#Review: Bite at First Sight by Brooklyn Ann - 4.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Bite at First Sight 

Series: Scandals with Bite #3

Author: Brooklyn Ann

Format: Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Publication: April 7th 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN: 1402274505
Links: Goodreads | AMAZON | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

When Rafael Villar, Lord Vampire of London, stumbles upon a woman in the cemetery, he believes he’s found a vampire hunter—not the beautiful, intelligent stranger she proves to be.

Cassandra Burton is enthralled by the scarred, disfigured vampire who took her prisoner. The aspiring physician was robbing graves to pursue her studies—and he might turn out to be her greatest subject yet. So they form a bargain: one kiss for every experiment. As their passion grows and Rafe begins to heal, only one question remains: can Cassandra see the man beyond the monster? 

Linda's Thoughts:

She raised the shovel, ready to plunge it into the soft soil. "I am not afraid. I am not."

"You should be." A sinister, accented voice pierced her consciousness.

The shovel fell from her nerveless fingers, thudding onto the cold ground.

Cassandra knew that voice; it had the rich, dark cadence that had haunted her dreams since the night she'd first met him. She spun around, the hood of her cloak falling to her shoulders.

Rafael Villar stepped out from behind a mausoleum. The shadows embraced his bronze skin, obscuring the scars on the left side of his face while moonlight highlighted his exotic Mediterranean features on the right....

"You! You've been the one disturbing my people?"

BITE AT FIRST SIGHT by Brooklyn Ann is a mega-entertaining addition to her Scandals with Bites historical/paranormal series. It's the third installment in that wonderful series and, while there are interconnected characters, BITE AT FIRST SIGHT can, without any doubt, be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone read. I inhaled the first book, BITE ME, YOUR GRACE, and couldn't wait to read this one! I was not disappointed. I actually stayed up until the wee hours finishing this as I couldn't sleep until I had done so :-). Somehow, I missed the second book, ONE BITE PER NIGHT, but I plan to remedy that oversight soon!

This is the story of Rafael Villar, the new Lord Vampire of London, and Cassandra Burton, the widowed Countess of Rosslyn. I really liked both primary characters. They were each survivors - realistic and captivating. I'm so glad that Rafael's story is being told. His history, what he has endured, and how he has risen from adversity, endeared him to me. He comes across as gruff, but his kind and just actions speak louder than his words. He feels so unworthy because he is terribly disfigured; however, he still does his absolute best for his people. When he spoke to Cassandra in Spanish, my heart said this is the one. Here's just one of their tender dialogues I'm still swooning over:

"Te amo, Querida," he whispered suddenly, stroking her hair. "Tu eres mi luz en la oscuridad."

"This is the second time you've said that," Cassandra murmured. "What does it mean?"

"I love you." His voice was as rough as his hand on her cheek was gentle. "You are my light in the darkness."

Cassandra is a class act and truly lovely. She always wanted to be a doctor even though the rules of her age prevented her from doing so. She is a geek - smart, persistent and stubborn. It's more-than-amazing what she's able to do without formal training. She is similar to Rafael in that she does not feel that anyone could love her for herself. They are ideally suited and simply the perfect match. 

As the story opens, we learn that hunters are disturbing the lairs of vampires while they sleep. Rafael apprehends Cassandra in the graveyard where she was procuring a cadaver for her medical studies believing that she is one of the vile hunters taking out his kind. He makes her his prisoner and awaits the decision of her fate by the Vampire Tribunal. While imprisoned, Cassandra finds that she is fascinated by vampires and her scientific mind wants to know more about them. She wants to experiment on Rafael and, he agrees, in exchange for her kisses. A simple verbal agreement.... What could possibly go wrong? LOL!

Supporting characters were perfect! It was great catching up with previous favorite characters, too. Besides the romance, there's plenty of action, betrayal and suspense - something for everyone - all against a grand historical backdrop. 

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes:

“We must go to the laboratory at once. I have some cannabis.” 

---

"It may be small comfort, but I believe Rafe doesn't want to kill you."

A light laugh escaped her lips. "Actually, that is a substantial comfort."

---

"You should know that Rafael is not the beast he would have you believe he is. He may be harsh, but he is fair. However, I highly recommend that you endeavor to be on his good side."

She raised a brow. "Does he have one?"

This series is a truly delightful urban fantasy set in early 1800s London with oodles of vampires hidden in plain sight amidst Britain's Victorian high society. I absolutely love how Brooklyn combines Regency era ritz with paranormal vampiric romance - veritably an original treat. Brooklyn's writing is always top notch and this tale is guaranteed to grab your attention from the first scene and hold it until the very satisfying ending. I highly recommend BITE AT FIRST SIGHT to anyone who enjoys fun paranormals!

Suggested Reading Order: 

Bite Me, Your Grace (Scandals with Bite Book 1) Amazon | Review 

One Bite Per Night (Scandals with Bite Book 2) Amazon