Bite Me Not

by Ray Celar

A vampire walks into a bar....


Eric

Unintentionally giving the guy I totally haven’t been stalking for the past three years a spiked drink was an accident, I swear.
I mean, how was I supposed to know that ‘The Special’ was a drink vampires ordered to help with… feeding?
I’ve dreamed of having Finn in my arms for years, but ever since I was turned into a vampire, I knew it couldn’t happen. Tasting his blood, even just a tiny drop to make sure he was okay, wasn’t supposed to happen either, and especially not like this.
But that little taste left me with a bigger problem than just having my unconscious crush in my he’s sick, and I don’t know what to do about it. I can’t just walk up to him and tell him I know he’s sick because I might’ve taken a teeny, tiny sip of his blood, can I?
So, leaving a note on his apartment door is the reasonable thing to do, right?


Finn
My life is stressful enough; I really don’t need medical advice from a creepy stalker, too. I mean, he’s implying he somehow got a blood sample. Like, WTF?! The fact that he’s spot on with the diagnosis—which was taped to my door—is even more disturbing.
Hopefully, he’ll back off once I’m better.
I need a distraction from everything that’s going on—and Eric is exactly what the doctor ordered. He’s attentive and serious, but his stoic face goes all soft when he looks at me.
So maybe I’m ignoring a few red flags on my quest to keep my mind off my stalker. And, okay, while a lot of things with Eric don’t add up and nearly everything points to him being a vampire… that would be ludicrous, right?


Bite Me Not is a darkish rom-com featuring an infatuated vampire dutifully watching over his unsuspecting mate and a human who's way too smart, but also too oblivious for his own good.


Please not that while this pre-order is set for July, the book will probably release sooner - I am aiming for an April release

Genres: M M Romance, Vampires

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

About the author

Ray Celar lives with her husband, daughter and two cats in Southern Germany.
When she was six years old, she proudly declared she’d be an author one day, and that dream never changed. She was declared “most likely to ever publish a book” in her yearbook and only four years after her graduation, this statement and her lifelong dream came true — though she still isn’t sure whether she should send a copy of her books to the teacher who nominated her for that title.
If she isn’t chasing after her daughter through the apartment, she’s probably translating books, writing books or procrastinating doing any of those things by watching too many DIY-videos online — she might even be working on one of the DIY-projects she picked up.

Reviews

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's "Bite Me Not" by Ray Celar.

["A vampire walks into a bar....

Eric
Unintentionally giving the guy I totally haven’t been stalking for the past three years a spiked drink was an accident, I swear.
I mean, how was I supposed to know that ‘The Special’ was a drink vampires ordered to help with… feeding?
I’ve dreamed of having Finn in my arms for years, but ever since I was turned into a vampire, I knew it couldn’t happen. Tasting his blood, even just a tiny drop to make sure he was okay, wasn’t supposed to happen either, and especially not like this.
But that little taste left me with a bigger problem than just having my unconscious crush in my he’s sick, and I don’t know what to do about it. I can’t just walk up to him and tell him I know he’s sick because I might’ve taken a teeny, tiny sip of his blood, can I?
So, leaving a note on his apartment door is the reasonable thing to do, right?

Finn
My life is stressful enough; I really don’t need medical advice from a creepy stalker, too. I mean, he’s implying he somehow got a blood sample. Like, WTF?! The fact that he’s spot on with the diagnosis—which was taped to my door—is even more disturbing.
Hopefully, he’ll back off once I’m better.
I need a distraction from everything that’s going on—and Eric is exactly what the doctor ordered. He’s attentive and serious, but his stoic face goes all soft when he looks at me.
So maybe I’m ignoring a few red flags on my quest to keep my mind off my stalker. And, okay, while a lot of things with Eric don’t add up and nearly everything points to him being a vampire… that would be ludicrous, right?"]

YES. All of the yes. Except for all of the moments when Eric chose "heart-eyed-idiot" instead of...ya know...not leaving more creepy notes.

But...frankly...Finn was more accepting than anything. He was skeptical as hell and scared as fuck, but when all of that passed, he was too in love with Erin to really put up much of a fight.

They were adorable as hell. Just wanting the best for each other, wanting each other to be happy and safe.

This book was giving serious first-in-series vibes, and I'm here for it.

Trigger Warnings: light stalking, drugging of an MC (once), biting (dubcon), violence, kidnapping, blood and gore, and more

#arcs #arcteammember #grr #gayromancereviews
#bitemenot #raycelar #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

My boyfriend might be a vampire. Or a psychopath.

A slightly silly, darkish vampire romance.
I loved Eric and how bad he was at playing it cool around Finn. Subtlety is not his strong suit, and it was kind of funny how he kept trying to reassure Finn and not scare him with the notes, but ended up freaking him out even more.

Not wanting to scare me, my ass—each fucking note got progressively creepier.

And Eric not being able to lie to his mate was a cool little add-on to the typical fated mates trope.
The plot, on the other hand, wasn’t anything to write home about, and the writing also wasn’t the best. Lots of repetitiveness, long inner monologues, a couple of bland characters that needed some more filling.
But, the romance was sweet enough to enjoy the book overall, and I had fun with Eric’s shenanigans.
I needed more of them together maybe, because the last third felt very action-y and info-dumpy and we didn’t really get to enjoy the couple finally being together.
Still, a cute vampire romance, mostly the same as the rest, but also a little different?

With my mate in my arms, my existence didn’t look so bad anymore.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Vampire vs human
- Non-consensual drugging (by mistake)
- Non-consensual biting
- Stalking
- Kidnapping (not between MCs)
- Violence
- Top/bottom
- Frotting

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a simple woman who has never truly left her vampire phase, which means I am always happy to dive into new vampire books. Ray Celar’s Bite Me Not was a story that immediately grabbed my attention on multiple fronts. It promised a darkish rom-com, which alone was enough to ensure I grabbed the book and jumped right in.

I will be honest and say that I feel like the “darkish rom-com” label was not earned. I did not find this story to be dark, nor did I find it to be a romantic comedy. It was certainly addictive with some outrageous elements thrown in, but none were enough for either of those labels. Thus, I suggest pushing those thoughts from the mind before diving into this story. It is highly addictive, ensuring the reader is rapidly turning the pages, and there are plenty of elements that will leave the reader wanting more of the world. I feel like the promise of “darkish rom-com” will leave people disappointed, when this is not a story to disappoint. It is far from perfect – there were elements I wanted to explore in much more detail, and I hope there will be future books to explore these elements – yet it was perfectly addictive and had me devouring it in no time.

All in all, this was a fun read. While it did not deliver what it promised, it certainly delivered a story I could not put down. My fingers are crossed the side characters get stories and in receiving them we get to explore the world in more detail.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story strikes a fun balance between slightly chaotic humour and softer, more emotional moments. The setup leans into the absurd (in the best way) with Eric accidentally making a mess of things and then repeatedly digging himself deeper instead of just telling the truth. It can be a little frustrating at times, especially when a simple explanation would solve a lot, but it also fits his character and adds to the overall charm.

Despite being described as “darkish”, the tone never feels overly heavy. There are hints of darker elements, particularly around Eric’s vampirism and Finn’s situation, but they’re handled in a way that keeps the story accessible and often quite playful. The author does a nice job of weaving in small details and clues that gradually build towards the bigger reveal.

The dynamic between Eric and Finn is where the book really shines. Eric’s quiet devotion and inability to stay away contrasts well with Finn’s mix of suspicion and obliviousness, making their interactions both amusing and engaging. When things finally come together, the payoff feels well earned, even if it takes a while to get there.

An entertaining read with a distinctive voice, blending romance, humour, and a touch of supernatural intrigue.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[AshPenny37 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bite Me Not is the romcom story of Eric, a young vampire and how he wins the heart of his human fated mate, Finn. It’s likely a me thing because I just didn't quite feel it. The ‘rom’, yes, there’s a solid enough PNR trope to lean into here. But the ‘com’…not so much. It’s cute and everything, but I didn’t find myself chuckling along, to be honest. Again, likely a me thing, because although I recognise the usual romcom elements - the awkward starting point in the club, Bennie as ‘that side character’, the grand gesture when it was needed, etc. - I just didn’t get the funnies. Yes, Eric’s plight is engaging as he’s fumbling his way through relentlessly caring for his oblivious mate. For me, though, it might have been skirting just a bit too close to the tragically desperate to find it really comedic. Again, this could've been more to do with my headspace. And then, from a balance perspective, the last quarter(ish) of the book is heavily focused on ramping up the action to develop the reason why Finn’s acceptance of his status and their relationship comes pretty easily in the end, which took me even more away from the intended romcom mood, I think.

All that said, do I like the book as a straight up PNR? Yes, I think there are good bones for a decent vampire romance series here. I’d have liked a bit more demonstration of the vampire lore and worldbuilding (even supporting the book as a romcom, too), though I thought the behavioral quirk Eric experienced in relation to the mate bond was a nice take. From this perspective, I’d definitely check out subsequent books (especially if Aries were to get a story of his own), but I wouldn’t go in expecting romcom laughs.

An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Bite Me Not by Ray Celar

Wonderful vampire story that has the right amount of dark in it. Ray Celar is a new author for me, so I didn't know what I was walking into with this story. I can't say enough that I am so happy I read this story. Who doesn't love a book that has a vampire in it? You have

Stalking
Vampire
kidnapping
slight gore
drugging on accident

In this story. This story begins when the two men meet one day. Finn, who walks into Eric's bar one night. Eric didn't mean to drug the man he has been watching for a while now, a drink that drugged him. He didn't realize that the Special drink is a drink vampires use to help with feedings. Eric was changed into a vampire and felt he wouldn't have the chance to have the man he wanted anymore, since he wasn't human anymore. After finding out that the drink he had given him had drugged him, Eric decides to take a small taste to make sure he was ok. Wow, that changes everything for Eric once he gets that taste. He finds out something about Finn that changes everything. I loved this story from the first page. Ray Celar made this story so well-written and full of the type of story I love. I know now I need to read more by Ray Celar.

Nicole Harvey

[Ashley Tyler-Switzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were moments when I wanted to smack our MC, Eric, into next week for not explaining or leaving a note again, but in the end, it all came together perfectly. The blurb mentioned that it’s darkish, but I would say it had the potential to be dark and did have dark aspects, but it wasn’t a dark read. I think the author was incredibly creative in the way she planted clues, like Eric’s inability to lie and his summer hangouts with the gym bros. Eric’s inability to stay away and his need to ensure Finn’s safety were all great ways to ensure that Eric eventually told Finn the truth. This book seems to be the first in a series, and I hope we get more of Finn and Eric’s cameos in the future. I also hope we get books for Aries and Bennie. The book ends on a mild cliffhanger, but the couple finally gets their HEA, albeit quite late in the book. Based on the writing style, I believe some things will be resolved or explored in future books, and I think they will be interconnected. This is my first book by this author, so there could possibly be more of this world in existence, but I’m not sure. Overall, it’s a very good book.

[morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was cuuuuute! It took me a little while to get into it fully, but once I was in, it was smooth sailing. There were a few times where it felt like either the Lore™️ hadn’t been explained super well or that maybe it was interconnected with the author’s other works. I’ve not read anything else by this author, so idk if that’s true or not.

I was also super intrigued by the side characters. I want to know more about Aries!!! I want to know more about Bennie!!! Sometimes I can guess the main relationship in the second book, but I’ve honestly got no idea and it’s deepening the intrigue tbh.

Eric and Finn were super cute (even if it was throwing me off the whole time bc one of my cats is named Finn and my lil man has zero brain cells to rub together lmao) and I hope we get some fun cameos of them in the next book!

🩸 vampire x human
☀️ kinda sorta insta-love, but also not?
🩸 fated mates
☀️ Eric’s like… not the best at stalking
🩸 hidden identity
☀️ caretaking


Thank you to the author and GRR for the eARC!

[Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book. Finn and Eric were good together. Eric should have made his move years ago. It shouldn't have taken an accidental drugging and an illness to get him to speak to Finn.
This is a different take on fated mates and vampires. Normally, stalking would be bad, but the way fated mates work in this universe, it is understandable. Eric literally can't help it. Being a fledgling, Eric doesn't know what is going on.
So the breakup was inevitable. Being unable to lie and being truthful are totally different things. Eric should have told Finn everything when he found out he was a vampire. He should have told Finn that he was the stalker and why.
They should have claimed/mated sooner. It takes place in the epilogue. We don't even see if it helps Eric's discomfort from being away from Finn all day.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
angst 2.5/5
heat 3.5/5
story 4.25/5
POV dual
breakup yes it only lasts a few days

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dark rom-com with fully obsessed vampire Eric, strategically stalking human Finn, and invading every aspect of his life in a hopelessly caring way.
Eric can't help the magnetic pull he feels to Finn, so for years he's been watching from a distance until he steps up his stalking to anonymously providing groceries, cryptic letters, and health care advice in a bid to help Finn get the attention he needs, whilst also befriending him in the evenings and acting as his saviour.
He's scared of Finn getting to know the real him and his vampire world, but determined to protect his human and hide his secrets.

I liked the way it portrayed sire bonds particularly between Eric and Bennie, and the hierarchy of vampires based on age and clans. There is mild drama with the 'unknown' stalker, vampire fledglings on the loose, and a pending clan war.
It was a sweet fated mates romance, where the vampire falls first and has a lot of yearning and emotional conflict.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per the author, this book is a darkish rom-com. That's accurate. In fact, this may be the first time I've felt a book cover wasn't an accurate representation of the vibe of the book, because the cover, in my opinion, gives off standard dark romance vibes. That said, I'm always here for a good vampire romance. And there are fated mates! I liked the take on fated mates in this book. It's slightly different than what is typically seen, and I felt it enhanced the story. Eric and Finn made a great couple. Though Eric somehow managed to have less than zero game, lol. I really liked a couple of the side characters. Especially Aries. I hope this gets expanded into a series, because I definitely want to learn more about him!

Note: I received an advance copy in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When stalking is really a precursor for a meet cute. Now this story trigger warnings so please heed them. Warning signs, alarm bells and red flags should be taken seriously in the real world. But for Eric and Finn are so precious and loving. So I'm okay with the fact that Eric has no idea how to pursue the love of his life without being totally weird and creepy. Blood and notes and a sip more of blood and more notes had to scream terrifying but when your are so overwhelmed by the presence of another yet you want to protect them by start caring for them in the way they deserve. From the first kiss and the rest of their firsts together, the meeting truly feels meant to be. The fit and had all the craziness never occurred, they never have find their way to one another

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

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw vampire romance, saw how much Eric fumbles and accidentally turns into a stalker and was like, I need this in my life IMMEDIATELY.

It was absolutely amazing and I loved both Eric, Finn and BENNIE?! He was hilaaaarious.

I enjoyed watching Eric be both the perfect boyfriend in person all the while casually freaking out and accidentally stalking this man he's been obsessed with for years.

I loved that Finn ran straight from his stalker into Eric's arms not knowing that Eric was the one leaving him all those weird notes in the first place, and I can totally understand his devastation at finding out who his stalker really was, as Eric was supposed to be a safe place for him.

I adored the "I'm so into you and idk WHY" - they were both so PRECIOUS.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite me not was such a fun read from the very beginning. I love paranormal stories, vampires especially, and it’s always fun to read the variations that authors write. Eric is a relatively new vampire with an obsession with his sweet human Finn. They meet officially at a club, which happens to a frequent vamp hangout, and then the stalking begins lol. Eric is just a goof and stressed me out with his notes, but I still loved him. Finn’s life becomes a bit chaotic but he finds comfort in Eric and tries his best to stay sane haha. Their story had a bit of everything: romance, action, spice, and found family. The side characters are also great and I look forward to what comes next, def a HFN for the series, not necessarily the couple.

[Bretton Coppedge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric is definitely a no good very bad stalker but he can't help himself. Finn isn't taking good care of himself so Eric's stalking tendencies did come in a little bit handy. He definitely shouldn't have let it become the "big secret" though because being a vampire should probably always be your biggest secret in a relationship.

I liked how feisty Finn is with everything that's thrown at him. Vampire boyfriend? Bo problem. Vampire war breaks out? He's game. I loved his interactions with Bennie too. I hope Bennie gets his own book.

I have loved everything this author has written. They just have a way of writing the characters that make them seem so jump off the page real. I highly recommend you give any of their series a chance.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engrossing story with endearing characters. The romance was so sweet, occasionally alarming and sometimes absolute cringe. I loved the relationship between Eric and Bennie, and how side characters went from scary to adorable. There were times when I feared things were about to get dark but they mostly stayed lighthearted. It was vivid—I felt like I was there at the tea shop and Finn’s apartment. I stayed up late to finish because I couldn’t put it down. I hope Bennie or Aries gets a book next.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Eric was attracted to Finn before he was turned, but after it’s become an obsession. When he realizes Finn is sick, he can’t help but try to convince him to go to his doctor. Unfortunately, it makes Finn think he has a stalker.

The story takes you through them starting to date, Finn finding out Eric is a vampire, Finn finding out Eric is his stalker, Finn, Eric and his sire Bennie being in danger, to Finn and Eric acknowledging their love and finally getting mated. I am a big fan of this author and really hope there are more books coming in this series.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finns hesitance to Eric is understandable. Just as he randomly has this stalker, whose fixatated on his medical needs, when Finn didnt think he had any, then along comes this hot guy.... with a medical background and a vague backstory.
I loved that Eric only ever had Finns safety in mind. From watching over him, to full vamp out to find him. Even to his own detriment he tried to follow Finns wishes and give him space. He owned his mistakes, rather than fobbing them off.

I canr wait for Aries and Bennies stories...

[Emery Krispy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was special because it just works without any forced drama, and that’s what makes it such a special reading experience for me.
A laid-back writing style, characters who make mistakes and even realize them. Okay, that sometimes takes a while, but still.
The blurb already sums up the plot well—you can probably guess what happens next—but it’s still worth the journey. Read it if you’re into vampire romance and stuff like that.

[Autumn Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author. This is def a book where you shouldn't judge the cover, as the story within is ten times better than what is pictured.
I loved everything about it, even with the cliche "I walked into a bar" vibe.
The two MC are so sweet, yet so utterly human in ways that seem natural. It's hard to find a book these days that feel so human like with mistakes and just everyday life. But sprinkle some Vampire and accidently drugging and you have a paranormal dark rom-con.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun bitey story

Honestly I felt more sorry for Eric, the vampire in this fated mates story because he really just doesn’t know what to do about being so infatuated with Finn. A darkish rom-com as Ray Celar calls it is the perfect way to describe this book. I enjoyed this book because it’s a bit different than many other vampire novels especially the non traditional vampire lead. I do hope that Ms Celar will write about some of the other characters that appeared in this book.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark rom-com, fated mates

This was hilarious, sweet, and steamy.
Eric is a newly turned vampire who's absolutely clueless about how to be one.
He's been stalking a human he's obsessed with and who turns out to be his fated mate.
Finn is a riot, I loved his snarky inner musings concerning his opinions about Eric.
The found family aspect was wonderful as well.
I would like to see more from some of the side characters.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric is a vampire who guards but stays away from his human mate Finn. When Finn is drugged, he tastes his blood and finds out he is ill, tries to warn him anonymously and is ignored. He enters his life protecting him but not telling him the truth, feeling their mutual love but lying. Eric is so bound to his mate, he has to be with him all the time. Finn is brave and feisty but not prepared for all of the truth. I received a copy of this through GRR and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story. Bite Me Not by Ray Celar did an absolutely phenomenal job with this book. Eric and Finn story was like a wild ride. I love the whole vampire and human, with a stalker aspect, and then accidentally getting roofied. Just everything together made the story absolutely amazing. I love fantasy books and this one right here is talk to you. Overall, if you like MM Romances with vampires, and stalkers and so many other things this is the book that needs to be on your TBR!!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite Me Not is the first book in the Clan by Chance series. This is the story of Eric a vampire and Finn a human. This was a cute, silly, but slightly dark vampire story. I loved both Eric and Finn. The plot wasn't anything to write home about. It did take me a little while to get into the story but once I did it was better than I expected. I would recommend this book as a 4 star read.
received a free review copy

[Bronwyn Heeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable romance. I find myself smiling a whole lot, just really liked it, there wasn't anything extradentary about it and I honestly think that was one of the main reason I liked it.

troupes
PNR, DarkRom-Com, Fated Marte, Humna/Vampire
CW: Stalking, Drugging of an MC, Unconsensual Biting, violence, Kidnapping, gore.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was all about the uniqueness of this story; Eric is pretty much a mess of a new vampire. He does not seem to know what not to do, and somehow this is frustratingly amusing! He just wanted to love the way it was supposed to be, and he becomes fixated on sweet still human Finn. I thoroughly enjoyed the imperfectness of this romance!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing story, with Eric the vampire finding himself stalking Finn the human, despite not wanting to do so. During this time, he tasted Finn’s blood and tasted an illness. Trying to have Finn seek medical attention is really difficult, and only adds to the stalker feeling. I enjoyed Eric's well meaning bumbling. There are some well thought out complications and a hard fought for HEA.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book. The book leaves you wanting for more, and I wouldn't mind if there was a sequel.

The main characters are so sweet together. They both wanted the best for each other.


Thank you GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC

[Arwen Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it so much

I've been stuck in a slump for a while and this book got me motivated to read for the first time in a while! It was simply delightful. Graphic in the best ways- and so deliciously funny.

When I love book as much as I loved this one, I usually struggle to find things to say other than "I loved it", and it still rings true: I loved it. Every single page, every single character- just loved it. It was sweet, it was funny, it was intriguing. I still have some questions and I don't know if they'll be answered in a future book, but I'm not mad about it.

Though I'm gonna need Aries to get his own book. Please? PLEASE!