What do you think?
Rate this book
Netherworld #1
Once Bitten
Lila Connelly and her friends have gotten themselves into some trouble. They've managed to cast a drunken spell that brings a supernatural secret society already in political unrest--the Netherworld--to their doorsteps. One faction of the Netherworld, the warlocks, want them dead since the magic they've conjured has branded them as the warlocks' enemy number one: witches.
Gabriel Azarov is a werewolf and owner of the bar that Lila and her friends frequent. He has been bringing Lila drinks for years and has always harbored secret feelings for her, feelings he's never acted upon since Lila's human status keeps her strictly hands-off.
Everything changes when she saves his life and he's honor-bound to return by protecting her from the warlocks who are hunting her. Only now their close quarters make it impossible to stay away from her. Or keep his hands to himself.
Content Warning: This book contains graphic sexual content, strong language, and violent situations. It's a re-release of a previously published work.
Gabriel Azarov is a werewolf and owner of the bar that Lila and her friends frequent. He has been bringing Lila drinks for years and has always harbored secret feelings for her, feelings he's never acted upon since Lila's human status keeps her strictly hands-off.
Everything changes when she saves his life and he's honor-bound to return by protecting her from the warlocks who are hunting her. Only now their close quarters make it impossible to stay away from her. Or keep his hands to himself.
Content Warning: This book contains graphic sexual content, strong language, and violent situations. It's a re-release of a previously published work.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
About the author
Olivia Hutchinson
12 books50 followersNight owl who runs on coffee, sarcasm, and dark humor.
I write paranormal and sci-fi romance with high heat levels, some adventure, and the occasional cliffhanger.
Follow me on all platforms:
Facebook -- www.facebook.com/OliviaHutchinsonAuthor/
Instagram -- www.instagram.com/oliviahutchinsonaut...
Bookbub -- www.bookbub.com/profile/olivia-hutchi...
Newsletter -- www.mailchi.mp/e35b27f178c1/oliviahut...
I write paranormal and sci-fi romance with high heat levels, some adventure, and the occasional cliffhanger.
Follow me on all platforms:
Facebook -- www.facebook.com/OliviaHutchinsonAuthor/
Instagram -- www.instagram.com/oliviahutchinsonaut...
Bookbub -- www.bookbub.com/profile/olivia-hutchi...
Newsletter -- www.mailchi.mp/e35b27f178c1/oliviahut...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Want to Read
June 14, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/3/2020)! 🎁
March 18, 2020
Too much forgotten & left unanswered....
It's a good story, but it feels rushed at times and some things don't make a lot of sense. For example, they did this spell...and nothing came out of it, not really. I mean sure, it brought on the warlocks, but what about their soulmates? Nowhere does it ever say that Gabriel is her soulmate. In fact, it doesn't even mention anything about soulmates, true mates, fated mates, at all. Why do the spell and then leave that aspect of it open-ended? Seems like something else should have been used. Then there's Andrea.. She's kidnapped, and then all but forgotten. They never search for her, they rarely ever so much as mention her. Sure, Lila cries at first but then she just goes on living her life as if the only family she has left isn't possibly dead. They say she isn't, but how do they know? She doesn't even question it. Corey, the actual witch, is also never mentioned the rest of the book. Why? Shouldn't she be involved w/ Celeste, the witch leader? Shouldn't she be a part of this entire thing?
There are just way too many unanswered questions.. It's almost as if you're reading two completely different books once the girls are separated. Then, when reading the synopsis of the second book, it's not even about any of the girls OR guys in this first one.. So all of those unanswered questions are just left unanswered?
I won't be reading the rest of the series, I didn't even finish this one. I got to 80% and skimmed over the rest to see if I could find out anything about Andrea...and there's nothing except one little blurb that says "she isn't gone yet". Again, how do they know? I honestly think this book needs to be rewritten. The first half needs to be elaborated on to the point that it's its own book, and the second half can be the sequel...with added info that ties it to the first.
