Cover Image: That Killer Smile

That Killer Smile

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That Killer Smile by Juliet Lyons is book Three in the "Bite Nights" series. This is the story of Catherine Adair and Ronin McDermott. I have read the previous books in this series but feel this can be a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Cat and Ronin have a heated past. A past that Cat probably would like to forget. But Cat has worked at getting her Vampire Dating site to become successfully. Ronin has always thought of Cat but he is also a Vampire overlord. Ronin and Cat do a lot of head butting along with giving in to their attraction.
This was a hot exciting story that you will find hard to put down I thought.

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So, what did I like about it?
I am already a fan of Ms Lyons writing style; I find her stories very easy to read. I liked how she mixed fantasy and reality to create a world that I can easily believe in and I love the new twists she created for her vampires, how they are made, the origins of the vampire race and their society/social hierarchy. I look forward to meeting more vampire overlords and seeing the world further expanded in consequent novels.

Ms Lyons writes That Killer Smile from a “first person point of view” but allows both her hero and heroine to lead the reader with their own chapters/sections, giving us a chance to read their inner dialogue; I really like how she does this because I think it adds a further depth of understanding of our characters. I loved the fact that Cat and Ronin have multifaceted personalities with their own set of foibles and emotional baggage; even though they’re both mythological creatures they feel very believable. Cat and Ronin have featured in the previous books and I already liked them but I felt as though I really got to know them during this book and fell for both of them.

The main romance isn’t the only plot line here, I enjoyed all the twists and turns that Ms Lyons’ built into her accompanying stories. I liked getting to know the supporting cast of characters a bit better and meeting some new faces. But, I’ve got to say I REALLY appreciated the cliffhanger-free ending to the murder/thriller aspect and the romance between Cat and Ronin, I wish more authors wrote more complete stories within their books in their series.

I loved the fact that I experienced a myriad of emotions while reading That Killer Smile; the banter and humour made me chuckle, I shed a tear or two during the more emotional revelations, the fighting and action scenes fed my adrenalin fix, the tension and horror around the murder mystery aspect had me on the edge of my seat, the romance warmed my heart and the passion titillated and put fire in my blood. In other words I was gripped and couldn’t stop reading.

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
Nope. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Although there are characters and references to things that happened in the previous books, I don’t think you need to have read them to enjoy That Killer Smile as Ms Lyons fills in any necessary information seamlessly into this tale so that new readers are not lost, however, as with most series, if you jump in without having read the previous books, you sometimes miss the nuances of character relationships and there may be subtle consequences of not having experienced those past adventures first hand.

So, basically what I’m saying is...
I loved this story and didn’t want it to end. I think That Killer Smile is a very easy book to read and has everything that I look for in a five star novel; both the plot line and characters are intelligently written, it’s well balanced with action, humour and tension, both due to the scary vampire killer aspect and the sexual anticipation, it has oodles of romance and just enough erotic sex scenes to keep me pink cheeked.

I would recommend this book to adult readers who enjoy good writing and plot development, kick-arse action and tense crime drama themes but balanced with witty banter, heart warming romance and pages of titillating eroticism.

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That Killer Smile brings Bite Nights to a conclusion, and I’ll admit that I’m sorry to see the end… but what a send off. We’ve had a taste of the connection between Cat and Ronin previously but they shine in their own story.

The heat is on rather quickly and then settles into a continuous slow burn for the remainder of their story. I liked these characters. Both are stubborn, independent and always think their way is the only way, and that makes for some explosive connections. Getting to know their background helped in understanding why they acted as they did. I don’t think I want to say too much for with a few twists involved you should really experience the crazy passionate people Cat and Ronin are first hand. I had fun, I enjoyed my time in this world and I’m going to miss these characters. I’d have no trouble recommending this entire series to any Paranormal Romance reader. You’ll find humor, touches of danger, true steam and likable characters. All the reasons that Paranormal Romance (and its sub-genre) will always be my favorite genre.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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This book was such a fun and addictive read! After books leading up to the explosive realization of the relationship between Cat and Ronin, this definitely delivered.

While we weren’t in the room with Cat and Ronin when they had their elicit one-night-stand, we definitely watched the repercussions. Cat tried her best to hide behind her snarky demeanor, determined to avoid falling for the womanizing bastard. Ronin, on the other hand, is just trying to keep his head above water. He was irrevocably changed by his time with Cat and has found he no longer enjoys the things that used to occupy every waking moment. Now, it seems, Cat is the only thing that gives him any sort of excitement or joy.

Cat has been surrounding herself with work in an effort to get Ronin out of her head. A blatant cry for attention, however, ends up propelling them together. The sexual chemistry is out of control from the start, as we should have expected. They go from yelling to moaning in a few pages and it was glorious! These two are now my favorite couple of the series, especially because you can watch them develop and grow into something almost unrecognizable from the beginning. I really hope we get more from the characters in this world because each book is better than the last.

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My favorite of the series! Ronin, London overlord, has a thing for online matchmaker Catherine. They argue and bicker which only fuels their fire. While denying they have a "thing" for each other someone is murdering vampires. Ronin needs to find the killer before any more vampires die. Their chemistry is fabulous, the sassiness is fun, and the mysterious murders are intriguing. While all the books are awesome each one is separate and not required reading to enjoy this one. My copy came through Netgalley.

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That Killer Smile is the third book in the Bite Nights or V-Date series by Juliet Lyons. Most of this story can stand on its own, but I think those that have read the previous books will definitely be more invested in finding out about this pair's happy ever after. It is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2018.

Vampire Catherine Adair gave up trying to find her perfect match ages ago. But that didn’t stop her from founding London’s super successful vampire dating site. When a smoldering vampire overlord from her past launches a rival speed-dating service, Catherine vows to crush the competition. Ronin’s new venture is purely about getting Catherine’s attention. He hasn’t stopped thinking about her ever since the night she gave him the cold shoulder. Nobody gets away from Ronin McDermott that easily.

That Killer Smile is a book that I was rater looking forward to. The previous books in the series had me invested in the volitial relationship between Cat and Ronin, so I went in with high expectations. I think this was my problem. Cat and Ronin weere both well developed (if you have been following the series) and their lust/hate interactions were entertaining. The danger and drama was well plotted and suspenseful. I did enjoy them opening up to each other, and sharing their pasts and having mature conversations. My problem is that I wanted more, I do not know what I was looking for, or what I was missing to enjoy the read more. I suspected the connection of the big bad, and I found that even having read the previous books te full reasoning of the sheer strength of animosity between the pair still kind of unexplained, I felt like there should have been more to it than there was, even with the combination of factors that were included. It was a good, solid read for those that enjoy the series, and those that are fans of Lyons. I think I was just looking forward to the story a little too much, and had built up my expectations too high to be able to just enjoy the read.

That Killer Smile is a good edition to the series, and I think most readers that would read it will enjoy it. I think my own exceptions got in the way, normal I just start reading the next book in my queue without looking at summaries before hand (there are so many books in my Kindle that I often forget by the time I start to read) and I made the mistake of not following that pattern here.

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That Killer Smile by Juliette Lyons is the 3rd book in her Bite Nights series. With each book in this series, it keeps getting better and better. and I loved the couple in this book. Unfortunately, this is supposed to be the final book in the series. Refresher: Bite Nights is a paranormal story line revolving around a dating service for vampires and humans.

Catherine (Cat) Adair, our heroine, is the owner of V-Date online dating service. Cat is a loner, being 185 years old, she is happy to stay home and watch TV with her cat, Wentworth. Lol I have to say, I absolutely adored Wentworth. Cat is also independent, smart, beautiful and self sufficient. When she gets word that people are leaving her dating service to another one, Cat decides to investigate.

Ronin McDermott , our hero, is ancient vampire demon, who runs his own nightclub for humans and vampires. He is a womanizer, very macho, and is used to having things done his way. He has never forgotten his one night stand years ago with the beautiful Cat Adair, who hates him. Ronin decides to start his own dating service, knowing it will force Cat to come to him. Whoa…does she ever

Cat can’t stand the egotistical Ronin, but when she is billed for a date gone wrong, which actually happened in Ronin’s club, she pushes herself into his office unannounced, and by the time she leaves, Ronin knows he wants her again. He will go see her to plead his case and offer to pay the bill. Cat is determined to chase him, but before he goes he kisses her, and the chemistry between them was hotter than hell. Neither of them can resist each other, and a scorching steamy romance begins, that will eventually change into something more than sizzling sex; is it possible that these two could be in love?? Wow (fans self), they were totally awesome together.

While their romance was heating up continuously, Ronin becomes involved in investigating some vampire deaths. When one of his own men is murdered, Ronin and another ancient vampire will join hands to find the killer. The last ¼ was very exciting and tense, as Cat’s life was now in danger to be the next victim. Will Ronin be able to save her?

What I also loved about Ronin and Cat, was their own vulnerability, which they eventually shared about what they suffered through their own terrible dark past. It was emotional to see, and uplifting to watch as they help each other to move on. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, who were fun. but Wentworth was priceless; he even had a say about her boyfriends; of course, he purred with Ronin.

I really loved That Killer Smile, as Juliet Lyons adds a lot of delightful humor throughout this fun sexy story. I absolutely adored the ending, which had a super epilogue. If you enjoy a fun, steamy romance, hot sexy couple, with an element of danger and humor, I suggest you read this series.

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I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley.
This is my first time reading a Ms. Lyons book and it started off great but then slowly as it progressed lost it's steam. I loved the characters and the plot but as I read I felt like I'm missing something. Maybe it's because this is the 3rd book in a series and I haven't read the first two.

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Just okay for me. I think my main problem was that because of their ages, I expected/hoped for a little more introspection and self awareness from both Cat and Ronin. While I realize this is a vampire PNR, and perhaps I am looking into it too much, I found the characters to be rather juvenile. So while it wasn't bad, it wasn't a book that will stay with me, or that I rushed to read.

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I absolutely loved Ronin. A total change of character from the first 2 books. Ronin and Catherine were a hoot in the very beginning of the book. I loved the love/hate relationship. Unfortunately, the story lost its steam/attention for me after the 65% mark. So I had to skim slightly. I feel like the suspense/mystery theme in all 3 books needs to be developed more bc either I was confused (especially in this book) or wasn't really interested in it. I wasn't placing who the characters were very well, since a lot of names were thrown in towards the end. When the revelation happened, I felt unsatisfied by it. I would consider this series a light handed paranormal read, so its perfect for beginners.

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This is one addicting series and I am always anticipating the next release!! Recommended read.

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Ramblings:
A word to the wise: book three contains spoilers. It includes updates from characters in the previous installments.

Summary:
Catherine (Cat) Adair is a beautiful dark-haired vampire. She’s self-reliant, assertive, and hates “egotistical” Scottish vampires. And hell will freeze over before she lets him kiss her again!

Ronin McDermott is arrogant, insufferable, and London’s vampire overlord. Go ahead and include “egotistical” notorious womanizer to his list of long-running attributes. He just started a rival dating service against Adair’s V-Date site. Cat’s no pushover, and Ronin’s about to realize- hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Especially, one with a killer taste in shoes!

Review:
That Killer Smile is the third and final 😭 installment in the Bite Night series written by author Juliet Lyons and it does not disappoint! Cat and Ronin’s story officially releases on Feb. 6th, 2018.

The novel alternates between the hero’s POV and the heroine’s, but like its predecessors, never breaks continuity. Bite Night’s conclusion infuses humor and spicy bantering into one romantically spunky love story. I loved Mrs. Colangelo! Cat’s nosy Italian neighbor. That woman has a doctorate in eavesdropping.

Juliet Lyons has an uncanny knack for capturing all the emotions during the fall. That risky plunge one willingly takes when you fall completely in love with someone. As for cat lovers: arise! You’ll love Wentworth. He’s an excellent judge of character and screens potential love interests for his vampy mama. Not surprisingly, to the re-read folder it goes!

You’ll like this story if:
#1 You read paranormal romances with vampires
#2 Think you can reform an ancient vampire overlord
#3 Want to see if Cat reforms a Scottish one
#4 Love sexy snappy quick-witted bantering
#5 Like the enemies-to-lovers trope
#6 You’re a cat lover “or” a vampy mama

Disclosure:
I received an eARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley. My review is an honest reflection of my thoughts and ramblings.

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Actually really enjoyed this one. Especially the mystery of who is beheading vampires in London. It has all the ingredients I love in a paranormal romance: hot scorching males who can be sensitive, strong women, an intriguing mystery, and real characters. The chemistry was great and the flow was fast-paced. I'm excited to read the next in the series, wondering who our leads will be.

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"<i>I'm a journalist. I've been asked to write a column on alternative dating.</i>"
"<b>Alternative dating.</b>"
"<i>Yes, alternative -- you know, BDSM, swinging.. vampires.</i>"

THAT KILLER SMILE matches up two characters I've been really keen on since.. probably book one, but definitely book two. Lyons is no stranger to hilarious snark banter (book one is still my favourite couple and it had tons of it!) and I was so excited to see her add in a juicy vamp-on-vamp hate to love dynamic. And it definitely lived up to my expectations.. at least in the beginning.

<i>The only woman I want is an ungrateful shrew with a chip the size of the Grand Canyon on her shoulder.</i>

The second half of book three in the <i>Bite Nights</i> series did kind of slow down on the fun for me. There were a few of the fairly typical miscommunications or assumptions made by the characters (or, rather, the leading lady) that often plague the romance genre and I was less enthusiastic over that direction. Cat didn't always wow me as a heroine as I thought she was a little repetitive and too fixated on certain things (and the fact that she had opened up to a random guy on like.. date one? date two? about her past really ruined the impact of revealing the same thing to Ronin a little later) but I did mostly enjoy her. Ronin, the Scottish rake who ends up wanting to turn a new leaf, was absolutely the highlight of this book for me.

"<i>Not so long ago you were doing everything in your power to stop humans and vampires fraternizing. Now you're running social mixers. What is this? The ancient-demon version of a midlife crisis?</i>"

Unlike the first two books in this series, I was so happy with how this story ended. I had wanted something different from Lyons and her characters in the resolution of this couple and she absolutely delivered on that. So while the first half was four star material and the rest maybe two, the ending itself was not a disappointment.

"<i>For the record, I didn't glamour your pussy.</i>"
"<b>Please never say the word 'pussy' again in my presence, whether you're actually referring to an animal or not.</b>"

I've really enjoyed this series for the most part and think it's a fun, refreshing, take on the age old vampire falls in love with human subgenre of paranormal romance. That neither follow up book reached the heights of delight of book one is, for me, a little sad but I have not regretted reading on. I'm definitely looking forward to where this author goes next.

3 "so that's how you defeat an ancient -- immobilize him by pulling his pants down" stars

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The killer smile by Juliet Lyons is the 3rd in her vdate series. Cat and Ronin are enemies any time they see each other they are fighting. Secretly Ronin loves her and needs to get her to change her mind about him. Meanwhile he needs to catch a vampire killer before they get to Cat. Highly recommend series! Once you start you cant but it down. Cant wait for more by this author!!

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I had been keeping my fingers crossed that Ronin would get his on part in the V-dating series. And yay, my wish wash granted! In book 3 we see how sparks are flying between Catherine (Cat) and Ronin. They already were having disputes in the earlier parts, so they have a kind of hate-love relationship.

In That Killer Smile we see how the distrust and hatred result in some funny situations, but also in Cat giving Ronin the cold shoulder. Ronin, however, is not used to being ignored. Or even worse: being replaced by a mere human. So when Cat gets comfortable with her new neighbour, Ronin does everything in his power to sabotage her attempts at dating.

And when the cosy neighbour and the nosy old lady from downstairs are not all they seem to be, Ronin needs to step up and get his act together fast. Or Cat will not only be out of her V-dating business...

Can these arch nemeses bury the hatchet? Or will the be competitors until the end? Find out for yourself at this third part of the V-dating series. This time, no four stars rating, but three out of five stars from me. The story dragged a bit too much for my liking. But I enjoyed this story of Ronin very much. With a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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This was a weird take on vampires and a very dramatic book. I'm not sure that I liked Catherine all that much in the beginning but she didn't grow on me some after a while. Ronin was a very interesting character. I'm not sure I really want to read the other books in the series.

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a unique and interesting romance. good solid writing. enjoyed

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Murder, mayhem, secrets, lies, and love. From the very first page this book is explosive. Cat and Ronin have a past. A sexual one. Cat despises Ronin and let's it be known. While she despises him she also has some very steamy chemistry with him. Ronin is your typical Alpha male, who likes to lord over everyone how amazing he is. At first. He has a sweet spot for Cat. I was drawn in pretty quickly with Cat and Ronin. Both are very independent and strong personalities. It was a fun rollercoaster.
Vampires are showing up without a head and as the overlord of London it's Ronin's job to find the killer. Except he can't seem to get a certain vampire lady out of his head. While hiding his relationship with Cat wasn't very wise he continues to do so while still making his vampire underlings believe he's still sleeping with any girl who walks into his bar. He realizes his mistake. Cat can't let go of the past and though she's a strong character, she lives in guilt. Ronin knows what staying in the past can lead to and tries to help Cat find her way out of it.
I loved this book so hard. Cat and Ronin were so great for each other, I'm surprised it took so long for them to see the truth. I enjoyed this book and plan on recommending it to everyone. It's different with the myths of vampires and I'm so happy to see a new refreshing spin on the legend.

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The best book in the series so far!
I wasn't the biggest fan of Ronin's before I started reading this one, but now he's definitely my favourite. There is no insta love in this story. Immortals don't feel the urgency I guess. It takes some time for Ronin to come to terms with his feelings for Catherine, and she's more than cautious to jump into anything when a cunning, centuries old demon is involved.
I especially enjoyed the love-hate relationship of the main characters. The constant banter underlined with sexual tension was really entertaining. You can tell the exact moment when the hate ends, and true feelings come into play.

‘”Wait”, I say as he lowers his body onto mine. “It’s not supposed to be like this.” He frowns. “Like what?” “We hate each other.” With a wry smile, he shakes his head. “No, Catherine, we don’t.”

I know I say it every time, but this series just makes me wanting more. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

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