First Bite

The Black Fan #0.5

by Laura Greenwood

Constrained by the strict rules of vampire society, all Catherine can think of is falling in love.
When a charming noble asks her dance, all of her dreams start to come true. But as the daughter of a noble, Catherine has her duty to follow.
Can she follow her heart?
-
First Bite is the prequel to Bite Of The Past and follows Benedict & Catherine through their first chance. It doesn't include a HEA (that will come in Bite Of The Past)

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Short Stories, Fantasy, Fiction

52 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2020

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to say how I was expecting a lot more from this, but I don't think I was. This seems about right.

I don't get the feeling that Catherine is actually as rebellious as she thinks she is. There's old rules that need changing, but at the present time, she doesn't strike me as the one who could do it. She's 18, she's young, I'll give her time to grow, sure, she might surprise me.

The love interest was sweet, but they went from 0 to 100 really quick. We barely got a few scenes of them together and woop they're in love. I'm having trouble seeing it.

Her parents are cruel. Wouldn't it have been easier for them to marry her to the guy and save themselves the trouble?

The ending too, what??? I'm confused???

They kicked her out but...can't he just go out after her when he recovers? If they were going to get married surely that meant they could leave right?

Will I be reading book one? Still undecided on that. I do care about the characters a decent amount...I'll see.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I was a young child I was fascinated by vampires. I have to admit that I can't remember why anymore. Was it the eternal life? Was it the lust for blood? Was it the mix between danger and attraction? Was it the thrill of them being beautiful and scary at once? I don't know. But the love for vampires followed me into adulthood until today. So, when I saw that Greenwood was gonna start a new vampire series I was intrigued.

In this short prequel to the book Greenwood manages to build the world. Although we don't get to see everything of it, we get to see enough of it to know what's going on, how it works, what the position of Catherine in this society is, what is expected of her. We get to see the luxury and decadence, but we also get to see how it's nothing but a golden cage. It's a world that I can't wait to discover further, but it's mostly a world I want to see destroyed to the bottom.

It helped that Catherine was a really nice character. She wasn't perfect, far from it. She was rebellious, especially in her thoughts. She was not following the rules set upon. But it was easy to understand why. The rules were old fashioned, chains to keep young girl in check and beneath men. How can I blame her for her mistakes and for the longing to be loved and for the need to make her own choices and follow her heart?

So, this short story is a nice taste of everything that's yet to come! The book is only being released in September, but I can tell that I'm already looking forward to it! I don't just root for Catherine to get her happy ending. I root for that sick patriarchy to be brought down too!

[Laura Greenwood]

The Black Fan Series


1. Bite of the Past: books2read.com/biteofthepast
2. Bite of the Truth: books2read.com/biteofthetruth
3. Bite Of The Oath: books2read.com/biteoftheoath
4. Bite Of The Guard: books2read.com/biteoftheguard
5. Bite Of The Rival: books2read.com/biteoftherival
6. Bite Of The Deal: books2read.com/biteofthedeal

Prequel (Bite Of The Past): First Bite: books2read.com/first-bite
Prequel (Bite Of The Truth): First Truth: A Bite Of The Truth Prequel: http://bit.ly/first-truth
Prequel (Bite Of The Oath): First Oath: A Bite Of The Oath Prequel: books2read.com/first-oath
Side Story: First Guard: books2read.com/first-guard

[Lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing Something

To get it out of the way - yes I know its a prequel. I know it's meant to show how the lovers of the first book met and the scandal that threw them apart. This is a pretty commonplace thing in UF and PNR, especially if vampires are involved.

My actual problem lay in how it was flat. There was no chemistry to speak of, no dynamic conversations, nothing that sparked. This was a very cookie cutter approach. They meet, there's flirting, there's parent warnings, hasty plans and then she's shunned.

Much of their secret courtship is off page, referenced but not shown. I can't help but wonder if that's when they showed genuine attraction?

Meanwhile the ending feels rote and somewhat...illogical? Perhaps I'm missing something about the world (or its explained in the first book), but why would they have been separated for so long? Their plan was to flee anyhow, he couldn't find her with less then a day's headstart? How quickly did he give up?

Anyhow it didn't quite induce me to want to read the first book unfortunately.

[Sofie Sehested · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this prequel about how the young women vampires were treated at court and what happened to Cathrine (Kitty), a young lady and daughter to a very prominent lord, when she fell in love with the young lord Benedict and chose to see him in secret.

I was very enthralled by the story and really felt for these two starcrossed lovers who didn’t have a chance against her father and his very cold and calloused demeanor.
I couldn’t believe how someone could be so cold towards his/her child just because she was a woman. The mother was just as bad for not speaking up for her and helping her. She just watched from the sideline.

It was love at first sight between Kitty and Benedict and I felt the chemistry right away.

I can definitely recommend this book. Let yourself be swept away by the first chance romance between Kitty and Benedict in the vampire court.

I can’t wait to read about their second chance in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fab prequel so much so that I cannot wait to read the first book Bite of the past. I fell in love with Catherine and Benedict and their story and can’t wait to see if they get their hea!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/1/2020)! 🎁

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine is so excited to be going to the ball where she will be introduced to the eligible men and hopefully be matched to someone worthy since her father is a high-ranking member of the Vampire Court. Her father is rather unloving and cold, but she realizes that most fathers don’t take much interest in daughters other than for the alliance potential. She also won’t have any say in the one he decides on for her. So she hopes for the best!

As Catherine stands, waiting for the last of the eligible young women to be introduced, she sees a man staring at her. Despite trying not to stare back, her eyes keep going to him. Then suddenly he is in front of her, asking her to dance. She tells him she goes by “Kitty”, and he tells her to call him Benedict although his own friends call him Lord Ferrybridge. As they dance, he tells her rumors will start if she keeps looking at him that way – to which she replies that he wouldn’t know that if he had not been looking as well! Only allowed one dance with each other, the rest of the evening passed uneventfully.

Catherine’s father finally called her downstairs to tell her there were several offers of marriage. He was looking for what would be most profitable to their family, and was favoring Lord Dewsbury, a much older man. Her father wants a son-in-law with power who has wealth and rank, regardless of whether they are old or young. She would be married within the month when he decided.

When the decision is made, Catherine will either have to choose Benedict and whatever consequences will follow, or go along with her father's decision and deal with a broken heart. Benedict and Catherine decide to meet in secret but they are eventually caught. What is in store for them now?

This prequel was very well done and gave the reader needed background for what is to come. The main characters are amazing. Grab your copy and get ready for what is to come!

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRST BITE is the first book in the A Bite of the Past series. This series will need to be read in the order of release.

My heart has absolutely broken for Catherine and Benedict, but I won’t say why. To do so, would ruin your read of this story.

As a prequel, this is perfect. It tells of the first meeting and affair of Catherine and Benedict. It tells of how Catherine was raised and what vampire society is like within the colony. It makes me want more! That is what a prequel should do.

That is not to say that it ends on a cliff-hanger. This has a definite beginning, middle, and end. We just don’t have our Happily Ever After that the romantic in me desires and demands. So, I will be watching for the next book in this series and grabbing it up as quickly as I can.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: FIRST BITE
Series: A Bite of the Past #0.5
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Laura Greenwood

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine is going to be introduced to others now, so her father can match to the someone of great influence. When she is standing there, there is a guy that catches her eye. She can't help herself, she finds herself looking at him. She paired up with the gentleman, she finds she is really attracted to him. She knows that she should not become attacted to him or see him.
They keep seeing each other, but soon others are suspicious of what is going on. Catherine will have to make a decide to follow heart that leads to Benedict or follow her father's rule. Whatever she decides have major consequences for her.

I really loved this story that introduced the back story to Catherine and Benedicts romance. Look forward to reading more of these characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carlynne Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Knowing in advance that the relationship doesn't work out really helped me not get invested in the characters as a couple, but as individuals. I know that other reviewers have had concerns about the treatment of women in this story, but lets be real - it takes place at a time when this is how society treated women and it was normal. To do otherwise would be very strange. I am looking forward to the next books in this series to see where things go! As always, Laura Greenwood writes strong, compelling and emotionally complex characters amid a very real story world. I love her writing and if you like vampire stories, you'll enjoy this story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a little taste of what the series is about. Catherine’s father is a high ranking lord in the vampire court, but he has always been cold and distant. On the night of her first ball when young women are presented to society she meets her soul mate, Benedict. But her father wants a prestigious son-in-law, someone who has money and rank, whether they are old or not. But when Benedict and Catherine try to run away, they are caught by her parents. Now Benedict has to find his true love before it’s too late. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. First Bite: A Bite of the Past by Laura Greenwood is the back story to Catherine and Benedict's romance. This prequel comes after the actual story in Bite of the Past. I really enjoyed reading this story and felt it explained so much about Catherine. A bittersweet story of love and life choices. I highly recommend reading the prequel first (hence - Prequel) then reading Bite of the Past. While these stories take place in the City of Blood setting, they can be read as stand alone.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine has always known that she was expected to marry who ever her father chose for her. She didnt expect to meet soeone like Benedict at the ball designed to introduce the girls of marriagable age to possible suiters. Of course, he was not the one her father would choose.
B ut the heart wants what the heart wants, and the young couple defy her father? What price will they pay when they ae foubnd out? I cant wait for more about these two!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cailin]

Interesting start!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I agree with another reviewer that expressed concern over the outdated ideas regarding women and their autonomy. That said, this book takes place hundreds of years ago and those ideas were, sadly, normal. However, this is a prequel to an upcoming book and we are introduced to the young protagonists and their tragic start. I appreciated the glimpse into their lives and what set them upon the paths they will tread.

[Reena · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this prequel to a brand new series by Laura Greenwood we get a little taste of the story before the first book arrives.

In a world where females are considered property to be bought and sold, or bartered for prestige, Catherine decides to carve her own fate. Be aware: the story ends in a cliffhanger and it's dark, intense, and heartbreaking. Still, I wouldn't change it for the world. I can't wait to see how the story will unfold!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debutante ball has never once crossed my mind when thinking of vampires and their social lives! Such an original take on upper-crust society, done vampire style!! I immediately fell in love with the characters of Catherine and Benedict and want to read more of their love story!
**Spoiler Alert**
There is no HEA in this story.
This is only the prequel to the main story which is slated to be coming out in September 2020.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine's father is a high ranking lord in the Vampire Court and as such wants a wealthy and prestigious son-in-law, regardless of age. So when Catherine is being presented at her first ball where all the young women are presented to society, she meets her soul mate, a man named Benedict. Unfortunately, he is not the man her father has selected for her. When Catherine and Benedict try to run away, they're caught by her parents. This was such an exciting, adventurous, and emotional rollercoaster that I so thoroughly enjoyed.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marrying for love or duty?

When Catherine is presented to the Vampire Court her father will undoubtedly receive many offers for her hand but she will have no say in who he chooses. When she dances with Benedict at the first ball she knows better than to commit her heart to disappointment but her heart doesn’t listen, regardless of the danger should her parents find out.

This is a good prequel to a series. I would give it more stars if it were longer. It is not a stand-alone story but I am excited to see where the series goes.

[Ketty · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Vampires
- Tudor Vibes
- Debutante Ball
- Arranged Marriage (attemtped)
- No Happily Ever After (they get it in book one)

A short and sweet prequel, introducing Catherine and Benedict in their first chance of love. It's a little heart breaking at the end, albeit expected, but I don't think I will ever stop myself from being convinced I can simply will the ending of a book to change just because I want it to. I do think it is the perfect way to introduce a couple as well as give a glimpse into the universes vampire cultural past. Looking forward to seeing a happily ever after for these two.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful look at vampires from 500 years ago. Catherine grows up with a very controlling and uncaring father, and debuts at her first ball, only to have things not go to plan. This book really reminded me a lot of the author's newest vampire series, House of Blood and Roses, and I loved the descriptions of the dresses and the dancing. I had read about Lady Catherine in the City of Blood books, and finding out where she started was quite fascinating. I'm excited to read her main story in Bite of the Past.

[EGotay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"First Bite"
By Laura Greenwood’s

Obsessed!!!

"First Bite" is the prequel to "Bite Of The Past"

A quick short prequel that introduces you to Benedict and Catherine story.

Catherine father is finding a husband for her daughter Catherine. He finds a prospect perfect for his economic ideals. For him, money and prestige is everything, no matter the age of the prospect.

But something inside herself is telling her that that is wrong. Even knowing what can be her fate, she disobeyed and proceeded to meet Benedict without the consent of her parents. She goes following her heart.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not much of a fan of stories which treat women as property. Even worse is the concept of the dowry: having to pay someone to take them away. I'm uncertain, but I feel that the blurb put a damper on the story. Knowing, in advance, that the relationship doesn't work out here. The end of the story is both better and worse than anticipated.

Haunting. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about finding courage in a time where old rules apply. Catherine has come of age and is going to a ball for the eligible men to look at and offer her a hand in marriage. But what she finds is a forbidden. What will happen when she dances with him? What will happen when they meet again? Will Catherine throw out the rules or follow them? Who will be there for her? What will happen if her family finds out?

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine is a vampire debutante – with a cold father who only sees her as chattel. Unfortunately, she falls in love and gets “ruined” – so she can’t marry who her father wants her to, and being the cold vampire he is, he casts her out.

To know if Catherine will survive and return to her true love, one has to read the novel.

The story has some good points, feels like a Regency read (the romance era I enjoy), and is easy to read.

I’ll add the novel “Bite of the Past” to my TBR.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book to Start.
This book is essential in that it paints the picture of how this series begins. It all starts with Lady Catherine and her Black Fan saga. All it boils down to love. Her family casts her out because she wouldn’t abide by their rules to marry for privilege, advancement or gain. She wanted love and she found it with Benedict at a price. It’s a series that has your attention until the end and into the next story.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been provided with a review copy of First Bite by Booksprout for an impartial review. This is the prequel to the brand-new Bite of the Past series and I just absolutely loved this brief glimpse into this new world. I just was absolutely captivated by this story and I was just so disappointed to turn the last page. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this beginning to a new series, but way too short. Should be in the beginning chapters of the series so I don’t have to wait to see what happens. I am so much of a romantic that I hope Benedict finds Catherine soon. Need the next book now!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen year old Catherine is making her debut at the Vampires Ball. She's fallen for Benedict but her father has other plans for her. This prequel to the new series A Bite of the Past is a great intro to the characters and gives us a taste of what's to come. It ends in a cliffhanger but that just left me wanting the next book asap.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Bite: A Bite Of The Past Prequel by Laura Greenwood is such an awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires, fantasy and paranormal romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.