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Bait
Amber thought her life was perfect. She was in love with her boyfriend Frankie, had a nice summer job at Taylor's Book and was enrolled at Marshall University to become a teacher. Everything was on track for the perfect life.
ebook
Published July 19, 2022
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
D.I. Jolly
13 books100 followersGood Morning.
I wanted to be a writer since before I could actually read, when I first started playing a video game called Gabriel Knight Sin of the Father. I thought (and still think) that he was the coolest guy I'd ever seen and I wanted to be him when I grew up. Writer, bookstore in New Orleans, the works.
I live in Berlin now so I didn't get it totally on the mark but I I have written and had published 12 books, and very much like Gabriel Knight, without anyone having really noticed. Well not yet anyway.
I wanted to be a writer since before I could actually read, when I first started playing a video game called Gabriel Knight Sin of the Father. I thought (and still think) that he was the coolest guy I'd ever seen and I wanted to be him when I grew up. Writer, bookstore in New Orleans, the works.
I live in Berlin now so I didn't get it totally on the mark but I I have written and had published 12 books, and very much like Gabriel Knight, without anyone having really noticed. Well not yet anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 16, 2022
Not like D.I. Jolly's other books, but a fun read and I just can't wait for more. HIGHLY recommend. It's currently only out on the Galatea Reading app. Take that for whatever it's worth. I read it on Inkitt.
As this story develops I find it got super engaging, and really started to feel for the characters. Part 2 continues to grow the story and I can't wait for Part 3 coming to the same app.
Different, but not in a bad day.
As this story develops I find it got super engaging, and really started to feel for the characters. Part 2 continues to grow the story and I can't wait for Part 3 coming to the same app.
Different, but not in a bad day.
Read
June 9, 2023This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader along with a Q&A with the author
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WHAT'S BAIT ABOUT?
Amber is a few short months away from leaving high school behind, going to college, and studying to become a teacher. It will be difficult saying goodbye to her best friend, Jessica, who is moving across the country, and to her boyfriend (and almost certain future husband), Frankie, who is also moving out of state for college—but she's going to be okay. She has a plan, she's got her hunk of a boyfriend, and life is looking good. Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades.
Until one day when a young man comes into the coffee shop that she's working in and takes her breath away. He's gorgeous, he's shy, and she can't stop thinking about him. It's not just her, Jessica, is almost as smitten—but Bastian (as they learn he's called) really only seems interested in Amber.
What neither girl realizes that beyond their giggling lusting and certainty about true love—Bastian coming into their lives brings threats and complications that they didn't know existed. It's not long before Amber is involved in ages-old struggles between werewolves and vampires, werewolves and werewolves, and a father and son. None of these characters will move on unchanged.
WORLDBUILDING
This is the best part of the book, period. The particular take on Werewolves here (and to a lesser extent, Vampires) really worked for me. There's a little bit of the flavor of The Marrok from the Mercy Thompson series—but there's group of elders instead of just Bram (and many other differences, but like I said—flavor).
There's reason to think that this exists in the same world as his Mostly Human books. But it feels like the werewolves are organized differently (for lack of a better term). This raises some questions: are there multiple types of lycanthropes in this world and different types of lycanthropic magics? Has Jolly changed the way he thinks about them in this world? Has he just been inadvertently inconsistent? I ask about this in a Q&A with Jolly that will go up in an hour or so, but I haven't read his response yet. So go see what he said to get a better take on this paragraph.
There's also this Djalia-esque place/plane of existence where Bastian communicates with some people who I won't identify. That was an excellent touch and proved to be a good way for Bastian to develop.
Even the concept of soulmate is an intriguing addition to this world—and if it had been presented differently, I might not have the concerns I'm about to talk about.
CONSENT
Vague spoilers ahead. Feel free to skip to the next section header.
This novel was pitched to me as "a Paranormal YA-Romance novel focusing on the theme of consent". This is not my typical cup of tea, but I've read enough of all of those to be interested in Jolly's take on them (especially in combination). When I wrote about his Mostly Human 2, I talked about wanting to see a Lad Lit novel by him, and this might be something in that direction. So I went for it.
