Devon’s review of One Bite With a Stranger (The Others, Book 6) by Christine Warren
Paranormal Romance released by St. Martin’s 7 Oct 08

Although technically this is number six in The Others series, it is a revised and expanded version of Fantasy Fix, previously released by Ellora’s Cave. It takes place before the other books in the series, and according to the author’s site, this could be considered Book One. I’ve been looking forward to reading these earlier stories, and this one didn’t disappoint. It was an entertaining read with fun characters, hot love scenes and d/s overtones.

Regina MacNeill is a straightlaced kind of gal who finally gives in to her (rather annoying) friends’ desire to get her to act out a secret sexual fantasy. She ends up in a vampire wannabe club on the Lower East Side, where she attracts the attention of a real-life vampire (for once, not the club owner). Dmitri Vidame is powerfully attracted to Regina and when he looks into her mind and sees her submissive desires, he knows she is the one for him. Regina is in for some hot sex, and some soul searching, as her feelings for Dmitri are as strong as her concerns about him.

For this to all work, Dmitri had to be likeable. He is very alpha, overwhelming and dominant, and he could easily come off as a stalkerish asshole. But I did like him. The chemistry between the two was incredible, and Warren made the whole instant soulmate thing work (she’s good at that). Dmitri showed a lot of regard for Regina’s feelings and desires, and had a sense of humor as well, which made me like him.

Regina seemed like a bit of a doormat at first, but I came to like her. Sometimes she veered toward that shrill, bratty,“I know you are but what am I” humor. The humor in general was a bit juvenile. I didn’t like her buddies too much. Regina is a bedroom submissive, and Dmitri is quite the dominant fellow. I thought the sex scenes were very hot. No whips and other accoutrement, if that freaks you out. And that dynamic is confined to the bedroom.

The external plot was minimal, but that was fine with me. It was a break from multiple storylines and bands of brothers etc. The focus was on Regina coming to terms with herself and her desires, and a new relationship with somebody very different than she planned. Very different, given the bloodsucking and all. If you haven’t read any of The Others, you could start here. While not the strongest of the books (plenty of filler), One Bite with a Stranger, was sexy, fun and fast moving.

Grade: B-

The Summary:

When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun…

The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she—and her feisty friends—discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…

Read an excerpt

Other books in the series: