Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden
Series: Blood and Moonlight #1
Published by Indie
Published on: October 6, 2015
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Werewolves
Pages: 244
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Vampires. Werewolves. Beasts that hunt in the night...When New Orleans Detective Jane Hart investigates her first official homicide case, she never expects to have her world ripped apart. But the murder she’s investigating is part of a deadly war between vampires and werewolves…and now Jane is caught in that eternal battle. A battle that can’t end well.
Werewolf Aidan Locke has been running New Orleans for years. It’s his job to keep the vamps out of the city. But when a Master Vampire comes to town, determined to unleash hell, Aidan knows it’s time to fight with all the fury of his pack. Beast versus vamp, until the last breath. Then he meets Jane…
One look, one taste, and Aidan knows that Jane is far more than she seems. Far more than she even knows herself to be. She’s important in the paranormal war, not a pawn to be used, but a queen to be won. And if he can’t keep her at his side, if he can’t stop the darkness from descending on the town…then Jane Hart will become not just a fierce cop, not some guardian, but something deadlier. Darker. Aidan will fight heaven and hell to change her fate. To change their fate because he is more than just a predator.
And Jane is more than prey. Far more.
The world is changing—for the humans and the monsters. Hot, sexy, and intense, BITE THE DUST is the first novel in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s dark new “Blood and Moonlight” series.
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Werewolves? Vampire bad guys? Yes! Any paranormal book set in New Orleans is usually a winner for me, as well. Newly minted homicide detective Jane Hart, has no idea that her world is going to change when she is called to the scene of a horrific murder outside of a bar named, Hell’s Gate. Hell’s Gate is owned by the werewolf leader of all paranormal beings in New Orleans, Aidan Locke. Not that Jane knows anything about the paranormal in New Orleans or anywhere else. Or does she?
These two characters are attracted to each other from the start. Jane feels there’s something almost predatory about him and that’s not far off. On Aidan’s part, he is sure that Jane is “something else” due to his not being able to compel her when it comes to the paranormal murder she is lead detective on. In this author’s world building, werewolves are able to compel people and since that is a power usually reserved for vampires, I found that to be unique. When Jane realizes that Aidan isn’t being truthful with her, the two team up to solve the mystery. An ancient vampire is trying to take over New Orleans and is intent on building a vampire army to do so. And he has an inexplicable need to kidnap Jane.
I wanted to love this book, and I almost did. It had all I want in a paranormal romance. Two fairly likable characters with back stories that are well visualized by the author, attraction and sexual chemistry off the charts, an ongoing story over and beyond the romance, that is action packed and exciting-it’s all there. However, having said that, I found that Jane had a few too many too stupid to live moments. She is told all the pitfalls of dealing with the paranormal and she proceeds to ignore everything she is told and does the opposite of what she should. Sure it spurs the story on, but when I want to yell at her while reading, and on more than a few occasions, I can’t truly love her character. Not a good thing for me in a paranormal romance. I did like Aidan’s character quite a bit. He’s vulnerable for the first time because of his feelings for Jane, and it was interesting to see his character become a better, or I should say, more caring person due to it.
I did enjoy the premise and the reasons behind what the vampire is doing. I thought it was very unique and a premise I hadn’t read before, and that is always good in any read. There was plenty of violence, deaths, and betrayals to interest anyone that likes an exciting paranormal romance-as I do. Some sensual times as well, added to the story. So in the end, I did like the book and have already bought the second book. I just wished I had loved it.
Recommended to adult paranormal romance readers, due to sexual situations and violence.
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Blood and Moonlight Series
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I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
It sounds like it ticks off all my PNR requirements too. I don’t know about the heroine though. Like you, if they grate on my nerves too much it may impact the book.
Tanya recently posted…Tell Me Something Tuesday ~ Length Of Time You’ll Wait For A Book
It might not bother you so don’t let what I wrote scare you off from this book-it really was very readable and Cynthia Eden isn’t a lightweight when it comes to writing PNR. She has written a pretty good book 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
I’ve always found New Orleans to be the perfect setting for anything paranormal. 🙂
It certainly is a great place where it’s easy to imagine all sorts of paranormal characters lurking!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
Great review for this, I hope the next book is even better! I do love that setting, one of my most favorite, especially for this genre.
I know, New Orleans is the best for these books isn’t it? and thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
I do like Eden…..but
I’ve liked others by her and I moistly liked this one. She’s a good writer 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
Oh no… not TSTL female character trope. Sometimes I can deal with it and other times it just gets on my last nerve. I never love that trope though. *sigh*
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…On My Wishlist: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews and Reneé Raudman
I know exactly what you mean. I read a book right after this one and the female did some stupid stuff but it didn’t bother me at all really. But she wasn’t a detective either. So maybe that was the difference 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
I can see why you were all set to fall madly in love with a new series, but a TSTL heroine can definitely set that back. I like all those elements, too, and I’m curious about the changes she did with the werewolves and vampires.
Yes the TSTL thing is never great but sometimes I handle it better than other times. The next one sounds even better so I am hoping it’s good 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
Ahh yes, a character who doesn’t listen to those around them can frustrate you. Other than that, it sounds like a good read! Fab review Lorna!
Naomi Hop recently posted…The Empty Jar by M. Leighton ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@mleightonbooks)
Thanks! I did mostly like the book so it wasn’t a waste of time or money. And I did buy the next one 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
Even if you had a nice time I’m sorry it wasn’t more. I heard a lot about the author but I don’t think I’ve tried one of her books
Well please don’t let me scare you off her books because she is a good writer 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
I’ve read a few books set in New Orleans, it can be a fun setting. That’s unique in this world werewolves are the ones that can compel others instead of vampires.
It can be annoying when a character acts stupid just to spur the story on. It’s too bad this one wasn’t as good as you hoped. It does sound like a good one overall and I hope it gets better as the series progresses!
Lola recently posted…Lola’s Kitchen: Mashed Potatoes with Sauerkraut and Lentils Recipe
Yes, I did like it enough to already buy the second one. And New Orleans is just the best place to set a paranormal book of any sort. And one of my favorite places I have ever visited-so unique.
I’m sad to say that I don’t think I’ve read a book set in New Orleans. I’ve heard of a couple, but I haven’t read one yet. I feel like now I have to read one! I believe that Jennifer L. Armentrout has one set in New Orleans, so maybe I’ll give it a try. 🙂
Anna recently posted…Random Ramblings: Is there a Proper Way to Comment?
I have read the one you are talking about and loved it. New Orleans and all the above ground cemeteries and all the voodoo stores and voodoo history plus the haunted walking tours. Just the place to set a paranormal story!
This is exactly my type of book. It’s been a while since I’ve read one of her books.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Something Old, Something New…and a giveaway!
Mine too! I did like it )
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
Ugh! Those ‘too stupid to live’ actions from an otherwise strong heroine annoy me as well, Lorna. And really? She’s a homicide detective for goodness sake! I’m glad that the story overall and Aiden kept you engaged. CEden is an author I’ve always intended to try but haven’t gotten around to yet. I feel confident that I’ll like this one, since you did, but will remember that I may want to strangle Jane. 🙂
Yes, I was wanting to throw my Kindle a couple of times! But the rest of the book was good :)I liked others I have read by her as well 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
This sounds like a good one. 🙂
It was a pretty good one 😉
Lorna recently posted…Review: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden (@Mollykatie112, @cynthiaeden)
You had me at NOLA Lorna! I one-clicked.
Oh good! I hope you like it Kimberly 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Highlander’s Desire by Joanne Wadsworth (@Mollykatie112, @JoanneWadsworth)