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Once Bitten #1
Once Bitten
Izzy Konnig has a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a house in the trendy part of town, and Emma, a beautiful girlfriend who requires no commitment.
Then one night Emma accidentally bites her, and Izzy Konnig finds herself turning into a werewolf. Panicked, Izzy bolts, only to be grabbed by a gang of rival wolves and forced into an underground fighting ring. If she wants to return to the life she loves, it's going to take everything she's got—and more.
Then one night Emma accidentally bites her, and Izzy Konnig finds herself turning into a werewolf. Panicked, Izzy bolts, only to be grabbed by a gang of rival wolves and forced into an underground fighting ring. If she wants to return to the life she loves, it's going to take everything she's got—and more.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2017
1 person is currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Kate Owen
10 books7 followersKate Owen, writer and chai tea addict, was born and raised in the Lone Star state (but has only ridden a horse once with disastrous results). She’s lived all over the US and even spent some time studying in Italy, but she came back to settle down in Dallas a few years ago. Kate has been writing since she was a kid, and has always enjoyed telling stories to entertain anyone she can coerce into listening.
By day, she works as a teacher for kids with special needs and writes. By night she is at the beck and call of two awesome dogs, eats out at gastropubs, enjoys craft cocktails, catches live music at various Dallas venues, and writes more. She loves playing guitar, hanging out on the lake, and watching movies that make her laugh.
She’s out to everyone but her grandmother, so don’t tell her.
By day, she works as a teacher for kids with special needs and writes. By night she is at the beck and call of two awesome dogs, eats out at gastropubs, enjoys craft cocktails, catches live music at various Dallas venues, and writes more. She loves playing guitar, hanging out on the lake, and watching movies that make her laugh.
She’s out to everyone but her grandmother, so don’t tell her.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 7, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I love a good paranormal book, so I was excited to snap this one up. It was fast-paced, exciting, and well written. I feel like I can be a little picky when it comes to paranormal. It's my second favorite genre of lesfic. I absolutely enjoyed this book, I just didn't love it.
The story is about Izzy and her girlfriend of six months, Emma. After a night of passionate sex, Emma realizes she has bitten Izzy by accident, turning her into a werewolf. Izzy, does not take the news too well, and runs out to get some air. She bumps into two other weres, from a rival pack. They can smell she is not one of them, so they taser her and force her into captivity. Izzy is caged and forced to battle gladiator style. Can Emma find her in time, or will Izzy loose her life in the ring?
I thought Owen did most of the paranormal aspects of this book very well. This world was explained without pushing a bunch of facts onto a reader. Everything unfolded well, and I appreciated it. My biggest issue was I didn't like the whole Izzy in a cage fight for her life part. And that was a big part of the book. I just felt it dragged on too long and I desperately wanted to see what happened next. The last half of the book, I liked much better. We started seeing more supernaturals, and the book became more fun for me. I do have to mention a slight trigger warning
As I said before, I thought the writing was well done. The main characters were both quite developed and stood on their own. Emma being a doctor and Izzy a prosecutor. They were both very likeable and I thought they made a great couple.
I enjoyed this book, and I think paranormal fans will also. If you are not a big paranormal reader, this book explains things pretty well for you to catch on. This looks to be book one in a series. I will be reading the next, and will keep an eye out for other Owen books, in the future.
An ARC was given to me by LT3P, for a honest review.
The story is about Izzy and her girlfriend of six months, Emma. After a night of passionate sex, Emma realizes she has bitten Izzy by accident, turning her into a werewolf. Izzy, does not take the news too well, and runs out to get some air. She bumps into two other weres, from a rival pack. They can smell she is not one of them, so they taser her and force her into captivity. Izzy is caged and forced to battle gladiator style. Can Emma find her in time, or will Izzy loose her life in the ring?
I thought Owen did most of the paranormal aspects of this book very well. This world was explained without pushing a bunch of facts onto a reader. Everything unfolded well, and I appreciated it. My biggest issue was I didn't like the whole Izzy in a cage fight for her life part. And that was a big part of the book. I just felt it dragged on too long and I desperately wanted to see what happened next. The last half of the book, I liked much better. We started seeing more supernaturals, and the book became more fun for me. I do have to mention a slight trigger warning
As I said before, I thought the writing was well done. The main characters were both quite developed and stood on their own. Emma being a doctor and Izzy a prosecutor. They were both very likeable and I thought they made a great couple.
I enjoyed this book, and I think paranormal fans will also. If you are not a big paranormal reader, this book explains things pretty well for you to catch on. This looks to be book one in a series. I will be reading the next, and will keep an eye out for other Owen books, in the future.
An ARC was given to me by LT3P, for a honest review.
April 6, 2017
Very solid four stars. A new take on the werewolf story. Characters to root for. Hot sex. Crazy forced cage fights. Lots of action. Kept me flipping through my kindle. And it looks like there should be a sequel, pretty please.
Net Galley ARC received for an unbiased review.
Net Galley ARC received for an unbiased review.
February 7, 2017
*I received this book from NetGalley and Less than Three in return for a fair review.*
The book had an interesting beginning, quite readable, quite fun then things turned on me. At one point I was vaguely on edge of wondering if this one would end up being a book I'd like to DNF (put on my did not finish shelf for lack of being able to finish the book). That's the reason the book took somewhat longer than normal for me to read - I paused it grumbling.
Then I resumed reading after days of ignoring it and . . . well - I'd say that this book is somewhere within range of being one of the best werewolf books I've read. So, that happened.
The book stars Izzy Konning, lawyer - Federal Prosecutor, and Dr. Emma Douglas, medical doctor. They both have their point of views presented in this book, and are in a committed relationship with each other (to a certain extent). Though one has a secret that accidentally gets revealed at the start of the book.
You see, during a moment of sexual frenzy, it appears that Emma accidentally bit Izzy. Oh, you know, it happens. Izzy kind of laughed about it the next morning when Emma was all sad about the matter. Then Emma showed what was going on. By, you know, turning into a wolf. Strong, sane, mentally well-balanced - upon learning that she has accidentally been turned into a werewolf, freaked out and ran screaming out onto the Dallas streets (well, not literally screaming, more like she went for an unplanned, unorganized jog).
Naturally Izzy immediately ran into two fine young men who looked like 'hoodlums'. They got into an altercation. And things went differently than you might expect (no, not in the 'Izzy turned into a wolf and ate them' way). The two men forced her into a car and abducted her - because they knew she was a wolf - they could smell her - and she was in their territory without permission. But then, that is where she lived (Emma, who belonged to a different 'gang', or pack, had permission).
Strangely, Izzy ends up face to face with one of her targets as a federal prosecutor. A really evil man who was involved in such nice things as human trafficing and the like.
Turns out Julio is also a wolf - the head wolf, for that matter, for one of the two packs in Dallas. He plans to take advantage until he realizes that, by smell, Izzy was deeply connected to the daughter of the head of the other wolf pack in Dallas - and he is going to use this leverage - having the daughter's mate - to his advantage.
Meanwhile, he'll make some money off Izzy by including her in his 'wolf fight club'.
Things proceed from here, both in a manner expected, and in certain ways, unexpected.
As I noted above, this is one of those books that, unexpectedly, turned out better - much better - than I initially thought it would be. Exciting, thrilling, action packed. Wolves, vampires, witches, fae, demons, all represented in the book.
Despite the above, there were a few issues I had here and there - like a few 'scares' that the book was heading in particular directions I didn't want to go (but then didn't, so not an issue). But there were real serious 'problems' I ran across that almost kept me from enjoying the book (and one almost caused me to not finish the book). That one? - The part wherein the dominant wolves 'obviously' are male because . . . . um . . . no clue (females are submissives or omegas). That was a somewhat rage moment for me to move past. Glad I moved past it. By the way, it turns out Izzy is quite dominat so . . . naturally that means her wolf has massive balls . . . and penis (she's a 'morph' - female human, male wolf).
Right, so, I enjoyed the book.
Rating: 4.87
NOTE: the book will be available for purchase February 8th.
February 1 2017
The book had an interesting beginning, quite readable, quite fun then things turned on me. At one point I was vaguely on edge of wondering if this one would end up being a book I'd like to DNF (put on my did not finish shelf for lack of being able to finish the book). That's the reason the book took somewhat longer than normal for me to read - I paused it grumbling.
Then I resumed reading after days of ignoring it and . . . well - I'd say that this book is somewhere within range of being one of the best werewolf books I've read. So, that happened.
The book stars Izzy Konning, lawyer - Federal Prosecutor, and Dr. Emma Douglas, medical doctor. They both have their point of views presented in this book, and are in a committed relationship with each other (to a certain extent). Though one has a secret that accidentally gets revealed at the start of the book.
You see, during a moment of sexual frenzy, it appears that Emma accidentally bit Izzy. Oh, you know, it happens. Izzy kind of laughed about it the next morning when Emma was all sad about the matter. Then Emma showed what was going on. By, you know, turning into a wolf. Strong, sane, mentally well-balanced - upon learning that she has accidentally been turned into a werewolf, freaked out and ran screaming out onto the Dallas streets (well, not literally screaming, more like she went for an unplanned, unorganized jog).
Naturally Izzy immediately ran into two fine young men who looked like 'hoodlums'. They got into an altercation. And things went differently than you might expect (no, not in the 'Izzy turned into a wolf and ate them' way). The two men forced her into a car and abducted her - because they knew she was a wolf - they could smell her - and she was in their territory without permission. But then, that is where she lived (Emma, who belonged to a different 'gang', or pack, had permission).
Strangely, Izzy ends up face to face with one of her targets as a federal prosecutor. A really evil man who was involved in such nice things as human trafficing and the like.
Turns out Julio is also a wolf - the head wolf, for that matter, for one of the two packs in Dallas. He plans to take advantage until he realizes that, by smell, Izzy was deeply connected to the daughter of the head of the other wolf pack in Dallas - and he is going to use this leverage - having the daughter's mate - to his advantage.
Meanwhile, he'll make some money off Izzy by including her in his 'wolf fight club'.
Things proceed from here, both in a manner expected, and in certain ways, unexpected.
As I noted above, this is one of those books that, unexpectedly, turned out better - much better - than I initially thought it would be. Exciting, thrilling, action packed. Wolves, vampires, witches, fae, demons, all represented in the book.
Despite the above, there were a few issues I had here and there - like a few 'scares' that the book was heading in particular directions I didn't want to go (but then didn't, so not an issue). But there were real serious 'problems' I ran across that almost kept me from enjoying the book (and one almost caused me to not finish the book). That one? - The part wherein the dominant wolves 'obviously' are male because . . . . um . . . no clue (females are submissives or omegas). That was a somewhat rage moment for me to move past. Glad I moved past it. By the way, it turns out Izzy is quite dominat so . . . naturally that means her wolf has massive balls . . . and penis (she's a 'morph' - female human, male wolf).
Right, so, I enjoyed the book.
Rating: 4.87
NOTE: the book will be available for purchase February 8th.
February 1 2017
December 2, 2017
Forget the concept of instantly smitten and replace it with once bitten. Sorry, bad pun.
Izzy Konnig is bitten by her girlfriend and finds herself plunged into a whole new world. Not only is her "no strings attached" relationship suddenly transformed into something akin to marriage, but she suddenly finds herself fighting for her life in this new universe as well as coming to grips with her inner wolf.
This book has a lot of suspense and action.
But I have to admit that I didn't like Izzy as a character that much. She was just too masculine alpha for my taste.
September 6, 2017
I hate giving negative reviews, but every so often I find a book I did not enjoy as much as I had hoped to. It is rare for this to happen, but it does occur occasionally. Sadly, it happened with Once Bitten.
Once Bitten sounded like the kind of book I would love: a paranormal element and an underground fighting ring. Those two things combined sounded like a lot of fun. In fact, I created so many scenarios in my mind. I anticipated truly explosive scenes, endless action, and a lot of violence. Unfortunately, the story wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be.
I’ll admit that there were some interesting elements in this one. There were some new aspects added to the paranormal world, elements that intrigued me. Despite these new elements, I found myself unable to enjoy this one as I had hoped. The occasional little element intrigued me, but the overall story failed to pull me in.
I believe my biggest issue is that I never came to connect with the characters. Our leading characters had the potential to be amazing – both were female powerhouses, one being a doctor and the other a lawyer. Instead of thinking ‘yes, powerful women’, I found myself rolling my eyes at the choices they were making and their behaviours. They seemed to fall into clichéd female roles, doing the kinds of things we’ve seen many times before – namely the complete turnaround from the start of the story to the end.
Whilst there were some good elements, being unable to connect with the characters meant everything felt like it was dragging. My interest in the new elements was overshadowed by my desire for something more – hence my disappointment in the story.
I’m sure there will be some out there who will enjoy this story; alas, it was not for me.
Once Bitten sounded like the kind of book I would love: a paranormal element and an underground fighting ring. Those two things combined sounded like a lot of fun. In fact, I created so many scenarios in my mind. I anticipated truly explosive scenes, endless action, and a lot of violence. Unfortunately, the story wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be.
I’ll admit that there were some interesting elements in this one. There were some new aspects added to the paranormal world, elements that intrigued me. Despite these new elements, I found myself unable to enjoy this one as I had hoped. The occasional little element intrigued me, but the overall story failed to pull me in.
I believe my biggest issue is that I never came to connect with the characters. Our leading characters had the potential to be amazing – both were female powerhouses, one being a doctor and the other a lawyer. Instead of thinking ‘yes, powerful women’, I found myself rolling my eyes at the choices they were making and their behaviours. They seemed to fall into clichéd female roles, doing the kinds of things we’ve seen many times before – namely the complete turnaround from the start of the story to the end.
Whilst there were some good elements, being unable to connect with the characters meant everything felt like it was dragging. My interest in the new elements was overshadowed by my desire for something more – hence my disappointment in the story.
I’m sure there will be some out there who will enjoy this story; alas, it was not for me.
February 10, 2017
Once Bitten is fantastic! Kate Owen delivers!
A terrific book! Sweet, funny, romantic & a wonderful paranormal read! I enjoyed this book and I am really hoping for a sequel! I don't want to give anything away, as it was just wonderful from the first few pages. I believe readers will truly enjoy this action packed book. It has so many levels of emotional layers mixed with lots of terrific action! Amazing!
Izzy Konnig has everything: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a house in the trendy part of town, and Emma, a beautiful girlfriend who requires no commitment.
Then one night Emma accidentally bites her, and Izzy Konnig finds herself turning into a werewolf. Panicked, Izzy bolts, only to be grabbed by a gang of rival wolves and forced into an underground fighting ring. If she wants to return to the life she loves, it's going to take everything she's got—and more.
ARC provided by Netgallery for an honest review.
A terrific book! Sweet, funny, romantic & a wonderful paranormal read! I enjoyed this book and I am really hoping for a sequel! I don't want to give anything away, as it was just wonderful from the first few pages. I believe readers will truly enjoy this action packed book. It has so many levels of emotional layers mixed with lots of terrific action! Amazing!
Izzy Konnig has everything: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a house in the trendy part of town, and Emma, a beautiful girlfriend who requires no commitment.
Then one night Emma accidentally bites her, and Izzy Konnig finds herself turning into a werewolf. Panicked, Izzy bolts, only to be grabbed by a gang of rival wolves and forced into an underground fighting ring. If she wants to return to the life she loves, it's going to take everything she's got—and more.
ARC provided by Netgallery for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
Cool story!
I really enjoyed this story! The characters were very engaging and enjoyable. Izzy was totally adorable as was Emma. The supporting characters were equally good. I'm glad there will be a sequel. The question is when?
I really enjoyed this story! The characters were very engaging and enjoyable. Izzy was totally adorable as was Emma. The supporting characters were equally good. I'm glad there will be a sequel. The question is when?
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Once Bitten Kate Owen
1) This one has a fast pace, but it’s a long read. The gender-swap element was something new for werewolves, but was easily acceptable. Lots of drama mixed with various supernatural elements. I will admit, the coolest part is that the story was set in Dallas.
1) This one has a fast pace, but it’s a long read. The gender-swap element was something new for werewolves, but was easily acceptable. Lots of drama mixed with various supernatural elements. I will admit, the coolest part is that the story was set in Dallas.
February 23, 2017
I don't like writing negative reviews - however, I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as other reviewers. Werewolves are my favourite paranormal characters, but there were too many of the things I find both overdone and not to my tastes in here.
The writing itself is good; the story is very quickly paced and has a surprising amount of world-building which is impressive as we begin in media res and there are some interesting developments later in the book that improved my opinion.
So why the 2 stars? I don't like Izzy. I barely like Emma. I imagined them over-caffeinated and speaking Gilmore Girl fast. Izzy is a smart-mouth, and I definitely liked some of her one-liners, but a lot of the time she just irritated me.
The politics of the story are well done, but I wasn't interested by that point. I found the arena more promising, but it was over so quickly and the story just dragged for me after that. I don't mind the violence and gore in paranormal books; it would be weird if they *didn't* spill some blood, however this book certainly earned a spot of my 'disturbing' shelf for a couple of very gory moments.
Also, spoilers
Positives - I really like the omega wolf side of Emma. Owen did a great job at establishing Omegas something other than submissive wolves (I don't like the strict dom/sub world of most werewolf stories). So that was very cool.
2.5 stars.
The writing itself is good; the story is very quickly paced and has a surprising amount of world-building which is impressive as we begin in media res and there are some interesting developments later in the book that improved my opinion.
So why the 2 stars? I don't like Izzy. I barely like Emma. I imagined them over-caffeinated and speaking Gilmore Girl fast. Izzy is a smart-mouth, and I definitely liked some of her one-liners, but a lot of the time she just irritated me.
The politics of the story are well done, but I wasn't interested by that point. I found the arena more promising, but it was over so quickly and the story just dragged for me after that. I don't mind the violence and gore in paranormal books; it would be weird if they *didn't* spill some blood, however this book certainly earned a spot of my 'disturbing' shelf for a couple of very gory moments.
Also, spoilers
Positives - I really like the omega wolf side of Emma. Owen did a great job at establishing Omegas something other than submissive wolves (I don't like the strict dom/sub world of most werewolf stories). So that was very cool.
2.5 stars.
February 12, 2018
Sigh. Yet another UF book that relies more on easy tropes and a very thin plot.
The world building was neither fleshed out nor well thought out.
Bottom line, this was a bit a clunker.
The world building was neither fleshed out nor well thought out.
Bottom line, this was a bit a clunker.
July 30, 2017
genre: paranormal romance
length: 82,000 words, 35 chapters
main characters:
Isobel 'Izzy' Konnig, 32, assistant federal prosecutor, short hair, blue eyes, tall, huge male black wolf with piercing blue eyes
Emma Douglas, 33, trauma surgeon, chestnut or blond hair - two different information in the book, hazel eyes, small white wolf with golden eyes
setting: Dallas, Texas
my opinion:
- a great paranormal romance with lots of action and some violence
- this is the first book in the series and I'm totally hooked and so looking forward to the next book
- highly recommended to all paranormal romance fans
cover: nice but why with the back of a man?
book rating: 5 stars
eARC by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley
length: 82,000 words, 35 chapters
main characters:
Isobel 'Izzy' Konnig, 32, assistant federal prosecutor, short hair, blue eyes, tall, huge male black wolf with piercing blue eyes
Emma Douglas, 33, trauma surgeon, chestnut or blond hair - two different information in the book, hazel eyes, small white wolf with golden eyes
setting: Dallas, Texas
my opinion:
- a great paranormal romance with lots of action and some violence
- this is the first book in the series and I'm totally hooked and so looking forward to the next book
- highly recommended to all paranormal romance fans
cover: nice but why with the back of a man?
book rating: 5 stars
eARC by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews