BITTEN BY KELLEY ARMSTRONG

rating
(Women of the Otherworld, #1)
  URBAN FANTASY



Elena Michaels is the world’s only female werewolf. And she’s tired of it. Tired of a life spent hiding and protecting, a life where her most important job is hunting down rogue werewolves. Tired of a world that not only accepts the worst in her–her temper, her violence–but requires it. Worst of all, she realizes she’s growing content with that life, with being that person.

So she left the Pack and returned to Toronto where she’s trying to live as a human. When the Pack leader calls asking for her help fighting a sudden uprising, she only agrees because she owes him. Once this is over, she’ll be squared with the Pack and free to live life as a human. Which is what she wants. Really.


“You forget, darling. I am the local psychopath.”

I have a thing for books in series where the person is reluctant to be part of the group - it adds given tension to the other stories and makes intriguing personal decisions. It's almost always predictable how it would turn out, but I still enjoyed the journey of Elena having to return to the pack and answer to her past. There's plenty of plausible reasons she would have left and had reservations about her relationship with Clay, but the author doesn't drag it on and makes it come to a head realistically and with ease.

Characters just rock in this one - Elena is a worthy lead - she's independent, intelligent, with a fragile background but decent outlook on the present and future. She's not whiny, bitchy, wimpy, or melodramatic. Clay may not be perfect but he doesn't apologize for that. I get tired of flawed leads wanting to be something they're not - he's happy in his own skin and doesn't miss anything about the human lifestyle. He is what he is and knows what he wants - Elana. Their relationship is mildly obsessive and possessive, but it's also playful and humorous. Five stars on their relationship.

Jeremy as the alpha is refreshing. He's not a smug, arrogant ass who has to prove himself all the time like other series. I love Jeremy - his steady patience makes more sense than growing and stumbling alphas in other series, he seems to pop up whenever he's needed, he has a warm, father-figure vibe with Elena. Really all the pack rocks - they have a sense of loyalty that makes sense and works. It's unique and makes sense in a way that should make sense, something so many stories don't seem to get.

While mainly a serious book, it dishes out some truly funny scenes - especially the awkward situation with Clay, Elena and her current live-in boyfriend. I couldn't stop giggling.

Fighting scenes are intense and the ending battle a worthy one. It's not a mystery novel but they have to use their nose and get to the bottom of things, which they of course do. It ends on a strong note to wrap up the main book's story, but leaves you wanting more and itching for its sequel. Well done.

I've watched the TV show since it came out, enjoying it and making me want to dive into this series. The first season stumbled one, but this third (and final) season airing right now is the best yet and keeps me addicted week to week.



Free Online Fiction from the Author's Website (Including of this series) 
Demonology 101 from author's website 

   Show Trailer:


   Book Quotes:

“Maturity is highly overrated.” 

“One part of my brain, soaring on adrenaline, insisted I could take Cain, whatever the size difference. Another part wondered where the hell Nick and Clay were. The loudest part just shouted: Run, you idiot, run!” 

   Other UF Shifter Books:

http://www.paperbackstash.com/2014/04/stray-by-rachel-vincent.html http://www.paperbackstash.com/2014/06/rogue-by-rachel-vincent.html