First, this is not what I'd call YA. NA/New Adult—sure. But that's not what I want to talk about.
There is a storyline that comes up later in the book all about consent in the ways you typically think about that storyline. Impaired judgment tied to underage drinking (not for a second saying it's deserved or excusable, just painting the scene) and some jerk not bothering to get consent (or care about it in the first place). It's dealt with well, Jolly is really good here. I do wonder if the punishment fits the crime, but hey...when you deal with werewolves and vampires (even if you don't know it), things happen.
If that's all that happened, I'd wonder why it was described as "about consent" because while it's a vital storyline, it happens relatively late in the novel.
I can't help but wonder, however, how the novel undercuts what it wants to say about consent. Throughout the novel Amber, Jessica, Frankie, and Bastian are really careful along those lines, and everyone is open and honest about their desires. But there's this magic whammy of the Soulmate at work. Where Amber and Bastian are tied together emotionally, physically, and supernaturally before they know each other.
Can Amber and Bastian truly be said to consent to anything? It's definitely not an informed consent. Had the whole soulmate thing grown out of their bond, or enhanced what happened naturally, that'd be fine. But truly they had no agency here—they chose to spend time together, to love each other, to be intimate with each other, and so on. But could they have made any other choice? I can't buy it.
I might have missed something. I might be misinterpreting something—I absolutely am open to that. But for now...ick.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT BAIT?
This is a tough one to write. Jolly and I have interacted a bit over the years and I like him as much as you can like someone you've emailed with a couple dozen times. I enjoy his writing on the whole and look forward to seeing new books by him. And I have no doubt that there are people who are really going to get into this book and want more like it. And more power to them.
I am not one of those people.
It's not just the consent issue (although that's part of it). It's not that I'm a prude and this book is definitely (and almost aggressively) "sex-positive" (although both are true, I've read and enjoyed more graphic work since this book).
Some of what put me off were the intensity of every thought and emotion expressed—it really felt like everything said, thought, or felt by the characters in their teens and twenties should've been accompanied by 5+ exclamation points. The pacing of the relationships, personal growth and change, and the story felt off and too accelerated to be believable.
I really think that this book plays into his strengths (it's very much along the lines of the parts of Mostly Human 2 that I thought were the most successful). There are some great moments (Frankie witnessing werewolves changing and realizing what he was seeing, for example). There were some promising characters. Again, I really liked the Elders council idea. But for every "pro" in this book, I had two or three "con"s.
I'm not—very carefully and deliberately—saying, "don't read this book." I'm saying, "go into it with open eyes." It's a book that feels to me like it needs—like its primary characters—to grow up and mature a bit.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.
---
WHAT'S BAIT ABOUT?
Amber is a few short months away from leaving high school behind, going to college, and studying to become a teacher. It will be difficult saying goodbye to her best friend, Jessica, who is moving across the country, and to her boyfriend (and almost certain future husband), Frankie, who is also moving out of state for college—but she's going to be okay. She has a plan, she's got her hunk of a boyfriend, and life is looking good. Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades.
Until one day when a young man comes into the coffee shop that she's working in and takes her breath away. He's gorgeous, he's shy, and she can't stop thinking about him. It's not just her, Jessica, is almost as smitten—but Bastian (as they learn he's called) really only seems interested in Amber.
What neither girl realizes that beyond their giggling lusting and certainty about true love—Bastian coming into their lives brings threats and complications that they didn't know existed. It's not long before Amber is involved in ages-old struggles between werewolves and vampires, werewolves and werewolves, and a father and son. None of these characters will move on unchanged.
WORLDBUILDING
This is the best part of the book, period. The particular take on Werewolves here (and to a lesser extent, Vampires) really worked for me. There's a little bit of the flavor of The Marrok from the Mercy Thompson series—but there's group of elders instead of just Bram (and many other differences, but like I said—flavor).
