Review: 62. Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill...

I love Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series, so is it any surprise I had to get my hands on Hard Bitten to find out what happens next?

Title: Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires #4)
Author: Chloe Neill
ISBN-13: 9780451233325
eBook
Publisher: Penguin Group, 2011
Purchase at IndieBound, Amazon, The Book Depository
Source: Purchased

drey's thoughts:
I'll start by saying that if you haven't read Hard Bitten yet, please do yourself the favor of chomping at the bit for a few(!) more months. Drink Deep comes out later this year, and you will definitely want to--no, NEED to--read that as soon as you're done with this. Don't say you haven't been warned...

We start out with Cadogan House repairing the physical damage inflicted in Twice Bitten, but the psychological damage isn't quite so easy to take care of. The humans of Chicago are not so happy with their vampire neighbors--what with the violence of the attack, and now reports are surfacing of the raves where humans are disappearing--and have started staging protests. And when the humans aren't happy, the mayor's not happy either (elections and all that), and he's issued an ultimatum to Ethan: fix the problem or go to jail.

So Merit goes investigating, and does not like what she finds. The raves are big, loud, and violent. The Ombudsman's office is not receiving information from the Mayor's office. And somebody is using one of Celine's nom de guerres.

To make things just a wee bit more difficult for Merit and Ethan, the head of the Greenwich Presidium shows up, and delivers his own threat: cease investigating Celine or he'll place Cadogan House under receivership. Will the fun never cease?

This installment has a lot of Merit in it, which is awesome because I love Merit. Yes, even if she dog-ears her books. I like that her sassiness hasn't abated, even with all she's experienced. I like that she and Mallory are talking again. I like that she has at least one other romantic possibility in the wings--even if she's not interested (yet?). And I like that even though she still wants Ethan, she wants him on her terms, and isn't going to settle for less. I like Ethan here, too. He's much nicer when he's flirting and flattering. *grin*

Unfortunately, the fun and games don't last. As Merit goes deeper in her investigation, she uncovers a web of deceit so tangled that you won't believe who's involved. Chloe Neill paces things really nicely, adding in new characters (who'll show up in future installments, I'm sure) and throwing in plot twists that remain plausible even as they make your jaw drop. But she's an evil evil author for the last few chapters. Evil.

drey's rating: Excellent! Except for the ending, that is. But don't let that stop you from reading this series if you haven't yet. Start with Some Girls Bite...

Have you read Hard Bitten? What did you think?

74. Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill...

Title: Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires #3)
Author: Chloe Neill
ISBN-13: 9780451230645
Paperback: 355 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group, 2010
Purchase at IndieBound, Amazon

FTC Disclosure: My copy of Twice Bitten was provided by the publisher when I begged (and yes, I mean begged). I am an IndieBound and Amazon affiliate, and any purchases made by clicking on the cover or the links provided may result in monetary compensation.

drey's thoughts:
If you haven't picked up Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires books, whyever the heck not? Especially if you're a fan of fangs, wit, and sass.

Twice Bitten continues where Friday Night Bites left off. Merit is still Sentinel of House Cadogan, still hopelessly nuts about that green-eyed specimen of yumminess (aka Ethan), and still (yup, still) a vampire. Her relationship with Mallory is on the outs, and Morgan too (which made me sad *sniffle*). But, Merit being Merit, she keeps on going on.

Ethan, of course, doesn't make anything easy on her. From offering up her services to the wolves to bringing in an old flame to visit, Merit has more than her fair share of Ethan-aggravation in this CV installment. But, as I've come to expect from Ms. Neill, there is quite a bit of character development and growth--along with the requisite sass, of course--and by the end of Twice Bitten, I am on a cloud of satisfaction. Kind of like when you've just inhaled (leisurely, of course, to prolong the enjoyment) a very decadent slice of double-chocolate cheesecake, and while you're so full you could burst, you cannot wait to take another bite. Vamps and secret societies and weres galore... I wonder when #4 will be out? (Please let it be soon... Pretty please??)

drey's rating: 4/5 Excellent!

Challenges: 100+, Pub

199. Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill...

About the book:

VAMPIRES IN CHICAGO!

You'd think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us blood-sucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we're enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite--fending off paparazzi, who are only slightly less dangerous than the cross- and stake wielding slayers. Don't get me wrong. Joe Public isn't exactly thrilled to be living side by side with the undead, but at least they haven't stormed the castle... yet.

All that will change once they learn about the Raves, mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior--but that doesn't make good copy for a first-time reporter looking to impress his high-society family.

So now my "master"--centuries-old yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan--wants me to reconnect with my own upper-class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires...and to keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn't want people and vamps to play nicey-nice--someone with an ancient grudge.

drey's thoughts:
When Chloe Neill approached me about reviewing Friday Night Bites, I swooned. And when she so very nicely played along with my roundtable interview of the cast of characters from Some Girls Bite, I knew I liked her. And then, I read Friday Night Bites.

I love Merit. And I really enjoyed "watching" her grow. Some of the experience that she went through was not easy, nor was it fun. But all of it contributed to a Merit that was more. Faster. Stronger. And yet some things stay the same. She's still a vampire. Still attracted to Ethan. Still courted by Morgan. Still fighting to keep the vampire contained so that she can retain whatever shreds of her humanity she can hang on to.

And still using her brains to figure things out. Which I like, very very much. Another thing I liked about Friday Night Bites--the chapter headings, which are pretty amusing. Like, You Give Bite a Bad Name. And Merit's Deep, Dark (72% cocoa) Secret... So. If you're a fan of things that go bump (with fangs!) in the dark, pick up Chloe's books. You won't regret it.

Title: Friday Night Bites
Author: Chloe Neill
ISBN-10: 045122793X
ISBN-13: 9780451227935
Paperback: 357 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group, 2009

Challenges: 100+, Pub, Series

Disclosure: My copy of Friday Night Bites was provided by the author for this review.

Chloe Neill & Friday Night Bites!

I've been jonesing for this sequel to Some Girls Bite, for a while now. So I'm totally excited that it's out! Like, as of yesterday!! w00t!! BUT, I'm bummed. Just a bit. Because I don't have a copy to read NOW. *sigh* Don't mind me. Patience is so NOT one of the virtues in my arsenal. If there are any... =)

ANYWAY. Just because I can't tell you that I LOVED the book (which I might not, but that's beside the point), doesn't mean I don't have anything to share at all... Oh, no. I have for you, my dahling readers, a round-table interview with some of the characters who inhabit Chloe's world of the Chicagoland Vampires. Read on!

drey: Hello everyone! Welcome, and thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Let's get started!

drey: Ethan--You were the one who turned her. Why were you on campus that night? Was there really no other
option (as in, couldn't you have stopped the attack before it happened)? (I'm sure Merit would really like to know.)

Ethan: *arching an eyebrow* Rest assured, I consider us to be very fortunate to have been there when Merit was in danger.

Mallory: *rolling her eyes* Way to be evasive there, Sullivan. (drey: no kidding)

Catcher: Not now, Mallory.

Mallory: *Gives Catcher a curious look* Okaaay, changing the subject now.

drey: Mallory, how worried were you for Merit when she finally came home? For yourself? Were you just a teeny bit antsy about having a vamp roomie?

Mallory: *pushing her hair behind her ears* Well, I was probably equal parts completely freaked, and equal parts totally jealous. It's not that I was worried about Merit being fanged; I knew she could handle that part. But Merit's kind of a loner, a booklover, and vampires have more of a herd mentality. And as for jealousy, *she points at her hair* this is a fabulous look for a vampire. I'd have made a great one.

Catcher: Not that you don't have enough going on already.

Mallory: What he said.

drey: Morgan, really, why were you so rude at the club that night? Loved the groveling, by the way. What I really want to know is, why courtship? We know why Cadogan House isn't everyone's favorite. But what about Navarre? How did Celina feel about it? And will being Master of Navarre change the "situation" with Merit?

Morgan: First off, ouch. (drey: heh) I wasn't being rude; I was just surprised. (drey: whatever!) Cadogan vamps don't just walk into Red. It's not done. And I didn't speak with Celina about the courtship issue; as second, I saw an opportunity to hang with Merit, and I made a quick decision. *shrugs* So far, so good.

Mallory: *leaning toward Morgan* Good decision. She's quite a catch.

Morgan: *smiling back* Thanks. I agree.

Ethan: *rolls eyes* (dude. you had your chance...)

drey: Ethan, what about you? Do you think Morgan's change in status means an even closer alliance between Cadogan and Navarre? What if it doesn't work out?

Ethan: I'd hate to speak for Ethan or Morgan, but I will never complain about positive communication between the members of our Houses. The rest is up to them, I suppose.

Morgan: That's real big of you, Sullivan.

Ethan: Remember who you're talking to, Greer. (drey: ok, no fangs at the round-table!)

drey: Catcher, good job with the training, by the way. Now that Merit's Cadogan's Sentinel, will it continue? And are you moving in with Mallory? (yes, I'm nosy, lol!) How is her training going?

Catcher: She's coming along. Not as quickly as I'd like, but she's coming along. And as far as I'm aware, I'll keep training her. *shrugging negligently* I suppose that's up to Sullivan. As for Mallory . . . *slides Mallory a glance*

Mallory: *rolling her eyes* Oh, whatever. You're practically moved in already. (drey: lol)

drey: Mallory--*grin* So. Magic. How hard is it to accept something about yourself that you'd never known? Do you and Merit compare notes on adjusting (or not, as the case may sometimes be)? Do you think you'll see less of her now that she's Sentinel and will probably move into Cadogan House? How do you feel about that?

Mallory: *holding up her hands* Let's not even talk about her moving into Cadogan House. I'm still pretending that's not going to happen. We really haven't talked much about the magic stuff. She's dealing with a lot of vampire drama right now, you know? And as for me . . . I'm dealing. *shrugs* That's about all I can say about that.

drey: Ethan, back to you. What happened to Amber?

