Rating: 3.75⭐️
Sweet Blood (At First Bite #1) by Lola Glass is the first book by this author I’ve read and it’s got several interesting elements about it.
The first story in a paranormal fated mate’s romance murder mystery series, it has a different take on vampire and shifters than I’ve seen before.
Here in this universe, vampires are a much weaker species. There was a paranormal war and werewolves came out on top. They now are the ones that have the political power over everyone, including humans who have the same feelings about the few remaining vampires as they do.
Those vampires who survived, remain hidden among them by using contacts and other forms of camouflage to prevent them from being “outed” as vampires.
All very opposite to the norm of the genre.
The lack of strength, ability to walk in sunlight. That’s not exactly explored here.
The main female character is a vampire who is, of course, hiding her species identity, while working in a high level job in an important werewolf company.
Bloom, the vampire assistant to a non paranormal director, is the immediate suspect, when one of the other employees is found dead, a victim of a vampire attack. The king of werewolves, Maverick, has her arrested and held after biting her, determining she is a vampire.
This aspect of the story was something I thought needed more attention. No police, just held and moved by the wolves to a cell and “convicted” until proven innocent.
Any foundation for this isn’t given until much later. And then there’s still no information about any separation between police and the werewolves themselves. And a real legal legitimate framework. I found that missing totally.
The base is a tenuous fated mate relationship being established between vampire Bloom and King Maverick. He’s insistent upon it. She’s not so sure. Her family? Absolutely not. His own species? Mixed bag.
Meanwhile, bodies are falling. There’s a heinous plot to be investigated and Bloom’s best childhood friend is in serious trouble.
Many storylines. And actually one of the best relationships here is that of Bloom and Harper, her best friend who is featured in the second book and mystery.
It’s not a lack of interesting characters and storylines or elements here but maybe follow through. I found myself flipping through pages of spicy sex trying to figure out plots and story arcs that were under explored and required further development. Only to discover that there wasn’t really any other information.
Another person mentioned that there’s other books and series about vampire/shifter fated mates from this author that exist in the same universe. Maybe some further world building exists there.
I’m at least going to read the second book. See how the mystery unfolds there.
If you enjoy paranormal fated mates romance, here is a different take on the trope.
At First Bite:
Sweet Blood #1
Wolf Blood #2
Same universe:
Wildwood (3 book series)
Buy link
Blurb
A werewolf showed up to investigate a murder in my office building—then bit me, and accused me of being the killer.
When I’m proven innocent, he admits the truth:
We’re soulmates.
Unfortunately for both of us, I’m a vampire. Our people are mortal enemies, so we have no choice but to ignore the connection we share until it eventually fades.
The only problem?
His instincts won’t let him walk away, and he isn’t trying to fight them.
When I’m nearly offed by the murderer myself, all bets are off.
My werewolf will take out the killer and make me his… or we’ll both die trying.
*This is a spicy enemies to lovers romance with a happily ever after
June 24, 2026
Language
English
Print length
522 pages
Book 1 of 2
