It Happened One Bite

A tingling began first in James’ toes and fingertips. He cried out in pain because the tingle was more like being jabbed by the sharpened points of hundreds of needles as his limbs came to life. He hadn’t felt pain in decades. Actually, in over two centuries, not since he’d been human. But he was feeling it now. And it was none too pleasant. He’d like to think that he had blood rushing to his extremities, but that was highly unlikely. Damn if he wasn’t unusually parched. A thirst tugged at him like none other had before. He needed to feed. And he needed it soon.

He glanced around himself, unsure of where he was. The dark room that held him was so black within that he couldn’t even see his hand when he was finally able to raise it in front of his face. He tested his limbs gingerly as they slowly came to life. He blinked his eyes open and closed. Of course, the darkness was all he could see. But it felt good to open them, which was more than he could do earlier. A definite improvement.

He wished he knew how he’d come to be in this bizarre place. He rolled to a seated position and groaned loudly as he unbent his long body. He leaned against the frigid stone wall behind him and laid his head on his knees.

After a time, his eyes began to adjust to the surrounding darkness, and James smiled when he was able to make out a door. Freedom. Thank God.

James rose to his feet but nearly stumbled under his own weight. He clutched the wall to steady himself. Had he been drugged? Just one more sin to add to the mounting list of injustices the coven had placed upon him.

On weak legs, James slowly made his way across the cold floor and grasped the door handle. He tugged, only to find it locked. That shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it was disheartening just the same. Not that a locked door could keep him trapped. All he had to do was pull it from its hinges.

He yanked on the handle, but it didn’t move an inch. He slammed his shoulder against the wood, but he didn’t even hear a satisfying crack. For God’s sake, how weak was he? Then the most glorious sound he’d ever heard reached his ears. Footsteps came from the floor above him. He looked up. “Hello?” he called. The footsteps stopped. “Hello?” he said again, resting his head against the door. If he was loud enough, perhaps the person could hear him. “Please!” he yelled one final time. “I’m trapped. Please let me out.”

The faint voice of the female he’d heard earlier trickled like rain down to him in the darkness. A bump and a muffled curse word reached his ears, which brought a smile to his face. The lass did have an interesting vocabulary. He’d teach her a few more colorful words if she’d just open the door.

Then once the lass freed him, James would be on his way. He felt his ring finger and growled. Damn witches. Hopefully it was dark outside as traveling by daylight would be impossible since one of the magical she-devils had apparently absconded with his ring.

“Come on,” he cried from his prison. “Come and find me. Please.”

When her footsteps slowed, James thought he’d wither away and die. He closed his eyes, willing her to continue. He couldn’t lose the lass. Not when she was so close to finding him. “Hello…” he called, allowing his voice to linger at the end of the word, drawing it out like a song. “Can you hear me?” His throat burned with the force of his words. He reached one hand into the darkness, as though he could grab onto whoever was moving about above him. “Help me!” he called.

The footsteps stopped completely.

“Please!” he begged. “I know you can hear me!”

Her steps moved across the floor again, faster this time. Had James still possessed a heart, it would have leapt at the sound. “That’s it,” he whispered to himself. “Come this way.”

Finally, footsteps, slow and measured, clipped against stone steps, the noise ringing in his ears.

“Hello!” he cried.

She stopped again.

“No! Keep coming. I’m in here, but I’m trapped.”

Another step. She didn’t back away. Thank God. She was still coming toward him. A flash of light crept beneath the door. It was nearly painful to his eyes. He gasped and covered them quickly. Then he cracked one eye open and took in the room, which he could now see much better from the warm glow that slid beneath the door.

He jerked at the door handle once more, but it still refused to budge. He could almost taste his freedom. Until he smelled the scent of blood that pumped within her veins. She smelled of sweet lavender, earth, and strength. He wanted to taste her more than anything. James dropped to his stomach beside the door and spoke beneath it. “Please, free me,” he crooned.

“Are ye real?” The soft Scottish lilt of her words moved through him like thunder breaks a storm-laden night. He shuddered. Scottish lasses would be the death of him.

“I’m real.”

“I doona believe ye.” She sounded odd to his ears all of a sudden, as though she was in a trance of some sort. The tiny thread of hope he had held began to unravel in his hands.

Still he was so close to freedom that giving up seemed foolhardy. “I’m very real, lass,” he promised, pressing his whole body against the door. If he could slide himself beneath it, he would. “Set me free and I’ll show you.” James felt the door move a bit when she tugged on the other side.

“It’s locked,” she said wistfully, dreamlike.

“Of course, it’s locked. I told you I was trapped.”

“Oh.”

“Can you look for a key?” What was wrong with the lass? She didn’t seem to grasp much of what he said, nor the urgency with which he said it. Had the coven trapped and drugged her, too? Was she a victim of their treachery as well? “Blasted witches,” he ground out beneath his breath.

A startled gasp rang out from the other side of the door. “Blasted ghost!” she countered.

Ghost? Clearly the chit wasn’t in her right mind. “Lass, if you’ll just find the key.”

“Find it yerself,” she snapped.

What the devil was wrong with her all of a sudden? James heaved a sigh. “Please,” he begged. But then her footsteps moved away from the door and James’ hope plummeted once again “Don’t go!” he cried.

“No such thing as ghosts,” she barely whispered, but he heard the words clearly.

Her footsteps clipped back up the stone steps. James cursed beneath his breath and begged her to come back, but she didn’t answer him. He heard her move across the floor above him. Then silence. She’d vanished as quickly as she’d arrived.

