BITE ME, TRY ME, FANG ME

The vampires want it. The demons want it too. And someone is willing to kill Val for it.

Val and Fang have to find the powerful Encyclopedia Magicka before either of San Antonio's warring underworld factions locate it, or the consequences will be deadly for the entire city.

As usual, Val's vampire enemies (they still call her The Slayer,) want her dead, and even some of her fellow demons may be less than trustworthy, since they'd like to grab the legendary book of spells before she does. Val has a personal claim to the Encyclopedia--her demon father left it to her when he died--but someone stole it recently. Where did the thief hide it?

Battling vamps and dodging demons, Val struggles to unravel the mystery. At the same time, she's fighting her attraction to sweet, sexy Shade, her favorite incubus. Rumor has it that Val will lose her half-demon, vampire-fighting powers if she gives herself to him.

With a crowd of vamps and demons out to trick her or kill her, it's not a good time for her to risk her job as the city's best vampire hunter by falling in love. The stakes are high--and aimed right at her heart. But Lola, Val's hungry little lust demon, doesn't like being denied. Will Lola finally get her way?

Parker's voice is edgy and smart. I smile as I read because this book takes me back to my Buffy days-yep, that kind of smart and sharp-edged humor. Love it. The Bradford Bunch blog http://www.thebradfordbunch.com/

What did I think of this book? I thought it was wicked fun. I loved the heroine-a YA character who felt real and had one tough attitude. Smart-talking, a fierce fighter...and Val (Valentine) had one heck of a funny sidekick, too.

Non-stop action. Twists and turns. Monsters. Danger. And a cute hellhound. Come on, I couldn't ask for me.

Well, maybe I could ask for more...another book about Val. Cynthia Eden, author of Everlasting Bad Boys

The book . . . does an excellent job of straddling that border between YA and adult.

Overall, I think this would be a good companion to the Morganville Vampires books; they both deal with characters around the same age who are dealing with similar paths in life. Claire is a very different person from Val, but the vampires are just as strangely ambiguous. The plots are also completely unlike, and Val isn't a hundred percent human, but readers who enjoyed one would most likely enjoy the other. 4/5 stars. - Someone's Read It Already http://www.readalready.com/

This is the first book in The Demon Underground series. Ready or not, Valentine Shapiro is on her own as far as her family is concerned. Lucky for her she's about to land her perfect job, find a great roommate, pair up with a handsome partner, and adopt a pet that's so much more than he seems. Ms. Blue entertains readers with a sharp young heroine ready to take on anything life throws her way. Bite Me is well-paced, the paranormal action is plentiful, and the characters are nicely defined. Val's new life is just beginning, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes her next. This is a young adult read that centers on an eighteen year old who's just beginning to spread her wings as she transitions into adulthood. - Darque Reviews

So far the only fantasy books i've read was the Twilight Saga. But Bite Me is a strong competitor. Val is a great character with a sharp and witty sense of humor. When Fang comes into the picture you automatically love him. That is to say all of the characters are very well developed. This book literally has everything: Love, betrayal, vampires, and a mystery. How much better can it get than that? Only a little bit. My only complaint would be that it was that I didn't like how Val's mother was so heartless. I mean I know she was being protective over her other daughter, but did she have to blame Val for everything? Overall Bite Me was a VERY enjoyable read. I can't wait to the next Demon Underground novel!! -- That Teen Can Blog

I found myself being sucked into the story . . . I couldn't put it down; I read most of it in one sitting. . . the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished the last page, and I didn't want it to end! I wanted more Val and Dan.

I also liked how hard Val tried to keep her inner succubus caged up; it really showed her self control. I thought it was cool that Val was like two entirely different characters when she finally let Lola out. -- Just Blinded Book Reviews

Full of charm, wit and a kickin' attitude, Val is about to take the Demon Underground by storm. She is bound and determined to save her family, whether they want her to or not.

Her telepathic dog Fang only lends to the charm of this book. They make a dyno-mite duo!! I absolutely loved Bite Me! An adventurous ride with likeable characters and a solid plot make this a top-notch urban fantasy. I am already craving more of Val and Fang !! -- WENDY'S MINDING SPOT

Above all, Bite Me is an entertaining, police procedural mystery with loads of action and witty banter. Val's' adventures take her into an unrealized world of the supernatural, whose depths she is only just beginning to understand. Engaging for readers of all ages, this new YA urban fantasy is recommended. I look forward to Parker Blue's next ‘Demon Underground' tale with Val, Dan and Fang. You will too. -- SciFiGuy.ca

I really enjoyed each character in this book, especially Val. She is smart, brave, caring, and sweet, a combination of traits one would not expect to find in a vampire hunter who is part succubus. When Val's sister tags along on a hunt, her parents kick Val out.

Without a place to live, a job, or a friend, she fearlessly faces her new circumstances. Shortly, she has a new pet (a hellhound named Fang), a new place to live (with the sister of her new partner), and a job in the Special Crimes Unit, partnering with the gorgeous Detective Dan Sullivan.

The pace is perfect, and as new characters are introduced and the suspense builds, the book becomes harder and harder to put down. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment of Ms. Blue's Demon Underground Series. -- Un-mainstream Mom Reads

In my current mood, a novel has to be really good to really catch my attention and Bite Me really did that. Once I started it, I had it finished in hours and it kept me totally engaged the entire time. One thing I did like about this novel is that the main heroine, while still aimed at the young adult crowd, is still old enough to be treated like an adult. Val is a vampire slayer who received a rotten deal on her 18th birthday. She gets kicked out because "her nature" is a bad influence on her kid sister, even though she does everything to counteract it. But she doesn't wallow in her bad news, but instead she goes out and tries to survive. She ends up landing on her feet and she still tries to protect her family.

There is one element to the story that I'm not quite sure about yet. I haven't made my mind up about the romantic element between Val and her new partner, Dan. The thing I'm not sure about is the age difference, but the relationship is still being developed so I'm still waiting to see where it goes.

As for the plot, I liked it. It wasn't too intense, yet there was still a mystery to solve, and the pace was set at a decent pace. There was never really any moment that the action stalled where there was nothing going on or we were given a long monologue.

Overall, I have to say that I did enjoy Bite Me and I'm hoping that the little hints of a sequel come true. We're given a very engaging story that is both light enough to appeal to anyone, yet there's enough intrigue to keep bringing people back. The characters amused me, the plot kept me interested, and the sexual tension was just enough to make it believable of a teenage girl. All I know is that I can't wait to read more about Val and her trusty sidekicks.

Contributed by Simone Sidwell, Teen Librarian at Grinnell's Stewart Public Library

Bite Me is a well-written and entertaining paranormal mystery/romance with both teen and adult appeal. Val Shapiro seems like your average 17 year old teenager, except that she has to struggle daily to keep her demon side "Lola," at bay. Lola is a lust demon or succubus, a part of Val (thanks to her demon father) that she struggles to suppress. As a metaphor for teen lust, this paranormal device works well in the novel -- Val is trying to be "a good girl" despite the raging demon hormones. Val learns along the way, however, that totally repressing Lola's natural urges is just as unhealthy as giving them free-reign, and eventually finds a way to strike a balance between demonic promiscuity on the one hand, and puritanical denial on the other. Val's uneasiness with her demonic side has made her a loner for most of her teen life, and when she is kicked out of her parents' house on her 18th birthday she embarks on a positive journey of self-discovery and belonging! outside the confines of school and family: she takes a job in a secret unit of the San Antonio police force and teams up with a telepathic hellhound dog named Fang and a handsome police detective to take on a gang of renegade Vampires that has been attacking the city...Vampires and demons aside, Parker Blue captures a humorous and authentic young adult voice in Val and keeps readers turning pages. Parker's book would be a popular addition to public libraries teen/fantasy collections. I look forward to the next in the series.

http://grinnellbookreview.blogspot.com/

Bite Me is a captivating first novel. Val is a spunky heroine who is struggling to control her demon side. Tormented by the demon that lives inside her, Val distances herself from the people that she loves. Fantasy fans will enjoy Val's exploits as a vampire hunter and Twilight fans will appreciate Val's inner turmoil. There are, unfortunately, several references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, including the tagline on the cover of the book, "Don't call her Buffy. Unless you're ready to meet her inner demon." It was the only bit of pop culture that was in the book and it seemed to detract from the writing. I say, let the audience draw Buffy comparisons on their own. Fang, the hellhound, was also a little over the top at times. His jokes and sarcasm were sometimes too corny for me to fully appreciate. I did like the idea of a faithful hellhound, though, and appreciated his heroic efforts. All in all, this was a fun book and I will definitely be checking out the sequel. I'd like to learn more about Val's special talents and see her begin to accept her heritage.

http://emsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2008/11/bite-me-by-parker-blue-book-review.html

If you were a fan of "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer", you're sure to enjoy "Bite Me" the story of 18-year-old Val Shapiro, a vampire hunter who is half human and half succubus (a lust demon). Val's demon side gives her super strength, fast healing and the ability to make men lust after her (though an unfortunate side effect is that it also sucks their life force). After Val's little sister Jen sneaks out to help her, Val's parents decide it's time for Val to leave home so that Jen, who's all human, will stay safe. But Jen's got other plans and runs away.

Jen is not Val's only problem. She's got herself a new job working for a covert police squad that hunts down vampires and her new partner is a hottie. Val's lust demon side (who she nicknames Lola) wants nothing more than to hook up with Dan, but Val keeps that side of her in check- though she learns that might not be the best way to deal with "Lola". She also keeps the truth from Dan, afraid that he might not want to be partners any longer if he knew the truth. But the truth isn't so easy to hide as they get closer while trying to find her sister.

"Bite Me" could easily have been derivative of "Buffy", but Parker Blue gives Val a fresh voice, interesting situations thanks to Lola and the book in general is just a fun read. I definitely recommend this book as a "great read" and look forward to the next in the series.

Books Book Teens Reading

http://great-reads.blogspot.com/2008/11/bite-me-parker-blue.html

Review:

I really liked this book. I've never read a book from the slayer's perspective, only from a vampire perspective, and it was a nice change. Val had a nice voice and I could feel her emotions and what the author was describing. The story continued with no dull parts. There was always an exciting moment or something happening with lots of action.

Parker Blue did a great job writing her first novel, and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series. http://princess2293.blogspot.com/ Hope's bookshelf

So, yeah, this was a weird sort of reading experience for me. After the name slip-up (which happened pretty early on) I found myself getting pickier even as I enjoyed the story. It's one of those times that I know I'll read the next one, I just won't be counting down the days till it's released. http://persephonereads.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/bite-me-parker-blue/

I'm just e-mailing you to let you know that I just finished Moonstone, also, and all I can really say is: Holy. Crap. It was amazing, just like Bite Me (the review was up for that one a few weeks ago, too). :] I'm not going to lie, but this is going to make me sound really, really mean: I wasn't expecting them to be as good as they were, lol. (Please don't take that in a bad way. :D) They were freaking AMAZING.

Both of them are leaving me hanging. And I need more! If you have ARCs for the next ones in both series' I will be willing to review them for you. Just let me know and I'll send you my address again -- I'm interested in finding out what happens next in both of the series. :D

http://www.princess2293.blogspot.com.

http://www.youtube.com/hopesbookshelf

Parker Blue has laid the foundation for an excellent young adult urban fantasy series. She grabs you immediately, and then reels you in little by little with each new page. I was immediately taken with Val, an outcast, not only in society, but also in her own family, and loved how we were shown the world through her eyes. Valentine Shapiro has all the makings of a great heroine - smart, sassy, and street savvy. Give her a faithful friend, Fang, who adds quite a bit of humor, and the pair is fabulous. Of course, she also needs someone of the human persuasion to cover her back, and Dan Sullivan fills that role. BITE ME is a fun, exciting, action-packed tale that takes us into the dark side of society, but leaves us longing for more. I cannot wait for the next adventure into the demon underground.

Reviewed by Melissa Kammer on 1/1/2009. NovelTalk

Bite Me is a good start to this new series.

I absolutely adored Fang, her dog! I mean why wouldn't I? He's a cute, witty, sarcastic, vampire ass-kicking, dog. I liked that he was able to "talk" to Val my "talking" in her head.

The plot and the writing were good. I did like how it was able to suck you in--well suck me in--to the story and make you enjoy it.

Bookluver Carol

http://bookluver-carol.blogspot.com/2009/01/bite-me.html

The heroine's mom comes across like Cinderella's stepmother, throwing out of her home the offspring she loathes to protect the daughter she loves. Jen's father seduced her using his incubus powers and the woman has never forgiven him and struck back at him through a surrogate: his child. Teenagers will empathize with Val whose differences set her apart from her peers, but make her a strong SCU operative. Parker Blue provides an entertaining romantic supernatural thriller that fans of Stephanie Meyer will want to bite into the tale.

Harriet Klausner

" . . . this was a fun book to read. I liked the character of Val . . . and I adored Fang the tiny terrier crossed with Hellhound sidekick. Fang was hilarious. Hilarious!"

http://beyondbooks.ca/?p=823

When I first started reading this, I thought it was going to be like Jenna Black's Morgan Kingsley series or Tate Halloway's Garnet Lacey series. Something about the way Val described "Lola" as she calls her demon self. Though in this case, the demon is part of her, not possessing her. But instead, it turned out to be a unique (from my reading experience), interesting, and enjoyable read. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next Demon Underground book.

Jo
My blog: http://ponderingthelibrary.blogspot.com/

Parker Blue creates a new vamp book with the kick-butt smart and snarky attitude of Buffy in Val and an awesome side-kick dog who can talk. It's perfect for teens craving more vampire books or those who love dark paranormal tales. And who can resist the title? http://yabooknerd.blogspot.com/2009/04/bite-me.html

The best thing about BITE ME, though, has to be its characters, due mostly to the portrayal of their humanity - yes,
even in the demons and vampires. Val may be sarcastic and sassy while kicking vampires to the curb, but she's also
a little lost and unsure. Dan may be a salt-of-the-earth detective and devoted sibling, but he's not without prejudice
against all things supernatural. Stepfather Rick is obviously torn about keeping his wife happy and protecting their
daughter, Jennifer, at Val's expense. My favorite character has to be Fang. With his ability to sniff out vampires,
telepathy, snarky humor, and motorcycle goggles, he's the cherry on top of the BITE ME sundae.

Teensreadtoo.com