The Biting Bargain

Cupcakes & Monster Boyfriends #1

by Emily Cane

Broke? Desperate? Loan sharks on your doorstep? Maybe you should consider selling your blood to a smoking hot vampire.

But just five minutes into the deal, I’m in serious trouble.

This is supposed to be a business deal. Bite only. No perks. I get my money and pay off the mobsters my ex has sent my way. But someone like Vincent Renard I haven’t expected, the dark prince of vampire society himself. And unfortunately a smoking hot as sin one.

Every alarm in my head goes Uh-oh!

Did I mention I’m a witch in disguise — the one thing vampires react to like a firecracker factory reacts to a lit match?

All it takes is one searing kiss for my magic to unleash his dark and rather furry secret, and force us into a totally different kind of business deal.

You know, to keep his furry little secret from being spilled.

I’ll be his companion. His personal drone. His little plaything. All for show. All fake. All to keep his secret from the esteemed vampire club he so desperately tries to get into.

But with each kiss the lines are starting to blur, and things are starting to feel way too good.

Way too real.

And he can struggle as much as he likes to try to hide his true colors.

His dark side.

Because damn, his dark side is too hot for me to ignore.

Don't miss book one in this brand-new paranormal rom-com series, featuring a witty witch, a former villain with a redemption arc, banter, snort-laughter and lots of spice on top. HEA included.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy

298 pages, ebook

First published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read that had me hooked. Polly needs money to pay off a debt that her asshole ex has her pay off. Needing money Polly gets a job at Club Sanguine and meets Vincent and both their lives are changed. Vincent has a secret that he has been keeping forever but now it might come out. Will Vincent risk it all for Polly? I loved the chemistry between Polly and Vincent. Enjoyable story with likable characters. Definitely everyone should one-click this book.


I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute rom-com filled with miscommunications galore, and "he fell first but he's an idiot" vibes. Polly refuses to allow herself to fall for Vincent because she is convinced he will only ever see her as a drone (meal ticket), and Vincent is so clueless about what he's feeling that it literally has to smack him in the face.

If miscommunications, he-fell-first, and magic curses are things you like, then definitely pick this one up!

I really enjoyed it and wish there was more.

[Ericka Elkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down and may or may not have forgotten to finish some Thanksgiving stuff.

This is book one in The Cupcakes and Monster Boyfriends. This is a romcom where the main characters Vincent (vampire/wolf) and Polly (dormant witch) get together. I loved the storyline, the spicy scenes, and characters! I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!

I received an ARC to provide my honest review

[Lorraine Whiteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hybrid vamp-werewolf and a dormant witch, I haven't had so much fun reading a book in ages! The story is sexy and compelling and the passion off the charts! I could happily read another thousand books from Emily if this is the quality I can expect. Absolute must read!!! I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[Mia Brattain-Halcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for spice, this contains a lot of it! I was really looking forward to what happened next throughout this entire book. It was a simple read with a straight forward and easy to understand plot. Overall I enjoyed it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a well-written book about Polly, her mishaps and her relationship with Vincent.
Polly was so fun and flirty whilst Vincent was stoic and silent and tried deperately not to feel anything. It was fun to watch him fail!
This is quite a complex story, but the writing is so free-flowing and effortless that you read through the whole story so quickly. I was sad to see it finish as I would have happily read the story had it been twice as long.
This is the first book I have read by Emily Cane and I guarantee that I will be reading more, based on the quality of this book. 5 stars!

[Sn8wflake · Rating 3 out of 5]

vampire werewolf witch

A lite rom com with supernatural in an average city. Plenty of romance and some sex. The medical doctor was hilarious.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Cupcakes & Monster Boyfriends series by a new Author to me I want to read more in this series. Vampire prince Vincent Renard and witch Polly's is well written with a very good storyline that had me laughing at some things. I found the story to be well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Polly, the female human-presenting witch lead, is desperate for money because her ex-boyfriend told his gambling creditors that she’d cover his debts. She applies to be a blood donor for vampires at an exclusive club, failing to disclose her magical heritage…

Vincent, the male born vampire lead, is also a werewolf because he was bitten in his youth. His curse is kept under control by a spell and he’s mortified when biting Polly leaves his shifting uncontrolled, demanding that she be his live in Companion, since her presence controls his werewolf.

Polly is used to causing disasters everywhere she goes, but this is a new level of skill! She still has no magic. Vincent has a goal that he wants to achieve and she’s willing to help him for the right financial incentive, but he’s also got enemies determined to do whatever it takes to show the vampire world he’s a dreaded werewolf…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a clever, funny contemporary fantasy romance. I enjoyed the banter between characters. I enjoyed the character development and the relationship development. I enjoyed Polly’s optimistic approach to life. I enjoyed Vincent’s contrasting dour presentation. I enjoyed their intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and am curious about several others.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book had me hooked from the first chapter, I personally wouldn’t consider it a rom-com. That said I absolutely LOVED this book. Seeing Polly struggle with three jobs and a family that demands things of her at the drop of a hat while also watching Vincent come out of his stuff shell as their relationship progresses was wonderful. I do wish this book was a little longer and explained things better (like why his family was cast out of high vampire society). It also would have been nice for the author to explore why he reacted to her magic despite the fact that she technically doesn’t have any. Those few things plus some spelling mistakes are what took my review down a star but overall I’m excited to read the next book in the series.


I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in Cupcakes and Moster Boyfriends...oh my stars! What a fun read! I love a good rom-com and this book delivered. Well written with our main characters Polly and Vincent. Polly is a magic-less witch, doing what she can to make ends meet and takes what she expects to be a one time job at Club Sanguine, but after meeting vampire Vincent her one time there won't be enough for him and Vincent makes Polly an offer she can't refuse. Wonderful characters, smooth flowing storyline and plenty of sweet and steam make this a wonderful paranormal rom-com and I can't wait for more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[zthebookwormz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Polly and Vincent’s!!

I loved seeing Vincent come to acceptance that he wants Polly and no longer giving a damn what everyone will say about who he is! I loved seeing him grow and realising what’s important to him!

Polly is sassy and funny throughout the book which I loved!!🥰 She isn’t afraid to hold her own against Vincent!!

I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The book started out and just got better from there and then it ended. I especially loved the cupcakes aspect and then the monsters because usually they don't go well together but the author really made them mesh so well I wanted more.

[Alex E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more book from this author that I really enjoyed. I read it this weekend And it had the perfect Halloween vibe for me. Well at least it clicked the right way because of the paranormal romance 👻

The banter between the characters( a vampire and a witch) is enjoyable and I liked them both. Opposite attracts and in this case it was quite enjoyable. Spicy with a bit BDSM!

I definitely recommend this one

I received an ARC and I provide my honest review voluntarily.

[Acacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and sexy read. Characters weee fantastic, loved Vincent his reactions to things were so funny. Loved the ending was so sweet, plot was amazing and loveable. So glad I was able to arc read this book, I couldn’t put it down.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny, spicy vampire/werewolf romcom… yes please! And there was plenty of spice 🔥 I love books where the FMC can stand up for herself and Polly definitely has personality. Vincent is a little more confusing though because he seems to go back and forth between wanting her and thinking he’s too good for he, like he’s settling for someone beneath him.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biting bargain reminded me of two movies that I thoroughly enjoy, for me it was pretty woman meets twilight. If this book were a movie I'd watch it again. It was cute and funny. The main female character was no pushover and the main male character fit the domineering billionaire, What a great combination. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a romantic comedy with supernatural. I give 4 out of 5 stars.

[Angela Meehan]

I loved this book so much and Emily had me at "please proceed with care" in the blurb. It sounds such a simple thing to do, Polly needed some cash urgently due to a loser ex and she could get what she needed by going to a hot club and letting a vampire suck her blood it's just like going to a blood bank right? She couldn't have been any wronger. The book takes you on a wild ride till she gets the money she needs and a lot more besides. There are happy bits, sad bits and down right saucy bits. I can't wait to read the next book in the series now to see if it's as much fun as this one was. Enjoy.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Polly she's got great friends a crazy family and a dirt bag ex who left her at the mercy of the magical Mob so what's a girl to do she decides to sell her blood to make some quick cash and get the Mob off her back it's either that or working at a gentleman's club and trust Polly there won't be any real gentleman there her only problem witches aren't supposed to donate but she has know power or so she thought. Vincent ancient egotistical Vampire who's trying to get into and exclusive club his business acume won't get him there though and after tasting Polly he's got a very old problem it's literally come back to bite him. Soon Polly and Vincent are attached at the hip until his curse is neutralized but hes got enemies that can't wait to get there hands on Polly and if they do will Vincent fight for her or will he walk away. Polly can't believe her luck she's got Mob problems and two Vamps causing her heart rate to jump one in fear the other in lust all she has to do is keep Vincent at arms length and she can go back to her life but her heart has other ideas.

This book was sweet and steamy with lots of plot I enjoyed this first time read by the author I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bite Only”
I have been waiting for Emily Cane to come out with a new Paranormal Rom-Com Series and she did not disappoint me with Book 1 of her “Cupcakes & Monster Boyfriends” Series about Polly, human/magic-less witch, and Vincent, cursed vampire/werewolf. Club Sanguine is where filthy rich vampires come to drink and then play with their food. And the food is humans, in all shapes and sizes, who love to be played with. Polly is only there for the cash to get her out of the trouble her ex-boyfriend has left her in. Vincent is just there for his feed of blood. Then their kiss changes everything. This is a fun steamy paranormal read spiced with chemistry and comedy. Grumpy Vincent and Sunshine Polly may be opposites, but they bring out the best in each other making a great story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for voluntarily writing an honest review.

[Spunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this fun story!
It’s about the developing relationship of Polly and her vampire, Vincent. Both have issues that unfold over the course of the tale, impacting each other in various ways. Polly is engaging, a slightly bumbling sunshine girl. Vincent grows from his successful albeit unhappy life pre-Polly, to a far more well-rounded and happy person. Go, Polly!

It’s well worth a read! This book is well-written, sexy, has a happy ending, and I’m already waiting for the next story!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!!! Emily Cane does a fantastic job weaving together a story that captures your attention and makes you cheer for the characters. Polly was perfect for melting Vincent's icy composure as the vampire who has seen everything. I loved how they connected, the chemistry between them and how Polly didn't have to change who she was for him. Plenty of steam and a great cast of characters in Polly's friends. Great story from start to finish.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[utter_bookishlove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vampire x Witch romance 💕

“Hunt her. Keep her. Mate her.”
One word comes to mind when reading this story… sultry.

Random thought: the FMC’s full name is so wild 🫢😫🤣

• Forced Proximity
• Miscommunication
• Billionaire
• Damsel in distress

3 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦-𝘵𝘩𝘦-𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦-𝘸𝘢𝘴-𝘴𝘰-𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 stars ⭐️

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for anyone who loves paranormal romances (unless you don't want any smut in your books, then stay away from this one!).

[Moonburst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Biting Bargain is an extremely fun rom-com between a magic-less witch and a cursed vampire. When Polly decided to work at Club Sanguine, it was supposed to be a one time thing to get quick money to pay off some loan sharks. Unfortunately, her debut night with Vincent takes a strange turn and she's never paid. As her financial situation continues to deteriorate, she is saved from the loan shark goons by Vincent. But he has his own demands and Polly cannot refuse his offer. Can Polly keep her heart safe as the sparks between her and Vincent fly?

Polly is a classic chaotic mess romantic comedy leading lady. She is just trying to get by with multiple jobs to earn enough money to perhaps one day open a lingerie store. She's cheerful with an unlucky clumsy streak that is endearing rather than obnoxious. Vincent is dark, bored, and concentrated on achieving his goals at any cost. The interactions between the two are enjoyable and believable, and you find yourself rooting for them both throughout.

Overall a fun monster romance with a little BDSM spice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jen ME Warrior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Low angst monster fun.

I chose this book as I have been given a ARC copy of the next in the series, and I can't not read things in order.
Each book contains a whole story about the couple - no to be continued here.

This is a fun, low angst, paranormal romance, with a witch with no magic, a vampire with a furry secret and tons of spicy scenes.

I'm looking forward to the next one!