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Gothic Love Stories #5

Too Brazen to Bite

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A hidden secrets, forbidden lovers romance from a New York Times bestselling author: In this gothic castle, even a woman of science isn’t immune to the charms of a wickedly handsome, dangerously sexy vampire…

The devilishly seductive, irresistibly rakish Mr. Macane is ravishing all the ladies of the ton—despite the fact that he is penniless, untitled—and believed to be a vampire. Hired to disprove such an absurd claim, the skeptical Miss Elspeth Ramsay does not expect to tremble in his presence—until the graze of his teeth on her neck ignites an appetite of her own, and she finds herself biting him back! Surely this sudden bloodlust can only mean danger for her family and her heart—or a love for eternity...

Too Brazen to Bite is a re-edited, author's edition update to the previously published book Never Been Bitten (originally in the anthology Born to Bite).

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2016

About the author

Erica Ridley

127 books2,117 followers
Get freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?

In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

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5 stars
171 (39%)
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146 (33%)
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73 (16%)
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28 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Monique.
626 reviews44 followers
July 15, 2022
With the build-up of the mysterious vampire Cain, the book started off well enough... before rushing through to the ending. Nothing like tacking on a long, boring sex scene and a last minute wedding proposal to rounds things out. Yay.
It was a freebie, so no loss but my time.
Profile Image for Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb".
1,408 reviews17 followers
November 21, 2020
Miss Elspath/Ellie Ramsay Spinster has been hired to investigate Mr. Martainn Macane Scotts who is believed to be a Vampire.

Okay the story was a bit funny to me. Which I enjoyed so I don't want to give to much away. But there is some very mysterious vibes coming from Ellie! What is she? Who is She?

The story was fast paced interesting and very different to read about Vampires in a historical romance setting!!

I received a Free copy of Too Brazen To Bite as a Goodreads Giveaway from Erica Ridley. I just want to say Thank You!
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,517 reviews141 followers
October 19, 2020
Too Brazen to Bite: Gothic Historical Romance Gothic Love Stories Series #5
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 10/23/2020

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A hidden secrets, forbidden lovers romance from a New York Times bestselling author: In this gothic castle, even a woman of science isn’t immune to the charms of a wickedly handsome, dangerously sexy vampire…
 
The devilishly seductive, irresistibly rakish Mr. Macane is ravishing all the ladies of the ton—despite the fact that he is penniless, untitled—and believed to be a vampire. Hired to disprove such an absurd claim, the skeptical Miss Elspeth Ramsay does not expect to tremble in his presence—until the graze of his teeth on her neck ignites an appetite of her own, and she finds herself biting him back!  Surely this sudden bloodlust can only mean danger for her family and her heart—or a love for eternity...

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Who is whom in this gothic tale ...

What a lovely paranormal novella this one was. I very much loved the premise, but I would have loved the end to feel less rushed and with more insight about their future as not all leads get their answer.
Elspeth is a quite a good heroine for a gothic tale, sure of herself but enthralled by the hero at first sight, yet still fighting her attraction.
Cain is more than the rogue he presents to Society. And while he Longs to go home, he has a mission to accomplish.
The first half was very fun, after is it because it is a novella but I would have liked to see the end a bit more extend to give the main couple more time together.
4 stars for this entertaining novella.

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
1,919 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2020
Delightful comedy of errors in this brilliantly written gothic romance. When Ellie starts out to prove that Cain is no vampire, she doesn’t realise what events will be set in motion. The book grabbed my interest from the very start and I had a difficult time putting it down. The characters were believable and enticed you into taking part in their lives. I loved the twist at the end. Don’t miss this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
7,987 reviews49 followers
October 24, 2020
How much of the rumors are true? How much of the truth, just rumor? This is what Miss Elspeth Ramsay is intending to learn when she finds herself caught up in a personal family drama with roots much older and deeper than she could ever have imagined. Cain has spent longer than he cares to remember hunting a runaway bride, but he can’t return to his beloved homeland unless he brings the fugitive back with him. When Elspeth and Cain’s worlds collide, will it be a love for the ages or a tragedy worthy of the Greeks? A little bit Underworld, a little bit Pride and Prejudice. And puppies. A quick fun story that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the banter and sparks between this pair. It’s easy to feel the tension between them. The only thing that would have made this any better is if there had been an epilogue. I desperately want to know what happened after. The ending came about quite quickly, and I still have a few questions.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews67 followers
October 25, 2020
✳️✳️ONE THRILLING ADVENTURE✳️✳️
Delicious! Erica rolled this scintillating delight right on out with a refreshing twist on regency, serving up some simmering truths, steamy decisions and titillating pursuits, hooking you from start to finish, fusing this baby together seamlessly. Dissolved limitations and shattered restrictions are amplified and expanded, baring the soaring ups and agonizing downs inspiring in it's simplicity and beautiful in it's depth, launching this jewel to a whole new level. The attraction and chemistry collides with such force, baring profound emotions and undeniable affections, binding them together flawlessly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Erica, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Profile Image for Hayley.
328 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2020
This was Erica Ridley at her finest! I loved the mystery, the romance, and the hint of paranormal intrigue (without being grotesque). The pace was fast, without feeling rushed, and I absolutely could not put the book down. I usually don’t like gothic stories—they tend to be too dark and gloomy for me—but this story was perfect. It had just the right amount of drama to make it interesting, but it maintained an overall lighter tone than most gothic books.

Mártainn was sexy and passionate and beautifully crazy about Ellie. He was everything I love about Ridley’s best heroes. And I admired Ellie’s dedication to her mother and the way her intellectual mind handled the paranormal discoveries.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance!

*I received an ARC of this novella. This is my complete and honest review.*
Profile Image for Rachel.
720 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2020
I am not a fan of vampire stories. That being said, I am on Erica Ridley's ARC team, so when I received this I gave it a try, and guess what? I LIKED IT! It reads somewhat like the standard romance novel at first, with a young heroine, Elspeth, who lives alone with her mother, who is an odd duck. She has been hired to prove whether a strange man in society, Cane, is a vampire. She considers herself rational, but when he gets her alone, she bites him! But things accelerate quickly when she goes to a house party with her friend and the mysterious stranger appears again. Her whole demeanor changes and we begin to suspect that things are not what they seem.
To avoid spoilers, let's just say that they do get their happily ever after, but how is the big question and it is well done.
This book could spawn a sequel??
Profile Image for Lorna.
1,558 reviews69 followers
August 26, 2022
3.5 stars. I actually liked the story and premise. A vampire that is a warrior from Scotland on the hunt for a female vampire that disappeared 200 years before meets a young woman who has been hired to prove he is a vampire. What could go wrong? There’s some twists and turns but ended so abruptly that I couldn’t give this 4 stars. At only 160 pages there could have been more easily. And I wanted more.
Profile Image for Kristi.
453 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2017
I liked the writing style and the characters weren't bad, but the end jackknifed too quickly. It was a strange reversal of the hunter's plan and left some unanswered questions. But I guess I was in the mood for a vampire story, so I didn't care too much.
Profile Image for Izzie McFussy.
573 reviews26 followers
July 19, 2022
4.5⭐️ A quick, fun read with a touch of sly humor. My only quibble was that the story ended too soon. I’d love more books about Cain’s clan.
727 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2020
"The walking dead, the undead, or Vampire which ever you prefer to call them. ". Miss Lydia Breckenridge, a London ton member hires Ellie to either prove it disprove that "Lord Lovenip" is one.

Elspeth Ramsey, Ellie, is logical, scientific minded, lonely woman that tries her best to do what she can for her mother and herself. They move frequently and with the tight twin her mother keeps on her she is not allowed to make friends. However, unbeknownst to her mother she finds a hindered spirit in Miss Lydia. So she agrees to help.

Lord Lovenip, Martainn Macane, Cain, Mac Eion is a hunter and warrior vampire for his clan. He is charged with bringing back Agnes Munro, Aggie, as she broke a solomon how to wed on of the elders.

Agnes Munro Ramsey, never wanted to wed the elder as she broke the cardinal rule and fell in love with a mortal human. So she did the only thing she could and fled in the night. Now over a century later he has finally caught up to her.

Ellie finds that proving Lydia's theory wrong would be a great thrill. It would also bring in some much needed money for them. After meeting her prey and to avoid his "Lovenip" as it has been called, she bites him. Now things start to change and she doesn't understand. She craves uncooked meat, bones and all. She has fangs, shockingly horrible to find. Her mother finally tells her all only to realize it was about herself not Ellie. Ellie is unable to tell her mother about what is happening to herself.

As things go Cain admits he is hunting for a specific person only to Ellie thinking she is human. Cain wants to help Ellie find a life she can live and be comfortable with. When all is revealed more than one person will be shocked.

This Gothic novella is a fun, mystery to read. I enjoyed the characters and the banter of word between all of them. The plot twists was a very intriguing, genius turn that kept me reading all night.
Profile Image for Diana Aden.
318 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2020
Miss Elspeth Ramsay, a skeptical bluestocking, and spinster, is hired by the daughter of a viscount. Her task is to prove that vampires exist in the world, specifically in the persona of Mr. Mártainn Macane who is sinfully handsome. Elspeth doesn’t believe they exist, but women, both young and old, have heart palpitations when Mr. Macane enters a room. I loved how I was drawn into the story at the beginning with all the descriptive phrases the author used. “A giddy countess lost her equilibrium when she could not keep her eyes from him. Without facing her, the alleged vampire righted the countess with a mere touch of his palm against the small of her back. She fainted into her husband’s arms.” I had to chuckle at this and thought, what a spoof this book is going to be. Ellie was surprised at the unusual connection she felt at her first sight of him but was determined to prove he was a rake, not a vampire, as she had “no intention of being nibbled upon” and “everything has an explanation.” I loved Ellie’s character. She was and wasn’t a typical bluestocking. She is independent, thinks like a scientist, yet is an innocent who lives with a very protective mother.
I enjoyed reading this book. The main characters’ interactions were delightful with lovely chemistry between the two. There is a lot that unfolds in the story, especially long-held secrets. I greatly appreciate receiving an ARC and offer this review based upon my own opinions.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,792 reviews28 followers
November 9, 2020
What a lark! Another delightful tale from Erica Ridley. With her signature humor, divine characters, witty banter and skillfully written zany storyline this one has gone supernatural or in this case gothic?

Miss Elspeth Ramsay and her mother move around like gypsies, pulling up stakes as soon as Ellie starts to get comfortable. But the vagabond life leaves them strapped for cash, so Ellie has created her own career as an investigator. Miss Lydia Breckenridge has hired her to prove that the dreamy Scotsman Martainn Macane is a vampire. Ellie thinks it is ridiculous, but she is getting paid well to investigate. However, when she finally meets him, she, who is usually a wallflower finds herself not only attracted to the man, but has an urge to bite him.

Macane is actually a vampire warrior, sent out two centuries ago to find and return Aggie Murro, the Deserter, who ran away instead of following orders to marrying a man she did not love in order to, unite two powerful clans. So why is he so attracted to this human- and did she just bite him?

I read an ARC as a member of the author's Review Crew. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Glittergirl.
906 reviews16 followers
October 18, 2020
This is a quick vampire paranormal romance story. It's an interesting read, engaging but it wrapped up too quickly and left the HEA with some unanswered story threads to me.

Miss Elspeth Ramsay is a bluestocking on the edges of society. She and her mother seem to be endlessly roving from town to town, never staying anywhere very long which frustrates Elspeth. Being an intelligent woman she makes money for them by investigating mysteries for people. Currently Miss Lydia Breckenridge has hired her to prove Mr. Martainn Macane is a vampire rather than just an eccentric Lord Lovenip. Cain is a vampire from Scotland and he's been hunting for Aggie Munro for 200 years after she ran from an arranged marriage within the coven. Elspeth is sure he's not a vampire and it takes investigating to discover the truth. Unfortunately for Elspeth the truth is not what she thought in regards to several things.

I I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
16 reviews
November 5, 2021
A vampire hunter and the human-vampire

I enjoy this story simple not gore and blood lust and scary. I do not like gore vampires who doesn’t have any feelings. I like when the hero a vamp has the capability of love and hate in others words felling of,ove, hate and suffering that no mean the vampires that enjoy the killing, hate humans and soulless. A story needs both but is not necessary. This a clean, romance between a vampire hunter and half human , whose mother is a vamp and human father and Cain, the vamp is hunting her mother to bring back to the elders because she fell in love with a human, naturally they fell nine love and Cain has to change his plan. Ellie is the heroine and good daughter that will prevent her mother be harmed. My recommendation that is clean romance, sex scene are part in this story but is perfect romance for those that like paranormal romance with no gore.
2,019 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2020
Just a Little Bite!
Short, but packed full of secrets, mystery, suspense and romance.
Is Macane a vampire? What is Elspeth mother's big secret that keeps them on the run?
Ellie finds herself in the middle of all this mystery and finds herself having loving feelings for Macane and hopes that he will feel the same way towards her.
I loved her initial innocence and then she shows quite a bit of mischievousness and after a while her strength of character eventually comes to the fore and all of this was a total delight.
The twists and turns in this story are also something to be remarked about.
I've very quickly become a fan of this type of gothic romance and because I enjoyed it so much, I am recommending it.
I have just read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and my voluntary and unbiased opinion/review is recorded above.
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews22 followers
October 14, 2020
This is a good take on the vampire genre. It's different from other vampire novels.

Cain is a vampire who is hunting a runaway bride. He is doing so under the guise of a penniless rogue. He is determined on completing his mission as he wants to be return to his homeland. He is homesick! Little does he know that meeting the meekish, prim and proper Elsbeth might twart his mission. They are drawn to each other, but his surprising discovery can put a damper on what he believes. Can they find a solution to their dilemma?

This short story is well portrayed. The characters are fun and lovable. The romance is pleasing. The end is a little rushed and I feel that it could have been more rewarding to know if they return to Scotland. Otherwise, a pleasant read.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Profile Image for Shilo Quetchenbach.
1,518 reviews66 followers
October 15, 2020
I wasn't sure about this one -- it's a little campy and seems rather ridiculous at first. I quickly warmed up to it however, and ended up loving it. It doesn't play out the way it seems at first it will -- I was surprised several times with how the characters were portrayed.

Elspeth and Cain are not what they first appear - nor is Elspeth's mother - and the way they defy expectations made me enjoy this a great deal more than I thought it would. The plot is a bit thin as it focuses on Elspeth and Cain's attraction, but that's not a bad thing in a romance novel. Sometimes you want something sweet and sexy and easy to read, and I will definitely be keeping Erica Ridley in mind for when I want such novels in future.

*Thanks to Erica Ridley and WebMotion for providing an e-arc to review.
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,645 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2020
Ellie Ramsey has been hired by her friend Lady Lydia, daughter of a viscount, to prove that Cain is a vampire and offspring of the devil himself. Actually, he is a Scottish vampire warrior sent to hunt down Aggie Munro who fled a contract of marriage two hundred years ago. Really, Elspeth doesn't believe in vampires. She repeats to herself for the fops not to notice her and they don't. But when McCane enters the room, the atmosphere changes drastically, as does the music. As women faint and flutter, he looks across the room and comes right to her. Although she has never danced before she floats dreamily with him out the door and surprises herself by biting his shoulder when he leans down for a little nip! Seems there may be secrets about herself that even she doesn't know. She needs to check back with her mother! Great surprise ending!
Profile Image for Peggy.
1,824 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2020
Cain is a vampire and a hunter. Aggie is a vampire who married a human (a no-no) ran away two hundred years ago, and has kept running. Cain is hunting her. So far, she has been able to elude him. He may have finally found her. Ellie Ramsey is Aggie’s daughter. She is a bluestocking and doesn’t believe in the paranormal, including vampires. She is hired to prove Cain is a vampire. When they meet, he is attracted and thirsty. He intends to bite Ellie and take a sip, and, boy, does she surprise him. It seems Elspeth Ramsey has secrets even she doesn’t know about.

This is an awesome vampire romance that has mystery, humor, surprises, and secrets galore. The characters a fun and likeable. It may not have been what she had in mind, but Lady Lydia brings our hero and heroine together. Cain’s puppy is adorable. The end was a bit of a surprise, but I liked it. I enjoyed and recommend this short entertaining story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,184 reviews52 followers
October 22, 2020
This was quick, mysterious and fun read. For someone who doesn't read PNR books this is my second book in 2 days and it just made me realize I’m missing out :)

I know this is a novella and it's supposed to be short read but I literally blinked and it was over. I loved the plot of this story. Both Ellie and Cain were easily to fall in love with.
One was driven by duty and the other just wanted to prove that vampires don't exists. Both were in for a surprise of their lives.

With each story Erica Ridley writes I turn into a bigger fan. I can't wait for the next book by her to be swept of my feet once again.

***Review copy received by the author for an honest opinion***
992 reviews19 followers
October 24, 2020
I had such a great time reading this story! It was so much fun, some plot twists were wonderfully surprising, and I adored the heroine! I loved the original take Erica Ridley brought to the classic vampire/dangerous hero trope as well as the “gothic novel” feel to this story. Elspeth is a delight, so earnest and rational, and unexpectedly brazen. There’s a lot more to her than even she suspects, which was awesome. I loved the way the tension built between Elspeth/Ellie and Cain, the rakish and enigmatic subject of her investigation. Their connection is mesmerizing, and they have great chemistry together! The humor and imagery in the writing is engaging and made this into an even more enjoyable read.
330 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2020

Gothic love stories 5.

To brazen to bite.

This book was a really wonderful read
Vampire stories are not usually a genre I read.
However I had not read a vampire romance, written by Erica.Ridley.

Miss Ellie Ramsay has grown up with her single parent mother, moving from town to town.
Ellie has been discouraged from having friends.
Then Ellie meets Cain, who has secrets of his own that he needs to sort.
Cain is a vampire, who Ellie chooses to bite on the neck...

This is a very good book.
How will these two settle their problems and align themselves up for a loved happy future.

Please read the authors blurb that Erica has written, it really is very good.
,

1,401 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2020
"Too Brazen to Bite" by Erica Ridley
I loved this light fun historical romance with a twist of vampire to get your heart beat accelerating. I do not believe I have ever read a story with a character thought to be a vampire, and almost missed this story because I wasn't sure I was brave enough to face a possible vampire. I am ever so glad I got brave. This is not a scary horror story, but a light romance with some very interesting twists. I hope you will agree with me that this is a story 'not to be missed'. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the author with the request to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Bernadette.
375 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2020
This is the only book in the series I hadn’t read. It was the perfect read for me right now. A vampire being hunted, while hunting a missing vampire and finding an unknown vampire.
The characters were fun and believable. There is a practical, scientifically minded young lady, who is trying to disprove the existence of vampires and uncovers a family secret she can hardly believe. There is a handsome and dedicated vampire hunter, who finally meets his match. Finally, there is a loving mother, doing everything in her power to protect her daughter and herself from a decision she made many years ago.
The story is fast paced and it was hard to put down once I started it.
Profile Image for Janet.
4,549 reviews48 followers
October 21, 2020
The devilishly seductive, irresistibly rakish Martainn Macane is ravishing all the ladies of the ton & has earned the nickname of Lord Lovenip . Miss Lydia Breckenridge believes him to be a vampire & hires, the sceptical Miss Elspeth Ramsay who does not expect to tremble in his presence until the graze of his teeth on her neck ignites an appetite of her own, and she finds herself biting him back! A delightful novella which I read in a sitting, a dash of mystery, a soupcon of misunderstanding along with more than a little romance all brewed nicely to make for an entertaining, captivating read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
1,763 reviews30 followers
November 4, 2020
Just one taste

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review. This book was funny, serious and romantic. Miss Ellie (Elspeth)was hired by Miss Breckenridge to find out if the new man about town is a vampire. What a vampire, be serious. So Ellie takes the job to get the much needed money. At the soiree, she finally has her first look at Mr. Macane. She is hiding in the shadows, where she always is, nobody ever noticed her before, but suddenly she is dancing with him. Something is happening to both of them, but neither knows what. Does it only take one bite to be bitten by love?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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