It's a good story, but it feels rushed at times and some things don't make a lot of sense. For example, they did this spell...and nothing came out of it, not really. I mean sure, it brought on the warlocks, but what about their soulmates? Nowhere does it ever say that Gabriel is her soulmate. In fact, it doesn't even mention anything about soulmates, true mates, fated mates, at all. Why do the spell and then leave that aspect of it open-ended? Seems like something else should have been used. Then there's Andrea.. She's kidnapped, and then all but forgotten. They never search for her, they rarely ever so much as mention her. Sure, Lila cries at first but then she just goes on living her life as if the only family she has left isn't possibly dead. They say she isn't, but how do they know? She doesn't even question it. Corey, the actual witch, is also never mentioned the rest of the book. Why? Shouldn't she be involved w/ Celeste, the witch leader? Shouldn't she be a part of this entire thing?
There are just way too many unanswered questions.. It's almost as if you're reading two completely different books once the girls are separated. Then, when reading the synopsis of the second book, it's not even about any of the girls OR guys in this first one.. So all of those unanswered questions are just left unanswered?
I won't be reading the rest of the series, I didn't even finish this one. I got to 80% and skimmed over the rest to see if I could find out anything about Andrea...and there's nothing except one little blurb that says "she isn't gone yet". Again, how do they know? I honestly think this book needs to be rewritten. The first half needs to be elaborated on to the point that it's its own book, and the second half can be the sequel...with added info that ties it to the first.
September 3, 2019
I thought the Netherworld group structures and all were interesting, but they're only just touched on here and there, so hopefully future books continue the worldbuilding. Lila is a pretty strongly written character: she's consistently stubborn and doesn't listen to directions, consistent personality, etc.
What bothered me was the unbelievability of Lila and Gabriel's relationship. They've been acquaintances for a few years and suddenly want each other desperately within 2 days? To the point of permanent bonding? Gabriel's "lust" for her over those years does not count as relationship building. And the timeline of her feelings was off; she questions his love for her AFTER they've already bonded, which doesn't make sense whatsoever.
That scene when he first changes has rape all over it. She gets spooked, tries to run, and he overpowers her, pins her down despite her terror and crying and protest, rips off her pants, and nudges at her crotch. That's not sexy or erotic under any circumstances. But for some reason her first reaction crying on the floor with her pants shredded when he turns back is to kiss him? No.
And when they're at the hotel and she's in a tank top, he slut shames her for dressing too "inappropriately" and making him unable to control himself. Using a "werewolf" to make this seem okay is NOT OKAY.
A lot of the conversations and actions were cliche but not necessarily terrible. The rape factor and slut shaming are inexcusable though.
What bothered me was the unbelievability of Lila and Gabriel's relationship. They've been acquaintances for a few years and suddenly want each other desperately within 2 days? To the point of permanent bonding? Gabriel's "lust" for her over those years does not count as relationship building. And the timeline of her feelings was off; she questions his love for her AFTER they've already bonded, which doesn't make sense whatsoever.
That scene when he first changes has rape all over it. She gets spooked, tries to run, and he overpowers her, pins her down despite her terror and crying and protest, rips off her pants, and nudges at her crotch. That's not sexy or erotic under any circumstances. But for some reason her first reaction crying on the floor with her pants shredded when he turns back is to kiss him? No.
And when they're at the hotel and she's in a tank top, he slut shames her for dressing too "inappropriately" and making him unable to control himself. Using a "werewolf" to make this seem okay is NOT OKAY.
A lot of the conversations and actions were cliche but not necessarily terrible. The rape factor and slut shaming are inexcusable though.
December 4, 2020
Really good. Too much drama over being with her though.
I really enjoyed nearly all of this book. I just enjoy reading romances were they are allowed to get together and it’s not punishable by death because she’s human!
She’s been going into his bar for over two years and he’s always wanted her, but as a werewolf he’s not allowed to have a relationship with a human. So he avoids her st all times and ignores her. Until she and her friends do a spell to find their soul mates. It attracts warlocks who want to kill them. He moves in with her to save her. It’s an amazing storyline and I really want to read the other books. I just really don’t like books were they are not allowed to be together. That’s my personal choice though. Other people might like that.
The other bizarre thing is the punctuation. Commas in the middle of sentences. That totally throws you out of the storyline.
I really enjoyed nearly all of this book. I just enjoy reading romances were they are allowed to get together and it’s not punishable by death because she’s human!
She’s been going into his bar for over two years and he’s always wanted her, but as a werewolf he’s not allowed to have a relationship with a human. So he avoids her st all times and ignores her. Until she and her friends do a spell to find their soul mates. It attracts warlocks who want to kill them. He moves in with her to save her. It’s an amazing storyline and I really want to read the other books. I just really don’t like books were they are not allowed to be together. That’s my personal choice though. Other people might like that.
The other bizarre thing is the punctuation. Commas in the middle of sentences. That totally throws you out of the storyline.
September 9, 2021
Her soul mate
Absolutely loved this book and would thoroughly recommend it to all readers who enjoy great romantic paranormal stories. Seven women who when drunk did a spell to find their soul mates not knowing the consequences of their actions. Lila is attracted to Gabriel who owns a bar with his brother not knowing that he is a werewolf. When she sees him being attacked by three men she tries to go to his rescue. The men are actually warlocks and think that Lila is a witch and she then gets an introduction to the world of the supernatural where werewolves and others are real. Can Gabriel and other werewolves protect Lila and her friends from warlocks? What about the attraction to each other which is forbidden. Readers should enjoy following the tale of these two people.
Absolutely loved this book and would thoroughly recommend it to all readers who enjoy great romantic paranormal stories. Seven women who when drunk did a spell to find their soul mates not knowing the consequences of their actions. Lila is attracted to Gabriel who owns a bar with his brother not knowing that he is a werewolf. When she sees him being attacked by three men she tries to go to his rescue. The men are actually warlocks and think that Lila is a witch and she then gets an introduction to the world of the supernatural where werewolves and others are real. Can Gabriel and other werewolves protect Lila and her friends from warlocks? What about the attraction to each other which is forbidden. Readers should enjoy following the tale of these two people.
February 15, 2019
Gabriel and Lila
This is a good series opener that introduces the Netherworld, a secret world that exists side by side with humans. Gabriel, a werewolf, owns a bar with his brother and he has been attracted to Lila since she first came into the bar with her friends over two years earlier. But he's a werewolf and she's human. Anything more than a brief fling would mean a death sentence for them both. Then Gabriel scents warlocks outside the bar and everything changes in their world.
This is a good series opener that introduces the Netherworld, a secret world that exists side by side with humans. Gabriel, a werewolf, owns a bar with his brother and he has been attracted to Lila since she first came into the bar with her friends over two years earlier. But he's a werewolf and she's human. Anything more than a brief fling would mean a death sentence for them both. Then Gabriel scents warlocks outside the bar and everything changes in their world.
March 21, 2019
My book was a newer cover but I can't find it on Goodreads!!
I bought the Netherworld Series books one right after the other in 3 days... This book Once Bitten is the first of the series and I was sunk immediately. Humans are hands off for shifters, the owner of the bar, Gabriel has been serving drinks to Lila and her friend for years pinning away from afar for Lila.... But one night the ladies played around with witch craft, not realizing that the playing was real. Now Warlocks are looking for them labeling them as Witches, if they kill a werewolf or two they've scored big time.
I bought the Netherworld Series books one right after the other in 3 days... This book Once Bitten is the first of the series and I was sunk immediately. Humans are hands off for shifters, the owner of the bar, Gabriel has been serving drinks to Lila and her friend for years pinning away from afar for Lila.... But one night the ladies played around with witch craft, not realizing that the playing was real. Now Warlocks are looking for them labeling them as Witches, if they kill a werewolf or two they've scored big time.
April 3, 2020
It was interesting and I enjoyed having a female character that was strong and wanted to help the male character and did it with out being stupid. She actually was helpful and did her best to pull her own weight. It’s the start to a series, so like always, it’s setting things up for the story to move forward. I really think it will get better as it goes and we start to see more of the other netherworld inhabitants. It’s does end with kind of a cliff hanger, which I wish I would have known about beforehand.
May 17, 2020
Ok, so. I really liked this book for what it is.
Here is the thing, I started on one of her other series that was written later and you can tell she's learned a lot about sentence structure and pruning down since this book was written.
So, this book has a good story, the characters are great, and it moves well. However, it does have some points where you are like, "Did I need to know she walked to the kitchen, then back to the table, then back to the kitchen and back to the table again?" These sorts of things have been better developed in her later works.
Here is the thing, I started on one of her other series that was written later and you can tell she's learned a lot about sentence structure and pruning down since this book was written.
So, this book has a good story, the characters are great, and it moves well. However, it does have some points where you are like, "Did I need to know she walked to the kitchen, then back to the table, then back to the kitchen and back to the table again?" These sorts of things have been better developed in her later works.
February 20, 2019
First in series.First time reading this author. Not really sure how i feel about this book. A different take on shifters. Gabriel is a werewolf but every time he shifts in book he stays upright. Also the paranormal community does not like for different fractions to mix/mate with each other. Well written,hot sexy moments and funny in parts. Not sure yet if i'm gonna continue the series. Leaves you with a cliffhanger
March 27, 2020
Once Bitten
Still don't know the identity of the warlock killing witches, it has to be a warlock. I wonder if it's Cole or the council member doing it. Lila's beat friend is the reason they are in trouble and Casey still doesn't know. I'm glad Gabriel finally mates Lila. He has been in love with her forever and she was the same. I wonder what's next or who's next.
Still don't know the identity of the warlock killing witches, it has to be a warlock. I wonder if it's Cole or the council member doing it. Lila's beat friend is the reason they are in trouble and Casey still doesn't know. I'm glad Gabriel finally mates Lila. He has been in love with her forever and she was the same. I wonder what's next or who's next.
March 12, 2020
Good
This book was good. It kept me invested in the story but I did find myself interested in characters other than the main ones. On that note it does make me want to continue because of that.
This book was good. It kept me invested in the story but I did find myself interested in characters other than the main ones. On that note it does make me want to continue because of that.
September 30, 2020
Once bitten
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
December 31, 2020
i like it
I like it wish there was a little bit more to the end but i like itI like it wish there was a little bit more to the end but i like itI like it wish there was a little bit more to the end but i like it. I will read the next book don't know when....
I like it wish there was a little bit more to the end but i like itI like it wish there was a little bit more to the end but i like itI like it wish there was a little bit more to the end but i like it. I will read the next book don't know when....
December 22, 2018
Excellent
Wow , what a rollercoaster ride . From start to finish it was non stop action with hot loving thrown in. Can't wait to read the next book.
Wow , what a rollercoaster ride . From start to finish it was non stop action with hot loving thrown in. Can't wait to read the next book.
October 19, 2019
It was okay.......a tad ‘wordy’ for me.
November 6, 2019
Magic is real
Fast paced and a great read. Grab this read and relax. Looking forward to the next book to see what happens with the friends...
Fast paced and a great read. Grab this read and relax. Looking forward to the next book to see what happens with the friends...
March 16, 2020
A good read but...
It was a good read but it was a bit slow in places. At times, the storyline seemed to drag.
It was a good read but it was a bit slow in places. At times, the storyline seemed to drag.
March 23, 2020
Exciting first book into the Netherworld series! Magic and danger surrounds seven friends. Lila and Gabriel pulled me in with this adventurous paranormal romance. Looking forward to book two!
June 1, 2021
OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series
Want to Read
April 6, 2024Purchase Amazon March 3, 2020
November 16, 2014
What an exciting read! The premise of the series overall is so imaginative and well thought out. The plot is fast paced; never a dull moment. The action scenes are well done as are the "sexy scenes", as I call them. You definitely will NOT be disappointed with the sexy scenes. So much better than that "50 Shades" book. Highly recommend this not only to paranormal romance lovers but anyone who loves an exciting read!
December 17, 2014
This book was absolutely amazing. I'm dying to read the next book in the series. The book is just so well written I feel like I'm a part of the book. From the action to the racey sex scenes what's not to love. Even though this is a "syfy" book you can relate with Lila and her struggles and then you realize you wish you were her. Great sex with her man, come on you know you want to be her!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews