Bitten by Desire

by Ivy Smoak

I still can’t forget him. His golden eyes. The sinful things he whispered in my ear. The mark he’d left on the side of my neck.

No man since has compared to him. But I’ll never see him again. He disappeared without a trace.

But when I run into a man who looks just like him on Main Street? I can’t let it go. He’s going by a different name, but I know it’s him.

He’s hiding in plain sight. He’s dangerous. Full of secrets. And he stares at me with a hunger in his eyes.

And I know why. I think he might be a vampire.

This is a spicy vampire paranormal romance. If you love a mysterious possessive alpha hero, get ready to devour this steamy standalone!

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Romance

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Ivy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.

Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
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TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
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Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter

Empire High


The Hunted & Light to My Darkness



Made of Steel

Reviews

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise really pulled me in—a chance encounter ten years ago, a lover you can’t forget, and then the shock of running into him again only for him to deny everything. From there, the story unfolds with twists: another potential love interest, a massacre in a seemingly idyllic small town, and the tension of figuring out who’s telling the truth.

I found the book entertaining and easy to keep turning the pages. Ivy Smoak knows how to build suspense and sprinkle in just enough intrigue to keep you guessing. That said, some aspects felt a bit exaggerated—Zoey, Emma’s best friend, is almost entirely consumed with Emma’s love life. I couldn’t tell if she was meant to be comic relief or if she’ll develop more depth later on in the series. But for now, it was really a struggle to remain in the story every time she did something out of context

As for the romance, I didn’t quite feel the love story come through. It leaned more on spicy encounters and casual moments strung together, with the big emotional payoff only appearing right at the end in the form of declarations and a happily ever after, which to me wasn't really earned.

Overall, though, this was an ok read with an intriguing setup and a good mix of suspense and heat. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with a paranormal twist and plenty of spice, this one might be for you.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was addictive and completely throws you off with who can be trusted. There is twist on twist, and honestly I kind of rooted for all of the delicious MMC's and their bad boy vibes.
It's like an adult Twilight with Emma torn between 2 impossible worlds, except way kinkier and more dangerous. She's torn between Callum and Bennett, pulled by them both, but conflicted by the lies they tell about each other. Is she being manipulated, or is she drawn to two dangerous monsters.
It has the spooky small town vibes, lots of secrets, and pining and angst.
Excited to see what happens in the next book.

[Rachel Garippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect way to start the Fall, Halloween season! This is the type of Vampire romance I LOVE!! Perfect spice as is always the case with Ivy! She knows how to get it right! Callum! Yes please!!!! Yes please!! The angst and second chance oh boy oh boy! The ending... I'm dying for the next one!

[Cheryl K · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. It reminded me a lot of Twilight. Even using the name Callum. I mean it was different in story but very similar in main points of story. There is a vampire and a human woman who falls for the vampire and doesn’t care that he is a vampire. She then wants to be a vampire so she is not old and he is young. There are also werecats not werewolves. Like I said similar concept of the story. I was expecting something different. A little disappointed, I usually like Ivy Smoak’s novels.

[Shaunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect but in true Ivy fashion, this is an angsty, mysterious, spicy, hilarious and dare I say, spooky story. The spook factor jumped right off the pages from the very start, so did the spice. Zoey dragged Emma to a party at an unconventional and spooky venue. Things got a little weird before they even got there and it got even more weird when Emma wandered away and met the dark, mysterious Callum. They had an intense, electric and hot intimate moment but nothing about it felt normal. Emma could not resist Callum even if she tried but she was left with more questions when she was haunted by the memories of that night and Callum completely disappeared.

Ten years later and Emma is still not the same. Then she visited her crazy friend Zoey in a quaint little town that seems almost perfect but Emma feels unsettled when she sees someone that looks exactly like Callum and he looks exactly the way Callum did ten years ago. Then Zoey introduces Emma to Bennett and things get even more weird. Zoey’s behavior is a little off, especially since Emma thinks Crooked Point is just not a place that Zoey would’ve settled down. A few odd, spooky and disturbing events leads Emma to believe that Crooked Point is certainly not what it appears to be.

Zoey’s behavior gets more bizarre and she’s quite hilarious with her abrupt mood swings and Emma knows something isn’t quite right. There are secrets hidden in this weird little town and everyone that Emma knows is hiding something , including Bennett. What dark secrets does this town hides and how does Zoey fit into the pieces of the puzzle? Everything is connected but is Emma in danger? This is truly a page turner that’s difficult to put down. What a ride Ivy

[Lacy Crouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Just like all Ivy Smoak books, I absolutely devoured this one and loved every bit!! It had all of her usual spice and humor, with some creepy halloween vibes thrown in. And with a swoony love triangle??? Count me in!!

Throughout the whole book, I couldn’t figure out who the “bad guy” was and who the “good guy” was, which gave the book a bit more mystery and had me reading faster to find out! I loved Callum AND Bennett and I CANNOT WAIT until the next book comes out!!
The personalities of Emma and Zoey reminded me a lot of Ash and Chasity from The Society series by her

For the sake of complete honesty and constructive criticism, the only complaint I have, is that I was missing the character description of Emma and Zoey.
I like to have a mental picture of exactly what the characters look like as I read so I can picture exactly what is happening. But I don’t remember there being any type of description of those two characters and I really wish there was. Which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 (I would have done 4.5 if I could)

All around, a great book and I can’t wait for what comes next!!!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy wow—this book is absolute fire! 🔥 Ivy Smoak had me hooked from page one. A mystery man steals Emma’s heart in a single night and then vanishes, but she can never shake him from her memory. Ten years later, she swears she sees him again in a quiet small town. Her best friend Zoey insists it’s impossible and instead pushes her toward Bennett, a possessive and brooding figure who complicates everything. As Emma navigates passion, doubt, and danger, the questions build: is her mystery man really back, and what’s with his hands always being so cold?

This story blends romance, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural into a binge-worthy read. Emma’s pull toward her past and the tension between her choices make the pages fly by. If you love steamy romance with a thrilling edge—and characters who will keep you guessing—you won’t want to put Bitten by Desire down.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Crooked Point series

Emma and her friend Zoey are going to a college party in the woods at a haunted mansion after her boyfriend # cheated on her. Her friend wanted her to meet the soccer team. Instead she meets Callum Walsh of the Wildcats.
Flash forward 10 years later Emma is in Crooked Point visiting Zoey when she meets Bennett and his friends and…Theo Gold. Emma realizes everyone around her is keeping secrets and everything is not as it seems. If you like Vampire Diaries or Twilight this book is perfect for you! Perfect Halloween vibes! I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series!

[Jehanne Edwards-Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Ivy Smoak I really enjoyed reading’s this book again you always make the characters come alive and it always makes me smile laugh and feel like I’m part of their journey can’t wait for the next book and looking forward to hearing when goblin finally arrives keep writing these amazing stories and characters I will always love reading your work x

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was so good. I loved the spice, sooo spicy. Even though I shouldn’t have been surprised at how funny it was since it was written by Ivy it was so funny. I am so glad it’s only book one of a trilogy so I have two more books to look forward to.

[Emily Bonazzoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was definitely way different than Ivys normal writing style, but she killed it. This was my first book I read with a vampire& I loved it. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series is going to look like.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is so naive it’s funny. Zoey just spikes her drink all the time and she has no clue. Their communication is so horrible they are all over the place with their conversations. It was like comedy and drama wrapped into a romance. I’m Such an Emma and Callum fan! But ugh i need more! I need to know what happens next. Such a tease Ivy! Curious as to what’s next with Bennet and the other werecats too!

[Verena Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped on this book because I love all Ivy's books. Vampire is Something new for me and I loved it👏👏👏👏👏

[Lyndsay Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series. So glad I don’t have to wait as long for this one to be fully available. I couldn’t hardly put it down wanting to know all the secrets being kept. The spice factor isn’t lacking either. The main characters are great together!

[Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I’m really like, WOW!!! It’s such a good story with love, excitement, suspense and comedy from start to finish. Right when you think you have the answers, you’re put back into a maze with no ending. I assure you that this adventure is not boring and you’ll be dying for the next book!

[Tamiee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book❤️ Emma and zoeys friendship is so funny and Callum 🥵. I cannot wait to read the next one ❤️

[Shyralf · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF this one

[Kim Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun fact, I read this book two years ago when it was in Yonder, so imagine my surprise that I find this in Kindle Unlimited. I thought this would be an unfinished story, and for these past two years it really felt like it. I thought I would never get the conclusion to this story so I unsubscribed from Ivy and forgot about it. It’s been an up and down ride with this author. There were books I liked and ones I didn’t care too much for. I had thought I would read more of her books since 2020 but I never ventured past one standalone, two series, the start of another but didn’t finish, and this one. If you had told me two years ago that this book would end up being a trilogy and more happens I wouldn’t have believed you. Now that I picked this up two years later I’m questioning why I liked it back then. I think because it was more mysterious and exciting at the time because I didn’t know what was going on or what was happening. It was a figure it out as you go story, and that was interesting to me back then. Now, it was like stepping back into time. I knew what was going to happen and I knew at least what the outcome was going to be but I couldn’t tell you the conclusion or what came out of it. In the Yonder version, you also get Zoey’s point of view and find her venturing back to the bank to Bennett and his werecats, thus beginning the next book after this one. I’m glad it was kept separate from this because at the time I knew it felt random that we would go back and forth between Zoey and Emma when it was two different stories. Ivy not only had me invested in Emma and Callum but also with Zoey, Bennett and the werecats. I finished the Yonder version more confused and frustrated but still intrigued, wanting more and enjoying it so I gave it a 4. Now that I’m going back into this world and I’ve finished this one, I’m questioning whether I want to continue or not. I know in the end I’m going to but I did pause and think about it. I know what happens with Zoey and the werecats but her story also felt unfinished so maybe there will be new information and I’ll get closure if you will. I also know the plot and what happens next for Zoey and Emma. The excitement will be missing and it will be hard to get through the books because I’ll know what happens, maybe not how it ends but I can’t just go to where I left off in this trilogy because I don’t remember. The question is, will they succeed? What I noticed in the two times I’ve read this book is that Ivy treated this supernatural theme like a joke. There wasn’t any planning, they just dived in and made it not serious. I got anxiety just being in Emma’s head and the interactions she was having with Zoey. She made Emma and Zoey utter idiots, whiny, desperate and needy women. She also had them literally place themselves in danger which confused me. Why would you willingly do that to yourself, knowing something worse could come out of it. She also made them naive and wanting things that felt like teenagers arguing over who has the biggest dick, who gives the best head, sex and this unhealthy obsession with people that is questionable. If she had made Emma and Zoey more mature and cautious this would be a much better series and I don’t understand why she went with two women who clearly don’t know what they are doing. They assume things and dig into situations and things they don’t understand, ultimately putting themselves in danger without even knowing about it. In fact, I think they just don’t care and I can’t get behind this. I didn’t like how Ivy conveyed these women. What happened to independence and being strong? Covering your tracks? They were just careless in how they went about things. I cannot for the life of me understand why this was a 4 for me back then. The only reason I’m giving this a 3 is because there were parts that did pull me in and grab me for a bit, when there was actual progress getting made and the same parts that got me the first time, got me again. However, Emma and Zoey were ridiculous and I can’t believe I have to deal with their shit and shenanigans two more times. I already know this will be a tough trilogy to finish because I can’t stand how Emma and Zoey are with their men and in general. Their character personality is awful and they need to grow up and take their situation seriously.

[Jess | jess.books20 · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗬 𝗜𝗩𝗬 𝗦𝗠𝗢𝗔𝗞: 2.75/5 𝓢𝓣𝓐𝓡𝓢 ⭐️

So let me start with the truth: this was my 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 Ivy Smoak book, and I got it as an 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘙𝘊… which already had me side-eyeing the universe like, “Okay, fate, what are you trying to tell me?” 🙄😂✨

And honestly? This book was 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙮, confusing, and way too convoluted for its own good 😵‍💫. It was supposed to be dark, mysterious, supernatural romance… but half the time I felt like I was reading a fever dream someone forgot to edit 😬📚.

From page one, everything felt chaotic — not in a gripping, immersive way, but in a “wait… what??” way 🤨🤯. Nothing grounded me. No clarity, no tension, no real structure. Just vibes and confusion, princess 😩💀. And you know how much I hate being bored 😏🔥.

𝑬𝒎𝒎𝒂 and 𝒁𝒐𝒆𝒚?
Yeah… no.
They were written like they’d lost the only brain cell they shared 🤦‍♀️🧠💔. Whiny, reckless, making dangerous choices like consequences were a myth. And when you don’t care whether the main characters survive, that’s not a good sign 😐🚫.

The supernatural elements? Treated like a casual joke 😒🧛‍♂️.
No depth. No sense of real danger. No emotional weight. Just chaos for the sake of chaos — and not the fun kind 😵.

𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒎 had potential, I’ll give him that 😏🖤. And there 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 rare moments where the story almost pulled me in… little sparks where the plot actually moved ✨📖. Those scenes are the only reason I didn’t slam this down to a 1-star read.

But overall?
This wasn’t gripping 😶.
It wasn’t thrilling 😕.
It wasn’t even consistent 😬.
It felt like a story trying to be ten things at once and succeeding at none of them 😵‍💫.

I kept questioning why characters made the choices they did — decisions that made no sense, motivations that weren’t clear, and reactions that felt more dramatic than logical 🤔😒. The whole thing felt like it needed another round (or three) of tightening, planning, and polishing ✍️🧹.

So yeah… 𝟮.𝟳𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ⭐️⭐️✨.
Some potential, a few moments that worked, but mostly confusion, chaos, and frustration 😮‍💨📚. If this is how my first ride with Ivy Smoak went, I’m honestly scared to see what the rest of her catalogue is like 😬👀.

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago, Emma and her friend Zoey attended a party. This is where Emma meets Callum, and it’s a night she’ll never forget. Yes, certain things were very memorable but the night didn’t go without questions. Questions she wouldn’t get for many, many years.

Ten years later, Emma still thought about Callum, despite not seeing him again. Zoey now lives in the small town of Crooked Point, and wants Emma to come live with her. Emma isn’t sure about the moving part, but she is in the small town to visit for a couple weeks. As Zoey and Emma walk around town, Emma runs into a man, the same man she has thought about for 10 years. Same height, same good looks, same golden eyes. But he claims his name is Theo, not Callum, and he doesn’t know Emma. As questions swirl around Theo, Emma is introduced to Bennett, and even more questions arise amongst him and his friends.

Emma has no idea what or who to believe as she tries to find answers and tries to figure out what in the world is going on in this small town of Crooked Point. Are the people in this town as crooked as the namesake?
You’ll only find out by reading the book!

Oh Ivy..the Queen of endings. lol. We love reading about billionaires and single girls and now on to this mysterious little town. In true Ivy form, we get an intriguing story, that not only keeps the pages turning, but add in some funny moments, scorching chemistry and steamy scenes, to complete this fun and entertaining read. Look forward to the other books.

[PurpleGypsyBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coach Callum Walsh is having a little party at his place for the college soccer team. Emma and Zoey are headed to the party when some type of wild cat runs out in front of their car. Of course a tire gets knocked around and goes flat. They walk the rest of the way to the creepy house in the woods. Zoey finds someone to take care of the tire and Emma does a little exploring. She ends up face to face with Callum. What follows is an extra spicy photo shoot that leaves Emma breathless and wanting more.

Emma tries to go back to the house but it's empty. Callum is just gone. For 10 years she will think of this night and Callum and she never gets over it. Fast forward the 10 years and Emma is coming out to visit Zoey at her new home in Crooked Point. What Emma doesn't expect is running into Callum on the street. He is now Theo Gold but Emma knows it's him. She ends up on a date with Bennett but things get weird fast with him.

Callum is not in any of the photos Emma took in the past. She swore he was but there's no proof. Strange things start happening and Emma has a scary encounter with Bennett. Callum won't admit he's not Theo Gold, and the word vampire starts getting thrown around. That's when the real fun starts.

Ivy does not disappoint with Bitten By Desire! All of the FMC grit and strength is there and of course the MMC is hot as ever. The supernatural twist was done amazingly and this book ends on the biggest cliff hanger EVER! Also, you will never see garlic powder again without giggling a little. You will not be disappointed and you need to read this book ASAP.

[Gendyl Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is, by far, the best paranormal romance published!! It has the perfect balance of wit, mystery and spice. It is hilariously chaotic and addictively entertaining!

The small town of Crooked Point is beautiful and dreamy! But something is quite off as well! What lurks in the shadows and during the night is yet to be uncovered. I was so thrilled to see all the peculiarities and secrets hiding in this perfect small town unravel in every page.

Callum is hands down hot!! I want him to be Emma’s forever. But then there’s also the gorgeous and elusive Titan. And count the sexy golden (cat) retriever Bennett in as well! And the handsome twins Ace and Huxley! I wish I have Emma’s problem right now!

There’s always something about the way Ivy Smoak writes. Every word just flows so easy and creates such a concrete picturesque image in your mind. Reading this book (and her other books) is like watching an award winning series in your head. Every description is clear and precise. Every words written is felt deeply. Every chemistry between characters is palpable. Every twist and turns of this story is enthralling!

Bitten by Desire is the perfect 5 star book to pick up for Halloween! Every pages will get the reader hypnotized and wanting more! And that more is coming next week with another Ivy Smoak book titled Marked By The Pack! Crooked Point may be the most exciting town yet!

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, snarky, and in true Ivy Smoak style, there is a love triangle that made this book ripe with angst and lots of spooky Halloween vibes.

Broken hearted Emma attends a Halloween party with her best friend, Zoey, in the hopes that it will cheer up her mood over her cheating ex. Instead she meets the mysterious Callum Walsh who changes her life with a blazing night of passion and self confidence. Right up until Callum disappears for the next decade that is. Even though it was never Emma's intention to fall for someone, much less even meet anyone that night, she can’t seem to get over the best night of her life even ten years later. So when she literally runs into him on the sidewalk, in the small town of Crooked Point, she hopes to finally get some closure, maybe some answers as to why he vanished, or perhaps even a repeat of that steamy filled night. 😉 Instead all she gets is a man who has no recollection of who she is or what happened a decade ago. And to make matters worse Callum Walsh says his name is Theo Gold. 

That is just the beginning of Emma's adventure into this charming and fun filled story that's packed with steam, chemistry, fun and sometimes ridiculous characters, a bit of a mystery, a love triangle, and a fast paced plot. This is Ivy Smoak reading escapism at its best. 

[Tessa Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new, quaint welcoming town starts to Allure Emma in, But is it all white picket fences and friendly faces? Perfect way to start the fall season with a mystery of what this town is hiding and what creatures could be lurking around. Hot apple cider to die for, a hay maze with severed hands, Ferris wheel four play, blood oaths, your best friend as your wingwoman and a lot of hot men surrounding you not to mention a whole lotta garlic powder. Why wouldn’t Emma want to stay In Crooked Point? Callum Walsh laid his sights on Emma ten years ago and she’s never been able to let him go. One amazing night stayed with her for ten years. but is he who he says he is? Where did he go and why won’t he tell Emma the truth about his disappearance? Sneaking in to his house seems like the only way Emma will get answers. But what happens when he finds out? Bennett sounds like a dream. Tall, handsome, kind, has money and he’s ready to settle down, but it all seems too good to be true. He has to be hiding something. And Emma won’t stop til she finds out his secret. With Zoey by Emma’s side soon the best friends start to unravel some of the hidden secrets in this town. Will they survive and make it out alive? Funny, mystery, mythological creatures and a spooky new town. What will happen when Emma finally finds out the truth? Loved every minute of this book! Ready for the next one!

[Lisa Icard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitten by Desire has an element of mystery from the very first pages! Ivy has a way of writing mysterious male leads with edginess and all the hot and heavy that goes along with them.

Emma meets the illustrious Callum under a case of mistaken identity. He gives her an incredible night only to disappear from her life forever. Through the years, she can’t get over the one magical night she had with him. Around every corner, she sees him lurking or is it just her imagination of that one memorable night?

When she finally comes face to face with him, she’ll stop at nothing to have him in her life. But with Callum, comes secrets. Big secrets! She visits her hilarious friend Zoey in Crooked Point only to discover it’s not quite the sleepy little town she thought it was. Emma is faced with all kinds of decisions when she meets Bennett who’s made it clear he wants to pursue something more. But, Bennett has secrets too and suddenly Emma finds herself in a predicament and not sure who she can trust. This added so much to the story!

This book was a fun, flirty and spicy book! Emma and Callum’s chemistry drips from the pages. Don’t be surprised, because just like all of Ivy’s books, this ends in a cliffy!

[litljen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitten by Desire by Ivy Smoak is everything you've come to expect from this author. Full of suspense, mystery, sexual tension, steaminess, and excitement, this story will suck you in from the very first page. It's emotional, funny, and intense. In typical Ivy Smoak fashion, this story ends on a cliffhanger so get ready to want to throw your Kindle, because you'll be wanting the next installment in your hands faster than she can write it!

I really love the characters in Bitten by Desire. Emma, Callum, Zoey, and Bennett along with all of the side characters will keep you entertained and clamoring for more. There is a love triangle between Emma, Callum, and Bennett, and watching it play out is exciting and intense. As rivals, Callum and Bennett have a long standing feud. Their animosity fuels an age old rivalry which creates a ton of drama. There's a ton of chemistry between Emma and Callum as well as Emma and Bennett.

Spoilers are ripe with this book so my review is very general. I won't ruin anything for you but just know this book is fabulous! I laughed, I teared up, and I swooned. I can't wait to see what happens in Crooked Point #2!!! One-click this story IMMEDIATELY!!! 5 stars

[Carissa Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩸🫦NEW RELEASE🫦🩸

📖 Bitten by Desire by Ivy Smoak

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

What to expect?
🩸VAMPIRE ROMANCE
🫦SMALL TOWN ROMANCE
🩸FALL FESTIVAL
🫦SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
🩸AGE GAP 😉
🫦ENEMIES TO LOVERS

“We don’t have to play cat and mouse.”

If you want some spice in the opening chapter look no further. Ivy has outdone herself from her normal light romances, but don’t worry there’s still plenty of banter and goofiness that comes with writing her characters.

This book will have you falling for the villain pretty quickly, but will leave you hanging off a cliff in the end (per usual).

Callum and Emma have off the chart chemistry that finds them in a game of push and pull at first. Callum is trying to protect Emma and make sure that other dangers are gone before getting with her. But Emma thinks he is pretending not to know her to make sure to avoid her.

They get their moment though so don’t worry. You will find an insatiable romance in this book and you won’t want to put it down until the end. Go grab this spicy vampire romance just in time for Halloween!

#bittenbydesire #ivysmoak #enemiestolovers #smalltownromance #vampireromance #fallfestival #secondchance #agegapromance #vampireandhuman #secrets #specialtools #bibliophile #lovetoread #smuttok #booktok #bookstagram

[Jarlyn Camacho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Smoak has done it again! Bitten by Desire is the perfect mix of fun, spice, suspense, and supernatural thrills—an absolutely binge-worthy read that fits the spooky fall season perfectly.

Emma’s story grabbed me from the very first page. One unforgettable night with a mysterious stranger leaves her haunted for years, and when she thinks she sees him again a decade later, everything she thought she knew about her past begins to unravel. The push and pull between Emma and Callum is magnetic—equal parts chemistry, angst, and danger. I loved how their connection was both sizzling and complicated, with secrets lurking beneath every interaction.

This book has everything I crave in a paranormal romance: small town vibes, Halloween atmosphere, an edge of mystery, and of course, vampires. It’s steamy, fast-paced, and unputdownable. The side characters—especially Zoey—bring humor and balance to the darker moments, and the plot kept me turning pages late into the night.

If you’re looking for a spicy vampire romance with second-chance passion, enemies-to-lovers energy, and a thrilling edge that will keep you guessing, you’ll devour this one. Bitten by Desire is a must-read for fall! 🖤🦇

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Summary
A vampire gaslights a woman. Then two might fight over her. She figures out the two men's secrets. They all fight over who is lying. (Yes... Chaos)

Vibes:
I went into this book fully convinced I wouldn’t like it… and somehow ended up devouring it in ONE sitting. This story was SO. GOOD. The mystery is relentless, with a nonstop game of cat and mouse between everyone—no one feels safe, trustworthy, or predictable. At several points, the author had me genuinely questioning my own sanity, and honestly? I loved every second of it.

The twists were chef’s kiss. I was positive we were headed toward dragons, so the surprise introduction of werepanthers completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. Talk about expertly planted misdirection.

Also, the sweatshirt theft had me laughing because it is the most accurate depiction of a real-life “grand heist” girlfriends commit. Iconic behavior.

The spicy scenes were refreshingly unique and felt perfectly woven into the story instead of thrown in for shock value. Between the tension, the twists, the humor, and the heat, this book had me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend—especially if you love being mentally messed with by a story.

Spice 4/5 -18+

*Love this cover!!!

Tropes:
Supernatural Romance
Grumpy Sunshine
Touch her and die
Love Triangle
Vampires
"Werepanthers" (yes, like in trueblood)
Second Chance Romance

[Alejandra Gaviria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright ladies get ready to meet Miss Emma and her friend Zoey. I truly love their banter that shows how best friends can truly be quite opposite. Zoey pushes Emma out of her comfort zone and makes her a little crazy but it is so funny watching these two interact. But who is one without their best friend who is always trying to get you to have a night full of fun ?? Thanks to Zoey & her ideas Emma meets Callum. Callum left his mark on Emma. A night to never forget. Except, Who is Callum and what can we expect from someone who makes you all hot??? Then disappears without a trace. then we have Bennett who comes and joins the love triangle making Emma debate between the two. Because even though he’s not around Callum continues to haunt Emma’s dreams. Will Emma find Callum?? Who will she choose? Will secrets come out? Who are these men that have Emma drooling over them?? Suspense, laughter, & spice all wrapped in one. Welcome to Crooked Point. Proceed with caution. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😉