Ethan: *Giving dark look* Nothing I need to repeat in mixed company. Suffice it to say, she's no longer a resident of this House. (drey: & I hope it was a GOOD send-off, too!)

Mallory: Good riddance, too. *leaning toward Ethan* You can do better. For realsies.

Ethan: *dryly* Thank you, Mallory.

drey: Catcher, how do you see Celina's actions affecting the relationship between the Ombudsman's office and the vampires? Will it be closer? Or not?

Catcher: Closer? I hope not. No offense, Ethan.

Ethan: None taken.

Catcher: But I think we all know that peace isn't going to last forever. *shrugs* So we have to be prepared for the worst, whatever that might be. It will probably involve working with vamps.

drey: Ethan, what do you think?

Ethan: We have a good relationship with the Ombud's office, and have no qualms about the continuance of that relationship.

drey: Everyone--What's next? Will the vamps war? How will that affect or impact all the other supernaturals? And will it spread beyond Chicago?

Mallory: *grimacing* God, I hope not. But as much drama as we've seen in the last few months, who knows? Would it surprise anyone?

Catcher: Yes, lots, and probably, yes.

Ethan: Time will tell. God willing, we'll be able to avoid full-out war. But I'm beginning to think that's unlikely.

Morgan: I certainly hope not, but who's to say what's to come?

drey: Alright. This has been serious enough. For some levity, everyone please share:
- Favorite food

Mallory: Um, probably a good red hot.

Catcher: Fried chicken. And biscuits. Together.

Morgan: Dogwood sandwiches

Ethan: Steak au poivre

drey: Favorite movie?

Mallory: Underworld

Morgan: Happy Gilmore (drey: really?)

Catcher: I do watch a lot of Lifetime. Probably the one about the lady who overcomes obstacles and whatnot. (drey: dude.)

Mallory: Isn't that all of them.

Catcher: My point, exactly.

Ethan: The Maltese Falcon

drey: Cats or dogs?

Mallory: Allergic. (drey: yeah, me too. *sniff*)

Catcher: No, thank you.

Ethan: Seconded.

Morgan: *shrugging* Dogs, I guess?

drey: Books or magazines?

Mallory: Both, in copious quantities.

Catcher: I don't read much.

Ethan: Books.

Morgan: Um, magazines, probably? SI or ESPN: The Magazine?

- What is black and white and red all over? (Ok, you don't have to answer this...)

Catcher: Thank you. (drey: you're welcome)

drey: Everyone, I really appreciate your taking the time to come and chat, and I am pretty darn sure my readers are, too. THANK YOU! Come back soon... =)

THANK YOU so much to Chloe Neill (yes, herself!) who approached me about doing something to herald the release of Friday Night Bites. I hope I didn't make her work too hard at this... And if you haven't read Some Girls Bite yet, why not???

About the author:
Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest, just close enough to Cadogan House to keep an eye on the vampires. When not transcribing Merit’s adventures, she bakes, watches entirely too much television, roots for her favorite college football team (Go Big Red!), plays with her dog, Baxter, and spends time with a pretty great--and very handsome--guy (who she's pretty sure isn't a vampire). She lurks online at her website, http://www.chloeneill.com/.

107. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill...

About the book:

THEY KILLED ME. THEY HEALED ME. THEY CHANGED ME.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced their existence to the world--and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he got only a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker...and this one decided the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead.

Turns out my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my dissertation for learning to fit in at a Kenwood mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects my gratitude--and servitude. Right...

But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), and inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches?

My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war...and there will be blood.

drey's thoughts:
Some Girls Bite is one of my birthday presents (yay me!). I ran through it once, and really liked it, but couldn't really put my finger on why. I mean, when you think about it, here's another vampire novel, out of the plethora of vampire novels out there. So I read it again. Good thing I read fast, eh? =)

Merit--she goes by her last name only, and there's no reference to why, other than "it's better than the alternative"--is a newly turned, former graduate student, who lives in the Windy City. In this world, the US vampires are organized into twelve Houses, each with its own Master, each with its own identity. Three of the twelve houses are in Chicago, and Merit now belongs to one of 'em. As far as heroines go, she's not whiny, which is a huge plus in my book. She has strong physical abilities--I'm not sure I like how she's "special" right away, but if it's just one aspect out of the whole Merit picture, I can deal--and gets training in weaponry. From a sorceror who happens to work for her grandfather. Yeah, there are some surprises here.

She's sassy, too, and if you know me, you know I like my heroines sassy. There's nothing better than a healthy dose of sarcasm when confronted with centuries-old vamps who think they know everything, lol! And she has a healthy dose of fear to go along with all this too.

In any case, I like Merit, I want to know what the "alternative" is, and I like the story and characters so far. I want more. =)

Title: Some Girls Bite
Author: Chloe Neill
ISBN-10: 0451226259
ISBN-13: 978-0451226259
Paperback: 341 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade, 2009