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Once Bitten
Is it more than just a one-bite stand?
Angie McCaffrey has endured her share of liquid lunches and boardroom shmoozefests to win new advertising clients. But her latest account--a cosmetics line for wannabe vampires--involves some unusual customer research at San Francisco's hippest private nightclub. The "undead" patrons are about as genuine as Macabre Factor's press-on fangs, but one thing is very real--the skin-tingling connection Angie feels with her clients' mysterious friend, Eric Taylor.
Still, there are a few problems with this hot new romance. 1) Eric is rumored to have dated Angie's scheming boss, Lucy. 2) Lucy, missing for days, just turned up dead and bloodless. And, oh yeah, 3) Angie has suddenly developed a teeny aversion to sunlight. Is Eric a real vampire, a killer, or both? Angie's got a lot riding on the answer--her heart, her life, and maybe even her soul. . .
Angie McCaffrey has endured her share of liquid lunches and boardroom shmoozefests to win new advertising clients. But her latest account--a cosmetics line for wannabe vampires--involves some unusual customer research at San Francisco's hippest private nightclub. The "undead" patrons are about as genuine as Macabre Factor's press-on fangs, but one thing is very real--the skin-tingling connection Angie feels with her clients' mysterious friend, Eric Taylor.
Still, there are a few problems with this hot new romance. 1) Eric is rumored to have dated Angie's scheming boss, Lucy. 2) Lucy, missing for days, just turned up dead and bloodless. And, oh yeah, 3) Angie has suddenly developed a teeny aversion to sunlight. Is Eric a real vampire, a killer, or both? Angie's got a lot riding on the answer--her heart, her life, and maybe even her soul. . .
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
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526 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 2, 2009
Once Bitten by Clare Willis
Paranormal Romance- Dec. 1st, 2009
5 stars
Fantastic Refreshing New Vampire Romance Mystery!!!
This book was fabulous from start to end. I truly was hooked from the first couple of pages.
I often tend to skim a few of the vampire books just because they often become to cliché as the story progresses. However, Once Bitten takes on an entirely different approach to the world of vampires. The story introduces the reader to an assortment of characters who are classified as wannabe vampires or the actual real thing. But the fun part is guessing who is what and how does any of this relate to the matter at hand. The writer does an excellent job in creating a mystery full of twists and excitement. The romance element added the extra topping to a wonderful fun read!!!
The characters were a pure delight. I loved Steve's character, he really added a great sense of humor to the storyline. Nicolai's character was also fascinating, he gave the really interesting historical and knowledge element to the novel.
I actually work in San Francisco near the Bay Bridge. I really thought the writer did a fantastic job with the scenery layout and description, it was very accurate.
I can only hope this is only the beginning of a new series. I would love to read more about Angie and Eric in future upcoming books. There is a lot that could be discussed and elaborated into further details for a potential series. Do not miss this book!
Paranormal Romance- Dec. 1st, 2009
5 stars
Fantastic Refreshing New Vampire Romance Mystery!!!
This book was fabulous from start to end. I truly was hooked from the first couple of pages.
I often tend to skim a few of the vampire books just because they often become to cliché as the story progresses. However, Once Bitten takes on an entirely different approach to the world of vampires. The story introduces the reader to an assortment of characters who are classified as wannabe vampires or the actual real thing. But the fun part is guessing who is what and how does any of this relate to the matter at hand. The writer does an excellent job in creating a mystery full of twists and excitement. The romance element added the extra topping to a wonderful fun read!!!
The characters were a pure delight. I loved Steve's character, he really added a great sense of humor to the storyline. Nicolai's character was also fascinating, he gave the really interesting historical and knowledge element to the novel.
I actually work in San Francisco near the Bay Bridge. I really thought the writer did a fantastic job with the scenery layout and description, it was very accurate.
I can only hope this is only the beginning of a new series. I would love to read more about Angie and Eric in future upcoming books. There is a lot that could be discussed and elaborated into further details for a potential series. Do not miss this book!
September 15, 2025
This book is an easy, quick read. The writing style is accessible.
I mostly liked the FMC, although it was hard to understand her as a character, beyond just being a 20something in a competitive field who loves her parents and her best friend, Steve.
This book is marketed to look like a paranormal romance, but it's probably more of a "psychological thriller". The mystery angle of the plot kept me reading, hoping for redemption. I wanted to know who was responsible for Lucy's death and why Angie received mysterious letters. However, the payoff was unimpressive.
