Trina Lee Packs a Punch with Once Bitten

Once Bitten
Author: Trina M. Lee
Kindle Edition, 258 pages
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Available at Amazon

Summary: When her former lover and Alpha pack member Raoul is framed for murder, he comes to her for help and Alexa is forced to face past emotions and betrayals that were never laid to rest. As the murders continue she is torn between past hurts and present loves. Amidst the rush of power and the struggle for control, Alexa must dig deep within herself to discover where her heart truly belongs. As secrets are revealed and lies exposed, she comes to discover that not everyone is who you think they are and the greatest loves are undying.

I won a copy of Once Bitten on the author's blog after getting to know her on Twitter. I started reading it this last weekend and couldn't put it down. Don't let the cover fool you, this isn't just another erotic romance. It's a mix of urban fantasy and paranormal romance with some mystery thrown in for good measure. Yes, there are steamy scenes, but the author works them in with the plot, not as the focus of story. The main character, Alexa, is strong but not bitchy, and she kicks supernatural butt with the best of them. She's drawn to Shaz, a werewolf and a friend who can comfort her own wolf and offer support in her chaotic life. Too bad she can't shake an attraction and the lure of power from Arys, a vampire who reaches out to her vampire nature. Once Bitten gives us the background we need on the characters while moving the story along at a fast, exciting pace. Alexa's friends and co-workers are fascinating, snarky and don't hesitate to be there for her when she needs them.

This exchange between Alexa and Jaz, her friend and co-worker gives a good feel of the book's characters:

“Too bad we couldn’t go in during the day.” Jez stirred more sugar into her already sweetened caramel coffee, and I shuddered. “But, I guess I’d rather have the bastard awake while we gut him.”

“We’re gutting him now?” I asked as I pulled a strand of gold-streaked ash blonde hair from the corner of my mouth.

“Why not? If we’re lucky, he’ll live through most of it.” She smiled then and narrowed her eyes on the hotel door.

I shook my head and laughed. “You can do whatever your little heart desires, Jez. Just let me know when to stake him.”

If you are fans of Keri Arthur, Devon Monk or Cynthia Eden you'll enjoy Trina Lee. She's told me that the second book in the series, The Wicked Kiss, is a bit steamer, so I'm loading up my Kindle to take on vacation!

Learn more about the author's books on her website, including a free read.

~Moonsanity