Welcome to our site!

The focus of the Bitten by Books website is to provide book reviews for all types of paranormal fiction, urban fantasy and horror. Our reviewers share an avid love of all things paranormal and of course of books! You may see an occasional fantasy or Sci-fi review as well, as sometimes authors overlap genres or the genres incorporate one another. Bitten by Books prides itself on offering our readers honest book reviews, author interviews, interesting guest blog spots and fun contests. Whether you love paperback books or e-books, make http://bittenbybooks.com your only stop for all things in the paranormal fiction genre. If you are a reader, author or publisher of paranormal fiction be sure to join our awesome community The Blood Bank and connect with like minded people.

Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, please presume that any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author, publisher or third party to Bitten by Books a Mood Ring Media company as a review copy. We do not accept payment for reviews or product endorsements.

Our Staff:

The Bitten by Books founder Rachel Smith is an avid reader and has been since the early 70’s. She enjoys primarily paranormal fiction, but can occasionally be caught reading non-fiction, chic lit or books on esoteric subjects. When not reviewing books you can find her blogging about her favorite products at http://www.weirdstuffinmydesk.com or creating custom perfume blends and doing readings at her other business Fragrant Soul. Rachel has worked as a spiritual counselor and teacher for many years. When not reading or hanging out online this Pacific Northwest native enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with her gaggle of doxons and listening to music.

Sarai is a self declared read-aholic and has been trying to break the habit for many years with no avail. Photographer, sister, daughter, slave to a menagerie, history enthusiast, going green groupie, DIY freak, baseball fan, list making fiend, mind reader extraordinaire, tree climbing fogy, sarcastic to a fault, mystery solver, music fanatic, reluctant writer, baking diva, theater devotee, etc. etc. in other words I have far too many interests and no real drive to focus on just one.

Kate Jasmine is a Southern Belle of the very worst sort. She gossips about her sister. She will borrow your clothes and look better in them. Her mama despairs of all the money spent on charm school. Nonetheless, Kate loves to LIVE life with capital letters. When she isn’t out bungee jumping from the Eiffel tower, you can find her curled up on a chaise lounge on the lanai reading a good book. Bad books will be flung to the woods where the raccoons and possums can have them. About her photo: Kate, being a shy retiring type, wishes she looked like Margaret Mitchell.

Virginia Hendricks is the review coordinator for beautifulreads.com and bittenbybooks.com.  She has way too many books in her TBR pile.  She found the world of paranormal during a brief hiatus from “bodice ripping” romance novels.  Her entrance into the world of paranormal began with great authors such as Laurell K Hamilton, Charlaine Harris and Keri Arthur.  She has met many great authors and friends in her foray into the world of paranormal and urban fantasy novels.  She lives in PA, roots for the sixburgh Steelers, the Penguins and the Pirates.  She has two cats, and a wonderful understanding and loving husband.  She also quilts, cross stitches,  plays bells and plays pinball and wonders how she has time to work for a living.

Becky is an avid reader of various genres. I also happen to be a fast reader which I consider to be a blessing as well as a curse. A blessing because I am able to tear my way through 14 books in a weekend if I do nothing but read. A curse because I seem to be incapable of forcing myself to slow down and make a book last. Two of my fantasies are to find an author who can write as fast as I read and be locked in a well stocked library till I’m done. One day my husband and I will build our dream house. It shall include a man cave for the hubs and a wonderful library for me. (Lots of windows for fabulous natural light, floor to ceiling shelves and one of those wicked fun rolling ladders!) Until then, we continue to share our small, book filled house with our 18 year old son, 2 dogs and 1 cat.

Shirley retired in 2005 but still hasn’t reached her goal of reading a book a day, though it’s not for lack of trying! Her personal library has over 4000 books. Most are mysteries, but there are lots of paranormal and romantic suspense titles in there too. She also volunteers at her county library and delivers for Meal on Wheels. If she’s not reading or volunteering, you’ll find her at a book sale, in her flower garden or out having fun with friends.

For Lori, being an avid reader was inevitable as the daughter of two English Lit majors. It also didn’t hurt that her Grandmother was a children’s librarian so there were always plenty of books in the house. She is happy to say that her oldest daughter shares that love and her youngest is starting to as well. When she is not reading, she can be found performing in and choreographing musicals for local theater groups. She works full-time for the Federal government and juggles that, being a wife and mother, the theater and still finds time to read on a daily basis. She is never without a book in her purse and her husband loves to tell people about the time she pulled out a book and read at an NHL game.

