Bark & Bite

by A.A. Fairview

It’s been five years since Blood Moon Pack’s Alpha died.

Five years since Sara went off on her own without a pack. Now she has her own bar, a makeshift pack, and the perfect pittie pooch. That is till her toxic ex decides he wants her back, using his sway as a Vampire Council Member to kidnap her. Sara isn’t helpless but there’s only so much a lone wolf can do…

Five years is a long time but Malcolm still cares for Sara. Not that anything would ever come of it. He’s much too big, too scarred and ugly to ever be loved by her or anyone else. But when he finds her captive while working a job for Blood Moon Pack, Malcolm can’t leave her to rot as a vampire captive.

Both wolves have their respective allies and enemies– but what are they to each other? With tensions high and the sexual tension even higher, Sara and Malcolm will both have to face their pasts if they want a future together.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2025

About the author

Arin was born and raised along the American east coast and has called the city, the shore, and the country their home. They've come a long way from writing anime fanfiction in their bedroom and even have a BA in creative writing. When they're not writing Arin enjoys playing tabletop games, drinking coffee, and collecting bits and bobbles. They currently live in Stephen King's backyard with their partner, cat, and lizard.

Reviews

[thosemeddlingkids · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun! Queer MF between former pack mates. FMC is an asshole in an endearing way. MMC is soft and has been into her for years.

Things I loved:

- Them chasing each other under the full moon as wolves! Adorable
- Cooking breakfast for each other
- Cabin bonding time. Michigan ‘up north’ is like no other. Good cabin vibes and lake vibes.
- Mating bites, heyoooo
- Bathtub caretaking scene when someone hits rock bottom
- So many dog related comments – “He rests his chin on my stomach, regarding me the way a dog looks at its master.” …. “He melts right into my lap, kind of like those big dogs who don’t realize how massive they are.” … ‘You’re like a loyal dog.’ ‘Obviously.’
- Mal’s internal dialogue not knowing what to do during sexual intimacy moments. His aspec vibes were off the charts and I loved it & also – mooood.
- Mal being vulnerable about not knowing what he’s doing, but wanting to make her feel good.
- Man of few words, but when he uses them they’re intense.
- When random characters are introduced, gender neutral they/them was used to note them. As a nonbinary person, I love not assuming gender and pronouns to random strangers and also try to do that myself.
- The addiction rep was both heartbreaking and frustrating at times, but also that’s the point. Alcohol & tobacco addiction throughout this.
- Lemon the happiest pittie to ever exist


Things that were a bit distracting:
- The vampire plot line… I just wanted more vibes with these two! Fuck Richard!


I would have liked to see more on page time romance-wise with them over the plot shenanigans. They had great vibes and chemistry, along with the other side characters!

Thanks again for the ARC! (Provided by AA Fairview)

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 39%. Not doing it for me.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just depressing. I didn't find the FMC to be kickass. She was just a bad tempered alcoholic.

I'm not averse to characters with mental health issues, trauma etc but I would have avoided this like the plague if I knew about alcoholism in one of the MCs.

Also, mostly I just didn't know what was going half the time. Why did the before council even care what Richard did?

And who were all these people that popped up? I wondered if I had missed a related book that might have explained them all 🤷‍♀️

[Ryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Do not read if you have a problem with badass FMCs and plus size MMCs!

Sara Sara Sara .... We almost had a problem, you and me. Almost. Don't like COFFEE?! The HORROR. how DARE?! But you saved it with the Earl Grey. I can forgive!

Malcom! Mal, sweetie baby darling omg I love you. I love how caring you are. I love how soft you are, despite the shit you grew up in. The love you have...

Lemon... Good girl!

And the amazing cast of family that helped and supported Sara through it all. That accepted Malcom. That worked SO HARD...


Honestly this book was a ride. A gentle crime theme, a fun twist. A semi satisfying end for the problem...

Thanks so much for letting me read this! It was so fun.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Werewolves are back and sexier than ever baby!!! A.A. Fairview writing feels like a dream sequence. I am so honored to have received an e-ARC of Bark & Bite.

I'm just an enby writing a review begging for more alphahole FMCs, because Sara made me feel all the feelings! In all seriousness, I love Sara. She's surrounded by people who love her, but she essentially functions as a lone wolf after leaving her toxic pack and even more toxic ex behind. Despite the overarching plot of the book revolving around her kidnapping and subsequent events, the book really does focus on her personal and relational growth as well as her addiction. She keeps trying no matter what the world has to throw at her.

Her relationship with Malcolm is this soft, golden, glowing bit of hope. They seemed doomed by the narrative in the beginning of the book. There's this charged moment between them in the prologue that gives the audience a glimpse of what could've been, but obviously it's too soon for them. When the book starts several years later they're enemies because that's what the demands of them. Of course when it all comes down to it, Malcolm drops everything to come to her rescue. From there on out it's just a series of them saving each other in both big and small ways.

Malcolm is a soft boy forced into violence by his pack and his brother. He's convinced he's unworthy of love for a variety of reasons. His lasting feelings for Sara don't matter. His character development might seem to take a back seat to Sara's, but it's just as moving. Also, I know he's fictional , but I just want to lay on his chest and listen to his heartbeat so bad.

If you can't tell I loved this book. I love that each moment of physical intimacy led to a deeper emotional intimacy between them. Sure, it's hot, but it's also hella romantic. Anyways, please read this.

[May (toastyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am so in love with this book and these characters. A.A Fairview has done it again. Has absolutely made me fall in love with a bunch of alphaholes (i say with affection, of course!). Sara is something else, and only Mal can (attempt to) handle her! 👉👈

“You never see it, but he’s always looking at you, Sara. Like you’re this bright light in the room and he’s a moth.” Y'all know I love me a moth & flame metaphor. It made me fall in love with this couple even harder. 😭 They are so angsty, and in love, and just care so much for each other. I love reading about messes figuring out their messes together. I love how fierce Sara is, but she is also willing to be vulnerable with Mal. How she built Malcolm up. I loved her moments of bite even more, especially in intimate scenes. One moment they are going from lighthearted insults, next Sara is fully knotted. What a beautiful life and couple.

Mal is one of my favourite types of MMCs to read about. He is desperately in love with his girl, and does not believe he loves him back. He is insecure but you really see him grow his strength and confidence. His confident self with Sara is both heartwarming and absolutely smouldering. He is also a thick man that could keep you so so warm at night. I would love to be in a cuddle puddle with Sara and Mal.

I love these characters so much, I am so happy I was able to see Reagan and Lance again. Their story was my first from A.A Fairview and just !!! eee !! I also demand and need more Kas content. I love him.

💔Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🤬Alphahole FMC
😳Virgin MMC
🏍Only One Motorbike
🪢Knotting & Heat Cycles
🌈Bi & Aspec Rep
🥀Addiction Rep

[Nina Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.75/5
Buckle up before you read this one because it's intense and emotional. Our main characters (Sara and Mal) are incredibly complex characters with their own unique baggage and struggles. Throughout the book, you see them struggle, fail, struggle again and get back up. I was cheering them on, crying with them and absolutely fist-pumping when they finally got their act together and realized that they deserve better. As people and as a couple. They get their own HEA and even though I knew it was coming, I was kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. This book was fantastic and so complex and I loved it. The only reason it's not 5/5 is because Sara took such a long time to say that she loved Mal and I was screaming at her for it. Also the spice?!?! So good, I loved their sex life and how virginity wasn't a weird or taboo topic. For me, it was the only time I read a book with the "I'm your first" virginity trope and loved it. Super sexy.
As said above, this book got really heavy and intense at points. I felt like it was handled well, but please read the content warnings before beginning your read.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a toxic ex thinks he still has a chance

Buckle up cause this one is filled with wolves and vampires.

Sara has made a life for herself. She owns her bar, has a little pack and is doing pretty well for herself. Though she doesn't have that special someone in her life.

However, when she suddenly finds herself locked in a closet her life will be taking an unexpected turn.

Mal is on a mission for the pack when he hears someone screaming from a closet. He never expected to see a woman he was never able to forget. However this isn't the reunion time as they are quickly kidnapped by vampires.

What could possibly be going on and why have these two suddenly found themselves together again.

This is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I love the way the relationships are protrayed and how they grow and change. I love how real and raw it is.

[thatbeccagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara and Malcolm are both messy, guarded, and deeply human, despite the whole werewolf thing. Their emotional wounds feel real, but the way they slowly grow into trust and love is handled with so much care.

I loved the mix of action, tension, and softness. The found family vibes hit hard, and there’s some really thoughtful rep throughout. Also, shoutout to the pittie pup, who deserves his own spinoff.

A little dark, a little sweet, and a lot of heart. Malcolm especially stole the show for me. Big, scarred, and convinced he's unlovable, but absolutely worth rooting for.

Solid read if you like emotionally complex romance with just the right amount of bite.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
3.5⭐

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review —- Rating: 5 stars / Spice: 3/5 peppers —- This book really caught me off guard with how invested I INSTANTLY became in the characters and story. Both MCs are endearingly flawed, with traumatic pasts and lots of insecurities - but are written with such tenderness, it was impossible not to fall in love with them both! Their struggles are realistically portrayed, and handled with sensitivity, and I adored Sara and Malcomb's journey to accepting that they are both worthy of being loved. —- What to expect: -werewolves -plus-sized, scarred MMC -super feisty FMC -virgin MMC -spice lessons -heat cycles/knotting

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery. Gangs. Bikers. Found family. Packmates to lovers.

This was such a fun book. It was written so well that it was easy to read. There is lots of characters but they are pretty fluent in the book so you don't need to look back 5 chapters to remember who they are.

I don't usually love books with a gungho FMC, I prefer those shadow daddies, but this was a touching and sweet read. Definitely spicy as the MMC is a virgin, but there is also a lot of character development within which is fun to see.

You can feel the emotions between characters as you read this book and want more!

This was given to me as an ARC, this is my honest opinion based on what I read.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued first with the blurb then reading this book it was a mystery on what was happening next or where the story was going. It felt more like you can focus on the growing relationship between both MCs while the background was chaos and I related to it since it’s how I’ve been feeling 😅 the one thing that I LOVED about this was the MMC Malcom is a virgin!!! And he falls for the alphahole girl Sara 😂 the big trigger warning that I do feel it needs to always be said is that it does have addiction in this book and it sure is true addiction that the author was able to write so good!!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, and it's my first read by this author. I love how Sara is ultimately the Alpha-hole in the scenario, and our MMC is a big boy who is quiet but a cuddly beast inside. I always recommend checking the CWs for your own mental well-being. There is a HEA to look forward to and a time jump. I loved seeing how each character developed. Fate always has a plan 🙌🏽 The side characters are also the most funny and tlentertaining. 10/10 recommend if you're into PNR, Grumpy x slightly less Grumpy, overcoming trauma, HEA, size difference, exes getting what they deserve.

[DC Guevara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Official blurb for BARK & BITE:

Exhilirating, enthralling and electric, BARK AND BITE has punch and character dripping from the very first page. With careful precision and artful grace, Fairview humanizes their supernatural characters with intriguing situations, complex emotions, and a heart so full it was hard to put the book down.

[Nifer Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐ 2.5 🌶️
The gangs all here - werewolves, vampires, witches, and even a succubus or two

Great if you're looking for some romance, but don't want that to be the main plot. Love the found family and lots of varied rep (make sure to check TW). Both MCs have tragic pasts that have shaped them, but also learn to grow and become better versions on themselves.
Lemon forever 🥰
Richard 💀 mofo

[Lisette DaRosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not ready for this book in the best way! Malcolm and Sara are such a cute and unexpected couple. And the slow burn, ugh! So good! The way Malcolm loves Sara is the sweetest thing.

Check the triggers before reading if you have any! It was not overly dark but there are themes that are not for everyone in this book. But, If you don’t have any triggers and are in for a ride, go now and read it!

[Irene Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love!!! The charm & allure in this one is fan-freaking-tastic! There is so much I want to gush about, but I fear I shall give away too much. So, I shall keep this brief...the storyline has a perfect pacing. Our leads are complete perfection, especially our mmc! The writing style is charming.

Is this a recommend?

Oh, most definitely! 100%!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bark and Bite does a great job of showing the darker and more destructive side of addiction (especially alcoholism and how one might not even realize they are struggling with it due to the more acceptable nature of drinking) and toxic relationships. Sara was very rough around the edges throughout the book, but that just made her feel more real (especially given the circumstances she came out of).

[AgoraphobicDogMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I haven’t read much werewolf stuff lately and this book definitely makes me want to get back into it.
Check warnings because it does talk about abuse and alcoholism
But I loved this book. Malcom was good for Sara

[Artemis Cienfuegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were a lot of characters that I liked in this story but I felt that I personally got lost and probably wouldn’t read on if there are more books. I definitely think it’s a worthwhile read and fun writing world building is just OK.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Bark & Bite’ what an unexpected treasure it turned out to be. Malcolm is my new favorite book boyfriend. Such a caring, sensitive, shy, deserving-of-love man he is. *sigh* Sara is a good ‘person’, but she’s been through some serious trauma. That shapes her into someone that’s a bit detached from recognizing the purest of love right in front of her.

This book is good. Be ready to read it from start to finish without sleeping, because you will not want to put it down once you’ve started.

*** Recommended ***

HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Epilogue:
* Yes
MMC:
* Malcolm
FMC:
* Sara
Tropes:
* Alphahole FMC
* Virgin MMC
* Forced Proximity
* Bi & Aspec Rep
* Addiction Rep
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* On Page Sex
* Knotting
* Heat Cycles
* Smoking
* Drugs - mentioned
* Alcohol Abuse
* Parental Abuse
* Death
* Gore
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
*