I love a werewolf book. Everyone has a thing that they're really into, and that's mine. When I started Bitten, I was obsessed with it. The beginning was exactly what I was craving of supernatural elements in a "real world" setting. I loved the relationship between Vanessa and Celeste (even knowing she was going to die). The first part of the book had me not wanting to put it down.

Unfortunately, it kind of lost me after that. The setting became very reminiscent of ACOTAR, and with as much of the same romantasy/fantasy tropes being used over and over again, I wanted something new and different for this one SO BAD. I wanted it to stay in the real world setting and while I knew from the description that likely wasn't the case, I still hoped.

Those feelings aside, Bitten gradually lost its appeal between the weak characters, hinted love triangle, and the same thing happening over and over again. It was slow. I usually love an academic setting, but this missed the mark for me. We were learning things, but everything relating to the main plot was so disjointed, it ended up being confusing. It's a bit strange when the twist is pretty obvious but all the hints laid out don't fit together well enough for you to actually figure out what's happening. Or maybe that's what Jordan Stephanie Gray wanted and it's a good thing?

I really hoped that Sin would be end game, considering it's so rare for the blond boy to get the girl when he's up against the dark, broody stereotype. I don't have strong feelings for him or Calix, so it's hard to care how the love triangle plays out, but it would've been nice for the (seemingly) non toxic guy to be The One so that this type we don't actually want in real life stops getting pushed on teenagers. Of course, doing that would change the plot entirely and impact the twist JSG laid out for her series.

I will say the chaotic ending was a fun time (to read) and definitely shocked me with how brutal it was. I wish Vanessa had been less of a spectator, but let's be honest, girl would Not have survived. I was surprised at the amount of deaths, but didn't have any emotional connection to anyone, which might have something to do with the fact that each character only had one notable characteristic. (Vanessa is anger and vengeful, Sin is obsessed with her, Calix is the angry brooding one, Evie is the mean one, Oona is the support friend, etc.)

While reading, I did see that there were some negative responses to the book from people who haven't read it. I don't agree with that and while I haven't researched JSG myself, I can say that the "smut" is relatively vague. More descriptive than I prefer in YA books, but I've seen worse in others that are in YA or are marketed toward it (ex Serpent & Dove, Kingdom of the Wicked). While personally I would choose fade to black in YA, I don't think the reviewers who are making negative comments about this specifically should do so without reading the book.

Did I find myself pausing to consider what I just read because I was in total shock? Yes. Could I put it down? No way. If you’re looking for something attention-grabbing, easy to read, and full of twists - you’ve found it. That cliffhanger though….. can’t wait to see how Vanessa’s story ends.

A fast-paced, cutthroat, romantic fantasy that reminds me of the heyday of paranormal romance—tension, betrayal, and a love triangle to die for!

Oh. My. Moonlit. Wolves. Bitten by Jordan Gray is the kind of book that makes you want to throw your entire TBR pile out the window and never look at anything else again (sorry, other books, I’m just not that into you anymore…jk but seriously)

From the very first page, I was HOOKED. I mean, who doesn’t love a good “tragedy at a birthday party” plot twist? Vanessa Hart starts out with a pretty standard teen angst vibe….except, you know, her birthday is marred by being bitten by a werewolf, losing her family, and finding out the world is full of magic, betrayal, and good-looking men with complicated emotional baggage. Same, girl. Same.🥲

The world-building here is chef’s kiss. Castle Severi is equal parts breathtaking and terrifying, with its vines, stars, and magical creatures lurking around every corner like something straight out of a fever dream. The Court itself? A lethal, cutthroat blend of political intrigue and fairy-tale drama that made me wonder if my own high school experience was missing a few supernatural creatures. It was giving Teen Wolf in the best way possible. (Why wasn’t I invited to that kind of prom?)

And don’t even get me started on the love triangle (or maybe it’s a love square? I honestly lost count). We’ve got Sinclair, the golden prince who might steal your heart, or your soul (and I’m so obsessed with him but I’m scared), and Calix, the brooding cousin whose smoldering gaze is, apparently, a powerful form of emotional manipulation (who I’ve grown TOO fond of) I found myself rooting for both of them, which is exactly the kind of chaos I’m here for. Does Vanessa deserve both of them? Maybe. Does she want both of them? Definitely. Does she end up in an emotional wreckage because of it? Absolutely. But hey, who said being a werewolf princess was easy? And honestly I struggled so badly picking between the two😭 like I love both. HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME JORDAN???

Add in a dash of vengeance, betrayal, and serious supernatural court politics, and you’ve got yourself one wild ride. The plot twits truly had me flabbergasted that I’m still genuinely trying to process it all. Don’t get me wrong, I guess most of it right. But experiencing it was a whole other level. Vanessa may have started this journey as a victim, but by the end, she’s plotting and scheming her next move.

If you love dark, enchanting worlds, morally grey characters, and the kind of angst that makes you both laugh and cry, then Bitten is the book for you. It’s the perfect blend of magic, mayhem, and messiness that I didn’t know I needed in my life. I loved every dramatic, chaotic second of it, and I can’t wait to dive into whatever Jordan Gray has in store next because u know damn well waiting for book 2 is going to be me through so much pain! This is for the girls who loved Teen Wolf. I’m living the life.