Shona loves fantasy and vampire novels, but has been known to read anything that comes with a good recommendation. According to her husband she has an annoying habit of cross-stitching while watching TV, and she eats far too much chocolate. She does not think either habit is a problem. When she is not working as a civil designer or chasing her kids around, she writes, and hopes to eventually share her stories with the world.

Rosa has been reading since the age of 2 and giving her opinion to anyone within earshot since birth, so this job is a natural fit. She’ll read anything in her path, but has a soft spot for paranormal fiction and mystery series with cute titles. She started reading Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series back when it only came in paperback and the cover art understood that Anita had crimes to solve. Rosa lives in Washington State with her husband, two adorable sons, two dogs, two cats, and an unfortunately full-time day job.

Polly Anderson - I will be the first to admit that I prefer reading to just about anything. I don’t know of many women, or any for that matter, who would prefer washing dishes or cleaning the oven over sitting down with a delicious piece of prose. I have been reading for a long time, about 60 years now, since my mother taught me to read before I entered kindergarten. I’m not real big on the classic although I have read many of them. I tend to read books which tickle my imagination, books that require me to suspend my rational mind in favor of something bigger and grander and wilder.

My children are grown; my husband can fend for himself; and the dog is gone. I finally have time to indulge my passion for the printed word.

Justine Greene began life as a full-fledged fan of all things odd & unusual. Her first word was “Batman”; so her parents knew she’d never be like other children….Justine has been an avid, devout reader for most of her life (those first couple years of life were dedicated to eating, sleeping, playtime and more napping.) She has always loved fantasy in all formats. While she will read almost anything with words on it, her heart belongs to the worlds of the paranormal writers. Justine also has been known to put phalanges to keyboard to spin a tale or two of her own. Justine’s early book crushes were with authors such as Andre Norton; Theodore Sturgeon; Ray Bradbury; Anne McCaffrey; Tanith Lee & Mercedes Lackey. She has developed a life long affair with the works of authors like Neil Gaiman; Charles DeLint; Sherrilyn Kenyon; Laurell K. Hamilton; Yasmine Galenorn; Terri Garey; Annette Blair; and too many others to name. Justine loves to offer up bits of tid to friends about her favorite reads. Justine is a periodic guest reviewer for the site.

Brianna has been engrossed in romance novels since she was 12, when she accidentally stumbled upon her mother’s collection of Victoria Holt books. Having been with the genre for well over a decade – or two – she loves the way it has grown and flourished. In the early 90’s she came across her first paranormal romance and vowed never to look back. Vampires, shapeshifters, demons – if it’s paranormal she’s on board. She currently lives with a hero of her own, two lovely daughters, a dog, and two cats. When she’s not reading she’s likely to be found watching anything with Hugh Jackman in it.

ReaderWoman - My real name is Laura Strathman Hulka, known to many as ReaderWoman, which is the nom de plume I have chosen to use here on Bitten By Books. I am a writer and researcher by trade, owning my own office services business. Married, with two grown children and two grandsons, I am back in California (born and raised here!) after 9 years in TN. My hobbies include reading (duh!) crafts, gardening, computers, baking, and collecting. (at present collecting gnomes, dragonflies (my totem “animal”) and tea cups. I love swapping books, and writing online in my blog. Look forward to a long relationship with Bitten By Books and Rachel.

Stacy has been an active reader for years, introduced into the romance genre at an early age she still trades newly read books with her Mom and Grandma. When straight romance began to feel a bit “cookie cutter” to her, she branched out into mystery, suspense and erotica. Then the wonderful day arrived when a friend introduced her to the paranormal. Still new into the genre, she has a particular fondness for vampires and faeries. When she’s not engrossed in a book, she enjoys spending time with her wonderful group of girlfriends and family, taking her dog on walks and trying her hand at gardening.

Amy -Growing up with a mini library in the house turned her into a book maniac where she spent lots of her time in her room, reading. Reading is a passion that she embraces into her life and became an important activity in her life. During her free time, you can find her in front of the computer reading electronic books or lay around on her bed reading a print copy.

Ricki MC-Dunn has loved reading her whole life. She would rather read than watch TV (which really drives her parents and boyfriend nuts). Her favorite genres are fantasy, mystery, horror, manga, and young adult. When she is not reading, she can be found working full time as the Artistic Director for the Chesterfield Community Theatre. She is also a freelance editor and was formally the Executive Managing Editor for Fantasy/Horror/Sci-Fi for the now defunct Chippewa/Lady Aibell Publishing.

Megan is a book addict that doesn’t want to be cured. She started reading books at a young age and never looked back. She sometimes even stayed home from school sick just so she could finish a book. Sorry mom! She loves to read mostly paranormals but will read anything that is put in front of her. She has a To Be Read pile that is bigger than she is. She has her own blog http://katiebugdomesticdiva.blogspot.com/ where you can read about her family or anything else that might pop in her head. Her biggest dream is to become a published author one day.

Jean Roberta is the thin-disguise pen name of a writer who promised her parents not to use their unusual family name for her erotic stories. She teaches first-year English classes in a Canadian prairie university, and writes fiction, articles, reviews and opinion pieces, mostly on erotic and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender subjects. Approximately 60 of her stories have appeared in print anthologies, and her single-author collection of sexy stories in various flavors, Obsession, is available here. Jean also writes reviews for Erotica Revealed, The Dominant’s View, Rainbow Reviews, TCM Reviews, print journals Batteries Not Included and The Gay and Lesbian Review, among others. Her monthly column, “Sex Is All Metaphors,” appears in “Smutters Lounge” at the Erotic Readers and Writers Association. Jean’s website, www.JeanRoberta.com, is a work in progress. She also blogs on Livejournal as “Lizardlez.”

Lyda - Lyda has been a book-aholic since she was little girl who read in the dark after bedtime. She doesn’t recommend doing that now as that is the reason she is now half blind. None the less, Lyda enjoys keeping her nose in a good book and has no qualms about sharing her opinion of the book with others.

Lyda loves to eat. Lyda loves to sleep, but since becoming a mother her love for sleep has somewhat been estranged. And Lyda also loves to listen to music with a good book in hand or watch a movie with a good snack within reach. None the less she is a happily married woman to a good man who encourages these loves especially the joy she finds reading and together they have an exuberant little baby boy. Beyond that, more of her random ramblings about books and nonsense can be found at http://lydaspen.wordpress.com.

Cassie - I am a 31 year old Housemom and critter caretaker. I am also a writer, a cat breeder, a rabid reader, a machinist and a business manager. (Yea and they say being a stay at home Mom is easy….) Reading has been a passion of mine since I was a child. In fact I just got a book I read in the 5th grade that I had loaned out and never gotten back, and spent 20 years looking for, from my sister for my birthday. So yea books are a big part of my life LOL.

I have had a passion for vampires and the paranormal since I was a teenager. L.J. Smith’s vampires were among the first that I fell for. I am a fan of Laurell K Hamilton, Yasmine Galenorn, Mary Stanton, and a number of others. We, my husband and I have a large collection of books, and a small house LOL so we have to cycle the books through on the shelves, that cover nearly every genre on the market. Nonfiction to good old fashioned Smut ;). I love reviewing books because I like getting the word out there about books I have enjoyed. Almost as much as I love finding a review that gets my interest and gets me hooked on a new writer.

My name is Mary, and I’m a serious book junkie, with a large personal collection of reading material. I’m fascinated by ghosts, the paranormal, and true crime stories. I love discovering the possibilities in the next world and am curious about the reasons people do what they do in this one. I’ve been reading since the age of 3, and always have a book or two or three going.

I’m an elementary school substitute teacher, and I always have a book or two in my “bag of tricks”. My new favorite is “Frog in a Bog”. My husband and daughter do not share my passion for books, and secretly think I’ve gone over the top with my collecting and reading habits, but I firmly believe there are worse habits I could have!

Kersyn is an avid reader who dreams of one day having books listed on Bitten by Books. Until that time she keeps up her constant diet of books; read, devoured, savored, and digested. She lives in a zoo with many pets, both four and two legged who keep her pretty busy chasing them all, but in between times of running she has her trusty book at her side. If a book is not in her hands then it is either a cross-stitch or craft project.

Jennifer Black has been obsessed with vampires for as long as she can remember. Although her reading was peppered with the occasional Dracula or Anne Rice novel, her first foray into paranormal romance came as the result of a free book giveaway at a sci-fi/fantasy convention. This new interest caused a problem, as Jennifer is addicted to books. Twelve-step programs fail utterly when faced with her massive collection — which is constantly growing. When not reading, she likes to dance, and someday hopes to figure out how to read while doing ballet.

Sarah Bewley is a playwright and writers workshop organizer/teacher living in Gainesville, Florida. A compulsive reader since childhood (when, if nothing else was available, even the back of a cereal box would do), she loves good books. Thirty years with the same man have also taught her an appreciation of knives, fires, and things that go boom. Her life is never dull.

Justice strongly believes two books a week keeps you healthy and happy. (Three or more prevents any depression and long lines at the checkout). Reading is her first love, she started her health regimen at the tender age of 5 when the County Bookmobile did its weekly run through her neighbor hood. Now being a mom she fits in her workout in between mommy duties, wife duties and work duties. Reading is a work out if done right, it even cancels out the chocolate donuts you ate with your kids this morning!

Danielle is a stone-cold addict. Of books, that is. She loves to read. Her book collection is in the thousands. Several years ago, she read Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon and became a die-hard paranormal fan. The same thing happened with urban fantasy/occult detective stories when she read Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton. Danielle grew up on fairy tales and mythology, so reading excellent urban fantasy which draws from the ancient myths and legends is a joy for her. Her heart goes pitter patter when she hears of an urban fantasy based on some obscure folk legend that most people never heard of. In her real life, she works in the veterinary field, and aspires to one day be a published author. She’s not married and doesn’t have kids, unless you count four spoiled cats. She lives in Texas.

Kat Parrish grew up in a home where the television was off more than it was on and no one ever told her to stop reading and go outside and play. She had a library card as soon as she could print her name with one of those big fat pencils they used to make little kids use. She started buying books as soon as her parents started giving her an allowance and still can’t pass a bookstore without stopping. She thinks the demise of independent bookstores is a shame but is happy that she can find so many great used books on eBay. (She had her own bookstore on eBay for years but gave it up when her inventory started taking over the house.) She has written several short pieces of paranormal fiction, including a story called Djinn that appeared in Astonishing Adventures Magazine. She lives in Los Angeles, where she works as a movie and television researcher.

Jackie sneaks in reading whenever she can between working, attempting to clean the house, and playing with the cutest fat kid there ever was. Always ready to share her opinion with others, Jackie’s been reviewing books since she found Run, Spot, Run to be a clichéd portrayal of dogs everywhere. She can be found reading urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or anything regarding Ancient Egypt with at least one of her three cats stalking her lap. Her TBR pile has started to over-take the house, flowing from the office and looming behind any unsuspecting person not watching her back.

Carol’s day job as a librarian helps fill her need to constantly be surrounded by books. Married to the same man for 34 years, Carol has two wonderful sons with awesome wives, and the most amazing grandson to ever grace the planet. When not reading or discussing books with her book groups, Carol may be found listening to symphonic metal or playing with the aforementioned remarkable grandson.

A deep and abiding love for words—written, spoken, or sung—drives Lacy in everything she does—work, creativity, and spare time.  I love reading, writing, listening to music, and watching movies and TV. My love affair with books began as a young child and shows no signs of stopping. A number of my earliest and fondest memories are of going to the library and checking out books with my sister and my mom. As children my sister and I spent a lot of time at the library, and as we’ve grown older we’ve amassed so many books that we don’t need to go to the library quite as much but it’s still such a treat to be in that place that stores so much knowledge, adventures, and new experiences. In my spare time you can catch me either at the bookstore, reading, writing, or watching movies at the theater, or watching movies and TV shows at home. Watching movies and TV is a close second for my favorite way to chill out. Although I love to read and can be found reading just about any type of fiction, my first and current love is for romances. So, if you find me reading a book that’s not romance, chances are it has a love story either at its core or somewhere in the novel. I’m fascinated by the relationships and connections forged between people  and I think that’s why I love romance so much in books, movies, and TV.

Michelle has always loved books.  An early reader, she started at two, she can always be found with a book.  Influenced by the arts at an early age as well, Michelle performs and directs regularly within the musical theater community.

By day, Michelle is a research scientist, a sometimes mundane but rewarding profession.  Otherwise, she can be found reading, singing, sometimes randomly, training her dog and cat, or enjoying the company of her wonderful boyfriend, family, and friends.

Jennzah Other than reading and writing, Jennzah is a happy wanderer who enjoys taking photos, road tripping around her adopted country, and learning the joy of cooking. Her favourite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jeri Smith-Ready, Maggie Stiefvater, Jeaniene Frost and Thomas Harris. She currently resides on the ocean in SouthWest England with her husband, Anthony.

Storm is an oldish Puyallup Indian, reveling in both the seen and unseen.   She works for a library, where her love of scare-me-silly and romance-on-the-dark-side books is appreciated and nurtured.  Living in the Pacific Northwest, she loves the gloomy days when she curls up on a couch with a book and the breath-taking blue days when she sits somewhere on the waterfront, sipping a glass of wine and watching the world go by.  Storm is a traditional Native American Hokema, Indian activist, human rights activist, newspaper columnist, and grandmother.  Although she has semi-retired from her calling to try and save the world, she remains fully engaged in playing with her grandchildren, herding her 2 cats, being herded by her 2 dogs and, of course, looking for a little romance of her own.

Maigan, better known as Silverstein, was once a clueless nine-year-old who sat down one day to write a story.  Now she’s a prose-aholic with a secret love of space ships and helicopters, a need to horde anything printed, and a never-ending dream of establishing a career as an author.  From anthro to Zorasterianism, she reads and writes anything that piques her interest, though she has a soft spot for urban fantasy, paranormal romance, cyber and steampunk, and male/male romance.  Having always believed in loving whatever you want regardless of anything, she has utterly refused to act her age and happily juggles a voracious desire for anime, manga, and new Pokemon games with a passion for writing, cooking, and studying religions and languages of the world.  She sold her soul (and wallet) to ball-jointed dolls in 2004 and now lives with an ever-growing doll family fondly called her ‘resin kids.’

Gabby Raines - I have worked as a technical secretary for over nine years for an engineering firm. Which, in it’s own way, has added combustible fuel to an already fiery imagination, but that is a whole different topic. For the past two years, however, I have worked as a freelance writer, proofreader, and editor.  Besides reading (which I have been told I do too much of, though I don’t believe it), my hobbies include writing, cross-stitching and being a general pain in the backside (which can be a full-time occupation if I let it).

Shell the Hockeyvampiress - Hey everyone. I am a hockey, rugby, football and once upon a time soccer mom to four boys. Yes to answer your question I am nuts!! I love to watch them play their sports and enjoy watching my Buffalo Sabres on TV.(Ryan I <3 U) My other love is reading. OK more like an obsession. I read ALL the time. What better to do while waiting for practices to get done or late at night when the insomnia kicks into high gear. Walking to work as long as it is not raining or snowing I am reading a book as I walk. My librarian Liz thinks this is more than a bit strange. My choice of material is 90% paranormal/urban fantasy with the remainder being romance/crime fiction. I have always wanted to write and am now finally attempting my first novel…..and yes, of course it is vamp fiction.

Rocky Shields has had a passion for reading ever since his mother first gave him a copy of Richard Scary’s Best Story Book Ever at the age of 3.  He is willing to read anything placed in front of him, including “Hummingbirds : A Book and Build-Your-Own Feeder Kit”.  Though ever since reading H. G. Wells The Time Machine he’s been addicted to the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy.  He currently resides in Southeast Missouri with more books than residents in his hometown.

Craig is a full-time geek, part-time nerd who has somehow magically parlayed a decade of retail grocery experience into a job as Store Manager of GrandLAN Gaming Center, a LAN center/comic book store/gaming store in Grand Rapids MI. He has been reviewing comic books far longer than people have been paying attention. He has spent his entire life in or around Grand Rapids, where he currently resides with his wife. If he’s ever not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, preferably at baseball games.

CeCe is a voracious reader. Someone who will forget to eat because she’s in the middle of a book. In fact, she lost ten pounds last summer without meaning to. And, it’s not enough to just read a book for her – she devours it, from cover to cover in one sitting. Her understanding husband of 17 years and two daughters already know not to bother her when she’s in one of her “escape trips.”

Yes, she admits it’s an addiction for her. But, there’s no cure for it, since she’s been “bitten” from the time she could read. Could you imagine her reading Macbeth at the age of 8? No, she didn’t understand any of it; she just needed to escape her restricted life. Then, at 16, she met Mr. Darcy and was forever in love with books. There was no turning back at all.

Gordon has loved reading since he learned the alphabet.  He enjoys a vast array of genres, ranging from the wildest fantasy to the most enigmatic non-fiction.  Japanese culture has been a particularly powerful influence in his life, especially Zen philosophy.  He speaks the language, studies the arts, and absolutely salivates for sushi.  Being very open minded and intuitive, he will read anything that has any level of depth to it, enjoying most a story that gets him thinking rather than simply processing words on a page.  When he’s not practicing Martial Arts or writing music in his studio (okay, his bedroom), he can be found in a cozy spot with a cold glass of sweetened iced tea nearby, rifling through another novel.  His goal is to eventually complete his own novel and share it with the world.

Hannah (Hamilton)- A super busy entrepreneur, health care professional, mother & wife.  I am always on the go - but do I LOVE to read!!!  I will read anything I can get my hands on!!!!  I read in the car, at the lake, taking a bubble bath…you name it!!!  You can find me busy working with families, in my studio creating art, sitting by the lake with my book, taking in my tulips, or whipping up new fragrances!  I am also in the process of writing my first book.