At First Bite

Eternity College Chronicles #2

by Lauretta Hignett

A brutally-hot philosophy professor, a brainiac newborn vampire, and a fortune-telling demon walk into a bar…


The rift is open. That’s what Raisin Toast Ronan Bishop calls it, but in my head, it’s the hellmouth. I just wish it were vampires coming out of it. Vampires I can handle.

But these demons are something else; something unknown, something unpredictable. Ronan’s got a demon database — and you know I love a database — but he needs help with the monster hunting. Which is a tad ironic, since research is my speciality and I still don’t know how to fight.

Imagine my surprise when I discover that this particular demon was summoned out of the hellmouth specifically for me.

I’ve made a powerful enemy without realizing it, and now, she’s coming for me.

At First Bite is book two in the Eternity College Chronicles, a fun new supernatural comedy and urban fantasy series that’s a little bit Buffy The Vampire Slayer, a little bit Wednesday, and a whole lot of Big Bang Theory.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2026

About the author

A raving fangirl for all things paranormal, supernatural, supernormal and fantastical, Lauretta writes fun Urban Fantasy, PNR and Superhero adventures with a dash of sweet romance and humour.

She's a massive fan of Young and New Adult fiction, loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.

When she's not writing, Lauretta enjoys fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate

Reviews

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wacky, super smart Marie is back! Woohoo! I adore her! Her "tell it as it is" resonates with me. I too don't mince my words, I too cannot abide blatant unfairness, and, let's not even go into patronising! Although this is far from a "feminist" read, I respect and honour Ms Hignett for highlighting a very real issue most women face. She did so with her usual flair and Marie's indignation rivalled only mine. See, Marie IS ultra smart, Marie IS sassy, Marie IS a no nonsense person, Marie IS working towards her goal, which is "I had a plan, and I was going to stick to it no matter what. Number one, qualifications—bachelors, masters, PhD. Number two, build my Iron Man suit. Number three, take over the world." Nothing wrong with that, very achievable, very attainable (kinda) but a few things cramp her style, the fact that she's a vamo, a misogynist prof, a sexy vampire hunter, oh, and the angel on her shoulder. Marie is such a refreshing character, the author gave her the spunk of Hercules proportions, the mouth like the deadly asps on Medusa's head, with the brains of a super genius.

After giving the Dean a much needed dressing down, yes, it was Marie doing the talking, not the Dean, sass remember...her sleuthing juices are awoken, she can't help but try solve a mysterious "accident". And another mystery presents itself in the form of Arin, who was being bullied by Amy and co, which, of course, Marie wasn't about to let happen...then the sexy prof, Ronan, informs Marie that the "hellmouth" has been opened and a demon is on the loose. Enlisting her help didn't go quite as either anticipated, so a rethink strategy is implemented, Marie's friend's join the party.... and the mayhem unleashed, OMG did it unleash! The action was mindboggling and tense and, glory be, unexpected, dramatically electrifying alarming, I was sure they were a gonna!

I absolutely adore the humour strewn throughout, eliciting bark after bark of laughter. especially the things that come out of Marie's mouth, and her thoughts, oh my word does she make me grin! Her "couldn't care less" persona hides a hurt and traumatised young girl, always on the outside of, well, everything and everyone, always having to look out for herself and her younger brother. He's the only reason she hasn't gone completely on the rampage, especially now that she can, as a vamp that is. But the....difficulties Marie experiences at the delicious smelling humans, from peach cobbler to pina coladas, actually portrays the strength and restraint of her slightly unhinged character, “I’m doing my best by filling up on vitamin-packed cattle organ meats, but I need some of that sweet, warm vein juice." There's Cuddles too who's hilarious, the nasty, foul mouthed, talking cat, who couldn't be further from cuddly!

Lauretta weaves a tale so splendid, so richly loaded with incredible characters, I fall in love with them all. Marie was a given from my first introduction to her, but the likes of Harriet, Egbert, Thalan, and new addition Arin, who I'm dying to find out more of, nestled into my heart. I giggled when Ronan grudgingly admitted to liking Marie, and her royal sharpness retorted with, "You can’t blame yourself. I have a way of getting under people’s skin. Usually in a bad way, so this is a nice change.” I love how Ronan, who's carrying the world on his sexy shoulders, and a major hatred for vampires, is drawn out inch by inch, by Marie. Lauretta sure knows which buttons to push, she brings out the rawness of pain and trauma, she allows her characters the space to grow, to be vulnerable. And they are. Each one's "behind the scenes" story is slowly revealing their fragility and their strengths. To me, the beauty of Marie's growth is spectacular, her softening round the sharp edges she's enshrouded herself in, and acceptance of friends, after her hard beginning, just infuses me with overwhelming joy.

Lauretta's abilty to turn the plot, easily, gently, to turn me from a dreamlike unsuspecting state, catches me out every time, and I, seemingly quite suddenly, find myself in the thick of mystery, murder, suspense, with the blood pounding through my veins. She lured me in with her Siren prose, I was helpless to resist. Like how did this happen? Like brilliant!! Penmanship master craft! Revelations and bombshells land with precision, and, she effortlessly adds danger to the mix, plus intrigue. Plus the unexpected. Oy! Addayah's prophecies! My heck! The ending was so emotionally beautiful, what Harriet did for Marie, my eyes welled up big time. But, true to Lauretta's expertly mixing it up, she threw in an epilogue that, honestly, involuntarily dropped my jaw! What a read! What an adventure! Magnificent!

[Leigh Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh hells freaking fangs what a sequel, written in a way that only Ms Hignett can. Full of humour, real life issues that women have to deal with, along with plenty of sass and banter, an engaging plot and characters that you can't help but adore this series has it all. I was hooked from book one and I'm glad to be back with Marie, vampire, student and evil genius extraordinaire. I'd fallen in love with this character when first introduced to her in a previous series. Because not only does she fall into my favourite type of female character, it's like the author has literally taken my no filter, no nonsense attitude and put it on the page (sadly I'm neither a genius or evil though.) I especially loved the pop culture references and of course Ms Hignett's world building, which is as flawless and phenomenal as always. I literally lost count how many times I laughed out loud reading this and talking to my kindle while I did so.

I can't wait for book 3 and I'm as sure as a vampire wants to avoid daylight, that it'll knock my socks off..

Marie has returned big style and where does she start, in the Deans office over her grades. Not from any fault of her own. No, it's her tutor that's the problem, a misogynistic A-hole of a professor that marks her down because she has the audacity to be born a girl. What's worse she had admired him until she'd met him, even having a crush. But all that's over because evil genius that she is, she'll use everything at her disposal to get her grades, even if it drives the dean to drink. On top of that she still has to inact her overall plan, grades, build her iron man suit and take over the world. (Tony Stark has nothing on this girl.) But in-between this she has a new mystery to solve as well as negotiating the one thing she's never prepared for.. Friends. Yep my girl Marie is turning out to be more human as a vampire than she was when she was an actual human. Of course that don't stop her snark, brains or evil (not so evil) plans served with a side dish of dead pan humour. Gotta say it I freaking love this girl and all she represents ....

I absolutely adore all of Marie's friends, each and every one of them bring something to the table no matter who or what they are. Harriet, kitchen witch and loving even if a little kooky at times. I'm calling it now, she's gonna be formidable in her own right, (can't wait for that.) Thalan, a siren has me laughing all the way with his dress sense, crush on Ronan and the fact he wants to drag Marie kicking and screaming into fashion sense. And my sweet cinnamon roll Egbert who's totally human and oblivious to much of what's going on around him, yeah I wanna hug him tight and never let him go.

Of course I'm totally besotted with Ronan, who's quite the hottie, bad boy rockstar heartthrob who is a professor at the college and has a vengeance against vampires. We get more on his past in this book but I have a feeling there's going to be more later and I can't wait to unwrap that one..

But the second star of this show has to be the evil, crabby cat Caligula who not only wants to kill Marie but has some of the best lines in this book for me. Yep his colourful, inventive language even had me blushing at times as well as me almost peeing my pants. I'm christening him right now as my Fiery Floof Ball of Doom..

I really can't wait for the next book in this series because once again this author has me enthralled with her words. So I'll leave you with this, gear up because The Hellmouth is calling..

Totally recommend and if you're a Lauretta fan, strap in and enjoy the ride..😁

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

ARC provided by Lauretta Hignett in exchange for honest review.

At First Bite picks up after the events of A Little Bite, with newborn vampire Marie in full intelligent vs snark mode, blackmailing the Dean over a poor grade given by Professor Mannheim - a clear indication of his misogyny, as she is well aware her test score was 100%. Whilst in his office, she discovers there has been an unusual death on campus, and throws herself into investigating. What follows involves the discovery of an unidentified foreign student, whom Marie feels an inexplicable attachment to, a giant snake demon on campus, and a Scooby gang effort to try and solve the murder, and send the demon back through the hellmouth. But is it ever that simple?

Marie Shipton is an absolute delight of a character. She's Sheldon-level genius, with Penny's quick sass and snark, and those traits make for a laugh out loud read with plenty of points where you're ready to applaud her. Her exchange with the Dean in the opening chapter of this novel is incredible, making it one of my favourite openers ever. But what I love about Marie, separating her slightly from a very Sheldon-esque persona, is the speed at which she recognises when she's made a mistake, and her willingness to rectify it - although it sometimes takes her a hot minute to recover her wits. She's so laser focused on her education, emancipating her brother from their mother (the reveal of Marie's true name is a GIFT!) and taking over the world with her own Iron Man suit that you wonder just where the content of this novel might come from, but for all her claims of focus, Marie can't resist getting involved when there are unusual circumstances going on. In this book, she discovers that she is capable of friendship with more than just the one person her "angel" on her shoulder has pushed her to be closer to, and it is a joy to watch her slowly open up to those connections.
The "Scooby gang" (hello Buffy!) make a great supporting cast for a very independent main character. Harriet, a witch, is sweet and kind, going out of her way for Marie (who is far from sweet and can be less than kind!). Ronan, the hot philosophy professor determined to avenge the death of his partner (who died at the hand of vampires) is naturally torn between wanting to destroy Marie, and wanting to work with her on his revenge. Thalan, the camp Siren outcast, is crushing on Ronan, so any reluctance to help Marie out gets negated when he discovers Ronan's involvement. Innocent, cute little Egbert is just a very strange human, protected from the supernatural by the Veil. And then there's ever so mysterious Arin, who I cannot wait to discover more about in the next book.

Lauretta Hignett is incredibly accomplished at making you think a plot is headed one way, before dropping a total twist that spins it on its head, and I adore that. This book is no different, particularly in the final battle scene, which was dramatic, exciting and oddly touching in places. I absolutely loved this book, and after that epilogue spilled some light on until then secrets, I'm itching to find out what is next for Marie Shipton, and her (a little reluctantly!) new found friends.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

While waiting for Ronan to get back to her for help, Marie decides she needs to do something about Professor Mannheim and his attitude problem. When she goes to the dean, not only does she accomplish her goal, she finds another mystery she needs to solve - the registrar had died under mysterious circumstances, and they can't find his legs. And per Marie's usual, one mystery leads to another when an egregore is brought through the rift, sorry - Hellmouth, by an insane vampire intent on making Marie pay.
Marie is her typical unaware, blunt and honest self. Most of the time she relies on her angel for her social cues, but she is managing to learn. She has never really had any friends, and this is a big adjustment for her. I love watching her realize there are more people than just Ackie who can care about her and that she can care about as well. She’s still struggling not to eat everyone she smells, which at times is difficult for her but hilarious for us. Ronan is even thawing just the tiniest bit to her and we get to hear what brought him into the Veiled world. We also get to see Thalan and Harriet in action as well as Egbert. I’m convinced Egbert is going to be part of something big or has a big reveal in one of these books and I hope I’m not wrong!
If you’ve read any of Lauretta’s books, you know there is plenty of banter, snark and action. And with Marie, nothing goes as planned and even when fighting for her life she needs to improvise. (Good thing the new guy Aaron shows up when she needs him!) There are lots of hints at what could come next and after that epilogue I am excited to read the next book bc it connected some pretty big dots!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is just the gift that keeps on giving. Smart, sassy, bolshie, brave, determined and absolutely single minded in her determination to keep her little brother safe and take responsibility for him. It could also be said that she can be chaotic and just a tad over confident, especially when it comes to her fighting skills…or lack there of!

Eternity College hasn’t quite been all she expected, with the professor she was hero worshiping turning out to be misogynistic and arrogant. Little does she know how much more reason she has to dislike him.

Another death leads to another mystery for Marie to solve, working alongside Ronan Bishop, professor and vampire hunter, in their unconventional and somewhat grudging (on Roman’s part) partnership. This time it’s clear they need more help and Marie looks to her new friends for support, with occasionally hysterical results! A stranger joins their group, who Marie has taken a real liking to, but he is surrounded in mystery. He is protective of Marie, but can he be relied upon?

As the gang go searching for a demon from the rift/hellmouth, vampires are also hunting for them. Marie’s smarts, coupled with a slightly chaotic approach, and the friends that Marie didn't know she needed, give us a highly entertaining story that you won’t want to put down. There are laughs a plenty, perilous moments and some touching ones too. I cannot wait to see what happens next for Marie and her found family of misfit friends.

[Brooke F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauretta continues to impress with her ability to craft richly layered, memorable characters. Watching their personalities unfold feels like unwrapping a babushka doll — slightly unhinged, possibly possessed, and endlessly entertaining.

The second installment of the Eternity College Chronicles opens with the brilliant Marie employing some questionable, though thoroughly justified methods to push a reluctant Dean into addressing her disappointing, former idol the highly misogynistic Professor Mannheim. This sparks a new mystery that Marie, true to form, cannot resist investigating. Alongside the raisin toast scented professor/rock star Roman, she dives headfirst into a newly discovered rift, ahem, hellmouth. When it becomes clear they need additional help, their Scooby gang expands to include several new members, most notably a mysterious, striking, non English
speaking Adonis whom Marie rescues from the catty witch Amy and her companions.

As always, nothing unfolds as planned. Marie faces fresh challenges and meets them head on with her signature determination and ambition. It’s deeply satisfying to watch her grow, build friendships, and continue learning how to navigate vampire life and the complex rules of the supernatural world as only she can. This installment balances humor, heart, and mystery beautifully, and I’m eagerly anticipating what comes next in Marie’s journey.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie starts out talking to the dean of the college about Prof. Mannheim, the misogynist teacher that she really wanted to study under and the book just never stops after that.
There is the body of an administrator that is missing his bottom half. Then there is a stranger who doesn’t seem to belong anywhere that she saves from the elite students. Who knows where he’s from or who he is, he doesn’t speak English.
There is also the giant snake that is wandering around the swamp, a demon of prophesy, that needs to be killed.
Marie sort of takes it all in stride, helping Ronan hunt, protecting her friends, trying to figure out how to close the rift (Hellmouth) so no more demons come through.
Although I don’t think Marie will ever become my favourite character, she definitely grows on you. She doesn’t take any crap, stands up for those who need it – she’s a lot nicer than she thinks she is.
This book has action, magic, mystery, suspense, a big surprise ending and a lot of humour.
As Marie is growing as a person, all her friends are actually becoming friends and she’s learning that her brains can’t solve everything.
This was a quick, enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book.

[Roberta Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificently Magical, with Monsters, Mystery & of course, Marie! 'At FirstBite' opens with Marie in the Dean's office, exposing the misogyny of Professor Mannheim. Despite her Angel's complaints, she resorts to a bit of blackmail and also offers to investigate a registrar's missing legs! In her search through the swamp, she rescues a handsome hunk, Arin, from the mean-girl witches! A demon WORM from the rift (Hellmouth) has been summoned deliberately for her! Raisin-toast, Ronan Bishop, fresh-baked cinnamon roll, Egbert Pomeranian, Harriet, & Thalan rally around her! Marie has only ever worried about her brother Ackie. Has she somehow made friends at Eternity College?? Can the gang protect her from the demons and vampires? Will she discover where Arin belongs? And where are the missing registrar's legs?? Snarky brainiac Marie is back in book 2 of The Eternity College Chronicles, and shes just as smart and sassy as ever! Once again, Ms. Hignett has built a supernatural, wonderful world filled with yummy found family to love (and make me hungry!) and despicable demons to despise!! 10 stars because I read it twice!! arc read

[Allie McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I started reading in the evening, which was a Bad Idea, because I had to stay up half the night because there was no way I could put it down until the very last word.

Okay, we've met Marie before, and the previous series, and also the first book in this series how. However, despite all that, while I’m reading her face-off with the dean, I’m sitting here thinking "oh, I like this girl! " all over again! I also just love her poor angel, it is freaking fabulous in her attempt to keep Marie on the straight and narrow. Okay, I have to say... I would never ever have guessed her real name, which I won’t say here because, spoilers! But I have to say the instant I read it, I absolutely loved it and I thought it was absolutely perfect and also, I giggled madly.

Really, this is a charming, fun read and you absolutely MUST read it! I cannot wait for the next book, and I really really hope the situation with Ackie gets resolved sooner than later because... okay I'm anxious. LOL. Really, I'm anxious and worried for a fictitious character.. .that's some DAMNED good writing right there!

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I ate this book like a starving woman, Lauretta’s writing style always has this effect. Marie’s story continues in this second book and is even better than the first, as we see the results of her actions catching up with her - note to self, vampires get really vengeful if you kill their mate 😳. Then of course she also struggles with her need to drink blood while hiding her vampire status, and surrounded by friends who smell rather delicious.

I love that this book sees some real character growth, and found family forming, as well as a lot of mystery and unanswered questions. It keeps your mind ticking over, what ifs and are they really who they seem?… and how will that pan out?… so many questions that keep you engaged rather than frustrated. I felt emotional during this one, was left feeling like I should have slowed down my speed and made it last a bit longer, and I am absolutely hanging for book 3. Another brilliant book from the scary but amazing mind of Lauretta Hignett 😎

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

And we're back with crazy-pants wannabe-villain Marie and another adventure of "Let's try to be selfish and evil and accidentally make friends and save the world."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In true Lauretta Highnett fashion, the world keeps growing and I get more invested in these ridiculous [in the best way] characters with each book.

We get some answers, we get more questions, there's fighting, there's comeuppance, there's tears, there's laughter. Pacing is great, worldbuilding is excellent, characters are developed, plot is solid.

I absolutely LOVE that we find out Marie's name - super glad we didn't have to wait long for that one. But I am getting itchy about the not-an-angel. Also very intrigued by the New Guy, and while I have an obvious (at least to me) theory, I'm half convinced I've missed something and Lauretta set this one up in a fun way.

If you like Marie's first book, you'll love this one. Buckle up and enjoy the insanity.

✔️ Action-packed
✔️ Easy to read
✔️ Entertaining
✔️ Hilarious
✔️ Great world building
✔️ Original
✔️ Page-turner
✔️ Wonderful characters

[melissa thompson, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is furious over her professor giving her a bad grade for being a girl and during a meeting with the headmaster she discovers one of the staff has died under unusual circumstances. Marie offers to find out what happened and coerces the headmaster into reining in the sexiest professor. Marie and Ronin start poking around the swamp to see if they can find evidence of the staff members murderer, and they find that and a whole lot more. Marie and Ronin are going to need help wrangling a snake demon and the vampires so they ask Marie's friends to help. As things get more dangerous she is regretting putting her friends in danger. Marie is going to have to use her amazing brain to keep her and her friends safe! I loved this book? Lauretta builds a fantastic world you never want to leave! This is definitely a must read for urban fantasy fans

[Traci Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is still finding her way in her new college with her new vampirism, fighting constant hunger alongside misogyny. Learning your idol hates women and is a complete tool in general was quite a shock to Marie! On top of that, the hellmouth has opened more, letting demons out into the world.

Marie has a few questionable problem-solving tactics and an unearned sense of her abilities. It's great fun watching her navigate all that! She's also showing character growth and responsibility.

I love all of it - the humor, the action, the talking-but-only-to-Marie cat, the angel on her shoulder, her new friends... all of it! I'll devour each book in this series and will always clamor for more!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey! Psst! Wanna know Marie’s name? It’s…

…Haha! Not telling! You have to read the book! 😇

“Raisin Toast Ronan” 😂

The way that Marie categorises people according to how their blood smells to her is very entertaining. Poor Egbert.

And her insults. OMG! The insults! Marie sure has a mouth on her, and it’s hilarious.

Marie’s Angel is also fascinating: morals, sass, and a weakness for hot men.

Will we find out about Cuddles-Caligula? 🤔

Amongst all of this, Lauretta seamlessly weaves in serious issues in a very down to earth way. There is, sadly, darkness in our world. Ignoring it and making it taboo allows it to flourish. Naming the darkness and shaming it in the light is necessary to change it.

Another excellent story about Marie and her (gasp!) friends.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Marie so much, she is my new favourite character and I have way too much in common with her attitude wise, apart from her taste in men. So is Marie also autistic, I don't know. She is still running around being hideously tactless, honestly same, but she is actually finding friends while hunting the evil vampires trying to open what she insists on calling a hellgate. There is a new guy who doesn't speak English but seems very set on protecting Marie, Ronan is still brooding and doing his best not to stake her, and Harriet and Thalan are still faithful and wonderful. So will she get through classes without chewing down on one of those delicious smelling humans and prevent a vampire God tearing it's way into our reality, you will see

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

World building as good as this has me feeling like I’m at Eternity College, living at Noctiluna house with Marie! There is some serious growth with Marie and her friendships in this book, some had me howling (Thalan) and some made my heart ache (Ronan) but my absolute favourite is the friendship between Harriet and Marie, it gives you the warm and fuzzies when you read their interactions. Arin showing up and rocking Marie’s world is a welcome addition, he’s got that brooding mysterious thing going on and I can’t wait to find out more about him. One of my favourite moments in this book was Ronan just casually dropping Marie’s real name out there, how he kept knowing that quiet for any amount of time is beyond me, it was hilarious. I’m engrossed in this series and can’t wait for more!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is back, and she’s sassier than ever. Of course, this second book in the series is just as good as the first, and as good as all of the previous books. I love how the author never really changes the protagonist, but that she expands their viewpoint a little, and then shows them what they’re missing like poor Marie and not having friends until now. Add in a wonderful plot, absolutely hilarious other characters, monsters, and a rollercoaster ride, and you have a captivating, good time reading this latest. Can. Not. Wait. For the next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Ruth Cumberbatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie has yet more to fight against - misogyny, vampires, and demons. Blackmail takes care of the first for now, although no guarantees how long the effect will last. The others are trickier since she has never learnt to fight physically. Her friends and a mysterious newcomer help out, but there will be more battles ahead.
This book is hilarious. It had me laughing from the very first chapter. Marie’s character is starting to develop more in this book, although world domination is still on her agenda.
Love the name Moonlight on Peaches.
I received an ARC which in no way affected my review.

[Emma Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been an absolute hilarious pleasure to read! Our genius turned vampire heroine is once again in the thick of it at her new university.


With a grisly body cut in half ruled an accident, a healthy dose of misogynist defying blackmail, a demon threat that requires a full scooby gang approach and the ongoing threat of evil vampires, Marie has it all going on!


And then there is Cuddles/Caligula! Let us just say his vocab has expanded and this author owes me a new white vest because I spat my tea out and choked on my own laughter reading his pithy and inventive dialogue!!


Already itching for the next one!!

[Jonathan Van Crumpet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot express how delicious this book is. Marie, the reluctant vampire genius, has another murder to enjoy solving - and now she has her very own Scooby gang to help her and emo Professor Hottie with whatever comes out of the Hellmouth.

I love how all the characters' individualities are lovingly celebrated, and the author sprinkles clues like chocolate chips in a muffin - just the perfect amount to enjoy, leaving you satisfied and looking forward to getting your hands on another one as soon as possible.

And the foul-mouthed feline just has the best insults ever.

Fabulous.

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Marie, the reluctant vampire genius. Now she has friends and is helping Ronan, the smoking hot vampire hunter. The group have now called themselves the Scooby Gang, which is hilarious and apt 🤣
There is also a murder for Marie to sink her teeth into, not literally though.
There is plenty of action that keeps you turning the pages until you have finished the book.
I am addicted to the way that Lauretta writes, because there is always humour mixed in with serious issues.
This is definitely a series to read, I forgot one can't wait for the next installment 🥰😍

[Em Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this really disappointing. I did read book 1 and quite enjoyed it but for some reason I found the arrogance and poor attitude of the FMC unbearable in this second instalment. I realise we are supposed to understand about her terrible upbringing and desire to protect her young brother but her attitude was just too much. The plot synopsis in this book sounded fun but just didn’t deliver for me. The arrival of a new character with no explanation of his origins felt like a distraction. The evil misogynist professor also felt too much. Sorry this is not for me.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is not your typical FMC, her moral compass is a little askew. She knows who she is and what she wants and will happily say whatever she likes — which does make for some funny moments. Her character is developing though, especially through starting to make a found family with her friends. There’s a curious new character too who adds a new dimension.

So well written, great plot and characters with a bit of humour thrown in. Can’t go wrong.

[Jillian K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. Marie, nerdy, abrasive, and definitely too smart for her own good, is the heroine I didn’t know I needed in my life. Once again Lauretta weaves a wonderful new world within her Universe. I am so excited to delve into this new ragtag group of friends!

Lauretta, as always, blends humor, wit and warmth into all of her stories. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment!

[April Offutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series

Snark and dead bodies with a side of serial killer instinct and a smallish squishy underbelly of friendship. I like a MC who has some growth even if the growth comes with wanting to bite all your friends and maybe kill people.

[Nichole Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This series gets better and better! It is action packed and heartwarming. Marie is a friggin delight. I can't wait for the next book!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is delightfully quirky and I laugh out loud at how (often over)confident she is. As her friends do too.

We get a little more backstory in this book, for various characters. But my absolute favorite thing is watching how uncomfortable Marie is with how her friends (FRIENDS!!?) care about her, and how little that bothers them.

Once again, Lauretta Hignett produces a great cast of characters (and they are definitely characters!!), with some inexplicable blind spots that make me laugh and wonder how they'll be resolved... I can't wait for the next book!