Why had she run off ? What had she said? He tried to remember her exact words. Did she think he was a ghost? Was that what she meant? He scoffed to himself. He was the furthest thing from a harmless specter. But, he’d be whatever she desired, right up to the moment she freed him.

Blair Lindsay, part of a coven of five Scottish witches, travels with her brothers to her mother’s ancestral home, a castle in need of a good cleaning. James Maitland, Lord Kettering, is a vampyre, who has been trapped for decades in the Lindsay’s castle. It seems the previous seer of the coven told the coven members, that James was a danger to Blair, and they trapped him in the castle. When Blair arrives, James wakes up and isn’t a very happy camper. Neither Blair nor James knows whether to trust the other, but their mutual attraction is evident.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is a very entertaining paranormal romance with great characters and an enjoyable plot with several humorous moments. James is a suave, debonair vampyre used to charming his way through life, but he is thrown for a loop by Blair and more often than not, when around her gets foot-in-mouth disease. It is great fun watching James struggle against his growing feelings for Blair. Blair is a warrior witch, used to being in charge, and is blessed with a stubborn streak. Very protective of her family and friends, Blair seeks someone, who will love her for herself— as the strong, intelligent woman that she is. Beloved characters from Ms. Dare’s previous books make appearances and charming new characters are introduced. This reader, especially, likes Brannock, Blair’s younger brother, who could be counted on to lighten the mood.

Overall, IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is a marvelous read, which I highly recommend. I’m on pins and needles to read the next in the series, IN THE HEAT OF THE BITE.





Blair Lindsay is part of a coven of witches in Edinburgh, Scotland. Each of the five girls has been brought up by their mothers in different forms of magic. There is a healer, one who is able to control the weather, one who can control plants, and one who can sense emotions and then there is Blair. Blair is able to create and control fire. Times are hard for Blair and her two brothers. Both of their parents are dead and it’s up to Blair and her older brother Aiden to take care of their younger brother and the home. They find out one day that they have inherited an old castle and they pack up to go investigate what their mother has left to them.

Upon entering the castle, Blair is struck by how much work is going to be needed in order to restore the castle to its former beauty. Blair starts going through rooms and hears moans coming from the cellar. Against her better judgment, Blair goes downstairs to investigate and comes upon a locked door. There seems to be someone locked in the cellar.

James Maitland is a vampire and has just woken to find himself locked in the cellar of a castle. Unsure of how he came to be there, he hears voices and manages to get Blair to free him. He is immediately taken by how much she looks like one of the witches who knocked him out. James is also very aware by how much he is attracted to Blair. James must convince Blair to help him find out why he was locked up in the cellar and to convince her that she can make his cold heart beat again.

This was certainly a very charming love story. I had a bit of trouble at the beginning only because of the use of Scottish brogue in the character’s speech. Once I became more used to it, the book flowed wonderfully. Blair is certainly one of the bravest and take charge characters I have come across. She has taken on the role of holding together her tight-knit family as well as being part of her coven of witches. James Maitland is certainly a wonderful match for her and gives as good as he gets. He is able to stand toe to toe with Blair without taking anything away from her personality. There are many ups and downs for this pair and the ending will bring out the tissues. This is by far a great addition to the romance genre.



Fast paced, action packed, filled with emotion, sensual tension and intrigue, I read It Happened One Bite, in a day, which is saying a lot for me! I couldn’t put it down.

I liked the idea of a battle-born witch hooking up with a vampyre, and in the Scottish Highlands no less. Blaire and James have an instant connection, in which they both tease each other, and clash at the same time—but its a good clash, its that tension that we all seek out in romance novels and can’t wait to watch the story of their love unfold.

There is a wonderful twist at the end, which I won’t give away, that makes this romantic vampyric/witch story quite memorable, and solves all the issues of a happy ending between two lovers without them both being damned to walk the earth for eternity.

There was one glaring problem that I had through the majority of the book—and be warned this may be considered a spoiler alert to some—and it was the ring Blaire kept around her neck. For as much as James is kissing and nibbling her neck, he never notices the necklace that she keeps hidden in her bodice until just past the mid-point of the book. There is even a scene where he takes her clothes off—and doesn’t notice the necklace that holds his ring. Now, this sort of thing wouldn’t normally have bothered me so much, except every time he kissed her I thought—"Here it is! He will surely see that his ring rests on her necklace!" And then he wouldn’t see it...

But, besides this issue, I did enjoy the book. I liked the connection, the paranormal elements and the historical setting. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Blaire Lindsay has been warned that her ancestral home is haunted. But it will take more than tales of fictional ghosts to frighten Blaire, a battle-born witch with supernatural strength and the ability to make sparks fly from her fingertips. Hearing spectral wails, she decides to search for their source, and is surprised to find a handsome English baron chained to the dungeon wall. As soon as Blaire frees James, Lord Kettering, from his bonds, she quickly finds herself in the arms of the vampyre lord, whose perfect manners are more dangerous than anything Blaire has ever faced... Soon her family’s castle is overrun with vengeful vampyres from James’ past, which threaten both of their futures. Blaire and James join together in the fight of their lives to save everything they hold dear from the forces of evil...


My Review -
I love Lydia Dare. There I said it...I just adore her books! It happened one bite is the latest book in a series that did not disappoint! As soon as I started the book I could not put it down! I was up into morning finishing this book. James is a perfectly yummy vampire Lord. Blaire is a spitfire with a spine of steel. They are a perfect match in this story. I love that characters from past books in the series also made their way into this book..I love to know how my favorite couples lives turn out so that was a cherry on top of the book for me.
Visit the authors web site here to learn more about the series. You will become as addicted to it as I am! Book 6 comes in July! I CAN’T WAIT!


Do you love your Historical’s with a wee bit of witchcraft?! Well, It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare is a Paranormal Historical! The setting is one of my favorites... Scotland! And the time frame is 1817! Add to that mix a heroine that is feisty and a witch, a handsome vampyre that almost melts our heroine’s heart, and a dark and mysterious castle!

The story opens up in Edinburgh, 1797. Five witches have hunted down a particular vampyre, charming in appearance, but deadly. Deadly to the daughter of one of the coven... sometime in the future. The vampyre is James Kettering and the witches take his very essence away and bury him in a castle in the Highlands, never to be heard from again... or so they thought.

The story jumps 20 years in the future. Those five witches have passed down their powers to their daughters, one of which is Blaire Lindsay. Upon the death of Blaire’s mother, eventually it is found out that her mother had an estate... in the Highlands. Are you seeing part of the picture here? Buried in the basement of that estate is James Kettering, and when Blaire shows up to claim her ancestral home, guess who is discovered stirring in the basement?! But this is just the start of a fantastic story! When Blaire frees James from the basement, she knows he’s not your average man, and what ensues is just amazing!

The banter between Blaire and James is so wonderful! She is a great heroine, who is feisty and strong willed, but yet she can’t help but melt at James Kettering’s touch. Sparks and passion ignite every time Blaire and James get near each other, but love between a witch and a vampyre? And especially since it was Blaire’s mother who helped banish James for 20 years in the basement! Why did they banish James into the Highlands? What secrets lie in wait for both Blaire and James to discover?

There is so much more to this novel than the fire between Blaire and James. The story feels fresh in its approach, sprinkled with humor and filled with an intriguing mystery. The writing is wonderful. Blaire does talk with a Scottish Brogue, but it should only take a few pages before the dialect feels natural. And that Scottish Brogue is only coming from Blaire’s family and relations, the rest of the dialogue is written without the added Highland "flavor". But the way Blaire talks also adds authenticity to the time and place. And I really enjoyed "listening" to her.

Simply put... I just loved this book! Lydia Dare’s writing just pulled me in! I became totally absorbed in the story, which had just enough witchcraft and vampyre lore to satisfy me without overwhelming the whole plot. The romance was smart & sexy. And the characters were were well developed and entertaining. Blaire herself kept me reading as I just had to know how she was going to handle all that was put in front of her. If you enjoy vampyres, a bit of witchcraft and "The Highlands", plus romance, a great story and a bit of mystery, Read This Book!


First the writing team of Lydia Dare brought us four loveable Lycans (please do not call them werewolves Simon takes offense), now they bring us delectable vampyres in It Happened One Bite- the first book their new vampyre series. We also see the continuation of the coig, with Blaire Lindsay, the battle-born witch front and center in this book. I loved the character of Blaire and I have to say that so far she is my favorite heroine from Lydia Dare’s books, James was a rather interesting character as well. I have to say that each one of Lydia Dare’s books have intrigued and delighted me, and It Happened One Bite proves that this new vampyre series is just as delightful and intriguing as the Lycan series.

Please note that It Happened One Bite is the first book in Lydia Dare’s new vampyre series, and is a continuation of the Lycan series that came before, but IT IS A STAND ALONE READ. Although I will say that once you read this book you will want to read the ones that came before it!

The story set in the Regency era in which our heroine, Blaire Lindsey, was a witch and our hero, James Maitland, Lord Kettering was a vampire who had just woken up from a cursed sleep. I really enjoyed the characters in It Happened One Bite. Blaire was a battle-born witch and she was smart, strong-willed, brave and fiercely independent. If Blaire wasn’t your typical Regency lady, James was also not your typical vampire either. He was a gentleman vamp in the truest sense: he didn’t go running around biting people for food, he’s very dashing and I didn’t find him dark and dangerous like the other vampires in romances though he did have some brood-y moments. I thought Blaire and James’s had great chemistry together. These two really cared for each other and I liked how they got together. The secondary characters were fantastic as well, especially James’s friend the Earl of Blodwell, another gentleman vampire, who was just itching for his own story.

As for the plot, the story opened with Blaire’s mom and the coven casting a spell on James because a vision foretold that he will be a danger to her daughter’s life in the future. Then, fast forward twenty years later, Blair travels to her mother’s ancestral home and felt a strong connection to the house. When she freed James from his cursed sleep, she found out that it was her mom and her coven who did it. However, what the vision revealed and why the coven had to go to the trouble of imprisoning James wasn’t told until the end. There was a bit of mystery in there and also in the other plot plot line in which two vampires were after James for revenge for some reason that wasn’t revealed until the end. The pacing was okay, there were some parts that I thought dragged and others that were rushed, but overall it was a good read (despite the big reveal in the end that wasn’t so big) and the romance between Blaire and James was great. I wasn’t sure of the Scottish brogue in the beginning because I’ve read some romances in the past where it got a little too much but here it was done well. It Happened One Bite was more a light, easy read and there were some great humorous moments in the book. This was my first Lydia Dare read and it won’t be my last. Check this book out if you’re in the mood for a light vampire romance with great characters. 3.5 out of 5 stars

First in a new series featuring gentleman vampyres, It Happened One Bite is the latest release from writing duo Lydia Dare. Readers who loved the Westfield Wolves series will not be disappointed as Lydia Dare once again blends the historical and the paranormal to create a heart-stopping romance. With everything from an ancient castle with it’s own prisoner to a love that could breathe new life into the heart of a lonely man, this book has it all!

Blaire Lindsay has no idea what she will find when she accompanies her brothers to the ancestral castle belonging to their mother. Briarcraig Castle is covered in dust and long forgotten along with the undead prisoner it holds. Twenty years ago Blaire’s mother and her coven sisters imprisoned James Maitland, Lord Kettering in the castle to prevent a vision from coming true that could destroy Blaire and her family. Now, Blaire releases the gentleman vampyre unaware of what he is, only that he touches her in a way no one ever has. Their attraction for each other is strong and fiery, though perhaps futile. When a vampyre bent on revenge targets Blaire , it will take everything Blaire and James have in them to fight for her family and their love.

It’s no secret that Lydia Dare is one of my favorite authors. After being introduced to the first book in the Westfield Wolves series, A Certain Wolfish Charm, I have sung their praises at every opportunity. This was one of the first paranormal historical’s I had ever read and I was completely enthralled by it and I have felt the same about every book they have released since.

Lydia Dare’s latest offering, It Happened One Bite is the first in a new series called the Gentleman Vampyres. I was somewhat sad to see the end of the first series, but happy to see what Lydia Dare would come up with next. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is more of a continuation of the story than a complete departure from the their first efforts. The characters we have learned to love from the Westfield Wolves books are still a vital part of this new series and that was an exciting prospect for me (Benjamin Westfield will always be a favorite of mine!)

Lydia Dare’s approach to vampyre mythology was somewhat related to what readers have come to expect from this supernatural creature. The undead in It Happened in One Bite, have an aversion to the sun, they have fangs, they drink blood and have the ability to compel others to do their bidding, but Dare also adds a few refreshing aspects to their version of the vampyre.

James Maitland and a few of the other vampyre’s in the story have mystical rings given to them by a ancestral version of the coven that allows them to lead a more normal existence, going outside during the day etc. This ring also keeps them in constant contact with each other, almost like a tracking device or a homing beacon. Dare’s vampyre’s also seem to retain a semblance of their former selves. Matthew was a knight in his former life and he retains that air of command and loyalty. James was a rich and titled gentleman and he still has the consistent mannerisms and idea’s of a gentleman even though vampyre’s are considered uncivilized. I liked the way the authors were able to show vampyre’s in a different light. Though there were a couple of villains, Dare’s vampyre’s still gave off the impression of a very elegant and cultured race.

The character development in this one was off the scale. When we were first introduced to Blaire Lindsay and her coven sisters in the Westfield Wolves series, Blaire’s character took a backseat to other more prominent members of the coven. But this book is truly her story, where she comes into her own as a strong and very entertaining character. Her fiery spirit and determination radiate off the page as well as her passion. Blaire comes across to the reader as young woman who believed her only purpose in life was as a battle-born witch. She has neglected that part of herself that is all woman. But, James seems to draw that out of her and shows the reader a very different aspect of Blaire. The authors did a wonderful job of developing the relationship between Blaire and James and allowing the reader to see Blaire blossom within the love they share.

James is a great character as well. He’s handsome, rich, and very debonair. He gives of the air of a man who knows what he wants and isn’t used to not getting it. In this case he wants Blaire, even though he knows that as a vamypre he doesn’t have a heart and cannot give her the love she deserves. Yet he is still drawn to her like a moth to the flame. He is a gentleman to the core, never feeding from anyone who does not want to be with him. I found the idea that he marked Blaire interesting as that went right along with the idea that a werewolf marks his mate as well. In reality I think each person bears a mark from the person they love whether it is visible to the outside world on just on their hearts. So I really liked this idea.

I recommend this one to all of my readers. If you are a fan of historical romances, this one fits the bill. If you are a fan of the paranormal, this one is right up your alley. If you like mysteries, this one has a little bit of that too. Horror fan? Vampyre’s generally fit into that category as well. So there is a something for just about every type of reader to fall in love with in this book. I can’t say enough good things about this writing team. I really love their books and can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

It Happened One Bite is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I’m giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!



I loved Lydia Dare’s Westfield Brothers series to a fangirl level. That series still remains my go to shapeshifter romance series. I was so excited to see what Lydia Dare could do with my second favorite supernatural creature—the vampire.

Blaire was one of the more interesting heroines that I have ever come across. Most strong battle ready heroines that I have come across are usually just damsels in waiting. Don’t get me wrong. I love strong and able heroines but the ones I have found in my reading life usually need rescuing at some point. Blaire was a legitimate bad ass heroine. She held her own and seemed borderline fearless. I also loved her chemistry with James. I love how different he is from the Westfield shapeshifters. They are so gruff while James has this suaveness about him that perfectly complements Blaire’s toughness.

I loved the way Lydia Dare’s version of vampires. They are not like any vampires I have seen before. They are not big baddies and they most definitely don’t sparkle. Lydia Dare created a suave and rakish vampire that completely fit in with the Regency time period the novel was set in. I also love how this new series ties in so well with the Westfield Brothers series. I like walking into a series knowing that there will be familiar characters and I was so happy to see some of those characters from the previous books in this one. Lydia Dare writes paranormal romance like no other. It Happened One Bite comes highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next book about Matthew—I loved him in this one.



When Blair Lindsay accompanies her brothers to their newly inherited castle, she doesn’t expect much more than a pile of stones. But while the castle needs some work, it isn’t a total wreck. But, like many old structures, it does seem to have a ghost…if the subterranean rumblings and groans are any indication. That doesn’t bother Blair, the warrior witch of the Coig. She’s ready to battle any villain, ghost, or demon if it comes to that. When she discovers James Maitland, Lord Kettering, locked in one of the cellar rooms, she’s puzzled. More than puzzled really since the man is wearing clothes years out of date and can’t, or won’t, tell her how he came to be there. Or for how long he’d been imprisoned though he does let slip the fact that his jailers had been a group of five witches.

Blair is determined to understand the man’s secrets and, truth be known, she finds him handsome and compelling. As the warrior witch of the Coig, she knows she’s not likely to ever find love and she’ll settle for nothing less if she marries. But the attraction she feels for James Maitland, Lord Kettering, is something she hasn’t felt before. She plans to pursue it as well.

James Maitland is a gentleman. And a vampire. But he isn’t a demon. He doesn’t kill and he always makes sure his victims are left satisfied and content. With his blessed ring, given to him by his mentor, the vampyre who turned him, he can even walk in daylight. But his ring is missing and he knows who took it. The Coig, a band of witches, who unjustly trapped him in the bowels of the castle for over twenty years. Once he finds his ring, he plans to locate the Coig and extract a little revenge.

First he needs to feed and Blair Lindsay would be a delightful morsel…if he could enrapture her. He can’t. Whether that’s due to his lost ring or some other nefarious effect of the Coig, he doesn’t know. He does know she intrigues him beyond compare. And in her presence, he begins to feel things he hasn’t felt in all the long years of being a vampyre.

As the two come closer together, Blair learns his secret – that he’s a vampyre. But he’s no demon, that’s she sure of. He’s a good man and she’s falling in love with him. As a vampyre, James has no heart, ergo, he can’t fall in love. But he cares for Blair very much and wishes he could love her. However, they’re unaware of an approaching danger. A danger that could end Blair and her brothers’ lives and send James into an eternity of suffering.

It Happened One Bite is a suck-you-in from the first page book. The author duo known as Lydia Dare creates some of the finest heroes anywhere. James is a gentleman…except in the throes of passion, then he’s as hot and sexy as any vampyre. As a hero, he’s intent on protecting Blair and her brothers even though he’s fettered by the loss of his ring. And Blair is a feisty heroine who doesn’t back down from a battle even when the odds are against her but she’s not a Too-Stupid-To-Live heroine. She actually has battle skills though she, too, is hampered without her full Coig and their witchy powers. As for the ending…there’s a twist there that really sets this story apart.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading It Happened One Bite. I highly recommend it.

5 Fangs for It Happened One Bite

Book Description:

He’s lost, trapped, doomed for all eternity...

Rich, titled, and undead, gentleman vampyre James Maitland, Lord Kettering, fears himself doomed to a cold and lonely existence-trapped for decades in an abandoned castle. Then, beautiful Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay arrives, and things begin to heat up considerably...

Unless he can persuade her to set him free...

Feisty Blaire Lindsay laughs off the local gossip surrounding her mother’s ancestral home-stories of haunting cannot scare off this battle-born witch. But when she discovers the handsome prisoner in the bowels of the castle, Blaire has no idea that she has unleashed anything more than a man who sets her heart on fire...

My Review:

The Dare duo has another winning series on their hands.

First werewolves now vampires...

Witty, wild, seductive, and sexy... I love the complexities of the characters and the intriguing plot developments.

Blaire is a feisty witch. James is the quintescental brooding vampire. The two have chemistry that sizzles right off the page. Toss that into a castle in the Highlands of Scotland and I was glued to this book turning pages as fast as I could.

Blaire being her mother’s daughter thought she knew enough about her family heritage to get by. Too bad mom didn’t tell her everything she needed to know... but family secrets always make for an entertaining read.

And It Happened One Bite is definitely an entertaining read filled with magick, mayhem, romance, and mystery all placed in a historical setting filled with paranormal characters that can be humorous and quite human in their feelings and failings. The bad guys are truly bad, the good guys are flawed and everyone is interesting and plays their parts perfectly.

If you loved Dare’s werewolf books you are going to adore this new series, especially if you’re a vampire fan. You might even see a familiar character. But don’t worry if you haven’t read the other books this one will stand alone all on it’s own.

I can’t wait to read the next books in this series.

I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a sucker for vampire novels, so I was very excited to test out It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare.

He’s lost, trapped, doomed for all eternity…
Rich, titled, and undead, gentleman vampyre James Maitland, Lord Kettering, fears himself doomed to a cold and lonely existence-trapped for decades in an abandoned castle. Then, beautiful Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay arrives, and things begin to heat up considerably…

Unless he can persuade her to set him free…
Feisty Blaire Lindsay laughs off the local gossip surrounding her mother’s ancestral home-stories of haunting cannot scare off this battle-born witch. But when she discovers the handsome prisoner in the bowels of the castle, Blaire has no idea that she has unleashed anything more than a man who sets her heart on fire…

Blair Lindsey is strong, courageous, and tough, while the majority of the women of her time aren’t. She and her coven stand out as strange because they are different. They’re called battle born and are trained for battle NOT for everyday life like cooking and sewing. It’s also something that is passed down only through the women, and it’s the women who do all the training. They are a tough group you don’t want to mess with, even without their powers. Blaire doesn’t come across as overly tough as some strong characters do, thankfully. There’s a spunkiness to her, yet underneath it all she’s still innocent and naive.

Which brings me to the hunky vampire James Maitland, who starts out questionable but in the end you grow to love the guy. He’s the guy as in sweet, endearing, yet ornery and flirtatious, what most consider the perfect combo. He’s not all that scary as a vampire, and although I like ‘em scary, he’s still pretty spiffy. The vampires, or vampyres as it is spelled in It Happened One Bite, are your typical vamps, the only new concept is that of a ring that allows them to go out into the day. Which isn’t all that new, it’s in a few other books including a TV show, but still it’s a new twist. Only three rings are known, and these three rings bind the three wearers together making it easier to find each other.

To be honest, all the characters are well rounded and very believable and likeable…well minus the villains anyway but that’s why they are the bad guys.

It Happened One Bite isn’t the first novel in the series, so there were things I’m missing, but it didn’t ruin the book for me at all. In fact, I purchased all the previous novels before I was finished with it. The plot wasn’t so out there and weird, which can sometimes happen when vampires and/or witches are in the picture. It was a cat and mouse, old enemies wanting to make you pay, trying to figure out the truth of your history and that of your family type story. It’s fairly normal, yet it has enough intrigue and mystery to keep the plot from being boring and something we’ve read before.

What I didn’t like…One thing in particular I cannot tell you because it would spoil the entire story. All I can say, is it’s a total flip from what the ‘reality’ is, that it made me think ‘what the crap’ over and over again. It makes the ending all sweet and fairly picture perfect; it’s really strange and not explained. Making you curious huh??? Two, and this isn’t all that much of a complaint, I like scary vampires with lots of vamp action and It Happened One Bite didn’t have all that much. It’s the same with the witches; the magical scenes are few and far between. But neither of these kill the story, it actually works for it. It’s not a blood and gore type vampire novel, it’s romantic and mysterious so there’s no need to have scary vamps and constant magic…I just happened to be one of those that really like the scary action.

If you are a fan of romance novels and tame vampires, you MUST check out this book. It really is the best of both worlds.



My First Reaction When I Finished:

When is book two available?????????? Now?? Soon???? This was fun!

My Review:
Judging by the cover I set my expectations low when I cracked this book open. But I’m happy to report that I found this to be a fun read that I flew through in no time! I thought the author had a very cool twist in the last part of the book that really added to the overall story and made me smile. This isn’t one of those cheesy vampire stories at all!! I laughed a few times and I felt engaged in the story. What I found the most interesting is that Lydia Dare is actually 2 women! Each one writes 1,500 words and then sends it to the other one for editing, and that one then writes 1,500 words and the other edits. It works and I never ever found a crack within their storyline whatsoever.

Favorite character? James, the Vampyre. I loved the way he desired Blaire and how he wanted to take care of her.

Favorite quote:
"I keep getting this pain within my chest."
"Pain?" Finally, he had Matthew’s attention.
"That’s what I said," James repeated as he spun to face Matthew. He looked perplexed.
"We don’t experience heartache. Longing. Love. It’s one of the sacrifices of having eternal life." He met Jame’s gaze. "Allow me to ask you a question?"
"As though I could stop you," James replied.
"Would you give up eternal life for a heart? For the ability to love? For Miss Lindsey?"
James rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes and groaned. "Without a moment’s hesitation," he finally said beneath his breath. "Though there’s no need to wish for such a thing, is there?" he added quietly.
"No, I’m afraid there’s not."
[p. 213] * uncorrected ARC copy

Do I recommend?
For my readers that enjoy a fun romantic read with characters that you will really come to like, then yes! This isn’t a bodice ripper, though some of the sex scenes are very pleasantly steamy...but not cheap. The author’s don’t use words that turn you off, but instead really put you in the moment of two people who care for each other.



My thoughts: This is the first book in Lydia Dare’s new Gentleman Vampire series, with two more books due out later this year. What I found interesting about this series though, is that you meet some of the coven of witches in it from her Westfield Wolves series (A Certain Wolfish Charm, Tall Dark and Wolfish, The Wolf Next Door, and The Taming of the Wolf.)Two of which I have previously reviewed and enjoyed.

Where I have previously raved over Lydia Dare’s lycans, I have now come to the conclusion that it doesn’t have to be lycans to make me love her books - it is just her books! This was a quick read with quite the romantic conclusion.

Blaire is very headstrong and doesn’t listen to any man in her life. She had grown up with an abusive drunken father so pretty much raised herself and her brothers. So even though one of her brothers is older than her, she is the one who pretty much rules the roost. When she discovers the man locked in the cellar of the castle that her brother has just inherited, she not only lets him out, but invites him to stay! Because she is a "battle-born" witch, she thinks that she is able to handle any situation - but she has never been up against vampyres before. It is a good thing that Lord Kettering is taken with her and vows to protect her - as he has a couple of vampyres that have been looking for him for the last 20 years.

Lord Kettering and his good friend and creator Matthew Blodswell aren’t your run-of-the-mill vampyres. They are truly the gentleman vampyres that the series suggest. They do not kill for food and they never change a person into a vampyre unless the person wants to be changed. (They reminded me of the vampires from The Twilight series - difference is that this all takes place in the early 1800’s.)

Being a paranormal romance, you have to ask about the sex scenes. Yes, there are sex scenes in the book, but I found them to be romantic - the kind you read while sort of holding your breath just waiting for what will happen next.

I am definitely a Lydia Dare fan and can’t wait for the next book in the series. In the Heat of the Bite is due out in July with Never Been Bit following in September of this year.


Surprisingly, I enjoyed this paranormal historical romance a lot. Those of you who visit often probably know that I am not particularly crazed about this genre. But I also do give it a try from time to time because I believe that in literature you can find all kinds of gems and reading is one activity, hobby, passion (put your own here), that should be limitless. Anyway, It Happened One Bite turned out to be such a little, unexpected gem and I was very happy to lose myself in the story Blaire, her coven of witches and handsome Lord Kettering.

I am not exactly sure what it was that separated this particular romance from others this type, but I know that the writing was catchy and allowed me to get involved in the story enough to want to keep reading the book until the last page was turned. I was even glad to find out that there are more books by the author featuring the young and feisty witches. It Happened One Bite is simply a very fun, entertaining read. It doesn’t have over-the-top sex scenes which I appreciated (there are enough of them there but just the right amount), the characters of Blaire and her older brother are extremely likable and most importantly, there were quite a few humorous scenes there which was an icing on the cake. If you’re looking for a light and interesting story to get lost in for an evening or two, this book is definitely it.

This is the first book of the gentlemen vampire series. Years ago, Blaire’s mother and four other witches in her coven locked up Lord Kettering (James), a vampire, in order to protect the then-unborn Blaire. As a young woman, Blaire travels to the castle that James has been held in and releases him from the spell. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. James quickly realizes that Blaire is a witch and he eventually reveals his true nature to Blaire. But things cannot be simple and there are some darker vampires heading to Blaire’s home.

This book had good romance, a nice, gothic feel and a great combination of paranormal beings. This was my first book by this author and I will make sure to find others by her. This was a fun read. I was sent this book by Sourcebooks for review.

When the feisty Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay went with her brothers to Loch Calavie, she didn’t have a clue how drastic her life would change.

Her older brother, Aiden, had inherited Briancraig Castle and was eager to see it. With younger brother, Brannock, in tow off they went. At the castle, Blair soon finds James Maitland, Lord Kettering, imprisoned in the dungeon. By releasing him, she also discovered though her mother shared much about being a witch - she had secrets she had not shared.

The chemistry between Blaire and James is entertaining and keeps your pulse pounding from one encounter to the next. Though their history sees them enemies, they are perfect for each other.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is the first in author Lydia Dare’s new vampyre series. A number of characters from the author’s Westfield series help make the transition from werewolves to vampyres smooth. Readers don’t have to have read the Westfield series to keep up, but will be missing out on a lot of enjoyable reading if they don’t.

Blair and James, along with members of her coven, face not only the secrets from long ago, but demons chasing James. This is a fast paced adventure that will draw you in and keep you breathless till the end. Another tantalizing series with characters you can’t wait to learn more about.



Witches, vampyres, the Highlands of Scotland, sexy men and a feisty heroine... what more could you want out of a paranormal, romantic story? Not much more. This book is a very sensual read about a vampyre, James, who has been interred for a very long time by a coven of witches. His goal is to find a ring that is special to him for various reasons and he needs to find the witches that put him in the cellar of the castle or their descendants so he can continue with his life. The problem is, he has to find this ring in the castle that was recently inherited by the feisty Blaire’s brother Aiden. The sparks fly immediately in this tale of good and bad, in more ways then one, as Blaire can shoot balls of fire out of her hands. I liked the character of Blaire, but I mostly enjoyed the antics of her little brother Bran. Cute kid. The chemistry between James and Blaire is explosive. If you love a paranormal, hot sexy story, this is it. This is the first of Lydia Dare’s books I have read and I did enjoy it and the writing, love the Scottish brogue, and I will certainly check out her other books.


It Happened One Bite is the brand spanking new potently powerful paranormal romance by paranormal romance author, Lydia Dare published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on March 1, 2011. Rich, titled and undead, gentleman James, Maitland, Lord Kettering has been in a cursed sleep, tucked away in Briarcraig Castle in Scotland for the past twenty years by a coven of witches. Doomed to a life of a cold and a lonely existence by a powerful Coig until the feisty and fiery witch, Blaire Lindsey walks into his life.


Discovering an emaciated and starving two hundred and fifty year old vampire in the bowels of her castle was the least of Blaire Lindsey’s problem. Trying to be a witch in the Regency period was harrowing on a girl. At least, she no longer feared being burned at the stake. No her problems came in the form of a scorned-ex vamp-lover and her lap dog trying to kill her and her family. Add in her precocious older brother, Captain Aidan Lindsey and little brother Brannock with his scourge of a beastie cat, Bruce. Blaire and you have one comical Gothic ventures While juggling to keep all of her balls of fire in the air Blaire is on a mission figure out exactly who James Maitland is. She will not let this devilishly distracting vamp get the better of her. She isn’t a war-born witch for nothing. Her mother has trained her and with the strength of her own coven behind her she should have no problems, right? So why does she feel the indisputable need to help James? All she knows it that one way or the other she will discover the truth even it if kills her.

It Happened One Bite has a cast of strikingly sensual characters that have been well written and fleshed out with a poignant prose that relegates the paranormal to an erotic extreme.

It seems lately I am drawn to the main character of books. Blaire Lindsey is the most unconventional woman you would ever meet in Regency time. Where most of the ladies of the time took great pains in lace and frippery Blaire is more comfortable hunting and fishing. Ms. Dare has created a strong willed woman that cares deeply for her charismatically charming coven and brothers. It’s no wonder that Blaire’s feisty spirit burns up the pages as she falls head over heels for the dangerous domineering vampire, James Maitland. Their wills are so strong that it is not hard to see the chemistry between the two protagonist burst from the pages.

I found James Maitland to be a fascinating character. Here he is just recovering from being in a “cursed sleep state” for the past twenty years and he bounces back with such vigor and vroom that he absolutely steels the story.

The allure of It Happened One Bite is no doubt the paranormal aspect – hands-down—no question, but what drew me the most was the relationship between Blaire and her brothers. You have to hand it to Blaire she has one brother who wants her to be more ladylike—Captain Aidan Lindsey and a younger brother who is adoring and overprotective—Brannock. Blaire is pretty independent and doesn’t take kindly to her brothers thinking she is weak in any way. The scene that had me laughing out loud is when Lord Kettering and his maker, Matthew Halkett, Earl of Blodswell walk in to the great hall to find Aidan and Blaire “tangled together, a mass of arms and legs, wrestling for position”.

“Ye doona fight fair, Blaire,” the captain groaned.

No one said I have to fight fair,” she laughed as she released him from her grasp. Blaire stood up quickly as though she sensed James’ presence
‘James!’ The sound seemed torn from her. ‘I-I mean, Lord Kettering,’ she corrected. Her cheeks colored prettily when she realized all the men’s eyes were on her”

I believe this is the perfect scene that not only shows Blaire’s unconventionality, but her strength mixed with her unmistakable innocent charm.

It Happened One Bite is my first into the paranormal world of author Lydia Dare but certainly will not be my last. Beloved characters from TALL,DARK AND WOLFISH and THE TAMING OF THE WOLF round this titillating arousing supporting cast to help and trip-up our protagonists.

Besides the deep connection between Blaire and her brothers I found her familial connect to her coven a dynamic part of the story. The sisterhood of the coven was so striking of how individual they were strong but united the were almost unstoppable. I was struck by how each witch in the coven would do anything for their sister witch. It didn’t matter how small or great the challenge they all rose as one cohesive unit. Another aspect of the story that effected me was the relationship between James Maitland, Earl of Kettering and his maker Matthew Halkett, Earl of Blodsoe. The following scene is a perfect description of there deep adoration for each other.

"Some bonds are difficult to break,’ he murmured more to himself than to her. ’Thank heavens.’
Blair touch a finger to her hidden ring and toyed it absently as she trailed behind the baron.

When she reached the great hall, she stopped dead in her tracks. But Kettering didn’t. He nearly flew into the man who stood in the entryway beside her brother. The two men clasped hands tightly, and it almost looked as though they both took a long deep breath together"

As the story progress we feel the true bond between them. Also, how Blodswell came upon the dying lord and transformed him. Their relationship is not pivotal point need to express the story forward. But as a reader I find I like a bit of the back story of a vampire. For me it seems to speed my understanding of what motivates the characters into action and their reactions to other characters.

The greater theme of It Happened One Bite is the unity of family, whether by blood or not. Family and its intricate workings is the theme that is threaded throughout the story. A smaller theme for me was the acceptance of yourself and of others. Even though the story is fictional and based in the paranormal realm I believe the Ms.Dare delivered his prose of acceptance whether unconventional or unconventional. And that acceptance and tolerance is key.

Sexy female witch, hot brooding vampire, need I say more? This is my first Lydia Dare book but it won’t be the last.

Captain Aiden Lindsey inherits the family castle in Briarcraig and ask Blaire to go with him to check it out. Everyone says that the Briarcraig castle is haunted, but Blaire doesn’t believe in ghost, but she can feel that something is different with this castle. The moment she entered the castle she was ready to leave, then she hears a mans voice coming from the other side of one of the cellar door.

When she decides to open the door there standing before her is Vampyre James Maitland or Lord Kettering. He has been locked in that room for twenty years and he is not a happy person. He wants to get out of the castle so that he can have his revenge on The Coig, a group of female witches. Then he finds out that Blaire is part of that coven of witches, the next generation of witches and finds himself not really seeking revenge like the thought he might. Instead he finds himself falling in love with a witch.

I found the chapters towards the end to be interesting when it comes to James and his vampire heart and I can’t really say anything more because it would give to much away, but those who have read it I am sure you know what I mean.

This book is full of a lot of great sexual tension between the main characters, but it wasn’t to hot that I found it offensive or anything. I rather thought it had just the right amount of steamy tension that made you feel like the two characters really belong with each other and you really wanted to see them together. Blaire is a battle born witch so she is not like the other ladies of her time. Her brother wants her to act more like a lady should, but James likes her fire and unladylike manners. James sounds so sexy and brooding just like you would expect a vampire to be like. He is very honorable and would do anything to protect Blaire from some not so nice vampires. Both the main characters and secondary characters are a great combination to make this a good book to read.

Some people might not like the fact that when you read the dialogue with accents, but I didn’t mind it to much since I love reading Scottish accents. I just thought I would mention it in case someone does not prefer this type of dialogue.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance.

Format: Paperback

Dimensions
Length: 6.875 in
Width: 4.1875 in
Weight: 7.12 oz
Page Count: 416 pages