I did not care for the romance aspect as all. There was very little actual communication between Angie and Eric through the book. When the FMC leaves the first encounter with the MMC and seriously if she wonders if she was roofied? Not for me, thanks.
I also really did not like that there was a scene that felt like an attempted SA. I really did not like reading about the pictures that Angie found. If I'd picked this up as something easy and light to read after having a hard day, I would be more than disappointed. These scenes were in the last 50ish pages. If they were earlier, I may not have finished the book.
Steve was probably the best part of the book - just a normal, solid, sidekick character. If there's fanfiction about Steve, I'll read it. :)
I mostly liked the FMC, although it was hard to understand her as a character, beyond just being a 20something in a competitive field who loves her parents and her best friend, Steve.
This book is marketed to look like a paranormal romance, but it's probably more of a "psychological thriller". The mystery angle of the plot kept me reading, hoping for redemption. I wanted to know who was responsible for Lucy's death and why Angie received mysterious letters. However, the payoff was unimpressive.
I did not care for the romance aspect as all. There was very little actual communication between Angie and Eric through the book. When the FMC leaves the first encounter with the MMC and seriously if she wonders if she was roofied? Not for me, thanks.
I also really did not like that there was a scene that felt like an attempted SA. I really did not like reading about the pictures that Angie found. If I'd picked this up as something easy and light to read after having a hard day, I would be more than disappointed. These scenes were in the last 50ish pages. If they were earlier, I may not have finished the book.
Steve was probably the best part of the book - just a normal, solid, sidekick character. If there's fanfiction about Steve, I'll read it. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2024
DNF at page 97. Insanely boring, horrible and tedious writing. Was hoping for a cute little vampire romance but there was nothing engaging at all. Tedious writing lamenting over useless things instead of having the story progress. The main characters were as interesting as stale bread. I really wanted to like this book but ended up throwing it in a corner. Will end up in the recycling bin.
January 7, 2019
2.5 stars
When Angie McCaffrey’s boss goes missing, she’s concerned, naturally, but she’s also happy to take the lead on the advertising accounts she’s worked so hard on. Angie’s most unusual client is Macabre Factor, a business that carters to people living the “vampire lifestyle.” If the account wasn’t odd enough, her clients’ friend, Eric Taylor, would tip the scales. Eric is the stuff straight out of fantasies: handsome and alluring. He also happens to have some strangely sharp teeth…
Then Angie’s boss turns up dead and exsanguinated and Angie has to figure out if the man she’s swiftly falling for is as perfect as he seems or if he’s a murderer whose next victim may be Angie.
Clare Willis takes a bite out of vampire lore with Once Bitten. It’s a fast-paced, entertaining tale with a very likeable heroine. Angie is a well-developed character whose kindness and integrity make her easy to become attached to. While I enjoyed reading her story, I was sad to find the romance a bit lacking. Eric seemed like a fascinating hero, but Ms. Willis doesn’t give readers a chance to really know him. I saw no reason for he and Angie to fall in love with one another and their declarations of love seemed to come out of nowhere. Still, I found Ms. Willis’s writing style to be charming and her obvious affection for the city of San Francisco matches my own. Once Bitten is Ms. Willis’s debut book and I look forward to seeing what her imagination conjures up next.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
When Angie McCaffrey’s boss goes missing, she’s concerned, naturally, but she’s also happy to take the lead on the advertising accounts she’s worked so hard on. Angie’s most unusual client is Macabre Factor, a business that carters to people living the “vampire lifestyle.” If the account wasn’t odd enough, her clients’ friend, Eric Taylor, would tip the scales. Eric is the stuff straight out of fantasies: handsome and alluring. He also happens to have some strangely sharp teeth…
Then Angie’s boss turns up dead and exsanguinated and Angie has to figure out if the man she’s swiftly falling for is as perfect as he seems or if he’s a murderer whose next victim may be Angie.
Clare Willis takes a bite out of vampire lore with Once Bitten. It’s a fast-paced, entertaining tale with a very likeable heroine. Angie is a well-developed character whose kindness and integrity make her easy to become attached to. While I enjoyed reading her story, I was sad to find the romance a bit lacking. Eric seemed like a fascinating hero, but Ms. Willis doesn’t give readers a chance to really know him. I saw no reason for he and Angie to fall in love with one another and their declarations of love seemed to come out of nowhere. Still, I found Ms. Willis’s writing style to be charming and her obvious affection for the city of San Francisco matches my own. Once Bitten is Ms. Willis’s debut book and I look forward to seeing what her imagination conjures up next.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
December 5, 2010
An interesting & different look at vampires - quite a few things are definitely different in this book, then in traditional vampire folklore.
There are some very interesting characters in the book, but the main character is way too naive, and often contradicts herself. One of the more interesting characters in the book you never actually meet, and when she finally does show up, she's dead. For example, throughout the book, she kept telling herself she didn't believe in vampires, she didn't believe in vampires - over & over again. But then when she finds out the guy she likes really is a vampire, she accepts this very matter of factly, without needing any proof whatsoever that he was a real vampire, and not a vampire wannabee.
There's some romance in the book, nothing terribly compelling about any of the scenes. The cops are complete idiots, which drove me a little crazy.
I admit, I did read this book very quickly, I think mainly because I was waiting for the book to pick up speed. What you think is just an introduction & character development, is basically the actual plot. I kept reading because I was waiting for that final big bang that comes at the end of a great book - and there really wasn't anything.
Even with all those negatives, I did still enjoy the book. It's not anything I'll ever read again, but I don't consider it wasted time reading it, either.
There are some very interesting characters in the book, but the main character is way too naive, and often contradicts herself. One of the more interesting characters in the book you never actually meet, and when she finally does show up, she's dead. For example, throughout the book, she kept telling herself she didn't believe in vampires, she didn't believe in vampires - over & over again. But then when she finds out the guy she likes really is a vampire, she accepts this very matter of factly, without needing any proof whatsoever that he was a real vampire, and not a vampire wannabee.
There's some romance in the book, nothing terribly compelling about any of the scenes. The cops are complete idiots, which drove me a little crazy.
I admit, I did read this book very quickly, I think mainly because I was waiting for the book to pick up speed. What you think is just an introduction & character development, is basically the actual plot. I kept reading because I was waiting for that final big bang that comes at the end of a great book - and there really wasn't anything.
Even with all those negatives, I did still enjoy the book. It's not anything I'll ever read again, but I don't consider it wasted time reading it, either.
June 28, 2012
One of these days I'll learn that there's a reason the freebies are free.
The overall story was interesting, but the story was pretty much the last three chapters of the book. The rest of it can be pretty much summed up as, "I'm so overworked this sucks, my boss is missing this sucks, oh look hot guy at a trendy club, BAM - can't live without him, when will I see him again, WHY HASN'T HE CONTACTED ME?!?!?!, oh maybe if I track him down at work he will be flattered, and not completely squicked out by the fact that I'm an obsessive stalker". Ew.
The romance was completely unbelievable. The heroine was firmly in the TSTL camp. She becomes obsessed after one meeting and stalks the guy. And just to make it even more nauseating, she pulls a "Bella". Yea, gotta love the heroines that need their man to live. Maybe my divorce made me too cynical, but I have yet to meet a man that I have wanted to die without. Puh lease.
The hero wasn't all that heroic either. He was written cold, remote, and was very 2D. As a reader, I had no sympathy for him and had a very hard time giving a shit about what happened to him. There was no passion. He was kind of a whiny little bitch.
Definitely not my cuppa tea.
The overall story was interesting, but the story was pretty much the last three chapters of the book. The rest of it can be pretty much summed up as, "I'm so overworked this sucks, my boss is missing this sucks, oh look hot guy at a trendy club, BAM - can't live without him, when will I see him again, WHY HASN'T HE CONTACTED ME?!?!?!, oh maybe if I track him down at work he will be flattered, and not completely squicked out by the fact that I'm an obsessive stalker". Ew.
The romance was completely unbelievable. The heroine was firmly in the TSTL camp. She becomes obsessed after one meeting and stalks the guy. And just to make it even more nauseating, she pulls a "Bella". Yea, gotta love the heroines that need their man to live. Maybe my divorce made me too cynical, but I have yet to meet a man that I have wanted to die without. Puh lease.
The hero wasn't all that heroic either. He was written cold, remote, and was very 2D. As a reader, I had no sympathy for him and had a very hard time giving a shit about what happened to him. There was no passion. He was kind of a whiny little bitch.
Definitely not my cuppa tea.
February 3, 2012
I'm not sure where I got this book, actually; I think it must have been some free promo.
It's not a great book, but it's pretty much exactly what I wanted to read right now so I'll call it good. The paranormal side of the paranormal romance was interesting, and several times the characters said "we should call the cops!" and then actually called the cops, so, y'know, extra bonus points to the plot there. Then again, it loses points for the use of rape to prove just how bad the bad people are. I also didn't buy the romance angle as strongly, but that's not really why I'm here.
It's not a great book, but it's pretty much exactly what I wanted to read right now so I'll call it good. The paranormal side of the paranormal romance was interesting, and several times the characters said "we should call the cops!" and then actually called the cops, so, y'know, extra bonus points to the plot there. Then again, it loses points for the use of rape to prove just how bad the bad people are. I also didn't buy the romance angle as strongly, but that's not really why I'm here.
January 20, 2011
While I really enjoyed this book, it felt like the typical vampire romance. You have Angie who is an assistant ad exec who is helping to devise a marketing strategy for a new cosmetic line. This thrusts her into a world of people who believe in living the vampiric lifestyle. Of course she thinks that it is all pretend until her boss turns up dead and her new boyfriend happens to have fangs. Overall it is a good read with some romance and mystery, but nothing special.
May 19, 2011
This was a free book on my Kindle. I read it on a round trip flight. It was OK. I was thinking that I should give it a try, since I haven't read any of the Twilight books but love True Blood. I'm guessing if you like the Twilight books, you might like this for a light and quick read. It's set in San Francisco (one of my favorite cities), so that's a plus.
Read
September 13, 2012I liked the twists that we're in this book but I didn't like how there were some unanswered questions at the end. I also didn't like how he didn't turn her, there was this big lead up making you think that and you get to the end and he's like, oh just kidding your staying super human. I wish there was a bitter description of everything Eric.
February 10, 2015
I could not put this book down the first half of the story. I stayed up way too late reading. There isn't much romance for those looking for steamy love scenes. However, it is more paranormal with a little mystery in the mix. I would have liked a little more info on Eric as well. Angie is a good protagonist and the book moved along for me.
January 12, 2011
This book was ok, nothing new and exciting to add. I was reading this book at the same time as another one that I was really enjoying and I think maybe that is why this one bored me a little. I also felt like the whole premise of why she thinks she has fallen in love with Eric is a little crazy.
June 26, 2012
The plot was actually ok but I didn't believe the "romance". There was too little build up to it.. That's why I didn't like it and if the romance wasn't such a big part of the book I probably would have given it one more star.
November 1, 2014
I'm only giving this book two stars because it had a pretty good plot.
The main reason that this book is receiving only two stars is because I absolutely hated the end, with the relationship between Eric and Angela. Stupid!
The main reason that this book is receiving only two stars is because I absolutely hated the end, with the relationship between Eric and Angela. Stupid!
September 9, 2014
Finally a vampire who is a TRUE vampire! So many authors and so many twists and turns on vampire lore that it is refreshing to read about a classical style vampire.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more from this author.
July 8, 2016
I should have maybe of given this book a 4 star rating because it is just a normal book. But, I really enjoyed reading it. It was a light read and I liked how it ended. I would like to read it again in a couple of years.
July 5, 2010
A new vampire tale that while it has it's moments will not bother to read again.
February 4, 2010
I am enjoying this book more than I thought I would.
April 26, 2010
This was a good read. I enjoyed the characters, but I think I am not big on murder mysteries in my romance.
Currently reading
March 23, 2010So far its okay, nothing stands out too much, however I'm not that far into it yet.
August 1, 2010
Great characters, and book. Wish there was a series with these characters.
January 5, 2011
I can't seem to finish reading it and it just wasn't getting good to me, sorry but I'll change my rating if I ever go back to reading the book one day.
December 6, 2010
The story was interesting, fast paced. The ending was a bit odd to me, but I did like this book.
January 10, 2011
Real slow to start... and i wanted to slap some sense into the main character but the last few chapters made it worth reading
May 16, 2011
Decent for a kindle freebie.
November 6, 2011
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
August 23, 2012
3.5 stars
September 28, 2013
A different and Interesting Book....it offers a completely different look at the Vampire World....
August 12, 2011
loved this book although it did have a bit of a funny ending
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews