Bite My Fire

Biting Love #1

by Mary Hughes

At last, the perfect lover. Now what? Stake him, shoot him - or screw him?

A Biting Love story.

Elena O'Rourke lusts for two things - her detective's shield and a good lay. Sass-C gal's - Bad Girl Sex Tips - will win her the man. But keeping the shield hinges on solving a murder.

Warrior-gorgeous Bo Strongwell stands in her way.

Powerful as a Viking warship, Bo would be Elena's one-stop solution to celibacy - except for his apartment building full of mysteries. Plus, his kisses - and nibbles - and full body tongue-swipes - keep distracting her from the case. As if a caped clown named Dracula, a hooker with a heart of gold (and boobs of steel), and Elena's own clueless partner aren't distraction enough.

Bo Strongwell is a master vampire who needs a cop snooping around like he needs a garlic enema. Fighting rogues keeps him busy enough without Elena trying to pin the murder on one of his kind - even if she does taste like heaven.

Two fighters for justice. One incredible attraction. A terrible secret. Drunken women dancing on the bar: It all rides on Elena solving the Case of the Punctured Prick.

Warning: Jammed with hot explicit sex, graphic fanged violence, and acid cop humor. May contain donuts.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Humor, Ebooks, Adult

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I write steamy paranormal romances and wickedly fun romantic adventures, stories that crackle with action and love. Challenging, smart alpha men—and women not afraid of a challenge. Oh, do the sparks fly when he meets THE woman guaranteed to infuriate and inflame him most.

In real life I'm a USA Today bestselling author, a spouse and mother, a flutist, a computer geek, and a binge-TV-watcher of The Flash, Elementary, NCIS, and Wynonna Earp.

I'd love to hear from you!
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Reviews

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

People who know me, know that I rarely write reviews for books. I'm a simple girl, either I liked it or I didn't. But I had to write a review for this absolutely ridiculous book. Honestly, I spent most of my time laughing over the dialogue and "witty" remarks. It's quite simply one of the worst books I've read plotwise. It reads more like a bad parody, and if that was its intended purpose then I suppose congratulations are in order because this book is Bad.

I suppose spoilers will occur below this.

This supposed intelligent cop, sorry three-week-old detective, solves cases with her massive intellect and cop sense. Yeah, she has a 6th sense that tells her valuable input in the case, like if someone is lying or some vamp creature approaches, but even with this sense, Elena manages to be one of the biggest dumbasses I've read. And don't even get me started on her relationship with the hottie "viking" Bo. (Which is one of the most unsexy names I know, because as a Norwegian I could only read that as House after the author revealed it was Norse in origin.)
This entire book spans for what seems like a week. And within that week she manages to mention her five years, three months and x days dry spell an entirety of 10 times before they finally seal the deal. Nobody is that obsessed with sex that they even count the days and hours(at one point I think she even mentioned the minutes) since the last time they had sex. They have mind-blowingly unsexy sex multiple times after her dry spell ends, and by a week of knowing each other, they are already engaged, getting married and speaking of children. Yikes.
Honestly, I could go on forever about how much this book ticked me off, but I'm going to include some of the more ridiculous quotes(I have so many, dear Lord above) I noted during the reading.

- When the male lead says she tastes woman-sweet(yuck) she replies: I'm a cop, not a woman.
We have a whole new gender folks you heard it in Bite My Fire first.
- She sucks his fang and he thinks it's so hot "he yodeled". So totally not sexy.
- "I tried to focus. Despite Mr. Bo-dacious distracting me. Schrimpf. Puncture wounds. Mr.
Seriously Built Bo-dy. Mr. Drive Me Bo-nkers. Mr. Bo-delicious."
- "Why do you make me so hot? You're like guns and chocolate and beer all rolled into one."
Yeehaw sis
- "My nipples didn't think he was gay."
- "Krispy-Kreme handsome"
- "I grabbed his ears and tried to crawl into his mouth."
- "Damn. Stupid perky tits."
- "My pussy did a slow, wet smile."

And I'm gonna end my review here because the more I continue to read this the more I'm convinced it's all just a really, really bad parody. Dear Lord, just don't read this book folks it's bad.

[Kara-karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me of Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, only more of slapstick humor variety. This book takes populr paranormal tropes and thoroughly takes the piss out of them. It's dirty, hot and really, really funny! It's a great mix of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, and a heroine who decides in favor of bazooka instead of stakes is my type of gal. Recommended.

" There were pecans, there were cashews and then there were just plain nuts."

[Barbara ★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are looking for a sexfest and some extremely ridiculous dialogue, you've found the perfect book.

For this reader, it was simply too ridiculous to bear. Every single sentence was lust-ridden and Elena's partner? OMG beyond ridiculous. There is simply no way on this earth that that man would be eligible to be a cop forget about a detective. I usually don't have any problem suspending disbelief but this book was just too over the top.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

Well, just to start off, I asked Didi to give me something light and “fluffy” to review since I have been doing some strong, serious books lately. Well, she delivered! The “Biting” series is funny, sassy, sexy and oh-so-much fun!

In “Biting My Fire” we meet Elena and Bo. Elena, is a strong-willed police officer who is trying to make Detective in the town of Meier's Corners, a little town outside of Chicago. She is relegated to night shift and has been doing nothing more than answering disturbance calls when a murder happens on her shift. Now, if she solves the murder, she is a full-time detective. Enter Bo Strongwell. Bo is a Vampire and his job is to protect both the Vampire's and Humans of Meier's Corners. What happens will have you smiling and holding your sides laughing. There are a lot of sub-characters that are going to be playing big and little parts in the remaining series. These “characters” are just that – characters. Between the hookers, the granny stripping on the bar in Neiman's, her best friend Nixie that doesn't speak in any normal language, Dirk Ruffles and the other Vampires (good and rogue), you won't want to put this book down. Now, mix all this in with some wild Vampire sex and the both of them working on solving the “Case of the Punctured Prick”, as Elena has named it, you will be oh-so-happy that you decided to pick up this series and reading it.

Now, I know that I would normally give you a synopsis of this story but so much is going on that it is very hard to summarize. I can tell you this, though, I was thrilled with the way the book was written. Mary Hughes brought all the characters together seamlessly. Her descriptions of the antics that happen in Meier's Corners make you feel like they are real. So, between the hot sex scenes (well I was panting then), the people of Meier's Corners (wait until you meet Dirk Ruffles) and Elena's phone ringing every time her and Bo get started (talk about being frustrated) I had a smile on my face throughout the book. Now, I just can't resist, here is an except from the book that actually had me laughing out loud:

“I found the witnesses at the far end of the bar. Putting on my regulation cop face and manners, I strode over and flashed my badge/ID case at the smaller of the two guys. “Are you Dieter Donner?” I pronounced it Dye-ter, but I should’ve known better.
“That’s Dee-tehr, cutie.” Donner was a small, shaggy man with bright blue eyes and teeth too big for his face, like a horse’s mouth slapped on a collie. “What’s a cutie like you doin’ in a place like this?” His words were slurred.
“Original. And that’s Detective Cutie to you.” I turned. “You, sir?” Donner’s partner was a large distinguished-looking man, bald but for a skirt of hair hula-ing around his ears. Surrey with the fringe on top, ’cause if Donner was the horse, this guy was the stately old carriage.
The carriage stood and bowed, offering me his seat. “Franz Blitz at your service, Detective Cutie.”
Donner and Blitz. Thunder and Lightning. Honest to Pete, would I make this up?
Blitz continued, “May my compatriot and I buy you a drink?”
“Thanks, I already ordered something.” The bartender slid my cola down to me as I sat between them. “I just have a few questions.”
A cheer erupted from behind me. Donner hiccuped. “In a minute. Brunhilde Butt is dancing.”
I turned, only to be blinded by the sight of the grandma tottering on top of the bar, pulling down her tube top. She yanked it all the way to her navel before her nipples were exposed.
“Aw.” I winced. “That’s just wrong.”
“Take it off! Take it off!” Rhythmic pounding started on the bar.
Donner cheered. “She’s goin’ all the way!”
It was like a car wreck—I had to look. Grandma yanked up her skirt. I prayed for a layer or two before the ship hit the iceberg, but…ye gods! I had no idea they made orthopedic thigh-highs. And I really didn’t want to see if granny’s rug matched her sparse silver curtains.
The old woman did an experimental strut or two on the bar. A bump-and-grind was followed by a wince of pain. But the way her hips moved made me think she’d had it at one time, and in spades.
It wasn’t her imagination slowing her down, it was the arthritis.
Unfortunately the arthritis also tripped her up. Strutting along, Granny hit a puddle of beer, slipped. Her size six loafers flew up into the air, peanuts scattering like shot. She bounced off a fat drunk like he was an airbag and pitched onto the floor.
“I’m okay!” She sprang to her feet. The spry move was followed by another wince. I thought it was the arthritis until Granny picked a swizzle stick from between her thighs. Ew.
“Show’s over.” Donner held up a finger for another beer. “You got some questions, cutie?”

So, with that, I will leave you to read “Bite My Fire” and enjoy the wonderful people of Meier's Corners and the love story of Elena and Bo. Have fun!

SPECIAL NOTE - BITING LOVE SERIES READING ORDER
There is a bit of confusion about reading order because of publication dates. I got this reading order from Mary Hughes.
Bite My Fire (Biting Love Book 1)
(Biting Dracula--free short story)
Biting Nixie (Biting Love Book 2)
(A Biting Christmas Special--free short story)
The Bite of Silence (Novella, Biting Love Book 3)
Biting Me Softly (Biting Love Book 4)
(Oz Bites--free short story)
Biting Oz (Biting Love Book 5)

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elena O'Rourke is the junior probationary police detective on the third shift, pining desperately to make full detective status, when the body of Napoleon Shrimpf falls into her lap - metaphorically. Dubbed by Elena to be The Case of the Punctured Prick, she scrambles to solve this bizarre murder as she struggles to maintain her rep as a competent cop's daughter (WWDD - "What Would Daddy Do?" is a mantra of hers) amid the frustrations of an unwanted and criminally chatty partner and under the attention of Bo Strongwell, the sexiest male she's ever seen. Despite the fact that Bo keeps turning up and turning her on, and Elena wants nothing more than to solve her case and end an achingly long sexual drought (not necessarily in that order), he's a suspect, and puts the suspicious in 'suspicious character.'

Strongwell wants nothing more than to protect his town and his...people...until he gets his first taste of Elena, and then the Vikingesque vamp can't get enough of her scent and her taste and her. But secrets divide them, and as he tries to protect Elena and keep his true identity hidden, his growing lust and affection may draw her into a deadly threat - not only to her life, but to the future of the whole town.

I liked Bite My Fire. I thought the plot was engaging and the vampire mythos seemed original enough not to come across as a tired revamping (no pun intended). The setting, Meiers Corners, is chock full of quirky and pop-iconic tertiary characters (like the town gossip and hair cutting maven, Dolly Barton, and the CSI agent whose initials are CSI and who bears a startling resemblance to William Peterson...and for those Buffy aficionados, the vamp prostitute, Drusilla) who add a definite flavor to the mix. And too, while I didn't find it laugh-out-loud funny, I certainly found it humorous enough to make me smile quite a bit through the reading of it. But there were some problems.

Most notably, I had some issues with the two lead characters. Written in first person from Elena's point of view, I couldn't seem to truly warm to her and thought too much of her character was defined by her hormones, not enough by her intelligence. I'm all for a lusty lead, but when it's a driving personality trait to the extent it was in Bite My Fire, the character sometimes comes across about as shallow as a puddle. It's a pity, too, because there was definitely enough backstory provided to give her some depth - with the history of her parents and connection to her sister - but she focused so much on her sexuality that it muffled all the rest. And Bo was little more than a cardboard cutout of hunky male yumminess. Again, I like me some hot male vamp, but if it's the only aspect of him we really see, it makes it hard to see him as a full person. That issue made a scene at the end seem particularly jarring, when he seemed to do a complete about face from tall, blonde, sexy, and mysterious to earnest family man wannabe.

Ah, but I said most notably. I had other issues as well. Personally, I think this book would've benefited from some critical editing - not to fix errors, but to pare down and streamline the story itself. I felt the beginning, pre-Elena finding out about vampires, went on far too long. I also think what started as a shiny glitter of amusing and quirky characters slowly got dragged straight into repetition and ended up bordering tedium. Detective Dirk, for example, started out as a cute character but quickly got on my nerves. As did Elena's fleeing from him. In fact, I'd say overall I would've preferred a bit more focus on character development and the relationship between Elena and Bo, and there would've been plenty of room for that if everything that happened 3-4 times (or more) in the book had been pared down to 1-2 times (including evading Detective Dirk, confrontations with Elena's sister, descriptions of every nuance of Bo's body, and the many many reminders of how long it'd been since Elena had last had sex). Also, I had one other slightly odd issue that I can't remember having in the many paranormal romance/urban fantasy series I read. I thought the vampire mythos in this book was a bit vague and anorexic in definition. What was there seemed sort of new and potentially fresh, but there really was so little explained, and most of that not even by an actual vampire, that I couldn't quite sink my teeth into it (pun intended). The lack left that aspect of the world far less clear in my mind than the setting, and as it's a vampire paranormal, I think that's a problem.

All that being said, I did like the book and I'm going to be reading Biting Nixie, which, if I understand correctly, was the first book published, but the second in the timeline of the Biting Love series. I may be wrong about that, though - I'm a bit confused on the point - so don't quote me.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

[Janet Rodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had to be a parody. This couldn't be serious, could it??

Between 1-2 stars. I didn't hate it (the premise was intriguing, and there were some good moments), but I didn't really like it either. Just kinda Meh. But I didn't feel like it was a total angry read, so I'll be generous and round up to 2.

Elena O’Rourke (h) is a newly minted detective who has a murder dropped right into her lap. She's determined to solve it and make her name, earning her permanent detective's shield. To do that, she's going to have to figure out all sorts of weird details, like a bloodless corpse with no blood nearby, while juggling Dirk Ruffles, a new and overenthusiastic partner, and Bo Strongwell (H), a neighborhood watch volunteer with too many secrets who's too attractive for her peace of mind.

The story was a struggle to read, just from a plot perspective. There were all sorts of threads that just were never developed. Her internal lie detector and Spidey Sense - both just thrown out there, accepted as The Way Things Are. And her weird 5 years of sex interruptions - could have been something more, a curse or something cool. But no, just a running gag that went waaaaaay too long. The biggest thing was in the main plot. For a supernatural story to not even discuss the possibility of something paranormal until 2/3 through the book... what you got was a lot of Elena wander around, trying to "investigate" but really going in circles, Bo stopping by to flirt, grope, and/or save her life, and Dirk just chattering incessantly. But there were so many hints dropped that as a reader, it was easy to connect the dots. It left you rather impatient for things to Just. Get. Going. Already. It also reinforced the idea that you had a rather dense lead. Things finally got moving after she stepped into the supernatural side of town, but until then, you were just waiting for her to catch up.

It didn't help that Elena was dumb as rocks. Her internal chatter was immature and nonstop. She mentioned her celibacy streak 10 times, totally hung up on not getting any action (and who keeps count down to the day??). The number of idiotic situations she got herself into as she "investigated" was ridiculous. Drunk dancing on the bar as part of her "investigation"? The roller skate in the fight scene at the end?? The whole chapter with her old bra and Lefty's appearances???? Sure, we all get the old bra thing, but do we wear it out in public, to the job no less, and in a top where we know we'll literally be popping out? "Here, take me as a professional, while I get sh*tfaced on the job, pop out of my top, and proceed to strip in a seedy bar. But I'm such a By The Book professional!"

Not to mention, Elena was kinda b*tchy. Start with her family relationship. She was picking the same fight with her sister over and over. Yes, sisters argue, but over the same thing multiple times during a week? No cooling off period? It was like Elena was seeking out Gretchen to argue. Aside from her arguments and Elena-Knows-Best attitude to her sister (and most people she encountered), her reactions to Bo were horribly snobby. She's willing to hop into bed with him, but keeps looking down on his job like he's worthless (she does come around by the end of the book, but it was a long journey getting there).

The romance was weak. He's 1000 and she's 26 (and a rather dumb 26), and he's falling for her oh-so-hard, never-met-anyone-like-you? Didn't see why. And on her side, just seemed completely sex-driven. She goes from condescending and suspicious and thinking he's an outright villain, to sex and learning he was a vampire, to going all soft and gooey over him - all in like, a night. And then they're professing love and marriage by the end? This whole story took place in less than a week! And Bo went through quite a shift. He's all tough and alpha (with just enough marshmallow center) but then when he's proposing at the end? Just felt out of character.

The sex was not hot, and occasionally a outright turn off. Grooming her with his fangs? Ew. Just Ew. And his reactions when she played with his teeth? Beyond ridiculous. Elena's focus on sex got repetitive too. I can't remember another character I've read recently (and certainly no one in real life) who was so sex-focused. The number of times she talked about how wet she was getting or how her nipples perked up just by thinking of him. And, as mentioned above, the weird to-the-day celibacy countdown. It was all just over the top and ridiculous.

And all of this craziness was wrapped up in writing that was just trying too hard. Seriously almost every character and place had some sort of pun in the name, or weird over-exaggerated character quirk, or both. Dirk's nonstop chatter was actually a mild example. There's also the butler named Butler, the CSI tech whose initials are C.S.I., a couple whose names are Quincy and Abigail and whose son is John, Dolly Barton the hair stylist (who actually looks like the singer)... and on and on and on. The humor and Elena's snark all just were too much, went on for too long. Like a little kid telling a joke that doesn't know when it's past the point of funny and into Just Plain Awkward.

Editing needed, both for plot and more grammatical reasons. Names got mixed up (Smith or Schmidt?) Some typographical errors. Big one though - she kept talking about how Meiers Corners didn't have muggings or recent murders, but wasn't her own brother-in-law mugged and killed in Meiers Corners, less than a year ago??

All 1st person POV from Elena's view. Which means we got all of her "witty" commentary and boneheaded decisions. No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangles - so that's all good. Really, I had the feeling the whole time that this was supposed to be funny or a parody or something, and I just wasn't getting the joke. Maybe it'll be funny to someone else, but it just wasn't for me. There are better steamy paranormal romances and better gritty-detective-esque paranormal mysteries. HEA and minor down-the-road follow up (though not an official epilogue). No cliffhangers, though the Big Bad is still out there, allowing for future stories.

Would I read more in this series? Highly doubt it.

[ൠSinful · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like the story. I don't mind recommending it at all. Not sure that I will read Nixie's story as this one got more stars both here and on amazon and Nixie doesn't fare too well.

Why only 3 stars? It was the writing. The love just wasn't believable to me. Read Black Dagger Brotherhood and you are in love as much as they are in a day or to. This one I just couldn't really bite into like that. I loved her snark, but maybe it was too much? Or not at all the right times? Heck maybe it was because Bo only seemed to be around to fool around and sex isn't falling in love. Falling in love is: I know what your heart is. I know what haunts you, what you aspire too and I can't live with out you inspite of it. So when they are professing this forever love it seemed flat. A let down. I wanted so much more emotionally before they got there.

So, the relationship development was lacking for me.But the detective part was well done. Nice twists. Timely reveals. Decent pace. That part was pretty good. Not James Patterson good, but good.

So three stars and a thumbs up. For a day on the beach when mindless works best and tears could be embarrasing.

[Jaimie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually can pull something out of a book that I enjoyed but I really didn't like this book. I almost didn't finish it but came back and pushed through. I got it because it was supposed to be a funny vamp book/steamy romance and I have read a lot of books like that and enjoyed them. I didn't think it was funny - even though it was obviously trying to be. The fact that the main character didn't figure out the hot guy who kept showing up at night and biting her was a vamp until my kindle said I was 52% thourgh the book made me think she was not only unfunny but dumb as well - not something that I like in a main character playing a detective. The steamy romance was ehh. Don't get me wrong there was plenty of sex - it just seemed repetative and ... I don't know, silly? Plus she went from not getting he was a vamp and thinking he was hot but a bad guy to totally falling in love in like a page - really?

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this book is 1st in series, it is actually the 2nd bk written. This is the world of Meiers Corners, a satellite city of Chicago, with the good vamps protecting the unsupecting humans from the coterie of Chicago bad vamps. (think vamp mafia)

Detective Elena O'Rourke is given the first murder to happen since the 1920's and is determined to solve the case. Little does she know that it is a vampire killing.

Bo Strongwell, the local Master Vampire, is having trouble with a lot of rogue vampires turning up in Meiers Corners but cannot resist Elena.

This is a well constructed series and each individual main character is reasonably well developed. Nixie, Elena's friend is hilarious in later books and I will certainly continue to read the rest of the series.

[Mrs. Missive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart ass woman, Hot Muscular man, both looking for a killer who can drain a man dry. You get into the world though the view of Elena. Who's 5 year sex draught finally comes to an end, and the hands and fangs of Bo. Yummy sex scenes, drunken stripping, and comic relief all around. Fun read.

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHE didn't stand a chance against HIM...

This was a fun romp. Our girl is SNARKY...and she's very funny.

VERY ENJOYABLE.

[Rachel Berens-VanHeest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The incredibly fun writing and hot sexiness were enough to make me gloss over some of the plot holes and character issues...

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite My Fire by Mary Hughes is book #1 in the Biting Love Series. I LOVED this book!! It is sexy, hot and laugh-out-loud funny. This book is an amazing blend of rom-com + paranormal + whodunit. So entertaining right from chapter one. The characters are superb. Elena O’Rourke is a strong, smart, independent and highly capable detective. Her one big problem is she suffers from a bad case of coitus interuptus syndrome. Bo Strongwell is a vampire, neighborhood watch leader and building superintendent. Together these two create enough heat to go super nova. If you are looking for a fun, sexy read, look no farther. BUY THIS BOOK!! I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I have bought them all and will be devouring them as quickly as possible.

[Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Wasn't expecting to as I'm not a fan of first person perspectives, but this one did it right by only focusing on the female protagonists viewpoint. Her narration is entertaining, with lots of funny little comments that make you laugh out loud.

Loved the erotic scenes too; very steamy and enjoyable to read. Am used to skipping them in most books now, but in this case I liked them, the teasing and foreplay lasting quite a while before full consumation is eventually achieved. All the constant interuptions right as it was about to get going, funny as hell, and you definitely sympathise with the female protagonists frustration.

The mystery side was alright, not the best but passable. No real twists or surprises in the end.

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this was a Mary Hughes book I knew there would be great world building and fantastic character development of both the leads and secondary characters. What I didn’t expect was for it to be so quirky! Elena’s inner monologue is filled with irreverant sarcasm and insecurities. In short, it’s hilarious! It was nice for a change to see a character who is not physically perfect (and knows it) but who slowly comes to the realisation that she doesn’t have to be to be accepted for who she is.

Elena and Bo are truly likeable characters, and the supporting cast show so much promise for future books. The humour in this book makes the story just slip by. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Lovins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch out for the bite.

Elena is a detective in a small town. She wants to be a full fledged detective. She gets a murder case that just gets stranger as she tries to solve it. She then meets Bo and things get even more confusing. She keeps coming to the same conclusion, but the answer she keeps coming to can’t be right. The wound on the victim looks like a bite mark and the victim is drained of blood. Vampires can’t be real, right? Can she solve the case? Will Bo have his bitey way with her? Like a good vampire store with humor? This is the book for you.

[Jaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A completely implausible set of characters and setting, but so damned funny that its somehow ok. Its so stupid, its clever.

Apart from the MC, whose inner dialogue about herself, her life, her job and everyone around her is absolutely to *live* for, there is nary a human in the book with two synapses firing. That *should* cancel this book out as even being time-worthy, but the humour (outlook) and the je ne sais quoi about the entire package is too engaging to do just that.

Its so stupid, its clever!

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this quirky read is both cute and annoying. The 2 main characters are well let's just say it isn't the kind of read you take seriously or characters you may expect any depth from. But I like the story and as annoying as Ruffles was at least he had some depth and kept adding to the story. I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed more but I did laugh and chuckle and enjoy the intrigue so to me that's a win.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I was a different person, the type who stop reading bad books, I'd have dumped it after the first chapter or two. Eventually I wanted to know who was the murderer. I'd like to think the author meant this to be funny and campy. But instead it was just so bad. Everyone's names and the bad dialogue was enough to make me scream. Then you meet some characters who are just ridiculous. Run don't read !

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Great writing! A funny, badass heroine and giant hunky viking! Can't wait to read the rest of this series!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little confusing i n the beginning, a bit corny and a whole lot of fun. Looking forward to Nixie's story.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. Lots of surprising plot twists. Paranormal suspense, romance and humor. First book I've read by the author. She writes and intriguing story.

[Charlene Kaup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read.

Wonderful plot twist and turns. The characters were very interesting and well developed. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[SaraAW · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 400 book!!!!!!

[Michelle v · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great start to the series. I loved the nix of the characters And all their quirks they got into The weirdest situations. Sex action and Humor.

[Beate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 1st person, in the snarky voice of Elena, this book is off to a good start from the very first page. With golden lines like "bend me over and smack my ass with a waffle iron" and "think Santa in lederhosen", I fell in love with this author without even having to think about it.

With the German-speaking Mayor getting whipped by Heidi while on the phone with our Elena, this story is off like a rocket.

"Was that a cock or did he have a Viking ship in his pants?" is just one of the many, many, many gems in this book.

Though the repeated usage of the word "vulva" first time Elena and Bo do a little grinding, is distracting and unsexy. But then it bounces right back with phrases like "Washington Monument in his pants".

Obviously this is the kind of book that you'll either love, or you'll hate it because you'll just think it's too stupid. I loved it at the beginning, even with all the information coming at me at once. But the further I got into the book, and the more proof of vamps that was served to Elenea, I got more and more annoyed with her. She just couldn't get over herself and admit that there were vamps in play here.

She was so deeply in denial about what was right in front of her, the book got 2/3 done before she admitted to vampires being "real".

When you have so much proof presented to you, and you still keep backtracking and thinking it can't be; it quickly gets old. When your dead brother in law is "alive" and well, how can you still play the "I'm dumb" card? Really!

The one thing I didn't see coming was the night shift Captain of police being the pimp. That was kind of funny. But I knew who the killer was. That one I figured out the minute the character was introduced.

It kind of kills (heh!) the story when you figure out who the bad guy is before the main character does. Makes for a very frustrated reader. Especially when all the signs are beyond obvious.

It also gets kind of old constantly having to hear how big Bo's dick is, and how much it keeps growing by the minute. If it were to happen to any of us "mere mortals", that dick would be coming out of our throats. No joke.

Also, I was tired of reading about his big bulging muscles, about how tall he was, and basically how he would not take "no" for an answer when it came to sex. Yeah, a little squicked out there...

The one redeeming quality about Elena was that she stayed true and strong through the whole book. She didn't let herself be controlled by anyone, but went on and did her thing no matter what. A strong, female character is always a joy to read; no matter how annoying the rest of the book is. Though, wish she'd be a little less in denial than she was.

I could only read this book a little at a time. Other than the funny one liners at the beginning, unfortunately things went from amusing to old quickly. Ms Hughes ain't no Lynsay Sands, but she's all right.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena O’Rourke wants two things – her permanent detective’s shield and an end to the five plus years of her Murphy’s Law-induced celibacy. The Case of the Punctured Prick…er… Meiers Corners’ first homicide seems to be her path to both. Solving the murder will put her on the fast track to getting a permanent spot as detective and the investigation itself keeps bringing her into contact with Bo Strongwell. Bo’s irresistibly sexy and strong, but he has more secrets than a room full of CIA agents and a tendency to nibble with some seriously sharp teeth. Elena knows it’s not just coincidence that keeps bringing him into her path, but the conclusions her mind is drawing are too supernatural to be real.

Master vampire Bo Strongwell works from dusk to dawn keeping rogue vampires from attacking humans and the last thing he needs is the Meiers Corners P.D. sticking their noses into vampire business. Especially when the person nosing about is the delicious, gorgeous Elena O’Rourke. Elena tempts Bo in ways he’s never before known in his preternaturally long life. But Elena seems determined to pin the murder on one of his own. Can Bo trust her enough to reveal the truth of his world? Or will two lovers, two fighters for justice, find themselves on opposite sides of the law?

In the quirky town of Meiers Corners, nothing is normal – not even murder. That’s what makes Bite My Fire such a fresh read. Mary Hughes creates the most original, fun characters, and I delight in the adventures of each and every one. Elena is an intelligent, likeable heroine with a strong sense of justice, a caring heart, and an unusually disastrous love life. And Bo...“Holy Donut!” as Elena would say. This Viking vampire has an off-the-charts sex appeal and more talent with his fangs than should be legal. Together they heat up the page like nobody’s business, mixing work and play in sinfully enticing ways. As for the rest of the Meiers Corners residents, they are all fascinating, vampire and human alike, and flesh the world of Bite My Fire wonderfully.

Chronologically, Bite My Fire is the first Biting Love story and it’s a great introduction to the world of Ms. Hughes’s vampires, not to mention the unique town of Meiers Corners. I guarantee if you like Bite My Fire even a tenth as much as I did, you’ll want to dive right into Biting Nixie, the second Biting Love story and that of Elena’s best friend, Nixie. Each book in this series is completely different, yet melds together beautifully with the others.

Bite My Fire is a truly irresistible read I didn’t want to end. Ms. Hughes made me laugh, made me blush, and swept me away for hours upon hours of enjoyment with this fabulous tale. Joyfully Recommended!

Recommended Read. Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.

[Starry · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last, the perfect lover. Now what? Stake him, shoot him-or screw him?
A Biting Love story.

Elena O-Rourke lusts for two things-her detective-s shield and a good lay. Sass-Cgal-s -Bad Girl Sex Tips- will win her the man. But keeping the shield hinges on solving a murder.

Warrior-gorgeous Bo Strongwell stands in her way.

Powerful as a Viking warship, Bo would be Elena-s one-stop solution to celibacy-except for his apartment building full of mysteries. Plus, his kisses-and nibbles-and full body tongue-swipes-keep distracting her from the case. As if a caped clown named Dracula, a hooker with a heart of gold (and boobs of steel), and Elena-s own clueless partner aren-t distraction enough.

Bo Strongwell is a master vampire who needs a cop snooping around like he needs a garlic enema. Fighting rogues keeps him busy enough without Elena trying to pin the murder on one of his kind-even if she does taste like heaven.

Two fighters for justice. One incredible attraction. A terrible secret. Drunken women dancing on the bar- It all rides on Elena solving the Case of the Punctured Prick.
_______________________________________________________________________
nickie-Elena's bff
thorvald-bo's assistant
Drusilla-vampire chick
Bo-master vampire
Elena-main character,cop/detective(whatever, you get what i mean)
Gretch-elena's half-sister, and i think she's a vamp

Elena meets Bo on her first night out on a case, and she suspects him as someone that is involve, or knows alot about the case... and her sister is hiding somethings that she won't tell Elena also. Everyone that she meets from the day on the case and afterwards all seem weird to her...almost like vampi-- wait.. they don't exist, do they? elena thought.
but as she keeps running into bo, and hearing and experience his bitings on her, she can't help but think theres another side to bo that she should be frightened of..
In the end Elena solves the case and gets her dream prompotion to become a real detective, and bo is now her fiance and plans to have kids with her.
#97

[michelle+8 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up Bite My Fire because I'm a fan of paranormal romance, and I'd heard this book was both funny and steamy. I was not disappointed on either count. Det. Elena O'Rourke's snarky internal dialogue and wacky adventures definitely make for a hilarious read; the desperately frenzied build up of her romance with vampire Bo Strongwell left me panting for more. The story itself -- of Elena's investigation into her small town's first recorded murder, the bizarre actions of her recently widowed younger sister, and the mysterious underworld of Strongwell and his friends -- made for an intriguing and worthwhile plot.

However, Bite My Fire's most outstanding feature was also its weakest. The book is absolutely filled with ridiculous groaners. Nearly every minor character has a silly, punny, or incredibly coincidental name. There's the butler named Butler, the baker named Baeker, the town gossip named Dolly Barton, and the karate instructor named Mr. Miyagi. The town CSI has the initials C.S.I., and looks suspiciously like William Peterson. The murder victim and his wife are named Napoleon and Josephine, with another minor couple named Quincy and Abigail. Seriously, I could go on for paragraphs.

But wait, there's more! Even though we only meet the town's mayor for the length of two short phone calls, we learn that he's an open deviant. And if his love for polka weren't odd enough, he also lets his black leather-clad secretary whip him *while* he's on the phone with the cops. Then there's Dracula, the plastic cape wearing, Bella Lugosi impersonating "vampire" who's stalking Elena all over town.

The first 100 pages of this book were the hardest to get through. Some of the groaners are so bad you'll have to either laugh or cry. If you can manage to laugh, you'll probably enjoy the book all the way through to the end -- at which point you won't be able to believe you actually read that all the way through. And then you'll go out and buy the next one.