First Oath: A Bite Of The Oath Prequel

The Black Fan #2.5

by Laura Greenwood

When an old friend turns up at the Black Fan to see Bindi with a proposition, she finds herself unable to say no. While on Julian's arm at a Yuletide ball, Bindi finds herself back in a world she thought she'd escaped, only this time, she's pretending to be someone's girlfriend. Can she convince the vampire elite that she's Julian's girlfriend? Or will the whole plot unravel around them? - First Oath is a fake fiancée vampire romance and a prequel to Bite Of The Oath, part of the Black Fan series. It follows Bindi and Julian as they go to their first engagement as a fake couple.

Genres: Vampires, Romance

70 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 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

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood has become one of those authors I turn to when I just want a nice and quick read. It are perfect books to read on busy days, when my mind is a huge chaos or when I just wanted something not too complicated or deep. And today I had a spare hour, perfect to read this little prequel set in the City of Blood.

I love how Greenwood keeps on expanding that world. This book takes us the vampire elite in the city. Not the ones groveling at the mayor's feet, but the ones who have been important for eternities already. I hope that we get to see more of them in the rest of the series, because I liked how old fashioned and different it all felt.

On top of that I'm a huge fan of fake-dating. And although it's quite clear that both characters have feelings for each other and that there's nothing fake about it, I liked how the fake dating somehow makes those characters bond more easily. We've seen a glimpse of the characters now and I can't wait to get to know them better.

I also really love how Greenwood shows us the talents of professional courtesans in this book. It's a job that is all too often seen as something low and degrading, but the girls Greenwood writes about do it because they actually like it and because they are good at the games they have to play to succeed in this business. It's a refreshing take on this job!

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed this quick, witty prequel to Bite Of The Oath series 🖤

[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

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to A Bite of The Oath, The Black Fan series, and the main character is one of the courtesans who works in the brothel called Bindi. She escaped her old life and her family’s expectations and came to the city before the walls went up and then was stuck there. Her family disowned her once she informed them of her career choice and although she is officially a Lady by title, her family were part of the new rich and so not as high up in vampire society as those from old money. The Black Fan brothel is in the City of Blood and is run by Lady Catherine, who treats her employees as almost part of her family, taking good care of them and not allowing any danger to get to them. One day she is called down by Lady Catherine, to tell her she has a gentleman caller, not a client, but someone who knows her full and real name and would like to speak to her. This man is Julian, or Lord Melberry, if you use his proper title, an old friend of her during their childhoods.

He has come to ask her to attend the Yuletide ball with him and to pretend to be his girlfriend, so he won’t have lots of women throwing themselves at him for his family money or title. He wants to talk to some of his business contacts about a new product he is trying to develop. She has to go back into the realms of the rich and entitled nobles, making it believable that she is with Julian, but her family are not high in the nobility’s sights, so most pay little attention to her. Julian takes her aside to talk about matters in the city that he doesn’t agree with, but she has to cover up their hidden presence on the sidelines, as someone else comes too close! A short story of an old crush of Bindi’s and a pretend evening out together as cover for some secret business, at an elite and fancy ball. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[OldBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh swoon! (That's not something I say often. Or ever, actually.)

A girl gets asked to the ball by an old crush needing a fake date. As in 100+ years old crush (plus 10 years because he is technically that much older than her as well) held by a girl who is a fallen vampire courtesan. Welcome to the City of Blood, try not to get bitten on your way... Oh wait, there is no way out.

This is a paranormal romance prequel that hits all the right notes. Never read any of the series or author's other related works (of which there appear to be many)? You'll be fine with this little bite of fake relationship fantasy in a modern dystopian city made up of vampires. I loved that I got a feel both for the world and the characters without info-dumps or over the top fiery passions (yeah, they are a bit quick off the mark, but the chemistry is there) getting in the way of telling a short story.

Not gonna lie; it was weird that Brindi's crush turns up at a brothel looking for her specifically to ask for a fake date when they haven't seen each other in years and he swears he never saw her that way... Despite everything being to the contrary. Kinda wish he'd just come out with it and said he had liked her but worried her brother would chase him off because of their age different back in the day. As long as she was, er, of age at the time.

Also, a paranormal story with a lead who isn't a raging ball of snark? Sign me up. I would definitely read more of this weird, walled-off supernatural world after this one.

[Katheyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“First Oath” is a prequel to the “Bite of the Oath” series, which is also part of the “Black Fan” series, a second-change paranormal romance series set in the City of Blood Verse.

This is the story of Bindi and Julian posing – for the first time - as a fake couple at the Yuletide ball. Bindi return to vampire world, under the false pretense of being Julian’s fiancée is full of risks, should the farce not convince the vampire elite the consequences will be dire.

This is an interesting, well-written prequel, that despite its length (barely 70 pages) offers a in depth introduction to both characters (Bindi & Julian), their fake engagement relationship as well as their real relationship with each other behind the scenes. An entertaining reading for all fans of dark supernatural fiction, specially those of the City of Blood narrative looking for an expansion to the verse.

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice brief insight into the workings of ,, The City of Blood ”and ,, The Black Fan”. Great characters and the story is full of details showing how this world works! It has a touch of mystery, suspense and intrigue and It's a nice intro for Bindi and Julian. Bindi was trapped in the city when the walls went up and became a courtesan. Julian, her brother's best friend, asks her help. She hasn't seen him in over 30 years, but she's always liked Julian and had once a crush on him as a young girl. As agreed, she goes to a ball as his fake girlfriend. But after spending the evening together, one night seems not enough. Bindi agrees to keep helping him. I enjoyed the book and you remain teased enough to want to keep reading for what's coming next and what's in store for the new ,,fake" couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet prequel to Bite of the Oath...Black Fan series. Lady Catherine the best to her girls! This gives a glimpse into Bindi and Julian and what the Black Fan girls do on their time off. Fake fiancee and going to the Yuletide ball.... sounds dreamy! Catching up is done between Bindi and Julian and the story ends so that you know there's more to it...so now we're waiting on Bite of the Oath. Simple, sweet and a totally non-vampirish outing.... and all in Blood City!
Totally enjoyed it and I hope you do to!

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

[Annatasia Meehleder · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Spoilers*

I just couldn't get into this book. No matter how hard I tried, i just couldn't feel interested in it. It felt boring and too proper for me. What I mean by proper is that it talked about Lords and Cortisans, etc. Which would be fine but it didnt have feeling behind it. It needed something, it was lacking.

I gave two stars because it was a little interesting. Why did Julian want a date? Why her? Why did she accept the proposal? Why? What's going to happen? What about corruption? What about the heat between the two of these characters?

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

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story!! I love how Laura keeps bringing us back to the City of Blood and some of the characters that we have previously met. This story is about Bindi, one of the working girls of the Black Fan, which we have previously read about in a couple of other series, and meeting up with one of her crushes from childhood in the elite where she grew up. There were secrets and secret intentions abound in this short but fun read. It was really good writing and easy to follow along. I can't wait to read more books in this series!

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

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

A prequel so there wasn’t really an ending. Just the promise of what's to come.
Bindi was stuck in the city when the walls went up and became a courtesan. Now her brother’s best friend needs her help. She hasn’t seen him in over 30 years, but she’s always liked Julian and goes to a ball as his fake girlfriend. But after spending the evening together one night is not enough. Bindi agrees to continue to help him. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

'First Oath' is the prequel to 'Bite of the Oath' which is part of the "Black Fan" series by Laura Greenwood. It's a quick, easy read so don't expect a lot of depth but we do get to meet the Hero, Julian, and heroine, Bindi, who hadn't seen each other in thirty years. While we get bits and pieces of their past we also encounter mystery, corruption, and romance in the vampire world. The storyline ends with a cliffhanger so you know there is more to come, which is intriguing in itself. I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julian finds a fun and entertaining companion in Bindi, the younger sister of his long time friend who became a courtesan - one of the few choices open to her as s young noblewoman cast out by her family

A ball with the nobility is not something Bindi has indulged in for some time, and a faux-mance is designed to help Julian fend off unwelcome advances while he makes business contacts

Is there a real buzz between these two?

A taste of more real romance and politics

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

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel is short but is a good introduction to Julian and Bindi the two main characters of the series. Bindi's a courtesan who agrees to help Julian her brother’s best friend by pretending to be his girlfriend. They haven't seen each other for ages, over thirty years, but she always liked him so going to a ball with him could be fun. But one night isn't enough so Bindi agrees to continue their fake relationship - will it become real?

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been provided with a review copy of First Oath by the author for an impartial review. This is the prequel to the brand-new The Black Fan series and is an introduction to the characters Bindi and Julian whose story concludes in Bite Of The Oath. I just loved this introduction into these characters. I was just immediately drawn in and I just didn’t want the story to end. I immediately wanted more after turning the last page. I can’t wait to read the conclusion to their story.

[Yoneidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sonia arribes to the City of Blood in search of her sister Reese hoping to convince her to finally return home.
Reese is the founder of the city but refuses to leave it.
Furthermore, no one can leave the city.
And Reese make it clear to Sonia that she doesn’t want her to stay, but Sonia disobeys her and she up finding a job and meeting Levi, the boy she ends up dating.
We will have to read the next book in the series to see how the story continues.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5. A Bite of the Oath Prequel features another couple. Lady Belinda “Bindi” Clemont & her older brother’s best friend Lord Julian Melberry. It’s more like an introduction of them reuniting. It follows after Sonia and Levi as book 5. Bindi is one of Lady Catherine’s courtesans and Julian is seeking an investor one of his inventions of synthetic blood. I like how they greet one another and witty interactions. I have an ebook version.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this is a prequel it is a quick read. This is a story about Bindi and Julian reconnecting since moving to the blood city. Look forward to book 2 & 3 in this series. Great how this series relates to the Blood City series, feel like these characters are old friends.

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

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel that introduced the maid characters Julian and Bindi. They had known each other earlier in their lives and how they met and how they come together to help each other. This story has mystery, intrigue and twists as you learn about the vampire elite!

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

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Oath: A Bite Of The Oath Prequel by Laura Greenwood is a wonderful read. This is the prequel to wonderful series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.

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

[Desiree Derouen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may read this one before even reading the series. Gives you a glimpse of what’s possible & ahead. Also, Can be read at anytime time. Is very true to the author’s usual writing. She’s unlike some writers where each storyline & its characters are uniquely their own. Recommended. HAPPY READING!!

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

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and intriguing introduction to characters I presume will be key to the Bite of the Oath series. There is a fake relationship, secret dealings, intrigue, and a possibility for connection and romance. This was just a quick bite (no pun intended) and I look forward to reading more about these characters.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Laura Greenwood; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the prequel to A Bite of The Oath; she has written a good start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[EGotay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First Oath" The Prequel
by Laura Greenwood’s

Whoa!!! Great little taster.🖤🖤🖤🩸

A quick short prequel of Bite Of The Oath Series that introduces the two main characters of the main story to come.

Had a thread of mystery, suspense, tension, and intrigue. Enough of a tease to want to read what will come next for the new fake couple.

[Ksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

In this prequel novella we follow vampires Bindi and Julien as they have a fake date.

This was really cute with just a hint of mystery and intrigue. I want to know more about this city they live in, along with seeing their happily ever after.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short insight into the workings of the city and the black fan. Great characters and the story is full of details which show how this world works! Nice intro to Bindi and Julian.
Great read!

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

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Bindi as she.pretends to be Julian's girlfriend. It was sweet.I'd love to see more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.

[Sandra Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted

A small nibble at what should be a tantalizing series. Mystery, corruption, and romance in the vampire realm is too
good to ignore. You will be hooked and want to know more.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short paranormal romance prequel story.. I liked it! It is actually rather sweet and the characters are really likable..

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

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick short prequel that introduces the 2 main characters of the main story to come. Had a thread of mystery, suspense, tension, and intrigue. Enough of a tease to want to read what will come next and what is in store for the new fake couple.