Book Review: The Bite (The Bite #1) by Z.W. Taylor

About the Book:

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When Charlotte escapes her abusive relationship, she flees in the middle of the night with nothing but the cash in her pocket, and the paper map leading her north to Alaska. She sheds her old self along the way―dying her hair, scrubbing off her fake California tan, pawning all the jewelry her ex, Nate, bought her over the years. None of it was worth anything if she couldn’t stay alive.

Alone in the Alaskan forest, Charlotte feels safe at last. Even if she’s lost. Even if she’s only got a burner phone that lost its last bar miles ago, and even if she missed her turn and can’t find the cabin she was promised by a friend. Tucked into a sleeping bag in the backseat of “Ted”―her ancient 4-Runner―she’s finally living life on her own terms.

But that feeling is short-lived. In the middle of the woods, Charlotte’s attacked, brutally, and unforgivingly―and a lone wolf bites her leg. And it’s a bite that will change her life forever.

My Thoughts:

I received an ARC through NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, W by Wattpad Books in exchange for an honest review.

The Bite is an interesting story set in a world that has both humans and the supernatural. Charlotte, the main protagonist is running from an abusive relationship and goes as far as the Alaskan border to get away. Just as she starts to feel safe, she is attacked in the night and thrust into a world that she did not imagine. Enter in some brooding men and a few who bring life to the group.

I enjoy reading books with supernatural elements to it and this is a good werewolf story. The author even includes vampires and some mentions or hints of other supernatural beings. I enjoyed reading about Charlotte and how she grows as a person. Her story is one of strength and findings herself and she does this in the most unusual circumstances but with a lot of unexpected help. She finds her place among a group of people whom she did not expect to know.

Some parts of the story did confuse me and I did not understand all of the character interactions. Some of the characters were not as well developed as I would have liked and their back stories were not as detailed as they could have been. This made it a little difficult for me to fully get into the story and it took some time to connect with the story and the characters.

However, I am glad that I kept reading the book until the end. I enjoyed it overall and was able to appreciate Charlotte’s journey and everyone who supported her to get there. The story is definitely worth reading and I am looking forward to reading then next book in the series. Fans of the fantasy and supernatural genres and those who love adventure will enjoy this read!

Book Review: 58 Farm End by Natasha Murray

I was provided with a copy of the book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Release date: 18 December 2020

About the Book:

58 Farm End

After Ivy Brown is found dead in a silent pool at Farm End, Julia Bridgewater and Seth Hearn, from two rival farming families, declare their love for each other.

Their passionate affair does not go unnoticed.

As their bond grows stronger, dark and twisted secrets are unearthed and cause chaos.

Somebody is watching Julia and is becoming impatient.

“Absolutely brilliant! Really, really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for the next in the series.”

Julia and her brother Peter are finding their new life at Farm End challenging. Their dairy farm in Findon, is not doing well. Their Dad, who is struggling with depression, wants to sell the farm and move on. One night, Julia meets the enigmatic Seth Hearn, from the neighbouring Crow Farm and she is instantly drawn to him. How does he know so much about her?

Are Julia and Seth star crossed lovers? Will they be able to deal with those that mean to harm them?

The question is: Who killed Ivy Brown?

My Thoughts:

58 Farm End is a fast paced mystery thriller that introduces the reader to the Bridgewaters and Hearns. They live on neighbouring farms but there is history and bad blood between the two families for years. When Julia Bridgewater meets Seth Hearn, sparks fly even though they are forbidden to see each other. Julia knows her heart and mind and chooses to do as she pleases even though her father and brother disagree. As the story progresses, the reader is provided insight into the families and introduced to various characters.

We are introduced to a variety of characters in the Hearn family, a huge lot and rather suspicious. When Ivy Brown, Jake Hearn’s fiance is found dead in the pond, at the far end of the farm, chaos ensues. Everyone has a shady past or story, everyone is hiding something. I particularly enjoyed how the story unfolded and the mystery unraveled. However, the ease with which Julia and Sean fall in love was a little difficult for me to adjust to.

The plot is well thought out and the characters are easy to relate to. The sibling dynamics between Julia and Peter is interesting and I like how they evolve and learn to understand each other and respect one another. When faced with the prospect of losing their father, they band together to try to help him. There is a lot of heartbreak going around, but in the twists towards the end were brilliantly planned. Some parts of the mystery are so unexpected that this makes for an interesting read!The ending is unexpected and I like how this book leads on to the next one!

A well-written murder mystery, this book is a must read for all!