Review: First Bite by Dani Harper

First Bite by Dani Harper
Series: Dark Wolf #1
Published by Montlake Romance
Published on: October 15, 2013
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Werewolves
Pages: 282
Format: ARC
Source: Author

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Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

After only a few chapters I found myself transfixed by Dani Harper’s new Dark Wolf series. The opening chapters are intense with Neva preparing to throw herself off a cliff rather than face becoming a werewolf at the next full moon. It was impossible to not be moved by her determination to sacrifice her life in order to save countless others. Aside from an incredibly brave heroine, First Bite also brings plenty of action, romance and wolfy goodness to the table. Harper’s Changelings are back for another round and if this first installment is anything to go by, you’re not going to want to miss take 2!

I love that Harper’s Changelings spend an equal amount of time in both of their forms; not all series shelved as “werewolf” deserve to be classified as such but this book most certainly does. The author wastes no time in enlightening readers on the rules of her world and I particularly enjoyed the distinctions between Changelings and werewolves. The two aren’t synonyms in this universe; in fact, the latter is actually kind of derogatory which I found interesting. The mystery of what happens to their clothes when they shift continues to entertain and watching the newly turned try to figure out the trick is always good for a laugh.

The story unfolds in such a way that it felt like a werewolves for dummies course in that Travis must instruct Neva on Changeling ways only for her to have to do the same later on for Baker. The second part was more a case of the blind leading the blind but that just made it all the more comical. The plot is nicely balanced which makes the budding romance feel as important as the looming battle against Neva’s evil twin. There’s also just the right amount of sex to help ensure that all of your senses are equally satisfied. I enjoyed the ticking-time-bomb-like suspense although I was disappointed by the anti-climatic final battle. Geneva’s attack strategy was also somewhat questionable.

Travis wasted no time in worming his way into my heart; it’s hard not to love a tortured hero with a soft spot for damsels in distress. His patience and willingness to teach Neva how to cope with her new reality also helped to earn him bonus points. The tables end up turning not too long after their first meeting though and I liked that Geneva was given the chance to return the favour and to prove her loyalty. I wish the mate aspect had taken a little longer to kick-in but once set in motion it was easy to get caught up in the two main characters’ strong emotional bond. The book ends on a high note with a good old fashioned romp that’s sure to make your toes curl with its heat.

First Bite is a must read for all werewolf addicts and the best book yet from Dani Harper.

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