There's reason to think that this exists in the same world as his Mostly Human books. But it feels like the werewolves are organized differently (for lack of a better term). This raises some questions: are there multiple types of lycanthropes in this world and different types of lycanthropic magics? Has Jolly changed the way he thinks about them in this world? Has he just been inadvertently inconsistent? I ask about this in a Q&A with Jolly that will go up in an hour or so, but I haven't read his response yet. So go see what he said to get a better take on this paragraph.
There's also this Djalia-esque place/plane of existence where Bastian communicates with some people who I won't identify. That was an excellent touch and proved to be a good way for Bastian to develop.
Even the concept of soulmate is an intriguing addition to this world—and if it had been presented differently, I might not have the concerns I'm about to talk about.
CONSENT
Vague spoilers ahead. Feel free to skip to the next section header.
This novel was pitched to me as "a Paranormal YA-Romance novel focusing on the theme of consent". This is not my typical cup of tea, but I've read enough of all of those to be interested in Jolly's take on them (especially in combination). When I wrote about his Mostly Human 2, I talked about wanting to see a Lad Lit novel by him, and this might be something in that direction. So I went for it.
First, this is not what I'd call YA. NA/New Adult—sure. But that's not what I want to talk about.
There is a storyline that comes up later in the book all about consent in the ways you typically think about that storyline. Impaired judgment tied to underage drinking (not for a second saying it's deserved or excusable, just painting the scene) and some jerk not bothering to get consent (or care about it in the first place). It's dealt with well, Jolly is really good here. I do wonder if the punishment fits the crime, but hey...when you deal with werewolves and vampires (even if you don't know it), things happen.
If that's all that happened, I'd wonder why it was described as "about consent" because while it's a vital storyline, it happens relatively late in the novel.
I can't help but wonder, however, how the novel undercuts what it wants to say about consent. Throughout the novel Amber, Jessica, Frankie, and Bastian are really careful along those lines, and everyone is open and honest about their desires. But there's this magic whammy of the Soulmate at work. Where Amber and Bastian are tied together emotionally, physically, and supernaturally before they know each other.
Can Amber and Bastian truly be said to consent to anything? It's definitely not an informed consent. Had the whole soulmate thing grown out of their bond, or enhanced what happened naturally, that'd be fine. But truly they had no agency here—they chose to spend time together, to love each other, to be intimate with each other, and so on. But could they have made any other choice? I can't buy it.
I might have missed something. I might be misinterpreting something—I absolutely am open to that. But for now...ick.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT BAIT?
This is a tough one to write. Jolly and I have interacted a bit over the years and I like him as much as you can like someone you've emailed with a couple dozen times. I enjoy his writing on the whole and look forward to seeing new books by him. And I have no doubt that there are people who are really going to get into this book and want more like it. And more power to them.
I am not one of those people.
It's not just the consent issue (although that's part of it). It's not that I'm a prude and this book is definitely (and almost aggressively) "sex-positive" (although both are true, I've read and enjoyed more graphic work since this book).
Some of what put me off were the intensity of every thought and emotion expressed—it really felt like everything said, thought, or felt by the characters in their teens and twenties should've been accompanied by 5+ exclamation points. The pacing of the relationships, personal growth and change, and the story felt off and too accelerated to be believable.
I really think that this book plays into his strengths (it's very much along the lines of the parts of Mostly Human 2 that I thought were the most successful). There are some great moments (Frankie witnessing werewolves changing and realizing what he was seeing, for example). There were some promising characters. Again, I really liked the Elders council idea. But for every "pro" in this book, I had two or three "con"s.
I'm not—very carefully and deliberately—saying, "don't read this book." I'm saying, "go into it with open eyes." It's a book that feels to me like it needs—like its primary characters—to grow up and mature a bit.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.
