The Accidental Bite

by Michelle St. Wolf

Would she still want her if their engagement was real—if vampires were real?

Dara West needs a vacation. After clumsily causing an accident at work, she expected to get fired, not reassigned to a gorgeous, workaholic boss who doesn’t even want her around.

When Lillianna Markov’s brother foists an assistant upon her, she is absolutely incensed. Though still a young vampire, Lillianna is more than capable enough on her own. In fact, she won’t get anything done at all now that the office is filled with the scent of Dara’s distractingly delicious blood.

Then an even more disastrous catastrophe causes a serious misunderstanding, and suddenly Dara is going on a vacation after all—posing as Lillianna’s fiancée.

Sparks fly as reality and fiction begins to blur, and Lillianna begins to wonder if there is something—or someone—she wants more than a promotion…

But after Dara learns the truth, will she want her too?

Genres: Lesbian, Vampires, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2023

About the author

As a child, Michelle St. Wolf read every vampire and werewolf book she could get her hands on. When she got older, she discovered paranormal romance and fell in love. In her own writing, she enjoys exploring a touch of the forbidden, a little bit of destiny, and just the right amount of cozy combined with darkly beautiful women.

When not writing, Michelle spends her time snuggling with her tiny dogs, drinking milk tea, and growing blackberries and basil in her garden.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

**'You should maybe try to outline, think about what kind of plotline you're going for then try writing any scene many times over before plowing ahead to really telling that story..'

Okay read!
This book #1 in this sapphic paranormal vampire series was somewhat enjoyable -- just not all that enticing. Okay coupling (Dara & Lillianna) and supporting cast.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I confess - I am hooked on sapphic vampire romance so I took a chance on this debut from St. Wolf.
A vampire family controlled corporation - human employees, mandatory medical/blood checks and other oddities - sounds perfect. Lilianna Markov is the cold, workaholic vampire with the sole focus of out-performing her creepy cousin and impressing her grandfather. She likes to work alone.
Enter human Dara, shy but talented with data input and a whiz at spreadsheets and compiling project information/figures. Without revealing details, Dara becomes Lilianna's personal assistant. The die is cast for an attraction to begin and grow. I liked the underlying humor, angst and touches of heat, weird work hours and reasons for same and oh, that solstice celebration. A clumsy accident and blood spilled, a meddling but caring brother, fate and fake dating equals a happy end after unexpected twists and turns.
The writing has some hitches but I enjoyed this particular style of vampire world and that bonus scene on the author's website is worth the visit. I'll be checking on you Michelle.

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Just getting around to reviewing this one. Both leads were dull, which is quite impressive given one of them is a literal vampire. The stakes weren't very high, the antagonist was not very compelling. Also a lot of talk about their jobs, which would be tolerable if they weren’t...financial analysts...no offense to any financial analysts out there. I'm sure the number crunching is sexy to someone out there who is not me.

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

The Accidental Bite is a contemporary romance with just a touch of vampire lore—so even if you’re not into the whole “fangs and blood” thing, you might still enjoy it. It blends a boss/employee dynamic with a fake dating trope, which can be a fun combo.

Normally, workplace romances aren’t really my thing… but throw a vampire into the mix and you’ve got my attention. I was curious to see how the author would weave that supernatural twist into the story. Sadly, I never fully connected with the characters. Lillianna, in particular, just didn’t click for me—she didn’t seem to grow much by the end. Plus, the power imbalance between Dara and Lillianna was pretty noticeable in certain moments, which made it harder for me to root for them as a couple.

What really took me out of the romance, though, was the fact that so much of their relationship was built on lies. I know that might not bother every reader, but for me, it creates an instant disconnect. And honestly? The vampire element, which I was most excited about, felt like it wasn’t fully explored—it almost didn’t need to be there.

Still, while this book wasn’t a perfect match for me, the writing had potential, and I’d be willing to give this author another shot in the future!

[Fey Flowers (enbytweenthepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dara is quiet, Lilly is loud. Both want to be seen.
.
Dara is a loving character, but somehow always looking to be more for someone, but in a shy way because she has been left alone many times.
On the one hand, Lilliana is exactly what you would imagine a vampiress to be and yet she fights very hard to not just be the little girl for her family.
.
I would have been happy if Dara had been a little less naive, if she had at least toyed with the idea of whether this could all be true... And Lilly could have been a little more loving. So for much of the book I found it difficult to understand why they both feel attracted to each other, even though I like the book more than I initially thought and am glad I continued reading.
.
.
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Thank you for trusting me with an e-ARC 🖤

[Lesbereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this ice queen vampire workplace romance read. I would say it’s a romance with a side of vampires which is good for those of you who don’t like too in-depth paranormal books. Definitely get the bonus scene after you finish this if you’re looking for some more steam. Looking forward to St. Wolf’s future books as this was an impressive debut!

Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Veda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mid

[emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, and I’m always up for more sapphic vampires, but there was a disconnect somewhere, for me. Overall a fun quick read tho!

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sapphic supernatural romance? Yes please. For an ice queen, I thought Lilly turned out to be adorable, and it was nice to see how she warmed up to Dara. I mean, I even fell a little bit in love with her. Protective ice queen? Again, yes please. Dara was likable, and she had her insecurities, which made her relatable, but she was also ridiculously oblivious. It just didn’t make sense that she wouldn’t push a little harder on things where the math wasn’t mathing. Overall, it was a quick read that I’m sure fans of the supernatural will enjoy. I mean who doesn’t love vampires, ice queens, and Excel spreadsheets?

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

🩸Supernatural
🩸Ice Queen
🩸Workplace Romance
🩸Fake Dating
🩸Slow Burn

[Misha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a perfectly serviceable vampire boss-assistant book, but what kept me from enjoying it fully were a couple of things (which may be purely subjective):

a) A workaholic vampire is not really as fun as any other kind of vampire to read. Sorry, but I already hear enough about my coworker's office routines and don't need to hear about a fictional vampires' on top of that.

b) The secrecy. One conversation where everything is laid out on the table and if things do not go well, erase the human's memory and carry on professionally. Too easy a way forward? Clearly the author thought so as well.

c) How dense does one have to be to notice that everyone in this attractive family of very youthful and pale people has literally fanged teeth and even seems to be feeding on an assistant and still walk into a castle full of these people with no plan or concerns?

d) The fake dating premise here is as thin as government-issued toilet paper. At no point does this assistant ask for any information about why this hot executive needs her to pretend to be her fiance for a weekend with her family. Not even girlfriend, but fiance. No explanations needed, just lure me away to a remote mansion with your creepy family!

Anyway, what I did appreciate was that Lilly has some strong convictions about consent when feeding off someone and sticks to them. Beyond that, the characterization was very shallow, the plot kind of contrived, and the resolution super quick. There's a LOT of telling and not enough showing so I didn't really get anything beyond the lust for someone's special blood from the main relationship either.

If you're looking for a quick, fun read about vampire ice queens, this may be your thing, but if the above bother you, it may not be for you.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I mean sapphic vampires, yes please! Lilliana was such a great character! Her chemistry and connection to Dara was realistic and pretty well paced. This is a pretty light story even with the mild angst as our vampire Lilliana gets then befriends her new human assistant Dara. They clash. They work amazingly together and once they start to become work friends to more, all the feels are felt but naturally not quite shared. There’s laughs and intrigue. Very well written, I had a very difficult time putting this down unless I had to. The ending could have included a bit more but it was still satisfying and the epilogue was sweet. A little bit of some nice spice and there’s a bonus epilogue to download if you want more which I know I do!

(You will definitely want the extra epilogue 🥵)

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

[Stephieloohoo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

This book was just not for me. I have been on a vampire kick lately and was really looking forward to this book.

It’s definitely a different environment than any other vampire book I have ever read before but I don’t necessarily think that’s a good thing. I felt like 40% in and still nothing was happening in the book so I started skimming pages just to get through it.

I bummed out that I didn’t care for this read because the premise sounded fun. It was just really slow and a lot of nothing happened.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect going into this book but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. It turned out to be a bit of a rom-com, cozy HEA. It was very entertaining with the accidental aspect and I liked the family solstice tradition. Some tropes were supernatural, workplace romance, ice queen, slow burn, and fake relationships. I liked the main characters although they were both a bit immature, I found their quirks and insecurities endearing. It didn't quite feel polished but the writing style was approachable and made the characters feel relatable. Overall, I liked it very much. Low angst, low spice (there was that one scene though…), fun, light read. 3.75 stars rounded up. I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest review.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is sweet vampire romance and i enjoyed it even though it wasn’t angsty enough for me it was still fun

[Grendaycita Segovia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8

[Spinster · Rating 1 out of 5]

I sometimes feel guilty rating books so bad, especially when they are debut novels. But I just couldn't get anything out of this one.

The premise is okay, but way too much of the story takes place in the office, describing how the women work without specifying what they're working on. While I'm not really interested in what's in their spreadsheets, after the twentieth mention, something is just missing.
In “In the Roses of Pieria”, for example, there are many fictional historical letters which are translated by the protagonist. These are not only mentioned, but also shown to the reader. Although the content of the letters is also important for the story, I personally am not a huge fan of reading historical texts. Nevertheless, the details make the work of the characters and the book interesting. This story would have benefited from something similar. If the women's work isn't interesting, make it interesting. Otherwise, cut it short.

Unfortunately, that leads to other issues. Things are constantly mentioned without being fleshed out, and there is hardly any variation in the pace of the story, which is tiring. The story remains superficial, I was unable to empathize with the characters as they remained just as superficial and the interactions between them lacked a certain spark.

I also have to say that for everything to work as described, people have to be very stupid. Lilly should play the lottery and Dara should take a basic course in common sense. The fact that the secrets weren't revealed right from the start is just the result of the characters' lack of deductive reasoning and an incredible amount of luck.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting a promotion is one thing, working as cold-as-ice Lillianna's assistant another. But when Dara gets asked to pretend to be her fiancé, things get even more complicated, not that there weren't weird things in the background already.

This story is as much a slow burn workplace and fake-dating romance (the fake-dating part doesn't start till about half-way through the book), as it is a vampire story, and the parts are woven together well, giving rise to a thoroughly enjoyable story. Yes, misunderstandings play a role here, but given the paranormal nature of the story, that is to be expected, and it is works. The romance between Dara and Lillianna is cute, and it's quite obvious that they suited for each other, even if it takes them a while to get there. The vampire lore is light, present enough to work for the tale presented, and leaving a lot of potential for future exploration.

Solid first book, one that I was happy to have bought and read, and I'll happily read more by Michelle.

[Soren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish and I’m so excited to get to share a bit about it! Dara and Lilliana were such fun characters to follow, and I loved getting to watch their relationship grow naturally. I didn’t expect the “fake fiancée” part to start so late in the book, but I ended up loving how that flowed with the plot and their budding relationship. And while I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, I actually loved how it was used in this story. It made a lot of sense for these characters and I loved how it ended up being resolved. If you're looking for a fun romance with a fantastic plot and a wonderful vampire, I highly recommend this! I received a free ARC of this, and I’m choosing to leave an honest review.

[MissAlice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute sapphic vamp fic. All the characters act quite young, insta love and confessional, major plot holes, but it's just fun to read when ya don't wanna be serious.

[Charlotte Plessers · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Lovable characters and incredible slow burn.
The ending felt quite rushed.

3.5⭐️

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dara is an accountant, has a talent to take information and create amazing spreadsheets. She works for Markov Incorporated as a pencil pusher for a crappy mid-level boss, and the day after her accidental encounter with one of the executives, she is moved up to become the executive assistant of Lillianna Markov, one of the youngest members of the Markov family.

Lilianna seems like a hands-off boss and it takes a bit of time for Dara to get into the swing of things in the office pool, especially when Eric has six assistants to Lillianna’s one. The perks are nice though.

If you’re looking for the tropes here, they would be miscommunication and fake dating/fake engagement. Thanks to an accidental bite and the miscommunication, Lillianna offers Dara 10K to pretend that they’re engaged for a family holiday gathering. The pacing of the story is well managed and while nothing is really explained until halfway through the book, the story keeps you entertained and engaged. Dara is naive and wrapped up in her own personal issues so many of the obvious things are either pushed aside or go over her head. Miscommunication in romances is a familiar trope and this story manages to bring a fresh perspective to it. Lillianna’s character is sweet; business-wise, she knows what she’s doing, romance wise, she has no clue. The two characters were practically made for each other. The spice level was mild which worked for this story.

Personally, I had a few issues with the main male protagonist. I never understood what their issue was with Lillianna until the end and even then, it wasn’t really explained fully. The first part of the books seemed to skip, as if introducing the characters and filler until the gathering when the story started picking up. I did enjoy the family as a whole and would’ve like to know more about them. Would have enjoyed more interaction between them and Dara within the story. There is an epilogue, and it is perfectly adorable.

The story was cute. I enjoyed reading it and it is a lovely fluff -if fluff can be used for vampires-romance. It’s a stand alone as of right now, so you’re one and done. The story set out to do what it promised, tell an entertaining story with a happy ending. It looks like this might be Michelle St. Wolf’s first novel and if so, it’s a great introduction to her writing style and storytelling. I would give it 4 stars for this book and look forward to reading more of her stories.

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

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle St. Wolf
The Accidental Bite: A Vampire Lesbian Romance
New Release


In the bustling world of Markov Incorporated, where spreadsheets reign supreme, Dara, a brilliant accountant with an uncanny knack for numbers, finds herself trapped in the monotony of a desk job under an unremarkable boss. But fate has a different plan in store for her when she unexpectedly crosses paths with one of the company's executives.

In a twist of destiny, Dara is catapulted into the role of executive assistant to the enigmatic Lillianna Markov, a youthful and seemingly aloof boss. Adjusting to the fast-paced office environment proves to be a challenge, especially when Dara realizes she is the only assistant to Lillianna, who has not one, not two, but six assistants of her own. Yet, Dara embraces the perks that come with her newfound position.

As the story unfolds, miscommunication takes center stage, accompanied by the age-old trope of fake dating. A misunderstanding and an accidental nibble lead Lillianna to make a surprising offer to Dara: she will pay her a generous sum of 10K to pretend to be her fiancée during a family gathering over the holidays. The narrative progresses at a steady pace, captivating readers and keeping them engrossed. Dara's innocence and personal struggles sometimes cloud her judgment, resulting in overlooked details and miscommunication - a familiar theme in romantic tales. However, this story brings a fresh perspective to the well-known trope.

Lillianna shines as a compassionate character who excels in business but lacks experience in matters of the heart. The chemistry between the two main characters is a perfect blend of opposites attracting. The romance in the story is subtle yet fitting.

In summary, this story is a delightful and heartwarming read, with an added touch of vampire-themed romance. It stands on its own as a complete tale, delivering on its promise of entertainment and a satisfying ending. If this is Michelle St. Wolf's debut novel, it serves as a promising introduction to her unique writing style and storytelling prowess. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await more of her work.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. A different take on vampires and the like. The explanation for their nighttime proclivity actually made more sense than being allergic to the sun, which doesn't make any sense from a logical standpoint. That being said, there wasn't a lot of vampiring actually being done in this book. It was much more a work romance/fake dating with a splash of the supernatural.

The romance between Lilly and Dara felt really rushed. There was lots of pining, lingering looks, wondering if the other person liked them back, and then Bam! straight into I love you territory. There was no buildup. There was no relationship progression. And the end felt way too rushed. I would have liked to see Dara come to terms with everything a little more, especially having to drink Liliana's blood. A better explanation for the dhampyr turning thing would have been nice as well. Why did Lilly accidentally start things when it's meant to be a consensual thing that both have to agree to?

There is a third act breakup. Eventually the shoe drops that Liliana is a vampire and Dara freaks out. We don't get to see her come to terms with it, or struggle with the morality of drinking blood, or anything else. Just one day they're apart and civil with each other, the next they're together and the book is over. There was so much room for more and it just didn't come to fruition.

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. It was kind of a mixture between some of my favorite books, with the Vampire angle, but kind of with a twist. At first I was a little confused, but I soon caught on. The story line was great, and the anticipation about telling Dara the big secret and Dara meeting the family in a way that was kind of a lie, but not really added to the hilarity of the story. The twist in it was un-expected with Fred stirring the pot. I'm just really happy it worked out in the end. I also read the free extra Epilogue to the book and that was just as good.

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

[AeonMetanoia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Accidental Bite” is now of my favorite sapphic vampire novels. To be honest, I haven’t read many but this will be hard to beat. I felt like I could feel exactly what Dara was feeling the moment she met Lillianna. Definitely one of my favorite ways two characters meet. The plot and characters were thrilling and lovable. This is not as dark as I usually read but this is one of the best vampire sapphics novels I’ve read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It had so many tropes packed into it, age gap, office romance, vampires, only one bed, fake dating and ice queen. Think that’s all of them lol.
Lilly and Dara were both great characters and I was rooting for them from the start. We also had a villain, Frederick who kept me reading waiting for his comeuppance. The book hooked me from the first chapter. Fabulous!

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

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Vampire stories are usually hit or miss for me, and this one was a hit. The story is well-written and the characters likeable. The angst was palpable, I could feel Lilianna's and Dara's dilemma and tension.
I would certainly recommend this book.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She made a mistake at work expecting to be fired but she is given a chance and a new job. They are a new vampire and does not need any help. They are now being distracted by the smell of her blood. How will that all go? Will a fake relationship become real? How will they get on? Follow them to find out
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[MelissaBu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different twist of vampire myth about them hiding in plain sight. But Lilianna is the Ice Queen and keeps her distance from humans until Dara shows up as her new assistant. Something sparks into Lilianna that she couldn't stay away and that when the love story really kicks off. The book was a good read.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an f/f romance I enjoyed this paranormal romance novel it is a great story very well written page turner very good book

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