him? Totally blind to his own damn safety when it comes to her. Over the top protective and possessive. This book verified a lot of my theories from the first book. I laughed, gasped, cried, giggled, blushed, and read in horror as the story unfolded. I started this last night and finished it today. Kay writes addictive stories, you don't want to put them down. The ending...damn. I have just stared off into space for the last 30 minutes and I'm still on the verge of damn tears. Now I wait for the third book to release. If you haven't read Bite of Sin by Kay Riley do yourself a favor and do it. Then this book Bite of Desire will be out May 3rd. Expect things like forbidden love, enemies to lovers, and dystopian vibes. It has spice, and it’s good spice. 🥵
I was so excited to be back with Zan, Viggo and Pax and they sure did not let me down. To me Kali is one of those characters that you kind of love but get really annoyed with. I get it she’s stuck with vampires who she was taught to hate and want to kill but at the same time they are the ones protecting her. The Clovers and PARA want her dead. She doesn’t truly try to be happy while Zan does everything in his power to try to make her happy, including putting himself in danger to protect her. We get some vampire secrets, we learn a few shocking things, and we fall for Zan more every page. Beware you will want to throw things 🤣
🩸Enemies to lovers 🩸Dark vampire romance 🩸Dystopian world 🩸M/F 🩸Strong FMC 🩸Forced proximity 🩸A rollercoaster of emotions
Then this book is for you.
🔪 Please note that this is the second book of the series 🔪
This right here is a true enemies to lovers book. Where she hates him but not enough you know 😉. The back and forth between Zan and Kali is everything. It also all leads up to the why, she is the way she is and the same for Zan as well. I honestly hate that I am done reading the book and now I have to wait for the third book. Just let me tell you the cliffhanger was just 👩🏻🍳😘.
I give this book a 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ And the spice about 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review: Kay while I love you to pieces and I worship the floor you walk on, I currently hate you for leaving me hanging like that!! that ending!?!? I can’t, just between us what happens next?
The Shadows of War series is Kay’s first venture into dark dystopian romance and it’s definitely one of my favourite series she’s written so far! Up there with the Sapphire duet and Little Haven!! I mean I love anything Kay writes but I am just devouring these ones at a new level of fast!
So many things have been revealed and I’m simultaneously processing while screaming at the ending! This is definitely a series id recommend binging when book 3 comes out because Kay writes the most evil cliffhangers that leave you in a ball on the floor! Also I would love a spin off about Pax and Viggo, together or separately I’m not fussed but I need more twin content now!!
I love Zan, he is utter perfection, broody, grumpy vampire who can’t love, yet he falls for Kali?!?!? Yes pls I want more! When he teaches her how to fit a vampire knowing she’ll almost definitely use it against him😍 when he takes her to the beach because he knows she loves the sea😍😍 when he de-hearts people who dare to touch her😍😍😍 this man I can’t😍 his obsession with her has only grown since book 1 and I can’t wait to see him in book 3.
Kali is so stubborn and feisty I love her! I feel like this is very much a grumpy x grumpy because they’re both so broody but then he does the sweetest things for her! I love that we’re being kept in the dark like Kali, we find out everything as she does, and it makes it’s such a thrilling read! I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this fantastic series!
Such a chore to read. I hate pregnancy/breeding tropes so there was so much mention around this it was like a plot point. Honestly have done v little reading with build up to Christmas that I prob would have DNF’ed this otherwise
Absolutely hands down one of my top reads of 2024.
This story continues off from Bite of Sin, and wow!!!! I swear its action packed right from the get-go.
Kali is still being held captive by the Kane brothers. They won't allow her to leave now since she knows to many of their secrets that she could spill to the Clovers or worse yet, it could get back to PARA. She is made to wear Zan's necklace so other vampires know she belongs to him, so he can track her and for another reason I'm not going to spoil for you, but man oh man, will it cause a lot of ruckus.
But Kali of course doesn't give in to their wants and demands. She's a very strong FMC and I absolutely love her character so much. She is very defiant and stands by what she stands by and I respect that in her character.
Amaros Kane, who is Zan's dad makes a very big appearance in this book and let me tell you....I wanted to jump into this book myself and stake him lol. He will be having you want to throw your kindle by how much of a @***@@@ he is!!!! He's about to start a war, a big one, and it's one that has Kali deciding it's either she helps protect her kind, or just lets them end her so she doesn't have to live in a world of just vampires and fear.
Twist and turns everywhere, the plot twists had me gasping and in shock and the cliffy sucked lol. Beautifully written book, and I'm so excited for book 3. Highly recommend this read!
Prepare to be swept off your feet into the dark, tantalizing world of vampires and human conflict in Kay Riley's Bite of Desire. This second installment of the Shadows of War series is a rollercoaster of emotions filled with suspense, passion, and unexpected twists.
Kay Riley masterfully crafts a world where the line between friend and foe is blurred, and trust is a dangerous game. The backdrop of a brewing war adds a layer of urgency and tension, making every interaction between the characters crackle with potential danger and romance. With his complex nature and connections to a dark legacy, Zan presents a deliciously conflicted love interest. Despite her growing feelings, Kali's struggle to trust him keeps readers on edge.
Amaros Kane, as the enigmatic and influential figure, introduces a chilling element to the plot. His interest in our heroine raises the stakes, leaving her (and us) questioning what's real and what's part of a larger, more sinister plan.
The chemistry between Zan and Kali is electric, and author Kay Riley doesn't shy away from exploring their relationship's darker, more seductive aspects. Bite of Desire isn't just a love story; it's a tale of survival, trust, and discovering hidden truths. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter unveiling new secrets and escalating the tension.
Get ready to sink your teeth into this enthralling sequel—you won't be able to put it down!
Totally obsessed! Whenever I think about a vampire recommendation I automatically thought of the first book. This second one definitely didn’t disappoint. It kinda gives vampire diaries vibes which you gotta know I’m crazy about. We have lots of world building, lots of twists and turns. There’s always something happening that makes you want to keep reading. We get a ton of answers in this book with still sooo much more to come.
Lots of character growth in this book with Zan and Kali. Zan is such a fierce protector and totally head over heels for her. Zan might be a scary, strong vampire but when it comes to Kali he’s a total softy. Slowly Kali is learning to trust Zan. Times when she does trust him fireworks happen. The spice omggggg, mouth watering. The pool scene especially lives rent free in my head.
Of course we are left with a killer cliffhanger that leaves us hanging for dear life. I just can’t wait to see what comes in the next book.
This book started off right off where the Bite of Sin left off. Once it started it was full of everything you could want in a book. This book has love, spiciness, action and anything else you could want. I was hesitant to start this series because for me vampires are a hit or miss. In this case I’m so glad I read them. I couldn’t put either book down. I can’t wait for the next one.
The way I’m obsessed with Zan and Kali is a problem. Zan still has no idea what is happening with him and Kali but he knows he wants and needs her close. Even though he knows what he wants he needs to make sure he’s doing what he’s supposed to in order to make sure everyone is okay. Kali tries to do what she knows is right but there’s just something about Zan. She somehow is even starting to trust him. Was trusting him the right thing to do though? There’s so many questions and secrets throughout this whole book. I loved it and can’t wait for the next.
This book was intense, I had to keep putting it down after a few chapters to assimilate what was happening and calm down. This is non stop action as we join Kali Zan and the rest of the Kane family. We discover more secrets about them than the Clovers could ever hope to know. Kali is definitely between a rock and a hard place being hunted by everyone. Kali may hate all vampires with a passion but she can’t resist Zan, they seem to have a magnetic connection despite all the obstacles in their path. Love the passion between the two of them, some panty melting scenes here. The way the story is playing out is hurtling towards a major confrontation in the next book, I am so desperate to find out what happens to the pair of them next. I can’t get enough of this fantastically plotted story, the world building is so intriguing and pulls you into the plot with the characters.
Bite Of Desire, doesn't disappoint. Right away the story has your attention! With a few unexpected twists, some revelations and some questions answered... I honestly wasnt sure what was coming next. We got action, spicy scenes, lots of feels, secrets, and more!
Kali, continues to be one tough FMC. She does go through a lot of inner conflict, but we do get to some growth in her character. I absolutely love Zan. His persistence to make her want him, and his overall self just makes me happy. Honestly, I think we get to see changes in both main characters. The connection they have between is obvious, even though they both can be very stubborn at times.
As I said before, you won't be disappointed with book 2!! The more the story is unfolding, the more excited and anxious I get, especially after that ending!!! So, please, I need book 3 as soon as possible!!
No 2nd book slump with this book! It was a wild ride of a book with a few twists I didn't see coming. This book has a lot of internal struggles as Kali is struggling with her circumstances. She can't go back home because the clovers want her de@d, she can't go to what little human govt there is because she knows one of their secrets and she doesn't want to stay with the vampires because of not only the danger but she doesn't want to be a part of their plans to hurt her fellow humans because no matter what most people believe the war between humans and vampires never ended. While she struggles with these internal dilemmas she also struggles with her feelings as they pertain Zan where she knows he is a vampire, that he hurts and helps his father to hurt humans and he keeps secrets from her. Even with all that she is attracted to him and knows he would never hurt her and would do anything to keep her safe. So, her feelings are complex to say the least.
I will say as much as I liked/loved Kali, she could be a little annoying but that is probably because she is literally in a no-win situation and both she and I were getting frustrated with the lack of choices and power in what was happening to and around her. It was the same with Zan that as much as I liked/loved him I would get annoyed with him because he was definitely at times trying to eat his cake and have it at the same time because he wants Kali and wants her to care about him like he does her but while he does start to show restraint in dealing with SOME humans he is still kowtowing to his father and all his secrets and plans for the humans.
I think the writing was really well done and the plot like I said was very entertaining with surprises and twists I didn't see coming and it does leave on a cliff hanger. I am really interested in what happens next.
This book picks up with Kali now living with Zan and his brothers in their vampire city as she can no longer live in project hope due to what happened not just with the clovers but also with PARA. She is struggling to come to terms with her situation and living with the vampires while trying to figure out what she can do to help the humans beat the vampires even as she sleeps next to Zan and tries to fight her attraction to him. But the true reality of her situation hits her when she meets Zan's father Amaros Kane the man in charge of the war efforts against humans and just because most people think the war is at a standstill with no winner doesn't mean Amaros has been sitting on his hands doing nothing. He has been plotting and raising an army to finally beat the humans once and for all and he will do it with his son Zan at his side and now he has plans for Kali as well as Zan has claimed her for himself. Kali is stuck in the middle of a dangerous situation where she can trust no one even Zan as much as she would like to because in the end, he is not only a vampire, but he is his father's son.
I recieved an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I even flipped to the end to see the cliffhanger and that was not enough to keep going. I read the first one and was intrigued by the combination of fantasy and dystopia. The major problem I had was the relationship between the FMC and MMC and it got to the point where I was so annoyed that I couldn't keep reading. I will elaborate more below but there are possible spoilers for how their relationship plays out in the second book.
Possible spoilers ahead! Throughout the entire first book, Kali struggles with her feelings for Zan and goes back and forth between wanting him and hating him. This is understandable as she is raised to hate his kind but she is discovering that Vampires are not all that she thought they were. However, this whole book is more of the same. She hates and wants Zane and there doesn't seem to be any character progression. I love a good enemies-to-lovers plot but there is no progression in their relationship. This book is just her hating Zan, then the occasionally have sex, then she hates him some more. I was disappointed.
Zan and Kali's story continues in the second book of this series and OH MY LAWD! Kay delves us further into this vampire dystopian world where nothing is as it seems. The tension 🥵 The Banter 🫠 The SPICCCCEEE👁🫦👁 And the absolute plot twists I did not see coming were just a delightful experience 😀 One I strongly think you should embark on too! 😉 Plus Zan is just so dreamy for a vampire 😍😍😍 Examples below 🫠🫠🫠
-“Oh, Kali. You might be an exceptional liar, but right now? I can see right through you. However, if you want to act like this, I’ll gladly get on my knees and taste you again.”
-“Because…you are the first person I’ve ever felt compelled to be honest with, apart from my brothers. I want you to know about me.”
-“My wrists were tied to the headboard.” Her words had me going still. That turned me the fuck on.
Seee, dreamy, right!? BE SURE TO READ BOOK ONE FIRST
It’s me again. With the same rating as I had for book 1 of this series.
Let me start off by saying I love Zan. And Pax. And Viggo…. I LOVE THEM ALL OKAY LEAVE ME ALONE.
The PLOT HAS THICKENED. I mean, to be fair, it was fairly obvious what was going to happen but there were several times where I was many sure who was going to survive and who was going to die.
I give another 4.5⭐️ and 1🌶️. I feel like 1🌶️ is generous tbh and the 4.5 rating simply because I feel like that relationship between Zan and Kali seemed to kinda progress without me really feeling the progression…if that makes sense. Maybe it was because we had Zan’s POV and the hatred was very much one sided for Kali. So there was lots of pinning but it mostly consisted of Zan bribing Kali to talk to him by telling her secrets. Idk just got a bit repetitive tbh.
And ANOTHER CLIFF HANGER OF COURSE. lucky me (and you) the 3rd book has already been released:)
Thanks to Kay for this ARC. Most of you know that she is one of my all time favorite authors. After reading her book Ruby Revenge I quickly fell in love with each of her other series. When Bite of Sin came out (Book 1 of this series) I fell absolutely in love with Zan and Kali and their story! So of course, I had to apply for an ARC for book 2.
This starts off right as book 1 ended and holy wow, it starts off packed with action and drama. The spice in both books, the twists and shocks, the world building, and Zan alone are incredible.
If you like the below things, these books are for you! 🩸Paranormal Romance 🩸Vampire Romance 🩸Blood Play 🩸Possessive/Obsessive MMC 🩸Bad Ass FMC 🩸Shocking Twists and Turns 🩸Such good spice scenes
Rated 5⭐️’s and will be buying a trophy for my shelf 🙌🏼
I am completely mind blown from what I just read. I don’t know how I’ll recover until the final book! This is book two in the shadows of war series and omg this book was amazing!!
We continue our journey with Zan & Kali. These two are on different sides of a war. Fighting feelings, there’s spice, action, suspense. I absolutely love both of these characters.
"𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣, 𝕂𝕒𝕝𝕚."
The plot is so so good. This series has such a strong plot. I love everything about it and I can’t wait for the next!! Ahh I need it now.
I recommend. Seriously. If you want a strong fmc, a morally grey vampire mc, twists and turns, spice, forbidden love pick up this series!
Bite of Desire is the second book in this paranormal dystopian story. I love the way this author writes the tension between Kali and Zan. It's not just in their relationship, but in the secrets they are keeping from each other. It doesn't help that the humans and vampires both have an agenda...within their own groups and against the other one.
I also loved that Kali seems to surprise everyone. Her snarky comments get an almost smile from Viggo and Gia. Her actions throw people off and I think there are times when she surprises herself.
Speaking of surprise, I'm still trying to process the end of this book. I can't believe that just happened. But it makes want to see what's going to happen next.
Series: Book 2, Shadows of War Rating⭐️: 4 Spice🌶️: 2 POV🗣️: 1st person, dual
Read this if you like - ✔️Humans vs vampires ✔️Dystopian world ✔️Forced proximity ✔️Enemies to almost lovers (?) ✔️Cliffhanger ✔️Protective, morally grey MMC ✔️Dark vampire romance ✔️Touch her and 💀
This was even better than the first and picks right back up where book 1 ended. It’s definitely an emotional roller coaster with Zan and Kali. The fight between humans and vampires is ramping up, major secrets are revealed, and it ends on a major cliffhanger.
Kali is frustratingly guarded and stubborn and Zan is still Zan, although more invested with Kali and trying to convince her to give him a chance in his own special ways. There are also hints of a certain major trope…👀
Starting where we left off in book 1, the war between the vampires and humans is progressing and tensions are rising.
Zan and Kali are still torn between their connection and with being on opposite sides of the war. Zan remains persistent to have her no matter what but Kali is struggling with her feelings vs loyalties. I love reading their moments together and can feel the tension and heat between them. I can’t wait to see where the story takes them as individuals and together.
The detailed world building and action packed plot kept me on my toes throughout the whole book. Some twists I was expecting but then the ending…the cliffhanger…I was not expecting!
I’m looking forward to book 3 and need it as soon as possible!
with all due respect, WTF KAY!?!? You just gonna throw out the biggest plot twist ever and just be like “to be continued…” I need answers young lady!!
But also, amazing job. 👏🏻 I am obsessed! This series is my newest favorite addiction. Zan & Kali are a true enemies to lovers couple. The banter, fights, plot twist and emotions are written phenomenally. And that spice is chef kisses. 🤌🏻😮💨
I’m so happy I’ve discovered your work! I can’t wait to dive into some of your other stories while I (very impatiently) wait for Bite of Vengeance to realize. 2025 is too far away. ☹️
My rating: ❤️🔥story: 10/10 - OMG! Wow! Well done!! 🌶️spice: 8.5/10 - Good gawd that pool scene. 🥵🫠Why was it so hot?
I absolutely loved reading this book, the second in the series. Barely at any point could I guess what would happen, I love being surprised.
Let us have a moment of silence (screams whilst kicking feet) for the pool scene. Thank you.
I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until the third book in this series comes out. (Please) (pretty please)
📕“Zan,” I choked out, my face getting hot. “I’m bleeding—” “Oh, Kali.” His voice was thick with sin. “Have you forgotten what I am? I can eat both of my favorite things at the same time.”
Kali is a fighter through and through! She wants to do what is right but the veil is slowly being lifted on everything she thought she knew, and she’s being exposed to so many lies and secrets. Zan, my spicy vampire daddy, all he wants is to protect Kali. He is stuck between a rock and a hard place with his father being absolutely terrifying and ruthless, and making sure Kali stay far out of his grip. The action was constant in this book! The spice was spicin’ and the story was *chefs kiss*
Kali and Zan are the ultimate enemies to frenemies to lovers ❤️ I am obsessed with these two! Book two does so much world building and shows us so many twists and turns that are involved in the vampire AND human world! I loved watching Kali turn into even more of a badass and the way Zan simps over her is to die for ❤️❤️ the end of the book cliffhanger twists?!? I was shook! I can’t wait for book 3!
Bite of desire starts from where bite of sin left off. It is the second book in the series. I love the development in this book. We get to see how the twins develop into caring for Kali more, we learn more about the world and the background/ history of the war between humans and vampires. Sooo many plot twists and so much action throughout. I was literally kicking my legs and screaming. The cliffhanger and unanswered questions at the end! I need more Kali and Zan!
Aghh. Where is the third book? This one ends at a cliffhanger—totally expected I'm not bitter at all. There's more mythology bits revealed in this one so definitely read and don't wait, but then join me in waiting for the conclusion (hopefully!) in the third book.
5/5, you'd like this if you wished New Moon could grow up.
Some scenes are so good it kept me going, but there are also scenes that made me wanna scream my heart out. Kali is too reckless I wanna smack the sense out of her so that she knows all Zan does is to protect her HDUSHSISNSK
I still can't get that chapter out of my head. It messed with my brain and I-
Really hope the third book is out already because the end is too suffocating. But I'm kinda sure that I wouldn't read the next one.