December 4, 2022
This book is absolutely amazing it’s a must read 🤍
December 4, 2022
Bait was very different from any werewolf book I’ve read I love the characters the plot everything I would recommend this book to anyone ❤️❤️cheers to the author 💐💐
November 24, 2023
‘Bait’ is a romantic fiction about Amber and how her love for Frankie and her normal happy life does not prepare her for when she meets Bastian. Everything about him mesmerizes her, and nothing is the same again. If you are into romance but are in for a surprise, then you will enjoy this read. The story is navigated well, and the narrative picks up after covering a few storyline basics.
Amber’s personality is intriguing, and the romance novel does introduce enough twists and turns, ensuring you continue reading the book.
The dynamic between Amber and Bastian was absorbing. The story had a steady pace and all together I look forward to reading more from this author.
I recommend this book to those who like to read fictional tales.
Amber’s personality is intriguing, and the romance novel does introduce enough twists and turns, ensuring you continue reading the book.
The dynamic between Amber and Bastian was absorbing. The story had a steady pace and all together I look forward to reading more from this author.
I recommend this book to those who like to read fictional tales.
April 9, 2023
This book was a very good werewolf fantasy romance. I read it on the Galatea App. What stood out to me was the impeccable writing and solid flow to the storyline. You become involved in the characters and don’t want to stop reading.
February 4, 2023
I highly recommend this book.. Good story, I love some twists and turns. Not dragging like other books.. best of all, it’s complete 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
February 26, 2023
Bait is a YA Werewolf Romance novel.
But, after researching other books of this type I discovered a staggering and deeply troubling trope known as soft consent. Which is when a book is written in the first person, if the character says "no" out loud, but because we're in their head we know that they're thinking, "yes" then it's doesn't violate terms of service on publishing platforms, "Because they actually want it."
So Bait is themed around consent, both how attractive it can be to get consent, how important it is, and even, what happens when consent is taken away.
I don't support soft consent, I don't think it's appropriate and I didn't use it as an excuse in this book.
But, after researching other books of this type I discovered a staggering and deeply troubling trope known as soft consent. Which is when a book is written in the first person, if the character says "no" out loud, but because we're in their head we know that they're thinking, "yes" then it's doesn't violate terms of service on publishing platforms, "Because they actually want it."
So Bait is themed around consent, both how attractive it can be to get consent, how important it is, and even, what happens when consent is taken away.
I don't support soft consent, I don't think it's appropriate and I didn't use it as an excuse in this book.
April 21, 2023
Amber was living the perfect life, or so she thought. She had a wonderful boyfriend and a great job and was looking forward to attending college in the fall. Then Bastian walked into the cafe/bookstore she worked in, and everything disappeared. The connection to him was instantaneous. For Bastian, the connection with Amber was more profound and meaningful. Amber was Bastian’s soulmate. But Bastian has secrets that could threaten his and Amber’s happiness. What are Bastian’s secrets? And how will they threaten his and Amber’s happiness?
Bait is a fast-paced book that takes place mainly in Huntington, West Virginia (where Amber lives). There are visits to Bastian’s pack lands on the outskirts of Crown City, Ohio.
Surprisingly, there are quite a few trigger/content warnings in Bait. I say surprisingly because I wasn’t expecting these triggers to be a central part of the storyline. They are:
Child Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Verbal): Bastian is horrifically abused by his father, the Alpha of his pack. The author only goes into a small portion of what he had to endure, but what was outlined brought tears to my eyes. No child should have to go through that.
Child Abandonment: Bastian’s mother left him with his monster of a father when Bastian was a baby.
Cheating: Amber cheated on her boyfriend, Frankie, with Bastian.
Sexual Assault: One of the characters is sexually assaulted at a college party by another partygoer. After going to the police, several other women make similar allegations.
Murder: Bastian and his father murder his uncle at the beginning of the book. Bastian kills his father in self-defense. Another character kills the person who sexually assaulted another character (see above)
Gore: There are several vivid descriptions of murder and assault.
If these trigger you, then I suggest not reading this book.
The main storyline of Bait is Amber and Bastian’s love story; they overcome the odds to be together, and Bastian overcomes his abusive past to become the Alpha of his pack. The storyline is told in first-person POV and split between Amber and Bastian, with an occasional third-person appearance. I liked that the author did this. I got to see how affected Amber was by Bastian. On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing Bastian throwing off the chains his father had metaphorically wound around him.
There is an Instalove element of Bait. While I am not a fan of Instalove, I did like how the author spun this. It was the fated mate angle. Instead of having the female run scared of the male, I liked that the author had Amber accept everything (after an adjustment period).
I liked that the main characters, at least Amber and her best friend, acted like your typical late teenager at the beginning of the book. I am not that old where I can remember my head being turned by every good-looking guy that came into my work (granted, I worked at a gas station/convenience store but still). I also remember my best friend at the time being just like Amber’s best friend and urging me to let loose and have fun. So, I related to that part. Now, saying that, after Amber and Bastian got together and the whole werewolf secret came out, I didn’t quite connect anymore. But it still made it fun to read.
Several secondary storylines and characters add much-needed depth to this story. These secondary storylines explained so much about Bastian’s past (because his father wasn’t/couldn’t tell him). I will admit I wanted to smack the crap out of Bastian’s mother, but I understood that she made a very tough choice and didn’t make it lightly.
The paranormal angle was terrific. I loved the vampire angle. Several twists to that angle made me shake my head. As for the werewolf angle, I liked that the author took a common theme from werewolf romances and ran with it. He created the Elders and added a neat twist to their storyline. Of course, what it meant wasn’t lost on me, and I wonder how Bastian would deal with it in later books.
The end of the book was interesting. I liked how the author wrapped up the storylines and teased another story (and I hope it will be about who was mentioned at the end).
I recommend Bait for anyone over 21. There are language, violence, and sexual situations. Also, see my trigger/content warnings above.
Many thanks to D.I. Jolly for allowing me to read and review Bait. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
Bait is a fast-paced book that takes place mainly in Huntington, West Virginia (where Amber lives). There are visits to Bastian’s pack lands on the outskirts of Crown City, Ohio.
Surprisingly, there are quite a few trigger/content warnings in Bait. I say surprisingly because I wasn’t expecting these triggers to be a central part of the storyline. They are:
Child Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Verbal): Bastian is horrifically abused by his father, the Alpha of his pack. The author only goes into a small portion of what he had to endure, but what was outlined brought tears to my eyes. No child should have to go through that.
Child Abandonment: Bastian’s mother left him with his monster of a father when Bastian was a baby.
Cheating: Amber cheated on her boyfriend, Frankie, with Bastian.
Sexual Assault: One of the characters is sexually assaulted at a college party by another partygoer. After going to the police, several other women make similar allegations.
Murder: Bastian and his father murder his uncle at the beginning of the book. Bastian kills his father in self-defense. Another character kills the person who sexually assaulted another character (see above)
Gore: There are several vivid descriptions of murder and assault.
If these trigger you, then I suggest not reading this book.
The main storyline of Bait is Amber and Bastian’s love story; they overcome the odds to be together, and Bastian overcomes his abusive past to become the Alpha of his pack. The storyline is told in first-person POV and split between Amber and Bastian, with an occasional third-person appearance. I liked that the author did this. I got to see how affected Amber was by Bastian. On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing Bastian throwing off the chains his father had metaphorically wound around him.
There is an Instalove element of Bait. While I am not a fan of Instalove, I did like how the author spun this. It was the fated mate angle. Instead of having the female run scared of the male, I liked that the author had Amber accept everything (after an adjustment period).
I liked that the main characters, at least Amber and her best friend, acted like your typical late teenager at the beginning of the book. I am not that old where I can remember my head being turned by every good-looking guy that came into my work (granted, I worked at a gas station/convenience store but still). I also remember my best friend at the time being just like Amber’s best friend and urging me to let loose and have fun. So, I related to that part. Now, saying that, after Amber and Bastian got together and the whole werewolf secret came out, I didn’t quite connect anymore. But it still made it fun to read.
Several secondary storylines and characters add much-needed depth to this story. These secondary storylines explained so much about Bastian’s past (because his father wasn’t/couldn’t tell him). I will admit I wanted to smack the crap out of Bastian’s mother, but I understood that she made a very tough choice and didn’t make it lightly.
The paranormal angle was terrific. I loved the vampire angle. Several twists to that angle made me shake my head. As for the werewolf angle, I liked that the author took a common theme from werewolf romances and ran with it. He created the Elders and added a neat twist to their storyline. Of course, what it meant wasn’t lost on me, and I wonder how Bastian would deal with it in later books.
The end of the book was interesting. I liked how the author wrapped up the storylines and teased another story (and I hope it will be about who was mentioned at the end).
I recommend Bait for anyone over 21. There are language, violence, and sexual situations. Also, see my trigger/content warnings above.
Many thanks to D.I. Jolly for allowing me to read and review Bait. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
April 15, 2023
🥀Amber thinks she has everything until one day everything changes, her life is turned upside down within a wink of an eye and before she knows what’s going on with her life she is already into the new loop her life throws for her! It’s emotional, spicy and extremely hot! A book made me a sucker for romances even more, I do enjoy sugar coated love stories like the definitely yes when the third person enters in the story and it’s turns hella crazy! It’s that kinda book!
I loved how the author really keeps it a romance read and doesn’t turn it into a pure fictional erotica instead, I felt a magical connection the story and with Amber as how things unfold with her, that’s really interesting to see and it’s so so tempting, like once you start it you would know what I exactly mean!
On my hectic days this book added that touch of comfort, spice and love in my life, a hope with refilling romance and a warm sense of being around love!
With elements of fantasy the author takes the readers on a ride that extraordinary and unforgettable! I will definitely recommend it, just don’t miss it if you are looking for a good romance with a balance of almost everything a good romance has!
Rating: 4.25⭐️
May 6, 2023
Amber is happily in love with Frankie. Then Bastian walks into her coffee shop. Bastian has a secret—he’s a werewolf. Frankie is a good guy, but Amber is torn. She loves Frankie, but there’s something about Bastian, and she can’t pull away.
When Frankie gets suspicious, things take a bad turn. There are some real surprises along the way, making things hard to predict, yet this is a light page-turner with werewolves and vampires. Themes of family and friendship underlie the story. Another theme of consent adds strength to this paranormal tale.
One major situation after another presents itself. How will these characters resolve such issues? As they deal with some difficult things, we see their development.
This book has somber moments and ideas in it, but overall, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, being wrapped in casual conversations along the way with some humor. It’s an interesting story, at times silly, and at times thoughtful. For something fun to read, this might be a good one to consider.
When Frankie gets suspicious, things take a bad turn. There are some real surprises along the way, making things hard to predict, yet this is a light page-turner with werewolves and vampires. Themes of family and friendship underlie the story. Another theme of consent adds strength to this paranormal tale.
One major situation after another presents itself. How will these characters resolve such issues? As they deal with some difficult things, we see their development.
This book has somber moments and ideas in it, but overall, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, being wrapped in casual conversations along the way with some humor. It’s an interesting story, at times silly, and at times thoughtful. For something fun to read, this might be a good one to consider.
April 4, 2023
An enjoyable read that is well paced and littered with romantic moments, super cheesy, bordering on cringe, but still adorable. Jolly touches on some tough topics, like abuse and assault, but still does it cordially and in a way that isn’t triggering. As a survivor of both, reading the depictions from his characters was a bit healing.
March 12, 2023
Congratulations author! Loved this book, a must for all that is werewolf fans. Not the usually predictable storyline, a real page-turner.
March 17, 2023
I love this book. It is one off the best shifter story's i have read. My compliments too the writher.
March 22, 2023
One of my favorite books!! It's well written, it's not predictable, it keeps you interested throughout the whole story and I absolutely love it!!
April 6, 2023
I read all 3 books and it’s good. Just the right amount of action and romance. Couldn’t put it down, especially in some parts!!!!
Go read it if you have the chance! Better yet, go buy the book!!
Go read it if you have the chance! Better yet, go buy the book!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews