I was running out of options. Jobless, hungry, and exhausted, with no clue what to do next.
Then help came in the form of a business card.
Bite: an underground blood agency matching consenting donors with vampires willing to pay a premium for live feedings.
One bite may not be so bad. It could fix a lot of my problems.
But then one bite turns into two, and the next thing I know I’m standing at a donor gala, catching the eye of the most powerful man in the room.
James Devereaux, vampire king of the Northeast. A vamp who never drinks from the same human twice.
Until me.
He offers a deal I can’t a year as his exclusive donor in exchange for enough money to set me up for life.
There’s just one catch– it isn’t only my blood he wants.
Bite is a dark modern vampire romance that includes scenes and situations that may be triggering for some readers. If you’re unsure or unfamiliar with dark romance, please review the full list of trigger warnings inside this book before reading. This standalone novel has no cliffhangers and guarantees a happily-ever-after (HEA) for the main characters.
C.J. Primer is an award-winning, bestselling author of steamy romance novels. She specializes in angsty, spicy love stories full of twists and turns and hard-fought happy endings. She writes in multiple genres, including paranormal romance, dark romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy romance. Her most popular books are the bestselling six-pack series, a collection of werewolf shifter romance novels that have captivated millions of readers worldwide across multiple reading platforms.
Follow CJ on Instagram to keep up with all of her latest releases: @c.j.primer
Bite was exactly the kind of modern vampire chaos I love — dark, a little messy, and way too addictive. The human–vampire dynamic is basically “this is a terrible idea” mixed with “but the chemistry is insane,” and I ate it up. The tension is immediate, the danger feels real, and the way their relationship slips between sharp and soft kept me hooked the whole time. Some parts moved a little too fast, and a few scenes felt like they needed an extra beat to land, but the vibe more than carried it.
Bite is a tantalizing modern day vampire romance that once you sink your teeth into, you'll be craving more!
One bite of Bite will not be enough.
This dark and delicious story took me on a ride! I instantly connected with Taylor, the female main character, who is struggling to get by and make ends meet. Although life knocks her down, she still gets up and pushes forward. (Love a strong FMC.) When seemingly all options are gone, a business card for a donor agency - where donors are matched with vampires to provide live feeds and more - is given to her and she has to decide what to do next.
This story is perfect for those who love dark romances with SPICY spice. There were moments that I was fanning myself because it's HOT. Also, the dark, spooky and Gothic vibes bring this story to life.
Shout out to CJ for writing incredible characters that are relatable, intriguing, interesting and sometimes hilarious (HELLO BEX)!
There were bits that I liked and unfortunately the bits I liked didn’t outweigh the bits I didn’t.
First, let me say that I don’t know if this is part of a series or a stand alone. There were plot points toward the end that make me think that this isn’t a stand alone.
James’s back story is never addressed. We know literally nothing about him. Why? Taylor’s back story is marginally better.
I thought the addition of Elliot was interesting and the response he had at the end to Taylor’s friend Bex needs more thought.
I am really tired of every bff of the FMC being written exactly the same. Parties too much, drinks too much, mouthy and over all obnoxious. I don’t doubt Bex and Taylor are close and loyal friends but nothing about their friendship stands out from a hundred other similar relationships I’ve read before.
I think if you are going to write a smut heavy vampire novel then just do that and make the sex interesting. Don’t add half done back stories or secondary characters and please leave the 50 Shades nods out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Dark, Addictive Vampire Romance With a Fresh Twist
Bite by C.J. Primer hooked me from the very first chapter. The premise alone, an underground blood-donation agency where donors are matched with vampires willing to pay, felt genuinely unique, and the execution fully delivered. The pacing is smooth, the worldbuilding is easy to fall into, and the story develops without the usual plot gaps you sometimes see in dark romance.
What I loved most was how believable the progression felt. The dynamic between the main characters grows in a natural, compelling way, blending darker elements with emotional depth and character development. James Devereaux is exactly the kind of morally gray, magnetic vampire king you want to read about, and the tension between him and the FMC keeps the pages turning.
For a dark romance, the balance between heat, plot, and atmosphere is spot-on. I found myself fully immersed, almost like I was inside the story rather than just reading it. And while this is my first book by C.J. Primer, it definitely won’t be my las, I’m already eyeing the rest of her series.
If you enjoy dark modern vampire romance with a twist, strong character chemistry, and a storyline that actually goes somewhere, this is absolutely worth the read. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what the author publishes next.
The second this book was announced, I was invested!!! Like counting down the days kind of invested! I had a million ideas of what it might be, and it turned out to be nothing like I expected but EVERYTHING I wanted.
I honestly can’t even put into words how much I loved this one. This story gave me absolutely everything I needed sexy, spicy, empowering, and chalked full of those “find yourself and take what you want” vibes. I felt all the feels with this one.
I wanted to really love this, truly I did. I'm a huge fan of this author, those werewolf books were *chefs kiss.. but sadly this book fell flat for me. The 'relationship' between the main characters came across transactional and besides an obsession with her blood and the mystery surrounding it, James was too aloof. I just didn't buy any real connection until the very end.... there was zero growth or relationship building. The sexy times and dirty talk were top tier, kudos for that.
Taylor is struggling to survive, jobless, hungry, and desperate, until she discovers Bite, an underground agency connecting humans with vampires for paid feedings. What starts as a way to solve her problems quickly spirals into something much more dangerous when she catches the attention of James Devereaux, the powerful vampire king of the Northeast. Unlike any other, James never drinks from the same human twice—until Taylor. He offers her a life-changing deal to be his exclusive donor for a year, but soon she realizes he wants more than just her blood.
Overall, this was a solid read, though it didn’t really stand out for me. I liked the FMC; she was bold and ballsy, but also grounded enough to accept a situation she didn’t agree with when she really had no choice. The MMC was the classic mysterious type, trying to deny his attraction at first, but once he claimed her as his, it was clear she was his and his alone. He definitely drew the line at blood, and even outside of that, he wasn’t exactly willing to share.
The story was entertaining and moved at a nice pace, so it was easy to get through, but honestly, it didn’t leave a lasting impression compared to some of the other books I’ve read. It’s enjoyable enough if you’re looking for a fun, quick read, but it’s not one I think I’ll remember long-term.
⟣Tropes⟢ ✅ Touch her and 💀 ✅ Obsessive/JP MMC ✅ Dirty Talk ✅ Fated Mates ✅ Single POV (first person) ✅ Sharing (he gets a bl*w job while she gets pleasured by another male) ✅ OM (other OM's before MMC) ✅ FMC not Virgin ✅ He falls first ✅ Vampire ✅ Contract Agreement ✅ MINE ✅ HEA
Taylor- Beautiful, young with a traumatic childhood. Struggling to make ends meet living in a crappy apartment with no one but her kitten. Desperate enough to take up an offer she usually would turn down.
James- the vampire king. Never drinks from the same source twice, sensual being, grumpy but caring toward Taylor but apathetic to virtually everyone else.
Taylor is fired from her job for refusing her bosses advances, she's days away from losing her studio apartment the one she clawed her way to keeping after leaving the foster care system and her best friend Bex recommends Bite a live blood donor scheme… this is where she meets James the vampire king. James never drinks from the same source twice but he can't stop coming back to Taylor so he has her sign a long term donor contract for 5 million dollars a bargain she just can't afford to turn down. Living in his mansion is an experience for her but the biggest change is the fact that James pushes her out of her comfort zone constantly. James as a vampire is a sensual being but it never really means anything to him until Taylor. He realises there's something different about her blood he involves a scientist to help him figure it out as he's heard rumours of a special bond… but it can't be right? And if it is how will Taylor take it?
I loved this it was possibly one of the best vampire romances I have read in a long time. I really enjoyed it it was easy to read I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. It was well written the characters were well written and I loved Bex character she was the badass bestie and I sincerely hope that the author makes this into a series. I loved that Taylor grew as a person from a nervous young woman to a strong woman who new what she wanted and stood tall as she took it
I read a free copy of this as a arc and am leaving a voluntary review
With ‘Bite’, C. J. Primer strays from her usual pack, venturing into fang territory. The author continues to prove her creativity resource bag is bottomless. James and Taylor—a little hat tip from the author in the names there—start intense, and it just keeps getting hotter from there.
* There is a scene that had me curling inward in a deep cringe. I’m listing this as a trigger warning: It’s not cheating, but it feels just as dirty. The first time you see your person’s ‘anatomy’ it shouldn’t be in another person’s mouth—especially to completion. I know that it’s part of this world’s vampire culture and that boundary needed to be tested for James to develop, but I almost walked away, and for someone like ME where there’s nary a line uncrossed … Fair warning.
Excellent book, as I always anticipate from one of my favorite authors. Definitely worth the read.
This book felt like True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, Tinder, and DoorDash had a baby…and I devoured every single chaotic, sexy, delicious minute of it. It was the perfect blend of paranormal romance and modern-day tech culture, creating a world that feels both darkly seductive and eerily realistic.
The concept of the donor app was so unique and I loved how the donors held so much control and power! It flipped the usual vampire dynamic around in such a smart, empowering way.
Now normally I don’t care for a blonde MMC but James’ possessiveness and the way he spoke and carried himself was magnetic. The tension of all the secrets had me spiraling. My only complaint was I felt like the ending was a little rushed and it’s a rare time I honestly thought “damn this could be a longer book and I wouldn’t even mind it!” I’m insanely excited for the next book in 2026!
I enjoyed this one way more than I expected. I didn’t know vampire romance was something I’d love until this book. 🧛The modern-day setting made it even better.
CJ Primer is a new-to-me author and her writing really worked for me. The conflict stays low and the spice is written incredibly well. So well that I’d happily volunteer as a blood donor if vampires existed 😂.
Tropes that did for me: voyeurism, cat and mouse, forced proximity, touch her & ☠️, vampire + willing human blood donor dynamic, and an ordinary girl who catches the eye of a very powerful vampire king.
👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽If that is your vibe, this book will deliver. I need more vampy spice!
I gratefully received an ARC for free and I’m posting this review voluntarily.
I could not put this book down. I am absolutely convinced that anything that CJ Primer writes is amazing! Her books are unpredictable and leave me wanting more. Make sure to read the trigger warnings.
Omg CJ has done it again!!! Absolutley amazing!! For this being her first ever Vampire romance she NAILED IT!!! This was a breath of fresh air!! I absolutely love everything CJ writes but this one might just take the cake for me! James & Taylor’s story will suck you in from the first chapter and leave you wanting more!! It was hot, had a great plot, amazing twists and did I mention hot?! James the centuries old vampire with his playboy attitude and his dirty mouth….YES PLEASE!🔥🔥 Taylor may be down on her luck but little did she know it was all about to change with just…one…bite….
James & Taylor ... Author writes really well, first time/new author to me. The premise drew me in & i for sure thought this would be a 4 or 5 star read- it is not, though it had extreme potential, instead they story was just "eh".
My main problem was the FMC, I didn't hate her but I didnt like her either. It's pretty bad when the dead guy (mmc) was more life like than the live girl (fmc), seriously the way she is written was cringe at times, mostly she had ZERO personality like AT ALL.
I couldn't tell you a single like she had, zero hobbies, zero background except shes orphaned at age 5 & stayed in foster care for years. I want to say her parents died in a car accident - however way later in the book the fmc's inner monologue says this " It's not the first time I've witnessed a murder, I was there when my parents died but according to my social workers, I've repressed the memory "..... WTF is THAT? This came out of nowhere & it's never mentioned again! The way the fmc acts at times reminded me of PTSD and fight or flight mode except she only ever acted this way with the MMC, at the very beginning she slaps her boss for coming on to her,stands up for herself & walks out. That's it, you don't see any more fiestyness from her until waaay later, like the last 90%.
Her every thought was "What have I done, What am I doing?" Over & over like she's a shy 17 yo and not a grown ass woman living on her own in NY. Don't even get me started on her constant stammering!!!!! This girl cannot speak a full damn sentence until after the 82% mark. I- I don't understand....I stammer..."What makes you think that I'm....that we're...." Yeah, you know when you read as many books i do in a month, shit like this starts to grate on my nerves, this is another thing that's become popular lately, females who can only *gasp, stammer, bite bottom lip, stutter", JFC USE YOUR WORDS. I GET she's got trauma, I GET your selling your blood to vamps. However anyone with PTSD or fight or flight mode knows you become hyper vigilant, hyper awareness, you question everything.
NOT THIS GIRL. Fuq she didnt even read the CONTRACT!!! The one that binds her to an ancient vampire & makes her his blood bag- are you freaking kidding me?! then she has the audacity to be upset that he takes her to a flipping vampire orgy without warning her- he's like it's in the contract that you signed & didnt read. DUH. Oh, fmc also made no safety net contingencies while signing, like if they break up she still gets paid, something. Zero negotiating with anything in the contract either then gets upset,thinking about people entering her room, while she showers to drop off a new evening gown w/shoes. Then she's like what's the dress for? Duh, obviously you're going out tonight, hun that's what that means. Seriously she didnt know?! Speaking of questions- youre about to move in with a vamp, you're going to ask questions right? You wanna know all the dangers & liabilities involved with living with a fuqing vampire king! Right? NOPE. She asks zero questions, infact it's not until 60% where Bex- NOT Taylor, the FMC, but BEX a side character! Starts asking James actual questions about vamps. Weirder still, James & Bex legit have a full personal conversation about Taylor! While shes there! That's the point where we start getting some questions asked & answered. It's not until 45% mark that the Fmc actually starts exploring the mansion shes moved into - like i said she's boring with zero personality. The only time she wasn't was when she rescues the kitten but even then she does bare minimum for the animal. Even after making $1500 in 2 hours she doesn't buy the poor thing it's own food, she shows up with it at the mansion & asks the staff if they have food for him & from the on it's implied that the staff spoils it rotten & sees to it's care. Not sure why authors like to write such bland fmcs? The anxiety the FMC felt at the parties with alm the sex seemed real & made sense, I got it. What I didnt get is how she shrinks from being center of attention in EVERY aspect but is totally ok with full on exhibitionism in a room full of vamps that scare the shit out of her. She let's a human go down on her while the MMC gets a bj, this was set up to make the MMC realize he does NOT want to share the FMC.but she sucks his d×ck just minutes after watching him c+m in another woman's mouth - but later the mmc says he stopped wanting another women after he met the FMC- UHH, what? Then they have some weird bdsm 50 shades scene with paddles, floggers & she's all "this isn't about the pain, it's about the trust" oh ok, now she's into belting & pain. Yes, author also threw in a chase scene- honestly the only micro trope missing was him whipping out a gun to fuq her with. There is a brief separation(less than 24 hours) where she asks for time to think & not once did I feel the love between these 2 people. Elliott & Bex intrigues me
I fully admit to being a sucker (pun very intended) for vampire dark romance books, and I’m well aware I am not alone. While my interest in the topic isn’t particularly unique, this read was a nice reminder how each author’s approach in their storytelling continues to revamp (pun intended) the subgenre.
I get particularly excited when I come across vampire books that have a modern/contemporary timeframe, and the author makes it known to the reader that humans aren’t only aware of the existence of vampires, but that the two species must then exist side by side. The logistics/specifics of the vampire lore (for example: sunlight threshold of vampires, vampire rights/legality, civil tensions of species, the sexual allure of vampires to humans, etc) varies GREATLY from story to story, and I had SUCH fun time experiencing Taylor Holt’s adventures navigating life (namely, STAYING alive) in a modern world filled with devilishly tempting vampires, as well as the woes of being a human adult with human responsibilities (ie - finances, and never really maintaining a life without worrying about money).
I should maybe clarify that yes, this read is ABSOLUTELY “fun,” however - I am a semi frequent reader of dark (and dark-ish) romance.
To further explain my bookish stance, my water bottle has a sticker says “Morally Grey Is My Favorite Color.”
Primer pulls NO punches in showing the very matter-of-fact, “the way things are, are the way things are” nature of how society “allows”(or rather, turns a blind eye? For the most part?) the transactional relationship between humans and vampires. And Taylor’s strained financial situation forces her to explore the even shadier world of getting paid to meet the vampires’ needs… and if you’re anything like me, you won’t even care to look back, while being lead straight into darkly sinful extravagance, carnal depravity, and 👏so👏much👏more.
Although the majority of the book is of the “pleasures of the flesh” mindset, I need to shine a light on the character Bex, and the corresponding friendship/partnership/soulmate/soulsister between her and Taylor. The easygoing, full of love, but also honest to a fault, communication style between Taylor and Bex made me look forward to anytime they interacted. Additionally, Ozzy the cat will absolutely go in my own “Bookish Animal Sidekick Hall of Fame” as a personal favorite.
Comic Con “bite” cosplay idea: a small group of well-groomed, high-end, escort-esque attire, with everyone wearing a slim, silver, “bite” company bracelet
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first third of the book was excellent. The introduction to the world was strong. Vampires live amongst human and ostensibly restrict themselves to blood bags. But unfortunate circumstance sees our FMC Taylor in need of fast cash. Enter Bite, an escort services that connects willing humans with hungry vampires looking to satisfy an array of hungers. She reluctantly signs up, intending to make enough to cover rent and get out again. Things change when she attracts the attention of a notorious and powerful vampire king, MMC James Devereaux. I was super excited to see where this book would take us.
The second third of the book is basically a chain of various sexual encounters with little to nothing happening in between. The spice level is satisfying but there’s not a lot of on-page chemistry or relationship building between the main characters. But if you like a powerful, brooding and possessive MMC it’s easy enough to look past.
The final third is where the disappointment set in: nothing actually happens. There are plenty of opportunities for some sort of situation to develop. My money was on a kidnapping/touch her and die scenario, hinted at by multiple references to security concerns and James’s position in vampire society. I always like when a story delves into the physical cost of a blood donor situation; there are throw-away references to Taylor being dizzy after apparently feeding her vampire literally every day. Maybe the ride or die BFF Bex would fall into the wrong hands.
But… Nope. Nothing. Nada. The only thing vaguely resembling a conflict and resolution is the singular chapter in which Taylor “runs away” demanding time to consider her place. The up-to-now emotionally constipated James suddenly realizes he’s willing to do anything to please her and agrees to give her space despite his aforementioned vampiric brooding and possessiveness. And then she moves back in with him *the next morning,* they form a powerful blood bond and her cat even deigns to (kinda) be nice to him.
And that’s it. That’s the whole book. I watched the percentage creep up and up in my Kindle, sure that the big twist or cliffhanger was only a click away, but it never materialized. There’s not even a set up for another book to imply that everything that went right for Taylor in this one is about to come crashing down.
The writing is good and the premise is promising but the lack of an actual storyline made me wish I’d DNF-ed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 stars. 3 peppers Decadent & dark, this vampire romance oozes seduction & caught me by complete surprise. The writing has an almost poetic feel and I loved its immersive quality. While Taylor seems to live on the edge of powerlessness, her determination to survive, despite her situation, made her likable. I was drawn in by both her desperation & grit. I loved James’ blatant darkness & possessiveness. His brutal obsession was made palatable by his obvious devotion & tenderness with Taylor. This book is spicy & intense & I was surprised at the emotional slow-burn of their relationship.
Set in a world where vampires exist among humans, there are multiple ways for them to feed, including in-person donors & donation bags. Bite is a service, like Hinge for vampires, that matches donors & vampires. It’s illicit and shrouded in secrecy. Desperate for money to make rent, Taylor signs up to be an in-person donor, despite her better judgement and meets James. He ultimately makes her an offer she can’t refuse and sets her on a path that explores the dark world of vampires & the thrill of having control. While not as overtly spicy as other books, it’s still very spicy & includes elements voyeurism & submission.
The one plot hole that I wish I knew more about is Taylor’s history. The story heavily eludes to the fact that her parents died tragically. It was a primary theme in the entire piano scene and it seemed to indicate that we would find out her history at the end. But we didn’t. I don’t know if this book is part of a greater series but if I had one critique, that’s it. That said, it wasn’t enough to detract from my enjoyment of this book. I absolutely loved this ride!! 4.5 stars 3 peppers
Review: I received an (ARC) Advanced Reader Copy for MY honest review for free.
Taylor is struggling in a dead-end job just to survive. When that doesn't pan out, she becomes desperate. Her bestie tells her how she can make quick cash and all it takes is one bite. Taylor is repulsed but also intrigued. Her curiosity gets the better of her. She signs up to become a blood donor for the elite company, 'Bite' and quickly realises that it's not so bad, as long as she sticks to blood only and not the additional services.
Taylor receives an invitation to a gala with a big cash incentive that will pay her rent for the next two months. She accepts, and when she arrives she catches the eye of the vampire king himself.... James Devereaux.
After just one taste, James had to have her. He offers Taylor a deal she can't refuse, one year as his exclusive donor in exchange for enough money to set her up for life. What could go wrong...?
** This book had me intrigued as I haven't read many books in the vampire realm. I was undecided on how to rate this book as I did really enjoy reading it in theory, but the plot was lacking in areas and when I got to the end, I was left scratching my head. However, I'm sure there will be a second book to delve deeper into Taylor's family history and why her blood is so special. The smut was hot, and I liked that Taylor had the space to explore her sexuality without being pushed into anything but also not kink shamed either. Some of the characters were sketchy, but I guess that falls under the whole creepy vampire vibe.
Stars: 3.5/5 ★ Spice: 3/5 🌶️ Recommend: Yes Notes: ARC received through BookSirens
Bite by C.J. Primer is everything a dark vampire romance should be — seductive, dangerous, and just a little bit unhinged. This story takes the classic allure of vampires and gives it a modern, gritty twist that feels both fresh and familiar. The atmosphere drips with tension, and the chemistry between the leads is nothing short of electric.
I loved that Primer didn’t shy away from the darker edges of desire and power. The relationship at the heart of the book walks a fine line between passion and obsession, and that intensity makes every scene feel alive. The city setting adds an extra layer of sharpness — a perfect backdrop for creatures who thrive in the shadows.
What really worked for me was the character work. Both leads have depth, scars, and motives that make them more than archetypes. There’s a push and pull between danger and vulnerability that feels honest to the genre without being cliché. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the writing style is sharp and atmospheric, with flashes of poetic beauty.
If I had one minor critique, it’s that some of the emotional beats rush by a little too fast — I wanted just a bit more space to sink into their connection. But overall, Bite is a darkly addictive, immersive read that hits all the right notes for fans of paranormal romance.
Dark Romance · Vampire Fiction · Urban Fantasy · Modern Gothic · Slow Burn · Power Dynamics · Forbidden Desire
Bite by C.J. Primer is a dark, modern vampire romance. Taylor is the main female character who is having a hard time with life at the moment. Having lost her job, savings and on the verge of losing her apartment, something has to give. That’s when her friend gives her a business card to a vampire donor agency, a place where you literally are paid to feed vampires. She’s matched with a few other vampires until she is matched with sophisticated and sexy James, a King amongst vampires who is instantly attracted to Taylor and wants her for his own.
This is definitely a dark romance with some very spicy scenes. I like that the characters like each other, even though Taylor is struggling, she is still a strong character that sticks to her principals and isn’t pushed into anything. She is instantly attracted to James but is also intrigued with him which goes both ways.
I also enjoyed the intriguing twist that James has when it comes to Taylor’s blood and that he will stop at nothing to figure out the answer. It doesn’t hurt that he is easy on the eyes and mesmerising at the same time )especially from Taylor’s perspective).
Overall, this is a really good, dark, gothic, spicy read with a few twist and turns to keep you guessing.
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊
When Taylor finds herself in hard times, her best friend Bex suggests that there may be a solution to her problems, something she herself does, providing her with the extra cash when she needs it. Taylor initially rejects it, but with no job on the horizon, it becomes 'needs must'.
When Taylor accepts one of her jobs, a gala, she comes in contact with the Vampire King James Devereaux. James is instantly mesmerised by her. Normally, he only uses the donors once, and that is it, but there is something about Taylor that has him enthralled. He offers her a contract, something she has to seriously consider. Can she be that person he wants, for that length of time?
James may say it's the blood that has him coming back for more, but it's more than that, something deeper, something in her that calls to him. Taylor finds that her boundaries are falling, things she thought she would never do, she now does, and enjoys them. James has a way of making everything around her melt away until there is only him and her. This hold frightens her. Will she lose herself to him? Will he take away her choice? Is this special connection and what it entails the only reason he wants to be with her? Fear and insecurities have to be faced by Taylor. James needs to open up about himself and show her that it's all the different facets of her he wants, not only the red stuff.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vampires are the reason I fell in love with monsters in the first place. If I were ever given the chance to become one? I’d say yes before the question even finished leaving their lips. Bite taps directly into that obsession. It follows a woman who’s down on her luck and desperate to make money fast, so desperate that when her friend recommends a vampire feeding site, she actually considers it. And honestly? Getting paid to let gorgeous, powerful vamps feed from you sounds like a win-win. Nothing like being a live-in, warm-blooded donor… right? The premise hooked me instantly. It’s seductive, dangerous, and somehow still feels grounded in the very human struggle of needing a break. The idea of being matched with elite vampires, earning stacks of cash, and maybe, just maybe, finding something deeper along the way? Total fantasy fuel. And while the vampires in this world don’t view love the same way humans do (and yes, I pouted about that), watching the FMC try to navigate her connection with a vampire who has spent centuries being an arrogant, emotionally constipated menace was so satisfying. The way he starts to unravel around her? I lived for that. If you crave a story that blends a solid plot with vampires, intensity, emotional tension, and a whole lot of spice, this is absolutely your next read. I don’t know if there’s going to be a second book, but I need to know where their story goes. If there is more coming, I will be first in line, fangs out and ready.
I didn't like this book at all. I skimmed through a lot of it just to finish.
I didn’t feel any genuine connection or love developing between the main characters, especially from the MMC's side. I didn't particularly like James. I understand that being broody and mysterious was his whole shtick (considering he's a vampire), but his lack of interest in building a relationship with Taylor was disappointing. He seemed solely focused on understanding why her blood was so irresistible to him, which made him a poor MMC. It felt like he was only interested in her blood; even when he protected her, it seemed more about safeguarding his blood bag.
The power dynamics in their relationship were also questionable. Taylor’s feelings for him were puzzling, especially since she knew almost nothing about him. Her reason for liking him became clear with one excerpt: "Nobody has ever chosen me before. Not my parents, who died and left me to the state." It’s hard to believe that her deceased parents didn’t care for her, yet she equates that with the MMC “choosing” her as a blood bag, as if that signifies real affection. It reflects poor logic. I don't know if I've read an FMC so thoroughly brainwashed by an older, charismatic male. I generally prefer my FMCs to be strong and independent, so this one was not for me.
After LOVING this author's "Team Jacob" shapeshifter wolf series, I thought I might as well give "Team Edward" a try.
I'm still Team Jacob.
BUT...I didn't hate this book.
It started out very intriguing - a live donor (think escort service but for Vampires getting their human blood fix) service for the FMC to make some quick cash to pay her bills. She then, inevitably, catches the eye if the most powerful vamp in town.
Enter my first star deduction...the 1-year BDSM contract with a hefty payout at the end. The 50 shades nod made me roll my eyes. I questioned whether I was going to finish it after that. What kept me going was the question as to how a human and a vampire would get a HEA.
The next thing that caused me to deduct stars was the fact that we never get a backstory for James. We have a several hundred years old MMC and NEVER get his history. Nothing about how he was made, the era he was born in, what he's seen over the years, his family - NOTHING. Very early on I was looking forward to that, but alas, never got it.
The overall plot was good and the fact that the author was able to make a vampire biting/feeding on a human spicy (just by itself, no sexual acts) was impressive. The writing is good as well.
I would recommend this book, but the Alpha series by her is much better...start there.
Bite by C.J. Primer is a delightful and utterly consuming vampire-meets-human romance that truly lives up to its slow-burn promise. James, the ultra-wealthy, high-society Vampire King, and Taylor, a struggling human just trying to keep her fridge stocked and her landlord at bay, couldn't be more diametrically opposed when their paths cross. Their initial dynamic, centered around a practical agreement, perfectly sets the stage for the deeply satisfying relationship development that follows.
I absolutely flew through this book. The writing is incredibly easy to follow, making it a hard story to put down once James and Taylor's complicated world begins to unfold. Watching their connection grow from necessity to something much deeper felt genuine and was the core strength of the novel. It’s the kind of read you want to curl up with for an entire afternoon.
The title, "Bite," is cleverly described in the text, and I think it perfectly captures the journey: Bold, Intense, Temptation, and Easy. This book hits all those marks, delivering a truly captivating and well-paced romance in the crowded vampire genre. Highly recommend for fans of slow-burn paranormal fantasy! i recieved a early copy for free and im leaving thus review voluntarily
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I think, the title of this book sums it up beautifully and I really enjoyed it!
It comes with some trigger warnings, and I won't rehash them here but this is a dark vampire romance, so I think you can figure some out by yourself.
Taylor contacts Bite, a donor service, to raise some funds. James is the local vampire king and never feeds from the same person twice. But Taylor is different and James wants her for himself. Can he keep her?
I enjoyed this a lot. For a time, I wasn't sure we were gonna get James and we had to wait til chapter 16 til he gets a voice and I am so very glad he did!
It's very steamy, right from the start. Some elements of heavy kink, that were very right for these two! There is some violence as well, but, I mean, vampires! It pushed a lot of my buttons, and then some!
I do feel, though, that there might be more to come from those closest to James and Taylor. I thought a couple of characters have a lot to say and I want their stories!
I can't see that I've read CJ Primer before but I need more, especially from this group of people!
Sexy Vampires. Ancient Blood. A World where humans and vampires live together peacefully by way of a lucrative, underground business of human blood donors.
Bite offers this service. As a human, you’re prepped and vetted to make sure you’re a suitable candidate to be a live “feed”, be put into a database which any elite vampire can obtain access to, as long as they’re a paying member of Bite. If a vampire finds you appealing, a specified location, time frame and a ridiculously large amount of money is paid for one feed.
And that’s what Taylor Holt needs badly, money. Living a barely surviving lifestyle, rent due and no food in the fridge, Bite’s business card ends up in her lap. Morally opposed to it but needing money more, she doesn’t have many options…
Meeting the Vampire King, James Devereaux, an elite member of Bite, was not on the cards for Taylor but one taste of her blood is not enough for him. She’s unique, her blood somehow….different and all James knows, is that Taylor….and her blood will not be shared…..no matter the cost….
Such a good book. Reaffirmed my thoughts that vampires ARE indeed sexier than the Devil and I really enjoyed reading about this filthy mouthed Vampire King who folds for no one...except maybe her.